A REVERENCE FOR THE WINTER AND PLANTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT

ANTHOLOGY

Wassail Traditions
Aphrodisiac Drinking Chocolate
Immune Herbs + Tea
Herbal
Knowledge
QUIZ

Chat with
ROSALEE CELEBRATE
DE LA Winter Solstice
FORÊT Midwinter
Valentine's Day

WINTER 2022 | ISSUE 3

WWW.PLANTWONDERCOLLECTIVE.COM
 A REVERENCE FOR THE WINTER AND PLANTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT

ANTHOLOGY
Herbal
Knowledge Wassail Traditions
QUIZ Aphrodisiac Drinking Chocolate
Immune Herbs + Tea

Chat with
ROSALEE
DE LA
FORÊT
CELEBRATE
Winter Solstice
Midwinter
WINTER 2022 | ISSUE 3
Valentine's Day
WWW.PLANTWONDERCOLLECTIVE.COM
 WELCOME
A reverence for the autumn and
plants associated with it

Maria Ilves
BOTANICAL
ANTHOLOGY
Seasonal
Plant Centered
Digital Magazine

A compilation of work from plant lovers.

Journey with us as we take you through the winter
season, exploring herbs of and for this time.

A publication put forth by

WELCOME

Flora's Feast Botanicals LLC +

Plant Wonder Collective
Plant Wonder Collective: Connecting PLANT
you to nature through food, drink, play, WONDER
Collective
garden, medicine, magic and art.

Editor’s
Note
In stillness we find moments of peace and clarity, moments of inspiration and action, moments of calmness
and reflection. Nature is slower and quieter this time of year and yet still brimming with life and abundance
should we shift our perspective.

Nurture body, mind, and soul as we transverse these cold months. At a time when gardening and foraging
wane, commune with plants in a more heady and sustaining way. Build wellness with immune herbs, slather
your skin with body butter, and soak with plants to care for your body. Create winter routines, learn and
observe nature, and celebrate what this season brings to feed the mind. Sip golden milk gingerbread lattes,
ginger miso broth, or wassail to warm the soul, while nibbling cinnamon quick bread and winter spice gluten
free sourdough spread with ghee to fill your belly.

Focus inward in your thoughts, your actions, and your rituals. Bring the plants along for the journey. We hope
you enjoy the third installment of Botanical Anthology. It was a joy to create it for you.

Harmonie O'Loughlin
A special thanks to Bad Axe Enterprises, Miriam Al-Kalby, and Founder + Editor
Heather Popish for their graphic design and editing work to @florasfeastbotanicals
EDITOR'S NOTE

ensure a professional publication. @plantwondercollective

For publication questions, please email
[email protected]

For questions specific to each article, please directly connect

with the author.
 BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY

CONTENTS
APOTHECARY

18 IMMUNE BOOSTING HERBS + TEA

Anna Reisz

21 HOREHOUND COUGH SYRUP

Jess Marcy

23 FIRE CIDER
Katie Jo Muschiana

26 JUNIPER + STEAM
Katie Jo Muschiana

29 HERBAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

Jessicka Nebesni of Mountain Rose Herbs

32 WINTER BODY BUTTER

The Herbal Academy

35 ROSEMARY GINGER FOOT SOAK

164
Kristen Wood

MEET 37 HOLIDAY HAND SANITIZER

ROSALEE Kristine Clay

IN EVERY ISSUE

09 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
15 SEASONAL POEM
16 FRESH IDEAS
70 ALL ABOUT...
78 GUESS THIS PLANT
79 PLACES

91 41 163 VIEWPOINT
173 SENSES OF THE SEASON
174 STAY CONNECTED
HOLLY WINTER 175 JOURNAL
TRINKET DISHES HOLIDAY SHRUB 177 SEASONAL POEM

[email protected] WWW.PLANTWONDERCOLLECTIVE.COM
 BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY

CONTENTS
KITCHEN CRAFT CELEBRATE

40 SEASONAL GOLDEN MILK 88 WALNUT ORNAMENT 126 YULE

Harmonie O'Loughlin Linda Mydlak Ann Meyer

41 WINTER HOLIDAY SHRUB 91 HOLLY TRINKET DISH 129 YULE LOG

Brighid Doherty Natalie Barnett Heather Motil

45 GINGER MISO BROTH 95 HOLIDAY CARD 131 FLORAL BATH SALTS

Karina Hines Gina Vide Carrie Tuttle

46 SPICED GF SOURDOUGH 97 WINTER ART PRINT 133 CRAFTBRUNCH

Ashley Moore Laura DeMars Jessie Lehson

51 CINNAMON QUICK BREAD 99 DRAW NARCISSUS 137 WASSAILING

Natalie Barnett Gina Vide Amber Joy Kennedy

56 HOW TO MAKE GHEE 102 HERB POUNDED TOTE 141 BARA BRITH
Hannah Jacobson-Hardy Margaret Byrd Brandy Radcliff
59 BUTTER BOARDS
143 HOLIDAY PORRIDGE
Brittany Peterson
FOLKLORE Harmonie O'Loughlin
62 ACTIVATING NUTS
144 YOUR TOMTE NAME
Kristen Wood
107 CELESTIAL PLANTS Harmonie O'Loughlin
65 PICKLED ROOT VEGGIES Ann Meyer
Karina Hines 145 VISION BOARD
67 JAMAICAN JERK SAUCE
111 WINTER DEITIES Harmonie O'Loughlin

Kristen Wood
Anna Reisz
147 MIDWINTER
113 JUNIPER FOLKLORE Jessie Lehson
Anna Reisz
151 FORCING BRANCHES
HARVEST
115 MAGIC WREATHS Jessie Lehson
Rebecca Beyer
152 FORCING BULBS
71 CHAGA 118 RITUALS + ROUTINES Gina Vide
Linnea Schoen Julia Linsteadt
153 SEED BLESSING
73 WINTERGREEN 122 WINTER PLAYLIST Amber Joy Kennedy
Meagan Visser Julia Linsteadt

75 RASPBERRY STEMS 124 MALLOW FOLKLORE 155 VALENTINE'S CARD

Harmonie O'Loughlin
Maria Ilves Harmonie O'Loughlin

80 WINTER GARDEN CARE 157 DRINKING CHOCOLATE

Amber Joy Kennedy
Sarah Barron

83 MAPLE SYRUP 160 MASSAGE OIL

Forrest Schoen Ann Meyer

161 LINEN SPRAY

Brittany Peterson

[email protected] WWW.PLANTWONDERCOLLECTIVE.COM
 DISCLAIMERS + SAFETY

Botanical Anthology is curated, designed and published

by Flora's Feast Botanicals LLC, under the umbrella of
Plant Wonder Collective.

The articles in Botanical Anthology are for educational

purposes only and should not be considered medical
advice. Always consult your health care practitioner
when starting a new herbal regiment and always patch
test when using a new topical remedy.

Plant Wonder Collective, Flora's Feast Botanicals LLC,

and Botanical Anthology contributors are not liable or
responsible for the use of any information, products,
recipes and tutorials contained in this magazine. The
publisher do not accept liability of any damages caused
by use of information in this publication.

Plant Wonder Collective, Flora's Feast Botanicals, and

Botanical Anthology contributors are not liable or
responsible for any misinformation or omissions within
this magazine. The opinions and views expressed by
contributors does not necessarily reflect those of the
publisher.

No part of this publication, written or visual, may be

reproduced, reused or transmitted in any fashion nor in
any form without prior written consent. The content
contained within this issue is solely for personal use and
inspirational purposes only.

All images are created by each individual contributor,

Harmonie O'Loughlin, or stock, unless otherwise noted.

Raspberry Stem Tea cover image by Maria Ilves. Full

article on page 75.

Cinnamon Quick Bread cover image by Natalie Barnett.

Full article on page 51.

*We misattributed the creator of the second cover image

of a mushroom basket from autumn issue. It should have
been credited to fjord77 via pixabay. We apologize and
DISCLAIMERS

regret the mistake.

Natalie Barnett
 DISCLAIMERS + SAFETY

When working with plants, there are measures to follow

to ensure your safety:

Understand plant properties that might be similar to

existing known allergies. Always patch test when using a
new skincare ingredient. Never use on broken skin.

When foraging, use at least 3 sources to accurately

identify a new plant. When in doubt, do not harvest. Be
sure you have permission to forage on the land and it is
free from chemical spraying or pet excrement. Take care
not to overharvest and only take what you need.

Do not exceed dosage recommendations for essential

oils use. Do not ingest or use essential oils directly on
your skin. Use caution when using essential oils with
babies, children and animals.

We recommend using high quality, food grade and

organic ingredients, when possible.

Work with clean, food grade equipment to avoid

contamination.

Wash your hands before you begin a project.

Always work in small batches to ensure you use these

preservative free recipes before they spoil.

Label your creations. You will forget what’s in the bottle!

Always consult your health care provider when working

with new remedies, especially when pregnant, nursing,
have specific health conditions, or take pharmaceuticals.

To purchase dried herbs, search for food coops or

natural foods stores in your area as many have bulk
sections where you can choose the exact quantity you
need.

Additionally, you can purchase bulk herbs from a local

herb farm near you or online from Mountain Rose Herbs,
Frontier Co-op, Oregon Wild Harvest and Starwest
Botanicals.
DISCLAIMERS
Meet the Contributors
AMBER JOY KENNEDY ANN MEYER
Amber is an herbalist, educator and Ann Meyer is an herbalist whose passion
writer living in Vermont. Join her for a is spending time with the plants around
class or apprenticeship or catch her her. Her journey began after moving to
peddling herbal potions online or at a the Pacific Northwest, where she has
market for her business, Boheme been incorporating herbs into her daily
Botanika. When she isn’t teaching, life ever since. Over the past year Ann’s
gardening or crafting remedies she is plant path has been combined with her
working on her book, creating botanical love for astrology and she has been
art or hiking with her partner Adam. diving deeper into the world of Astro
www.bohemebotanika.com Herbalism, connecting both the plants
and planets. Find her on Instagram at
@herbal_pirate

ANNA REISZ ASHLEY MOORE

Anna is the herbalist behind The Ashley tends a garden and family in
Herbology Faerie, where she shares Southern California where she is a
recipes, lore, and wisdom with a simple, mother, Waldorf teacher and herbalist.
hygge, folk approach. She promotes Find her on Instagram @motherhestia
accessible herbalism for health, hobby, and in her books "The Women's Heritage
and personal fulfillment. When she’s not Sourcebook" (2020) and "The Children's
busy formulating herbal recipes in her Heritage Sourcebook" (spring 2023). Find
home apothecary, Anna can usually be her on Instagram at @motherhestia
found outdoors with her three wildlings.
Follow Anna on Instagram and Facebook
at @theherbologyfaerie and
www.theherbologyfaerie.com.

BRANDY RADCLIFF BRIGHID DOHERTY

Brandy is a Master Herbalist living in Brighid is a mother, herbalist, educator,
Wisconsin. With a deep love for nature podcaster, and author living on a bridged
and herbs she is beginning her journey of island in Maine. She is founder of The 09
starting an herbal apothecary and Solidago Herb School, The Healthy Herb
endangered herb sanctuary with her Podcast, and author of Drinkable Healing
loving husband at her side. Herbal Infusions. Connect with her on
CONTRIBUTORS

instagram and FB @solidagoherbschool &

on her website, solidagoherbschool.com
Meet the Contributors
BRITTANY PETERSON CARRIE TUTTLE
Brittany runs and operates a homestead Carrie is a poet and nature lover living in
with her family of five in the suburbs, Wyoming. After years of teaching place-
inspiring neighbors and community to based education, she began her journey
claim responsibility for their health, of motherhood; inspiring her to look
wellness, and homes with gifts of the within and cultivate her magical path;
earth. She is an open book, sharing from exploring how earth speaks to us in the
personal struggles and hardships to language of poetry, stones, and herbs.
teach natural living and homesteading When not writing Carrie is found in her
from where you are. Find her on garden, exploring nature with her family,
Instagram at @subourbonfarms or brewing up magic in the kitchen. Find
her on Instagram at @carrietuttle2964

FORREST SCHOEN GINA VIDE

Forrest co-owns Organic and Wild, a Gina Vide is a fine artist and illustrator
small-batch, handmade personal care living between city and sea in Sweden
and wild food provisions shop in West with her husband and three children.
Michigan. He focuses on harvesting from Gina works at her 18th Century studio on
local, abundant plant and fungi a historic street in Stockholm and at her
populations to create offerings that bring countryside home. Gina is influenced by
people closer to and appreciate the gifts natural beauty, connections between
of nature. Their products include elixirs, people, travels and is passionate about
tinctures, body care products, wild food children’s imaginations and their
provisions, and hand-dipped candles. whimsical world. Find her on Instagram
Find him on Instagram at @forestshown at @willowdaygram

HANNAH JACOBSON-HARDY HARMONIE O'LOUGHLIN

Hannah is a community herbalist and Harmonie is the homesteading mama
founder of Sweet Birch Herbals and Full maker behind Flora's Feast Botanicals,
Moon Ghee in Ashfield, MA. She offers organizer of Plant Wonder Collective and 10
herbal consultations, custom made editor of Botanical Anthology. You can
formulas and teas, workshops, and a find her in the garden growing herbs, in
wide variety of products online and in the kitchen experimenting with plants,
CONTRIBUTORS

her farm store. Hannah grows and wild- exploring nature with her daughter or
crafts over 100 varieties of medicinal and her nose in an herbal book. Follow
culinary herbs for her products. Learn Harmonie on Instagram and Facebook
more at www.sweetbirchherbals.com or for herbal tidbits, recipes and more at
contact Hannah directly: @florasfeastbotanicals or discover her
[email protected] shop and blog at www.florasfeast.com
Meet the Contributors
HEATHER MOTIL THE HERBAL ACADEMY
Heather is an Earth Witch and Ritualist, The Herbal Academy is your trusted
weaving together ancestral and modern global leader in herbalism education
spiritual practices to guide others on having trained over 100,000 students
their journey to authentic Higher Self worldwide. Whether you are interested
alignment. Owner of Calluna Alchemy, in studying herbalism for your personal
Heather cultivates offerings that nurture development or to prepare for a career in
soul embodiment and foster a deep clinical herbalism, the Herbal Academy
connection to Mother Nature. Follow has an online herbal program to fit your
Heather and Calluna Alchemy on educational goals. Learn more at:
Instagram @calluna.alchemy or visit their theherbalacademy.com or on Instagram
website at www.callunaalchemy.com. @herbalacademy

JESS MARCY JESSIE LEHSON

Jess is a clinical herbalist, small business Jessie Lehson is the author of seasonal
owner, and mom of two wild boys from children’s books about the wheel of the
Upstate, NY. She spends most of her time year and nature. She is the director and
in the garden, or foraging in the founder of Watershed Public Charter
Adirondacks with her family. Find her School and was a professor of sculpture
online at www.oldwisdomwellness.com and environmental artist. Lehson is an
and on Instagram at avid chicken keeper, master gardener
@oldwisdomwellness and permaculture designer. Lehson’s
work appears in Lark Books, Taproot
Magazine, The Children and Nature
Network and the Simple Living
Collection. Find her on Instagram at
@wineberryadventurescouts

JULIA LINSTEADT KARINA HINES

Julia Linsteadt lives in the Sierra Foothills Karina Hines is a functional nutrition
of Northern California on a small chef, counsellor and Botanical Kitchen
homestead with her husband and two Founder; she creates recipes + offers 11
children. She is an art and creativity monthly memberships that guide us to
educator, budding herbalist, and eat in-season. Botanical Kitchen focuses
mindfulness and yoga teacher in training. on using food as medicine and
CONTRIBUTORS

She enjoys helping families embrace and supporting a variety of dietary needs to
learn about seasonal living. To learn help us cook with confidence and eat to
more, visit afarmtokeep.com and follow THRIVE. Find her online at
along on Instagram @afarmtokeep. She www.botanicalkitchen.com + Instagram
welcomes email at @botanicalkitchen.eat
[email protected]
Meet the Contributors
KATIE JO MUSCHIANA KRISTEN WOOD
Katie Jo is an herbalist, wildcrafter and Kristen Wood is a passionate
forager. She is an herbal medicine maker entrepreneur and creator of
primarily using fresh plants from her MOONandspoonandyum.com, a gluten-
local bioregion. She is the creator of free vegetarian food blog, and
Woven Apothecary and creates seasonal SchisandraAndBergamot.com, an
intentional herbal products in Michigan. herbalism-focused blog. She is the
She offers a seasonal printed zine series author of The Vegetarian Family
called ‘Medicine Through the Seasons’ Cookbook, Fermented Hot Sauce
which outlines seasonal plants and Cookbook and Hot Sauce Cookbook for
recipes. You can find her at Beginners. When she’s not making magic
wovenapothecary.com or on social media in the kitchen, she can be found playing
@wovenapothecary. with her two little boys or hiking with
camera in hand.

KRISTINE CLAY LAURA DEMARS

Kristine is a mother, herbalist, & writer Laura lives in beautiful South Eastern
who lives on an off-grid homestead in Minnesota with her husband and two
the Ecuadorian Andes. She enjoys daughters. When not illustrating cozy
crafting botanical concoctions, baking, and whimsical scenes, she is often found
and hiking with her partner in the eco- wandering the Northwoods and
sanctuary they steward. You can read spending time at her cottage on Lake
her musings about herbs, nourishing Superior. Her inspiration comes from
foods, & holistic mothering on her blog: exploration of nature, paired with her
mamalibelula.com and find out more love of creating a home. You can find her
about Andean plants, regenerative land work on Etsy, and Instagram
management, & raising rabbits at: @ChimneySmokeArt
SierrayCielo.org. Find her on Instagram
at @mamalibelula

LINDA MYDLAK LINNEA SCHOEN

Linda is a teacher by profession. She likes Linnea co-owns Organic and Wild, a
to craft and spend time in nature with small-batch, handmade personal care
her family. You can often find them and wild food provisions shop in West 12
adventuring in nearby parks and nature Michigan. She focuses on harvesting
reserves, foraging or admiring seasonal from local, abundant plant and fungi
changes. Linda’s crafts are mostly populations to create offerings that bring
CONTRIBUTORS

seasonal and nature inspired, and she people closer to and appreciate the gifts
especially has a weak spot for natural of nature. Their products include elixirs,
materials. You can find her on Instagram tinctures, body care products, wild food
at @lindamydlak. provisions, and hand-dipped candles.
Find her on Instagram at
@organicandwild
Meet the Contributors
MARGARET BYRD MARIA ILVES
Margaret is a multi-passionate creative Maria is a visual and creative storyteller
who is fascinated with raw material and sharing her nature-inspired stories and
natural color which bonds her photographs online at
installation and mixed media art practice marigoldstories.co.uk and on Instagram
together. As a nomadic soul, Margaret’s @marigold_stories. A journey of self-
artwork is a living memory of the discovery has led her to the plant path,
inspirational lands she travels to forage and she is currently a student at an
and the earth’s delightful bounty. She Estonian herbal school. A deep
shares her love of nature’s palette on her connection with the natural world has
YouTube channel, Margaret Byrd:Color offered her strength, peace, inspiration,
Quest, and @moonbyrdie on Instagram. and countless magical moments.
Through her work, she encourages
everyone else to experience it too.

MEAGAN VISSER MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

Meagan Visser is a Registered Nurse Mountain Rose Herbs offers high-quality
turned herbalist, natural lifestyle blogger organically grown herbs, spices, teas,
and homeschool mama to four wild and essential oils, and botanical goods.
wonderful boys. She helps people learn Beyond the organic ingredients they
to slow down and find their rhythm, to provide, they are committed to sharing
embrace the cycles and seasons of free recipes, educational resources, and
nature, to create rituals that fill them, their ongoing support to the herbal
and to live life a bit more naturally by community. Learn more about Mountain
sharing the tools and resources that help Rose Herbs at
her to do the same on her website, www.mountainroseherbs.com or find
GrowingUpHerbal.com. them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube,
Pinterest, and TikTok with handle
@mountainroseherbs

NATALIE BARNETT PLANT WONDER COLLECTIVE

Natalie Barnett is a homeschooling Plant Wonder Collective: Connecting you
nature-loving mama to two wild boys, to nature through food, drink, play,
who recently moved from the mountains garden, medicine, magic and art. Follow 13
of Montana to the coast of North along on Instagram, Facebook and
Carolina. She writes about simple living, Pinterest for daily inspiration of our plant
family life, outdoor adventures, of the month @plantwondercollective
CONTRIBUTORS

homemaking, foraging, herbal remedies and visit our new website at

and homeschooling at her blog www.plantwondercollective.com
mysimplewild.com and on Instagram
@mysimplewild.
 Meet the Contributors
REBECCA BEYER SARAH BARRON
Rebecca Beyer is an Appalachian folk Sarah lives a life of curiosity in southwest
herbalist, folk magic practitioner, forager Wisconsin. Both Sarah and her husband
and tattooer out of Western North grow native plants and seed collect to
Carolina: follow @bloodandspicebush to supply their online Etsy shop
learn plantlore, wild food recipes and @BeeWiseShop. Sarah is also the creator
walk the wheel of the year. of LittleLovelyWhatnots, an online place
for mindful expression and art inspired
by the natural world and intuition.
Connect with Sarah on social media
@LittleLovelyWhatnots or on her website
wwww.littlelovelywhatnots.com

The way a crow

Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
14

Robert Frost
Dust of Snow
CONTRIBUTORS
THE VOICE
OF THE
WINTER
FOREST
BY KATIE JO MUSCHIANA
 FRESH IDEAS

CINNAMON INK LICHEN CHARM

Brew a fragrant earthy ink with the toasty tones of Lichens are patient and formative, surviving
cinnamon to add warmth to handmade paper without soil. Bring this calm and foundational
crafts. Simmer 3 cinnamon sticks in a small pot of energy into your home. Find branches that have
water for 1 hour and let cool. Strain liquid through a fallen and place the lichen in glass jars to keep for
coffee filter into an amber bottle. Add 7 drops of the cold winter months. Look upon the jars when in
gum arabic and a whole clove to keep ink fresh. need of stability or a reminder of spring’s return.
-Margaret Byrd -Sarah Barron

16

CHEST RUB HOLIDAY CLEANING

A chest rub for a congested chest and stuffy nose. Spruce up your cleaning routine this season with a
FRESH IDEAS

Fill a jar ½ full of chopped dried or fresh eucalyptus festive all-purpose cleaning spray. Loosely fill a jar
leaves and cover with olive oil. Steep for 4 weeks ¾ full with fresh pine or cypress, orange peel, a
and strain. In a double boiler, combine ¼ c beeswax cinnamon stick or two, a generous pinch of whole
pastilles with 1 c infused oil. Heat on low until cloves, and a few star anise pods. Pour distilled
melted and pour into tins. Add 3 drops eucalyptus vinegar over the herbs and steep for 3-4 weeks.
essential oil to each tin and stir. Strain, add to a spray bottle, and get cleaning
-Ashley Moore -Kristine Clay
 Apothecary
Remedies + Wellbeing

Maria Ilves
IMMUNE
BOOSTING
HERBS + TEA
BY ANNA REISZ

Along with the joys winter brings, it

unfortunately also carries increased
risk of illness in its wake. Between
extra time spent indoors during
colder weather and the season’s
gatherings and festivities, exposure to
many types of illnesses sees a
dramatic uptick. To that end, immune
support becomes a constant refrain.

Herbal allies can be indispensable

when it comes to this winter barrage
of germs. But what does “herbal
immune boosting” mean? It is a
many-pronged approach to keeping
your body functioning optimally so
that you might avoid some illnesses
altogether, or at least lessen their
severity. Different types of herbs
work together synergistically to aid
with this never-ending task.

18
APOTHECARY
Adaptogens
Fatigue, burnout, and chronic stress are
common problems that weaken the immune
Nervines
system and its ability to fend off illness.
Stress and insomnia deplete the body and
Adaptogenic herbs help restore balance and
create the perfect breeding ground for germs.
protect the body’s systems and processes to
Luckily, nervine herbs help combat both of
counter these effects, the immune system being
these issues, and many are gentle and safe for
an important beneficiary. Tulsi, astragalus,
everyday use for most individuals. As an added
reishi and chaga mushrooms and licorice root
bonus, some nervines have antimicrobial
are just a few examples of adaptogens.
properties, too. Gentle nervine herbs include
chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, tulsi,
rosemary, linden, hawthorn, and passionflower.

Diaphoretics
Diaphoretic herbs are warming and promote
circulation. Once sick, these herbs go on to help
sweat out a fever and offer respiratory relief.
These include yarrow, elderflower and berry,
chamomile, ginger, catnip, cayenne, garlic, and
linden.

Aromatics
Aromatic herbs don’t just taste great—they
provide important immune boosting actions,
too. Most aid digestion, while also offering
strong antimicrobial support. These germ-killers 19
include ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves,
anise, allspice, rosemary, and fennel.

Antioxidants
APOTHECARY

Alteratives
Antioxidants like vitamin C aid immunity by
Alterative herbs aid in detoxifying your body by
supporting and stimulating antimicrobial
supporting the organs and systems that handle
actions on a cellular level as well as protecting
this important task. You need your liver,
body tissues from damage. Antioxidant herbs
kidneys, and lymphatic system in tip-top shape
that provide much-needed immune boosting
to fight off illness! This category of herbs
include rooibos, rose hips, hibiscus, elderberry,
includes echinacea, calendula, dandelion root,
orange peel, and raspberry leaves.
burdock root, and nettles.
 There are countless combinations one can
work with to create an immune-boosting
herbal recipe. To make things a little less
daunting, here is a simple tea as a starting
point. It features elderberry, a tried-and-
true immunity aid, but also rooibos, an
oft-overlooked antioxidant powerhouse.
There is a bit here from each of the above
categories, and plenty to tempt the taste
buds, as well.

Blend this combination of herbs as the

recipe states, or use it as a jumping-off
point to inspire your own immune
supporting formulation!

Materials
3 tbsp elderberry, dried
2 tbsp rooibos
2 tbsp tulsi
1 tbsp calendula
1 tbsp lemon balm
½ tbsp yarrow
½ tbsp ginger
½ tbsp cinnamon
Fresh orange zest or slice, if desired
Honey, if desired

Method
Mix all ingredients except orange in a bowl. Transfer to an airtight container.

To make a single cup of tea, add 1 tablespoon to a tea strainer, eco-friendly tea bag, or French
press. Pour about 1 ½ cups hot water over the tea and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Add fresh orange
zest or orange slice and honey to taste, if desired.

Notes 20
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings of tea.
If making a small batch, measure the parts in teaspoons—it should yield about 2 servings of tea.
APOTHECARY

Anna is the herbalist behind The Herbology Faerie. She shares recipes, lore, and wisdom with a simple, hygge, folk
approach and promotes herbalism for health, hobby, and personal fulfillment. When she’s not busy formulating
herbal recipes in her home apothecary, Anna can usually be found outdoors with her three wildlings.
HOREHOUND
COUGH SYRUP
BY JESS MARCY

As winter comes, so too do the coughs and The antispasmodic properties of horehound
colds of the season. The dry air can wreak havoc help minimize the severity of the coughing,
on our entire bodies, but luckily, we have the while its mild analgesic action can ease some of
power of some truly amazing herbs right at our the pain associated with coughing and sore
fingertips. Herbs such as horehound. throats. It is known for its ability to thin and
clear out mucus from the airways, further aiding
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) is a in the reduction of coughing. Additionally, it has
perennial plant native to Europe that has impressive, anti-inflammatory and
naturalized across the northern hemisphere. As immunomodulatory qualities that can help
part of the Lamiaceae family it is known to grow reduce the severity of colds.
easily and even in typically inhospitable areas,
making it easy for even the novice gardener to Often an infusion is all that’s necessary to assist
cultivate. with cold symptoms, but horehound's bitter
qualities can be off-putting for some. A simple
This wooly leaved herb has been used for syrup made of a strong infusion is a great
centuries as an all-purpose medicinal aid, being option, not only for ease of use but creating a
applied for everything from skin wounds to delicious alternative with a longer shelf life.
digestive issues to menstruation relief, as well Horehound cough syrup can be taken on its
as lung and heart tonics. Most often it is used to own or blended into another drink such as hot
support the lungs and as an aid for coughs. tea.

Materials
1 pint water plus more
1 oz horehound, dried
4 c honey

Method
Bring slightly more than one pint of water to a boil as some will boil off and you should end with
exactly 1 pint of hot water.
In a large mason jar add dried horehound and pour over hot water. Let steep 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Strain and add honey, stirring until well blended. Store in the refrigerator. 22

Notes
Take 1 tsp every 4 hours or while cough persists. For children ½ tsp every 4 hours, up to 4 times a day.
Store in clean glass jars for up to 4 months.
APOTHECARY

Add the syrup to marshmallow root and create an old fashioned cough drop.

Jess is a clinical herbalist, small business owner, and mom of two wild boys from Upstate, NY. She spends most of her
time in the garden, or foraging in the Adirondacks with her family.
FIRE CIDER
BY KATIE JO MUSCHIANA

We've welcomed winter here in the Northern Hemisphere. This cold time of year, where it’s even more important
to support our immune system’s natural intelligence, one of the best remedies to have on hand is Fire Cider.

Fire Cider seems to have grown quite a reputation and is a delicious concoction that bursts your taste buds open.
There is something ancient about the spirit of the remedy. If you have ever had Fire Cider or anything similar, you
experience the medicinal qualities of the ingredients almost immediately, a perfect blend of sour, spicy, drying,
pungent, warming and sweet. It can be made with ingredients that most people have already in their cupboard
and also invites a whole realm of herbal possibility.

Fire Cider is a root tonic containing medicinal roots from the garden and the field. It is an herbal vinegar-
extracting all the delicious flavors and nutrients from so many lovely medicinal herbs. It is a garden dressing-
herbs, spices, roots and garden vegetables soak in this food medicine... And it is a delicious oxymel, adding a
sweet balance of honey to the mix.

When talking about Fire Cider, you have to mention Rosemary Gladstar! She is the fairy godmother of modern
herbalism and has had a huge impact on many young herbalists' lives with her wisdom and knowledge of herbs,
plants and traditions. She is the one who first coined the term “Fire Cider” with her famous folk recipe which she
shares freely and widely. Fire Cider has since become a common term that herbalists and medicine makers use to
describe this autumn root tonic. With three others, she fought legally to ensure this recipe was protected to
never be trademarked and capitalized on. They won the “Free Fire Cider '' lawsuit, determining “fire cider” is a
free term to be used and shared by everyone.

Fire Cider can be made in countless different ways. You can always follow Rosemary’s basic recipe, but it's worth
slowly venturing out and starting to include your own plant wisdom, taking into account what you grew in your
garden and what energetics you want to focus on during the cold and flu season.

23
APOTHECARY

Kristen Wood
 Kristen Wood

Let’s break down a couple key ingredients that make this a fantastic remedy for immune system support:

Ginger Root: warming and stimulating, ginger has a huge influence on the digestive system, specifically
nausea, morning sickness, appetite, indigestion and a whole host of digestion complaints. It increases
circulation and stagnant blood and helps relieve uterine cramps, muscle cramps and spasms by stimulating
and warming up tissues and muscles. Ginger helps reduce inflammation and assist with symptoms of cold
and flu, specifically associated with fever and chills.

Onion: Onions are rich in inulin which is an amazing source of prebiotics! Prebiotics are needed to help the
good bacteria in your gut stay healthy and flourish. They are directly related to digestive and immune
system health. Onions are also anti-inflammatory and are high in sulfur compounds, vitamins and minerals,
antioxidants, and antibacterial properties.

Horseradish: Along with antibacterial properties and high antioxidants, horseradish’s pungent and spicy
flavor is an amazing medicine for sinuses and overall respiratory health. Particularly with cold and flu. If
you have ever smelled or tasted horseradish, you have likely experienced the medicinal benefit of burning
your throat and nose, perfect for relieving sinus pressure!

Garlic: Garlic is an immune powerhouse. It is antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti parasitic, supports
cardiovascular health and circulation. It supports our bodies’ own detoxification processes. It helps
nourish and support the body through nutrition and enhances the immune system to fight off and protect
from illness.
24
Cayenne Pepper: High in capsaicin, cayenne is warming, spicy and drying. It helps regulate metabolism and
digestive health and joint and muscle pain. If you have ever tasted cayenne you have probably experienced
its medicinal characteristics. It can burn the throat and the sinuses but also help loosen pressure in the
APOTHECARY

sinuses.

Apple Cider Vinegar: ‘ACV’ has so many medicinal properties which is why its many herbalists choose to
make herbal vinegars! This vinegar is made from fermented apples, and it's filled with tons of vitamins and
nutrients. It helps with digestion, blood sugar regulation, acid reflux and the body's overall detoxification
processes. ACV contains healthy bacteria which helps support the digestive and immune system
 Kristen Wood

Materials
½ c horseradish root, fresh, grated
½ c onion, fresh, chopped
¼ c garlic, fresh, chopped
¼ c ginger, fresh, grated
¼ c turmeric root, fresh, chopped
1-2 cayenne peppers, fresh or dry, chopped or ¼-½
tsp powdered
1-2 jalapeno peppers, fresh, chopped
1-2 lemon slices
Raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
Raw honey to taste
Mason jar
Plastic mason jar lid

Optional ingredients: rosemary, echinacea root, rose

hips, medicinal mushrooms, burdock root, other
peppers of choice, any other herbs and ingredients
that you
might want to add. This can change per batch, get
creative!

Method
Place herbs in a half-gallon canning jar and cover
with enough raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
to cover the herbs by at least three to four inches.
Cover tightly with a tight fitting lid.

Place the jar in a warm place and let it sit for three to
four weeks. Best to shake every day to help in the
maceration process.

After three to four weeks, strain out the herbs, and

reserve the liquid. Add honey to taste. Warm the
honey first so it mixes in well.

25
APOTHECARY

Katie Jo is the creator of Woven Apothecary intentional herbal

products through her website and local markets. She offers a
seasonal printed zine series called "Medicine Through the
Seasons". This is an excerpt from the Autumn Edition.
 JUNIPER
BLESSINGS OF
DEEP WINTER
BY KATIE JO MUSCHIANA

Despite the cold and deep snow in the North, the evergreens continue on in all of their glory,
and among them is the juniper. The low lying, creeping shrub of common juniper fits perfectly
within the landscape next to the towering conifers or growing freely along sandy shores.

In the deepest part of winter, before the maple sap starts flowing, the land feels sparse and
cold, and yet while walking throughout the dark days, sparkles of blue berries will catch your
attention, bringing instant joy- wild medicine of the juniper berry. What you are seeing is not a
true berry, but rather a female seed cone!

We most often think of juniper berries as a flavoring for gin. But the berries have uses that
extend far beyond cocktails. Even the leaves are useful. Much like rosehips, juniper berries are
attractive to local animals in the ecosystem and they are high in vitamin C. Juniper berries start
to ripen after 2-3 years. You may notice a mix of different colored berries on an individual
shrub or tree, but the deepest blue berries, sometimes even a dark purple, are the ones you
want to harvest, leaving behind those that are whitish-green or light blue. Juniper berries are
available to harvest all year round, but there is a certain affinity to harvesting them along with 26
their fellow evergreen kin during the winter.

The needles of juniper are especially high in calcium unlike some of its coniferous counterparts
APOTHECARY

that are more acidic. It helps bring soil back to pH balance. Juniper takes root in almost any
condition, thus is planted often in land regeneration efforts.

Juniper leaves are gathered and used to make smoke sticks for blessing ceremonies. It is a sign
of everlasting light, life and warmth. Native Americans used juniper for protection, burned the
leaves and hung boughs around the house to cast out “evil spirits”. Hunters would carry a small
sprig of juniper for protection before a hunt in the wild. Juniper berries were also used as beads
Juniper is regenerative medicine, to the land, to our souls and to our body. Juniper
brings warmth and movement and circulation to our bodies. Juniper is cleansing and
stimulating. As juniper grows and thrives in conditions that are unfit for many species,
it reminds us of our resiliency, passion and the comfort that we can take root wherever
we are planted.

Medicinally, juniper is warming, stimulating, aromatic and drying. This is a nice remedy
for cold, damp conditions. It is a wonderful carminative. It adds a nice balanced formula
to other carminative, aromatic or bitter herbs and acts on the digestive system to help
expel wind and excess mucus in the
digestive tract. Using juniper as a seasoning for flavoring your food is an excellent way
to incorporate it into your life.

Juniper has an affinity to the kidneys and urinary tract. It is high in volatile oil content
and antibacterial properties while being a strong diuretic. It is a common herbal
remedy for urinary tract infections and kidney infections. When the kidneys aren’t 27
functioning properly and it is creating extreme water build-up in the extremities as well
as kidney stones and UTI’s. That is when juniper is most helpful.
APOTHECARY

Another use of juniper, in the winter, is in the treatments of respiratory congestion and
mucus. William Salmon says, “Juniper acts on cold, damp mucus and spasm in the lungs.
Asthmas, coughs, difficulty, breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, hoarseness and
other cold and moist diseases of the lungs.” Juniper is going to be drying and warming
to the damp mucus in the lungs, digestive system and urinary tract.
AROMATIC
JUNIPER STEAM

When feeling under the weather

during the cold winter months,
an aromatic juniper steam is an
important remedy to know! If
you have juniper nearby, it is an
easy way to use what is growing
in your local ecosystem to help
keep you healthy and lessen your
symptoms by using a simple
aromatic juniper steam.

Materials
Fresh juniper branches and leaves
Other aromatic herbs like sage, thyme and/or
rosemary, optional
Pot
Water
Towel or sheet

Method
Gather a bunch of fresh juniper clippings and other aromatic herbs if you
desire.

Put all herbs in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Once you can begin to smell
the aromatics, take it off the stove and put onto a safe surface.

Drape a towel over your head while you hover above the pot while inhaling the 28
vapor of the aromatic herbs. The steam will open your lungs, throat, sinuses
and other airways and the medicinal volatile oils will work their magic on your
stuck mucus, cough or congestion. It will allow you to breathe deeply.
APOTHECARY

You can do this 1-3 times per day as needed.

Katie Jo is the creator of Woven Apothecary intentional herbal products through her website and local markets. She offers a
seasonal printed zine series called "Medicine Through the Seasons". This is an excerpt from the Winter Edition.
HERBAL KNOWLEDGE
QUIZ
BY JESSICKA NEBESNI OF MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

When embarking on a lifelong herbal journey, it is helpful to periodically check in

to see where your knowledge is strong and where there are the biggest growth
opportunities.

From learning herbal actions to exploring the different types of preparations you
can create, knowledge is power and that power is infinite.

This short quiz will help you determine the types of information that you may
want to explore further and celebrate the wisdom you already have.

May your herbal journey be ever fulfilling.

29
QUIZ
Test your Knowledge
1. What does a diaphoretic do? 6. What is the main purpose of herbal bitters?
a. Helps to stimulate urination a. Signal our body to begin the digestive
b. Encourages productive coughing by breaking process, which increases the efficiency of
up mucus our GI tract and ultimately supports overall
c. Helps raise your body temperature to make wellness.
you sweat. b. To increase body temperature and induce
d. Creates a "goo" that coats, soothes, and sweating.
protects mucus membranes. c. Create a natural portion control for herbs
so you don't take too much.
2. An adaptogen: d. To enhance the flavor of soothing herbal
a. Helps to restore overall balance and helps teas.
with managing stress
b. Assists in relieving normal muscle tension, 7. Which fermented herbal preparation was
circular thoughts, and nourishes a specific body part of a very controversial legal dispute over
system its name?
c. Helps to mix oil-based and water-based a. Kefer
ingredients b. Carmelite water
d. None of the above c. Fire Cider
d. Smreka
3. How would you make an herbal beverage with
the roots and barks of a plant, to get the 8. When making an herbal tincture, you
maximum benefits? should use:
a. Cold water Infusion a. A menstruum of 40 - 50% alcohol by
b. Brew it like a tea volume
c. Make a decoction b. A menstruum of 67.5 - 70% alcohol by
d. Make a vinegar volume
c. A menstruum of 85-95% alcohol by
4. What are the benefits to using an herbal volume
tincture? d. It depends on the part of the plant you
a. It’s a concentrated dietary supplement are working with
b. It’s shelf stable
c. It’s great to use on-the-go 9. This powerhouse berry is most commonly
d. All of the above used in a sweet herbal preparation during
the colder months, and is known for its
5. What ayurvedic blend is used after meals to support for the immune system.
stimulate digestion? a. Elderberry
a. Amla b. Acai berry
30
b. Triphala c. Juniper berry
c. Holy Basil d. None of the above
d. Ashwagandha
10. This berry in the Rosaecea family is
known to support cardiovascular function.
a. Goji berry
QUIZ

b. Elder berry
c. Maqui berry
d. Hawthorn berry
 Answers
1. c. Helps raise your body temperature to make you sweat.
2. a. Helps to restore overall balance and helps with managing stress.
3. c. Make a decoction.
4. d. All of the above
5. b. Triphala
6. a. Signal our body to begin the digestive process, which increases
the efficiency of our GI tract and ultimately supports overall wellness.
7. c. Fire Cider
8. d. It depends on the part of the plant you are working with.
9. a. Elderberry.
10. d. Hawthorne berry.

Results
Tally your answers.
Give yourself one point for each correct answer.

0-3 4-6 7-10

HERBAL NOVICE HERBAL ENTHUSIAST HERB NERD

It looks like you have a You have a strong When it comes to
bit more to learn about foundational knowledge herbalism, you really
herbalism. Luckily, there of herbalism and know your stuff. Keep up
are many resources and wellness, but could the great work and never 31
teachers to help you benefit from some fine stop learning!
along the way! tuning.
QUIZ

Jessicka Nebesni is the Content Strategist for Mountain Rose Herbs and aims to share educational, empowering, and
useful resources with the herbal community. Her passions include preserving food, gardening, practical herbal wellness,
making DIY skin and body care recipes, and living a lifestyle of minimal impact on the Earth.
WINTER WOODLAND
BODY BUTTER
BY THE HERBAL ACADEMY

Many of us struggle with dry, chapped skin, especially during the colder seasons. This nourishing body
butter helps keep skin soft and moisturized throughout the dry winter months. With a light, woodsy
aroma, it’s nothing short of a treat for the senses!

This recipe incorporates evergreen needles and marshmallow root for their skin-supporting benefits,
along with emollient ingredients such as shea and mango butters. Evergreens contribute their
antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, while marshmallow root lends its soothing and moistening
nature to ease skin inflammation. While water is the most common way to extract marshmallow root’s
skin-supportive properties, a dried root infusion in a plant-based carrier oil also provides some benefits.
Note that skin-friendly herbs such as calendula, and plantain would also be nice alternatives here.

Just about any evergreen will work in this recipe, except the yew (Taxus spp.) as it is toxic. Spruce (Picea
spp.), pine (Pinus spp.), and fir (Abies spp.) are all great options, with white fir (Abies concolor) being
especially lovely.

When foraging evergreens, be sure to pick from clean trees that haven't been sprayed with chemicals
and aren't near roadways, train tracks, industrial facilities, or other potentially polluted areas.

If you choose to add essential oils for scent, fir and pine are nice options.

Arrowroot powder is included in this recipe to keep the body butter smooth and aid in reducing any
greasiness, but it is optional.

32
APOTHECARY
 Kristen Wood

Body Butter Materials

¼ c evergreen-infused oil
¼ c marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root
infused oil
¼ c shea butter
¼ c mango butter (or more shea butter)
20-30 drops evergreen essential oil, optional
¼ tsp arrowroot powder, optional

Body Butter Method

Once the infused oils are prepared, move on to
the next step. See next page for instructions.

Place shea and mango butter in a double boiler

(or glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering
water) and gently heat until melted.

Add the evergreen- and marshmallow-infused

oils, stir until combined.

Turn off the heat and let cool for

approximately 10 minutes. Once it is no longer
hot to the touch, but still warm, cover and
transfer to the refrigerator for approximately 1
hour, or until there is no longer a semi-liquid
center.

Using an immersion blender or electric mixer,

whip the mixture on high for 5 minutes, or
until it changes color and looks fluffy. You may
need to periodically scrape the mixture from
the sides of the bowl.

Add essential oil, if desired, and mix.

Label, and store in a cool, dark place. This body

butter will keep for up to 1 year.

This recipe is adapted from the Evergreen 33

Forest Body Butter in the Herbal Academy’s
Botanical Skin Care Course, which features 194
herbalist-tested skin care recipes! If you
enjoyed this recipe, we invite you to download
APOTHECARY

a copy of our FREE eBook, Herbal Support for

Winter Wellness, In this free resource, you’ll
discover warming and moisturizing herbs, in-
depth monographs, recipes, and lifestyle tips
to help you stay nourished and balanced
throughout the winter months.
 Notes
If you don’t have evergreen or marshmallow-infused
oil on hand, create them using the method below. It is
best to make each oil separately.

Grapeseed, sunflower, sweet almond, apricot kernel,

or jojoba are great base oil options.

Note that ½ cup is the amount of finished herbal oil

to include in the recipe—you will need to start with a
bit more oil when making the herb-infused oil, as the
herbs will soak up some of the oil. If you forget to do
this, just top off with some plain oil as needed for this
recipe.

Allow freshly collected evergreen needles to sit for a

day or two to dry. To prepare for infusion, cut, chop,
or break the needles into smaller pieces (about 1
inch).

Grind the dried marshmallow root in a mortar and

pestle or break into smaller pieces with clean hands.

Herb Infused Oil Method

Place prepared herb in a heat-safe glass jar.

Pour oil over the herb, making sure herb material is

completely covered and oil is at least 1 inch above
it.

Set jar in a saucepan or crockpot that has been

filled with 2-3 inches of water and place a few jar
lids under the jar to protect the base. Heat on very
low heat for 8 hours (or more), making sure oil
does not get warmer than 120-140 degrees F and
refilling water as necessary as it evaporates.

When measuring the temperature of the oil, be

sure not to introduce water into the oil jar.

Remove jar from saucepan or crockpot and allow to

cool. 34

Decant, bottle, label, and store in a cool, dark place.

APOTHECARY

The Herbal Academy is your trusted global leader in herbalism with over 100,000 students worldwide.
Whether you’re interested in studying herbalism for personal development or to prepare for a professional
career in clinical herbalism, the Herbal Academy has an online herbal program to meet your educational
goals. theherbalacademy.com
ROSEMARY GINGER
FOOT SOAK
BY KRISTEN WOOD

35
APOTHECARY
Making your own bath and body
products can be wholly satisfying and
this fun project is no exception. From
choosing the ingredients with care, to
the aromatherapeutic experience of
preparing the foot soak, to finally
enjoying the sole-soothing benefits, this
foot soak is truly an immersive
experience to be had.

Both rosemary and ginger are packed

with anti-inflammatory and circulation-
boosting benefits which help invigorate
tired feet and relieve pain or irritation.
Inhaling the scents of rosemary and
ginger have been shown to reduce
anxiety, giving a perfect relaxing spin to
this foot soak recipe.

Epsom salt is chosen for its ability to

soothe achy muscles in the feet, and
baking soda has natural exfoliating
powers making it a great addition to a
foot soak.

The next time you’ve had a long day and

your feet are in need of a little TLC, whip
up a batch of this foot soak and feel
yourself transported to a refuge of bliss.

Materials Method
1 c Epsom salt In a large mixing bowl add the Epsom salt, rosemary, baking soda,
1 c rosemary, dried and dried ginger root. Mix until well combined.
½ c baking soda
½ c ginger root, dried Store the foot soak in a lidded jar or airtight container for up to one
Mixing bowl year until ready to use.
Storage container 36
To use, fill a basin with very warm water. Add ⅓ cup of foot soak and
let it dissolve.

Soak and enjoy! Makes 9 foot baths.

APOTHECARY

Kristen Wood is a mama of two young boys, photographer, author of Vegetarian Family Cookbook, Fermented Hot Sauce
Cookbook, and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners, and creator of MOONandspoonandyum.com, a gluten-free vegetarian
food blog and SchisandraAndBergamot.com, a botanically-inspired blog.
HOLIDAY
HAND
SANITIZER
BY KRISTINE CLAY

The holiday season is often packed with parties,

get-togethers, concerts, shopping excursions,
festivals, and special events. Unfortunately, all of
this tends to increase our exposure to a variety of
germs.

Proper hand hygiene goes a long way to prevent

many seasonal illnesses. The Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
frequent hand washing as the best way to prevent
spreading infectious diseases. However, one
doesn't always have access to soap and water. In
this case, the CDC says that the next best option
is using an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Studies have found that the hand sanitizers which

are most effective at reducing pathogens on the
skin contain around 85% alcohol — a
concentration that has been shown to work
against both bacteria and viruses. This festive
hand sanitizer is formulated to contain the
optimal percentage of alcohol for maximum
potency and is infused with botanicals that boost
its cleansing properties. Orange peels and
rosemary both have antimicrobial activity against
various types of harmful bacteria.

The addition of aloe vera gel moisturizes skin and

helps to balance the drying effects of the alcohol.
The essential oils of pine, clove, and cinnamon
elevate the aroma of this festive spray and
contribute further antimicrobial properties.

Infusing the alcohol for this sanitizer is simple, 37

but does require some patience. However, once
you have all the ingredients on hand, the spray is
quick and easy to put together. Double the recipe
to make a few extra bottles to give as gifts, if you
APOTHECARY

like.

Keep a bottle on hand for gatherings, trips to the

grocery store, airplane travel, and more to help
keep you and your family healthy through the
holidays and cold & flu season.
 Infused Everclear Materials
Orange peels, dried or fresh
Rosemary, dried or fresh
Everclear 190 proof grain alcohol (95% alcohol)

Infused Everclear Method

Add the plant matter to a jar, filling it about ¾ of
the way full. Don’t pack the jar too tightly.

Pour the alcohol over the herbs, leaving at least ¼

inch or so of space at the top of the jar. Be sure to
completely cover the plant matter with alcohol.

Cap the jars tightly, label them, and store in a

cool place out of direct sunlight.

Shake the jars as often as you remember, every

few days.

Let the herbs infuse for 2-4 weeks, or longer if

possible. Longer steep times will extract more of
the plants’ medicinal constituents.

Strain the herbs from the alcohol and rebottle the

liquid.

Hand Sanitizer Materials:

5 fl oz orange peel infused Everclear
3 fl oz rosemary infused Everclear
1 fl oz aloe vera gel
20 drops pine essential oil
3 drops clove essential oil
2 drops cinnamon essential oil
Three 3 fl oz spray bottles

Hand Sanitizer Method:

Combine the infused alcohols, aloe gel, and
essential oils in a large glass measuring cup.

Stir well to combine, then pour into spray

bottles. Shake well before each use.

Notes 38
This recipe makes about 9 fl oz of hand sanitizer,
or enough to fill three 3 fl oz bottles. The
finished solution contains 84% alcohol.
APOTHECARY

If 190 proof alcohol isn’t available, you can

substitute 99% isopropyl alcohol. In this case,
add ½ fl oz of water to the original recipe to
adjust the alcohol content appropriately.

Kristine is a mother, herbalist, writer, soap maker & budding botanist homesteading in the Andean mountains. Find her blog at
mamalibelula.com, on Instagram at @mamalibelula, or follow @sierraycielo for a peek at her off-grid life in the mountains.
Kitchen
Food + Drink

Maria Ilves
GINGERBREAD
GOLDEN MILK LATTE
BY HARMONIE O'LOUGHLIN

Golden Milk has been all the rage the last few years. It is essentially a caffeine free turmeric tea or
latte. The flavor profile isn't quite for everyone, but turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefits are a
helpful addition into your diet. Enter gingerbread spices. Holiday baking inspired throwing these
spices into a beverage for added flavor and antioxidants. Rounding out the drink, black pepper is
used to amplify the turmeric's properties and ashwgandha adds to feeling grounded and calm this
holiday season. Let the festive sipping begin!

Gingerbread Golden Milk Latte

Materials
1 tsp gingerbread spices
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp ashwagandha
Pinch of ground black pepper
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp coconut oil or ghee
3 tsp maple syrup
½ tsp molasses
1 ½ c milk of choice

Gingerbread Golden Milk Latte

Method
Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.

Whisk well to combine.

Gently heat for 15-30 minutes to let the

flavors infuse into the milk. Occasionally
whisk to encourage the melding process.

Top with your favorite gingerbread cookie!

Gingerbread Spice Blend Materials Jessie Lehson

2 tbsp ginger, powdered 40

2 tbsp cinnamon, powdered Jessie Lehson
¾ tsp cloves, powdered
¾ tsp allspice, powdered
½ tsp nutmeg, grated Harmonie is the homesteading mama maker behind Flora's
KITCHEN

¾ tsp cardamom, powdered Feast Botanicals who explores plants through her garden
and in her kitchen and home apothecary.
Gingerbread Spice Blend Method @florasfeastbotanicals and www.florasfeast.com

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Store in an airtight container.

WINTER HOLIDAY SHRUB
WITH
ROSEMARY + CRANBERRIES
BY BRIGHID DOHERTY

Shrubs are fruit infused drinking vinegars It was believed that those who smelled
that have a long and varied history. The word rosemary on Christmas Eve would have a
shrub stems from the Arabic word sharab, year of health and happiness. A traditional
meaning “to drink.” English shrubs have New Year’s gift was an orange decorated
origins in the late 16th century. Liquor with cloves and rosemary.
smugglers, to avoid high taxes, stashed rum
in wooden barrels in the ocean when Rosemary is a highly esteemed medicinal
bringing them to England. To hide the taste plant, often called a “cure-all” because it
of salt water they flavored the rum with affects so many aspects of human health. It
vinegar and citrus peels. The American is energetically warm and has stimulating
version of the shrub has origins in colonial and dispersing actions on many parts of the
times, when fruit was preserved in vinegar. body, including the heart, blood, liver,
The tasty fruit infused vinegar was strained, nerves, uterus, lungs, and brain. Rosemary is
sweetened, and condensed, then added to antispasmodic, stimulating, tonifying,
alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. astringent, diaphoretic, carminative,
antimicrobial, diuretic, bitter digestive,
Fruit shrubs are tasty. Add herbs to them bronchodilator, and decongestant.
and they become tastier and healthier. You
can make a basic herbal shrub by infusing Cranberries are a classic addition to winter
herbs and fruit into vinegar and honey. This holiday meals and are strung into holiday
is similar to an herbal oxymel but has the garlands that decorate mantels and
addition of fruit and is often used to flavor Christmas trees. They are a nutritious and
cocktails, rather than for medicinal antioxidant rich superfood. Cranberries have
purposes. been shown to prevent or reduce the
duration of UTIs. Their antioxidant ability is
This Winter Holiday Shrub is a festive known to help slow the progression of
delicious blend of aromatic rosemary, tart cancer cell growth. Cranberries help
cranberries, sweet honey and acidic vinegar modulate inflammation and blood pressure
giving a taste of the season. levels.

Rosemary has been steeped in food, Vinegar and honey not only flavor the shrub 42
medicine, and ceremony throughout human with their own attributes, but they make
history. It is a symbol of love, friendship, and excellent solvents that extract vitamins,
remembrance. On Christmas Eve, churches minerals, aromatic oils, antioxidants and
and cathedrals were filled with the scent of other medicinal properties from the
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rosemary. Holiday wreaths were adorned rosemary and cranberries. They are also
with rosemary sprigs. Rosemary commonly specific for supporting immune health,
flavored ales and wines used in wedding and fighting lung infections and easing sore
Christmas celebrations of the past. throats.
The Winter Solstice Shrub is a tasty treat and
unique gift for winter celebrations. Enjoy it by the
spoonful or added to dressings, marinades,
cocktails, tea and bubbly water.

Materials
1 c rosemary, fresh or ½ c dried, finely cut
with scissors
1 c cranberries, frozen, chopped
1 c apple cider vinegar
1 c honey

Method
Pasteurize the apple cider vinegar by bringing it to
a boil in a non-metal pot. Once it has reached a
boil, immediately remove it from the stove top and
cool to room temperature. This step is optional
but it will extend the shelf life of your shrub.

Add rosemary and cranberries to a 16-ounce jar.

First add the pasteurized vinegar and then top
with the honey, making sure all of the plant
material is covered and not exposed to air. There
should be little to no air space in the jar. Use a
chopstick or butter knife to release any trapped
air bubbles and to allow the honey to fully
penetrate through the plant material.

Cover the jar tightly with a food-safe plastic lid or

a square of unbleached waxed paper and then a
tight lid. Vinegar rusts metal lids if it has direct
contact.

Place the jar on a small lipped plate to catch any

possible leakage that may occur as the shrub
macerates. Label the jar with the ingredients and
the date it was made. After 24 hours, open your jar
and if the plant material is no longer covered, top
it off with either honey or vinegar. This will
prevent mold and oxidation.

Allow the shrub to macerate, away from direct

sunlight, for a minimum of 4 weeks.

Strain into a clean and labeled jar or bottle.

Notes
Refrigerate if step 1 was skipped,
otherwise the shrub can be
stored at room temperature for
many months.

There is no need to shake or stir

the shrub while you are
preparing it. The honey and
vinegar will meld together in
time, extracting the nutrients
and flavor from the herb and
fruit. However, if you want to
shake or stir, go right ahead!

Frozen cranberries extract faster

and more completely than fresh
cranberries. This is because the
cell walls have been broken,
allowing more nutrition and
flavor to be released. If you have
fresh cranberries, freeze them
for at least 24 hours before using
them.

This shrub is not for children

under 1 year, due to the honey
content.

Uses
Make a holiday “soda” with the Winter Solstice Shrub by adding it to bubbly water. Mix 2
tablespoons of the shrub in 2 cups of bubbly water. Adjust to taste. For more depth of flavor, add a
splash of apple cider.

Make a festive cocktail with the Winter Solstice Shrub by adding 1-2 shots of your favorite alcohol
(vodka or rum are nice options) and ice to the holiday “soda” described above.

You can also add a splash of shrub to a glass of prosecco or white wine.
44

To add a beautiful garnish, spear a cranberry with a sprig of rosemary and slide it into the cocktail
glass.
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Brighid is a mother, gardener, herbalist, educator, podcaster, and author living on a bridged island on the coast of Maine. She
is founder of The Solidago Herb School, hostess of The Healthy Herb Podcast, and author of Drinkable Healing Herbal
Infusions. Connect with her at @solidagoherbschool on Instagram and Facebook and on her website, solidagoherbschool.com.
GINGER MISO
SIPPING BROTH
BY KARINA HINES

Ginger miso sipping broth is a simple infusion of hot

water, ginger and miso that is a fabulous warming
recipe for the winter months that supports our
immune system and gut health.

Miso is fermented soybean paste rich in prebiotic

insoluble fiber and beneficial probiotic bacteria. To
preserve the beneficial bacteria, stir the miso paste
into your cup of hot water instead of pouring boiling
water over the miso as high heat can destroy the
healthful bacteria. This simple technique will help
ensure you get maximum nutritional bang for your
bite.

By adding ginger, you are adding a powerful plant

rhizome full of anti-inflammatory and antiviral
properties. It is warming, moving and soothing to the
digestive system.

With over 70% of our immune system located in our

gut microbiome, this sipping broth is a healthy and
delicious way to use food as medicine. Start your day
with a cup to awaken your digestive fire or sip in the
afternoon when you feel sluggish or cold.

Materials
3-4 slices ginger, fresh or dried
1 c water
1 - 2 tsp miso paste

Method
Wash, peel and slice the ginger. Add to a mug.

Boil the water and pour into the mug.

Stir in miso.

Sip and enjoy.

Karina Hines is a functional nutrition chef and Botanical

Kitchen founder; she is passionate about vibrant seasonal food,
using food as medicine and the healing power of plants.
WINTER SPICE
GLUTEN-FREE SOURDOUGH LOAF
BY ASHLEY MOORE

The chill in the air outside only makes the kitchen cozier as the oven radiates both heat and the unbeatable
aroma of bread baking. Little ones gather around and hop from foot to foot as the loaf is brought out of the oven
and placed on the counter. Impatient but grinning, the children cup their palms together, making bowl shapes
with their tiny hands until the bread is finally cool enough to slice and pass around. A dollop of ghee and honey
spread on top makes every bite sing with comforting warmth. Bread is food for the body as well as the soul.

The health benefits of homemade sourdough vs. store-bought bread are many: it’s easier to digest, more
nutritious, free of unhealthy fillers and excess sugar, and lower in gluten. Folks who are sensitive to gluten or
who have celiac disease can make sourdough that is completely free of wheat and gluten, like this Winter Spice
Loaf.

The spices and other ingredients used are chosen to improve the taste and texture of the bread and support
health in the body. Many are antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Some herbs are prepared as a
decoction (an herbal tea made from simmering the roots and seed pods in water on the stove) before mixing
into the recipe, in order to draw out their healing qualities; others are grated from the whole form, to ensure
freshness and potency. They come together to make a delicious, spicy, warming flavor that will be very welcome
all winter long.

46
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The first step when making sourdough bread is to
make the starter. Oftentimes starter can be
acquired from a friend or neighbor who makes
gluten-free sourdough. This is the preferred
method since the starter is already activated,
saving you a step. The starter would just need to
be fed 2 hours before beginning the recipe, and
fed once a day after that. Starter can also be
purchased online and will come with instructions
for activating, troubleshooting and maintenance.
This is a great option for anyone feeling nervous
about getting started. Lastly, for adventurous
folks, it’s possible to make your own starter from
scratch with the directions below.

Once the starter is activated, growing to about

double its size and full of air bubbles in around 2
hours, it’s ready to be used. Activated starter that
is ready to be added to a recipe is a starter that
has become bubbly and fluffy, 2 hours after being
fed.

GF Sourdough Bread Materials

⅓ c ginger root, fresh, chopped or 1 tbsp ginger
pieces, dried
3 or 4 slices astragalus root
3 or 4 star anise seed pods
115g active starter
430g gluten-free flour mix
45g honey
30g flax meal
20g psyllium husks
17g sea salt
1 tbsp cinnamon, powdered
1 tsp nutmeg seed, grated into powder
460g ginger, astragalus and star anise tea. made
with the first three ingredients, cooled

Kitchen scale
Dough whisk
Silicone spatula 47
6 to 7qt dutch oven with lid and metal (non-plastic)
handle
12 inch square piece of parchment paper
Bread lame or carefully wielded razor blade to
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score the dough

Sourdough banneton or basket with a dish cloth
inside to hold the shape of the dough as it rises
GF Sourdough Bread Method
Make the tea first, by simmering ginger,
astragalus and star anise in 3 cups of water
for 15 minutes, then leave it to cool.

Once the tea has cooled to just slightly

warmer than room temperature (adding a
few ice cubes shortens the cooling time),
strain into a vessel with a spout. Slowly
pour, measuring exactly 460g of it into a
mixing bowl that has been zeroed out on the
kitchen scale.

Next, add the remaining ingredients into the

bowl, zeroing out each time to get exact
measurements. Mix everything very, very
well, so that all of the ingredients are evenly
incorporated into the dough.

Cover the mixing bowl with a damp cloth

and set it on the counter to rise. It should
nearly double in size. In a warmer house this
will happen quickly, and in a cooler house it
will take longer. Somewhere between 4-5
hours of rising time should be fine.

Next, use the silicone spatula to scrape the dough out of the bowl and onto a cutting board covered with a light
layer of flour. With floured hands, press the dough in just a little at the sides to make it the right shape for your
banneton (round for boule bannetons, oval for loaf bannetons).

Carefully put the dough in the banneton, topside down. Cover the banneton with a damp cloth, and store in the
fridge until it’s time to put it in the oven. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours if you are not ready to
bake quite yet. If the oven is already preheated there is no need to put the dough in the fridge; it can go right in
the oven. Note that in this case the shape of the loaf will not be as smooth as it would be if it had sat in the
banneton for a bit longer, but the taste of the bread won’t be affected.

Preheat the oven with the lidded dutch oven inside it for at least 45 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Take the dough out of the fridge and carefully tip it out onto a piece of parchment paper.

Make a deep cut horizontally all around the side of the dough, ⅔ of the way up, with the bread lame. This will
allow it to rise without splitting on the top. Cut a # pattern, an evergreen shape, or whatever design you’d like,
right on the top of the loaf with the bread lame. 48

Quickly but carefully take the dutch oven out of the oven with oven mitts, and remove the lid. Lower the
parchment paper with the dough on top into the dutch oven, replace the lid, and pop it back into the oven.

Bake for 55 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Wearing oven mitts, carefully take the dutch oven out and turn
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off the oven. Remove the loaf from the dutch oven by pulling up the sides of the parchment paper, and place it
directly on the rack in the still-hot oven for five more minutes to crisp the crust.

Remove the loaf and allow it to cool before slicing and eating. It will continue to cook a bit in the center, even
once it is out of the oven.
More about the plants in this recipe:

Flax (Linum usitatissimum): Most commonly known as an aid for

those with chronic constipation, it is also given for other chronic
complaints such as arthritis, psoriasis, and as prevention of
arteriosclerosis. It is mucilaginous and lubricating, anti-
inflammatory, emollient, and demulcent.

Psyllium (Plantago ovata): Mucilaginous and demulcent, an aid to

the digestive tract. In gluten-free bread recipes, psyllium husks
combined with flax meal replace the binding texture the gluten
usually provides.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): Considered a tonic for the

immune system and is taken preventatively for colds and flu. It is
adaptogenic, immunomodulating, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory,
antiviral, protects kidney function, hepatoprotective, antioxidant,
cardiotonic, and promotes tissue regeneration.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis): Often used to ease motion sickness,

nausea, and migraines, gout, cholic, congestion, flatulence and the
flu. It is carminative, antiatheroscleortic, diaphoretic, cardiotonic,
antitussive, expectorant, stomachic, anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, antispasmodic, diuretic, antiemetic, choleretic,
hypolipidemic, analgesic and antioxidant.

Star Anise (Illicium verum): A warming, bitter, pungent spice that

aids digestion and is used as a flavoring in many dishes and
beverages around the world, and in mouthwashes and
toothpastes to freshen breath. Its sweet, licorice flavor comes
from the compound anethole.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or C. burmanni): Warms and

strengthens the digestion organs, beneficial for folks with low
vitality and a susceptibility towards the flu, eases feelings of
stress. It is astringent, diaphoretic, aromatic stimulant, 49
carminative, hemostatic, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal,
antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and a gastrointestinal tonic.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): A warming spice from the tropical,

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evergreen Indonesian tree of the same name. The part used is

the pit of the fruit, which is dried and grated. It is antibacterial,
antiseptic and an aphrodisiac.
GF Sourdough Starter
Materials
Brown rice flour
Filtered water
Mason jar
Dish cloth
Rubber band

GF Sourdough Starter Method

To make sourdough starter from scratch,
stir together ½ cup brown rice flour with
¼ cup filtered water in a quart-sized
mason jar.

Stir well, then add just a bit more water, a

spoonful at a time until the mixture
resembles very thick pancake batter.

Put a dishcloth on the jar secured with a

rubber band, and leave it out on the counter
for 12 hours.

In a new jar, add ¼ cup of the starter, then add

¼ cup brown rice flour and ¼ cup filtered water.
Exactly ¼ cup of starter needs to be used each
time; the rest must be discarded so as not to
affect the ratios. Discard the remaining starter
from the first jar by using it in your baking
recipes, adding it to your compost pile, feeding
it to your chickens, or simply by throwing it
away. Cover the new jar with the dishcloth and
rubber band.

Repeat this process every day until your starter

is bubbly, usually after 5 to 7 days. Those who
bake daily or every other day can leave the jar of
starter on the counter, feeding it once a day,
discarding the leftover starter each time.

Those baking less frequently should leave the jar

of starter in the fridge and take it out once a 50
week to feed it. The steps for weekly baking
would be: take the starter out of the fridge, feed
it, wait two hours for it to get bubbly, then bake
with it. The remaining starter is popped back
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into the fridge. The following week, the process

is repeated.

Ashley tends a garden and three children in California where she is an herbalist and Waldorf teacher. She is the author of “The
Women’s Heritage Sourcebook” (2020), and “The Children’s Heritage Sourcebook” (releasing spring 2023). Follow along with
her seasonal celebrations, herbal frolicking and cooking adventures @motherhestia.
CINNAMON
QUICK BREAD
BY NATALIE BARNETT

Cinnamon is the star in this delicious and moist quick bread and will fill your home with a
cozy and inviting aroma while it bakes.

The scent of cinnamon brings thoughts of winter months and coziness. But did you know
how many amazing health benefits cinnamon provides? Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory
properties and a high concentration of antioxidants which may be able to help protect the
body of free radicals, inflammation, and serious diseases. Its antimicrobial properties have
been proven to help fight fungal, viral, and bacterial elements in foods.

Make sure to bake one for gifting and one for yourself! To gift this bread, use unbleached
biodegradable parchment paper tied up with festive twine, and print out an adorable gift tag.

52
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Bread Materials
2 c flour
½ c sugar, raw
1 tbsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 c milk of choice
⅓ c applesauce, unsweetened
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

Cinnamon Swirl Materials

5-6 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp cinnamon

Method
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and lightly flour a 9X5 loaf pan.

In a medium bowl whisk together flour, sugar,

cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

In a large bowl combine milk, applesauce, vanilla

and eggs.

Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet

ingredients until just combined. Do not over strir!

To make the cinnamon swirl, in a small bowl, melt

2 butter and mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon
to create a thick paste.

Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf

pan.

Spread two lines of the cinnamon mixture down

the length of the pan. Using a skewer, swirl the
cinnamon in an “S” shape back and forth.
50
Carefully pour more batter just until the cinnamon
is covered. Repeat steps of spreading the cinnamon
mixture in lines and making swirls.
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Top with remaining batter and any cinnamon

mixture left in one line down the middle of the pan.
Repeat the same “S” swirl down the center of the
pan.

Bake for 50 minutes. Allow the bread to cool for at

least 5 minutes before inverting.
Notes
If you like walnuts, stir in up to ½ c when mixing together dry ingredients.

If you want to replace the raw sugar, use ¾ cup raw honey as a sweetener
instead. The bread will be darker in color making the cinnamon swirl less
visible, but the bread was still sweet enough. You will also need to decrease the
milk to about ¾ cup.

This recipe can make two mini loaves instead of one large loaf.

To gift, wrap bread with parchment paper and string adorned with a cinnamon
stick and tag.

54
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Natalie Barnett is a homeschooling nature-loving mama to two wild boys, who recently moved from
the mountains of Montana to the coast of North Carolina. She writes about simple living, family life,
outdoor adventures, homemaking, herbal remedies and homeschooling at her blog mysimplewild.com
and on Instagram @mysimplewild.
 55
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GHEE
ANCIENT WISDOM
LOCALLY SOURCED
BY HANNAH JACOBSON-HARDY

Ghee is the superfood of India. Since ancient times, this sacred cooking oil has been
celebrated for its taste, nutritional benefits, and healing properties. According to Ayurveda,
India’s 5,000-year-old medicinal science, ghee is an ideal oil for nourishing the human body
inside and out.

Ghee is said to stimulate digestion, aid the absorption of nutrients, and reduce inflammation,
especially in the gut. It is used to lubricate the joints, optimize skin and eye health, and has an
alkalizing effect on the entire body. Ghee contains butyric acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid
that is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, reduces seepage of undigested food particles, and aids in
repair of the mucosal wall. It also enhances the absorption of vitamins and minerals from food,
thus strengthening the immune system.

When trying to eat as locally and seasonally as possible, finding a cooking oil can be a challenge.
Ghee offers the Northern Hemisphere with a local oil option that not only tastes delicious, but
is highly nutritious. Its high smoke point makes it the ideal oil for high-heat cooking. It can
tolerate heat up to 485 degrees Fahrenheit, compared with butter and coconut oil which both
burn at 350 degrees. Since all of the milk solids have been removed, ghee is lactose and casein
free, making it a healthy option for those with dairy sensitivities. Ghee does not have to be 56
refrigerated. It’s shelf stable for up to six months and can last up to a year if kept in the fridge.

Used on the skin, ghee softens, strengthens, protects and nourishes and can be applied to
rashes, bruises and bed sores. In the Ayurvedic treatment Netra Basti, a small dam is built
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around the eyes and filled with warm ghee. This is a method for cleansing and nourishing
irritated eye tissues. Putting drops of ghee in the nose delivers the lubricating, purifying, and
softening effects of ghee to all the channels of the head. It has been used to improve memory
and invite focus.
Basic Ghee Materials
1 pound of high quality grass-fed butter
1 pint jar
Muslin cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve

Basic Ghee Method

Melt the butter on medium heat and then let simmer on low for about 45 minutes. The milk
solids will rise to the top and fall to the bottom. Once the solids turn golden brown on the
bottom, it is time to turn off the heat and strain through a sieve or cheesecloth.

Let cool in the fridge with the lid off until solidified for a smooth texture. Take it out of the
fridge when cool and store at room temperature. If it is above 80 degrees in the kitchen, the
ghee may separate, which is normal.

Notes
Ghee does not need to be refrigerated for up to 6 months and will last one year in the fridge.
Transferring the ghee jar in and out of the fridge can cause condensation, resulting in
moisture under the lid, which may cause spoilage.
Use a clean dry utensil to scoop ghee to prevent moisture and bacteria from entering the jar.
People who already have high cholesterol or suffer from obesity should be cautious in using
ghee since it is a saturated fat.
Ghee is not to be used when there are high ama (toxic) conditions.

57
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Medicated Ghee
Ghee is a yogavahi—a catalytic agent that carries the
medicinal properties of herbs into the seven dhatus or
tissues of the body making it a valuable addition to
herbal regimens. Blending herbs with ghee enhances
the various uses of the herbal constituents. Thus, for
digestion add your go to plants such as cinnamon,
ginger, cardamom, turmeric. For calming the mind, add
lavender, chamomile, rose, skullcap.

Medicinal Ghee Materials

1 pint of ghee, melted
1 pint of herbal decoction

Medicinal Ghee Method

Purchase ghee or make it from scratch using the recipe
above.

To make a decoction, add 1 tablespoon of each herb

you want to infuse to 4 pints of cool water and bring to
a boil. Let simmer with the lid off until it reduces to 1
pint. This pint of decoction now contains the medicinal
properties that will be infused into the ghee. Strain the
herbs out through a sieve.

To make medicinal ghee, slowly heat the ghee and

decoction together in a pot. Once it is
simmering, reduce the heat as low as possible. The
longer it cooks on low heat, the more
potent the ghee becomes. The key is to slow cook off
all the water from the decoction until only ghee
remains. This can take a very long time and lots of
patience! Once all of the water has evaporated, you
have medicated ghee!

Notes
Add ghee to a nightly tea or golden milk for promoting
regular bowel movements the next day.
Conversely, herbs and spices in powder form can be 58
added directly to the ghee such as ginger, cardamom,
turmeric, ashwagandha, cinnamon, burdock, black
pepper, licorice and shatavari.
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Hannah Jacobson-Hardy is the founder and visionary of Full Moon

Ghee and a practicing herbalist in Ashfield, MA. After nearly a
decade of studying and teaching Western, Chinese, and Ayurvedic
plant-based medicine, she became inspired to craft small batches
of ghee for her community. Learn more: www.fullmoonghee.com
BUTTER BOARDS
BY BRITTANY PETERSON

Move over charcuterie boards, there’s a

new indulgence in town. Boards laid out for
guests have been a hostess trick for years,
but they are ever evolving. The last decade
has brought a child-like imagination to the
infamous appetizer through techniques
such as beautiful roses made of
delicatessens, but as sourdough bread has
made its way back into the hearts of home
kitchens, butter boards are taking the stage
as an accompanying act.

Imagine a cold winter day, pulling hot bread

from the stove and dipping it into a spread
of butter adorned with fresh herbs and
topped with sweet honey. There are so
many ways to jazz up butter from herbs to
citrus to edible flowers and the flavor
combinations are endless!

Do you know someone dairy free or would

you rather find a healthy afternoon snack
for the family? Try this spin on the butter
board by making a nut butter version. Nut
butters are filled with good fats and 59
proteins and combine well with sweet
counterparts such as coconut milk, honey
and maple. Nut butter boards are perfect
for dipping or spreading onto toasts.
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Butter boards will create a fun home

environment morning to night all winter
long.
Nut Butter Board Materials
1 serving board
1 c nut butter of choice
¼-½ c coconut milk, canned, refrigerated
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cardamom
Finishing salt
Fresh berries and apples for serving

Nut Butter Board Method

Prior to making the nut butter board, be sure to refrigerate the can of
coconut milk. This will ensure the coconut milk solids easily separate
from the liquid in the can.

Remove only solidified coconut milk and whip until softened. Stir in nut 60
butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Mix well.

Spread onto a clean serving board or platter. Sprinkle with finishing salt,
raspberries and blueberries.
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Serve with strawberries and apples slices and toasted bread.

Nut Butter Board Notes

For an alternative, try mixing in bananas, chocolate chips, chopped nuts
or coconut chips with a hazelnut butter drizzle and serve with pretzels.
Orange Sage Butter Board Materials
1 serving board
1 stick of salted butter, softened
1 orange
1 bundle of sage
Honey to drizzle

Orange Sage Butter Board Method

Spread softened butter onto a clean serving
board in a pattern or with whimsy.

Zest orange over the spread.

Place small leaves or chopped sage across

the mixture.

Drizzle with honey.

Serve immediately with warm bread or

place in the fridge for later.

61
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Brittany and her family are holistic homesteaders on a mission to live sustainably in the suburbs.
ACTIVATING NUTS +
SPICY CANDIED PECANS
BY KRISTEN WOOD

Whether you have trouble digesting nuts or simply want to make greater use of the nutrients
available in them, taking the time to activate nuts before enjoying them is well worth the effort,
especially if you make this spicy candied pecans recipe!

Activating nuts prior to eating them not only helps with the absorption of nutrients, but also helps
your body digest them more easily. By soaking and drying nuts, you break down the enzyme
prohibitors present in nuts. These enzyme prohibitors bind to nutritious enzymes and prevent your
body from properly digesting and absorbing them. Apart from the benefits, activated nuts are
tastier, too! Use this method to activate other nuts and seeds such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds and
brazil nuts.

Enter these spicy candied pecans. They are sweet, spicy and have a delightfully light, crunchy
texture that is highly addictive. Warming spices like cayenne, cinnamon and ginger are not only
packed with flavor, but also stimulate metabolism, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation. Pecans
are packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber and over 20 vitamins and minerals - they are a
superfood in and of themselves!

You can keep these candied pecans all for yourself, serve when entertaining or store in cute jars as
gifts for friends and family. Enjoy!

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Activating Nuts Materials
1 c raw nuts
1 tsp sea salt
Water, to cover
Bowl
Baking sheet

Activating Nuts Method

Place the nuts and salt in a bowl and cover
with water. Soak for 12 hours.

Drain the nuts and place them on a baking

sheet.
63
Bake in the oven at 170°F for 12 hours, or until
the nuts are completely dry.
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Notes
Store activated nuts or seeds in an airtight
container in the refrigerator for up to one
week.
Spicy Candied Pecans Materials Spicy Candied Pecans Method
¼ c maple syrup Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment
¼ c coconut sugar paper, and set aside.
1 tsp cinnamon, ground
½ tsp cayenne, ground Combine the maple syrup, sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, ginger and salt
¼ tsp ginger, ground in a mixing bowl.
Pinch salt
Add the pecans and give all a good stir until the pecans are well
2 c pecan halves
coated in the sticky mixture.
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Spread the pecans in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking
Parchment paper
sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until fragrant and crispy.

Notes 64
Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for one week, and up to three weeks in
the refrigerator.

If needed, brown sugar or any granulated sweetener you prefer can replace the coconut sugar.
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If you are sensitive to spice, you can omit the cayenne for a sweet candied pecan recipe instead.

Kristen Wood is a mama of two young boys, photographer, author of Vegetarian Family Cookbook, Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook,
and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners, and creator of MOONandspoonandyum.com, a gluten-free vegetarian food blog and
SchisandraAndBergamot.com, a botanically-inspired blog.
PICKLED
ROOT VEGETABLES
BY KARINA HINES

65
KITCHEN
An earthy winter root vegetable pickle is a quick, simple and flavorful way to
add punchy and crunchy flavors and textures to meals and snacks using
simple vegetables and ingredients.

A combination of small diced raw carrots, beets and watermelon radishes are
covered with a lightly spiced herb and sherry vinegar infusion that has a lovely
depth and balance of sweet and smoky flavors.

Earthy winter roots perfectly compliment the pickle flavor profile and keep
well in the fridge, making this a great condiment to use throughout winter.

Materials
2-3 c carrot, beets + watermelon radish
1 c water
1 c sherry vinegar
¼ c maple syrup
1 garlic clove, peeled
2 tbsp oregano, dried
2 tsp mustard seeds
2 tsp salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 24oz wide mouth mason jar with a lid

Method
Peel and small dice vegetables all to a similar size, about ¼ inch. Fill the mason
jar three quarters full with a mix of raw carrot, beets and watermelon radish.

Create pickling vinegar by adding all the remaining ingredients into a small
saucepan and bring to a simmer. Turn off heat.

Carefully pour pickling liquid over vegetables in the jar and put the lid on.
Turn the jar gently a few times to mix all the ingredients together well.

Cool to room temp then store in the fridge. Wait at least 12 hours before
eating allowing the flavor to deepen.

Notes
If you have a metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper over the jar mouth
then put the lid on to avoid rust contamination 66
Serve as an appetizer with crackers or as a condiment on tacos, sandwiches
or with grilled meats and vegetables.
Swap sherry vinegar for red wine vinegar.
Swap maple syrup for raw or dark sugar but halve the amount.
Swap garlic for ginger or skip.
KITCHEN

Karina Hines is a functional nutrition chef and Botanical Kitchen founder; she is passionate about vibrant seasonal food,
using food as medicine and the healing power of plants.
JAMAICAN-
INSPIRED
JERK SAUCE
BY KRISTEN WOOD

Jerk sauce is a spicy sauce with roots in Jamaican cuisine. One thing that sets jerk
sauce apart from most hot sauces, is its robust use of warming spices. It’s the perfect
condiment for jazzing up a bit of comfort food in the cooler months!

Allspice, black pepper, ginger, garlic and cloves are all natural anti-inflammatories
with pain-relieving and circulation-boosting benefits, and anti-bacterial properties as
well. Simply put: this potent sauce is as healthy as it is tasty.

Use this jerk sauce to marinate a protein or vegetable before cooking, as a stir-fry
sauce, dipping sauce or simply to drizzle over a bowl of rice or soup before digging in.

67
KITCEHN
Materials
5 fresh scotch bonnet or habanero peppers,
stemmed
1 red or white onion, halved
2 green onions, white and green parts
4 garlic cloves
1 one-inch knob ginger root, fresh
½ c orange juice
½ c lime juice
¼ c coconut aminos or soy sauce
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp thyme, dried
1 tbsp whole allspice berries, dried
1 tsp black pepper, ground
¼ teaspoon cloves, ground
Salt, to taste
Blender or food processor

Method
In a blender or food processor, combine the
peppers, onion, green onion, garlic, ginger,
orange juice, lime juice, coconut aminos,
sugar, thyme, allspice, pepper and cloves.

Blend until smooth.

Salt to taste.

Notes
Enjoy immediately or keep stored in an
airtight container in the refrigerator for up
to 2 months.

56
KITCHEN

Kristen Wood is a mama of two young boys, photographer,

author of Vegetarian Family Cookbook, Fermented Hot Sauce
Cookbook, and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners, and creator of
MOONandspoonandyum.com, a gluten-free vegetarian food blog
and SchisandraAndBergamot.com, a botanically-inspired blog.
 Harvest
Grow + Forage

Natalie Barnett

Natalie Barnett
 ALL ABOUT...

CEDAR IDENTIFICATION FORAGED SMOKE WANDS

The Cedar genus of trees (Cedrus) consists of Burning herbs is a practice that has been
four species that are members of the used since ancient times in various
Pinaceae family. These ‘true cedars’ are spiritualities and religions, but can also be
coniferous trees native to the mountainous used to simply make your home smell nice
regions of the Mediterranean. They have and to uplift your space! To make an herbal
evergreen-type needles and contain resin smoke wand, forage plants growing in your
pustules near the branches. area, and dry them in a dehydrator. Bundle
them together and wrap with all natural cord.
There are also trees in North America that
are referred to as Cedar. However, these are Commonly foraged winter plants offer unique
‘false cedars’, commonly known as arborvitae, properties that emanate when burned in a
and are part of the Cypress family Like true smoke wand. Cedar for balance, peaceful
cedars, they are also coniferous and have thoughts and strength. Pine for regeneration,
fragrant branches and trunks. Some of these wealth, and longevity. Juniper for good luck
false cedars are the Alaskan yellow cedar, and protection. Fir for renewal, growth and
Incense cedar, the Northern white-cedar, the hope.
Eastern redcedar and the Western redcedar.
Tuck in winter spices for added beauty and
The major visual difference between true and significance. Cinnamon for clairvoyance,
false cedars is in their needles. True cedars empowerment, and protection. Star anise to
have shorter needles, while false cedars have repel negative energy and increase psychic
long scaly leaves that fan out from the awareness. Orange for embodiment of the
branches. Sun, abundance and success.

-Heather Motil -Heather Motil

70
ALL ABOUT
CHARMED
CHAGA
BY LINNEA SCHOEN

Chaga, a peculiar fungus with an affinity for the birch tree, is growing in popularity near and far – sparking
the question of the supposed sustainability of this adaptogen.

This ‘mushroom’ is unique in form. The fruiting body of Inonotus obliquus is a black canker that parasitizes
living birch trees. It is hard and bark-like. Crumble away or break open the black outer crust and a bright
golden cork-like center is revealed. The black crust as well as the golden center are used traditionally in
regions of Siberia and China. Polysaccharides, polyphenols and triterpenoids within chaga are being
studied widely for anticancer, antitumor, and hypoglycemic properties, making it a promising potential in
the health field. Folk preparations include simmering a strong tea to extract the water-soluble constituents
that result in a mild, slightly bitter brew with earthy, pleasant undertones.

If you’re living in a northern climate, you may be fortunate enough to see chaga in the flesh. Chaga grows
exclusively on birch trees - anything looking similar to chaga on cherry or fir, for example, is not chaga and
should not be harvested. It should be harvested in the winter months as it’s thought that collecting at this
time may cause less stress to the living tree when it is dormant. You will need to either identify suitable
trees during the warm months, or be able to observe winter buds on the tree to know that it is a living tree.
Chaga gains much of its beneficial activity from constituents from the birch trees itself (betulinic acid, for
one), which is why it's important that the tree is alive. Next, take note of how many birch trees are around
and/or how much chaga you see. The sustainability of chaga is wrought with irony. The survival of chaga
means death for the birch. Parasitizing birch trees, as chaga requires, eventually kills the tree. That being
said, this is an important traditional medicine and wild food, and we ought not take more than we need.

71
HARVEST
 After a moment of thankfulness and
acknowledgement, by offering a gift if you feel called
to, harvest a portion of the canker. A hatchet,
hammer, or knife may be used depending on how
large and hard the chunk you plan to harvest. Do
your best not to cut into the birch tree, leaving some
chaga behind. Chaga should not be collected from
dead trees unless it will be used as tinder for fire-
starting.

After harvest, dry out the chaga either in a

dehydrator, in a room with a dehumidifier, or in a dry
room. Check regularly. Once dried, it can be infused
in alcohol to make a tincture, simmered into a
decoction (strong tea), or as a dual extract which
combines the two and benefits from having both
water-soluble and alcohol-soluble constituents in the
preparation. If you are keeping a dual extract for any
length of time, don’t allow the concoction to be
below 25% alcohol by volume and only a small
amount of decoction should be added to the tincture.
It can then be taken simply, added to tea, beverages,
or any other way one uses extracts.

With chaga’s ever-increasing trendiness within

the health and wellness community, it is pertinent
to bear in mind how we are interacting with the
Earth when choosing products to utilize. Being
such a hot commodity, some sellers of bulk chaga
and chaga-containing products do not adhere to
these practices or pay their harvesters well.
Interestingly enough, birch polypore contains
similar active constituents to chaga, and may be a
sustainable replacement as well as a more
abundant option for some. Always purchase from
a trusted source when not harvesting yourself.

As with all traditional wild foods and medicines,

utmost respect and care should be used while
handling and preparing chaga. Not because it is 72
dangerous, but because it is a gift given to us by
the Earth and if we don’t reciprocate with our gift
of gratitude, perhaps it would be best to just let it
grow.
HARVEST

Linnea is a forager, herbalist, and co-owner of Organic + Wild, a small-batch apothecary and home goods shop. Organic +
Wild seeks to connect customers to the Earth through their provisions which include tinctures, organic skincare, wild
foods, homemade maple syrup, teas, botanical art, candles, and custom orders.
WINTER FORAGING
WINTERGREEN
BY MEAGAN VISSER

While winter is often considered a barren season for

the herbalist, there is plenty of nature’s bounty to
employ, especially where foraging for botanicals is
concerned.

When it comes to winter foraging, the cold months

of the year are a perfect time for harvesting roots,
bark, seeds, nuts, and berries from various plants.

One plant available during winter is wintergreen

(Gaultheria procumbens). Wintergreen is a low-
growing ground cover high in volatile oils, which
gives it that classic wintergreen flavor and scent
commonly found in gum, toothpaste, and skin care
products.

Wintergreen is a favorite of herbalists because it

helps ease pain and inflammation of the joints and
muscles, discourages bacterial infections from
forming or spreading, and thins viscous mucous that
has consolidated in the respiratory passages. While
external preparations, such as infused oils,
liniments, and salves, are common, it is also used
internally in small amounts as a flavoring agent in
teas and foods.

Although foragers harvest wintergreen year-round,

winter is the ideal season for beginners to identify it
since the berries are present, making a positive
identification much more likely.

If wintergreen is a plant a person decides to work

with, they must first know where to find
wintergreen in the wild and be able to positively
identify the plant before ever thinking of harvesting 73
or using it. Once identified, it’s essential to know
how to harvest wintergreen sustainably and prepare
it for use.
HARVEST

While winter may not be the herbalist's busy harvest

season, it still has a lot to offer us if we get quiet and
pay attention. Wintergreen is one such gift.
Identification Note: Wintergreen and partridgeberry (Mitchell
Before identifying wintergreen, it’s best to know repens) are look-alike plants that are often
where to locate it. Wintergreen flourishes in mistaken for each other. While becoming familiar
temperate regions of Eastern North America with the characteristics of each plant, particularly
between growing zones 3-7. It prefers shady, the leaves and berries, will make it easy to tell
moist, well-drained soil with an acidic pH and them apart, the easiest way to differentiate these
often grows around evergreens like mountain two look-alike plants is their smell. Wintergreen
laurel and rhododendron. has that minty aroma, and partridgeberry does not.

If the location is correct, wintergreen can be Harvesting

spotted by looking for plants with the following Wintergreen is a slow-growing perennial that
characteristics. spreads by shallow underground rhizomes, and it
can take years to establish itself in any given
Height: 3-7 inch tall shrub/sub-shrub location. Because it grows slowly, it’s vital to follow
Leaves: Simple leaf, located in an alternating the best foraging practices to sustainably harvest
pattern near the top of the stem, up to 2-inches the plant and ensure no harm to the colony.
long, thick and glossy, dark green color that
turns red to bronze in the autumn, oval-shaped To harvest wintergreen, look over the colony and
and slightly toothed toward the tip with a spine- take note of healthy-looking plants. Pinch off the
like hair at each tooth, midrib vein running from largest leaf from each stem or take one berry from
the base to the tip of the leaf with pinnate each plant, following the ¼ harvesting guideline
secondary veins branching off of the midrib and only taking as much as will be used before the
Flowers: Bloom approximately July-August, ¼- next harvest.
inch white to pink bell-shaped flowers that hang
below leaves, waxy with scalloped edges, 1-3 Processing
flowers per plant Once harvested, infuse fresh wintergreen leaves
Fruit: Round ¼-inch calyx (commonly referred and berries in alcohol, such as vodka, to create an 74
to as a berry) replaces flowers, green in summer, extract for flavoring foods and wellness purposes.
turning red toward autumn Place the remaining leaves and berries in a paper
Root: Underground rhizomes that trail just bag, dehydrator, or on a drying screen to dry. Once
below the soil’s surface dry, store the plant parts in a cool, dark location
Aroma: Distinct minty scent typical to both and use them within one year for maximum
HARVEST

leaves and berries potency.

Meagan is a Registered Nurse turned folk herbalist and natural lifestyle blogger at GrowingUpHerbal.com,
homeschool mama to four wild and wonderful boys, small town Southern Appalachian mountain dweller,
lover of Jesus and Old World aesthetics, novice gardener, cat lady, and seasonal kinda gal.
HARVESTING
RASPBERRY STEMS
FOR WINTERTIME TEA
BY MARIA ILVES

The raspberry plant is a shrub native to Europe, Northern America, Northern Asia, and is also commonly
cultivated in other temperate regions. It can be found growing wild in mixed woodlands, clear cut areas,
roadsides and near footpaths.

Raspberry shrubs are mainly grown for their fruit – the deliciously plump, nutrient rich, soft pink berries.
Raspberry leaves are well-known in the herbalist community for their ability to support the menstrual cycle,
healthy blood flow and uterine health. Before harvesting and drying, the leaves have a dark green upper leaf
surface and a light green to white lower leaf surface. Each leaf has toothed edges, and they grow with three
to five leaflets on a single stalk.

But there is another part of the plant that is traditionally used in Northern Europe as a herbal remedy –
raspberry stems. Raspberry bushes produce biennial stems, growing in the first year and producing fruit in
the second year. These stems, also known as canes, can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Throughout history, raspberry stems have been one of the most important winter herbal allies in Estonia. In
the old days when food and drink reserves were limited, raspberry stem tea was one of the only hot brews
that people could find comfort in from the harsh winters. It was traditionally used as a warming tea during
exceptionally cold days, but it was also used for colds as it brought relief from fever, headaches, and fatigue.

Viivi, 80, from Southern Estonia shares her

childhood memories with raspberry stem tea:

“I remember vividly my mother calling us, the

children, to go and cut raspberry stems from the
garden. It was always our task as the parents were
occupied with work on the farm where we lived.
Raspberry stem tea was often made on Saturdays
after the sauna. We would bring in the stems and
make the tea on a wood-burning stove. Once the
stems had been boiling for a few minutes, the tea was
left to sit on the stovetop until dinner was ready. We
then drank it alongside our light supper.’’
76

Raspberry stem tea can be made from November

through to March. The raspberry plant sheds its
leaves in the autumn and in the winter the stems
will be a brown, cinnamon color. When harvesting
HARVEST

raspberry stems, it is important to pick first year

stems that have not yet produced fruit. These will
be full of life – a vibrant green color from the inside
and firmly attached to the root. To make this easier
in the future, it would be helpful to prune spent
canes after they have fruited.
Making Raspberry Stem Tea

To make raspberry stem tea, you need one,

approximately 16-inch stem, per cup of water.
The raspberry stems are used fresh, always cut
right before making the tea.

Head outside to gather your fresh raspberry

stems, remembering to choose ones as
described above. Clip the stems and roughly
scrape off the brown outer layer of the stem –
it really doesn’t need to be perfect! This step is
optional, but the elders of Estonia believe that
it is necessary for a quicker release of the
nutrients and will result in less boiling time. If
your raspberry variety has thorns, use gloves
and pliers or a paring knife to remove them
77
first.

Once back inside, chop the stems into 4-inch

pieces, add to boiling water and simmer for 5
HARVEST

minutes. Let sit for another 15-20 minutes or

longer, until the tea becomes a beautiful red
color. Warm the tea up again if desired. Enjoy!

Maria is a visual and creative storyteller sharing her

nature-inspired stories and photographs online at
marigoldstories.co.uk and on Instagram @marigold_stories.
GUESS
THIS

Amber Joy Kennedy

PLANT!
WITCH HZAEL
 PLACES

The Botanical Gardens in Asheville, NC is a 10-acre

independent, non-profit botanical garden full of native plants
and habitats of the Southern Appalachians. These gardens
have been enjoyed for over 60 years, educating visitors about
the importance of native plant landscaping, and how it can
drastically enrich the environment.

With free admission and parking, and right in the heart of the city, this is a wonderful quick stop you can add to
your itinerary when visiting Asheville.
79
The trail is stroller-friendly and the main loop is only a ½ mile long, making this great for families. The Gardens
also provide free Investigation Passports for children ages 4-10. Upon completion of the garden activities,
children can get their passports stamped in the visitor’s center.

Reed creek runs along part of this trail and is a charming, serene landscape. Bring a picnic and lay a blanket
PLACES

down in one of the meadows, or sit under the gazebo at a table. You will want to linger in this peaceful setting.

Peak blooming times are mid-April and mid-August, but every season has its own special beauty. Mid to late
October, the leaves are changing to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows to enjoy. The Botanical Gardens are a
perfect place to nature journal, bird watch, read, and observe nature.
COOL WEATHER
GARDEN
CARE
BY SARAH BARRON

As gardens sleep under weighted snow and

minds rest within cozy homes, it may seem odd
to start preparation for a garden’s new
iteration. But with winter’s calm, it is the ideal
season to organize, plan and even start sowing
for next year’s season.

ORGANIZE
For the practiced gardener, winter is the time
to first reflect on the previous growing season.
What techniques and plant varieties thrived?
What were the challenges or unexpected
roadblocks? Did the soil need amending, or
perhaps more weed barriers in place?

Gather all leftover seed and determine what

there is still an abundance of or lacking. It’s
helpful to organize seed into plant categories,
such as tomatoes, herbs or flowers. Use a piece
of paper with the category name to separate
plant types. This is also an opportune time to
review kitchen or apothecary recipes, and seed
catalogs to see what new herbs or vegetables
need to be purchased.

For new gardeners, a great start is first

reviewing different gardening techniques to
find a suitable match. Try exploring these
gardening techniques: container, organic, deep 80
mulch, companion planting, herb, intensive or
successional. Remember to start with a
manageable workload.
HARVEST

Whatever your gardening expertise, start a

gardening notebook with the year’s review and
future needs. Include a list of all seed currently
in hand, and a “want” list for future purchase or
collection of new plants.
 PLAN
Mindfully planning a garden is a creative
expression and an act of caring. Intimately
knowing a space, the type of light it gets, and
what varieties grow well together can make a
more bountiful harvest and a happier gardener.

Whether using a computer program or pen and

paper, create a replica of the garden space.
Populate the space with icons of the species to be
planted. If using pen and paper, try using cut-outs
to make it easier to change until finalized. When
creating the plan, consider what plants grow well
together, what plants to have easiest access to,
what plants will take over a space, and what will
please the eye. Have reference guides or
inspiration nearby to aid decisions. Finally,
complete a review of seeds, bulbs etc. to ensure
all plant types are accounted for within the plan.

SOW
Knowing the growing zone helps inform when
seed sowing should begin. Even for those in cold
environments, indoor sowing can begin as early
as February. A good way to keep organized is to
write in a calendar when plants should be sown.
Using the farmers almanac is a great tool for
those interested in astrological planting. For
those more tech savvy, check out the “Moon and
Garden” app. Review the list of garden plants,
and set a calendar reminder for days to start
indoor or outdoor sowing each plant.

When the time approaches to set your fingers to 81

the soil, review the back of the seed packet for
proper planting depth. If no information has
been provided, or the seed has been collected,
roughly factor the width of the seed, and don’t
HARVEST

plant deeper than that. Heating mats and grow

lights can be particularly helpful for those in
cooler climates. To save on potting soil, sow 2-3
seeds per cell. This can usually ensure each cell
has at least one plant.
Once the seedlings grow secondary leaves, cells with more than one sprout can be thinned into
a larger tray. For seeds started indoors, they need time to acclimate to the sun and wind before
being placed in a garden. Let the sprouts harden off a few hours a day, increasing the hours
each day until they are outdoors full time. Once their hardiness has been built up, they can be
lovingly placed in the garden prepared for them.

SUPPORT
When hands yearn for that summer toiling, there is plenty still to be done outdoors on a warm
winter day. Take in the season’s crisp air while removing unattended brush. Gather and weave
together grape and blackberry canes for garden trellises or edging. While fruit trees rest
dormant, prune branches that are low or overcrowded.

Consider painting wine bottles or other recycled materials to create places of interest and
magic among the plants. Or, assemble branches, bricks and rocks to foster a bee hotel, beetle
berm or hawk perch.

82
A garden is a spiritual practice that needs tending throughout all the year’s seasons. It is a
space that should be cared for with intent, and a practice that moves from our soiled hands to
our open minds and back again. May this time foster imagination, resolution and anticipation.
HARVEST

Sarah is the Wisconsin-based creator of LittleLovelyWhatnots, an online presence and shop devoted to mindful
expression, intuition and appreciation of native flora and fauna. Connect with her on all social platforms
@LittleLovelyWhatnots or on her website www.littlelovelywhatnots.com
 MAPLE SYRUP
HARVEST
BY FORREST SCHOEN

For most, winter is a time to settle and rest. But

for the sugar-bush steward, it is a time to prepare
for the upcoming maple sap season, which can
occur from mid winter to early spring in the
northeast and upper midwest. If you have one or
multiple maple trees, tapping for sap and boiling it
into syrup can be an opportunity to connect
further to your local landscape.

Harvesting sugar from the maple trees is an

ancient northeast indigenous tradition. It cannot
be overstated that we have native peoples to
thank for this wonderful food. The amount of
sugar that is in the trees around us is astounding.
All types of maples can be tapped, along with
walnut and birch. Sugar content will vary greatly
from tree to tree with sugar maples offering the
highest concentration.

Sap flows when temperatures go from freezing to

thawing so we look for a forecast of warm days
and cold nights. Tapping in spring is usually done
from February to April, but keep in mind some
trees need to be tapped at different times. Red
and silver maples run before sugar maples.
Walnuts and birches run later than maple trees.
Research your particular types of trees to know
the best time to tap.

To find a tree for tapping, first make sure of your

identification - proper ID is vital and helpful to do 84
when the tree still has leaves on it. The tree must
be at least 10-12 inches in diameter. Maple bark
varies greatly due to age and species so it would
be wise to consult a tree ID book prior to tapping.
HARVEST
Tree Tapping Materials
5 gallon buckets, gallon jugs, or maple
sap collecting buckets with hole 2 inches
under the rim for the spile
5 gallon bucket for transporting sap
Drill
7/16 inch drill bit
½ inch stainless steel taps or spiles
Hammer
Wire, optional

After finding the proper trees, identify

the spot to tap. Rough spots in the bark
or damaged areas should be avoided.
Find an area on the tree 1 ½ feet to 3 feet
off the ground. Hold the drill up to the
trunk at a slight angle so that the hole in
the tree will be slanted downward. This
angle must be shallow to be sure the
bucket can attach to the spile and it
won’t pull out of the tree from the
weight of the bucket. Drill your hole
around 2 inches deep and pound in the
spile with a hammer. If a tree is larger
than 20 inches in diameter, it can sustain
2 taps per year, and at 25 inches, 3 taps
are possible. Never tap a tree with more
than 3 spiles.

Attach your sap container on the spile

through a hole drilled at the top of the
bucket. Put the hook that came with
your spile through the hole in your spile
to hold up your container. Otherwise
you can use metal wire to fasten it. The
same process may be used on other
trees like walnut and birch.

Once secured, you are ready to collect 85

sap! Try drinking the sap straight or
make it into tea and coffee. The amount
of sap you get will depend on many
factors so ensure you check your tree at
HARVEST

least once per day. Extra sap can be

stored for a couple of days usually in
temps around 50 to 70 degrees. If frozen,
sap will store indefinitely.
Syrup Making Materials
Large stock pot
Cheesecloth or coffee filters
Ladle
Small jars for preserving

Once you have 5 gallons of

sap it’s time to boil! Strain
your sap first if there are
bugs or debris.

Reduce your sap with a

rolling boil until it has
darkened in color, thickened,
and forms small bubbles. You
must watch carefully until
your syrup foams up quickly.
Once it foams up the sap has
changed to syrup. You can
always use a candy
thermometer to be sure (~219
degrees F), but it’s not
necessary.

Take your syrup and pour

into jars while hot. Put on lids
and store in a cool dark place.
The high sugar content
means maple syrup doesn't
require canning in a water
bath

If you happen to overcook your sap, or want to try, you can continue boiling to make maple
sugar. Stir frequently, until your sugar reaches 255 degrees. Transfer to a large bowl. Try using
an electric mixer to start because otherwise your arm will become very tired. Turn the mixer
on low and stir your sugar until you see the sheen go away and it starts to granulate but is still
liquid. Now switch to stirring with a wooden spoon until the texture changes to brown sugar.
Crush or grind any chunks left over. This is a wonderful ingredient to use in place of cane
sugar.
86

Eventually the tree will stop running. Make sure the tree is budding and cool temps are done
before you decide to pull out your spile. After a couple days of freezing nights and warmer
days but no sap, you can be sure your tree is done. The sap will also become cloudy in
appearance. Now it's time to pull out the spile using pliers. The holes may leak for a few days,
HARVEST

but eventually they will dry up. And that’s it - homemade maple syrup!

Forrest is a forager, herbalist, and co-owner of Organic + Wild, a small-batch apothecary and home goods shop.
Organic + Wild seeks to connect customers to the Earth through their provisions which include tinctures, organic
skincare, wild foods, homemade maple syrup, teas, botanical art, candles, and custom orders.
Craft
Art + Design
WALNUT
TASSEL
ORNAMENT
BY LINDA MYDLAK

88
CRAFT
A bowl of nuts with a nutcracker is a staple in many homes during the holiday season. In many
parts of Europe, the tradition of nuts at Christmas goes back to Saint Nicholas. In some countries,
like Germany or the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas leaves nuts, oranges and other small treats in
good children’s shoes that are left out to be filled on the night of December 5th or 6th. In other
places, Saint Nicholas arrives at a party with a large sack and strews the nuts and other goodies
on the floor for children to scramble after. In general, nuts are believed to bring good luck at
Christmas time. So why not turn these little lucky charms into a special ornament this year?

These walnut ornaments make a beautiful addition for every holiday tree or bouquet, but they can
also be used as sweet little gift tags or adornments to decorate a festive table. Versatile in color
and materials used, they are easily adapted to your personal taste and style, and a lovely craft to 89
do with older children. Munching on a handful of walnuts while crafting these ornaments might
even be beneficial for your health.

Materials
Walnuts
CRAFT

Embroidery yarn or other thin yarn of your choice

Wooden beads 10cm in diameter
Scissors
A tiny bit of beeswax, optional
 MAKING THE TASSEL
Start by making a tassel for your ornament. Cut two pieces of
yarn to a length of about 12 inches. Cut one length of about 6
inches. Wrap your yarn around three fingers about 15 times.
Take the loop off your fingers and knot the two longer pieces of
yarn around the top end of your loop. Knot twice. This will
become your hanger loop.

Now take the shorter piece of yarn and wrap it around the
upper part of your loop several times, about 1 centimeter
below your knot, forming the “head” of your tassel. Knot
twice and cut off extra yarn.

Last but not least, cut open the bottom end of your loop and
trim all the threads to the same length.

MAKING THE ORNAMENT

Take your walnut and place a tiny bit of warmed beeswax at the
blunt end of your walnut. This will help to keep the tassel in
place when making the ornament and can be removed later, if
desired. Then thread the wooden bead onto the four ends of the
hanger loop.

Now comes the tricky bit. It's helpful to have a second pair of hands, but
can be done alone. Pull the bead down your hanger loop until the length
of yarn between your tassel and the bead is only slightly longer than your
walnut. Insert walnut and pull bead down until it sits firmly in the pointy
end of your walnut and the yarn runs tightly around the sides of the nut.
Holding your bead in place, make a knot on top of your walnut. It needs
to be right on top of the bead, so it will hold the nut in place.
90

As a last step, tie another knot about 2 inches above the bead
to finish your hanger loop and trim the ends. Now you can
hang your walnut ornament.
CRAFT

Linda is a teacher by profession. She likes to craft and spend time in nature with her family, adventuring, foraging or just
admiring seasonal changes. Linda’s crafts are mostly seasonal and nature inspired, and she has a weak spot for natural
materials. You can find her on Instagram @lindamydlak.
 HOLLY Did you know?
TRINKET DISH Holly berries are not actually berries! They are
BY NATALIE BARNETT technically drupes, which are also called stone
fruit. It is a fruit with a large "stone" inside. The
stone is sometimes called the seed, but the
seed is actually inside the stone. The stones
can also be called pits. Examples of other
The holly plant can be easily identified stone fruits are peaches, plums, and cherries.
with its green shiny sharp-edged leaves
and bright red berries. Holly has been
used as a winter decoration for
thousands of years and is often
associated with Christmas. In parts of
Europe, it was once referred to simply as
Christmas, and "Christmas trees" were
holly bushes in pre-Victorian times.

But holly has been utilized for a very long

time for many uses around the world.
There are thousands of years of folklore
and mythology surrounding this plant,
with several medicinal uses, and lots of
interesting facts.

Let's learn a little bit more about the

holly plant and then have fun creating a
holly impression handicraft. This little
trinket dish is perfect for gifting this
holiday season and can be customized
any way your child wants.

Holly Fun Facts:

Genus: Ilex
There are more than 400 species of holly
Native to every continent except Antarctica
Berries are a wonderful food source for birds
Plants are dioecious, which means there are
male trees and female trees
Only the female trees produce berries
92
Holly berries are poisonous to humans, and
can cause vomiting and diarrhea when
ingested
Holly leaf tea and holly leaf extract has been
used to help treat coughs, fever, water
CRAFT

retention, digestive disorders, dizziness, and

jaundice.
In many cultures, it was thought to be unlucky
to chop a holly tree down because of the
tree's protective qualities. However, the
cutting of boughs for decoration was allowed.
Materials
Fresh holly leaves and berries
Air dry clay
Rolling Pin
Wax paper or other non-stick surface to work on
Small bowl
Exacto knife or playdough cutting tool
Toothpick
Small bowl of water
Acrylic paint
Fine paintbrushes
Glossy clear acrylic sealer

Start with a small lump of clay and roll it in your hands to

make a ball.

Using a rolling pin, roll out your clay on wax paper to ½ inch
thickness or less, making a round shape.

Flip the small bowl over the clay and carefully trace around
the bowl with your cutting tool to make the circle.

Lay your fresh holly leaves where you want the impression
on the clay. Gently press the leaves into the clay with your
rolling pin. Push each berry into the clay and carefully pull
them up like a stamp.

Carefully pull the holly leaves up from the clay with a 93

toothpick.
CRAFT
 If the edges are rough on your clay circle, dip your fingers in
water and gently smooth the clay out.

Lay the clay circle on top of your bowl so that it sags just a bit in the
middle. If you want a deeper bowl, gently push the clay down in the
middle. The bowl will hold the shape of your trinket dish as it dries.

Let sit for at least 24 hours. The thicker the clay bowl, the longer it
takes to fully dry.

Once the clay is completely dry, remove it from the bowl and you
can use a fine sandpaper to smooth out the edges if you’d like.

Next you can paint the trinket dish however your child would like.
Classic green for the leaves and bright red for the berries with
metallic gold, silver, and bronze as the background color is classic
and festive. You may need two coats of paint to fully cover the clay.

Once the paint is dry, spray a coat of glossy clear acrylic sealer to keep
the paint from chipping.

94

Notes
These bowls are not food safe. Do not use them with food.
If you do not have access to holly, other plants that will make an impression
in the clay bowl include ferns, pine boughs, or any other leaf you can find.
CRAFT

Natalie Barnett is a homeschooling nature-loving mama to two wild boys. She writes about
simple living, family life, outdoor adventures, homemaking, herbal remedies and homeschooling
at her blog mysimplewild.com and on Instagram @mysimplewild. This handicraft is an excerpt
from the Holly Plant Mini Unit, where you can purchase at her Etsy shop.
 BOTANICAL
HOLIDAY CARD
BY GINA VIDE

There is nothing like a personalized card to Materials

show someone that they are special to you. Template
Cardstock
Adding handpicked foliage adds to the Foliage such as fir, pine, cedar
specialness and uniqueness. Petals such as poinsettia, rose
Double-sided tape or glue
Happy Making! Scissors
Tweezers, optional

Method
Gather foliage and petals.

Print template on cardstock.

Using the guidelines on the

template, place double-sided tape
or glue down the trunk of the tree
and press fir, cedar or pine to look
like a tree.

To make the garland, gift and star,

cut shapes from petals of another
color. Attach with glue. Let dry.

Make sure you sign your artistic

creation by adding your signature 95
in the back of the card.

Make photocopies of this card or

make more and new variations!
CRAFT

Created with her own two hands for you! Gina Vide is an artist and mother of 3 living, working and finding daily inspiration
in the Stockholm archipelago. If you use this tutorial, we would love to see what you create! Tag @willowdaygram and use
hashtag #willowday.
LANTERN WALK
ART PRINT
BY LAURA DEMARS

Laura created this piece during that bizarre week in-between Christmas and New Year’s when you
can’t keep track of what day it is. The major excitement has died down, but a certain buzz of holiday
cheer lingers just below the surface. Getting outside for an evening walk is a great way to recenter
yourself. Enjoy the muffled silence that only a fresh snowfall can bring, feel the tip of your nose start
to tingle with the freezing air, take a deep breath, and be grateful for the earth beneath your boots.
Enjoying nature doesn’t have to end when the color fades, and the temperatures drop. There is so
much beauty to explore during the long winter, both inside and outside your home.

Materials: Watercolor Paper, Gouache

Method: Traditional Illustration

The PDF that accompanies this publication is available for you to print this illustration for your own
personal use. You may not alter, distribute or sell copies of this illustration in any fashion.

98
CRAFT

Laura lives in beautiful South Eastern Minnesota with her husband and two daughters. When
not illustrating cozy and whimsical scenes, she is often found wandering the northwoods and
spending time at her cottage on Lake Superior. Her inspiration comes from exploration of
nature, paired with her love of creating a home. You can find her work on etsy, and instagram
@ChimneySmokeArt
HOW TO DRAW
NARCISSUS
BY GINA VIDE

While you may already know that Holly is December’s birth flower, did you realize that there is
a second December flower? It’s the paperwhite Narcissus, or Narcissus papyraceus.

Narcissus is a figure in Greek mythology who is strong, gorgeous and arrogant. Women fawned
and fainted over him, but no one was good enough for him. A wood nymph Echo became so
besotted with his beauty that she approached him and threw herself upon him. Narcissus
spurned her so completely that she walked the woods in despair until all that was left of her
was her voice. When the goddess Nemesis discovered what had happened, she punished
Narcissus to avenge Echo’s death, and one day, while Narcissus was hunting, he discovered his
reflection in a pool of water and fell in love with his reflection. But when he realized that he
couldn’t reach the object of his desire he committed suicide, and a bed of flowers sprung from
the ground from his remains; the flowers we now know as the Narcissus flowers.

Before we break down this flower in a drawing, it’s helpful to consider its botany, The Narcissus
is a genus of perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes. The plants are scapose, having a
single central leafless hollow flower stem (scape). Several narrow, strap-shaped shaft-like 99
leaves grow from the bulb. The plant stem usually bears one solitary flower, but occasionally a
cluster of flowers (umbel).

These flowers consist of a perianth composed of three parts:

1. Closest to the stem (proximal) is a floral tube above the ovary
CRAFT

2. A outer ring composed of six tepals (undifferentiated sepals and petals)

3. A central disc to conical shaped corona.

There are six pollen bearing stamens surrounding a central style. The ovary is inferior (below
the floral parts) consisting of three chambers (trilocular).
Draw Paperwhite Narcissus

Begin by drawing light guide lines. Draw one small circle for the bulb (base) and a
second larger circle for the full flower head. Lightly sketch a single line for the
stem.

Add an ellipse in the upper circle that will later be used as a guideline for the
corona.

It’s time to now draw with more intention and heavier lines; sketch the bulb using
the lower circle as a guide. Keep the circle open at the base of the stem. Complete
the cup-shape of the corona.

Add “parenthesis-shapes” as guidelines for the ovules. To complete the leaf, add 6
leaves that are all pointed with their bases attached to the corona.
100
Add the scape, which is the tissue that appears where the bulb and the stem meet
and draw this same sheer leaf-shape to cover the ovule.

Draw details: veins in the petals and shading.

CRAFT

Created with her own two hands for you! Gina Vide is an artist and mother of 3 living,
working and finding daily inspiration in the Stockholm archipelago. If you use this tutorial,
we would love to see what you create! Tag @willowdaygram and use hashtag #willowday.
HERB POUNDED
TOTE
BY MARGARET BYRD

Hammer pounding w ​ inter herbs of sage and rosemary is a unique way to create beautiful
botanical prints on a cotton tote you can carry with artistic pride. Expand design elements
by adding different seasonal culinary leaves available in your garden or green grocer
including mint, tarragon and thyme.

Long treasured as soothing delight in the apothecary and enhancing flavors in the kitchen,
herbs also surprise with subtle shades of flaxen yellow and tender green hidden within the
leaves, stems and sprigs. This natural color can be transferred directly onto fiber using a
hammer to capture their curvilinear organic shapes as a visual treat as well.

Create a one-of-a-kind mandala inspired design or simply scatter sage, rosemary and other
fresh herbs in a loose abstract pattern on 100% natural textile. Within seconds of gently
pounding, the verdant outline emerges and a remarkably detailed botanical print is revealed.

Dipping the herbal patterned fiber in homemade iron water darkens the leaf print to a deep
forest green and bonds the natural color to the textile so your printed artwork will last for
all of your toting adventures. The iron water needs several weeks to develop its mordant
magic, so start the ferrous elixir well in advance of this herb pounding party.

102
CRAFT
 Materials
Iron water
100% natural cotton tote bag
Barrier cloth - lightweight repurposed
cotton
pH neutral laundry detergent
Clothes iron
Fresh sage, rosemary and other herbs
of your choice
Parchment paper
Hammer
Gloves
Bowl
Strainer
Spoon
Tongs

Method
Make homemade iron water 2-3 weeks in advance of the printing project. See
page 105 for directions.

Wash the cotton tote and barrier cloth using pH neutral laundry soap. Tumble or
air dry. Iron out wrinkles to make a smooth surface on both pieces of fiber.

Place parchment paper on the inside of the tote to create a barrier so the herbal
design is printed on just one side of the bag. Without this, you will have a ghost
print on the opposite side that may be lighter and less well-defined. Lay the tote
flat on a hard surface that can withstand being safely pounded with a hammer.
103

Create the design by laying the leaves in the desired pattern on one side of the
tote. Use variations in shape and size of the different herbs to build visual
interest. The sun (top) and earth (bottom) side of the leaves will make distinct
prints, so feel free to play with these differences.
CRAFT

You can test how the prints will look and practice the process by first pounding a
sample print on a scrap piece of textile. By folding the test fiber in half, a barrier
will be created between the hammer and the herb and you will see both the sun
and earth side print at the same time on opposite sides of the textile.
Once the herbs are placed in
the final pattern, cover the
tote carefully with the barrier
cloth and gently press the leaf
design to flatten it. Be careful
not to move the barrier cloth
while pounding the leaves so
the overall design does not
shift. By keeping the top fiber
in one place, the ghost print
left on the barrier fiber can
also become a bonus piece of
textile art.

Begin pounding each leaf

carefully until the print
emerges on the barrier cloth.
Feel free to delicately lift a
portion of the barrier cloth to
check if more pounding is
necessary to transfer the leaf
print entirely onto the tote.
Work slowly and steadily until
the full design is printed.

Carefully remove the barrier cloth and gently pull off the macerated pieces of herb
that have adhered to the tote. If the plant matter can not be easily removed, wait
for it to dry out slightly and try again. Shake the tote to unlodge any residual pieces
of herb before using the iron water bath.

Fill a bowl with warm water, add 2-3 tablespoons of homemade iron water to the
bath and stir well. Fold the tote into quarters and begin submerging each quadrant
separately into the iron water for approximately 15 seconds. The leaf color will shift
quickly to a dark green at which point the next quadrant can go into the iron bath.

Remove the tote and rinse immediately in lukewarm water before hanging to dry.
To care for your hand-printed tote bag, wash in cold water using a gentle 104
detergent and air dry out of direct sunlight.

Notes
CRAFT

All utensils above should be used exclusively for dye purposes only.

Margaret is an installation & mixed media artist with a passion for raw material and organic color which is a fervent focus in
her creative practice. As an avid explorer, Margaret celebrates the beauty of nature’s palette foraged during her travels and
shares her colorful adventures on her YouTube channel, Margaret Byrd:Color Quest.
IRON WATER

Materials
Rusty nails or iron pieces
1 c white vinegar
Mason jar

Method
Make homemade iron water 2-3 weeks in advance of the dye project. To make iron water, 105
place rusty nails or iron pieces in a mason jar. Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water
to cover the iron pieces. Tightly seal jar with lid and set in a cool dark place. Shake the jar
occasionally over several weeks to mix the vinegar bath well. When the solution turns
orange, it is ready to use. Clearly label the jar and store out of reach of children for future
dye projects. Iron water can last indefinitely if kept airtight in between usage.
CRAFT

Margaret is an installation & mixed media artist with a passion for raw material and organic
color which is a fervent focus in her creative practice. As an avid explorer, Margaret celebrates the
beauty of nature’s palette foraged during her travels and shares her colorful adventures on her
YouTube channel, Margaret Byrd:Color Quest.
Folklore
Myth + Magic + Ritual

Maria Ilves
ASTRO HERBALISM
WINTER CELESTIAL PLANTS
BY ANN MEYER

Throughout life there are many synchronicities and interconnected moments. Mother Nature is
constantly trying to show us these moments and remind us that we are all part of the same cycle. For
example, there is an Ancient belief that each plant here on Earth is connected to a star and planet in
the sky above. In order to discern how a plant corresponds to a planet, we must take a few things
into consideration. We look at how the plant grows, does it prefer a hot dry climate like the desert or
does it grow better in a wet environment such as the marshy wetlands. Something that grows in a
desert environment may be a plant related to Mars or the Sun, whereas a plant which grows in the
water may be related to the Moon or Neptune.

We also look at characteristics of the plant itself. Is it fragrant and floats on a breeze or is it low to
the ground and puts down deep roots. These could tell the difference between an Air and an Earth
element plant. Taking the spiritual nature of the plant is also important. For example, mugwort is an
herb for the zodiac sign Cancer due to its connection to the moon and Artemis. Spiritually, mugwort
is tied to Pisces because of its dream, intuition and psychic enhancing abilities.

Lastly, what we look at are the medicinal actions the plant holds and is used for. Before modern
medicine, practitioners believed that each planet and zodiac sign ruled a different part of the body
and would often look to the sky to try and help treat the people around. For example, Capricorn
rules our skin, hair and teeth so herbs that support this area of our body while also fitting the
characteristics of an earth element plant might be considered a plant of Capricorn.
By studying and learning Astro Herbalism we can expand our knowledge and dive deeper into our
plant journey. Not only on a holistic, medicinal level, but also on a spiritual level.

114
FOLKLORE
Capricorn

Ruling Planet Saturn

Element Earth
Mode Cardinal
Symbol Sea Goat
Tarot Card The Devil
Mantra I Use
Medical Astrology Skin, hair, teeth, joints,
knees, bones and skeletal
system
Associated Plants Arnica, boneset, comfrey,
horsetail, thistle, thyme

Capricorns love to work hard and climb to the top! They are very goal oriented and full of drive.
Often their dedication can come off as stubbornness because they are willing to do whatever it
takes to achieve. They are the type of people who are still going after everyone else has thrown in
the towel. Capricorns can present themselves as stiff, unwelcoming or a bit conservative. Once
you get them to open up you’ll realize that they are the life of the party!

The constellation of Capricorn is related to the God Pricus. Pricus was the first sea-goat, which
had the tail of a fish and the head of a goat. He was the ruler of time and could live forever, as
long as he stayed in the ocean. Pricus’s children continuously left the sea to be on land, choosing
mortality over their father, leaving him the only goat left in the sea. Feeling sad and lonely, Pricus
asked his creator Cronos for help. Cronos threw Pricus amongst the stars where he could watch
over his children from above.

Capricorn plants often grow in earthy,

fertile, marshy conditions due to the earth
and water aspects of the sea-goat. Herbs
under this sign are full of minerals and
nutrients which help to improve and
enhance our hair, skin and nails. Just as 108
Capricorn has the strength to keep going,
these herbs act as a power house to our
skeletal system by nourishing our bones.
FOLKLORE
Aquarius

Ruling Planet Uranus

Element Air
Mode Fixed
Symbol Water Bearer
Tarot Card The Star
Mantra I know
Medical Astrology Lower leg, calves, ankle,
shin, sympathetic nervous
system
Associated Plants Cacao, rosemary, skullcap,
valerian, vervain, witch hazel

Aquarius people tend to be socially conscious and want to make the world a better place. Their
visionary energy, mixed with creativity is the perfect combination to take on humanitarian
issues. Uranus is about breaking down barriers, which means Aquarius can come off as a rebel
without a cause. They must learn to focus their energy to keep moving forward.

The constellation of Aquarius is the water bearer, which is associated with the god Ea, sometimes
referred to as Enki. Ea is the god of wisdom, fresh water, intelligence, healing and mischief. He is
the protector of man and the world. It is said that from the stars, Ea pours water from his cup
down onto the earth which allows the human world to survive. He is what fills our oceans, rivers
and streams allowing growth and life to exist.

Aquarius plants tend to help with varicose

veins, stimulating blood to the legs, and
spasms. Since Aquarius is ruled by Uranus,
which rules our sympathetic nervous
system. We see strong nervine herbs
associated with this sign, especially 109
nervines which aid in muscle spasms.
FOLKLORE
Pisces

Ruling Planet Neptune

Element Water
Mode Mutable
Symbol Fish
Tarot Card the Moon
Mantra I Believe
Medical Astrology Feet, toes, endocrine
system, pineal gland
Associated Plants Blue lotus, California poppy,
milky oats, mugwort,
passionflower

Pisces is the last zodiac sign and oftentimes their character embodies a bit of each sign that
came before them. Pisces are very spiritual, intuitive beings, and are full of depth and emotion.
Many people believe that Pisces can see between the realms and get lost in their dreams.

The constellation Pisces is the fish, specifically the koi fish that saved Aphrodite and her son Eros
from the sea monster Typhon. Some stories say that the koi fish helped protect the two from
Typhon, while others say that the pair turned into fish with their tails tied together and swam
away. Either way the fish earned their spot in the stars, right between Aries and Aquarius.

Pisces plants tend to be soothing and are

often found in moist conditions. These are
the plants that enhance our psychic
abilities and regulate our emotions. Being
the last of the zodiac sign and ruler of our
feet, Pisces plants can help us feel 110
grounded. Especially during times when
we feel ourselves floating away.
FOLKLORE

Ann is an herbalist whose passion is spending time

with the plants around her. Over the past year Ann’s
plant path has been combined with her love for
astrology diving deeper into connecting both the
plants and planets
WINTER DEITIES
LEGEND, LORE, AND PLANTS
BY ANNA REISZ

Winter has long been a time associated with the death of the land and the old year and the imminent
rebirth of the new. This is represented by many fascinating deities from various cultures and traditions.
These deities are inextricably tied to the earth and to plants.

Just like the legend of Persephone, many winter deities have a link to the underworld as they preside over
the dead months of winter. One such deity is the Cailleach. In Celtic countries, the Cailleach is the divine
crone who arrives on Samhain and uses her wand, made of blackthorn, birch, bramble, or willow, to bring
the winter. She strikes the ground with this wand to freeze it, and when it’s time for winter to end, she
casts it into the gorse roots and turns temporarily to stone as Brigid takes over to rule the warmer months.
The Cailleach is a figure that represents winter as a necessary dormancy to allow for the return of spring
and new life. Aside from the plants that make her wand, the Cailleach has ties to clove, elder, elm, hazel,
holly, pine, poppy, and others. Another archetype linked to the Cailleach is the Queen of Wands in tarot.

In Slavic belief, Morana is the goddess of not only winter, but death and rebirth, the harvest, the earth,
water, night, magick, dreams, and the Queen of Cups in tarot. She is associated with grain and apples, and
wears an herbal wreath made from such botanicals as mint, flax, lavender, hyssop, yarrow, mullein, and
chamomile. In a ritual that dates back to at least medieval times, and is still practiced today, an effigy of
Morana would be burned or drowned to kill the winter and make way for spring. Prior to performing the
ritual, items would be taken off the effigy for reuse: the herbs in her wreath for teas or for fertilizing
gardens, and the hay stuffing her clothes for livestock feed or even to make a broom.

Skadi is the complex Norse goddess whose name means both shadow and harm. She is the patroness of
winter, hunting, skiing, wolves, knowledge, survival, vengeance, and dark magick. Skadi’s tarot association
is fittingly the Queen of Swords. She is closely associated with spruce, juniper, mistletoe, and various herbs
—plants of the mountain and foraging plants. According to some legends, Skadi first taught people to hunt
with bows and arrows, and she is known for rescuing those lost in fierce winter weather.

In Scandinavian and Germanic legends, Frau Holle strikes a softer image as a goddess of the hearth,
fertility, domesticity, weaving and spinning, witchcraft, snowfall, the woods, and plants, as well as the
Queen of Coins in tarot. She causes it to snow by shaking the feathers out of her bed linens! Frau Holle is
associated with elder, evergreen, mistletoe, and holly, befitting her feast day of December 25. Frau Holle
offers Yule gifts to women and protects children through the cold of winter. Despite her kindly image,
however, Frau Holle is sometimes said to be a strict disciplinarian, warning she might swat the lazy with
stinging nettles!
112
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to winter deities. There is a wealth of information to
explore on these figures and many more—perhaps curled up by the fire with a hot mug of tea. Many of
these deities share common characteristics, including close ties with the earth and plants, ushering in the
dormant winter season so the earth can rest and grow anew in spring, cycles of life and death, protection,
and powerful magick.
FOLKLORE

Note: The pictured tarot deck here is the classic Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, first published in 1909.

Anna is a mama of three and the herbalist behind The Herbology Faerie, where she shares recipes, lore, and wisdom with a
simple, hygge, folk approach. A former teacher and librarian, Anna promotes accessible herbalism and herbal education for
health, hobby, and personal fulfillment.
JUNIPER The odor of burning
FOLKLORE juniper is the
BY ANNA REISZ sweetest fragrance
on the face of the
earth, in my honest
Though it’s perhaps not the first evergreen one thinks of in judgment; I doubt if
connection to winter, juniper has a long and storied history that often all the smoking
ties it to the colder parts of the year.
censers of Dante's
Juniper represents hope and warmth, thriving in overwrought soil paradise could equal
where other trees can’t. It is symbolically, elementally, and
astrologically associated with fire, ruled by the Sun and closely tied to
it.
Mars. Juniper also symbolizes eternal life.

The juniper tree’s berry-like cones and twigs provide food for
animals, often the only available winter sustenance. They offer Edward Abbey
culinary and medicinal uses for humans, and there are many Desert Solitaire
ritualistic applications for juniper’s wood and berries, as well. It is
quite interesting how juniper’s folk associations mirror its medicinal
uses.

The age-old use of juniper medicinally for healing, relieving stagnation, and protection from diseases probably
stems in large part from the berries’ diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most pleasant ways
to administer these medicinal benefits came in the form of gin, the juniper berry liquor that dates back as far as
the 11th century, as well as medicinal juniper twig beer.

In accord with these historical medical practices, juniper was—and still is—used in folk practice for protection.
For disease, poison, plague, spirits, demons, and especially thievery, juniper has been a potent ward.

Often, smoke and charms are the vehicle by which juniper performs this protective service. Many cultures,
including ancient Greeks and Egyptians, used juniper incense in this manner. Various types of protective
amulets and charms were made from juniper berries, as well. The trees have even been long used in some
places as Yule or Christmas trees or greenery for some added protection.

The Scottish have a long-standing winter tradition. The day after Hogmanay, the celebration of New Year’s eve,
women would perform a saining, a smoke cleansing of the entire house with smoldering juniper branches. The
aromatic smoke was carried and dispersed throughout the house for blessings, purification, and protection for
the coming year; the same was performed through barns and to purify livestock.

Several species of juniper are also native to the Americas, as reflected by juniper’s presence in many indigenous 114
Americans’ traditions and tales. Among those, the Hopi, Navajo, Blackfoot, and Seneca tell legends surrounding
the tree or its berries. A Seneca tale involves junipers and other evergreens standing up to old man winter so
spring may return.
FOLKLORE

While winter persists, perhaps juniper is a plant to explore a deeper relationship with. Whether it’s branches in
greenery that decorates the home, fragrant incense, or even a sip of gin, inviting juniper in is a way to connect
to this plant’s long history.

Anna is a mama of three and the herbalist behind The Herbology Faerie, where she shares recipes, lore, and wisdom with a
simple, hygge, folk approach. A former teacher and librarian, Anna promotes accessible herbalism and herbal education for
health, hobby, and personal fulfillment.
WREATHS OF MAGIC
BY REBECCA BEYER

There is much magic in the Winter Solstice, or Yule as it is often called. December
21st. The light returns. Many folk rituals around the temperate world were performed
to ensure the Sun’s return, such as the lighting of fires.

These nights were seen as liminal times of mystery and magic in history. Stories were
told and much merry making occurred to celebrate the returning light. Despite this
Yuletide joy, the dark aspect of Winter has just begun, and ghost stories were also
told at this time, much like at All Hallows. Many crafts were done around the
protective and life-giving warmth of the hearth fire.

Craft a wreath with edible and medicinal plants that hold the lore of the season. This
project makes a beautiful protective talisman for the home, or a perfect solstice gift.

Materials
Sharp snips or pruning shears
Cotton twine in a color of your choosing; red is lovely
Plant material

Method
First, one must begin with a circle of pine as the backbone of the wreath. Any species
of pine will do, but the more flexible the bough the better. Using a pair of sharp pliers
with the blades rubbed in olive oil, to help prevent resin sticking them together, snip
a bough that will become the main circle of your wreath. Bend it carefully, holding
the tip of the branch to the end of the cut branch to form a circle with about 3 inches
of overlap.

Measure out 2 arms length of string and wrap natural cotton string around these two
overlapped ends tightly, and tie in a firm square knot to ensure they do not come
apart allowing the rest to be a long tail. Use this extra tail of string to wrap your 116
bough tightly, adding little bits of pine to fluff up your wreath.

Once you have wrapped the string entirely around your wreath, take the other plant
material you have prepared and tuck in the ends here and there creatively to make a
FOLKLORE

beautiful gift. Make sure to tie everything very tightly as the wreathes shrink as the
plant material dries.

Once complete, hang your wreaths to adorn your winter home.

The Plantlore of Midwinter Wreath Making

PINE
During this season the Pine family shines as the emblematic Christmas tree, or
to some, the solstice tree. The Christmas tree could be a melding of pagan and
Christian beliefs: the old Roman custom of decorating houses with laurels and
green trees, and the Christian belief that every Christmas Eve fruit trees
blossomed. It was also said the Druids festooned their huts with evergreens
during winter as a warm home for the sylvan spirits. It was Germany that is
often credited for popularizing the practice of keeping a Christmas tree as we
know today.
In Bohemia it was thought that eating pine nuts could make one bullet proof.

ROSEMARY
The Romans used rosemary in funerary rites. As an evergreen, it stands as a
symbol of everlasting life and an emblem of eternity. It was also known to
mean remembrance and was included in bouquets and wreaths for
friendship, fidelity and bridal wreaths.
During the Middle Ages rosemary was spread on the floor at midnight on
Christmas Eve so as people walked on it the fragrance would fill the air;
there was a belief that those who smelled rosemary on Christmas Eve would
have a year of health and happiness. Thus, started the long tradition of
rosemary in Christmas wreaths and other holiday decorations.

HOLLY
The Holly was a sacred tree to the pre-Christian peoples of the British Isles.
The Druids were said to believe the leaves of Holly offered protection
against evil spirits and thus "wore holly in their hair".
Its uses in magic and divination survive today. In Appalachian folk magic,
you can count the stickers of a Holly leaf alphabetically, and it will help you
find out your future partner's initials. This tidbit comes from the European
practice in Northumberland wherein it is used for divination as well. Nine
leaves are taken and tied with nine knots into a handkerchief, and put under
the pillow by a person who desires prophetic dreams.

HAWTHORNE
Hawthorn has much lore surrounding it. It was used to hang above
doorways to keep away witchcraft and ill will. In the sharp thorns of these 117
species, the evil would become entangled, unable to affect the dwellers
within.
Other ideas include aromatic herbs like thyme and sage, berries such as
rose hips, sumac and cranberries or dried bits such as pine cones, milkweed
FOLKLORE

pods or mushrooms for additional winter beauty.

Rebecca Beyer is an Appalachian folk herbalist, folk magic practitioner, forager and tattooer out of Western North Carolina:
follow @bloodandspicebush to learn plantlore, wild food recipes and walk the wheel of the year.
EMBRACING A SLOWER PACE
WINTER
RITUALS + ROUTINES
BY JULIA LINSTEADT

With its shorter days, wintertime is the perfect season to embrace a lifestyle steeped in
slow living. Born out of the slow food movement and later the slow fashion movement,
the slow-living lifestyle also emphasizes intentionality. Instead of living in a mindless
sense of busy flurry, slow living asks us to allow events and tasks to take their natural
time and to plan accordingly. Giving ourselves breathing room in the daily schedule
makes it easier to know how we genuinely want to use our precious time.

The cold and darker winter days encourage more time spent in quiet reflection. Katherine
May, author of the book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times,
shares her perspective on best indulging in wintertime's slowing down. She says, "Plants
and animals don't fight the winter; they don't pretend it's not happening and attempt to
carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt.
They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through. Winter is a time
of withdrawing from the world, maximizing scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal
efficiency, and vanishing from sight, but that's where the transformation occurs. Winter is
not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible." In the spirit of cultivating a season of rest,
having a set of rituals and rhythms assists us in our intentions for the season. Gently
approach the tasks of winter, allowing the rhythms of nature to be your guide.

118
FOLKLORE
WINTER RITUALS & ROUTINES FOR THE
BODY

Nourish the senses with winter plants and

essences by diffusing cinnamon, anise,
clove, nutmeg, juniper, orange peel, and
ginger.
Keep the nasal passages moist each morning
by applying sesame or Nasya oil.
Ayurvedic principles encourage the
consumption of warming and cooked foods
that include the spices of pepper,
cardamom, cloves, and ginger.
Permit yourself to sleep more. Winter is the
perfect season to indulge in earlier bedtimes
and more rest to rejuvenate the body.
Make a list of common winter ailments in
the family and create herbal preparations to
support the illnesses.
Drink warm beverages, including teas,
warmed juices, wassail, and hot water with
lemon juice, which can feel fortifying on the
coldest days.

WINTER RITUALS & ROUTINES FOR THE

SOUL

Observe the full Wolf Moon on January 6,

2023, a time that was once thought wolves
howled out of hunger or howled directly at
the moon due to the long winter cold.
Today we know that January is often the
time wolves begin their mating season, and
thus the Wolf moon is a time to honor the
depths of the cold with the hope of spring
to come. The Wolf Moon is also known as
the Moon after Yule or the Ice or Quiet Moon
for the typically frigid weather of the
season.
Take a winter walk or hike and observe the
119
silence of the season.
Start a 3-5 minute meditation practice each
day. Finding daily quiet solitude is a great
way to ground, reconnect, and feel whole.
Light candles in the mornings and evenings
FOLKLORE

to set a cozy atmosphere.

Listen to the Botanical Anthology Winter
playlist.
WINTER RITUALS & ROUTINES FOR THE
GARDEN

If you have clay soil, winter is a great time to

dig in the garden and break ground before a
frost or snow, as the moisture helps to
decompose the soil for planting in spring. If
you have sandy soil, wait to dig in the
garden until after the last frost.
Put feeders out for the birds who will
appreciate the seeds, nuts, and suet cakes
during winter.
Clean and sharpen your garden tools. Fix
loose spade handles and wash your
gardening gloves. Sharp gardening tools are
safer to use and safer for your plants, as
they are less likely to let in disease.
Plan your spring garden. Winter is the time
to dream again, no matter how your garden
season went the year before. What will you
plant in the spring?
In January, order your vegetable and fruit
seeds for the spring.

WINTER RITUALS & ROUTINES FOR THE

HOME

Festoon your home with evergreens,

including pine branches, spruce branches,
redwood trimmings, and eucalyptus
branches.
Fill a bowl with pine cones and cinnamon
sticks for a natural display and pleasant
scent.
Create a fall wreath using a grapevine
base. Tie evergreen cuttings or branches
to the wreath base with twine for a simple
and quick touch of winter.
Create a winter simmer pot with sliced
oranges, whole cloves, and pine needle
120
cuttings.
Plant Narcissus bulbs in windowsill pots
to encourage new growth and hope for
springtime.
FOLKLORE

Julia Linsteadt lives in the Sierra Nevada Foothills on a small farm where she writes, gardens, and creates with her family.
WINTER PLAYLIST
SNUGGLE UP WITH THE SOUNDS OF WINTER
BY JULIA LINSTEADT

The seeds rest deeply in the earth's soil during winter's chill. While they sleep, take time
to relax and find your definition of peace. It is in the rest that rejuvenation is born. Put
away the hustle and bustle as you take advice from the plants to get quiet and reserve
your energy. Our curated playlist is inspired by and for winter and features songs that
will induce calm while kindling your hope for warmer days ahead.

Playlist
Honey + Tea (Acoustic)- Mozi
Snowfall- Ingrid Michaelson
Lazy Snow- Down Like Silver They who sing
Herbal Tea- Velvet Moon through the summer
Flowers in December- Mazzy Star
must dance in the
December- Tow’rs
Winter Solstice- Karim Kamar
winter.
Astronomy- Conan Gray
Winter Song- The Head and the Heart
Wintertime- Norah Jones
Italian Proverb
Pine Trees- Jake Bugg
Willow- Taylor Swift
Going In- Wild Child, The Song Confessional
Wintertime- The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers
Winter Solstice- The Tea Party
January Hymn-Amber
TheJoy Decemberists
Kennedy

Week of Pines- Georgia Ruth

Winter Song- Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson
Winter- Rosie Carney
White Winter Hymnal- Fleet Foxes
Didn’t Leave Nobody but the Baby- Emmylou
Harris, Alison Kraus, Gillian Welch
Winter Snow- Audrey Assad
122
Dark- Siv Jackobeson
Winter Wind- Patty Larkin
Lights Are On- Tom Rosenthal
Winter Time- Justin Poesetico
FOLKLORE

Sparkler- Towerz, Farewell

Julia learned to create playlists from her journalist father who always had the world of music at his fingertips.
She continues to craft playlists as poetry for her friends and family. She lives in the Sierra Nevada Foothills on
a small farm where she writes, creates, gardens, and makes music with her family. Follow for more inspiration
@a.farm.to.keep or afarmtokeep.com
FOLKLORE + FABLES OF
MARSHMALLOW
BY HARMONIE O'LOUGHLIN

Whoever shall take a

spoonful of mallow
Althaea is derived from Greek "altho" which means "to cure" or "to shall that day be free
heal; healer." Officinalis was given to plants historically used for
medicine. Therefore the full name means "healing medicinal plant."
from all diseases that
may come to him.
Its family name Malvaceae comes from the Greek word "malak"
which means "soft" due to its leaf texture.

Common names include sweet weed, mallards, cheeses and

Pliny
mortification root.

Ruled by Venus and the Moon and the sign Taurus, its element is
water.

In floriography, or Victorian Language of Flowers, marshmallow

signifies beneficence or mildness.

The fruits may be called "cheeses" due to their shape which looks like a wheel of cheese. Celts put the fruit
over the eyes of the departed to prevent spirits from entering the body and to help the soul safely reach
the afterlife.

Marshmallow has been considered a funerary herb, being planted by graves to bless and decorate the site.
Neanderthals are thought to have covered the dead with marshmallow, yarrow, cornflower, and grape
hyacinths.

Marshmallow is associated with the goddesses Althea, Aphrodite and Venus.

Strewn on houses for Beltane (May Day) to attract love, fertility and good fortune, marshmallow is said to
only grow near happy homes and can be planted in your garden to encourage those attributes.

Its mucilage properties act as a binding substance to adhere pills, lozenges and incense and can temper the
effects of pungent herbs.

The plant is edible in its entirety and is considered a survival food. The Romans thought of the vegetable as
a delicacy. Add leaves to salads or roots to thicken soups. 124

Since ancient times, marshmallow root has been used in confections. It is thought to be used as far back as
2000 BCE Egypt and in halva in13th century Middleeast. The precursor to the modern day marshmallows
were created in France in the mid 1800s and may have been touted to soothe sore throats.
FOLKLORE

Harmonie is the homesteading mama maker behind Flora's Feast Botanicals who explores plants through her garden and in
her kitchen and home apothecary. @florasfeastbotanicals
Celebrate
Solstice + Midwinter

Amber Joy Kennedy

 Maria Ilves

CELEBRATING
YULE
BY ANN MEYER

The season of Yule is a time when the plants have died off and a blanket of snow
126
covers the ground. We take comfort in our homes surrounded by fire, cozy
dinners, and good company. This signifies a very important turning point within
the seasons. Not only is it here to honor the shortest day of the year but it also
acts as a space to welcome the return of the sun. Yule is also referred to as
CELEBRATE

Midwinter and is considered one of two solar holidays, the other being summer
solstice. It falls between December 21st or 22nd, depending on the earth’s
rotation. If celebrating the Wheel of the Year, Samhain signifies the end of the
seasons and growing cycle. Yule is considered to be the beginning of a new year
since we are welcoming the sun back into our lives and allowing the growing
season to start again.
 HISTORY

Many cultures and traditions celebrate the winter

solstice in various ways and under many names.
Yule is traditionally a Pagan holiday that is said to
have been created by the Norse and Scandinavian
people. In modern times Yule is celebrated by an
array of individuals with countless different
backgrounds. Yule was once celebrated
throughout a two month period during
November and December, but is now honored on
the winter solstice. Christianity adapted
Christmas from Yule making the two holidays
very similar.

Homes and sacred places are decorated in

garlands made from pine and cedar branches,
wreaths of holly and mistletoe accompanying
them. A main tradition is the burning of the Yule
log. A Yule log began as a carefully selected tree
FOLKLORE that was blessed and brought into the house. The
base part of the tree was placed in the fire pit on
An old pagan story tells of the Goddess Frigg top of the ashes from last year's fire and set alight.
giving birth to her son Baldur on the winter The top part of the tree was pushed into the
solstice, signifying her bringing light to flames as the trunk burned through. It signified
darkness and welcoming the rebirth of the the beginning of a new year, renewal, and good
natural world. fortune.

The most popular tale for this time is that of the A Yule tree was another important custom. Much
Oak and Holly Kings. It is said that there are two like the Christmas tree, this was an outdoor tree
mighty kings, one from the land of oak trees that was decorated with pinecones, dried fruit,
and the other the realm of holly. The Holly king and other trinkets. The Yule tree symbolizes the
is the ruler of the waning part of the year, his Tree of Life, or the World Tree. People also
reign from Midsummer to Midwinter. From celebrated Yule with feasts and gatherings.
Midwinter to Midsummer, the waxing part of
the year, is ruled by the Oak King.

Each year on the winter and summer solstice

the two kings battle and the respective king
takes his throne while the other respectfully 127
waits his turn.

Some believe the kings are brothers, even twins,

they are half of a whole and we need both.
CELEBRATE
SYMBOLISM

Mistletoe is a symbolic plant during Yule, often found

hanging in doorways to attract peace and hopes of
stealing a kiss. The Norse believed that enemies who
met under the mistletoe must stop fighting for at least
a day out of respect for the plant. It is also believed that
anyone refusing a kiss under the mistletoe would bring
bad luck upon themselves. Women would place
mistletoe under their pillows at night to encourage
dreams of their future husbands. The Ancient Greeks
believed mistletoe to be an aphrodisiac and thought it
could ensue eternal life.

CELEBRATE

Make a Yule altar

Have a gathering with friends and family
Decorate a Yule tree
Adorn your home with evergreen branches
Drink mulled wine or wassail
Simmer pots
Gingerbread houses
Burn a Yule log
Light candles

PLANTS

Plants for this time tend to be warming to

counterbalance the cold temperatures outdoors. We
use herbs such as cinnamon and cardamom to help to
get our circulatory system flowing and bringing heat to
the surface. Evergreens symbolize life even through
darkness hence the symbolism to use them in decor. 128
Their branches never lose their color and act as a
beacon of hope. Holly is tied to the old solar year and of
course associated with the Holly king, while mistletoe
Jessie Lehson
CELEBRATE

was thought to bring peace, love, and harmony.

Plants for winter include birch, cedar, cinnamon, Ann is an herbalist whose passion is spending time
cloves, dried fruit, evergreens, ginger, holly, mistletoe with the plants around her. Over the past year Ann’s
and oak plant path has been combined with her love for
astrology diving deeper into connecting both the
plants and planets
CRAFT A
YULE LOG
BY HEATHER MOTIL

Yule and the Winter Solstice are both celebrations of the longest night and shortest day, and the
returning of the Sun. After resting in the Shadow energy of Autumn, the wheel is turning and the Earth
is ready to be restored and renewed. This time of year is all about showing gratitude, cultivating hope
and inner peace, and finding strength through the hardships. Traditionally, holly was used around Yule
to bring peace, goodwill, and protect against evil spirits. Cinnamon and orange evoke energies of
vitality and purification, while acorns and pinecones symbolize regeneration and eternal growth.

Typically celebrated for twelve days, Yuletide festivities consist of harnessing the elemental alchemy of
light and fire with candles, bonfires, and Yule Logs. While the energy of this sabbat is very jovial, it is a
powerful time to conduct rituals of releasing to create room for the new intentions that will be
illuminated by the Sun.

The tradition of the Yule log stems from the ancient sacrificial rites during the seasons change. Instead
of animal sacrifices, the Yule Log ritual started out with an entire tree being burnt in the community
hearth. Types of trees traditionally used for this burning ritual include oak, birch and cherry. In Nordic
traditions, oak was burned as a symbol of protection against lightning. Now the yule log can be
honored by making a cake (swiss-roll), or building a smaller version of the traditional log.

Topped with candles and additional

greenery, this Yule log craft honors
the winter season and adds a touch
of natural decoration to your home.

You can create your own Winter

Solstice Yule Log Ritual to release
what no longer serves you and to
set intentions for the longer days to
come.

129
CELEBRATE
Yule Log Materials
Foraged trees such as pine, fir, cedar, ivy
Holly berries
Pinecones
Acorns
Dried oranges
Cinnamon sticks
Bay leaves
Ribbon
Candles, preferably green, white, red, gold, silver
Scissors or plant shears
Hot glue gun
Hot glue stick
Rope, 2 pieces the same length as your log
Drill
Round log, 4 - 7 inches diameter, about 1 ½ feet
long

Yule Log Method

Drill holes in the log for your candles to rest. You
can skip this part if you don't have a drill but you
will want to secure your candles on the log to
ensure they don’t fall over once they are lit.
Other methods include melting the bottoms of
the candles and sticking them to the log or
adding candle holders to the top of the log with Ritual
hot glue. Now that you have your Yule Log adorned for the
Using hot glue, secure rope to the bottom of season, it is time to rest and settle into the slower
each side of the log to prevent it from wobbling. energies. Bring intention into every moment. As you
Next, you can choose to wrap your log with reflect on how far you've come, write your wishes
ribbon to insert the cuttings of the trees or you and intentions on bay leaves and insert them into
can use hot glue to secure the branches. The less your Log. Light your Yule Candles on December 21st,
hot glue used, the more clean-burning the log or any of the next few days to honor the lighter days
will be. to come.
Once the cuttings are secured, adorn your log
with your other seasonal ingredients. On Christmas Day or January 1st, ignite a ritual fire
using your Yule log in a fireplace or bonfire. Gaze
into the fire and watch your wishes release from the
smoke. You may also cast a circle or recite an
incantation during this ritual.

Don’t have a fireplace? Keep your Yule Log as a 130

centerpiece all season long! Use a small cauldron or
fire safe dish to burn your bay leaves.

You can also save the cooled ashes from the Yule log
CELEBRATE

to use as a natural fertilizer in your garden or add to

other elemental rituals in your craft.

Heather (she/her) is a creative Earth Witch and owner of spiritual business Calluna Alchemy. With a deep reverence for
Mysticism & Nature, woven with Intuitive Embodiment, Heather bridges ancestral practices with modern spiritual practices
to guide others to live in Alignment with their Highest Self.
 YULETIDE
FLORAL BATH SALTS
BY CARRIE TUTTLE

Yule, the celebration of the Winter Solstice,

has its origins in Norse and Germanic history,
and is believed by some to have been first
celebrated by the Norse peoples. As with many
festivals of old, we have lost some traditions to
time, but it is believed that a few themes
persist. Those of light, celebration, and making
merry on the Winter Solstice. Modern Pagans
celebrate the holiday as a return of the sun, as
the days grow longer and the light increases.
Observances include burning a Yule log
decorated with candles and greenery, having a
bonfire and holding an all-night vigil to await
the return of the sun after the longest night of
the year.

However you choose to celebrate, it is a

blessing for us today, to be able to incorporate
herbs into our self-care practices on cold
nights. These salts can be made ahead of time,
and used as a comforting ritual bath as you
await the dawn, or simply for a calming and
detoxifying bath during the busy holiday
season. You may even choose to surround
your bath with candlelight, to illuminate the
darkness on this longest night of the year.

This recipe includes black salt to purify ourselves

going into the longer days, lavender for peace, 131
calendula to soothe skin and represent the
returning sun, pine needles to honor the
traditions of celebrating Yule with evergreens,
and essential oils to bring additional
CELEBRATE

aromatherapeutic benefits to this winter bath

ritual. In addition, Epsom salts contain
magnesium which can reduce stress, ease sore
muscles, and even assist with migraines.
 Materials
½ c Epsom salt
1 c course black sea salt
½ c lavender
½ c calendula flower
½ c pine needles
10 drops spruce essential oil
10 drops fir essential oil
10 drops wild orange essential oil
2 tbsp liquid coconut oil, optional for dry
skin

Method
Blend the salts and herbs in a large bowl.

Add in the essential oils and coconut oil, if

desired, and mix thoroughly to distribute
oils.

Recipe makes three cups. Pour mix into

airtight jar and use within 3 months.

To make your bath, place one cup of salts

into a muslin bath bag, or directly into the
tub for a detoxifying and comforting soak.

Soak for 15-20 minutes, and follow with a

warm rinse to remove salts from skin and
tub.

And may you welcome the dawn purified

and refreshed!

Notes
Substitute juniper, cypress, or pine oils as needed if spruce and fir are not available.

If you do not have access to a tub, use 1/4 cup for a foot bath in a basin and soak for 20 minutes. Avoid
132
Epsom salts if you have any abrasions on your feet.

If foraging your pine needles, and you are unfamiliar with the varieties of pine, make sure you consult
an expert forager on what you are choosing. For this recipe loose white pine (Pinus strobus) tea was
CELEBRATE

used, but it can be foraged as well.

Carrie is an environmental educator, mom, and poet. She has been weaving magic into her home via kitchen witchery for 30 years.
She lives in Wyoming with her family, pets, and gardens.
WINTER SOLSTICE
CRAFTBRUNCH
BY JESSIE LEHSON

The winter holidays often feel like a blur; one Wander through the woods together stopping
minute it’s Halloween and then suddenly it’s to examine anything that catches your eye--
January. While every moment has felt busy, tracks in the snow, pieces of lichen, or a
you aren’t quite sure what you even beautiful icicle. Take your time! The woods in
accomplished. Craftbrunches are an easy way winter feel different. Look for the tiny new
to slow down and connect with friends and buds on the bare trees, nature’s promise that
family. The premise is simple: everyone brings the light will return in the spring. These buds
a dish and works on a seasonal craft together are a tangible way to talk about the solstice
while laughing and gossiping. It’s a daytime and the change in light with kids. Trees set
event which feels easier to schedule when their buds in summer and fall. They are
every evening is packed with holiday parties present all winter and are triggered to grow
and pageants. Including a simple kids craft again by the increasing light in the spring.
keeps the littles occupied while the moms After everyone has suitably explored and
catch up. A Winter Solstice craftbrunch is a materials have been gathered, head back
perfect respite from the chaos of the season, inside to warm up and make some winter
connecting us with nature and with friends. crafts.

The Winter Solstice is the day that the earth is Warm up with Rock & Rye hot toddies for the
tilted the furthest away from the sun and grownups and cocoa for the kids. Make cocoa
consequently has more hours of darkness and in a crockpot so it’s ready for when you come
less hours of light then any other day of the back. Dig into the food everyone brought, set
year. Every day after the Winter Solstice there the kids up making seed mosaic ornaments
is gradually a little more light until the and then get to the business of making
Summer Solstice. Ancient people thought that wreaths. There are a million ways to make a
the sun was dying and being reborn on this wreath– using a grapevine form or making one
day. The Winter Solstice most often falls on from vines is an easy starting place. Use
December 21st and has long been a day of florist’s wire and hot glue to attach your
celebration. In fact, it was a whole season of greenery and nature treasures to the form.
celebration in ancient times. Remember that Bringing evergreens indoors is an ancient
when planning your own celebration, the day tradition that substantially pre-dates the
isn’t as important as the company! tradition of the Christmas tree. Greens have
been seen as a symbol of hope and good luck
134
Start your gathering by bundling up and that will carry over into the next year. There is
heading outside for a nature walk. Give the something magical about these plants that
children vessels for collecting nature continue to thrive when everything else has
treasures: berries, nuts, interesting sticks, died, and for many cultures they represent life
CELEBRATE

whatever grabs their attention. Adults can take and rebirth. For more information on wreath
clippers and baskets to collect greenery. making, check out our article on page 115.

Enjoy your time together from the frosty rambling walk to the cozy chats indoors. Make a wreath or don’t,
but celebrate the season either way.
ROCK & RYE HOT TODDY

A warm drink is in order after a winter walk through the woods. A toddy is the perfect combination of brunch day
drinking and “I have to keep an eye on the kids.” It’s just enough to warm you up and Rock + Rye is an old fashioned
cold remedy to cure the inevitable winter sniffles.

Rock & Rye is infused rye with rock candy (the rock) and various herbs and spices. Like most recipes of this era,
everyone has their own spin on the classic, but horehound is a key ingredient. Horehound is an herb that is
traditionally made into syrups, teas, and lozenges as a cough and cold remedy.

Whether or not it cures your cold, this toddy will warm you up and help you toast the Solstice!

Rock & Rye Materials

1 bottle of rye
Handful orange slices
Handful lemon slices
String of rock candy-- 6 inches or so
Pinch of whole cloves
Cinnamon stick
1-2 tbsp horehound, dried

Rock & Rye Method

Pour everything into a pitcher and steep for at least two days
or until the sugar has dissolved completely and up to two weeks.

Strain and use.

Notes
If you can’t find the herb, look for horehound candies that use
real horehound or try the horehound syrup recipe in this issue.
To learn more about horehound and how to make a syrup,
check out our article on page 21.

Rock & Rye Toddy Materials

2 oz Rock & Rye
Cinnamon stick
Orange or grapefruit slice
1 tbsp favorite neutral tea, loose leaf or tea bag
Boiling water
Rock candy or yellow rock sugar for garnish

Rock & Rye Toddy Method 135

Pour Rock & Rye, tea, cinnamon stick, and citrus into a mug and fill with boiling water.
Steep for 5 minutes.
Garnish with a rock candy, yellow rock sugar or honey.
Enjoy!
CELEBRATE

Notes
Roasted dandelion or chai are great tea options. Don’t use anything too fruity or strong so the Rock & Rye can shine.
If using loose leaf tea, put it in a tea strainer for easier sipping.
Yellow rock sugar is naturally crystallized sugar made from unprocessed sugar cane. It has a yellow tinge to it and is
often used in Asian cooking.
SPICE MOSAIC ORNAMENTS
This easy project is meant for kids, although it’s fun for grownups too! The finished
ornaments are deceptively elegant and smell amazing. They’d be beautiful as a tree
decoration or make a lovely gift. You can use any spice you like, but choose plenty
that have a nice smell. You can easily cut cinnamon sticks into little curlicues with
scissors after they’ve been soaking in water for a few hours– throw some into a
simmer pot on the stove for a few hours for double duty. Younger friends can
experiment with spices and homemade playdough if the ornament is too much for
them.

Materials
Assorted whole spices such as star anise, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, hawthorn
berries, cardamom seeds, mustard seed, coriander, multi color peppercorns
Air dry clay, white and/or terra cotta
Cookie cutters
Skewer
String
136

Method
Roll your clay out to around ¼ or ⅜ of an inch.
Poke a hole with a skewer at the top for string after it drys.
CELEBRATE

Press the spices into the clay. Using a flat lid makes it easier for younger children
to really press them all the way in.
Dry for several days and then add a string for hanging!

Jessie Lehson is the author of seasonal children’s books about the wheel of the year and nature. She is the director and founder of
Watershed Public Charter School and was a professor of sculpture and environmental artist. Lehson is an avid chicken keeper,
master gardener and permaculture designer.
THE MAGIC + LORE OF
WASSAILING
BY AMBER JOY KENNEDY

The tradition of Wassailing originated in cider making regions of ancient Britain as a means of honoring and
blessing the local fruit orchards to ensure a good harvest in the coming year. It was customary for members
of the village to gather in the new year, after Yuletide celebrations and before Imbolc. Some associate it
with Twelfth Night celebrations. It was said that at this time of year, even though snow may still be covering
the ground and no sign of life was present, the earth was beginning to stir and awaken from her midwinter’s
slumber. Fruit trees, in particular apple trees, were such an important part of the harvest because from it
was created the most widely consumed beverage of the time, cider. Ensuring a bountiful harvest was of the
utmost importance. Villagers would bundle up to face the cold and carry musical instruments, pots and
pans and anything else that would create a ruckus and parade through the orchard, banging on trees with
sticks to “wake up” the slumbering trees and to scare away any evil spirits hiding in the boughs that might
contribute to a poor crop. Celebrations varied from region to region and might involve costumes or
members of the community playing the part of the tree spirits and accepting offerings from the townsfolk.

A few members of the party were responsible for carrying the wassail drink in a ceremonial bowl as an
offering to the earth. This drink was customarily made of wine, ale or hard cider, spiced with herbs and
possibly sweetened. Tempered egg whites might be whipped into the wassail drink to make it frothy and
roasted apples decorated the top. Toasted pieces of bread were often floated in the liquid and this soaked
bread was then offered to the trees and placed in branches as an offering to the spirits of the orchard. The
libation was sprinkled around the roots of the trees and of course drunk by the merrymakers themselves
from the communal wassail bowl. It was all a lively, festive time in the heart of winter when the revelry of
Yule had passed and dark, cold winter days were still to be faced.

138
CELEBRATE
Soon enough this tradition evolved into a type
of caroling where the procession visited
households within the village, singing, making
celebratory noise and begging for gifts of
money or food. In exchange for their host’s
kindness the party would offer a sip from the
wassail bowl and a bite of bread and drink to
their host's health. Or perhaps the host would
offer their own ale or cider to the carolers.
This is where the tradition of “toasting” to
someone’s health or happiness comes from.
We hear it referenced in such Yuletide Carols
as The Gloucestershire Wassail Song and The
Wassailers Carol. In the latter we hear the
lines “Here we come a wassailing among the
leaves so green, here we come a wandering so
fair to be seen. Love and joy come to you and
to you we wassail too.” The word wassail itself
comes from an old English word meaning
“good health”. Over the years, wassailing
became associated not only with agricultural
lore but also with spreading community
goodwill and cheer.

The vessel that the wassail was carried in

varied from region to region and could be
made of ceramic or pottery or carved wood.
In more well-off farming communities, it
could have been silver or gold. The bowl was
usually reserved only for the wassail
ceremony. It is our modern day punch bowl,
brought out exclusively for festive occasions
and parties. The actual wassail recipes were
just as diverse and may have evolved over the
years into what we now know as mulled cider.
Traditional wassailers would have concocted
their recipes from whatever fermented
alcoholic libation was available to them or
that they were able to brew themselves. For
most villagers this meant low alcohol mead,
beer, wine, cider or scrumpy which was a
rustic cider made from foraged apples or fruit 139
borrowed (stolen) from local orchards. As
distilled, hard spirits similar to brandy or rum
became more widely available, wassail recipes
would have begun including them. Nowadays
CELEBRATE

we often enjoy sweet cider spiked with one of

these more potent spirits but still spiced
similarly to a traditional wassail drink.
WOODLAND WASSAIL

This modern take on a more traditional wassail includes plenty of warming, woodsy spices and tart fruit. Once it is
done simmering, it may be served as is or spiked with brandy or another favorite spirit. This recipe does not include
eggs or toast as palettes have changed since the middle ages. It is delicious served with slices of fragrant Cinnamon
Quick Bread from page 51 as a stand in for the toast. Drink it in good health and happiness for the New Year and
don’t forget to pour some out for the trees!

Materials
4 small apples
1 orange
2 qts sweet apple cider
2 c brandy
½ c maple syrup
1 in ginger, fresh, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves plus more for studding fruit
6 allspice berries
6 cardamom pods
6 star anise pods
6 juniper berries
Nutmeg, freshly grated, to garnish

Method
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Stud the tops of 3 apples with cloves and place

on a baking sheet. Bake apples for 45 minutes.

While the apples bake, pour cider into a large

pot on the stove top. Add maple syrup and whisk
to dissolve. Add spices and ginger.

Heat to a slow simmer.

While wassail heats, prepare garnish by cutting

the orange and remaining apple into thin slices,
revealing the star shape within each. Pierce each
slice of fruit with whole cloves, arranged in pretty
patterns. Set aside.

Remove wassail from heat and stir in brandy.

Transfer to a punch or wassail bowl. Float clove studded fruit slices on top. Gently drop roasted apples into wassail. 140

Ladle piping hot wassail into mugs and serve with freshly grated nutmeg.

Roasted apples can be eaten with a spoon for a yummy treat!

CELEBRATE

Notes
Brandy may be omitted or substituted for other brown spirits such as applejack, spiced rum or bourbon.
Spices may be placed in a muslin pouch for easier serving if desired.

Visit Amber Joy at an in person workshop in Vermont for more herbal wisdom. Or join her online via patreon or instagram
@bohemebotanika or browse her line of herbal potions at www.bohemebotanika.com
BARA BRITH
BY BRANDY RADCLIFF

141
CELEBRATE
Bara Brith, which translates to “speckled bread,” is a traditional Welsh-tea bread with candied fruit and
spices. The recipe varies within each household and the following recipe is an example of that. Bara Brith
is best served when it is allowed to mellow for a few days so the rich flavor develops. It will be rich like a
traditional fruit cake. It is an easy recipe for both the novice and skilled baker.

Bara Brith is best enjoyed in the colder months just as the snow falls and the air turns frigid. It is a cozy
recipe paired with a cup of tea. It is also a celebratory bread perfect for the winter holidays such as Yule.

Materials
1 oz each candied orange and lemon peel
⅓ c currents
⅓ c dried apples, diced
⅓ c dried plums. diced
1 ⅓ c very strong black tea, brewed and cooled
3 c all-purpose flour
1 c packed dark brown sugar or coconut sugar
1 tsp molasses
3 ¾ tsp baking powder
½ tsp candied ginger. diced
½ tsp each, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves
¼ tsp fennel, ground
1 ¼ tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Method
Combine the orange and lemon peels plus all of the fruit into a bowl with the sugar. Pour over the tea, mix
everything together thoroughly and leave to soak overnight. Don’t drain the soaking liquid!

Heat oven to 325 F. Grease and line the base and short sides of a 2 lb loaf pan with baking parchment.

Combine flour, molasses, baking powder, candied ginger, fennel, the rest of the spices and salt into a
large bowl. Beat the fruit and soaking liquid by hand. Add the egg, followed by the butter. Beat until you
have a well-combined, stiff batter, then pour into the prepared loaf pan. Tap the loaf pan lightly to even
the batter out.

Bake for 1¼ hours, covering with parchment if the top starts to get too dark. Check the middle with a
butter knife – if it doesn’t come out clean, give it another 5-10 minutes in the oven.

Leave to cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes, then remove and leave to cool completely. Serve warm with
butter.
142
Notes
This recipe makes one loaf that serves 8-10 people.
Plan ahead to give proper time for soaking the fruit.
Glass loaf pans are superb for this recipe. A cast iron loaf pan will develop a crunchy crust leaving the
CELEBRATE

inside moist. If you use a cast iron watch the bread closely as it tends to cook baked goods quicker.
Use strong black tea. The stronger it is, the more pronounced the flavor.

Brandy is a Master Herbalist living in Wisconsin. Brandy is devoted to the study of medicinal plants scientifically,
traditionally, and historically. She is also dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered medicinal herbs. With
her husband Christian, Brandy is starting up an herbal apothecary business and a botanical sanctuary.
TOMTE'S
HOLIDAY PORRIDGE
BY HARMONIE O'LOUGHLIN

Tomtes, also known as tomtens or nisse, are Nordic

folkloric creatures who live amongst the homestead
to aid and protect it. If not given proper respect,
they just may cause mischief.

Show thanks by leaving a bowl of porridge on the

eve of winter solstice or Christmas. Don't forget the
pat of butter on top!

Taking a nod from the holiday flavors of St. Lucia

buns, this variation includes saffron and raisins.
The name Lucia symbolizes light. Saffron adds a
golden hue to the buns and this recipe.

Being the most expensive spice in the world,

saffron is the dried stigma and style of a crocus
plant that must be picked by hand. Saffron offers a
unique flavor and a true splurge meant for the
holidays.

Favorite children's books that feature tomtes

include:
The Tomte's Christmas Porridge by Sven Nordqvist
The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits by Ulf Stark
The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren

Materials
2 c rice, cooked
2 c milk of choice
½ c raisins
⅛ - ¼ tsp saffron 143
¾ tsp orange zest
¼ tsp cinnamon, ground
¼ c sugar of choice
½ vanilla extract
CELEBRATE

Method
Add all ingredients to a sauce pan and warm until some of the milk is absorbed, the saffron has bloomed and the
flavors permeate the rice pudding.

Harmonie is the homesteading mama maker behind Flora's Feast Botanicals who explores plants through her garden and in her
kitchen and home apothecary. @florasfeastbotanicals and www.florasfeast.com
WHAT'S YOUR
TOMTE NAME?

Family
Special
Birth Favorite Member
Anniversary
Month Month Birthday
Month
Month

January Ase Contemplative Anise of the barn

February Astrid Grumpy Cedar of the burrow

March Bjorn Helpful Fir of the cave

April Eir Lonesome Holly of the fields

May Erik Loyal Ivy of the woods

June Gaange Mischevious Mistletoe of the hearth

of the
July Gardvord Protective Narcissus
homestead

August Polka Reluctant Pine of the house

September Ragnar Secretive Poinsettia of the lake

of the
October Sven Tricky Rosemary
mountains

November Thorbjorg Wicked Snowdrop of the path

December Ulf Wise Spruce of the stream

FENG SHUI
NEW YEAR
VISION BOARD
BY HARMONIE O'LOUGHLIN

January will soon be upon us. We will be raising our energy to get back to a
typical life flow after a winter respite and busy holiday season, all the while
considering what to manifest in the upcoming year. Phew! Consider a vision
board to set intentions for the months ahead.

When creating plans for the future, it's important to be organized to give
focus to all dimensions of ourselves. A feng shui vision board allows you to
compartmentalize each area, and to think deeply about the path ahead, but
still remain broad enough to allow for freedom and growth.

Feng shui is the configuration of spaces to harmonize the flow of energy. It is

a grid system made up of nine blocks, each with their own theme, typically
used to orient the home. Here we use the same framework to choose
intentional words - or goals - for the different aspects of our lives.

Utilize the white blocks to write in specific words to describe your intentions.
Are you looking to gain a new work skill this year? You can write "knowledge"
in the career quadrant. Conversely, you can also create very specific goals.
Using the same example, you could write in "take three courses on blogging"
in the career quadrant. Another idea is to paste in snippets from magazines or
printouts, whether it be words or pictures, for more visual appeal. Make this
template work for you!

Hang your vision board in an area that you visit regularly, such as the kitchen
or by a desk. Take stock once a month or quarter to check your progress and
to decide what needs an adjustment and where you might need to offer more
attention. 145

Print the template below and let the contemplation begin.

CELEBRATE

Harmonie is the homesteading mama maker behind Flora's Feast Botanicals who explores plants
through her garden and in her kitchen and home apothecary. @florasfeastbotanicals and
www.florasfeast.com
 Wealth Fame Love
Abundance Reputation Relationships

2023
Vision Board
Children
Legacy Creativity
Family Health

Career
Knowledge Helpful People
Spirituality Travel
 Maria Ilves

147

OBSERVING
MIDWINTER
CELEBRATE

BY JESSIE LEHSON
MIDWINTER

Winter is an underappreciated season. It’s colder, darker

and slower than other parts of the year. It’s a time to rest
and enjoy the quiet after a busy season. Animals slumber
deep under the snow and inside our own snug burrows, we
light fires, snuggle up in blankets and sweaters and sip
warming beverages. Midwinter is a celebration halfway
between the Winter Solstice (the official start of winter) and
the Spring Equinox (the official start of spring.) It is a time
that straddles winter and spring. The date changes slightly
from year to year, but is generally on or around February
2nd. It is what is known as a “cross quarter” day on the
Wheel of the Year. These days are seasonal midpoints in
between the “quarters” or solstices/equinoxes. This HISTORY
celebration in the dead of winter is about looking forward to
spring, and while it often doesn’t feel that way, the days are The Midwinter celebration is known as Imbolc,
steadily getting longer and brighter and the earth is slowly Candlemas, Setsubun, Midwinter Festival and even
waking up from its slumber. Deep underground seeds are Groundhog Day in various traditions.
just beginning to think about stirring. Sap is starting to flow
upwards and birds are starting to sing as they look for In Celtic tradition this holiday is called Imbolc and is
mates. There is a myth that says Midwinter is when the bear sacred to the goddess Brigid who wakes up the land
turns over in its cave– not spring yet, but beginning to stir. with her cloak of green. She is the goddess of the hearth,
light, poetry, healing, magic and childbirth. Many leave
her offerings and make small squarish Brigid’s crosses
out of reeds or other materials to honor her. Imbolc
means “in the belly” referring to ewes starting to give
milk.

Candlemas in Christian tradition is said to mark the

purification of Mary and the feast of St. Brigid. It is the
time for candles to be blessed. It’s traditional to eat
crepes or pancakes as their round shape and golden
color invoke the sun.

Setsubun is a festival held on February 2, one day before

the start of spring according to the Japanese lunar
calendar. It celebrates the new year and traditional
“bean scattering” is practiced to chase out any
misfortune from the old year.

In North America some Iroquois tribes observe a

CELEBRATIONS Midwinter Festival around this time of year. The
stirring of the ashes is part of the closing of the old year 148
Midwinter is an inward facing, puttering kind of celebration, and “dream-guessing” is a communal dream
in contrast to all of the pomp of the December holidays. It’s interpretation ceremony. Participants describe their
cleaning out the old and looking forward to the new-- dream for the community to interpret. A lovely way to
spring, new gardens and days filled with light, all while build community in this sleepy time of year.
CELEBRATE

staying cozy and warm inside. You can celebrate by making

soap, candles, tidying the house, pouring over seed catalogs, Groundhog Day, which for many is more of a silly
laying out garden plans, forcing branches or making school holiday, is actually a modern way to look forward
traditional foods with milk, honey and seeds. It's a great to spring and the reemergence of hibernating animals in
time to practice hygge, taking pleasure in slower, simple the depth of winter.
things.
SYMBOLISM

One of the connecting threads across these celebrations is light-

sunlight is increasing. Traditional foods look like the sun or are
associated with the sun, such as egg yolk, butter and honey. Brigid is
the goddess of light. Candles are created and blessed. In the United
Kingdom many still light candles in their windows so that Brigid can
find their home.

This is the time of year that ewes start lambing, so for Western
Europeans in ancient times it was the return of milk to their diet.
There is something very comforting even today about creamy, milky
dishes this time of year. February is also the month that hens start
laying again.

Seeds are another symbol of this season, whether you live somewhere
where you can begin planting seeds, or some place where you can
start dreaming and planning for spring planting. Seeds feature in
traditional foods and many like to bless or honor their seeds at
Midwinter.

Historians disagree on the origin of colloquialism “spring cleaning,''

but there is some evidence to support that it was originally a
Midwinter tradition, not a spring one. The season’s association with
the hearth and preparing for spring make sense. Many historical
traditions reference cleaning out the old year at Midwinter.

PLANTS

Brigid/St. Brigid was believed to be a healer and herbalist so many plants

and flowers sacred to her are associated with this day. Some of the
Midwinter plant associations are:

Bay
Angelica
Chamomile
Violets
Rosemary
Birch
Willow
Snowdrops 149
Evergreens
Blackberry
CELEBRATE

Jessie Lehson is the author of seasonal children’s books about the

wheel of the year and nature and can be found on Instagram at
@wineberryadventurescouts. She is the organizer of Celebrate
Seasonal Shifts (@celebrateseasonalshifts), a diverse group of
women sharing their journeys on the Wheel by offering simple
observances for each celebration.
 All the complicated details
of the attiring and
the disattiring are completed!
A liquid moon
moves gently among
the long branches.
Thus having prepared their buds
against a sure winter
the wise trees
stand sleeping in the cold.

William Carlos Williams

Maria Ilves
FORCING BRANCHES
BY JESSIE LEHSON

A lovely way to celebrate Midwinter is to force winter tree branches. “Forcing” branches simply
means that you bring them inside when it’s still cold outside, causing them to react to the warmth
in your home and break bud earlier than they would have outside. If you live somewhere a little
warmer you may be able to get early flowers this way, but nearly everyone will be able to get some
charming little green leaves. Gathering winter branches for forcing can be a great way to start a
lesson about winter tree identification and the difference between flower buds and leaf buds on
winter trees.

Willow is a particularly good candidate to force, not just because they are one of the easier trees to
coax into an early leaf out, but because they also have a compound in them that helps other plants
root. This means that after the branches have put on their display you can use the water they were
soaking in to propagate hardwood cuttings which are also best started this time of year. Willow, in
particular, will often send out roots in the vase so when it warms up you can transfer the rooted
branches to pots with soil and have a new plant!

So bring some nature indoors and

experience a little bit of spring at
Midwinter- force some branches!

Select a few tree branches with obvious

buds. The more they have started to
swell the faster they will open indoors.
Any tree should work, but early ones
will generally be easier. Clip a few
branches that will fit in a vase.

Fill your vase with water and pop your

branches in.

Place the vase on a sunny windowsill

and check back every few days. Top up
the water if it starts to evaporate.
151
Enjoy watching the leaves unfurl!
CELEBRATE

Jessie Lehson is the author of seasonal children’s books about the wheel of the year and nature. She is the director and
founder of Watershed Public Charter School and was a professor of sculpture and environmental artist. Lehson is an avid
chicken keeper, master gardener and permaculture designer.
FORCING
NARCISSUS
BY GINA VIDE

Paperwhites, Narcissus papyraceus, are

commonly used in Scandinavia for Christmas
celebrations. They are native to the meadows
and woods of the north and grow in many more
varieties in frost-free regions around the
Mediterranean. They are also a popular flower
in China representing hope, wealth and good
fortune and used to represent the Chinese New
Year. Forcing paperwhites is quite easy, make a
lovely addition to the season, and typically take
under 6 weeks.

Force Paperwhite Narcissus

Plant paperwhite bulbs in a shallow pot filled

with potting soil or pebbles.

Set as many bulbs together as possible

without touching.

Add additional potting soil but leave the tops

exposed.

Water thoroughly to moisten soil.

Place in a cool, shady location until shoots

appear in about 2-3 weeks after planting.

Move paperwhites to an area with a warmer

temperature that is also slightly brighter but
without direct sunlight and flower should 152
then bloom within the next 4 to 6 weeks.
CELEBRATE

Created with her own two hands for you! Gina Vide is an artist and mother of 3 living, working and finding daily inspiration
in the Stockholm archipelago. If you use this tutorial, we would love to see what you create! Tag @willowdaygram and use
hashtag #willowday.
SEED BLESSING RITUAL
BY AMBER JOY KENNEDY

Seeds represent hope, fertility and manifestation. A little seed by itself cannot accomplish much but in
the right conditions and with a bit of nurturing, that tiny seed can turn into a tomato plant, a healing
herb or even a tree. Seeds contain multitudes and the possibility contained in these itty bitty packages
is nothing short of miraculous.

It is a powerful practice to bless your seeds to ensure that they thrive and you can even use seeds to
symbolize your hopes, goals and intentions and to help you manifest the dreams you have been pining
for over this long winter. Planting is best done on a New Moon or first quarter of a lunar cycle.

On Imbolc, when the ground is beginning to stir, gather your seed packets around a white candle. Light
the candle and picture your dream or wish growing to fruition along with your seeds. Then softly speak
this recitation over your seeds.

Over the next weeks, as winter begins to change to spring, as you carefully sow and tend to your seeds,
you may even want to say your wish aloud as you press each seed into the soil. Then watch your dream
become a reality and thrive and grow along with your seedlings!

Visit Amber Joy at an in person workshop in Vermont for more herbal wisdom. Or join her online via patreon or instagram
@bohemebotanika or browse her line of herbal potions at www.bohemebotanika.com

153
CELEBRATE
Little seed, full of ambition
set out on your earthly mission.
Bedded down in soil fine,
please transmute to leaf and vine.
I promise to provide both sunlight
and water,
and take good care of Mother Earth’s
daughter.
As you grow, send up a shoot
and help my deepest dreams to root.
Crack your shell,
insides swell,
and with your undoing,
complete the spell.
PINE NEEDLE
VALENTINE'S CARD
BY HARMONIE O'LOUGHLIN

A winter’s hike through the forest will surely provide ample opportunity to
collect fallen pine branches.

Utilize this found treasure to adorn a nature-based, hands-on Valentine card.

The smell while you make them is winter incarnate.

Materials
Card template (attached)
Fresh pine needles
Glue
White cardstock
Printer
Scissors, Exacto knife, or
paper cutter
Pen, pencil, or marker

Method
Print template onto
cardstock and cut out
cards.

Collect fallen pine needles

on a nature walk.

Cut pine needles into

small pieces or leave long.
Glue to fill the heart
shape.

Place books over the cards 155

as the weight helps adhere
the pine to the paper.

Address, sign and seal

CELEBRATE

with a kiss.

Harmonie is the homesteading mama maker behind Flora's Feast Botanicals who explores
plants through her garden and in her kitchen and home apothecary. @florasfeastbotanicals
APHRODISIAC
DRINKING Chocolate is a divine,

CHOCOLATE
celestial drink, the
sweat of the stars,
BY AMBER JOY KENNEDY the vital seed, divine
nectar, the drink of
the gods, panacea
At Valentine’s Day, the stores are full of artificially flavored
chocolates in heart shaped boxes. Most of the ingredients in these and universal
confections are little more than sugar and oil with very little, if any, medicine.
actual cacao. But have you ever indulged in really good chocolate?

Theobroma cacao, a tree native to the Amazon Basin region in

South America, is an important source of food and medicine.
Though we now see it most often as a sweet candy, pure cacao Geronimo Piperini
actually boasts some wonderful health benefits. It is full of
antioxidants, magnesium, calcium and is the highest source of iron
in the plant world. It has long been used as a natural mood lifter
and stimulant which may be why it is said to support libido and
sexual vitality and has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac.
It’s no wonder it is so popular for Valentine’s Day!

The ancient Aztecs and Mayans honored cacao as a sacred plant and included it in many spiritual rituals and
ceremonies. In Mayan myth and folklore, humans were actually thought to be made of cacao. It has been linked
to blood, the heart and life source for centuries and is still revered to this day in these cultures.

Cacao beans are not naturally sweet and are, in fact, incredibly bitter. The roasted beans are mixed with sugar,
cocoa butter and sometimes vanilla to enhance their flavor to become the chocolate that we all know and love.
It’s important to always choose fair trade chocolate to make sure that the communities who depend on cacao
are paid fairly and treated ethically. Look for the highest ratio of pure cacao to other ingredients when picking
out chocolate for the most benefits or better yet, make your own from ethically sourced, 100% cacao. With a
little research you can find it in raw or roasted bean form, roasted cacao nibs, raw cacao or unsweetened
cocoa powders. You will also discover a secondary product of the Theobroma cacao tree, cocoa butter, which is
the fat used to make bars of chocolate and is also a wonderful skin emollient.

A traditional way to enjoy the benefits and flavor of chocolate is in a lightly sweetened cacao drink that is
sipped on as a gentle aphrodisiac and health elixir. Variations of drinking chocolate have become popular all
over the globe with various ingredients added for both flavor and benefit.

This version of drinking chocolate includes some additional herbal aphrodisiacs to work synergistically with
the magic of cacao. Damiana, Turnera diffusa, is a tropical shrub that grows in similar regions as cacao and was
also widely used as an aphrodisiac and to promote sexual health. It may also support the nervous system and 158
ease symptoms of mild anxiety. In this recipe, the earthy, herbaceous Damiana is infused into rich cocoa
butter. Maca root Lepidium meyenii is a beneficial adaptogen that nourishes the adrenals and helps us to adapt
to stress and may therefore improve stamina and vitality. It is generally found in a powder form. And of course
Rose, Rosa spp., Queen of the herbs, has long been considered the blossom of romantic love and can soothe
CELEBRATE

inflammation, calm frayed nerves and energetically open the heart center. For this recipe you can powder rose
petals in a spice grinder or food processor or purchase some already powdered.

This enchanting libation is sure to stir the senses and invite love and romance. Sip it with your Valentine or as a
tonic for overall wellness and vitality.
Materials
1 oz cocoa butter wafers
1 tbsp damiana, dried
4 c milk of choice
4 tbsp medjool date syrup
4 tbsp demerara sugar
4 tbsp cacao powder or 100% unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp rose petals, powdered
2 tsp maca powder
Dash sea salt
Dash cinnamon
Chili powder and pose petals to garnish

Method
Melt cocoa butter wafers in a double boiler.

Add damiana, stir and infuse for 10 minutes stirring

frequently. Strain damiana from butter.

Add milk and sugar to melted cocoa butter. Slowly heat,

stirring frequently until sugar is dissolved.

Add date syrup and stir well.

Add cocoa, rose petal and maca powders.

Remove from heat. Add a dash of sea salt to taste. Whisk

vigorously until frothy.

Pour into warmed mugs and serve with a pinch of chili

powder and rose petals.

Notes
Makes 4 servings.
Medjool date syrup can be replaced with maple syrup.
Demerara sugar can be replaced with raw sugar or brown
159
sugar.
CELEBRATE

Visit Amber Joy at an in person workshop in Vermont for more

herbal wisdom. Or join her online via patreon or instagram
@bohemebotanika or browse her line of herbal potions at
www.bohemebotanika.com
APHRODITE’S
MASSAGE OIL
BY ANN MEYER

This massage oil combines aphrodisiac and

stimulating herbs to promote passion and
desire. With plants known for inspiring love,
rose petals, jasmine flower and damiana leaf
help to create a sensual, romantic
environment. Cardamom pods and cinnamon
essential oil leave the skin feeling slightly
flushed and stimulated. All together they make
for a physical and mental sensory experience.

For a steamy, sensual escapade place the oil in

the palm of your hand and begin massaging at
the base of your neck, slowly making your way
down your shoulders and back. From there,
expand your massage onto your arms and legs.
This is the perfect massage oil to use with a
partner or for a solo experience. Aphrodite’s
massage oil should be used topically and is
best to avoid sensitive areas.

Materials
1 c rose petals
½ c jasmine flowers
¼ c damiana leaf
5 cardamom pods
5-10 drops cinnamon essential oil, leaf or bark
1 c hemp oil
½ c fractionated coconut oil or MCT oil

Method
Place the rose, jasmine, damiana, and cardamom pods into a mason jar. Slowly pour both the hemp and coconut
oils over the herbs, marking sure that all herbs are fully covered. Steep for 2-3 weeks, periodically shaking the
jar to help keep the mixture incorporated.
Strain the mixture using a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Rebottle into a clean mason jar. 160
Add the cinnamon essential oil. Stir well. Add lid and store in a cool, dark place.

Notes
For topical use only.
CELEBRATE

Adjust essential oil amounts depending on your needs, not exceeding 15 drops. It is recommended to patch test
the oil if additional drops are used in case of sensitivity of the skin.

Ann is an herbalist whose passion is spending time with the plants around her. Over the past year Ann’s plant path has been
combined with her love for astrology diving deeper into connecting both the plants and planets.
 BETWEEN THE SHEETS
LINEN SPRAY
BY BRITTANY PETERSON

Bedrooms are our sanctuary for sleep but should entice romance when the moments are right. When you
need courage to initiate with your partner or boost the mood when you have a kid free moment, use a linen
spray to inspire passion.

Why opt for an essential oil spray? We often take the sense of smell for granted. But scent is an incredibly
powerful trigger for memory recall, as the human olfactory system is linked directly to the most primitive
parts of our brain.

Every essential oil has a unique makeup of chemical constituents to aid in every aspect of our bodies. In this
recipe, we use:
Ylang Ylang promotes soothing feelings and has been used as an aphrodisiac.
Sandalwood is known for its grounding effects and the ability to promote a sense of peace and clarity.
Ginger has a spicy earthy note making it great for adding warmth to a room.
Bergamot has an enlivening effect that helps soothe the nerves and reduce tension.

Next time you need to add some spice to the night, think of reaching for the linen spray so you and your
partner can relax, unwind and have a good time. It’s as simple as a spritz to invoke a feisty mood.

Materials
4 oz glass spray bottle
10 drops sandalwood essential oil
10 drops bergamot essential oil
3 drops ginger essential oil
2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
Distilled water

Method
Add all essential oils into the 4 oz glass
spray bottle.

Top with distilled water.

Shake well.
162

Spray as needed onto bed sheets

and throughout the room.
CELEBRATE

Notes
You can use vodka or witch hazel in place of distilled water as it will dry quicker on linens and fabric for
immediate enjoyment.

Brittany and her family are holistic homesteaders on a mission to live sustainably in the suburbs.
Viewpoint
Interviews
Book + Product Reviews

CarrieIlves
Maria Tuttle
MEET
ROSALEE DE LA FORÊT
BY JULIA LINSTEADT
164

For most of human history we have turned to plants for nourishment, support,
medicine, beauty, and acts of kindness, love, and friendship. Interviewing the
INTERVIEW

accomplished herbalist and best-selling author, Rosalee de la Forêt, gave a new

perspective, a different lens, to view those plant relationships. From her deep
devotion to our planet, to her gift of intuition and listening, I know you will gain
fresh insight to the world of plants, and all they have to offer.

This interview has been edited for brevity. The responses were provided by email correspondence.
Please tell us a little about yourself and how your interest in herbalism
and working with plants began.

I was in jail when I realized I needed to make smarter choices with my life. I had
been arrested earlier that day while I was locked down in front of an investment
group that was funding big oil interests in Columbia, which was forcing the U’wa
people from their homelands. In all regards, the protest was successful. We
made a big ruckus, the news stations came out, and the issues, including footage
and appeals from the U’wa people, were being televised. But, sitting in that cell, I
had this moment of doubt, and I wondered, did we really change anything? And
later, when I stood on street corners and yelled/pleaded with passersby to
please take a moment to take action against unfair labor practices, climate
change, xyz, I saw 99% of people keep walking by. In other words, I desperately
wanted to see change in the world around me, but I was quickly becoming a
burnt-out and cynical activist.

And then, through a series of circumstances (met a boy, fell in love, moved,
yadda yadda), I found myself at a wilderness school. At this point, I was very
much a city person. I cared about the earth, but the reality was I had no deep
connection to the living world around me. Through this school, I began to learn
about wild and feral plants and how they provide food and medicine. I was
instantly hooked. I went from not knowing a single plant by name to voraciously
identifying and, if appropriate, working with every plant I came across. And
through this process, I watched myself, and my fellow students forge this deeply
passionate love for the earth that went beyond the abstract “climate change is
bad”. Instead, through this growing reciprocal relationship with the plants
around me, I felt both joy and awe, as well as a deep responsibility to protect
this land. And it just clicked for me! This was the way forward. Enough
yelling/pleading at people! Instead, it was about inviting others to form their
own relationship with the earth around them. We protect what we love!

And then what really cinched it was my own miraculous healing. During my
wilderness studies, while I was learning to ID plants, make healing salves, and
harvest wild foods, I developed a rare autoimmune disease. Doctors told me that
it was terminal and I could expect a declining quality of life with a life
expectancy around 40. That diagnosis was terrifying, as you can imagine. But I
also didn’t feel invested in it. I really had an immediate, “Okay, western medicine
165
can’t help me, then who can?” That led me to work with a variety of
practitioners, including herbalists. After about 6 months, I was symptom-free.
This was a huge paradigm shift for me. Until then, I thought herbs were great for
boo-boos, but I didn’t realize how powerful and relevant they were for major
INTERVIEW

illnesses. It was at that point I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to being an

herbalist.
How do you recommend What is one thing you wish the
incorporating herbal energetics into world better understood about
an herb practice? herbalism and the connection
between humans and nature?

Herbal energetics offer herbalists a way Many of us, thankfully not all of us, grew
to better understand the individual and up in a culture that sees humans as
how that person relates to the world separate from nature. Deconstructing
around them. It helps us to let go of the this is hard, but I believe that this is one
oversimplified one-size-fits-all approach of the most destructive beliefs on our
to healing. And, when we think of planet. I would go so far as to say it is
energetics beyond the individual and killing our earth. If we don’t see our
take a wider view to see the energetics of connection and interdependence on the
the living world around us, it opens up world around us, how can we hope to
the most beautiful and enchanting part change cultural beliefs around the
of herbalism - to be students of the pillaging of the earth’s resources and the
earth. further destruction of habitats? Yes, the
legislature is important in today’s world.
The great thing about herbal energetics But the only reason we need laws to
is that you can start with your own felt prevent the harmful destruction of our
experiences in your everyday life. When earth is that there is a sickness that lets
it comes to your personal energetics, you some people assume it’s okay to do so.
could be noticing how you feel. Do you Ultimately, we have to heal that
tend to run warmer or cooler? Do you sickness.
tend to be dryer or more damp/moist?
And yes, this can change throughout the Seeing humans as nature is one of the
day and especially the season. main teachings in our Rooted Medicine
Course. It gives me hope to see students
Likewise, you can also experience herbal have their own epiphanies and
energetics and food energetics simply by transformations each year as they also
paying attention. When you bite into raw learn to see themselves as part of this
garlic, does it strike you as hot or cold? If earth and not separate from “nature.”
you eat a cucumber dill salad, does it
strike you as cooling or warming?

In its most simplest form, herbal

energetics is about finding a level of
balance by artfully matching herbs to a
person. So, if someone tends to run 166
warm, they may find more relief with
cooling herbs. And, if someone tends to
run cool, they may find warming herbs
are better suited to them.
INTERVIEW
Many people are familiar with Winter is often the time we
elderberries and use elderberry encounter colds and flu. Can you
syrup for immune support, share some of your favorite herbal
especially during the winter. What strategies for managing coughs, sore
other herbs do you recommend for throats, and fevers?
nourishing and building your
immune system during winter?

This makes me chuckle a little because I put a lot of focus on prevention. I love
elderberry has suddenly become so nourishing my immune system with
popular! It wasn’t this well-known even herbs and nutrient dense foods, and
two decades ago. I love that it is so making sure my vitamin D3 levels are
popular because it’s a sustainable herb optimal. But we all get sick!
that grows all over the world, and it
works so well. But there are many After prevention, the second most
wonderful herbs for immune support. effective thing we can do is to go full-on
to address something at the very first
My favorite is easily astragalus. This symptoms. Loads of elderberry and
sweet herb nourishes the immune ginger are often my go-to choices.
system and can help modulate immune Dosage and frequency are really
system function. It’s perfect for people important here. It’s possible to
who tend to get upper respiratory significantly shorten the duration of an
infections often and who also feel a bit illness in this stage. Once an illness sets
depleted or weak overall. Almost every in, elderberry becomes less effective,
winter morning, I brew up a batch of and at this stage, it’s more about
astragalus spiced tea on our wood stove. continuing to support your immune
I often add a couple of slices of reishi to system and manage symptoms of
this, a wonderful mushroom for discomfort.
supporting immune system health.
Astringent and spicy herbal formulas are
Garlic and ginger, two very different wonderful for easing a sore throat.
herbs with many overlapping benefits, Coughs can be addressed either for
are also wonderful for the season. Both dryness (demulcent herbs) or for
of these herbs, when fresh specifically, congestion (stimulating diaphoretics).
are known to bolster the immune system. For coughs, sometimes it’s the right
They are also warming, carminative, and combination of both. For fevers, I like to
easy to enjoy as food. let them take their course but, again,
choose herbs for support and comfort.
Another collection of herbs I love for One of my favorite herbs for a fever 167
winter wellness is bee balm, oregano, and where the person feels hot and irritable,
thyme. These are wonderful culinary and perhaps achy, is a really strong
herbs that also make delicious teas that chamomile tea.
can help ward off illness. Probably
INTERVIEW

because they are culinary herbs, these

often get overlooked, but they are truly
some of our best and most accessible
herbal medicines.
SPICED
ASTAGALUS
TEA
BY ROSALEE DE LA FORÊT

Drinking this delicious spicy tea is a

wonderful way to support
your immune system during the
winter months. The spices
warm you up from the inside out,
making this a perfect tea for
the colder times of the year.
Because the astragalus root comes
in a variety of shapes and sizes and
is hard to measure out
by volume, I recommend using a
scale to measure it by weight.

This recipe was originally published

in my book, Alchemy of Herbs. It is
shared here with permission.

Materials
20 to 30 grams astragalus root (approximately 15 to 20 small slices)
1 tbsp orange peel, dried
2 tsp ginger, minced fresh or dried
½ tbsp cinnamon chips
½ tsp whole peppercorns
1 or 2 cardamom pods
2 whole cloves
2 ½ c water

Stove Method
Place all the ingredients in a pan with 2 ½ cups of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and
simmer for 20 minutes, covered. Strain, then add milk and honey as desired. Drink within
36 hours. 168

Slow Cooker Method

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker with 2 ½ cups of water. Set it to low heat and let it
cook overnight, covered. Inspect the amount; if it looks low, add more water. Strain, then
INTERVIEW

add milk and honey as desired. Drink within 36 hours.

Botanical illustration by Tatiana Rusakova

We hear you grow over 100 Do you have any new book projects
medicinal herbs in your garden. on the horizon? What is the best
What are your top herbs to grow? way to connect with you and your
work?

I love growing bee balms, especially I’m working on a naturalist coloring

Monarda fistulosa. Bee balm is a book project for my region with my
wonderful medicine, and it’s hard to buy husband and a local artist, Caitlin
it. More than that, the pollinators LOVE Cordell.
this plant. I spend a lot of time watching
butterflies and hummingbirds visit bee The best way to be in touch with me is
balm flowers. via my weekly newsletter. Every
Wednesday, I send out seasonal
I adore tulsi, especially fresh tulsi. I love newsletters along with updates on my
fresh tulsi in food recipes, and I also love podcast, YouTube channel, recipes, and
to chop it up fresh and infuse it into cold more. You can find my books at your
water for a lovely simple drink during the local bookseller (or order them in).
hot, dry months of summer. I also love There are bonuses that go with each
tulsi dried for winter teas and infused book. Replying to my weekly newsletter
oils. So that’s a plant I grow a lot of. is a good way to get those bonuses.

Last year I bought za’atar oregano from My big event on the horizon is Rooted
Strictly Medicinal Seeds, and I absolutely Medicine Circle. This is a ten-month
love it! I am excited for that plant to online course that guides people to
grow, so I have more to work with. This make powerful herbal medicines while
past summer, I was harvesting it as much strengthening their connection to the
as I could while still contributing to the world around them.
health of the plant, but it never felt like
as much as I wanted for our meals.

There are some plants that I love to have Rosalee de la Forêt, RH, is passionate about
in my garden even though I don’t harvest inspiring you to enjoy plants every single day
them. I love having astragalus around. I whether it’s marveling their beauty or using
their gifts as food and medicine.
couldn’t possibly grow enough astragalus
She is the author of the bestselling books Alchemy
for us, so I rarely harvest the plant, but of Herbs: Transforming Everyday Ingredients
instead, I simply enjoy spending time into Foods and Remedies that Heal and co-
with it since it’s an herb I rely on a lot. I author of Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing
also rarely harvest my vervain or Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine.
skullcaps, but I get really excited to see
Julia Linsteadt lives in the Sierra Nevada 169
them bloom.
Foothills on a small farm where she writes,
gardens, and creates with her family.
INTERVIEW
 BOOK REVIEWS

THE FORAGER CHEF'S HERBAL HEALING

BOOK OF FLORA TEAS
To honor and indulge in the greatness of Grab your favorite mug, a notebook, and a
both wild foraged food and garden plants, pen, because Healing Herbal Teas by Sarah
grab a copy of Alan Bergo’s, “The Forager Farr will inspire you to begin or deepen
Chef’s Book of Flora.” Bergo assumes the your herbal tea journey. This book
reader is already comfortable with plant provides a solid and approachable
identification, and instead, dives into education on the art of herbal tea
unique uses and preparations of plants blending, useful herb profiles, and a wealth
found throughout the U.S. Recipes fit for of herbal tea recipes. The book is
fine dining, this book engages the organized in a very helpful way to allow
imagination to spice a dish with cow you to access what you need with ease. If
parsnip seeds, or ferment black walnuts. you’re looking to address specific health
Eat tomato leaves (that’s right!) and make concerns, there are sections on those, or if
mock vanilla syrup. The photos will have you’d like to approach tea seasonally, there
your mouth watering and Bergo provides are chapters offering recipes and practices
the directions to not only try these tasty organized accordingly. Farr also teaches
recipes, but also experiment you how to create your own personalized
independently. It is fittingly self-described tea blends. Healing Herbal Teas is an
as a “culinary toolbox,” including both indispensable recipe and reference book
intricate and simple dishes. This is an for those just starting out with herbalism
enticing book for the seasoned forager, as well as seasoned herbalists.
and even those new to practice…if an ID
book is also in hand.
-Sarah Barron -Anna Reisz

170
REVIEWS
MEET
PLANT WONDER
Kristen is a cookbook author, photographer, recipe
COLLECTIVITE developer, writer and creator of MOON and spoon and

KRISTEN WOOD
yum, a gluten-free vegetarian food blog and
Schisandra & Bergamot, an herbalism-focused blog.
When she’s not in the kitchen creating, she can be
found roaming the desert or forest with her family,
camera in hand.

When did you first fall in love with plants?

My initial love for plants started as a very young child
spending time in my grandfather's gardens. He had a huge
vegetable garden, flower gardens, a catnip patch,
blackberry bushes, grape vines, and black walnut trees, to
name a few. We would often have dinner with produce
freshly harvested from the garden when visiting and that
certainly made a mark on me. As an older child, I quickly
caught on to just how immersed in natural medicine my
mother was and would often peruse her herbal and
alternative medicine books, quickly cluing me into the
medicinal benefits (and magic!) of plants.

What is your favorite plant and why?

I have a real soft spot for Passiflora. The first time I
experienced her in tea form, it really worked for me and
my personality type, calming the bits that need to be
calmer! She has since become a frequent nighttime ally of
mine. As a young adult, I spent a year traveling through
Central and South America and I kept serendipitously
encountering passionflowers growing in the wild along the
way. I had many magical moments just sitting with her and
listening to what she had to say, not to mention admiring
her great beauty!

How do you most incorporate plants into your What do you find meaningful about Plant
lifestyle? Wonder Collective that adds to your life and
I use plants daily in one form or another, with the most work?
common form being tea. I drink several cups of herbal tea a Being part of a supportive community of people with
day, always have an oil infusion or plant extract going, and a shared passion running through is a gift and
make many of my own bath and skincare products that I something that I feel very grateful for. Joining PWC
use daily. has given me permission to indulge in a part of myself
that has always been there, but that I haven't given
What is your current inspiration when working enough attention to in recent years. Honoring a
different plant each month has deepened my
with plants?
connections to those plants and helped me
With the influx of rampant viruses going around, a lot of
appreciate them even more. PWC certainly inspired
my focus has been on supporting the immune system,
me to finally create my second website, Schisandra &
lessening inflammatory responses in the body, and
Bergamot, which is a concept I had years ago but had
continually learning more about which plants can be most
put on the back burner. Plants are a huge part of a
supportive in this day and age. Additionally, as I inch closer
lifelong healing journey for me, so being a member of
to 40, I've started thinking more about longevity and what I
something tied to such a pivotal part of my path feels
can do now to set the stage for the crone phase of life! So,
like a great way to honor that much more deeply. So,
to answer that question more acutely, I'm greatly inspired
in many ways, PWC has been very nurturing.
by the "now".
 PRODUCT REVIEWS

COPPER STILL DOUBLE BOILER

The copper still might just be the When making herbal products such as
herbalist’s most beautiful piece of infused oils, balms, salves, soaps, and even
equipment. It’s used to distill hydrosols candles, a double boiler can be an
and essential oils, and is relatively easy to incredibly useful tool. Double boilers heat
use. After a thorough cleaning, simply fill more gently and indirectly, which can help
the base with fresh plants and filtered maintain the quality and potency of your
water, attach the top (also called the botanical ingredients. Although you can
“onion”), fill the condenser (the pot with get by without one —by filling a saucepan
the coil of metal inside) with ice and water, with a small amount of water and either
and attach the tubing. One tube is for setting a glass jar inside or resting a heat-
draining the condenser; the other is for safe bowl on top of the pan— having
collecting the hydrosol out of the coil. Put equipment dedicated to this task is a
the base of the still on a low flame, and convenient time saver. Double boilers
catch the hydrosol in a clean jar, drop by come in a wide range of sizes and prices,
drop. Remove the still from the heat once so you’re sure to be able to find the right
you have collected ½ the amount of liquid one based on your needs. Many feature a
you put in it. The essential oils will be pour spout and hook to secure the top pot
floating on the top of the liquid. They can onto the bottom one, both of which are
either be mixed right into the hydrosol, or especially handy for safely working with
carefully collected with a special tool hot waxes and oils.
called an essential oil separator.
-Ashley Moore -Anna Reisz

172
REVIEWS
 EXPLORE THE
SEASON

Winter Sensory Meditation

Tune into the rhythms of nature to more fully

connect to the season. Answer the prompts
below to mindfully connect what symbolizes
summer to you.

Taste

Smell

Touch

Hear

See

THROUGH YOUR
Carrie Tuttle
SENSES
 STAY CONNECTED
Katie Jo Muschiana
CONTACT
Tell us what you think!
How did you like our winter edition?

[email protected]

174
@plantwondercollective

www.plantwondercollective.com
STAY CONNECTED

Follow Plant Wonder Collective

for daily inspiration on our plant of the month

Maria Ilves
Journal
Goals

Make Learned
Notes
WINTERS
ALCHEMY
BY CARRIE TUTTLE

Winters unwavering spell now cast,

Charmed, I watch ice rime over the
ivy,
And pour glitter on stone as I walk.
Where is the water under the rivers
glass?
When will the light birth once again?
Next season I’ll watch the green
growing mugwort,
Scarlet sage and lavender; queen
Anne's lace.
Next season I’ll choose the perfect
rose.
Now I breathe through an icy wind,
Feeling the frozen earth,
And quiet roots sleeping.
Stars of frost wander through the sky
And choose a careless landing
Hands of branches wave to the ice
haloed moon,
As whispering wings pass through the
night.
Next season I’ll tend the soft ground
This season I’ll wait for the sun
And listen to the earths sleeping 177
breath
In the cold alchemy of darkness.
POEM
More from Botanical Anthology
BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY
SUMMER
*Learn how to make your own rose water
and elderflower cordial.

*Create flower essence ice cubes and

fireweed face cream.

*Discover how to grow a bee garden and

summer flowers to forage.

*Dye with chamomile, draw a rose and

embroider lavender.

*Ever wonder what type of witch you are?

We’ve got a quiz!

*Celebrate the Summer Solstice and

Lammas with simple observances.

BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY
AUTUMN
*Learn how to build + use a home
apothecary

*Forage autumn olives, burdock root +

mushrooms

*Create your own seasonal body oil, bone

broth + coffee

*Test your knowledge on fall berries + 178

kitchen spices

*Dye with seeds, draw echinacea + felt

STAY CONNECTED

acorns

*Celebrate Mabon + Samhain with simple

observances

Order your copy today www.plantwondercollective.com