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Pineapple Weed: Chamomile’s fruity cousin
Pineapple weed (*Matricaria discoidea*) is a close relative of German chamomile that often grows unnoticed in sidewalks, gravel driveways and other disturbed areas. Learn how to identify this fragrant wild herb, explore its traditional uses, and discover why harvest location is important.
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Sacred herbs: from the ancient Celts to the Bible
Herbs have been used in ritual, prayer, purification, and spiritual practice across cultures and religions for thousands of years. From hyssop, frankincense, and myrrh in the Bible to Native American ceremonial smoke traditions and Celtic saining rituals, plants have long been tied to healing, blessing, remembrance, and sacred practice throughout human history.
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Witch Hazel
While visiting the New York Botanical Garden last week, I got to see a few different types of witch hazel. I was very excited because, up until now, I’d only read about the shrub and its unique flowers and had never seen one in person. American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) is native to North…
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The Herbalist as Teacher, Not Merchant
I’ve recently started selling some herbal products in a local store under my brand, Brigid & Bri Botanicals and Bee-Wares. While I’m excited about that and genuinely love making things for people to use (especially when it introduces them to herbalism), I’ve also found myself thinking more deeply about the role of the herbalist. And…
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Burdock root: 5 simple tips for successful foraging
Fall marks the start of root season. Once the aboveground parts of many plants begin to die back, their energy moves deep into the soil. For foragers, that means it’s the best time to dig nutrient-rich roots like burdock root. It’s hardy, abundant, and easy to recognize once you know what to look for. Burdock…
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Best fall foraging greens (and 2 are probably in your yard)
Fall foraging isn’t just about berries and roots. These fall foraging greens such as dandelion, plantain, stinging nettle, and violet are easy to find, packed with nutrients, and often growing right in your yard.
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5 Ways Pumpkin Spice Supports Wellness
Pumpkin spice is more than a cozy flavor of fall. Learn what’s really in the blend, the herbal benefits of each spice, and why pumpkin itself deserves the spotlight. Bonus: Milkshake recipe!
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Motherwort for Foragers: 5 Simple Tips to Spot and Use This Powerful Herb
This summer I discovered I have a close connection with motherwort. I foraged a ton last year and transplanted one small plant. This year it popped up all over my yard. Big, beautiful motherwort plants, everywhere I look. I know we have an aversion to the word “wort,” but when talking about plants we’re using…
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Mullein (Verbascum)
I’ve spotted a ton of mullein this summer. Once you know it, it’s hard to miss it. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial plant that grows a low rosette of woolly leaves in its first year and a tall flowering stalk in its second. Verbascum thapsus is widely known as common mullein, though it’s also…
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A Summer with Sting (Stinging Nettle, that is)
This one can surprise you with a sting if you unknowingly brush up against it, but when you know what to watch for stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a fabulous plant to forage. Getting to Know Nettle Nettle grows tall and unassuming in moist, sunny areas such as along rivers, ditches, and woodland edges. Its…
