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Digestive Herbs: Protective Milk Thistle & Liver-Loving Chai

devon 1 Comment

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Digestive Herbs: Protective Milk Thistle & Liver-Loving Chai

Devon Young 1 Comment

Milk thistle is a gently protective, liver loving herb. Added to a warming blend of chai spices & burdock root, it creates a delicious medicinal beverage.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Energetics: neutral

Therapeutic Actions: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cholagogue, demulcent, galactagogue, heptatoprotective, hepatic trophorestorative, immunomodulant

 

Most of the organs of the digestive system a pretty obvious — even to those without a shred of anatomy & physiology knowledge.  After all, the digestive system is relatively mechanical – we chew (mouth), we swallow (esophagus), we churn the food (stomach), then we, ummm, eliminate (bowel).  However, with our modern lifestyles, perhaps the most overlooked and overworked organ in our entire body is our lovely ole liver.

The liver is a smart organ.  It participates in all aspects of digestion, absorption, and the processing of waste materials in the foods we eat by serving as the main “clearing house” for the blood flow coming from the stomach.  It is the chief organ in charge metabolism for all the substances we put into our bodies – food, fluids, and drugs (prescription, herbal, illicit, and otherwise).  As the main filter for the body, it traps and prepares toxic substances for elimination via its incredibly efficient detoxification process.

However, there are times that diet, lifestyle, medications and other factors slow or impair liver function.  We need a protective boost.  We need a “spring cleaning”. We need something…  And here we look to a favored plant ally: Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle Medicinal Benefits

When one sets out learning about herbs, it is easy to get confused about the myriad of uses one particular herb may have.  But milk thistle seems to be unequivocally associated with the liver (perhaps the gall bladder and pancreas to a far lesser degree).  Milk thistle is called for in instances of a toxic, and/or congested liver – the liver that has weakened by constant excess.

Carbohydrates, alcohols, fatty foods and all around poor nutritional hygiene contribute to a liver that is bogged down, heavy and wont to send out emergency flare symptoms like headaches, dark under eye circles, skin eruptions such as acne and rashes.  Other signs of a congested liver include reproductive and hormonal imbalances.  Milk thistle lends the liver a helping hand by assisting the organ in its natural detoxification process, while also offering protection at a cellular level.  The active constituent “cocktail” known as silymarin has been indicated in studies for possible benefits in cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer patients.

Much has also been made about silymarin’s ability to ameliorate the effect of amanita (a type of toxic mushroom) poisoning.  Silybin (a constituent of milk thistle/silymarin) is a clinical antidote to the poisoning.  However, it should be noted that the silybin prepared for medical use is a standardized extract.  This concentration may not be achievable by tincturing at home. Treat mushroom poisoning (or any poisoning) as a potentially life-threatening emergency and seek immediate medical attention.

Additionally, milk thistle may be effective to address cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) and may help type II diabetics with blood sugar regulation (both are serious conditions requiring medical care).

Milk Thistle Identification

Milk thistle is quite obviously a member of the thistle sub-family – a family unforgettably recognizable, and altogether prickly.  This thistle is characterized by white-veined, spiny leaves and a violet-pink flower protected by spiny bracts.  It is common to disturbed soils on both coasts of North America, as well as the southern states.  Milk thistle is considered highly invasive and potentially toxic to livestock.  The leaves and roots are edible and medicinal but it’s the seeds that contain the greatest concentration of silymarin.

Milk Thistle Safety & Dosage

A herb with such profound medicinal values often comes with a list of potential contraindications.  However, there is surprisingly little worry about using milk thistle.  I have even seen a study involving IVF patients which found the herbs no negative effects on follicular development. Yet another study indicated that milk thistle promoted increase lactation in the animal model.  That being said, women that are pregnant or nursing, people that are taking prescription medications or being treated for an illness should consult their physician before using milk thistle or any other herb for therapeutic reasons.

Sources indicate a dose of 175mg of seed extract standardized to 80% silymarin for hepatoprotective benefits.  Amounts up to 600mg may offer more restorative benefits.  German Commission E suggests up to 15 grams of seeds are safe for daily use.


FDA Disclosure

I am a trained herbalist with a degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, I am not, however, a doctor. Posts in this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before using any herbs, check for appropriate dosage, drug interactions, and contraindications. Information contained herein is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prescribe. Please consult your primary care physician regarding your specific health concerns.


Milk Thistle Liver Loving Chai

While tinctures and ground encapsulated seed offer medicinal benefit, it is hard for me to think of milk thistle as a solely medicinal herb.  The ground seeds have a nutty, malty flavor that could easily be added to granola, baked goods, or simply sprinkled over some yogurt. I am often inclined to create chai blends with my favorite medicinal herbs due to the warming nature of the drink.  Also, because I quit coffee and I crave a piping hot mug of an invigorating elixir on the daily.

Chai is the new coffee in our home.

This blend incorporates milk thistle seeds as well as burdock root for its additional liver loving, blood clearing benefits.  Traditional chai spices of cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, and pink peppercorns (because they are pretty) add some fire to the mix.  Simmered in a milk of your choosing, this chai is an excellent way to deliver a little extra liver TLC.

Interested in learning more about common medicinal plants?  Check out my new book The Backyard Herbal Apothecary!

Milk Thistle Chai Recipe

Milk Thistle Liver Loving Chai

All the medicinal benefits of milk thistle in a warming chai latte. That's some good medicine.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz milk thistle seeds ground
  • 2 oz burdock root ground
  • 1 oz ginger granules
  • 1 oz cinnamon ground
  • .5 oz cardamom pods crushed
  • .5 oz fennel seeds
  • .25 oz pink peppercorns lightly ground

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients and place in an airtight container for storage.  NOTE: Use a coffee grinder to process milk thistle seeds and burdock root to a coarse powder.
  • To prepare chai simmer one heaping tablespoon of mix in 8-10 oz of a milk of your choice for 15-20 minutes.  Strain, sweeten, and enjoy.

Milk Thistle Chai Recipe

References:

Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism the science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

Wood, M. (2016). Earthwise herbal repertory: traditional western herbalism. North Atlantic Books.

 

Devon Young

Devon is a writer and author on subjects of holistic and sustainable living. She has a degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine from the American College of Healthcare Sciences, and her books, The Backyard Herbal Apothecary and The Herbalist's Healing Kitchen, were published by Page Street Publishing in Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 respectively. Her NEW book, The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary, dedicating to growing a medicinal landscape publishes March 2024. Devon's work outside of NittyGrittyLife.com can be seen at LearningHerbs.com, GrowForageCookFerment.com, AttainableSustainable.net, and in the magazine The Backwoods Home.

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1 Comment

  • Keira January 4, 2024 at 2:27 am

    I’ll have to save this for “spring cleaning.”

  • Leave a Reply

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    About Me

    About Me

    Meet the Nitty Gritty Mama, Devon!

    I am an herbalist, farmer, cook, and forager. I get my hands dirty and am not afraid to do things the "hard way". Sharing my Nitty Gritty Life with you! Read More

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    • 📗💗🌱 Happy Publication Day to me! 🌱💗📗

It’s incredible that this day is finally here! The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is my third book with @pagestreetpublishing and my childhood dream of being an author is my reality. 

My other reality is that I have let my life changes and struggles cloud what should have been sheer joy and celebration about this book. But it’s time to shed some gloom and doom, it’s time to smile and heal.

Born from the concept of cultivating a medicinal landscape, this book was written with fierce sense of independence and a resolve that I, that we, can heal right where we are planted — wherever that may be.

I finally feel the excitement again thanks to all my friends, followers, and family. Today is the official day — the Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is available wherever books are sold! I encourage you to check your local bookstore, shop online retailers, or you can even purchase a SIGNED COPY from my website! Note: the response already to my book announcement has been amazing and purchases made in the next few days from my website will ship early next week — I sold out of my own inventory and needed my publisher to send me more! 🤣📗

So is it time to plant some healing seeds??? I think it is! And I might have styled this posts with @botanical_interests seeds because, dannnng we look good together don’t ya think? 🤭Am I shamelessly flirting and batting my eyelashes at a brand? Yes, I am. 😘😘😘

And always, thank you to my ink maven collaborator @hannastattoos for illustrating and bringing beauty to my book baby!

https://nittygrittylife.com/my-books/The-Homegrown-Herbal-Apothecary-p630339507

#herbbook #herbgarden #medicinalherbs #herbalism #publicationday #thehomegrownherbalapothecary #grow #heal
    • About two months ago, I announced that my newest book The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary would be published this March. The warm excitement that I received from everyone washed over me like a wave. A tender reminder that my love of herbs and words touched you all.

But it was radio silence on my website. Not a single book had been reserved from my site. It appeared that books were being reserved on large retail sites, but not from me. So while I try not to measure my achievements monetarily — it stung.
And then a something greater than a fear of failure hit. A fear of success. I didn’t look into why not a single book had sold from my site for weeks.  Maybe I needed to be humbled.

But something gnawed at me… the reception to my book launch had been so warm… so with the help of a much more technically savvy friend we uncovered a fatal flaw in my book launch. In the wee hours between testing my “store” pages and the official announcement an update occurred with a massive coding conflict that rendered my store pages invisible. 

So as the hilarious relationship saying goes “it’s not you, it’s me.”

So with no further ado, let me RE-ANNOUNCE that The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5th!!! Just a couple days away. AND signed copies are available for purchase on my website (link in bio)! 

As spring draws nears, it is time to start sowing the healing seeds and create a medicinal landscape. Will you join me in the garden where we can plant healing herbs and grow an apothecary?

Art by @hannastattoos Published by @pagestreetpublishing 

https://nittygrittylife.com/introducing-the-homegrown-herbal-apothecary/
#herbalist #herbalmedicine #garden #healinggarden #herbbook #medicinalherbs
    • As I stay tucked safely in my warm house, I can’t help but think of how this time last year I was putting the final touches on the first draft of The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary. 

Perhaps it is being pretty much iced in at the moment that makes me think of the importance of self reliance. While this book is dedicated to gardening medicinal herbs, the larger concept is about bring health and healing HOME. 

I find comfort when my apothecary is stocked full of remedies to soothe discomforts and ease one’s mind, body, and spirit. To know fixing up earache or a sore throat is not a trip to the pharmacy, but just a trip to the cupboard. And when these remedies are grown and made in my own home — I feel that much more confident in my herbal medicine making!

You can reserve your copy by clicking the link in my bio, where you can navigate to the Homegrown book page (links to major retailers OR preorder a signed copy directly from me). I can’t believe that my @pagestreetpublishing publishing date is only about six weeks away! How time flies!

#herbalmedicine #medicinalherbs #medicinallandscaping #herbbook #gardenbook
    • My mind is wandering to seeds, sowing, gardening, harvesting, and wandering shady forests on warm summer days.

But my reality is inches of frozen ice and snow, a frozen sink drain below the house, and being house bound for the time being. So while my mind wanders, I’ll bake.

A spiral of semi-brioche sourdough swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, basted with the syrup and glazed… This will do for now.

#baker #sourdough #icestorm #breakfast
    • 2023… is one for the books. I’m not exactly sure what book that is, but I am ready for a new chapter.

The little one (not so little anymore) and I just spent an evening with watercolors in front of the fire.  A peaceful way to bid farewell to a challenging year. 

She has an artist’s soul and studies with determination. She’s leans into texture and subtly. Hers is a study of earth tones, a wall, a potted plant, and vines… She’s 11. 

I am a writer, and not an artist of the visual medium. I chose poppies. Wild and chaotic. I haven’t picked up a paint brush since grade school. 

Nothing magical to say tonight, except find some peace in the quiet times.
    • First of all I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support yesterday regarding the announcement of my new book. You have no idea how many times I was moved to tears… truly and from the bottom of my heart, thank you… 💚❤️💚

Since the weather outside is frightful (wet, icky and cold), and there is not much to do in the garden right now — I’ve been baking…

This chestnut babka is… delightful. 😘

Tap link in bio for recipe.
    • The moment “she” arrived, I cried silent, happy tears…

Today is the winter solstice for the northern hemisphere. The shortest, darkest day of the year. A time when most of us are longing for warmth and light.

Writing this book was my “light.”

I have made some vague references to “life changes” that pulled me away from writing and being regularly present in this space over the last year or so… One of these changes was the ending of my marriage and moving away from my beloved farm. Frankly, leaving the 20 acres of woods and fields, animals and plants left me in a bit of an identity crisis. Big time “imposter syndrome.” Who was I to teach people about plants and healing when I was barely taking care of myself?

In 2022 I bought a house in town with my oldest daughter and her husband… Embarked on a bit of a multigenerational living situation.  After settling in, I felt a bit of that creative spark igniting inside of me. I no longer lived on an acreage in the country, but I was, in fact, living as most of my readers do — in a neighborhood, on a suburban lot. 

So the question came to me… Could I turn my landscape into a healing garden? 

Yes I can, and you can too.

Thanks to my friends at @pagestreetpublishing The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary was born.  This book was written with my whole heart and soul while adapting to a new life. This book helped me reclaim ME.

So here I am today to reveal my spark again on this darkest day of the year. I want to invite you to grow a healing garden. No matter if you have only containers on your patio or a sprawling acreage, you can grow medicinal plants right where you live. My book contains 120 herbal profiles complete with traditional medicinal uses, how to grow and harvest these botanicals, master remedy recipes to build your confidence in the apothecary, and just enough herbalism and gardening science and “magic” to inspire home gardeners and herbalists to heal where we live.

The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5 and is currently in “pre-order.” To reserve your copy today, click the link on my bio or any online book retailer.

#herbalmedicine #medicinalgarden #healinglandscape #author #garden #herbs
    • Sometimes I get to travel and the flora and fauna of a place captures my heart.

A born and raised PNW girl, I know the dense canopy of fir forests, and alder and maple lined river banks… tangled with vines and so thick with growth that it is difficult to see the proverbial forest for the trees. Something about the Midwest meadows of wildflowers and the cacophony of crickets, cicadas, birds and beetles speaks to me in ways I never expected. I am so used to the shadows and mountains, that the wild open plains and meadows feel foreign. And beautiful.

I suppose it is easy to romanticize a place that feels unfamiliar, but seeing the washes of solidago left feral makes my herbalist heart happy.

#goldenrod #solidago #herbs #herbalism #nativeplants #wildflowers
    • Garden lessons for those “productivity minded” folks…

I had a discussion with a dear friend regarding productivity today. She and I both tend to focus on creating, producing, working to what some would say is extreme. Maybe it comes from a sense that our only value is in what we put out into the world… maybe it’s that we don’t always feel safe enough, at least metaphorically speaking, to relax… I don’t entirely know… I know that sometimes it sucks and sometimes I am tired beyond comprehension.

After ten hours of work today, I decided to take a mental health break to harvest one barrel of potatoes (some would say this is still some form of working). I tipped the barrel over and dug through the dirt, only to harvest a couple pounds of potatoes. 

I felt a pang of disappointment.

But then I reminded myself… these started as three mushy, sprouting garbage potatoes destined for the compost. The planting, planning, and care added to my summer joy. So effing what if this was not the most “productive” barrel of potatoes I have ever grown. It brought me joy in its care and it will bring my family joy at dinner. 

So my lesson to myself today is that it doesn’t have to be productive to be joyful. And maybe I needed a handful of humble potatoes to remind me.

#potatoes #gardening #gardenlessons #gardenmeditation
    📗💗🌱 Happy Publication Day to me! 🌱💗📗

It’s incredible that this day is finally here! The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is my third book with @pagestreetpublishing and my childhood dream of being an author is my reality. 

My other reality is that I have let my life changes and struggles cloud what should have been sheer joy and celebration about this book. But it’s time to shed some gloom and doom, it’s time to smile and heal.

Born from the concept of cultivating a medicinal landscape, this book was written with fierce sense of independence and a resolve that I, that we, can heal right where we are planted — wherever that may be.

I finally feel the excitement again thanks to all my friends, followers, and family. Today is the official day — the Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is available wherever books are sold! I encourage you to check your local bookstore, shop online retailers, or you can even purchase a SIGNED COPY from my website! Note: the response already to my book announcement has been amazing and purchases made in the next few days from my website will ship early next week — I sold out of my own inventory and needed my publisher to send me more! 🤣📗

So is it time to plant some healing seeds??? I think it is! And I might have styled this posts with @botanical_interests seeds because, dannnng we look good together don’t ya think? 🤭Am I shamelessly flirting and batting my eyelashes at a brand? Yes, I am. 😘😘😘

And always, thank you to my ink maven collaborator @hannastattoos for illustrating and bringing beauty to my book baby!

https://nittygrittylife.com/my-books/The-Homegrown-Herbal-Apothecary-p630339507

#herbbook #herbgarden #medicinalherbs #herbalism #publicationday #thehomegrownherbalapothecary #grow #heal
    📗💗🌱 Happy Publication Day to me! 🌱💗📗 It’s incredible that this day is finally here! The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is my third book with @pagestreetpublishing and my childhood dream of being an author is my reality. My other reality is that I have let my life changes and struggles cloud what should have been sheer joy and celebration about this book. But it’s time to shed some gloom and doom, it’s time to smile and heal. Born from the concept of cultivating a medicinal landscape, this book was written with fierce sense of independence and a resolve that I, that we, can heal right where we are planted — wherever that may be. I finally feel the excitement again thanks to all my friends, followers, and family. Today is the official day — the Homegrown Herbal Apothecary is available wherever books are sold! I encourage you to check your local bookstore, shop online retailers, or you can even purchase a SIGNED COPY from my website! Note: the response already to my book announcement has been amazing and purchases made in the next few days from my website will ship early next week — I sold out of my own inventory and needed my publisher to send me more! 🤣📗 So is it time to plant some healing seeds??? I think it is! And I might have styled this posts with @botanical_interests seeds because, dannnng we look good together don’t ya think? 🤭Am I shamelessly flirting and batting my eyelashes at a brand? Yes, I am. 😘😘😘 And always, thank you to my ink maven collaborator @hannastattoos for illustrating and bringing beauty to my book baby! https://nittygrittylife.com/my-books/The-Homegrown-Herbal-Apothecary-p630339507 #herbbook #herbgarden #medicinalherbs #herbalism #publicationday #thehomegrownherbalapothecary #grow #heal
    3 weeks ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/9
    About two months ago, I announced that my newest book The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary would be published this March. The warm excitement that I received from everyone washed over me like a wave. A tender reminder that my love of herbs and words touched you all.

But it was radio silence on my website. Not a single book had been reserved from my site. It appeared that books were being reserved on large retail sites, but not from me. So while I try not to measure my achievements monetarily — it stung.
And then a something greater than a fear of failure hit. A fear of success. I didn’t look into why not a single book had sold from my site for weeks.  Maybe I needed to be humbled.

But something gnawed at me… the reception to my book launch had been so warm… so with the help of a much more technically savvy friend we uncovered a fatal flaw in my book launch. In the wee hours between testing my “store” pages and the official announcement an update occurred with a massive coding conflict that rendered my store pages invisible. 

So as the hilarious relationship saying goes “it’s not you, it’s me.”

So with no further ado, let me RE-ANNOUNCE that The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5th!!! Just a couple days away. AND signed copies are available for purchase on my website (link in bio)! 

As spring draws nears, it is time to start sowing the healing seeds and create a medicinal landscape. Will you join me in the garden where we can plant healing herbs and grow an apothecary?

Art by @hannastattoos Published by @pagestreetpublishing 

https://nittygrittylife.com/introducing-the-homegrown-herbal-apothecary/
#herbalist #herbalmedicine #garden #healinggarden #herbbook #medicinalherbs
    About two months ago, I announced that my newest book The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary would be published this March. The warm excitement that I received from everyone washed over me like a wave. A tender reminder that my love of herbs and words touched you all. But it was radio silence on my website. Not a single book had been reserved from my site. It appeared that books were being reserved on large retail sites, but not from me. So while I try not to measure my achievements monetarily — it stung. And then a something greater than a fear of failure hit. A fear of success. I didn’t look into why not a single book had sold from my site for weeks. Maybe I needed to be humbled. But something gnawed at me… the reception to my book launch had been so warm… so with the help of a much more technically savvy friend we uncovered a fatal flaw in my book launch. In the wee hours between testing my “store” pages and the official announcement an update occurred with a massive coding conflict that rendered my store pages invisible. So as the hilarious relationship saying goes “it’s not you, it’s me.” So with no further ado, let me RE-ANNOUNCE that The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5th!!! Just a couple days away. AND signed copies are available for purchase on my website (link in bio)! As spring draws nears, it is time to start sowing the healing seeds and create a medicinal landscape. Will you join me in the garden where we can plant healing herbs and grow an apothecary? Art by @hannastattoos Published by @pagestreetpublishing https://nittygrittylife.com/introducing-the-homegrown-herbal-apothecary/ #herbalist #herbalmedicine #garden #healinggarden #herbbook #medicinalherbs
    4 weeks ago
    View on Instagram |
    2/9
    As I stay tucked safely in my warm house, I can’t help but think of how this time last year I was putting the final touches on the first draft of The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary. 

Perhaps it is being pretty much iced in at the moment that makes me think of the importance of self reliance. While this book is dedicated to gardening medicinal herbs, the larger concept is about bring health and healing HOME. 

I find comfort when my apothecary is stocked full of remedies to soothe discomforts and ease one’s mind, body, and spirit. To know fixing up earache or a sore throat is not a trip to the pharmacy, but just a trip to the cupboard. And when these remedies are grown and made in my own home — I feel that much more confident in my herbal medicine making!

You can reserve your copy by clicking the link in my bio, where you can navigate to the Homegrown book page (links to major retailers OR preorder a signed copy directly from me). I can’t believe that my @pagestreetpublishing publishing date is only about six weeks away! How time flies!

#herbalmedicine #medicinalherbs #medicinallandscaping #herbbook #gardenbook
    As I stay tucked safely in my warm house, I can’t help but think of how this time last year I was putting the final touches on the first draft of The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary. Perhaps it is being pretty much iced in at the moment that makes me think of the importance of self reliance. While this book is dedicated to gardening medicinal herbs, the larger concept is about bring health and healing HOME. I find comfort when my apothecary is stocked full of remedies to soothe discomforts and ease one’s mind, body, and spirit. To know fixing up earache or a sore throat is not a trip to the pharmacy, but just a trip to the cupboard. And when these remedies are grown and made in my own home — I feel that much more confident in my herbal medicine making! You can reserve your copy by clicking the link in my bio, where you can navigate to the Homegrown book page (links to major retailers OR preorder a signed copy directly from me). I can’t believe that my @pagestreetpublishing publishing date is only about six weeks away! How time flies! #herbalmedicine #medicinalherbs #medicinallandscaping #herbbook #gardenbook
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    3/9
    My mind is wandering to seeds, sowing, gardening, harvesting, and wandering shady forests on warm summer days.

But my reality is inches of frozen ice and snow, a frozen sink drain below the house, and being house bound for the time being. So while my mind wanders, I’ll bake.

A spiral of semi-brioche sourdough swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, basted with the syrup and glazed… This will do for now.

#baker #sourdough #icestorm #breakfast
    My mind is wandering to seeds, sowing, gardening, harvesting, and wandering shady forests on warm summer days. But my reality is inches of frozen ice and snow, a frozen sink drain below the house, and being house bound for the time being. So while my mind wanders, I’ll bake. A spiral of semi-brioche sourdough swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, basted with the syrup and glazed… This will do for now. #baker #sourdough #icestorm #breakfast
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    4/9
    2023… is one for the books. I’m not exactly sure what book that is, but I am ready for a new chapter.

The little one (not so little anymore) and I just spent an evening with watercolors in front of the fire.  A peaceful way to bid farewell to a challenging year. 

She has an artist’s soul and studies with determination. She’s leans into texture and subtly. Hers is a study of earth tones, a wall, a potted plant, and vines… She’s 11. 

I am a writer, and not an artist of the visual medium. I chose poppies. Wild and chaotic. I haven’t picked up a paint brush since grade school. 

Nothing magical to say tonight, except find some peace in the quiet times.
    2023… is one for the books. I’m not exactly sure what book that is, but I am ready for a new chapter. The little one (not so little anymore) and I just spent an evening with watercolors in front of the fire. A peaceful way to bid farewell to a challenging year. She has an artist’s soul and studies with determination. She’s leans into texture and subtly. Hers is a study of earth tones, a wall, a potted plant, and vines… She’s 11. I am a writer, and not an artist of the visual medium. I chose poppies. Wild and chaotic. I haven’t picked up a paint brush since grade school. Nothing magical to say tonight, except find some peace in the quiet times.
    3 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    5/9
    First of all I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support yesterday regarding the announcement of my new book. You have no idea how many times I was moved to tears… truly and from the bottom of my heart, thank you… 💚❤️💚

Since the weather outside is frightful (wet, icky and cold), and there is not much to do in the garden right now — I’ve been baking…

This chestnut babka is… delightful. 😘

Tap link in bio for recipe.
    First of all I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support yesterday regarding the announcement of my new book. You have no idea how many times I was moved to tears… truly and from the bottom of my heart, thank you… 💚❤️💚 Since the weather outside is frightful (wet, icky and cold), and there is not much to do in the garden right now — I’ve been baking… This chestnut babka is… delightful. 😘 Tap link in bio for recipe.
    3 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    6/9
    The moment “she” arrived, I cried silent, happy tears…

Today is the winter solstice for the northern hemisphere. The shortest, darkest day of the year. A time when most of us are longing for warmth and light.

Writing this book was my “light.”

I have made some vague references to “life changes” that pulled me away from writing and being regularly present in this space over the last year or so… One of these changes was the ending of my marriage and moving away from my beloved farm. Frankly, leaving the 20 acres of woods and fields, animals and plants left me in a bit of an identity crisis. Big time “imposter syndrome.” Who was I to teach people about plants and healing when I was barely taking care of myself?

In 2022 I bought a house in town with my oldest daughter and her husband… Embarked on a bit of a multigenerational living situation.  After settling in, I felt a bit of that creative spark igniting inside of me. I no longer lived on an acreage in the country, but I was, in fact, living as most of my readers do — in a neighborhood, on a suburban lot. 

So the question came to me… Could I turn my landscape into a healing garden? 

Yes I can, and you can too.

Thanks to my friends at @pagestreetpublishing The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary was born.  This book was written with my whole heart and soul while adapting to a new life. This book helped me reclaim ME.

So here I am today to reveal my spark again on this darkest day of the year. I want to invite you to grow a healing garden. No matter if you have only containers on your patio or a sprawling acreage, you can grow medicinal plants right where you live. My book contains 120 herbal profiles complete with traditional medicinal uses, how to grow and harvest these botanicals, master remedy recipes to build your confidence in the apothecary, and just enough herbalism and gardening science and “magic” to inspire home gardeners and herbalists to heal where we live.

The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5 and is currently in “pre-order.” To reserve your copy today, click the link on my bio or any online book retailer.

#herbalmedicine #medicinalgarden #healinglandscape #author #garden #herbs
    The moment “she” arrived, I cried silent, happy tears… Today is the winter solstice for the northern hemisphere. The shortest, darkest day of the year. A time when most of us are longing for warmth and light. Writing this book was my “light.” I have made some vague references to “life changes” that pulled me away from writing and being regularly present in this space over the last year or so… One of these changes was the ending of my marriage and moving away from my beloved farm. Frankly, leaving the 20 acres of woods and fields, animals and plants left me in a bit of an identity crisis. Big time “imposter syndrome.” Who was I to teach people about plants and healing when I was barely taking care of myself? In 2022 I bought a house in town with my oldest daughter and her husband… Embarked on a bit of a multigenerational living situation. After settling in, I felt a bit of that creative spark igniting inside of me. I no longer lived on an acreage in the country, but I was, in fact, living as most of my readers do — in a neighborhood, on a suburban lot. So the question came to me… Could I turn my landscape into a healing garden? Yes I can, and you can too. Thanks to my friends at @pagestreetpublishing The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary was born. This book was written with my whole heart and soul while adapting to a new life. This book helped me reclaim ME. So here I am today to reveal my spark again on this darkest day of the year. I want to invite you to grow a healing garden. No matter if you have only containers on your patio or a sprawling acreage, you can grow medicinal plants right where you live. My book contains 120 herbal profiles complete with traditional medicinal uses, how to grow and harvest these botanicals, master remedy recipes to build your confidence in the apothecary, and just enough herbalism and gardening science and “magic” to inspire home gardeners and herbalists to heal where we live. The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary publishes March 5 and is currently in “pre-order.” To reserve your copy today, click the link on my bio or any online book retailer. #herbalmedicine #medicinalgarden #healinglandscape #author #garden #herbs
    3 months ago
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    7/9
    Sometimes I get to travel and the flora and fauna of a place captures my heart.

A born and raised PNW girl, I know the dense canopy of fir forests, and alder and maple lined river banks… tangled with vines and so thick with growth that it is difficult to see the proverbial forest for the trees. Something about the Midwest meadows of wildflowers and the cacophony of crickets, cicadas, birds and beetles speaks to me in ways I never expected. I am so used to the shadows and mountains, that the wild open plains and meadows feel foreign. And beautiful.

I suppose it is easy to romanticize a place that feels unfamiliar, but seeing the washes of solidago left feral makes my herbalist heart happy.

#goldenrod #solidago #herbs #herbalism #nativeplants #wildflowers
    Sometimes I get to travel and the flora and fauna of a place captures my heart. A born and raised PNW girl, I know the dense canopy of fir forests, and alder and maple lined river banks… tangled with vines and so thick with growth that it is difficult to see the proverbial forest for the trees. Something about the Midwest meadows of wildflowers and the cacophony of crickets, cicadas, birds and beetles speaks to me in ways I never expected. I am so used to the shadows and mountains, that the wild open plains and meadows feel foreign. And beautiful. I suppose it is easy to romanticize a place that feels unfamiliar, but seeing the washes of solidago left feral makes my herbalist heart happy. #goldenrod #solidago #herbs #herbalism #nativeplants #wildflowers
    7 months ago
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    8/9
    Garden lessons for those “productivity minded” folks…

I had a discussion with a dear friend regarding productivity today. She and I both tend to focus on creating, producing, working to what some would say is extreme. Maybe it comes from a sense that our only value is in what we put out into the world… maybe it’s that we don’t always feel safe enough, at least metaphorically speaking, to relax… I don’t entirely know… I know that sometimes it sucks and sometimes I am tired beyond comprehension.

After ten hours of work today, I decided to take a mental health break to harvest one barrel of potatoes (some would say this is still some form of working). I tipped the barrel over and dug through the dirt, only to harvest a couple pounds of potatoes. 

I felt a pang of disappointment.

But then I reminded myself… these started as three mushy, sprouting garbage potatoes destined for the compost. The planting, planning, and care added to my summer joy. So effing what if this was not the most “productive” barrel of potatoes I have ever grown. It brought me joy in its care and it will bring my family joy at dinner. 

So my lesson to myself today is that it doesn’t have to be productive to be joyful. And maybe I needed a handful of humble potatoes to remind me.

#potatoes #gardening #gardenlessons #gardenmeditation
    Garden lessons for those “productivity minded” folks… I had a discussion with a dear friend regarding productivity today. She and I both tend to focus on creating, producing, working to what some would say is extreme. Maybe it comes from a sense that our only value is in what we put out into the world… maybe it’s that we don’t always feel safe enough, at least metaphorically speaking, to relax… I don’t entirely know… I know that sometimes it sucks and sometimes I am tired beyond comprehension. After ten hours of work today, I decided to take a mental health break to harvest one barrel of potatoes (some would say this is still some form of working). I tipped the barrel over and dug through the dirt, only to harvest a couple pounds of potatoes. I felt a pang of disappointment. But then I reminded myself… these started as three mushy, sprouting garbage potatoes destined for the compost. The planting, planning, and care added to my summer joy. So effing what if this was not the most “productive” barrel of potatoes I have ever grown. It brought me joy in its care and it will bring my family joy at dinner. So my lesson to myself today is that it doesn’t have to be productive to be joyful. And maybe I needed a handful of humble potatoes to remind me. #potatoes #gardening #gardenlessons #gardenmeditation
    7 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    9/9
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