Herbalism. Natural Living. Holistic Health.
This post is about three weeks late, but it's still relevant and it relates to some upcoming posts, so I didn't want to let it waste away in my drafts folder. My blog has become focused mostly on herbalism in recent months, because that is where my current passion lies, and I am immersed in... Continue Reading →
It was only a matter of time before I came across medicinal mushrooms and fungi on my herbal journey. I love eating mushrooms and learning to forage for them has been on my bucket list for some time, but I was completely unaware of their uses outside of the culinary realm. Whenever I learn... Continue Reading →
One of the best things about learning herbalism is experimenting with various recipes and ingredients. I'm always blending, brewing, or infusing something, and it's fun being the mad scientist. Not every experiment turns out as planned, but so far I seem to have a decent success rate. There isn't any other way to develop your... Continue Reading →
I feel like I've been living under a rock or something, as I've only recently discovered the “golden” craze. For the uninitiated like myself, it is a beverage made using a base of fresh or dried turmeric. The practice originated in India and the traditional preparation calls for turmeric to be combined with water and... Continue Reading →
Useful? Overhyped? Maybe a Little of Both. Apple cider vinegar has lived many lives. Pantry staple. Folk remedy. Weight loss miracle. Detox darling. The truth, as usual, sits somewhere in the middle. Let’s sort this out. Apple Cider Vinegar: The Hype vs. The Humble Reality At its core, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is simply... Continue Reading →
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is probably one of the most widely known "natural cures" on the market today. I started drinking it to help with upset stomachs, and continued because of the reputed health benefits. Several friends use it to treat heartburn and swear by it, and these are not the types of people who... Continue Reading →
For thousands of years, humans have utilized nature's resources for the treatment of a variety of ailments. As we progressed in scientific thought and knowledge, we began to focus primarily on treatment of disease, rather than prevention of disease or maintaining wellness. Modern medicine was born. The medical and pharmaceutical industries are what we tend... Continue Reading →
For the last post in this series, I'm focusing on three herbs commonly used for their calming effects on the mind and body. Passionflower, Skullcap, and Lemon balm have all been used as natural remedies for stress, anxiety, and insomnia for centuries and have similar effects, with a few notable strengths and differences. They can... Continue Reading →
Kava kava, or just "kava," is one of the first herbs I've ever tried for medicinal use. A friend recommended it for stress and insomnia, so I bought a bottle of extract from a local health food store. It worked, but I used it sparingly because it was expensive. When it was gone (as was... Continue Reading →
I love ginger. It's one of my all-time favorite ingredients. Especially the fresh root, although dried ginger will do. The spicy, sweet rhizome lends flavor and zing to almost any dish, and it is highly versatile in the kitchen. I often add it to smoothies or herbal tea blends, and find it to be uplifting... Continue Reading →
Pathways and Potions 