When I got into herbs years ago, I had an empty room, empty closet, an under utilized pantry and several spacious bookshelves. Today, all of those are overflowing, more bookshelves have been bought and filled, storage containers filled and stacked....and I still have piles of homeless books laying around. Several years ago, I began warning students that if they were serious about herbal study, to be prepared to have their kitchens, refrigerators, basements and any other empty space taken over and to pray they had an understanding family (or better yet, a handy family member who could build shelves, extra rooms...). Everyone laughs, but a few months to years later, they all realize the horrible truth of herb supply .........

  Whether there is a  need for taking daily vitamin supplements is probably one of the questions I get asked most during consults. The answer is: Yes, No, Maybe!

For those who eat really well--meaning, home prepared natural foods, with a good balance between carbs/fats and protein, vitamins may seem unecessary. For those who have been ill, are experiencing some minor health concerns and who are not eating well, supplements are a definite- Yes. For those who are doing well and want to do better by taking mega-vitamins or more than the RDA, the answer is - No.

To complicate matters even more, studies are streaming out in the last few years regarding the diminishing amounts of nutrients found in fresh fruits/vegetables, .........

   I have long forgotten who came up with the name or original recipe for Fire Cider--but Thank You, whoever you are!! This potent concoction is easy to make and my recipe varies depending upon what grew well in my garden on any given year and what sorts of organic veggies I can get at my local Farmer's Market. What is it? It is one of (sometimes, my only) first lines of defense against winter colds and flu---but it also is fantastic if you get a bit of food poisoning. But it is not for the faint of heart and it is hard--maybe abusive- to make kids take it. I think it is an adults only remedy. Basically, it is making a fresh tonic with vinegar as the base (menstrum) and all the hot herbs and vegetables you can get your .........

  This blog is just getting started, but there are Herbalist's Journal entries spanning over two years listed under Journal Archives. All kinds of topics, all kinds of ideas to inspire yor gardening and herbal projects.

   For those that just can't get enough herbal information, one great website-Methow Valley Herbs has compiled links to tons of Herbal Blogs. I visited some of the sites and even though all of them are about herbs, everyone has a different point of view and something unique to offer. Take a day...or two...or..... see what's out there!

http://www.methowvalleyherbs.blogspot.com/p/herbal-blogroll.html

Since my last blog on Tonics, some people decided to give it a try and now, several days later, I am getting some remarks about increased energy...and also inquiries as to why they are getting skin blemishes. Breakouts are never welcome, but they do tell us if something is going on related to diet or hormonal swings. In the case of drinking tonics, a sudden return of mild acne is a good sign that the tonic is doing what it is meant to do--allow the body to release toxins. This is similar to the effects of fasting--but I always prefer tonics to prolonged fasting because daily tonics help rebuild the body with good, easily assimilated nutrients. So, fear not, the outbreaks will not last long and can actually give you a .........

      I always get calls this time of year about depression. My go to herbs for winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder) are dried Nettle Leaf and Lemon Balm mixed in even parts in a tea (1 tbsp. mixed herbs for each cup of tea and let steep covered for 3-4 hours). You do not have to drink this tea hot, strain it and drink at room temperature or carry in a thermos to work and sip all day. Drink 2 cups per day and ususally, people see results in less than a week. But, also go outside for 15 mins. or so--even on the cloudiest, coldest days. 

       January is the quiet time of looking backwards and forward......to evaluate and make new plans, but doing so with as much dream time and relaxation as possible........ A hot cup of tea, a comfy chair in a quiet corner....curled up with your seed catalogs!        

 January 1 ~ As the new year begins, so does this new blog. Please follow me through the days and seasons as I ............

What does an Herbalist do every day?

What things need to be attended to regularly and what waits for its own special season?

Journaling allows you to look back and see patterns in your garden, your health and environmental changes.Here is a telling of what goes on in my herbal practice and in my gardens..........