by Caitlin Moakley

My relationship with Cannabis began when my first intimate relationship ended. Cannabis welcomed me with open arms - offering an entrance and an exit -- a portal where I would dive into my journey of self-discovery. 

My first experience with Cannabis was when I was 20 years old. Upon that first inhale, sparks most certainly were flying. This feeling was totally new to me: mindfulness. The moments after inhaling were laced with a sense of peace, this beautiful pause that was unfamiliar. I was able to have my thoughts separated into slices of sensuality, self-worth and awareness. The previous years I had spent in a relationship that left me depleted and feeling as if I had lost myself were being swept away, piece by piece, allowing me the time and space to remember how to put myself back together. 

As with any relationship, opportunities for growth, evolution, and change present themselves -- and sometimes they require a reflective, constructive break to move forward and/or upward. 

When I first began my relationship with Cannabis, I was smoking her -- a lot. Honestly, more than I should have been. It felt like a very one-sided relationship for a few years. I went from smoking and ingesting Cannabis multiple times a day, all day, to not being able to smoke or ingest Cannabis at all. This time came during my senior year of college. Waves of panic and anxiety would pulse through me when I would engage with Cannabis. There was a blockage that I simply did not have the tools to break down. ​

We can now walk into a dispensary and choose different cultivars that will allow us to experience the maximum healing benefits that we can from this plant. With more and more research surfacing regarding the benefit of terpenes (the molecules in plants that give off a scent), we can now buy based on what we’d like to “cater to” on our healing journeys.

I personally look to terpenes pinene, linalool, myrcene and beta caryophyllene when I need a little extra help from my cannabis friends. Both linalool and beta caryophyllene can offer anesthetic and analgesic effects, pinene can offer anti-inflammatory benefits and myrcene can offer the benefit of muscle relaxation and sedation.

I find that having more access to information of the health benefits of cannabis has served me well - some cultivars really help me (especially during my menstrual cycle), whereas some cultivars can make me paranoid or give me a racing feeling rather than relax me. I personally really like the way THC-dominant cultivars distract me from my pains and allow me to get creative rather than be consumed by discomfort. I find that when we have this knowledge available to us, we have power!

I am still on a journey with Cannabis. We are learning from each other and about each other every day.

Interested in learning more about where I am with Cannabis now and how our relationship has further evolved? Catch me on the Women of Cannabis panel at Herbstalk 2019! I will be contributing alongside other strong, fierce women of Cannabis who will share their knowledge and power with you. ​

Hailing from South Boston, MA, Caitlin Moakley is a plant medicine advocate, floral and fungal foodie and champion of conscious ingredients in personal care. Caitlin is the owner and operator of Soil and Spirit, an independent consultancy focusing on collaborating and creating with small businesses in the natural products industry and cannabis and psychedelic communities. When Caitlin isn't thinking outside of the box with her clients, she's orchestrating quite the cacophony in the kitchen with her weapon of choice: the S-Blade or browsing through her many books in her home resource library. Caitlin is thrilled to be teaching at Herbstalk this year, and can't wait to learn with you! ​

Can you tell us a little bit about how your herbal work began? How did you first get interested in plants or herbalism?

I think there is an intrinsic connection we all share to plants and nature. My first draw to plants was sparked by time spent in the natural world. Anytime I was able to escape the noise of my early existence I experienced a sense of ‘home’ that was like no other. I remember as a child I was obsessed with dandelion flowers and making things from leaves, petals and sticks. As I matured and entered college, I chose a small college that was surrounded by the beauty of the blue ridge mountains. No matter what was going on in my life, when I was hiking on a trail, feeling my feet on the ground and climbing over massive moss covered rocks, everything else drifted away and I felt like my most pure self. This continued to evolve as I sought out alternative plant based remedies to nourish my body and my door was blown wide open when I attended Herbstalk in 2013. I visited with many herbalists that day, and we took a plant walk that opened my eyes to a whole different version of my experience with nature. It was like someone turned on a light, and from there I was hooked.

What challenges did you face when you first started?

In the early days of formulation and making medicine I had difficulty figuring out how to assure the stability of oils and preparations. For myself and others it was sad to see oils and plant medicines turn rancid. As a resourceful person, I knew that I needed to throw my net wide to find answers. I found that scouring endless stacks of books, experimentation and personal experience proved the most helpful. Because sustainability and respect for these plants we work with is important to me, transparency with creating herbal oils and distillation techniques to assure quality is one of my values. I believe that sharing these methods at market booths and workshops over the years helps assure that our medicines don’t go to waste.

If you could go back in time to meet yourself when you were just starting on the herbal path, what would you say?

I think I would say to myself “Everyone’s connection with plants is personal and unique’. It makes my heart sad to hear others share shame or guilt because they don’t know all the answers, aren’t doing everything themselves, or the ‘right’ way. I remember feeling doubt and insecurity in the early days. I think this experience is common with any practice. We all have to start somewhere, and I think that it is important to allow the process to be messy and remember this is a practice -- so we will all continue to evolve and grow in our relationship with plants.

What is the main focus of your work within the realm of herbalism?

​The main focus of my work is helping others access tunnels of light in the dark through beautiful self care rituals. The foundation of my work is inspired by my previous trauma informed practice in social work. I wove those experiences and practices with the magic of the plants to create beauty that goes beyond skin deep in each bottle. It makes my heart soar when that love and intention shines through and people feel these beauty rituals on a deeper level.

My second passion with what I do is to grow so that I can be an integral part of helping shift a paradigm in a rapidly growing green beauty industry that is heavily saturated with the use of essential oils. While the shift towards more natural and plant based remedies is moving us to a cleaner place in our environment, similar to everything else in western society, we want it all and we want it fast. Our approach since the beginning is to help inspire that less is more. Knowing first hand how much the plants have to offer themselves to be distilled into a tiny amount of essential oil it has always begged the question for me, “For the love of plants, how are we going to sustain this and is it necessary”? This is also why I am challenging and teaching alternatives to current trends by using less essential oil if we do work with them.

I love teaching people how very simple easy preparations can go a long way. I see my herbal business as a platform. I am putting in the hard work so that the message rings loud and clear outside of just our herbal community. At the market I started at, it was always inspiring to watch people's faces the first time they connected to the actual Helichrysum flowers I had in my jars versus the essential oil they connected with initially. Through this process I realized that there is a huge disconnect between the plants and this major ‘essential oil’ moment. I love teaching others how to make more sustainable beauty products, and also help others access these beautiful rituals by just using a few simple items.

Can you share some of your go-to herbal books or favorite herbalists/teachers that you look to for inspiration?

My go-to books are consistently Body into Balance by Maria Noel Groves, and The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook. I have also found vintage books covering farming practices, sustainability and herbalism to be extremely appealing. I feel these “vintage’ books are teaching us how to circle back to simple and sustainable.

I have had the privilege of learning about plants and herbalism from many people who I call my teachers. First and foremost the plants are my teachers. For people in my life who have been teachers, one would definitely be Kate Clearlight who runs Plantfolk Apothecary, she is a true pioneer of the green beauty movement in my opinion.  She has been an inspiration to me for a very long time and I had a total ‘fan girl’ moment when I attended her workshops at the International Herb Symposium in 2017. I would also not be where I am today if it weren’t for my teachers at the Herbal Academy and Sage Maurer from the Gaia School of Healing in Vermont. My husband Tom Groves has taught me a great deal as well and it has been interesting to be on this journey together with plants from totally different perspectives. As the saying goes, “always a student”, the ‘students’ who attend classes I teach are also my teachers. We all bring a unique perspective to this practice, and we can learn from each other.

Where do you see the future of herbalism going in the next few years?​

I think we are going to see herbalism continue to spiral out into the collective culture. We are watching Cannabis being decriminalized and people are shifting more and more to plants; stepping away from pharmaceuticals. With decriminalization and also the growth of herbalism it is shining a light on communities who have been marginalized for years - whether it be incarceration for practicing herbal medicine or being downright exploited. I think it is our responsibility to assure that everyone has equal access and to have the difficult conversations so that we can heal the harm that has been done. Therefore, I see herbalism being more than just physical medicine, I think that there is a social justice movement that will continue to grow within the practice that will be really potent medicine for all of us.

Do you have a favorite plant or two at the moment?

Oh goodness yes, Dandelion -- not only internally; they are also a sight for sore eyes. The flowers are everywhere right now and they are like little yellow puff pillows I just want to lay on all day in the sun. Working with dandelion is like drops of sunshine for my body and spirit.

What advice would you give to budding herbalists?

Find your roots. Exploring herbalism through our early experiences with plants and digging into the roots of our ancestors is powerful.

What would be your top five deserted island herbs? 
Roses to protect the heart and skin, big beautiful Burdock to nourish my body and wear as clothing, Mint as reminder that there is abundance everywhere and to cool it down, Hibiscus to hydrate and Jasmine to dream. ​​

Are there any non-herbal hobbies or interests that you love doing?

I love to run and move my body, especially outside. I would describe myself as ‘simple bouje’. I am a total foodie, scouring vintage books and trinkets, and finding ways to bring luxe experiences into simple spaces-especially outdoors. Bring on cheese plates and candlelight surrounding a campfire, beauty rituals outside, herbal beverages pouring from crystal decanters, and vintage vinyl spinning on the record player.

What made you want to be a part of Herbstalk?

I was so inspired by the community that was built and how accessible “all things plants” was in one beautiful weekend. The first herbstalk we vended fostered relationships that now feel like home every time we come back. Steph, Henry and team have really built something special. 

by Katja Swift

​I'll just go ahead and admit it: I'm not wild about the flavor of Nettles. I know that many herbalists think Nettles are just totally delicious, but I find the flavor... dull.

However it's such an important and nourishing plant that I don't let my feelings about its flavor stand in the way of drinking Nettle infusions regularly - I just blend it up with other herbs I do love, and now I've got a tea that tastes good and is good for me!

​Whether you love Nettle's green grassy flavor or not, give these blends a try:

Nettle and Tulsi (Holy Basil) 
Nettle is one of my very favorite plants for working with adrenal fatigue and general burnout. Nettle's deep nourishing support for the kidneys feeds the adrenal glands too, and provides your body with the nutrients it needs to rebuild after a long period of stress. When you blend in the Tulsi, you get a very targeted and powerful effect! Tulsi is a gentle adaptogen, building up the endocrine system and restoring what has been used up over the course of stress, sleep debt, or illness. Plus, Tulsi helps to boost mood and improves the way your brain can process emotions and experiences. 

Nettle and Ginger 
Ginger is one of my favorite flavors, and since Nettle tends just a little bit on the cooling side, the warmth from the Ginger is a real benefit for folks like me who run a little cold. Plus, adding Ginger really builds on Nettle's anti-inflammatory actions. Whether you're battling seasonal allergies or any other chronic inflammatory condition, these two anti-inflammatory powerhouses can make a big difference.

Nettle and Linden
For some people, the astringency of Nettle is a little too much for every day drinking. To counteract that drying effect, I love to add Linden! Linden is a moistening nervous system supporter, and this is another blend that can keep you going through stressful times. If you are feeling "frazzled" and "fried", a month with this blend will help you recuperate.

Nettle and Rosehips
This blend is a super-food powerhouse! Vitamins, minerals, bioflavinoids, anti-oxidants - everything your body needs to stay strong and healthy day in and day out. Plus, it's got a delicious tangy flavor that even your kids will like!
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And if all of these things sound fantastic and just exactly like what you need - blend it all together! Whether you work in these pairs, or combine several of the pairs together, you'll have a delicious way to work with Nettles every day!