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Digestive Herbs: Myrrh for Oral Health & Herbal Mouthwash

devon 5 Comments

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Digestive Herbs: Myrrh for Oral Health & Herbal Mouthwash

Devon Young 5 Comments

Myrrh offers anti-microbial & anti-inflammatory properties making it excellent for supporting oral health, in turn supporting digestive & total health.

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol)

Energetic: warm, dry; stimulating, bitter

Therapeutic Actions: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, expectorant, emmenagogue, hypoglycemic, stimulant, vulnerary

When you think of digestion, what is the first organ you think of?

Your stomach, right?

While your stomach is a very important digestion organ – where would it be without your lovely ole mouth?  Oral health and digestive health are two peas in the proverbial pod.  If your oral health is suffering, your digestion is soon to follow.  Bad oral health (specifically gum disease) is linked to hosts of digestive complaints including inflammatory bowel disease, as well as increased stroke and heart disease risk, and even preterm birth and low birth weight babies.  The evidence is crystal CLEAR: good oral health is imperative to good overall health.

So how do we address oral health herbal-ly?

With myrrh.

Myrrh Medicinal Benefits

You certainly do not have to look too far to find a click-baity headline promoting the use of myrrh essential oil for oral health.  So while I am not promoting the use of myrrh essential oil (it’s expensive, not to mention unnecessary), there are a few grains of truth to these articles.  Myrrh has really outstanding action on oral health – and therefore digestive and total health.  This aromatic resin is specifically indicated for gum health.  Red, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, gums with deep “pockets”, and oral ulcerations may all respond well to this resin.   It is heat and infection clearing, and can temporarily dull the pain of a toothache. It also promotes salivation – the mouth’s own way of preventing cavities, inflammation and infection.

Myrrh for Oral Health & Herbal Mouthwash

Myrrh also assists the immune system by increasing white blood cell production and acting as a highly effective anti-microbial agent.  Instances of wet, phlegmy, cold coughs benefit greatly from its warming, stimulating, and drying energetics.  Consider use of this resin when dealing with a persistent, annoying cold with post nasal drip and associated nausea.  High doses used for a short duration of time, are traditionally used for the expulsion of internal parasites.  Topically, myrrh promotes wound healing with its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

In terms of women’s health, myrrh is a profound “blood mover”.  Instances of pelvic stagnation, delayed menses (not due to pregnancy), and a sense of fullness and heaviness would call for its use.  It is contraindicated during pregnancy.

No post on myrrh would be complete with mentioning cancer.  There are some dangerously misleading articles circulating the internet touting it as the “cure” for cancer.  Let me just clear the air here – myrrh supports overall health and it is highly anti-inflammatory, both factors in reducing cancer risk. Exploratory studies using myrrh in the treatment of cancer are somewhat promising, but further studies are needed (Chen et al, 2013).  DO NOT SELF-TREAT CANCER WITH MYRRH.  Please consult your PCP and/or oncologist before using this or any other herb/essential oil for addressing cancer concerns. DO NOT TRUST any websites promoting “cures” and “miracles” – you know the ones I am talking about. For that matter, do not implicitly trust any source, including mine – do your own research and make informed decisions.

Myrrh Identification

Myrrh for Oral Health & Herbal Mouthwash

Myrrh is the resinous exudates of the Commiphora trees, native to the Middle East and eastern Africa.  Needless to say, most of my readers will not have the opportunity to forage it in its native environment.  Granules and powders can be purchased from many sources; please seek sustainably minded companies from which to purchase myrrh products.

Myrrh Safety & Dosage

Myrrh is largely considered safe except in instances of allergy.  It is contraindicated for internal use during pregnancy and, due to its hypoglycemic effects, should be avoided by those on diabetic therapies.  Due to its blood moving and stimulating nature, it should not be used by those taking anti-coagulant medications.  Please check for individual contraindications and drug interaction before using any preparations internally (or with topical essential oil use).

Standard dosage guideline for a 1:5 tincture is 1-4mls three times daily.


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.


Myrrh Herbal Mouthwash

We all want fresh breath, pink, healthy gums and a fabulous smile, right?  While holistic dentistry is still an emerging field, many of us feel that natural oral health care products are, well, lacking.  A simple herbal tincture can easily transform a shot of water into an excellent all-natural mouthwash.

Myrrh is an obvious choice for this herbal mouthwash.  As I find that most transitions from conventional to natural options do best when familiar flavors are used, I have included spearmint and clove in this formulation.  These herbs also contribute to good oral health, boasting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties themselves.  The tincture is best prepared with powdered myrrh so the constituents freely disperse in the alcohol; I use 100 proof vodka with the powdered resin, but 190 proof “Everclear” spirits are more appropriate if granules are used.  The finished tincture can be bottled and stored in dropper bottles and added to a shot of water for an herbal mouthwash.  The undiluted tincture can be sparingly applied to a sore tooth or gum area for temporary pain relief.

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

Myrrh Herbal Mouthwash Recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Myrrh Herbal Mouthwash

Myrhh, spearmint and clove combine for a refreshing herbal mouthwash promoting good oral health.  Prepare as a tincture and dilute 5-10 drops in a "shot" of water for daily use.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups 100 proof spirits, like vodka see substitution note
  • 1 tablespoon powdered myrrh see substitution note
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1/4 cup chopped spearmint leaves fresh

Instructions

  • NOTE:  If powdered myrrh is not available, use granules and substitute 190 proof spirits for 100 proof. 
  • Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight fighting lid.  Infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • After infusion, strain and transfer liquid to dropper bottles for storage.
  • To use: Add 5-10 drops to a shot of water.  Swish for approximately 30 seconds around the mouth and spit out.

Herbal Mouthwash with Myrrh

References:

Chen et al, 2013. Composition and potential anticancer activities of essential oils obtained from myrrh and frankincense

MedicineNet.com. The Link Between Oral Health and General Health

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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5 Comments

  • rosemary September 29, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    5 stars
    Hello, I have been using myrrh tincture for any mouth problems for a long time now and find it wonderful, so do my family. After buying it the first time I then made it myself. Please can you tell me if it is possible to re-use the myrrh that I used before? I would be very grateful for your information on this. Thank you. Rosemary

  • Jennifer March 6, 2019 at 6:23 am

    Can I use clove and spearmint essential oils instead of the herbs in this? Thank you

    • Devon March 7, 2019 at 1:17 am

      You technically can, but I prefer to use herbs because I find them gentler and just as effective.

      • Uzma Jung August 17, 2020 at 10:15 pm

        Hi there Devon,
        I hope you are well. Thank you for a very informative post on Myrrh. Please could you tell me how to use the essential oil to treat gum disease? Can I use it direct on my gums? Should I mix it with something else? I was told bicarb of soda. I would be grateful for any advice. Many thanks. Take care

  • Tabatha August 13, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Hi, I cannot use alcohol as it creates a bad reaction in my mouth. Is there a way to make this mouthwash without alcohol? Thank you.

  • 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
    3 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
    View on Instagram |
    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
    View on Instagram |
    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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