ANTHOLOGY

COREOPSIS
ECO
PRINTING

FULL
MOON
TEAS

HERBAL
SUNSCREEN

Grow Tulsi

Meet Rebecca Desnos

Hibiscus Raspberry Popsicles

Litha + Lammas Home Adornments

SUMMER 2023 | ISSUE 5
WWW.PLANTWONDERCOLLECTIVE.COM
 WELCOME
Maria Ilves

BOTANICAL
ANTHOLOGY
Seasonal
Plant Centered
VISIT US ONLINE! Digital + Print Magazine

Be the first to know about

our next launch! Stop by A compilation of work from plant lovers.
www.plantwondercollective.com Journey with us as we take you through the Summer
to sign-up for our newsletter and
season, exploring herbs of and for this time.
check-out
all our digital products.

Follow us on Instagram A publication put forth by

@plantwondercollective Flora's Feast Botanicals LLC +
for daily inspiration of our
plant of the month. Plant Wonder Collective

01
Plant Wonder Collective: Connecting
PLANT
you to nature through food, drink, play, WONDER
garden, medicine, magic and art. Collective

Editor’s
Note
As we settle into the high heat, frantic energy and fertile abundance of the summer, may we turn to the plants.
They are bursting in our gardens and parkways, ready to be called upon.

To support summer woes, prepare anti-itch salve, insect repellent soap, and herbal sunscreen. Cool down
with drinks for hydration and raspberry hibiscus popsicles. Add new plants to your garden and fertilize it
with comfrey. Explore the yellow dyes of summer and host an herbal summer camp for children. Use the
potent sun to make a solstice flower essence and toast the first harvest with herbal oat milk.

We have continually expanded the Viewpoint section to bring light to more work of our fellow plant lovers.
We hope to elevate BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices through our new series of Community Voices and will now
feature a think-piece essay from one of our contributors.

This is our fifth installment of Botanical Anthology and we've had such fun diving into a season for a second
time. We hope you enjoy it! It was a delight creating it for you.

A special thanks to Anna Reisz Editing and Green Hound Press

for their copy editing and graphic design work to ensure a Harmonie O'Loughlin
professional publication. Founder + Editor
@florasfeastbotanicals
For publication questions, please email
@plantwondercollective
plantwondercollective@gmail.com

For questions specific to each article, please directly connect

with the author. 02
 DISCLAIMERS + SAFETY
DISCLAIMERS
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 is not responsible for
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.

Coreopsis Eco Print front and back cover images by Sarah Hastings-Rudolf. Full
article on page 80.

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 Maria Ilves
from Mountain Rose Herbs, Frontier Co-op, Oregon Wild Harvest and Starwest
Botanicals.
 BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY

CONTENTS
APOTHECARY

17 GIFTS FROM LINDEN

Brighid Doherty

20 CHICKWEED FACIAL TONER

Tanja Mia Muller

22 CALIFORNIA POPPY + TINCTURE

Caitlin Wolf

24 HERBAL SUNSCREEN
Kristine Clay

27 FLORAL FACIAL STEAM

The Herbal Academy

30 REISHI DOUBLE DECOCTION

Susan Ilka Tuttle

34 PACIFYING POWER OF ROSE

176
Leslie Lovlin

MEET 36 JEWELWEED + SALVE

REBECCA Rachel Coon

38 EVENING PRIMROSE + OIL

Darcey Blue French

40 INSECT REPELLENT SOAP

Patrice Buckley

IN EVERY ISSUE

24 52 06
14
MEET THE CONTRIBUTORS
FRESH IDEAS
HERBAL STARFLOWER 32 ALL ABOUT...
72 PLACES
SUNSCREEN LEMONADE + CAKE
73 SPECIES AT RISK
78 GUESS THIS PLANT
96 POEM
146 STAY CONNECTED
148 JOURNAL
WWW.PLANTWONDERCOLLECTIVE.COM

PLANTWONDERCOLLECTIVE@GMAIL.COM 04
 BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY

KITCHEN
CONTENTS CRAFT CELEBRATE

43 DRINKS FOR HYDRATION

80 COREOPSIS ECOPRINT 114 MINT DONUTS
Brittany Gibson Cassandra Heist
Sarah Hastings-Rudolf
46 BUTTERFLY SUNSET
82 SUMMER YELLOWS 116 FAIRY TEA
Ann Meyer Carrie Tuttle
Margaret Byrd
48 WATERMINT ICE CREAM
84 DRYING DISPLAY 118 FLOWER ESSENCE
Leanne Townsend Renee Hadad
Willow & Sage
50 NASTURTIUM SALAD
120 FLOWER CROWNS
Karina Hines 87 HERBAL CAMP
Gina Vide
Jessie Lehson
52 STARFLOWER CAKE
122 LITHA DECOR
Ashley Moore 90 CLAY MUSHROOMS
Ashley Moore
Linnea Schoen
56 MILKY OATS OXYMEL
Karminative Kollective 126 BERRY BREAD
FOLKLORE Jenn Campus
58 CALENDULA JELLO
Jillian Fenwick 128 OAT MILK
60 BLACK CAP CHOCOLATE 93 ROSE FAMILY Harmonie O'Loughlin
Alanna Birch
Sarah Barron 130 LAMMAS DECOR
62 HIBISCUS POPSICLES 97 FULL MOON TEAS Ashley Moore
Anna Reisz
Haley Post
100 FLOWER FAIRY
64 TULSI SHRUB Kate Bowen
Shelby Wolfe
102 GOLDENROD
Nina Veteto

104 LION'S GATE PORTAL

Heather Motil 118
107 RITUALS + ROUTINES
Julia Linsteadt

68
VIEWPOINT

110 SUMMER PLAYLIST

Julia Linsteadt
134 REBECCA DESNOS
Julia Linsteadt
HARVEST
140 TIFFANY JONES
Heather Motil

66 TYPES OF TULSI 141 SUSAN LEOPOLD

Agatha Noveille Nina Veteto

68 HERBS IN THE GARDEN 142 BOOK REVIEWS

Alexandra Rosenberg-Rigutto Julia Linsteadt + Anna Reisz

70 YARROW
143 CHAURI JACKSON
Katie Jo Muschiana Harmonie O'Loughlin

74 COMFREY FERTILIZER
144 PODCAST REVIEWS
Emily Elliott

43
Jess Marcy + Anna Reisz

76 GROWING AMARANTH 145 ESSAY

Beverly Spanninger Lindsey Melott
Meet the Contributors
AGATHA NOVEILLE
Agatha Noveille is an author and herbalist
based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the
author of the traditionally published
herbal recipe book, The Complete Guide
to Adaptogens. Her blog, Indie Herbalist,
features herb gardening tips, herbal
recipes, plant profiles, and other
informative articles for home herbalists.
ALEXANDRA
ROSENBERG-RIGUTTO
Alexandra Rosenberg-Rigutto is a farmer,
educator, and homesteader living in the
Great Lakes Basin. She directs and
operates The Farber Farm at Tamarack
Camps/Retreat Center and is building
Northwoods Farmstead and Skill Center
with her husband. Follow along on
Instagram at @alexandraskyee and
@northwoodsfarmandskill.
ANNA REISZ
Anna is the herbalist behind The
Herbology Faerie, where she shares
recipes, lore, and wisdom with a simple,
hygge, folk approach. She promotes
accessible 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.
Follow Anna on Instagram and Facebook
at @theherbologyfaerie and
www.theherbologyfaerie.com.
ALANNA BIRCH
Alanna Birch is an herbalist and
educator in Upstate NY. She works
at the intersection of herbal
medicine, holistic healing, ecology
and storytelling. Alanna supports
people to recover a sense of
belonging and connection to our
earthly and spiritual roots through
nurturing an embodied relationship
with the more-than-human world.
Learn more about her work at
alannabirch.com
ANN MEYER
Ann is an herbalist and the creator
behind Cosmic Earth Remedies. She
specializes in astro-herbalism, with a
focus on both the spiritual and
medicinal properties of plants. In her
free time you can find her exploring
the earth, aligning plants and planets,
foraging mushrooms and other flora,
or creating magick. Instagram:
@cosmic.earth.remedies
Tiktok: @cosmic.earth. remedies
ASHLEY MOORE
Ashley tends a garden and family in
Southern California where she is a
mother, Waldorf teacher and
herbalist. Find her on Instagram
@motherhestia and in her books
The Women's Heritage Sourcebook
(2020) and The Children's Heritage
Sourcebook (2023).
06
Meet the Contributors
BEVERLY SPANNINGER
Beverly owns and operates Turnip the
Beets farm, a small flower, herb and
vegetable farm in central Virginia. She
lives in an upgraded yurt with her
husband and three children. She loves
homesteading, foraging, hanging with
her littles, creating artwork with flowers
and finding joy in the little things. You
can find her on Instagram
@yurtfarmmama.
BRITTANY GIBSON
Brittany is a military spouse and mama
of two, seeking to inspire others that
homesteading doesn’t have to be all or
nothing. She has spent the past ten years
diving deep into making little changes to
live more intentionally. Her desire is that
other beginners join along the challenge
of going back to the basics in a modern
way. Follow Brittany on Instagram
@brittanylgibson and on
thehomesteadchallenge.com.
CARRIE TUTTLE
Carrie is a poet and nature lover living in
Wyoming. After years of teaching place-
based education, she began her journey
of motherhood; inspiring her to look
within and cultivate her magical path;
exploring how earth speaks to us in the
language of poetry, stones, and herbs.
When not writing Carrie is found in her
garden, exploring nature with her family,
or brewing up magic in the kitchen.
BRIGHID DOHERTY
Brighid is a mother, herbalist,
educator, podcaster, and author
living on a bridged island in Maine.
She is founder of The Solidago Herb
School, The Healthy Herb Podcast,
and author of Drinkable Healing
Herbal Infusions. Connect with her
on Instagram and FB
@solidagoherbschool & on her
website, solidagoherbschool.com.
CAITLIN WOLF
For Caitlin Wolf, plants are a daily
ritual. Plants are nourishing food,
opportunities for medicine and
self-care, and wise allies in caring
for her family, home, and pets. She
works one-on-one with clients as a
health consultant, teaches workshops,
and sits on the council of her local
chapter of Herbalists Without Borders
(Mendocino County Herb Guild). You
can find more about her and her work
at www.rootgirlherbals.com
CASSANDRA HEIST
Cassandra can be found among
the flowers with her daughter. She
loves to learn about plant medicine
and bake with flowers from the
garden. She enjoys experimenting
with natural dyes and floral infused
fibers. She has a degree in art and
enjoys sharing earth magic with the
community through art projects and
her writing. She believes in love,
magic, and beauty for all.
07
Meet the Contributors
DARCEY BLUE FRENCH
Darcey Blue is a clinical herbalist, plant
whisperer, educator, wildcrafter, kitchen
witch and wilderness ceremony guide in
Flagstaff, Arizona. For over 20 years she
has woven her passion for soulful, sacred
connection to nature, building
relationships with the plant spirits, and
nourishing the body in her consultations,
educational opportunities, and medicine
making. You can find her at
www.sacredwildness.org and Instagram
@sacredearthmedicine.
GINA VIDE
Gina Vide is a fine artist and illustrator
living between city and sea in Sweden
with her husband and three children.
Gina works at her 18th century studio on
a historic street in Stockholm and at her
countryside home. Gina is influenced by
natural beauty, connections between
people, and travels, and is passionate
about children’s imaginations and their
whimsical world.
HARMONIE O'LOUGHLIN
Harmonie is the founder and editor
of Botanical Anthology and Plant Wonder
Collective. She is the homesteading
mama maker behind Flora's Feast
Botanicals who explores plants through
her garden and in her kitchen and home
apothecary. Check out her blog on
www.florasfeast.com and on social media
at @florasfeastbotanicals.
EMILY ELLIOTT
Emily Elliott is a herbal historian
and horticulturist living on 6 acres
in the foothills of the Appalachian
mountains with her two sons. In
addition to sharing about sustainable
agriculture, she also founded the
Compost Kids Club, an environmentally
focused non-profit for children that
focuses on composting and gardening.
Follow Emily on Instagram at
@athomeonorchardcreek and
@compostkidsclub.
HALEY POST
Haley is the photographer,
writer, and recipe creator behind My
Moonstone Kitchen, a blog dedicated
to seasonal recipes and botanical DIYs
for vibrant living. Deeply inspired by
herbalism and seasonal ingredients,
she hopes to help others connect with
nature through creativity. Follow Haley
on Instagram and Facebook for recipes,
DIYs, and more @MyMoonstoneKitchen
and read her blog at
www.MyMoonstoneKitchen.com.
HEATHER MOTIL
Heather is an Earth Witch and Ritualist,
weaving together ancestral and modern
practices to guide others in connecting
with the elements. Owner of Calluna
Alchemy, Heather cultivates offerings
that honor authentic self-expression
and foster a deep reverence for
mysticism and nature. Follow Heather
and Calluna Alchemy on Instagram
@calluna.alchemy or visit their website
at www.callunaalchemy.com.
08
Meet the Contributors
THE HERBAL ACADEMY
The Herbal Academy is your trusted
global leader in herbalism education,
having trained over 100,000 students
worldwide. Whether you are interested
in studying herbalism for your personal
development, or to prepare for a career
in clinical herbalism, the Herbal Academy
has an online herbal program to fit your
educational goals. Learn more at:
theherbalacademy.com or on Instagram
@herbalacademy.
JESS MARCY
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.
JILLIAN FENWICK
Jillian is a mother, wife, gardener,
whimsical airbnb steward and folk
herbalist on the east coast of Canada.
She spends her time milling about her
property with her wild son, collecting
herbs and flowers and making meals and
medicine from scratch. You can find her
on Instagram @jillianclairefenwick and
her folklore inspired cottages
@meadowmeadcottages on Instagram.
JENN CAMPUS
Jenn is an anthropologist,
best-selling author, and podcaster.
She creates Old Ways for Modern
Days, an online resource library for
Old Souls who want to unlock the
wealth of traditional wisdom and
skills already woven into our DNA.
Focusing on 4 sacred keys--food,
land, tradition, and myth--she helps
you create earth-honoring traditions
as a legacy for the next generations.
JESSIE LEHSON
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. Lehson’s work
appears in Lark Books, Taproot Magazine,
The Children and Nature Network and
the Simple Living Collection.
JULIA LINSTEADT
Julia Linsteadt lives in the Sierra
Foothills of Northern California on
a small homestead with her husband
and two children. She is an art and
creativity educator, budding herbalist,
and mindfulness and yoga teacher in
training. She enjoys helping families
embrace and learn about seasonal living.
To learn more, visit afarmtokeep.com
and follow along on Instagram
@a.farm.to.keep. She welcomes
email at afarmtokeep@gmail.com.
09
Meet the Contributors
KARINA HINES
Karina Hines is a functional nutrition
chef, herbalist & Botanical Kitchen
Founder; she creates recipes + offers
memberships that guide us to eat
in-season. BK focuses on using food
as medicine supporting eating styles,
allergies + therapeutic diets. Find her
online botanicalkitchen.com + Insta
@botanicalkitchen.eat.
KATE BOWEN
Kate Bowen is a storyteller and
photographer living in Ventura, CA. She
draws inspiration from flowers, nature,
fairytales and classical art. You can see
her creations on Instagram at
@lightbeacon_photography and on her
website
www.lightbeaconphotography.com.
KRISTINE CLAY
Kristine is a mother, herbalist, &
writer who lives on an off-grid
homestead in the Ecuadorian Andes.
She enjoys crafting botanical concoctions,
baking, and hiking with her partner in the
eco-sanctuary they steward. You can
read her musings about herbs, nourishing
foods, & holistic mothering on her blog:
mamalibelula.com and find out more
about Andean plants, regenerative land
management, & raising rabbits at:
SierrayCielo.org.
KARMINATIVE KOLLECTIVE
Karly Loomis is the founder and
co-owner of Karminative Kollective,
an online educational platform
dedicated to Creating Community
Herbalism. Karly is a mother,
herbalist, home chef, and Quantum
Plant Practitioner with a deep love
and passion for herbal medicine. She
has dedicated her work to spreading
herbalism back to the people.
KATIE JO MUSCHIANA
Katie Jo is an herbalist, wildcrafter
and forager. She is an herbal
medicine maker, primarily using
fresh plants from her local bioregion.
She is the creator of Woven
Apothecary and creates seasonal
intentional herbal products in
Michigan. She offers a book called
Medicine Through the Seasons,
which outlines seasonal plants and
recipes, along with other companion
books. You can find her at
wovenapothecary.com or on social
media @woven.apothecary.
LEANNE TOWNSEND
Leanne is a wild food and drink
specialist, researcher and food
writer. She leads workshops and
events throughout the year on diverse
topics relevant to foraging, wild food
and nature-connectedness. Leanne
is a passionate forager and food
grower, and shares her knowledge
and passion through her writing,
events and social media channels.
Find her on Instagram:
@wildfoodstory. 10
Meet the Contributors
LESLIE LOVLIN
Leslie is a Clinical Ayurveda
Specialist/Herbalist, always learning
something new and eagerly exploring
the depth of Ayurveda. She is the creator
of Inner Sage Ayurveda, where she crafts
a unique range of Ayurveda products and
offers consultations and Ayurveda spa
services. On any given day, you can find
Leslie brewing natural remedies. Follow
Leslie on IG and FB for enriching
ayurvedic insights or visit
www.innersage.ca.
LINNEA SCHOEN
Linnea co-owns Organic and Wild, a
small-batch, handmade personal care
and wild food provisions shop in West
Michigan. She focuses on harvesting
from local, abundant plant and fungi
populations to create offerings that bring
people closer to and appreciate the gifts
of nature. Their products include elixirs,
tinctures, body care products, wild food
provisions, and hand-dipped candles.
@organicandwild
MARIA ILVES
Maria is a visual and creative storyteller
sharing her nature-inspired stories and
photographs on Instagram @mariailves_.
A journey of self-discovery has led her to
the plant path, and herbalism is now one
of the key inspirations for her creative
work. More information about her
services can be found at mariailves.com.
LINDSEY MELOTT
Lindsey is an herbalist and a mama
who currently lives as a full-time
nomad. She can be found frolicking
in the forests or swimming in wild
water with her little fam. She loves
connecting others to the simplicity
of working with herbal medicine
specifically to help find deep
nourishment. Find her adventures on
Instagram at @rewildingroots_.
MARGARET BYRD
Margaret is a multi-passionate
creative who is fascinated with
raw material and natural color which
bonds her installation and mixed
media art practice together. As a
nomadic soul, Margaret’s artwork is
a living memory of the inspirational
lands she travels to forage and the
earth’s delightful bounty. She shares
her love of nature’s palette on her
YouTube channel,
Margaret Byrd:Color Quest, and
@moonbyrdie on Instagram.
NINA VETETO
Nina is a long-time forager, explorer,
plant lover & art maker living in the
beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of
Asheville, NC. You can find Nina
sharing wildflower folklore on her
website www.blueridgebotanic.com
or on IG @blueridgebotanic.
11
Meet the Contributors
PATRICE BUCKLEY
Patrice is an herbalist, holistic wellness
expert, and small business owner based
out of Mansfield, TX. Her ultimate goal is
to help others discover true health and
happiness through a holistic lifestyle,
natural products, and herbal remedies.
Follow her on Instagram at
@RootsHolisticApothecary or explore her
shop at
www.rootsholisticapothecary.com.
RACHEL COON
Rachel is a wildcrafter and the creator
of Wilde Fern Apothecary. She lives in
Northern Michigan, where she can be
found foraging and exploring. She
creates seasonal herbal remedies and
botanical skin care products using plants
found in her bioregion. Follow her on
Instagram at @wilde.fern or explore her
shop at wildefernapothecary.square.site.
SARAH BARRON
Sarah lives a life of curiosity in southwest
Wisconsin. Both Sarah and her husband
grow native plants and seed collect to
supply their online Etsy shop
@BeeWiseShop. Sarah is also the creator
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
www.littlelovelywhatnots.com.
PLANT WONDER COLLECTIVE
Plant Wonder Collective: Connecting
you to nature through food, drink,
play, garden, medicine, magic and
art. Follow along on Instagram,
Facebook and Pinterest for daily
inspiration of our plant of the month
@plantwondercollective and visit our
new website at
www.plantwondercollective.com.
RENEE HADAD
Renee is the herbalist, creator and
intuitive of Wild Compass: Herbs &
Magic. She offers handcrafted
products and herbal-care guidance
in co-creation with Earth & Spirit.
Her work is rooted in bioregional
herbalism, ancestral folk practices,
accessibility, and connecting with
the living land through soul-centered
embodiment. Follow Renee on
Instagram @wildcompassherbs,
and visit her website at
www.wildcompassherbs.com.
SARAH HASTINGS-RUDOLF
Sarah is a self-teaching herbalism
enthusiast, avid small-space
container gardener, natural dyer and
all-round crafter. She works at Along
avec Anna, a small ethical yarn and
knitwear design business. She is
currently based in Liverpool, UK,
with her partner and her cute calico
cat, Hoopoe. You can find her on
Instagram at @mailles_seasons.
12
Meet the Contributors
SHELBY WOLFE
Shelby is an herbalist, homesteader &
creative storyteller living in the Kickapoo
River Valley, Wisconsin Driftless. She is
the creator of Solidago Botanicals, a
bioregional herbalism practice rooted in
plant wisdom, reciprocity & curiosity for
the integral parts plants have played in
our personal & collective narratives. She
offers small-batch herbal goods,
educational resources & consultations.
To learn more visit
www.solidagobotanicals.com.
TANJA MIA MULLER
Tanja from „kräuterig“ is a herbalist with
certification in folk medicine. She lives
with her husband, daughter and animals
in a small village in Germany. Their goal
is self-sufficiency and living together
with nature and the seasons. Tanja
shares her journey also on her blog
www.kraeuterig.de and Instagram
@kraeuterig.
SUSAN ILKA TUTTLE
Susan Ilka Tuttle is a green witch,
herbalist, spirit medium, author, and
photo artist living in rural Maine.
Enjoy her book Green Witch Magick,
where she explores 13 essential herbs
for the witch's cupboard through
herbalism and magic-based projects.
Visit her botanicals shop at
www.inthewoodbotanicals.com,
learn about her spirit mediumistic
readings at
www.susantuttlespiritmessenger.com,
and follow her on Instagram
@whisper_in_the_wood.
WILLOW AND SAGE
Willow and Sage magazine is filled with
all-natural recipes for homemade bath
and body products. From natural bath
salts and soaps, to sugar scrubs and
essential oil blends, it features refreshing
layout designs, hand-illustrated
infographics, educational information,
and the benefits of specific ingredients.
Each issue provides inspiration for
creative packaging and homemade gift
ideas for any occasion. To learn more,
visit willowandsage.com.
13

COREOPSIS COLOR SHIFT
Expand nature’s palette by shifting colors of dye
flowers that are pH sensitive with common kitchen
products. Lighten golden coreopsis hues to a vivid
yellow or deepen to rusty orange shades simply by
adding a splash of vinegar (acid) or a pinch of baking
soda (alkaline) to a bowl of water and submerging the
dyed fiber until the shifted color emerges.
-Margaret Byrd
PLANTAIN POULTICE
Plantain is a powerful anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, astringent, and vulnerary, making it
great for all manner of skin ailments including bug
bites, stings, minor burns and cuts. The simplest
way to use it is by crushing the herb with a mortar
and pestle and placing it on the affected area. In a
pinch, chewing up a freshly picked leaf works, too.
-Jess Marcy
FRESH IDEAS
HONEYSUCKLE NECTAR
You don’t need to be a pollinator to enjoy the
nectar of the wildly abundant honeysuckle flower.
Simply pinch at the point where the base of the
flower and the stem meet. Gently pull out the style
so that the nectar gathers into a single drop. Sip
and enjoy the sweet taste of summer.
-Harmonie O'Loughlin
SUNFLOWERS AS COFFEE?!
Did you know that you can use sunflower seed
hulls as a nutty, non-caffeinated coffee alternative?
Simply roast the seed hulls in a pan until brown and
grind them with a coffee grinder or food processor.
Add 1 teaspoon of hulls to one cup of hot water and
steep 3-4 minutes. Sweeten to taste with honey and
enjoy!
-Emily Elliott
14

CHAMOMILE WHIPPED CREAM
The essence of chamomile is experienced in this
delightful whipped cream. Infuse 1 cup of dried
chamomile with 2 cups of heavy cream in a mason
jar in the fridge for 24 hours. Strain the flowers
from the cream and add 3 tbsp maple syrup. With
an immersion blender or kitchen mixer, whip for 2-3
minutes until the cream has thickened and is fluffy.
-Karminative Kollective
SOL RISE SUN TEA
Herbal sun tea is a refreshing way to enjoy the
benefits of herbs during the hot summer months.
Mix equal parts of hibiscus, rose, lemon balm,
peach leaf, and fruit in a glass container, fill with
water, cap tightly, and set out in the sun for 2-4
hours to deeply infuse the water. Strain, add
sweetener and ice, and enjoy!
-Caitlin Wolf
FRESH IDEAS
CROWNS AND HAT BANDS
Strawflower crowns and hat bands are made in the
same way: braid a handful of long strands of raffia
and secure with a knot at each end. Tuck 2” long
stems of strawflowers and other colorful blooms
that dry well, such as craspedia, statice, and
lavender, into the braided raffia and tie it around
your head or hat with a double knot.
-Ashley Moore
DREAMY ROOM SPRITZER
This spritzer will help you to explore other realms
and awaken your third eye from the comfort of
your pillow. Combine equal parts mugwort, sweet
woodruff and valerian hydrosols in a 4 oz spray
bottle. Add 5 drops of Blue Lotus flower essence
and a pinch of shimmer powder. Use before bed by
spritzing into the air. Best to shake before use.
-Ann Meyer
15
Apothecary
Remedies + Wellbeing

Alanna Birch
GIFTS FROM THE
LINDEN
TREE
BY BRIGHID DOHERTY

Humans have long been in relationship with the linden tree.

It has offered a peaceable space for communities to gather
under and was seen as an embodiment of the goddess of
love, fertility, and beauty. Throughout history and up to
today, linden has been respected as medicine. It nurtures
people’s hearts, digestion, nerves, emotions, and immunity.
The trees are commonly found lining city streets,
decorating parking lots, and beautifying lawns throughout
the temperate Northern Hemisphere.

Identification + Harvesting
Lindens are beautiful trees that smell delightfully sweet
when in bloom. They grow across the temperate Northern
Hemisphere in low to mid elevation forests. They are
planted in yards, parking lots, and along city streets for
their shade and beauty.

Also commonly known as lime tree or basswood, lindens

are in the Tilia genus. They have recently been added to
the Malvaceae family from the former Tiliaceae family.
There are 30 species of Tilia, all of which are useful for
medicine.

Many species of lindens can grow to be very large trees,

reaching to 60-80 feet tall and nearly half as wide. They
have bark that looks like a wrinkly elephant leg with
branches that start low and sweep wide, providing ample
shade on a hot summer day. The leaves are heart shaped
with serrated edges and dark green, waxy, smooth surfaces.
The flowers are small and delicate, and they hang in
clusters. The flower clusters contain lime green bracts that
are long, flat, and papery and aid in wind seed dispersal.

Linden blooms around the summer solstice or a bit after,

depending how far north they are located. They bloom for
about two weeks, but if it rains the delicate blossoms will
be knocked from the tree, shortening the harvest time.

The flowers are ready for harvest when the trees are
buzzing with bees busily collecting the sweet nectar.
Harvest the flowers and bracts into a basket and place
them in the shade to dry. Store them in a brown bag or
glass jar. It is easier to harvest the flowers and bracts with
some leaves still attached. The leaves add more of an
astringent flavor and action to an infusion.
Medicinal Qualities
The flowers and bracts are the parts most often used for medicine. They are sweet, slightly aromatic and
mucilaginous. They have cooling and moistening energetic qualities. Linden is a safe herb for all ages and
stages of life.

The flowers have an array of properties that build health throughout the body, but especially in the
digestive, immune, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. The main properties of linden blossoms include
emollient, demulcent, nutritive, diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cardiac tonic,
hypotensive, and nervine.

Linden flower infusion supports immune health and function. It can reduce the length and symptoms of colds
and flus. It can help reduce fevers, relieve coughs and hoarseness, soothe sore throats, reduce congestion,
ease crankiness, and soothe inflamed tonsils. The infusion also supports the lungs by soothing and healing the
mucous membrane. They ease spasmodic dry coughing and reduce inflammation.

Linden blossoms protect the heart by reducing cholesterol levels, relaxing arteries, and relieving stress.
They can prevent the development of arteriosclerosis and hypertension; reduce arrhythmia; and ease heart
palpitations, angina, and tightness in the chest. Linden is a tonic that restores health to the heart and arteries
for people with a history of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular surgery. Linden may relieve common
headaches caused by tension or circulation issues. Its relaxant and circulatory effects can help relieve some
migraines and common tension headaches. Linden is also a wonderful support for the emotional heart.

As a well-known nervine, linden is a soothing restorative tonic for the nervous system. It is a calming remedy
for people who feel stress, anxiety, irritability, fried or frazzled nerves, and nervous tension. Linden helps
people relax, sleep well, and wake up feeling refreshed. It also works directly with the nerves, soothing nerve
pain from viruses and helping to repair nerve damage from injury.

During stressful times, linden is soothing and relaxing to digestion. It eases heartburn, intestinal pain,
indigestion, gas, and bloating. It restores the mucosal membrane of the entire digestive tract and relaxes
the muscle that lines the gut.

Linden is nourishing and soothing to skin, especially when it is dry, red, inflamed, chapped, flakey, burned
or irritated. It can be applied topically or taken internally for benefit.

Linden is a tasty herbal ally for children. It calms overactive and anxious children. It is especially helpful
for people who are challenged with ADD/ADHD and can even mitigate side effects from common
medications that are used in these instances. 18
Linden Nourishing Herbal Infusion
One of the best ways to gain the health benefits from linden blossoms is to make a nourishing herbal
infusion with them. This infusion is a tasty beverage that can also be applied topically and added to baths.

Linden blossom tea is a common herbal beverage in Europe, similar to chamomile and elderflower teas,
both of which combine nicely with linden and a little honey.

Materials
Kitchen scale to weigh the linden
Ceramic drip coffee filter
Straining cloth
2 one-qt mason jars and lids
½ oz linden blossoms and bracts, dried
1 qt boiling water

Method
Weigh a half ounce of linden and put it
in a quart mason jar.

Bring water to a boil and fill the jar.

Stir the linden into the water. Top off

the water to the rim of the jar. Cover
with a tight lid.

Allow the infusion to steep on the

counter for a minimum of 4 hours, up
to 10 hours. Once the infusion is room
temperature, it is best to put it in the
refrigerator until you are ready to
strain it.

Strain the infusion. Make sure to squeeze the infusion out of the plant material. Line a ceramic drip coffee
filter with a square of straining cloth and place it on a quart mason jar. Pour the infusion through the filter,
gather the straining cloth around the herb, twist and squeeze out the remaining infusion.

Drink within 36-48 hours. Keep it refrigerated.

Drink a quart of linden nourishing herbal infusion at least once per week, and you will see improved health
in a variety of ways.

Notes
When purchasing linden in bulk, it will be called either linden blossom or linden blossom and leaf, even
though they contain bracts and neither contain the dark green leaves.

Linden infusion can have a slimy texture. This is actually a major health-promoting aspect of the infusion,
but some people are averse to it. The infusion can be reheated to thin out the texture. Working with cut and
sifted blossoms will yield a slimier drink than with the whole flowers.

Make the infusion with one ounce of linden, instead of ½ ounce, when you have a sore throat or an irritated
digestive tract to increase the mucilage and therefore the healing to mucous membranes throughout the
body.
Brighid is a mother, gardener, herbalist, educator, podcaster, and author living on a bridged island in Maine. She is
founder of The Solidago Herb School, The Healthy Herb Podcast, and author of Drinkable Healing Herbal Infusions.
19
Connect with her @solidagoherbschool on instagram and Facebook and solidagoherbschool.com.
GREEN FACIAL TONER
WITH
CHICKWEED
BY TANJA MIA MULLER

One of the first green wild herbs in the spring and

available the whole year in some parts of the world,
chickweed is packed with vitamin C, flavonoids,
mucilage, and much more.

Chickweed has a round stem, one line of hair, and

white, star-shaped blossoms. The inner stem is
elastic.

Not only delicious on the plate, chickweed is also

very great for skincare! It moisturizes and has an
antibacterial and cooling effect. In a steeped toner,
it helps regulate and clear skin. Substitute fresh
nettle if you don't have access to chickweed.

A facial toner is easy to make. It supports stressed

skin and prepares the skin perfectly for the caring
process after cleaning. After washing your face and
before applying other products, you can spritz a
facial toner.

In this recipe, we use salt. It penetrates deeper into

the upper layer of the skin and can mineralize your
skin, providing it with important nutrients.

You can also use it for your whole body on hot

summer days for a refreshment. Spray it on your
face or body and feel the summer!

20
 Materials
2 tbsp chickweed, fresh
½ c water
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp salt

Method
Chop up chickweed and place in a tall glass
jar. Add salt, water, and apple cider vinegar.

Using an immersion blender, mix everything

together. Cover it and refrigerate overnight.

On the next day, strain your toner. Now

your “liquid summer” can be bottled and is
ready to use.

Notes
Don’t toss the herbs! The mixed and squeezed
chickweed tastes so delicious and you can put it
on a homemade sourdough bread with butter as
a nice topping!

Tanja from @kräuterig is an herbalist with certification in folk

medicine. She lives with her husband, daughter and animals in
a small village in Germany. Their goal is self-sufficiency and
living together with nature and the seasons. Tanja shares her
journey on her blog www.kraeuterig.de.

63
CALIFORNIA POPPY
GOLDEN DREAMS AND HEALING WONDERS
BY CAITLIN WOLF

The California poppy, scientifically known as Eschscholzia californica, is a vibrant wildflower that grows
natively in California and other western states in the US. Its rich orange or yellow petals make it popular
for ornamental gardens. However, this plant has also been highly regarded by Indigenous communities in
the region for centuries for its medicinal properties.

Family Papaveraceae
Energetics moist, cool
Taste bitter
Actions sedative, analgesic, hypnotic, antineuralgic

Today, California poppy is commonly used as an analgesic, antispasmodic, sedative nervine, and hypnotic.
This is because it contains analgesic compounds that can help to reduce pain and discomfort, as well as
alkaloids that have been shown to have pain-relieving effects. This makes it a helpful natural remedy for
headaches, nerve pain, toothaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps.

In addition to its pain-relieving properties, California poppy also has antispasmodic characteristics. This
type of substance helps to relax muscles and reduce spasms or cramping. By blocking specific signals in
the body that cause muscles to contract, antispasmodics allow muscles to relax, reducing pain and
discomfort. California poppy is thus a helpful ally for soothing conditions such as muscle spasms,
menstrual cramps, digestive cramps from Crohn's and IBS, and other types of cramping or spasms in the
body.

When taken in lower doses or more gentle preparations, such as California poppy tea, this plant can be an
excellent remedy for anxiety and a downtrodden mood. In larger tincture doses, it acts as a sedative and
pain reliever. In moderate to high doses, California poppy has mild sedative and hypnotic qualities that can
help those who struggle with insomnia, agitation, or hyperactivity. It is gentle enough for young children
to take and is helpful for bedwetting, restlessness, colic, teething, growing pains, and hyperactivity.
 Golden Dreams Tincture
Golden Dreams Tincture is a blend of nervine
herbs that is designed to promote relaxation,
reduce stress, and help ease into sleep. This
tincture combination works together
synergistically to provide a calming and
uplifting effect.

California poppy is known for its ability to

soothe the nervous system and promote restful
sleep. Lemon balm is a gentle nervine that can
help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of
calm. Milky oats are rich in minerals and can
help to nourish the nervous system, while rose
petals add a delightful floral flavor and provide
a gentle heart-opening effect.

Materials
.5 oz california poppy
.5 oz lemon balm
.15 oz rose petals
.25 oz milky oats
1 c 190 cane spirits
1 c filtered water
Pint jar

Method
Finely chop all plant material or combine
ingredients in a blender and pulse together
before pouring them into a clean jar to
macerate for 3-4 weeks.

Label the jar with ingredients, date, and alcohol

used.

Strain and rebottle.

Notes
2 cups of 80 proof alcohol can be substituted
for the cane spirits and filtered water.
If using 80-proof spirits, wilt the fresh plant
material before tincturing to remove some
water weight.

For Caitlin Wolf, plants are a daily ritual. She works one-on-one with clients as a health consultant, teaches
workshops, and sits on the council of her local chapter of Herbalists Without Borders. You can find more about her
and her work at www.rootgirlherbals.com
23
HERBAL
SUNSCREEN
BY KRISTINE CLAY

Summer is a wonderful time to be outdoors, enjoying warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine. While
sunlight is certainly beneficial in moderation, too much UV exposure can be detrimental to skin health
and may lead to painful burns.

Herbal sunscreen helps protect skin from sun damage without any of the toxic chemicals found in
conventional alternatives. It is gentle enough to be used on children and those who have sensitive skin.

Zinc oxide creates a protective layer that helps to reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays away from the skin. This
sunscreen is formulated to contain 25% of this sun blocking ingredient, a concentration that is said to provide
optimal protection.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich green tea is a beneficial botanical addition. It encourages the healing
of skin cells and can help prevent sun damage, premature aging, and wrinkles.

A blend of nourishing oils and butters moisturizes and rejuvenates skin. Cacao butter and sunflower oil
hydrate and nourish. Rosehip seed oil can help to lessen the damaging effects of UV.

To use, apply liberally to skin prior to sun exposure. Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if sweating heavily
or swimming.

Whether you’re hiking, hanging out at the beach or pool, gardening, biking, or playing outside, this herbal
sunscreen can help protect your skin during all of your summer adventures.
Infused Oil Materials
½ c green tea leaves
½ c sunflower oil
Infused Oil Method
Fill a dry, heat-proof jar or glass 8 oz measuring cup about
half full with ½ cup of green tea leaves.
Pour in the sunflower oil, making sure the leaves are fully
submerged and covered with at least an inch or so of oil.
Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (ideally 100–140°F)
for 1 to 5 hours in a double boiler or crockpot.
The oil has finished infusing when the color and smell of
the green tea leaves has been imparted. At this point, turn
off the heat and let the oil cool.
Strain the oil through a cheesecloth and set it aside.
Kristine is a momma, herbalist, writer, and budding botanist
who lives in the Andean mountains. Read her musings about
non-toxic skincare, herbal remedies, nourishing foods, and
holistic mothering on her blog. Find her on Instagram at
@mamalibelula or follow along with her family’s off-grid
adventures at @sierraycielo.
Sunscreen Materials
½ c sunflower oil infused with green tea leaves
3 tbsp cacao butter
1 tbsp beeswax pastilles
¼ c zinc oxide powder, non-nano
¼ tsp rosehip seed oil
Double boiler
Small containers or lotion tubes
Sunscreen Method
Combine the infused oil, cacao butter, and
beeswax in a double boiler. Heat gently until
completely melted, stirring every so often.
Remove the mixture from heat and add the
rosehip seed oil.
Whisk in the zinc oxide a little bit at a time
until it is completely incorporated.
Let the sunscreen cool for a few minutes, then
pour into small containers or lotion tubes.
Notes
For the infused oil, be sure to use the leaf of the
plant Camellia sinensis, not a green tea blend,
which can contain many other ingredients.
When working with zinc oxide, take care not to
inhale any of the powder.
Applying sunscreen is only one part of
protecting your skin if you’re spending many
hours in the sun, especially in the middle of
the day. Sitting in the shade or wearing a hat,
sunglasses, and protective clothing are other
ways you can avoid skin damage from sun
exposure.
26
SUMMER LOVE
FLORAL
FACIAL STEAM
BY HERBAL ACADEMY
A facial steam is a simple and decadent way to
soften and cleanse skin and deliver the benefits
of herbs.
You can tailor the herbs to your skin type or the
skin imbalance you are experiencing. Lavender,
chamomile, and rose help with dry, sensitive
skin; yarrow, rose, and sage aid oily skin; or pine
needle, thyme, and green tea address acne-
prone skin, for example. These aromatic herbs
are also lovely nervines, so this facial steam
doubles as a calming, meditative practice as well!

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) The name lavender comes from the Latin lavare, “to wash,”
originating from the Romans who used lavender to scent their baths. Lavender should be
harvested on a completely dry day and dried, away from direct light, as soon as possible after
harvesting to decrease the likelihood of molding. Though lavender is commonly added to topical
herbal preparations for its scent alone, it offers many actions that benefit the skin. Due to its
antibacterial and analgesic actions, lavender is useful for cleansing cuts, wounds, and sores. It
also soothes the itch and pain of insect bites.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) This herb, an annual with delicate, feathery leaves growing
from a smooth stem, is a favorite of gardeners the world over. The small, white-and-yellow flowers
can be gathered at their peak in the morning after dew has evaporated. While it is often thought of
as an herb that primarily supports digestion, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions make
chamomile a wonderful ally for inflammatory concerns, including various skin issues both acute and
chronic.

Rose (Rosa spp.) With over 100 species, roses have been a longtime symbol of love and beauty.
Petals should be harvested on a dry morning immediately after blooming, when the petals are not
widely open yet and they are at their most fragrant. In skincare, rose has been traditionally used as
a vulnerary herb that promotes tissue repair. Rose acts to cool inflammation and astringe tissues,
making it a useful addition to body care. It tones and nourishes dry skin, and its cooling property
assists in soothing inflammation from acne, rashes, and burns.

28
 This fragrant blend of botanicals is a
luxurious combination for your skin and senses!
Incorporating facial steams into your skincare
routine is a delightful and beneficial practice.
The gentle-yet-potent combination of lavender,
chamomile, and rose brings a sense of
tranquility and rejuvenation to your skincare
routine, leaving your skin feeling soft, refreshed,
and deeply cleansed.

Although this recipe calls for dried herbs, fresh

herbs can easily be substituted; just use double
the amount of fresh vs. dried herbs.

Materials
1 gallon water
2 tbsp lavender flower bud, dried
2 tbsp chamomile flower, dried
2 tbsp rose petal, dried

Method
Bring water to a boil in a large pot or tea kettle.

Place a large, wide bowl on a table with a comfortable seat.

Add herbs to the bowl, and then cover with the hot water.

Settle into the chair, then lean your face over the bowl at a comfortable distance so as not to burn your
skin.

Drape a towel over your head to form a tent over the bowl, capturing the steam. Enjoy the steam for 5-15
minutes.

The Floral Facial Steam recipe is shared from Herbal Academy’s Botanical Skin Care Course, which includes over 200
herbal recipes to empower you to create your own skincare recipes using botanicals and other safe, nourishing, and
non-toxic ingredients.

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
29
RED REISHI
DOUBLE DECOCTION
BY SUSAN ILKA TUTTLE

Red reishi mushroom (Ganoderma

tsugae) is known as the “mushroom
of immortality.” It is packed with
antioxidants, anti-inflammatory
constituents, and immunomodulating
properties that help regulate and
strengthen the immune system.
Reishi is also beneficial for gut health.
This mushroom contains triterpenes
which aid in naturally boosting the
mood, reducing anxiety, and promoting
better sleep. A reduction in stress also
strengthens the immune system.

You can forage for red reishi during

the spring and summer months. You
will find this mushroom on dead and
dying Eastern Hemlock trees.
Oftentimes they will have a light
coating of sawdust on them, as a result
of the pileated woodpecker drilling into
the tree for insects. Only harvest reishi
mushrooms that are white on the
bottom. Otherwise, they are past
usable and may contain harmful mold.

Create a double-decoction extract

from the fresh reishi, using a process
that involves both alcohol extraction
and hot water extraction. This is
necessary because reishi contains
water-soluble beta-glucans and
alcohol-soluble triterpenes. A double
extraction effectively pulls out both of
these medicinal constituents. 30
Materials
Red reishi mushroom, fresh (enough to fill a quart-sized mason jar)
Quart-sized mason jar and cap
Bottle of 80 to 100 proof alcohol, such as vodka, rum, brandy, or gin
Distilled water
Fine mesh strainer and cheesecloth
Two-quart sauce pan
Glass tincture bottles with droppers

Method
Slice the fresh reishi into small bits. You can put these pieces
in a blender to chop them up further if you wish.

Fill a quart-sized mason jar to the top with this beautiful fungus
and pour 80 to 100 proof alcohol over it, all the way to the top.

Cap it and let it sit for one month. Shake it daily.

Strain out the mushroom through a fine mesh strainer (line it
with cheesecloth if you have really tiny bits), but do not throw
the mushroom away. Place the infused alcohol in a clean mason
jar, cap it, and set it aside.

Place the strained fungus matter into a clean pot and cover it with
distilled water. For every one cup of reishi, add four cups of water.
Use distilled water to promote a longer shelf life. Bring it to a boil,
then simmer on the stove for two hours. Strain out the fungus
matter.

Combine three parts alcohol-based tincture with one part cooled

water extraction. And there you have your tincture!

Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to one year. Place

the extract in bottles with droppers to make it easier for dosing.

Notes
Taking 1 ml a day could promote vitality. If you don’t have access
to foraged fresh reishi, dried reishi will work. Purchasing sliced
reishi makes it more manageable to work with. If using dried
reishi, you only need to fill the jar half way when making your
alcohol extraction.

If you harvest a lot of reishi, you can dry some for making future
extracts. Also keep in mind that your alcohol extraction will last a
few years and can later be combined with a hot water extraction
made from your dried reishi stash.

Susan Ilka Tuttle is a green witch, herbalist, spirit medium, and artist
from Maine. She is the author of Green Witch Magick : Essential Plants
and Crafty Spellwork for a Witch’s Cupboard. Visit her shop
www.inthewoodbotanicals.com, learn about her spirit readings at
www.susantuttlespiritmessenger.com, and follow her on Instagram
@whisper_in_the_wood.

DRYING HERBS
Drying herbs preserves the flavor, aroma,
and healing properties of fresh herbs for use
throughout the year. Different plant parts
may require different methods of drying.
Leaves and flowers are best air-dried. For
larger leaves, create bundles to hang dry. For
smaller petals that may fall while drying, dry
in a brown paper bag or using a flat herb-
drying rack. Air drying is the easiest method,
but it can take several weeks for the herbs to
dry completely.
Roots and thicker stems are best dried using
a dehydrator. Dehydrators are better than an
oven as they are quick and consistent,
without damaging the herbs. Slice thick roots
for faster drying.
Ensure that the herbs are completely dry
before storing them in an airtight container
to prevent spoilage.
-Brittany Gibson
ALL ABOUT...
CORN SILK
Corn silk (Stigma maydis) has a long history of
use in traditional herbal medicine, but in
modern times, its virtues are widely
unknown.
This under-appreciated herb is rich in
antioxidants and potassium. It can be
particularly soothing and toning to the
urinary system and is a valuable remedy
for helping ease the pain and inflammation
caused by UTIs or bladder infections.
It has also been used for prostate issues,
kidney stones, and bed wetting while studies
show that it can reduce fatigue, and may be
helpful for diabetes and depression.
To make corn silk tea, pour boiling water over
fresh or dried silk, steep for about 15 minutes,
and enjoy!
-Kristine Clay
32

COOLING HERBS
Herbal traditions classify herbs by their
energetics, typically including temperature
and moisture. Herbs are usually heating or
cooling and dampening or drying.
Most cooling herbs fall into two categories,
as either refrigerants or diaphoretics.
Refrigerants lower the actual temperature
of the tissues through their actions, while
cooling diaphoretics, induce perspiration,
which helps to release heat and cools of the
body’s tissues.
There are some herbs that are both
refrigerants and diaphoretics, including
peppermint, lemon balm, and chamomile.
Refrigerant herbs include chrysanthemum,
cleavers, hibiscus, lavender, lemongrass and
rose.
Diaphoretic herbs include catnip,
elderflower, linden, marshmallow, violet,
willow bark and yarrow.
-Jess Marcy
ALL ABOUT...
COOLING PITTA OIL
Using oils is an effective way to balance Pitta
as they have a cooling and soothing effect on
the body.
Specific oils and herbs can alleviate the
redness, swelling, and pain caused by
inflammation, allowing the body to repair
itself naturally.
The most suitable base oils to use for
pacifying Pitta are coconut oil, olive oil, and
sunflower oil. These oils have a low heating
effect on the body, which helps cool down
excessive Pitta.
Cooling herbs and essential oils to steep
or add to your base oil include bhringraj,
brahmi, chamomile, geranium, lavender,
licorice, manjishta, mint, neem, rose and
shatavari.
To learn more about Pitta, please read
Cooling the Fire Within on page 34.
-Leslie Lovlin
33
Alexandra Rosenberg-Rigutto
COOLING THE FIRE WITHIN: AYURVEDA'S PITTA
PACIFYING POWER OF ROSE
BY LESLIE LOVLIN

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic healing system
with roots in India that focuses on balancing
the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – to
achieve optimal health and vitality. Pitta,
associated with the fire and water elements,
governs our digestion, metabolism, and
emotions, impacting our physical and mental
states alike.
Rose, as a potent plant ally, eases the mind and
opens the heart. Its cooling and calming effects
make it particularly powerful in addressing a
Sadhaka Pitta imbalance—a disturbance in the
subtler form of Pitta that is responsible for
emotional well-being. In these cases, roses have
been utilized across cultures to offer comfort,
alleviate grief, and encourage self-compassion.

Summer has arrived, bringing with it scorching
temperatures that can ignite our inner Pitta. As
the heat of summer peaks, Pitta tends to
accumulate, often leading to imbalances that
manifest as grief, sadness, anger, impatience,
and even physical ailments like heartburn and
inflammation.
Enter the calming, relaxing remedy rooted in
the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda: the cooling
power of rose. Throughout centuries,
practitioners have turned to nature's remedies
to restore balance and promote emotional
wellbeing, with the rose standing tall as a
fragrant beacon, offering its healing powers to
the overheated.
The delicate petals of the rose represent a
symbol of beauty and love, carrying a powerful
cooling remedy capable of alleviating distress in
the mind and body and healing the heart. By
incorporating roses into our emotional healing
routines, we can successfully restore balance in
our Pitta-dominant nature, opening our hearts
to a future filled with limitless love and joy.
Rose's cooling properties make it an ideal
remedy for pacifying the inflamed Pitta, while
its tender touch tends to the delicate emotions
buried within our hearts. By soothing the mind,
rose facilitates the release of pent-up grief and
negativity, bringing solace and tranquility to
troubled souls.

Here are a few ways to harness the healing potential of rose for Pitta imbalances.

Medicinal Rose Tea Sip on a fragrant and calming cup of rose petal tea infused with its naturally soothing
properties. This caffeine-free beverage promotes tranquility and balance, making it perfect for Pitta-
looking individuals.
Aromatherapy The enchanting aroma of rose essential oil can work wonders on the mind and heart,
easing stress, anxiety, and grief. Consider using an oil diffuser, or add a few drops to your bath or
massage oil for a therapeutic experience.
Heart Basti Applications A traditional Ayurvedic therapy involving warm herbal oils applied directly
to the heart area, a heart basti is believed to nourish and cleanse the heart chakra. Incorporating rose
essential oil into this treatment can provide an added boost for pacifying Sadhaka Pitta.

Leslie is a Clinical Ayurveda Specialist and Herbalist, always learning something new and eagerly exploring the
depth of Ayurveda. She is the creator of Inner Sage Ayurveda, where she crafts a unique range of Ayurveda products,
offers consultations and Ayurveda spa services. Follow Leslie on IG @leslielovlin_innersageayurveda and FB
@innersageayurvedayoga or visit www.innersage.ca.
35
ITCH SOOTHING SALVE
WITH
SPOTTED
JEWELWEED
BY RACHEL COON

A salve made from oil infused with the fresh

aerial parts of spotted jewelweed is a great
addition to any summer first aid kit!

Spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a

shrub that produces beautiful and delicate
flowers. It has long been used as a medicinal
plant. The mucilage of the flowers, leaves, and
stem contain antipruritic and antihistamine
properties that can help soothe itching and
discomfort caused by poison ivy rash, nettle
stings, insect bites, and other skin irritations.

Spotted jewelweed is easily identified by its

small orange flowers with reddish flecks that
hang from its somewhat hollow, knobbed stem.
The oval, round-toothed leaves are alternately
arranged. It grows two to five feet tall. When
the plant goes to seed, you can explode the
seed pods with the gentle touch of a finger!
Jewelweed likes to grow in shady, damp areas.
Nature works in wonderful ways, and
oftentimes we find irritant plants growing
alongside their antidote. This is true for
jewelweed, as it can be found growing near
poison ivy patches!

To make the salve, it’s important to use fresh

jewelweed. It is the mucilage that contains the
medicinal properties, and once dried, the itch
soothing constituents are no longer viable.
When using fresh material to infuse an oil, you
can leave the plants out to air wilt for a day or
so. This will help evaporate any excess water
content that might cause spoilage.

To use the salve, apply a small amount to

affected areas of the skin to soothe itching
and irritation.

36
 Infused Oil Materials
1 half-pint mason jar
1 - 2 c fresh jewelweed stems, leaves,
and flowers, finely chopped
Carrier oil of choice
Stock pot
Fine mesh strainer
Cheesecloth

Infused Oil Method

Place the chopped jewelweed into the mason
jar, filling it halfway to 3/4 full. Pour the carrier
oil over the plant material and stir to combine.

Place a bit of water in your stockpot to make a

warm water bath. Place the mason jar of plant
material and oil into the water bath and
simmer for 2 hours.

Remove the jar and let it cool. Line a fine mesh

strainer with cheesecloth and strain the oil.

Store the oil in a cool place out of direct

sunlight for up to a year.

Notes
Keep an eye on the water bath to make sure it
does not get too hot. Overheating could break
down the active plant constituents. It should
be warm, but not boiling.

Jewelweed Salve Materials

1 c jewelweed infused oil
¼ c beeswax
Double boiler
4 two oz tins or jars

Jewelweed Salve Method

Place the beeswax in a double boiler and
gently heat until melted.

Add the jewelweed infused oil. Stir to combine.

Pour into tins or jars and let cool. Store your

salve in a cool place for up to a year.

Rachel is the creator and maker behind Wilde Fern

Apothecary. She lives in Northern Michigan, where she
can be found foraging and wildcrafting, gardening, and
creating herbal remedies in her home kitchen. You can
find her on Instagram @wilde.fern or view her shop at
wildefernapothecary.square.site.

37
THE UNSUNG HERO, WEEDY WONDERFUL
EVENING PRIMROSE
BY DARCEY BLUE FRENCH

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a biennial

flowering weedy species that grows in disturbed soils
in arid and temperate climates across the continental
US. Though evening primrose is mostly used as a
dietary supplement due to its GLA fatty acid-rich
seeds, the entire plant from root to flower is a versatile
medicinal ally. It is somewhat underutilized and
unknown, unlikely to be found in herbal commerce.
Luckily, evening primrose is a common weed in most
areas and easily cultivated in gardens, and it can be
beneficial to include in an herbal apothecary as a
tincture, an infusion, and a medicated oil.

Family Onagraceae
Energetics moist, neutral
Taste bitter, pungent, sweet, astringent
Actions relaxant, stimulant, nervine, nutritive, tonic,
vulnerary, demulcent, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic,
antispasmodic, expectorant

Evening primrose is a gentle medicine, yet extremely

effective. It is a helpful antispasmodic and expectorant
for the respiratory system, and it is relaxing and
soothing to uterine cramping. It is a gentle and
nourishing nervine to replenish and restore the
nervous system and calm frazzled nerves when used
over time and acutely for PMS moodiness. Evening
primrose leaf, flower, and root are also a superb
vulnerary and anti-inflammatory for the skin and the
mucous membranes, including the digestive tract, the
respiratory system, and the urinary tract.

Evening primrose may be used internally as tea or

infusion for all the above uses, up to 1 quart per day. It
can be tinctured for the antispasmodic qualities, but its
demulcent and vulnerary properties are more effective
as a tea. It is considered a wild food, with the leaves
used as a pot herb and the tender first-year roots
chopped and added to soups and stews like a pungent
parsnip or rutabaga. It may be consumed in larger
quantities safely, though the taste is a bit peppery and
strong for the untrained palette.
The use of evening primrose externally is akin to plantain, calendula, comfrey, and self heal. Though not as
strong, it is effective for wound healing, burns, skin moistening, and soothing rashes and insect bites. It is
wonderful as a fresh plant poultice, or may be made into a fresh plant medicated oil or salve to address all
manner of skin issues. It is cooling, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and speeds tissue healing. Gather or
grow some fresh evening primrose to make your own skin healing infused oil.

Evening Primrose Oil

Materials
2 c evening primrose leaves and flowers
2 c olive oil
1 tbsp 95% alcohol, such as grain or cane
1 qt canning jar

Method
Gather fresh evening primrose flowers and leaves, early in the morning before the flowers wilt in the sun.

Chop coarsely and add to a canning jar about ⅔ full. Moisten with alcohol. Shake the jar with alcohol and
plant material until well mixed. Let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour with the lid on.

Remove the lid and press plant material down in the jar firmly. Fill to the top with olive oil and replace the
lid. Cold macerate in a cool, dark location for one or two weeks.

Strain plant material from the oil without squeezing. Pour the oil into a wide bowl and let settle for 24
hours.

Pour off the clear oil and leave any particulate or liquids that settled out in the bowl and discard. Store the
fresh plant oil in dark glass. Oil may be used as is, or turned into a salve as needed.

Darcey Blue weaves her passion for plants and nourishment through her practice of using local, sustainable and
abundant wild and cultivated plants for gentle healing, restoring vitality, and transformation of the body, mind and
soul. Find more about her work at @sacredearthmedicine on Instagram or at www.sacredwildness.org.

39
INSECT
REPELLENT
SOAP
BY PATRICE BUCKLEY

Looking for a natural way to keep the insects

from biting you this summer? Instead of using the
toxin-filled commercial bug sprays, try making
this all-natural insect repellent soap instead!

Not only does the commercial bug spray leave you

feeling sticky and greasy, but the active ingredient
in DEET is harmful for the environment and your
health. The combination of citronella, lemongrass,
camphor, tea tree, and peppermint essential oils
work together to repel insects. These oils affect
the mosquito’s olfactory receptors, which make it
hard for them to sense you so they ultimately
avoid you.

With just a few ingredients and less than an hour

of your time, this soap can be used to repel insects
while traveling or just for daily use. It’s also safe
for kids! Soap making can feel intimidating, but
melt-and-pour bases take the guesswork out of
the equation and allow for you to customize as
you desire.

This soap can easily be incorporated into your

morning routine before starting your day. Just
lather in the shower, let the soap absorb into your
skin for about a minute and rinse. Let the essential
oils do the hard work of keeping the mosquitoes
away. Enjoy up to 6 hours of bug relief after
showering.

This soap isn’t just for camping adventures. It can

be used while grilling, gardening, or even simply
going for a walk. Try this all natural DEET-free
recipe today and keep the bugs away!

40
Materials
1 silicone soap mold with 6 cavities
1 lb melt-and-pour soap base
50 drops peppermint essential oil
50 drops citronella essential oil
50 drops lemongrass essential oil
50 drops camphor essential oil
50 drops tea tree essential oil
1 oz dried peppermint leaves, optional

Method
Cut the soap base into small rectangular pieces or cubes.

Melt the soap base in a microwave, using a heat safe bowl. Heat for short bursts of 60 seconds,
stirring after each burst. Continue doing this until the entire soap base melts completely.

Once the base is completely melted add 50 drops of each essential oil and stir well.

Pour the soap base into the mold.

Optional: Sprinkle the dried peppermint leaves over the soap for adornment.

Let it sit overnight.

Once the soap has hardened, pop it out of the mold and your soap is ready to use!

Store the remaining bars in a dry and cool place for future use.

Patrice is an herbalist, holistic wellness expert, and small business owner based out of Mansfield, TX. Her ultimate
goal is to help others discover true health and happiness through a holistic lifestyle, natural products, and herbal
remedies. You can find her on Instagram at @RootsHolisticApothecary and check out her products at
www.RootsHolisticApothecary.com.

41
 Kitchen
Food + Drink

Tanja Mia Müller

CRAFTING HERBAL DRINKS FOR
HYDRATION
BY BRITTANY GIBSON

The hot summer weather can cause dehydration, especially after spending
a long day gardening or hiking in the woods. Using herbs with electrolytic,
cooling, and mucilaginous properties to enhance your water can boost
hydration and help make replenishing fluid more enjoyable. Crafting herbal
drinks for hydration can be a simple and enjoyable way to support your overall
health and well-being.
43
Choosing Herbs for Hydration
Electrolytes are essential for proper hydration as they
help to maintain fluid balance within and between cells
and support nerve and muscle function. Some of the
key electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, and
magnesium, all of which can be found in various
delicious herbs. While many herbs contain these and
other electrolytes, certain herbs such as rosehips,
hibiscus, raspberry leaf, and citrus peels are particularly
rich in these nutrients and can provide an extra
hydration boost when added to a summer beverage. In
addition to their electrolyte content, these herbs also
offer unique flavors and benefits that can enhance the
taste and nutritional value of your drinks.

Cooling herbs can help to regulate body temperature

and reduce the risk of dehydration by supporting
sweating and reducing inflammation. Some of the most
popular cooling herbs for drinks include peppermint,
lemon balm, elderflower, and chamomile, which can be
brewed into refreshing teas or added to water for a
hydrating infusion.

Mucilaginous herbs like aloe vera and marshmallow root
can help to soothe and cool the body internally, making
them useful for maintaining proper hydration during
hot, dry weather. These herbs contain a type of soluble
fiber called mucilage, which swells and becomes
gelatinous when mixed with water, creating a soothing
and protective layer that coats tissues and reduces
inflammation. When added to drinks or consumed as a
supplement, mucilaginous herbs can help to relieve dry
mouth and throat, improve digestion, and promote
overall hydration.
Choosing Fruits for Hydration
Melons and berries contain a high content of water with
the added benefits of vitamins and antioxidants.
Additionally, lemon is a good source of vitamin C and
has natural detoxifying properties, and can help to
alkalize the body, which can support overall health and
hydration.
Choose a Base Liquid
Instead of using water as the base of your beverage, use
coconut water for added potassium and hydrating
benefits.

Finishing Touches
In addition to herbs, adding a pinch of sea salt will take
your drink to the next level. Sea salt is a natural source
of important electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and
magnesium. Garnish with hydrating fruits for a
refreshing treat.

By experimenting with different herbs and flavors, and

paying attention to your body's hydration needs, you
can create a personalized herbal hydration routine that
works for you. Here is a recipe to get you started!

44
Blackberry, Rosehip +
Marshmallow Root
Iced Tea
Marshmallow Infusion Materials
1 qt water
¾ c marshmallow root, dried, cut and sifted

Marshmallow Infusion Method

At night, fill a jar with 1 quart cold water and
¾ cup marshmallow root.

Shake to combine and refrigerate. The next day, strain

the mixture.

Beverage Materials
16 oz marshmallow infusion
1 tbsp blackberry rosehip syrup
Pinch of sea salt

Beverage Method
Combine marshmallow infusion with blackberry
rosehip syrup over ice. Stir.

Add a pinch of sea salt and garnish with lemon.

Notes
This mixture will last up to 48 hours in the fridge.
Yields about 4 cups or 2 drinks.
If you want to preserve the vitamin C from the
rosehips, you can include them in the marshmallow
cold infusion instead of heating them in the syrup.
Blackberry Rosehip Syrup Materials
2 c blackberries, fresh
¼ c rosehips, dried
¼ c raw honey
¼ c water
1 tbsp lemon juice

Blackberry Rosehip Syrup Method

Combine blackberries, rosehips, honey, lemon juice, and
¼ cup water in a small pot.

Simmer together for 15 minutes, smashing the

blackberries with the back of your spoon or a potato
masher.
Strain the mixture into an airtight container.
Brittany is a mama of 2, aspiring herbalist, military
spouse, and suburban homesteader seeking to help others
live a homestead life in a modern way. Find more about
her and her work at www.thehomesteadchallenge.com or
@brittanylgibson on Instagram.
45
BUTTERFLY SUNSET
COCKTAIL
BY ANN MEYER

46
Everyone will be mesmerized by this layered beverage as butterfly pea flower and hibiscus make themselves
known! The dazzling colors of deep pink and stunning purple mimic the hues of the sky as the sun sets on the
horizon. The taste of this drink is tart, yet sweet and refreshing, creating the perfect thirst quencher on those
hot sunny days.

Hibiscus is surely a plant for the summer! With its love for hot weather and flashy petals, its bright taste adds
the perfect amount of pizazz to any drink. While hibiscus enriches us with its taste, butterfly pea flower steals
the show in this cocktail. Often found growing in Southeast Asia, this vining plant produces stunning blue
flowers that are dried and used within teas and baked goods or to dye clothing. When butterfly pea flower
comes into contact with lemon juice, the acidity transforms the tea from a deep blue color to an enchanted
purple, unfolding into a magick trick created by none other than Mother Earth.

There is no better way to celebrate the summer than with a cocktail inspired by butterflies, flowers, and
sunsets.

Materials
5 oz lemonade
2 oz vodka
1 oz butterfly pea flower tea
1 oz soda water
¾ oz hibiscus syrup
Collins glass or similar
Ice

Method
In order to create the layered look of this drink, add the hibiscus syrup to an empty glass to create the base.

Once the hibiscus syrup is settled at the bottom, carefully add the ice to the glass.

From there, slowly add the soda water, followed by the vodka, and then lemonade.

Once all the other ingredients have been added, mindfully float the butterfly pea flower on top.

Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Notes
Recipe makes 1 drink.
Pouring ingredients over the back of a spoon can help to efficiently layer the liquids.
If desired, follow the steps above, leaving out the alcohol to create a lovely mocktail!
To make butterfly pea flower tea, steep 2 tsp of tea with 4 oz of boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain the tea
and allow it to cool before use.
To make hibiscus syrup, steep 3 tbsp hibiscus in 8 oz of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain the hibiscus and
add the tea to a saucepot. Add ¼ cup sugar or ⅛ cup honey to the tea and slowly simmer, reducing the liquid
by half. For a thicker syrup you may add more sweetener or reduce the liquid further.

Ann is the creator behind Cosmic Earth Remedies. She specializes in astro herbalism, with a focus on both the spiritual
and medicinal properties of plants. In her free time you can find her exploring the earth, foraging, aligning plants and
planets, or creating magick. Instagram: @cosmic.earth.remedies.

47
 WATERMINT
CHOCOLATE CHIP
ICE CREAM
BY LEANNE TOWNSEND

Finding and harvesting wild mint is such a joy – it really is the taste of summer! When harvesting wild
or garden mint, thoughts instantly turn to ice cream and summery drinks. Mint is also a wonderful
ingredient in salads and dips.

Watermint (Mentha aquatica) is an amazing herb with a punchy spearmint flavor. It’s great for calming
nerves and settling the digestion. As the name suggests, it grows near rivers, streams, and other water
sources and can be found from early to late summer. With a square stem and ovate, serrated leaves,
watermint produces clusters of tiny lilac flowers on its stem. The fresh menthol scent is a great
identification feature. As with other water-loving plants, resist harvesting from water sources near
livestock to avoid any risk of parasitic liver fluke.

Watermint can be used like any other mint. If you don't have a local source of watermint you can use
garden mint in this recipe. Unlike the mint chocolate chip ice cream you buy in stores, this frozen
treat isn’t colored bright green with food dyes or flavored with artificial mint essence. Instead, this
recipe takes mint chocolate chip ice cream and elevates it to new levels of authentic fresh flavor.

Chocolate chip ice cream is delicious served in cones – you could dip the rim of the cone in melted
dark chocolate for added luxury, but this is optional!

48
Materials
1 ½ c cream
1 ½ c full fat milk
2 c watermint or other fresh mint, leaves and stalks (around one large bunch)
¾ c sugar
5 egg yolks
150g bar dark chocolate

Method
Gently heat the milk and cream together in a pan until simmering and plunge the mint into the hot mixture.
Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and leave to infuse for at least 90 minutes.

In a bowl, beat together the egg yolks and sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Set aside.

Strain the infused milk and cream through a sieve and squeeze the last of the liquid from the plant material
through a muslin, as this is where the strongest flavor is.

Combine the infused milk and cream with the egg yolk and sugar mixture and gently heat, stirring constantly,
until a custard forms that is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Leave the mixture to cool, then
strain through a sieve.

Churn the ice cream mixture in an ice cream maker until soft set. It should be beginning to freeze and firm up,
but still be spoonable. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, place the mixture in a food container in the
freezer and whisk every hour until soft set.

Bash up the chocolate bar into small chunks and stir these into the soft set ice cream.

Place the ice cream in the freezer until fully set.

Leanne is a wild food and drink specialist, researcher and food writer. Leanne is a passionate forager and food
grower, and shares her knowledge and passion through her writing, events and social media channels. Find her on
Instagram: @wildfoodstory.
NASTURTIUM
SALAD
BY KARINA HINES

50
Nasturtium is a beautiful flowering annual plant that is easy to grow and fun to cook with.

Loved by gardeners and pollinators alike, nasturtiums add a continuous pop of life and color to your
garden throughout the growing season. They are a great companion plant as pests like aphids are
attracted to them, which helps keep them away from your more delicate plants.

Nasturtium brings cheerful, vibrant colors to the table, too. Both the flowers and leaves are edible and
are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. They have peppery, soft herbaceous flavors that pair well
as garnishes for sweet and savory dishes like fruits salads, parfaits, smoothie bowls, and desserts as well as
summery leafy salads, grain and legume bowls, meze platters, and sharing plates with dips and savory bites.

Make a beautiful, herbaceous summery salad with crispy lettuces, carrot and radicchio ribbons, bright
nasturtium flowers, and small peppery nasturtium leaves. It will be a delight with any summer meal.

Materials
3 c nasturtium flowers
2 c small nasturtium leaves
4 oz crispy lettuces, such as romaine, butterhead, and red and green leaf
½ radicchio
1 carrot

Method
Pick nasturtium flowers and small leaves. Wash and dry your salad greens and nasturtium leaves
but not the flowers. Add to a salad bowl to create your base.

Finely slice radicchio. Add to your salad bowl.

Peel the carrot, then continue peeling the whole carrot, creating ribbons.

Gently mix carrot and nasturtium leaves through the salad and garnish with flowers.

Serve with a simple lemon vinaigrette on the side and garnish with nasturtium flowers. If you want to
dress the salad, do so before garnishing it with flowers and serve immediately.

Notes
Swap radicchio for red cabbage, napa cabbage, beet leaves, red sorrel, or any other leafy greens.
Add vegetables like cucumber, celery, peppers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, kohlrabi, or beets.
Add sprigs of fresh herbs like basil, chives, parsley, cilantro, dill, chervil, mint, or bronze fennel.
Nasturtium flowers should not be washed, as they will go slimy. If you want to wash flowers, water the
plant before you pick them, let them dry on the plant, then pick the flowers. Nasturtium flowers wilt
quite quickly after picking, so use immediately, put in a vase with water, or add
to the salad and cover in the fridge.

Karina Hines is a chef, herbalist, functional nutrition counselor & founder of Botanical Kitchen. She creates weekly
anti-inflammatory recipe plans that follow the growing season and use everyday food as medicine.Botanical Kitchen
empowers people to cook nourishing meals to support their health. Find her online botanicalkitchen.com + Instagram
@botanicalkitchen.eat.

51
STARFLOWER
CUCUMBER CAKE
+ LEMONADE
BY ASHLEY MOORE

Starflower is the dreamier, more romantic

name for the plant most commonly known as
borage, Borago officinalis. It is edible and tastes
like cucumber, although the stalks and leaves
are covered with hairs that may discourage
eating any but the youngest leaves. The flowers
have a mildly sweet taste reminiscent of
cucumber. Traditionally, herbalists have turned
to borage as a gentle treatment for coughing
and other respiratory complaints, as well as
constipation and reducing inflammation,
especially in the throat and mouth.

Borage is rich in potassium and calcium

and has been recommended by midwives
to increase milk supply in nursing mothers.
Mothers who may feel sorrowful once they’ve
decided to stop nursing or are not able to
nurse might drink borage leaf and flower tea
to simultaneously honor and assuage these
feelings. There is a saying, “borage for
courage,” and both borage tea and borage
flower essence are popular folk remedies
used to embolden the heart.

This starflower cake has just a hint of

sweetness to it, making it appropriate for any
time of day. The inspiration behind it comes
from traditional cucumber and cream cheese
tea sandwiches served at English afternoon tea.
For a refreshing summer tea party treat, serve
the starflower cake with color-changing
starflower lemonade. Garnish with floral ice
cubes for an especially whimsical presentation.

53
 Cake Materials
1 large handful of borage leaves and/or flowers
(to make tea)
1 ½ sticks butter, melted and cooled
½ c plus 2 T coconut sugar
2 large eggs
2-3 young borage leaves, washed and finely chopped
1 c flour
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Frosting + Finishing Touches Materials

1 8oz package of cream cheese at room temperature
2-4 tsp borage tea from making the cake
1 tbsp honey, optional
1 large handful of borage flowers
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

Method
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil and flour two 4” cake pans and set on a baking sheet.

Roughly chop borage leaves and/or flowers reserved for tea. Add them to a heat-safe container such as a
mason jar or teacup, and pour just-boiled water over to cover. Set aside to cool slightly, then strain out the
solids and reserve the tea.

Add butter, coconut sugar, finely chopped borage leaves, and eggs to a medium-sized bowl. Mix well.

In another bowl, add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Add 2 tablespoons of strained borage tea to the batter and stir to combine. Depending on the type of flour you
use, you may need to add a touch more tea. It should be “cake batter” consistency. Save the rest of the tea for
the frosting.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pans and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until baked through and a
toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool, then turn them out of the pans to cool completely on a wire rack. Once the cakes have
cooled to room temperature, make the frosting.

Add the cream cheese to a bowl. If you prefer a slightly sweet frosting, add 1 tbsp of honey to the cream
cheese. Add one teaspoon of borage tea at a time, mixing each time, until the cream cheese thins to your
preferred frosting consistency.

To assemble, choose one of the two cakes for the bottom layer, place it on a flat plate, serving board, or cake
stand, and frost it all the way around and on top.

Arrange some of the thinly sliced cucumbers along with some of the borage flowers on the top of the cake.
Put the second layer of cake on top of the first, and frost the whole cake. Decorate the entire cake with thin
slices of cucumber and borage flowers.

Notes
Serve a slice to each guest with a cup of starflower tea or starflower lemonade.
To make a sweeter cake, ½ c more coconut sugar may be added to the batter, and 2 tablespoons of
powdered sugar may be mixed into the cream cheese frosting. 54
Starflower
Tea + Lemonade
To make this dreamy drink, use a
clear, heat-proof vessel such as a
large mason jar or glass teapot if
you have one. Starflower tea is a
gorgeous blue, and when lemon
juice is squeezed in, it turns pink!
Serves 3-4 guests. Double or triple
the recipe as needed.

Materials
Quart-sized mason jar, or other
heat-proof glass vessel that will
hold 4 cups of liquid
2 c borage flowers
3 ½ c just-boiled water
1-2 tbsp honey
Juice of 3 to 4 lemons

Starflower Tea Method

Fill your mason jar with 2 cups of borage flowers.

Pour 3 ½ cups just-boiled water over the flowers, up to the top of the vessel.

Let steep for at least 10 minutes while the color deepens. Strain.

Sweeten with honey to taste and serve.

Starflower Lemonade Method

Prepare the teas as above, but do not add honey. Let the tea cool.

Serve each guest a glass ½ full of cooled starflower tea, in clear glasses or small mason jars, and set a
pitcher of lemon juice sweetened with honey on the table to pass around.

As the guests turn their tea to lemonade by pouring in the sweetened lemon juice, it will change color,
from blue to pink.

To make this drink especially fancy, make starflower ice cubes ahead of time and serve them with the
lemonade. Fill ice cube trays ½ full of water and put a borage flower in each compartment. Freeze, then
top with a thin layer of water to hold the flower in place, and freeze again.
Ashley Moore lives an ordinary, magical life in Southern California, where she cooks, crafts, and gardens as a
way to express her love and gratitude for the Earth and all living things, and to feel as much as possible like one
of the fae folk herself.
55
MILKY OATS
OXYMEL +
HONEY MUSTARD
BY KARMINATIVE KOLLECTIVE

Milky Oats are one of those herbs that all of the

herbalists flock to year after year. This name refers to
the milky top portions of Avena sativa, known as the
“oatmeal” plant. Which is how most people are
familiar with it! The whole plant is medicinal. It is a
nutritive tonic rich in minerals like silica, calcium, and
magnesium, but the summer-ripened milky oat tops
are often compared to gold.

Hailing from the United Kingdom and naturalized in

North America, it grows abundantly once it has had
the opportunity to spread its seeds. Oatmeal comes
from the seed of this wide-spread grass. Commercial
oats have been hybridized to produce larger seed
pods but you can find the cultivated and wild versions
in many landscapes in the Northern Hemisphere.

Before the plants dry out and the seed pods are in
their “immature” state, they are more liquid in nature.
The “milky” white latex that eventually becomes the
mature seed is an incredible nervous system tonic
known as a nootrophorestorative. These restorative
qualities actually build and regenerate the myelin
sheath which is responsible for electrical impulses
within our bodies.

It is very easy to incorporate milky oat tops into

herbal regimens, especially if you come across an
abundant patch to harvest or grow in your garden.
However, in order to get the nootrophorestorative
qualities, it is recommended to use the plant when it
is fresh at the peak of its season!

One of the most beloved ways to extract milky oat

tops is to make an oxymel, a vinegar infusion that has
been sweetened with honey. Vinegars are renowned
for extracting minerals, which the milky oat tops, as
well as the straw, are extremely rich in. Milky Oat
Oxymels are not only delicious but also very easy and
inexpensive to prepare. They can be taken from a
dropper bottle, added to water or beverages, or used
in cooking in marinades, dressings, sauces, etc. One
incredible way to incorporate Milky Oat Oxymel is in
a honey mustard dressing.
Milky Oat Oxymel Materials
2 c milky oat tops, fresh
1 qt apple cider vinegar
1-2 c honey (depending on desired sweetness)

Milky Oat Oxymel Method

In a blender, combine the milky oat tops and vinegar.
Blend on high speed until the oats are well macerated.
Place into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and allow to infuse in
a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks.

To strain, press the infused vinegar out through a nut milk

bag or fine muslin cloth.
Pour the infused vinegar back into a clean jar, add one cup
of the honey, and shake well until it has dissolved. Taste
and add more honey if you’d like it to be sweeter.

Enjoy in a dropper bottle or add to your recipes and food!

Milky Oat Honey Mustard Materials

1 c avocado or olive oil
½ c milky oat oxymel
2 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp salt
Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Milky Oat Honey Mustard Method

Combine ingredients into a jar and blend with
an immersion blender until emulsified.
Use as a condiment, salad dressing, or dip.

Notes
Any kind of mustard works well in this recipe.
Dijon and stone ground are some favorites.

Karly Ketron is a mother, herbalist, Quantum Plant Practitioner, homemaker, and advocate for sovereign health
and wellness. In 2022, she co-launched the Karminative Kollective, which is an online educational platform
dedicated to bridging the worlds of plants and humans through classes, workshops, and various offerings
centered around Community Herbalism. @divinemotherpine & @karminativekollective
57
 CALENDULA
SUNSHINE JELLO
BY JILLIAN FENWICK

Before commercial dyes and processed sugars

took over our food supply, jello was an incredibly
guthealing and nourishing food, rather than the
overly sweet dessert we know today. The jello of
our great grandmothers would’ve been made from
scratch, at home, using one of the most potent
superfoods commonly available: gelatin.

Gelatin is high in protein and incredibly rich in

collagen, which can help to increase muscle mass,
prevent bone loss, relieve joint pain, and improve
skin health by reducing wrinkles and dryness.

The name calendula means "throughout the months"

as it typically begins blooming in the beginning of
each month and is often one of the first and last
bloomers in the garden. Its bold, sunshine-like
orange and yellow hues are striking both in the
garden and in the kitchen. Calendula is naturally rich
in a compound called flavonoids. These compounds
are thought to have many healing properties
including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and even
neuroprotective effects.

Between the vitamin C in the orange juice, the

antimicrobial benefits of calendula, and the gut
healing properties of the gelatin, this Calendula
Sunshine Jello is a snack that will deeply nourish
your body, mind and spirit.
Materials
8 c filtered water, divided
1 ½ oz organic calendula flowers, dried
2 c orange juice, freshly squeezed or organic
1 c raw honey or more to taste
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, optional
8 tbsp grass-fed gelatin
8 4 oz mason jars with lids

Method
In a medium sauce pot, bring 7 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, add calendula,
cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Over-steeping will cause a strong bitterness in the final product.

Once steeped, strain the calendula and add hot tea to a bowl. Stir in orange juice, honey and apple cider
vinegar until dissolved.

In a separate bowl, add one cup of water and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Let it sit until “bloomed,” about 1-2
minutes.

Stir gelatin water into the tea mixture and thoroughly combine, taking care to ensure any gelatin lumps
have been dissolved. Pour mixture into mason jars. Chill in the refrigerator until set. It will be nice and jiggly
and not runny.

Top with raw honey, crème fraîche, yogurt, or coconut yogurt.

Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Using grass-fed gelatin is important as these animals are raised without the use of artificial
hormones or antibiotics.
Instead of mason jars, you can use a jello mold or onto a baking tray for on-the-go protein bites.
This recipe is GAPS, AIP and SCD compliant.

Jillian is a mother, wife, gardener, whimsical airbnb steward and folk herbalist on the east coast of Canada. She
spends her time milling about her property with her wild son, collecting herbs and flowers and making meals
and medicine from scratch.
BLACK CAP
CHOCOLATE CUP SURPRISE
BY SARAH BARRON

In the depths of summer heat, black caps ripen on prickle vines. Their rich purple is a sign of sweetness,
and draws in all animals to indulge in their tiny fruits.

Black caps, also known as black raspberries, grow wild from the Dakotas to the East Coast of the United
States and into Canada. Their small fruits have almost no tartness, making them a prized find for many
foragers. Studies have found that black caps are also packed full of anthocyanins and antioxidants that may
help with disease prevention and slow the effects of aging.

Unlike blackberries, black caps have hollow centers, similar to red raspberries. Their stems are deep purple,
which is usually masked by a white waxy coating. Instead of bristles, black caps have larger, hooked thorns
that sparsely follow their arching stem.

Potentially confusing to the forager, black cap berries turn raspberry red before deepening to purple. A
taste at this stage will leave excited mouths dry and eyes squinting in tartness. But, once they ripen, these
berries are a choice fruit for pies, pancakes, fresh eating, freezing and jams. Once picked, the fruit only lasts
a few days, so eat them quickly, or immediately process them to freeze or boil into a jam.

Because black caps are so sweet, combining them with sultry dark chocolate is a mouth-watering match.
These jam filled chocolate cups are the epitome of summer’s indulgence and will leave friends and family
swooning in chocolate-berry bliss. Enjoy!
60
Jam Materials
1 ½ c black cap berries
½ c sugar
1 tsp lemon juice

Jam Method
In a small saucepan, combine the berries, sugar and lemon juice.
Gently bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce heat and stir frequently. Simmer for about 20
minutes or until the jam has thickened. Allow to cool and set aside.

Notes
Black cap seeds are quite small, but if the idea of a seedy jam is
off-putting, berries can be mashed and strained before adding to
the saucepan.

Black Cap Surprise Materials

2 c dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
1 c black cap jam
Walnuts, chopped, optional
Sea salt granules, optional
Mini muffin pan
Mini muffin paper liners

Black Cap Surprise Method

In a double boiler, stir the chocolate and coconut oil until melted.

Line the muffin tin with liners. Dispense a small amount of chocolate
into each cup of the muffin pan. The chocolate should just cover the
bottom of the cups. Place the pan into the freezer for 10 minutes or
until the chocolate has become solid.

Using a small spoon, dispense a dollop of jam into the center of the
frozen chocolate within the muffin pan.

Pour the remaining chocolate over the jam in each cup. The
chocolate cups can be topped with walnuts, sea salt or any other
desired textures.

Place the pan back into the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

Notes
Makes 24 mini chocolate cups.
Keep the cups in the refrigerator until right before serving; they have a
low melting point.
The chocolate-jam cups are easier to eat when molded in a mini muffin
tin, but larger muffin tins can be used.
Liners are not needed if using a silicone muffin tin. If using a metal
muffin tin and not using liners, try using parchment paper or coat each
cavity with coconut oil.
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.
RASPBERRY
HIBISCUS
POPSICLES
BY HALEY POST
From karkade in Egypt to agua de Jamaica in Mexico, hibiscus tea is enjoyed in many
different countries and cultures around the world. When steeped in water, dried
hibiscus petals create a vibrant red herbal tea with a tart, floral, and fruity taste
similar to cranberry juice.

Raspberry Hibiscus Popsicles are a wonderfully refreshing treat for a hot summer
day. Fresh raspberries and tangy hibiscus complement each other perfectly, while
honey and lemon balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Hibiscus is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Its
cooling, astringent, and mucilage properties make it an excellent choice for hydrating
during the hot summer months. Hibiscus is also known to help lower blood pressure
and cholesterol while supporting overall heart health.

Materials
2 c filtered water
2 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers
¼ c honey
2 c raspberries, fresh, divided
2 tbsp lemon juice, fresh

Method
Add the water and dried hibiscus flowers to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then
turn off the heat.
Add the honey and 1 cup of the raspberries, stirring until the honey is completely
dissolved. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer over a measuring cup or small pitcher
to remove the raspberry seeds and hibiscus petals. Let cool completely, then stir in
the fresh lemon juice.
Divide the remaining cup of raspberries into popsicle molds. Pour the tea mixture
into each mold until ¾ of the way full.
Freeze for 8 hours or overnight until completely frozen. When ready to enjoy, run
under warm water to release the popsicles from the molds.

Notes
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your healthcare provider before
consuming hibiscus tea.
Once removed from their molds, these popsicles can be stored in an airtight
container in the freezer for up to one month.

Haley is the photographer, writer, and recipe creator behind My Moonstone Kitchen, a blog
dedicated to seasonal recipes and botanical DIYs for vibrant living. Follow Haley on Instagram
@MyMoonstoneKitchen and read her blog at www.MyMoonstoneKitchen.com.

63
STRAWBERRY, RHUBARB +
TULSI
SHRUB
BY SHELBY WOLFE

Strawberry rhubarb, a timeless summertime duo, combines with sweet, aromatic

tulsi into a shrub to make your new favorite warm-weather addition to fresh
garden salads as a dressing or refreshing cocktails and mocktails!

Tulsi, also commonly known as Holy Basil, is a revered, adaptogenic herb that
calms, strengthens, clarifies, and uplifts the nervous system and brain. It is a
sacred Ayurvedic plant that originates from India but has been cultivated
throughout the world. A member of the Lamiaceae family, tulsi has a pleasant,
clove-like taste and aroma. Its prolific foliage and flowers are a treat to have in
the garden for people and pollinators alike. This plant offers both physical and
emotional support for the body, mind, and spirit. Tulsi can be a great ally when
chronic stress overlaps with anxiety or depression, or to remedy brain fog, poor
memory, or cloudy thinking.

A shrub consists of herbs, flowers or roots, and a fruit of your choice combined
with half honey and half apple cider vinegar as a menstruum base. It is believed
that the shrub originated in 17th century England as a way to preserve fruits and
other herbs from the harvest.

Drink your fruit and flowers while preserving summer by making an herbal shrub.

Materials
1 quart mason jar with lid
1 c strawberries, fresh
1 c rhubarb, fresh
1 c tulsi aerial parts, fresh
½-1 c raw honey
1-1 ½ c apple cider vinegar

Method
Fill your jar with the freshly harvested tulsi, strawberries, and rhubarb. Add the
honey and stir to incorporate. Add the apple cider vinegar, making sure it fills the
jar just below the top of the rim. The honey and apple cider vinegar ratio can vary
depending on personal preference.

Close with a plastic lid or with parchment paper under a metal lid to avoid
oxidation of the metal by the vinegar. Let it sit for 2-4 weeks. Strain and enjoy!

Notes
Add this shrub to soda water or ginger beer, along with vodka or brandy for a
refreshing cocktail, or pour over salad greens with berries and goat cheese!

Shelby is an herbalist and farmer based in the Kickapoo River Valley, Wisconsin Driftless.
She offers small-batch herbal goods, educational resources & consultations. To learn more
visit her website www.solidagobotanicals.com.
 Harvest
Grow + Forage

Maria Ilves
TULSI
VARIETIES TO GROW IN
YOUR HERB GARDEN
BY AGATHA NOVEILLE

Tulsi, also known as holy basil and sacred basil, is a beautiful herb with an
honored herbal tradition in India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. It’s
now widely grown in the United States, where it thrives in the gardens of
many home herbalists. Modern herbalists value tulsi as a nervine, adaptogen,
and even as a respiratory remedy. Thanks to tulsi’s abundant growing habits
and easy cultivation, adding this plant to your herb garden is worth
considering for beginner and accomplished gardeners alike.

Tulsi is actually a common name that can refer to several different, but related,
plants. Three species of tulsi sold at specialty nurseries in the U.S. include
Ocimum tenuiflorum, O. gratissimum, and O. africanum.

Each species has a slightly different growing habit, but they are all
characterized by a clove-like fragrance. Ocimum tenuiflorum (tropical tulsi)
is the most commonly grown, but O. gratissimum (wild tulsi) and O. africanum
(temperate tulsi) are also available through seed companies. Two types are
perennial in zones 10 and warmer, but temperate tulsi is an annual. They may
all be grown as annuals in cooler climates.

Tropical tulsi is known for its spicy, heavy fragrance. This signature scent
comes from high levels of eugenol, which is also found in cloves. Temperate
tulsi is even more aromatic than tropical tulsi with the characteristic clove
fragrance as well, but a sweeter, fruitier profile. Wild tulsi has a muskier scent
than either of the other two varieties. All three may be used interchangeably
by home herbalists.

Starting Seeds
Tulsi seeds are easy to start as long as temperatures are warm enough. The
seeds are light-dependent germinators, so don’t bury them deeply. If starting
in the garden, sprinkle tulsi seeds on top of the prepared bed and pat into
place. If you are using soil blocks or pots, tamp into place and mist to water
(or water from the bottom up) until germination.

If the weather is too cold, tulsi can be prone to damping off. Damping off is
a bacterial infection that can strike susceptible plants in cool, wet, growing
conditions. If you typically have long, cold springs, wait until the weather
warms up before you start your tulsi. Alternatively, start indoors and
transplant the seedlings when temperatures are consistently in the 70s
or above.

Harvesting
Harvest tulsi just before the flowers open. Cut the tops to maximize the
amount of leaf and minimize stem. It’s fine to harvest the unopened flower
buds, too. Tulsi’s fragrance and properties will be strongest just before and
right after the flowers begin blooming. Temperate and tropical tulsi respond
well to repeated harvests over the growing season. Dry on screens in the
shade to maintain the best color and flavor of your harvest.
 Tropical

Growing
Tropical Tulsi Ocimum tenuiflorum
Tropical tulsi comes in several varieties, including Rama and Krishna
tulsi. Rama tulsi has purple stems and green leaves, while Krishna
tulsi has purple stems and leaves that also turn dark purple as the
plant matures.

Different strains of tropical tulsi may cross when grown together.

If you want the seed to stay true to type, only grow one variety at a
time or grow in isolation to maintain the strain. Tulsi is pollinated by
insects, so an isolation distance of at least 150 feet is required.

Tropical tulsi handles poor soils and dry spells very well. In drier
conditions, the plant can become tall and thin, but pinching back
the tips will promote a bigger harvest. This variety develops a
branched growing habit and looks handsome when you plant several
close together. It grows well in a row.

Temperate Tulsi O. africanum Temperate

Temperate tulsi has green leaves and stems and light purple
flowers. The leaves are smaller and rounder than tropical tulsi.
This is the easiest variety to grow for many gardeners.Temperate
tulsi’s germination rate is usually quick and generous. Likewise, the
growth habit and yield are quick and spectacular. When seeds are
started at the same time as other tulsi varieties, temperate tulsi
tends to reach harvest stage first, making it a great choice for areas
with short summers. Like tropical tulsi, it also handles poor soil and
dry summers without much fuss.

When planted in a row, temperate tulsi forms a pretty hedge of

blooms all summer long. Bees and butterflies love it, so it's perfect
for both herb and pollinator gardens. Planted alone, it forms a low
mound of blooms that’s just as pretty in a cottage herb garden. It
often self-sows and may volunteer in your garden year after year.

Wild tulsi O. gratissimum

Less domesticated than its temperate and tropical counterparts,
wild tulsi has a bushy growing habit. The leaves are large and soft
and the flower clusters are white and have a more angular
appearance than the other varieties. In very hot, dry weather the
Wild
plants may droop during midday. They tend to recover well in the
evening, and watering is appreciated in the mornings during dry
spells.

This variety of tulsi gets very tall, sometimes as much as five feet.
This plant is a beautiful accent in a row at the back of a garden bed
or at the center of a round planting.

Agatha is an author and herbalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the

author of the traditionally published herbal recipe book, The Complete Guide
to Adaptogens. Her blog, Indie Herbalist, features herb gardening tips, herbal
recipes, plant profiles, and other informative articles for home herbalists.
HERBS
IN THE HOLISTIC FARM +
GARDEN LANDSCAPE
BY ALEXANDRA ROSENBERG-RIGUTTO

Holism is a theory and applied way of living that can be

defined very simply as “the understanding and knowledge
that all things are interconnected.” Whether we are
discussing medicine, ecology, childhood development, our
relationships, etc., a holistic approach to a subject always
looks at the whole system, rather than isolating its parts.
Farming and gardening are no different. What we grow and
how we choose to cultivate and tend it can be executed in an
isolationist fashion, or in harmony with the entirety of the
environment and all who occupy it.

We know that growing herbs can benefit us in plenty of ways,

but who else, what else, and how else does the entire farm or
garden ecosystem prosper from their cultivation?

Soil Conservation and Soil Health

Biodiversity
One of the fundamental pillars of holistic agriculture is
biodiversity. The more we can increase the species count in
the garden, the better. Cultivating herbs as either the main
crop, in a border, an under or overstory crop, or tucked in as
companion plantings boosts the diversity of the landscape.
Just like having diverse gut flora, we want the flora of the
garden to follow suit. Increasing our biodiversity increases
the ecological resiliency and abundance of the garden. Begin
by including diverse plantings of easily cultivated mint,
mallow, legume, aster, and carrot family crops.
Many of our beloved herbs are perennials, meaning
they regrow from their roots year after year.
Cultivating perennials decreases our need for bed
turnovers and soil disturbances, allowing the soil
biology to live, thrive, and grow alongside the plants.
Plants in the legume family (ex: clovers, astragalus,
alfalfa) have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-
fixing soil bacteria called rhizobia. The outcome of
this relationship is the biological process of plants and
bacteria working together to convert atmospheric
nitrogen into bioavailable, below-ground nutrients
for plant growth and soil building. Clover is very easy
to grow in any size garden, even in pots!
Undersowing clover under larger plants, into a grass
lawn, or sowing in pathways is a simple way to start.

68
Pest Control
Plants that we work with in herbalism have incredibly
intricate flower structures and scent signatures. Because
of the diversity of flower shapes and sizes, an abundance of
different insects are drawn in for pollination. Many of these
flowers, especially the very small ones, attract tiny
“parasitoid wasps” that prey on insects that tend to enjoy
our vegetable and fruit plants. This family of wasps uses
common garden pests such as aphids, cutworms, and
hornworms as a host species for their own offspring.
Parasitoid wasps are highly attracted to umbel-shaped
flowers such as yarrow, Queen Anne’s lace, fennel, dill,
elderflower, and cilantro to name a few. Other beneficial
insects such as lacewings, mantis, and ladybugs enjoy the
habitat created by herbs as well.

Crop Rotation
It is common knowledge that planting the same
thing in the same spot year after year can wreak
havoc on the soil. Because each plant has unique
nutrient, mineral, and elemental needs, those things
can become depleted after frequent and similar
plantings. Thoughtful crop rotations offer us the
opportunity to swap out plant families to diversify
nutrient uptakes while also breaking up pest and
disease cycles. The more herbs we choose to
cultivate in the garden, the more options we have
available to shuffle our plantings with during the
current season and beyond.

Pollination
Pollinators are one of the most joyful sightings in the
garden. Whether it’s a native bee or a colorful butterfly,
attracting pollinators is satisfying, enjoyable, and imbues a
sense of reciprocity. As mentioned previously, herbs host a
plethora of unique scents and flower shapes perfect for
attracting a diversity of pollinators. While we often jump to
bees and butterflies, let’s not forget that ants, birds, wasps,
bats, flies, moths, and people are pollinators too. Planting
species that are native to your region will help bolster native
pollinator populations. Planting herbs that bloom at dusk
and into the night will attract a host of different pollen-
hungry creatures. Datura and Evening Primrose are two The holistic farm and garden landscape thrives with
easily cultivated herbs for attracting evening pollinators. the inclusion of herbs, and therefore, so do we!

Alexandra Rosenberg-Rigutto is a farmer, educator, and homesteader living in the Great Lakes Basin. She directs and
operates The Farber Farm at Tamarack Camps/Retreat Center and is building Northwoods Farmstead and Skill Center
with her husband. Follow along on Instagram at @alexandraskyee.
69
YARROW
MASTER OF BLOOD AND BOUNDARIES
BY KATIE JO MUSCHIANA
Yarrow in Latin, Achillea millefolium, reminds us of
the Trojan War hero, Achilles, whom the plant was
said to be named after. He used yarrow to help heal
the wounds of his soldiers in battle, and he eventually
lost his life with a deadly slash to his heel. Other
common names for yarrow are woundwort,
carpenter’s weed, milfoil, bloodwort, devil’s nettle,
and old man’s pepper.
One of yarrow’s most well-known virtues is stopping
bleeding on contact with its styptic action. The legend
says that Achilles was taught about the art of healing
by the Greek centaur, Chiron, who is also referred to
as “the Wounded Healer.” On an emotional level,
yarrow is for people who are sensitive, empathic, need
boundaries, and are “wounded warriors” or “wounded
healers.”
Yarrow blooms midsummer and is found in fields of
wildflowers. It has soft, feathery-looking leaves and a
bloom of small white flowers. Ornamental varieties
may have yellow and pink flowers. Yarrow is easy to
forage for but also easy to grow perennially. Planting
in your garden in a nice sunny spot creates a beautiful
pop of color year after year. Harvest flowers and
leaves when it is in full bloom for tea and tinctures.
The leaves are the first to pop up, and then it shoots
up a tall stalk with an umbel-shaped cluster of small
flowers. Yarrow can thrive in dry soil and neglect,
making it an excellent wildflower. When harvesting
wild yarrow, look for the lacy flowers that seem to
float atop the fields and the soft, fern-like green
leaves. Harvest the plant when it is in full bloom by
cutting the top 2/3 of the aerial parts, and hang them
upside-down to dry in a bouquet-like bunch.
Yarrow has a profound action on the blood. It helps to
regulate menstrual flow, release heat from the body
due to fever or injury, and can seal up deep bleeding
wounds and other blood or wound-related issues in
external and internal organs.
Katie Jo is the creator of Woven Apothecary and offers intentional herbal products through her website and local markets.
She also offers a book called "Medicine Through the Seasons," along with an Herbal Medicine Making Handbook and 3
companion journals.
Menstruation issues of all sorts can be
regulated with yarrow. It can stimulate and increase
circulation, making it a choice remedy for someone
with a late or stagnant menstrual cycle. It can also
be used to help slow down heavy or long cycles and
has been used to help excessive bleeding during
birth.
Yarrow also contains high amounts of volatile
oils, which stimulate digestion, blood flow, and
circulation through the skin. Its antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties are primary responses
to wound healing, hyperpigmentation, acne, rashes,
varicose veins, and even anxiety and depression.
Another lesser-known use for yarrow is as a bug
repellent. Some herbalists swear by making a
yarrow tincture specifically for bug spray.
Yarrow works on the blood and skin, representing
our most sacred physical boundary. Our skin is the
barrier between our outside and inside world.
Boundaries are necessary for physical, spiritual,
and mental well-being. Yarrow can bring attention
to gaps and holes in our boundaries and pave the
way to strengthen your energetic armor. Yarrow
can help us recognize our victim complex and
realize that we have all the power to shape our
reactions to the outside world. It helps us transform
this energy into places where we can help initiate
healing in ourselves and others. “The Wounded
Healer” in all of us is protective and vulnerable, yet
full of bravery, strength, and protection. Yarrow has
a way of showing us that as we heal, we heal others.
Our wounds pave the way for the greatest healing.
Yarrow, used topically, fresh, or dried, can act
quickly when you need to stop blood flow in the case
of an acute or even deep wound. This makes it a very
practical, often overlooked, first aid plant. Learning
to recognize it out in the wild might be helpful if you
cut yourself hiking or get a deep gash on your body.
71
 PLACES

If you find yourself traveling to Midcoast Maine this summer, add this beautiful public garden space to
your list of places to see. Located in Boothbay, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens encompasses 300
acres of cultivated and wild land.

Walk along the meandering trails through themed gardens and water features. You will be delighted by a
garden of the senses, a kids' exploration and play garden, a butterfly and moth house, a rhododendron
and azalea garden, a wooded meditation garden, and extensive annual and perennial beds. As you
explore, you will find giant wooden trolls hidden throughout the woodland trails and a fairy house
building area along the shore trail.

Spend an hour or take a day to enjoy the beauty and thoughtful design of these well maintained gardens
and natural spaces.

72
 SPECIES
AT-RISK
LIST
BY UNITED PLANT SAVERS

For the benefit of the plant communities, wild animals, harvesters, farmers, consumers, manufacturers, retailers and
practitioners, United Plant Savers offers this list of wild medicinal plants which they feel are currently most sensitive to the
impact of human activities. Our intent is to ensure the increasing abundance of the medicinal plants which are currently in
decline due to expanding popularity and shrinking habitat and range. UpS is not asking for a moratorium on the use of these
herbs. Rather, we are initiating programs designed to preserve these important wild medicinal plants.

Critical In Review
Elephant Tree Bursera microphylla Arnica Arnica spp.
False Unicorn Chamaelirium luteum Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Lady's Slipper Orchid Cypripedium spp. Eyebright Euphrasia spp.
Peyote* Lophophora williamsii Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora
Sandalwood Santalum spp. (Hawaii only) Lobelia Lobelia spp.
Sundew Drosera spp. Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus
Trillium, Beth Root Trillium spp. Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum
Venus Fly Trap Dionaea muscipula Wild Cherry Prunus serotina
Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum
*Peyote restrictions do not pertain to Wild Rice Zizania palustris
ceremonial uses protected by US federal law. Yaupon Ilex vomitoria
Yerba Santa Eriodictyon spp.

At Risk
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius Partridge Berry Mitchella repens
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa Pinkroot Spigelia marilandica
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides Pleurisy Root Asclepias tuberosa
Cacara Sagrada Rhamnus purshiana Ramps Allium tricoccum
Chaparro Castela emoryi Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra
Echinacea Echinacea spp. Spikenard Aralia racemosa, A. californica
Gentian Gentiana spp. Stone Root Collinsonia canadensis
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis Stream Orchid Epipactis gigantea
Goldthread Coptis spp. True Unicorn Aletris farinosa
Kava, Awa Piper methysticum (Hawaii only) Squirrel Corn Dicentra canadensis
Lomatium Lomatium dissectum Virginia Snakeroot Aristolochia serpentaria
Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum White Sage Salvia apiana
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum Wild Indigo Baptisia tinctoria
Oregon Grape Berberis spp. Wild Yam Dioscorea spp.
Osha Ligusticum porter Yerba Mansa Anemopsis californica

United Plant Savers’ mission is to protect native medicinal plants, fungi, and their habitats
while ensuring renewable populations for use by generations to come. Scan the QR code to learn
more about the species at-risk list or visit www.unitedplantsavers.org for more information.
73
1 2

3 4

74
GROW YOUR OWN FERTILIZER WITH
COMFREY
BY EMILY ELLIOTT
All gardeners need to grow comfrey. While not only
pleasant to look at, with its broad leaves and long,
hairy stems topped with purple flowers, comfrey is a
treasured addition to one’s repertoire of beneficial
plants for the sustainable grower. Plus, bees
absolutely adore it.
There are dozens of varieties of comfrey within the
Symphytum genus, but in this particular case, we will
focus on Symphytum officinale or true/common
comfrey. This is going to be the comfrey you are
mostly likely to find at your local nursery and is the
variety recommended for use in herbal preparations.
What makes comfrey so incredibly beneficial
starts at its roots. The roots of the comfrey plant
reach deep, extracting large quantities of valuable
nutrients from below the soil’s surface and storing
those nutrients in its leaves. Comfrey tends to be
especially rich in potassium, a vital nutrient for
developing plants, in addition to containing
nitrogen and phosphorus.
The beauty of comfrey is that it can simply be used
as is, the leaves taken from the plant and added as
mulch directly to your garden beds or your compost
pile.
True comfrey does create seed, hence it can be
considered invasive, so you will want to either
avoid using the flowers if using the plant as a whole
or make sure that your compost is “hot” enough to
destroy the viability of the seed. If this is truly a
concern for you, another commonly available
comfrey is the Bocking 14 cultivar of Russian
comfrey, which is a sterile variety and spreads only
via the root.
Another application for comfrey is using it to make
liquid fertilizer. Creating your own "compost tea" is
fairly easy and is a great opportunity for the more
environmentally concerned growers to nourish their
plants.
To get started, you need only four things: a 5-gallon
bucket with a lid, water, comfrey leaves, and time.
Emily is a herbal historian and horticulturist living on 6 acres in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. In addition to
sharing about sustainable agriculture, she also operates the Compost Kids Club, a environmentally focused non-profit for
children that focuses on composting and gardening.
Use caution when harvesting your comfrey leaves
as your skin could become irritated by the tiny,
scratchy hairs that cover the leaves. A good pair
of gardening gloves may come in handy.
Fill your bucket with the comfrey leaves before
covering it with water. You can tear the leaves in
half or leave them whole. The smaller your leaves
are, the less time this will take. Once the leaves are
covered with water, close up the bucket, making
sure that the lid fits tightly. As the comfrey rots
down, it creates a foul odor, making the lid essential.
Let your bucket sit for three to six weeks,
checking on it weekly starting at about three weeks.
Once the leaves have completely decomposed, your
liquid fertilizer has finished brewing. Strain any
remaining leaf material, placing the discarded
material into your compost pile. This allows you to
create a smoother liquid that won't clump up in the
watering can.
Store your completed comfrey tea in a labeled
container in a dark, cool place, out of reach of
animals or children that might stumble upon it.
When using it, you’ll need to dilute your tea with
water at a 10:1 ratio, meaning 10 cups water to 1
cup of compost tea.
You will want to use comfrey sparingly and on
particular plants. Studies produced within the
past few years have shown that comfrey contains
pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be harmful if
ingested over a long period of time, as it could cause
liver damage. Avoid using it on root vegetables and
plants where you would be consuming the entirety
of the plant. Instead, focus on watering the base of
plants like tomatoes, roses, cucumbers, and
chamomile - plants where you will only be
harvesting from well above the soil surface.
Comfrey is a powerhouse herb whose uses are
endless within the garden and the home. Using the
leaves of comfrey as fertilizer is a great way to keep
control of this prolific plant while allowing your
other plants to flourish from its nutritional benefits.
75
GROWING + USING
AMARANTH
BY BEVERLY SPANNINGER

Amaranth is an incredibly versatile ancient plant with many uses. While many consider it a grain, it is actually a
member of the beet and spinach family. You can consume its seeds, sprouts, leaves, and microgreens, all of which
offer incredible nutritional benefits. Amaranth is also valued for its beauty; its gold, green, red, and pink blossoms
are utilized in fresh and dried flower arrangements and summer gardens. As a very fast and easy-to-grow plant,
there are abundant reasons to cultivate amaranth.

Amaranth is native to the Americas. The Aztecs regarded it as a sacred plant and often used it as an offering to the
gods during religious rituals. Today, there are 10 species of amaranth that grow in the Americas and 65 other
species that grow across the globe, with the exception of Antarctica. It remains an important symbol of Indigenous
culture in the Americas in modern times.

For growing amaranth, the seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the first frost date and they shouldn’t
be planted until all danger of frost has passed. Recommended spacing between plants is 12 inches. Amaranth fares
well in most soils, with the exception of dense clay, and needs a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily. From seed to
harvest it takes anywhere from 90 to 150 days, depending on the variety. There are many different types of
amaranth to choose from, and all of them are edible, but the recommended varieties that produce the most seeds
are Golden Giants or Hot Biscuits.

Although not entirely disease resistant, amaranth rarely has issues with disease. There are a few pests that enjoy
munching on the leaves such as flea beetles, aphids, and Japanese beetles. However, these pests can generally be
dealt with by planting deterrent plants, introducing beneficial insects, or manual removal of the pests. Root rot is
another possible issue with amaranth, but can be avoided with properly drained soil.
Growing amaranth isn't the only option, because it can also be foraged. It grows abundantly in North America and is
known by its common name, pigweed. It flourishes in fields, meadows, and on the edges of forests. You are likely to
find pigweed growing in the same location as lambsquarter, which is another edible and easily-foraged green.
Harvest and use pigweed the same way you would use cultivated amaranth.

A single amaranth plant can yield about two pounds of seeds. You will be able to tell that they are ready to be
harvested because the flowers will look dried out, will likely be starting to brown, and when shaken the seeds will fall
out. Wait until the end of the season when the first frost hits to harvest the seeds, or harvest them when the flower
heads are clearly fully matured and full of seeds. However, the sooner they are harvested, the less that will be lost to
the birds who also love to eat amaranth seeds.

To harvest, clip the heads off and set in the sun for a day or two to further dry them. To get the seeds out of the
flower heads, simply shake the flowers into a 5-gallon bucket. You may have to bang the heads against the side of the
bucket or use your hands to knead the seeds out of the flower heads. After shaking out all the seeds, lay them onto a
flat tray, like a cookie sheet, and use a fan or blow drier on the cool setting to blow and separate the chaff from the
seeds. Leave the seeds on the trays and put them in the sun to ensure that the seeds are fully dried. If they are not
fully dried then you risk them becoming moldy during storage. The seeds can then be stored in an airtight container
for up to 8 months. You can also let some of the flower heads self seed in your garden to have some volunteers pop
up in your garden the following year.

Nutritionally, amaranth offers quite the bounty. It is naturally gluten free and is a great alternative to wheat.
Amaranth is loaded with antioxidants that can help fight free radicals. The seeds are rich in protein, with nearly
double the amount that rice contains in the same size serving. It also contains iron, calcium, vitamin c, phosphorus,
manganese, magnesium, and selenium.

Culinary applications of amaranth make good use of the plant’s nutritional benefits. It has been used to make
bread, beer, flour, and tortillas. The greens of amaranth can be used and harvested at any stage of its life. The
younger greens are great for salads while the larger tougher greens are best for soups and cooking. The seeds can
be popped like popcorn, ground into flour, boiled, prepared similarly to oatmeal, and a host of other applications.

Though amaranth is a lesser-known plant, it is wonderful, versatile, and nutritious. It is well worth the space in your
garden or the time spent foraging for it. Whether you want it for the leaves, seeds, or flowers, it is definitely a plant
that has a lot to offer.

Beverly is a small-scale sustainable market farmer. She grows and sells vegetables, flowers, and herbs
to her local community through a CSA and farmers markets. She is also a homeschooling mom to her 3
children and enjoys writing and sharing about her passion for homesteading.
77
GUESS

Caitlin Wolf

THIS PLANT!
HORSETAIL

78
 Craft
Art + Design

Maria Ilves
ECO-PRINTING WITH
COREOPSIS
BY SARAH HASTINGS-RUDOLF

Coreopsis tinctoria or plains coreopsis is an easy-

to-grow, delightful addition to the garden. Each
plant brings an abundance of brightly colored
blooms throughout the summer and into the
early fall, drawing in pollinators from far and
wide. Sow the seeds undercover outdoors in
early spring, or indoors 8-10 weeks before the
last frost date. Thin the seedlings to 6 inches
apart. When it has finished flowering, the
seedheads can be left to self-seed as they see
fit or saved and stored for future planting.

Coreopsis is so much more than a pretty

flower. As a native plant to North and Central
America, Indigenous peoples have used it as a
traditional remedy for diarrhea, internal pain,
and bleeding. Zuni women would drink a tea
made from the aerial parts if they wished to
give birth to a female child and early European
settlers stuffed their mattresses with coreopsis
to repel bed bugs.

The blooms have long been used to dye yarn, and

it is still well-known today as a rich source of
natural color, hence the Latin name tinctoria
meaning “useful for dye.” While the flowers can
be steeped in water for a beautiful, warm orange
solid-color dye vat, the advantage of the eco-
printing technique is that, with the aid of steam, Materials
the shape of the flower is finely reproduced on 100% silk scarf
the fabric, like a painting. Silk is an ideal choice Large lidded stainless-steel pot
as its protein fibers take on the dye so vibrantly. Large bowl
Smaller bowl
Eco-printing is just one of the many, many Soda ash
possibilities when it comes to creating with Tongs
coreopsis. Make a solid-color dye vat to brighten Rubber gloves
up some natural-fiber clothes. Play about with Alum powder (potassium aluminum sulfate)
tie-dye patterns. Press the flowers for future Towel
dyeing or for floral card making. Simply pick the Steamer
stems and place them in your favorite vase on Freshly harvested coreopsis flowers
the dining table for a pet-friendly, floral display. Dowel
String or old bandages
Let the imagination self-seed and go wild! Plastic wrap

80
Scouring Method
Scouring is a process of deep cleaning the fabric so it
takes on the dye evenly. First, weigh the scarf while it is
still dry and make a note of the weight. Then submerge
it in a big stainless-steel pot filled with cold water. In a
small bowl, weigh out 15% the weight of the fabric in
soda ash and dissolve it in some boiling water. Add this
to the stainless-steel pot with the scarf, cover with the
lid and leave it on a low heat for an hour, making sure
that it doesn’t reach more than a light simmer. Pull the
scarf out with tongs and rubber gloves, give it a
squeeze, and rinse it off in water.

Mordanting Method
A mordant is a substance, such as alum, that binds to
the fabric to help fix or intensify a dye. Fill a large bowl
with cold water and submerge the scoured and rinsed
scarf. Take a small bowl and weigh out 9% the weight of
the fabric in alum powder and dissolve it in some boiling
water. Pour the alum water solution into the larger bowl
with the scarf and leave to soak for at least 12 hours or
overnight. Use tongs and rubber gloves to remove the
scarf and squeeze it out, but don’t rinse the mordant off.
The scarf can be left to dry for later or kept damp for
the next stage.

Eco-printing Method
Now for the fun part! Lay out a towel and place the
damp scarf flat on top of the towel. Arrange the flowers
on one half of the scarf with some facing up and others
down. Fold the other half of the scarf neatly over the
top to sandwich the flowers. Cover with a sheet of
plastic wrap, place the dowel at one end and gently roll
the scarf up tightly around the dowel. Tie up the bundle
with string or wrap it in old bandages. Place in a
steamer for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
Unwrap the bundle to reveal the beautiful floral eco-
prints! At this point, pick the flowers off and give the
scarf a rinse under the tap to remove any excess dye.

Notes
Make sure to store the scarf away from sunlight.
Keep washing to a minimum to preserve the dye as
long as possible. When necessary, it can be hand
washed using a pH-neutral detergent.
All kitchen equipment should be used for dye purposes
only.
Make sure to scour, mordant and dye in a well-
ventilated area.

Sarah is a self-teaching herbalism enthusiast, avid small-space

container gardener, natural dyer, and all-round crafter. She
works at Along avec Anna, a small ethical yarn and knitwear
design business. She is currently based in Liverpool, UK, with
her partner and her cute calico cat, Hoopoe.
 SUMMER
Calendula

YELLOWS
NATURALLY DYED
RIBBON
BY MARGARET BYRD

Yellow is a color found in abundance

within the plant realm, so natural dyers
have used these floral favorites for ages
as they share their tints so easily. Unique
as each bloom may be, the organic colors
of chamomile, calendula and yarrow
bring a wide range of buttery hues in
the dye pot as well. These plants grow
heartily in varied climates and are often
Yarrow
used in herbal recipes, so they are a
great resource to start one’s journey
into natural dyeing. Freshly clipped
from their stem or dried from the
cupboard, each one of these flowers
will delight with its own iteration on
the yellow spectrum.

Ribbon is an ideal textile to easily

absorb these golden tones and to use
as adornments for gift wrapping, hair
accessories, jewelry, and crafts for home
décor. Blending cotton and silk ribbons
in different weaves and sizes further
expands the palette to add interesting
visual diversity to any maker’s fiber
inventory.

Organic color works best with 100%

natural textile from plant (cellulose) and
animal (protein) fibers such as cotton,
silk, and wool. Properly preparing fibers
Chamomile prior to dyeing with a deep wash (scour)
and a soak in a mineral salt bath of alum
(mordant) are crucial steps that should
not be skipped. Natural colors will bond
better to the textile so you can enjoy the
yellow of the summer sun long after the
flowers of the garden have faded.
82
 Materials
1 oz ribbon
1 oz each of chamomile, yarrow and calendula
flowers, fresh or dried
¼ tsp gentle dish soap
½ tsp alum
Small bowl
Pot with lid
Strainer
Spoon
Tongs
Scissors

Method
To scour the ribbon, squeeze a drop of mild
dish soap into a pot filled with warm water and
simmer the fiber for 30 minutes on the stove.
Let the fiber cool in the pot before rinsing it
with water to remove any excess soap.

Next, prepare the mordant bath by dissolving a

half teaspoon of alum in hot water. Pour the
mixture into a pot filled halfway with water and
add the ribbon to soak on low heat for 1 hour.
After a quick rinse, the wet fiber is ready to dye.

Making the yarrow, calendula and chamomile dyes

is as easy as steeping tea. Pour 1 ounce each of
fresh or dried flowers into separate dye pots, fill
2/3 with water to fully submerge the petals and
allow enough liquid for the ribbons to move easily
in the dye once brewed. Simmer for 1 hour, strain
flowers and return dye to pot. Add the damp ribbon
and let stew on low for one hour. Turn off the heat
and leave the ribbon in the pots to cool overnight.
Rinse the fiber in cool water to remove excess dye
and hang to air dry out of direct sunlight.

The color of the dyed ribbon will lighten as it dries,

so you can try deepening the color by simmering
and cooling it a second time through the same
process. Natural color lives and breathes, so it
loves to interact with its surroundings. Like any
cherished piece of fiber, it ages and fades with
time, so treat it with gentle care. Toast each of the
summer shades these garden flowers will share for
many seasons to come.

Notes
All cooking 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.
83
EPHEMERAL
HERB-DRYING
DISPLAYS
BY JOHANNA LOVE OF WILLOW AND SAGE

The look of a classic English garden is cultivated to appear a bit wild on purpose. Lazy
gardening skills are perfect for this, allowing a random assortment of herbs, vegetables,
and flowers to bloom bucolically. Many of the plants are sowed from seed years before,
ignored, and allowed to come back year after year in a wild way. The garden can continue
to grow by snipping off a bit from each plant yet leaving the core of the plant to grow and
eventually bolt. The bolting then results in blooms that attract bees and hummingbirds.
Those blooms go to seed, which can either be harvested or left to drop to the ground and
begin the growing process again.

These bolted plants make beautiful bouquets before they go to seed. As sweet as freshly
clipped herbs look, they are more versatile when dried because they can be mixed into
bath product recipes or used as decoration without rotting. Embroidery hoops create
beautiful yet functional herb-drying displays so you can enjoy the drying process as
ephemeral decor. Even after the herbs are dried, these displays make for the perfect
shabby-chic addition to any room.
Materials
Embroidery hoops
Breathable woven fabric
Iron or Steamer
Scissors, optional
Garden cuttings
Long sewing pins or hatpins
Thumbtacks
Johanna Love lives in Orange County, California, with
her husband and their three sons, and is the director of
photography at Stampington & Company, the parent
company of Willow and Sage. Connect with her on
Instagram (@lovejohannalove) to see more of her “hippie
bling,” natural living, and family antics.
Willow and Sage magazine is filled with all-natural
recipes for homemade bath and body products. From
natural bath salts and soaps, to sugar scrubs and
essential oil blends, it features refreshing layout designs,
hand-illustrated infographics, educational information,
and the benefits of specific ingredients. Each issue
provides inspiration for creative packaging and
homemade gift ideas for any occasion. To learn more,
visit willowandsage.com.
Method
Prepare to make the drying racks by gathering
any size embroidery hoops and breathable
woven fabric, like cotton, knit, or cheesecloth,
that is at least 1 inch wider than the diameter of
the hoops.
Unscrew the embroidery hoop so the inner
hoop removes easily from the larger outer
hoop. Iron or steam the fabric flat, lay the fabric
facedown on top of the larger hoop, and gently
pull the fabric taut while pushing the smaller
hoop onto the back of the fabric and into the
larger hoop. Gently pull around the fabric edges
to make sure the fabric is still taut, and fully
tighten the screw on the larger hoop. If you are
using a nice napkin or vintage hanky and want
to reuse it, do not cut away the excess fabric
from the back of the hoops if you plan to
disassemble them after completing this project;
otherwise, trim the excess fabric.
Clip blooms and leaves from your garden:
rosemary, parsley, celery, sage, wildflowers,
really anything in bloom! For drying trays, place
the clippings in facedown fabric hoops to collect
plants that will dry in small pieces. If drying this
way, hoops of the same diameters can be
stacked to save shelf space.
For a wall display, pin larger clippings to the
front of the fabric hoops, and hang on the wall
with thumbtacks. Once the clippings are dry,
remove them from the fabric hoops.
86
HERBAL
SUMMER CAMP
2023
BY JESSIE LEHSON

Welcome to the second edition Herbal Summer Camp! Even though school is over for the year, summer is a
great time to learn about herbs because there are so many growing at the moment. Make some fun classic
“camp” projects, learn more about the fascinating world of herbs, and most of all, have fun!

One of the best ways to learn about anything is through hands-on experimentation, and herbs are no
different. Encourage kids to touch herbs, to smell them, and to taste them—when appropriate, of course. If
you have a kid that likes to cook, focus on culinary herbs. A student that is interested in potions might start
off making stews from weeds in the mud kitchen and as they get older and more familiar with plants, there
is a straightforward transition into medicinal plants and bath and body potions. Herbs have so many uses!
They can also be planted for pollinators and for beauty or scent in the garden. Arts and crafts are a great
way to expose younger kids to herbs and start to build familiarity.

Check the 2022 issue of the Botanical Anthology for herbal tie-dye, friendship bracelets and a weaving project.

87
Herbal Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk is a classic summer activity. This craft uses herbs and spices not
only for their beautiful natural color, but for their amazing scents. Draw some
colorful artwork and enjoy the fragrant aroma. Perfect for a warm summer day!

Materials
½ c plaster of Paris
¼ c + 2 tbsp warm water
Flexible plastic dish, such a large yogurt container
Mixing stick
Toilet paper tubes
Duct tape
Wax paper

Colorants
Blue: 2 tbsp blue butterfly pea powder
Green: 2 tbsp mint powder + 1 tbsp spirulina powder
Yellow: 1 tbsp turmeric powder or 2 tbsp safflower powder for a brighter shade
Purple: 1 tbsp hibiscus powder + 1 tbsp lavender powder
Pink: 3 tbsp beet powder + 2 tbsp rose powder

Method
Get all your materials assembled and ready to go. Because the plaster starts to set
quickly, you only have six minutes or so once you mix it to complete the process. Set
up a workspace that can get messy, preferably outside. See notes.

First, use the duct tape to seal one end of all the toilet paper rolls you plan to use. This
will keep the plaster from spilling out. Place a small roll of wax paper inside each tube.
This saves you from having to pick cardboard off the chalk later.

When you have everything ready, first measure the water into your plastic container.
Next, add the plaster and the colorant. Mix thoroughly until everything is well
combined and you don’t see lumps or streaks of color. You’ll notice the plaster starting
to get thicker.

Pour the plaster into the wax paper-lined toilet paper roll quickly. At this point it will
be a pudding-like consistency. Use your stick to help you scrape it all out. Tap the roll
lightly on the table once or twice to make sure all of the plaster has settled. Leave to
set. It will get harder quickly, but it will take several days to dry out completely. You
can take it out of the mold after a few hours as long as it has set up, which can help it
to dry faster, but don’t use it until it has completely dried out.

Plaster sets very quickly, so the quantities above will make one piece of chalk and you
should make one at a time. Repeat with different colorants to get the full range.

Notes
Plaster sets through a chemical reaction, not because of water evaporating. Because of
this it is very important that you never pour it down your sink for any reason as it will
become solid in your pipes. Either let it dry and throw it away, or if you have to, rinse it
outside with the hose.

You use a flexible plastic container for mixing because after the plaster sets you can
flex the sides and pop the dried residue out and into the trash. It doesn’t matter what
type of container it is so long as it’s flexible.

To powder whole herbs, add them to a coffee or spice grinder and mix until powdery.
Sift through a fine mesh sieve, to remove larger bits of herbs, if necessary.

Safety Wear a dust mask or work outside when using plaster.

Safety Plaster gets warm when it is setting, so wear gloves and use a stick to stir. That
said, don't worry if a little gets on you, as it needs to be a large quantity before you
really notice the heat.
88
Hollow Stem Windchime
Windchimes are a fun and easy craft project. Sitting outside on a summer day
and listening to the gentle music they make is a great way to relax. This
project focuses on plants with hollow stems. Some plants to look for are
bamboo, elder, blackberry or raspberry canes, pokeweed, hollow joe pye
weed, sorghum, or rhubarb. Explore the plants around you and see what you
can find! Cutting the stems to different lengths and using stems of different
types and thicknesses will produce an array of different sounds. First explore
your area and see what hollow stemmed plants you can find, then tap them
together and experiment with the distinct sounds they make to find a
combination you find pleasing.

Materials
Fresh cut willow, optional
An embroidery hoop or ring made from a green stick
An array of hollow or pithy stems
Stiff but thin twine

Wooden beads, optional

Drill, optional

Method
If you want to make the willow stars, make those first: cut a piece of green
(fresh) wood and bend it into a five-pointed star shape. Secure it with some
string and leave it to dry for a few weeks. You can then remove the string and
it will hold its shape.

Next, make the hoop. When you cut a small branch from a tree it is quite
flexible, and you can at that point bend it into a hoop and secure it with
string. Let it dry for a few weeks and then it will keep its shape without the
string. You can skip this step and use an embroidery hoop to speed up the
project as well.

Once you are ready to make the windchime, assemble all of your hollow
pieces and experiment with the different sounds they make and how different
combinations look. If any of your stems have pith in the center, clean them
out.

Lay out three to five groups of stems that will hang from the circular hoop.
The easiest way to attach them is to thread the string through them, but that
will dampen the sound a little, so consider drilling small holes in a few pieces
you hang at the ends of the strands. You can add wooden beads to act as
separators, especially when you place larger diameter pieces next to smaller
ones.

String all of your hollow stems onto the twine once you are happy with your
layout. As long as your twine is reasonably stiff it’s easiest to do this without a
needle. Attach the willow stars or the top drilled stem pieces at the base of the
strand, if using. Tie the finished strands onto the hoop and make a loop at the
top for hanging.

Hang your chimes outside somewhere where you can enjoy them making
sounds as the wind gusts.

Notes
Plants like the elder have “pithy” centers, not hollow ones. That means
their centers are spongy and easy to remove to make a hollow tube. You can
remove the pith by pushing another smaller stick through or drilling it with a
power drill. Some pith is easy to remove, and some requires a bit more elbow
grease.
Jessie 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.
 CRAFTING
MUSHROOMS
WITH POLYMER CLAY
BY LINNEA SCHOEN

As the summer comes in full force, we see the forests and fields fill in with all the flora and fauna that have
been fondly missed throughout the rest of the year. Flowers and fresh sprouts have been popping up, and
the fungi make their statement on the landscape as well.

A fun summer afternoon activity to pay homage to your mushroomy friends is to get your hands into some
polymer clay to mold some! Model them after your favorite fungal specimen or get creative and come up
with designs of your own!

Materials
Assorted colors of soft texture polymer clay
Toothpicks
Chopsticks
Clay tools, optional
Thin metal material like a ruler or butter knife
Small rolling pin
Tin foil or parchment paper
Airtight container
Oven

The tool recommendations are optional; you can do a lot with just your hands and the clay, though certain
details are best done with a toothpick and the thin metal tool.

90
Method
Begin by choosing your color
combinations and preparing the
clay you’ll use for the stem by
warming it up in your hand to
soften it and make it more
malleable. Form it into any shape
you like, utilizing a mushroom
identification book or resource to
inspire your creation if desired. By
starting with the stem, you can
build up your mushroom from
there with a base to work from.
However, there are a lot of shapes
of mushrooms, so get creative!

From there, roll out a ball of clay

and gently flatten with fingertips to
develop a cap, and create texture
and detail as you wish. Toothpicks
are helpful for constructing texture
or pores under the cap and picking
up small details to attach to your
mushroom. The thin metal tool can
form gills and trim or cut the clay.
If you have a scraping tool, that can
be used to shave the clay into thin
flakes, which can make realistic
warts on a mushroom cap when
applied with a toothpick. A
marbling look can be achieved by
combining leftover color scraps in a
ball and rolling it out. Be sure to not
over-roll because it can muddy the
colors and lose the effect.

Any fingerprints can usually be alleviated by wearing nitrile gloves while forming your shapes or by
smoothing out the surface with a scraping tool or rolling it out with a toothpick. If you need to take a break
from the clay, simply store your project in an airtight container, and any unused clay in a Ziploc bag. It will
keep for months this way until you’re ready to begin a new project.

After creating your mushroom, you’ll need to bake it in the oven to solidify the clay. Put the mushroom on
tin foil on an oven safe tray. Support it with balls of tin foil if you’re worried the mushroom might fall over
while baking. Follow the directions on the package, which is often baking around 275 degrees Fahrenheit
for about 15 minutes per ¼ inch thickness. Once cooled, your mushroom is ready to put up in your home.
You can also adhere a metal loop and string to make it into an ornament, or if it’s small enough, a pendant
for a necklace or keychain.

Once you know the basics of creating with polymer clay, the possibilities become endless for
mushroomy cuteness!

Linnea is co-owner of Organic and Wild, which she runs with her husband, Forrest. They produce wild food
provisions, herbal tinctures, teas, and skincare, beeswax candles, and custom design services. She is also a full
time student and mother to Leeland and Olivia.

91
 Folklore
Myth + Magic + Ritual

Maria Ilves
PLANTS OF ENCHANTMENT:
THE ROSE FAMILY
BY ALANNA BIRCH

At the end of the dirt road, across the long-abandoned field, venture into the boundary places to
encounter power plants of the Rosaceae family. Their wild beauty shines tangled along the field-forest
edge, where even the most cultivated revert to feral origins when left unattended, inspiring our return
to the untamed places within our animal soul.

Sweet, sensual fruits like blackberries, plums, apples and strawberries recall the sun-warmed eros of
summer. Diminutive cinquefoil and lady’s mantle charmingly invite one to stop and listen closely, lest
they share a whisper of their magic. Hawthorns and rowans spread their thorn laden limbs with
abandon. The rose branch’s sensuous, prickly curves drip with fragrant blooms, later bursting into
fruit, teaching about the balance of boundaries and giving with an open heart.

Surrounded by stories of ancient enchantment, each plant holds powerful medicine. Commonly
featuring flowers with petals of five, they speak to the subtle qualities of our five senses, the five
seasons outlined in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the mysteries of the five-pointed star. They
attune us to otherworldly rhythms interweaving within our mundane reality.

Come meet a few herbs and trees of the Rosaceae family that dance with the powers of love and
decay, magic and celestial energies.
APPLE (MALUS SPP.)

A mystical fruit both sacred and mundane, the apple’s

common presence slyly reminds us of our celestial origins.
In many cultures it is seen as the tree of life, knowledge, and
immortality, inviting one who partakes into a dance between
divine understanding and endless slumber. Celtic myths
speak of Avalon, or the Isle of Apples, as an Otherworldly
abode providing fertile fields of uncultivated grain, fruit,
and longevity, where a paradisal offering into this realm
may come by way of being gifted a silver apple branch.
Greek mythology is steeped in tales of golden apples that
offer eternal life belonging only to the gods, prompting
many vain forays in the quest of transitory human desires
for immortality and beauty. In this way apples are also seen
as an invitation into the shadow realms of life after death.

CINQUEFOIL (POTENTILLA REPTANS)

Shy, ground dwelling cinquefoil is commonly called ‘five

fingers’ when referring to its magical associations. This
speaks to its relationship with the power of creation and
manipulation that can come from human hands. Used as
protection against meddling from others, whether overt or
unintended, cinquefoil’s affinity for the creative can assist
one in finding their direction, particularly in a vocational
sense. The genus name Pontellia is from the Latin ‘little
potent one,’ and potent indeed is this unassuming plant, both
as a medicinal ally and for its more esoteric side. Sixteenth
century English translator John Goodyear writes that when
poured on the hands, cinquefoil excels against fears and
enchantments, especially during the waxing moon and when
the sun is rising, associating it with powers of increase.

HAWTHORN (CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA)

A sacred tree across cultures and time, ancient myths tell of

hawthorn arising from a bolt of lightning. In Celtic mythology
hawthorn stands at the gates to the Otherworld, well known
as a passageway to the realms of enchantment. Its fresh
blossoms in May herald the fertile unfolding of spring, with a
scent that conveys an odor of seduction and decay, speaking
to the inseparable interplay of life and death. Historically
throughout Europe, hawthorn has graced funeral pyres,
bridal wreaths, spring doorways, and in France was thought
to have comprised Christ’s crown of thorns before the
crucifixion. Yet many believe it unlucky to cut any part of the
hawthorn tree, lest they displease the faeries which is sure to
bring misfortune - so always come with respect!

94
 LADY'S MANTLE (ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS)

This magical little alchemist derives its Latin name

Alchemilla from the Arabic term alkemelych, alluding to its
mystical affinity. The cloak-like foliage has been revered
for the pure ‘celestial water’ they secrete through their
vasculature, arising in the form of dewy pearls in the
center of the leaf and strung along the leaf margins. When
collected, this water was crafted into occult elixirs by the
alchemists of old. Yet plants of such spiritual potency often
needed to be shrouded under secrecy during the transition
away from earth-worshiping religions, as those coming into
power would revile at the ancient pagan’s reverence. So its
powers became shrouded under a new title, when in the
sixteenth century it was given the name ‘lady’s mantle’, thus
becoming an herb known as sacred to the Virgin Mary.

MEADOWSWEET (FILIPENDULA ULMARIA)

Known as ‘queen of the meadow,’ meadowsweet’s delightful

presence in pastures brings joy and lightness to the heart,
qualities which surely contribute to its use in wedding
ceremonies and its alternate name of ‘bridewort.’ In olden
times meadowsweet’s cheerful white blooms were strewn
about the floor, releasing an intoxicating scent as one would
tread over them. And the Anglo-Saxon name meodu-swete,
meaning ‘mead sweetener,’ speaks to its role in beverages
and merrymaking since ancient times. In Welsh mythology, a
beautiful goddess of flowers named Blodeuwedd was created
entirely from blossoms of meadowsweet, broom and oak. Her
story is one of grace and complexity, emotion and
transformation.

ROSE (ROSA SPP.)

Rose is the flower of love, beauty, artistry and spiritual

awakening. Used in divinations and charms for centuries,
they speak to energies of courtship, connection and pleasure.
Associated with the goddess Venus, fragrant rose blossoms
inspire divine beauty and sensuality, blossoming at the peak
of the solstice sun. Rose symbolizes the quest for the Divine
in many Islamic cultures. As they bloom, the nascent buds
slowly unfurl to expose many beautiful petals, an image of
growing spiritual wisdom. A plant that teaches of boundaries
and boundless love, the ambrosial aroma of rose opens the
heart, while the thorns ask those who step close to partake of
the sweet fragrance approach with care.

Alanna Birch is an herbalist and educator working at the intersection of herbal medicine, holistic health and
storytelling. Alanna supports people to discover belonging and connection to their earthly and spiritual roots
through nurturing relationships with the more than human world. Learn more at alannabirch.com. 95
THE
ROSE
MOTHER
BY CARRIE TUTTLE

In full bloom
Her grace unfurls
To mend a heart
And soften the path
She sets a thorny boundary
Around a tender heart
Our ancient mother,
Perennial in her resilience
We ask and she unfurls
Bud, blossom, hip and root
She is ancestral beauty
With reverence we shine
And embrace soul healing
Cultivating our worth
Under her loving touch

Maria Ilves
SUMMER ZODIAC
FULL MOON TEAS
BY ANNA REISZ

The magic of a full moon is felt deep within the bones. Children know without any prompting that the
full moon is a thing of wonder. She follows you wherever you go through the nighttime sky and
controls the ocean tides. Her light washes the world in a potent glow, and her absence is felt, too.

The summertime full moons are full of vitality and fertility. The energy at this time of year is one of
strength and intensity, and the daytime sun makes nighttime respite joyous and necessary.
Celebrating the full moons—marking them with ritual, reverence, and meditation—can be a way to
refresh yourself while practicing mindful gratitude. A cup of moon tea tailored to the energies of each
full moon brings awareness and connection between your body and the summer energies
surrounding you. Sip a mug while journaling goals and manifestations, going through a full moon yoga
sequence, or meditating outdoors under the moon.
BREWING
FULL MOON TEA
For all the following tea recipes, use these brewing
instructions. All the recipes are for brewing one cup of tea.

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

Notes
To cold-brew these teas, add the ingredients (1 tablespoon
of tea blend per 8 ounces of water) to a glass jar or French
press, steep overnight in the refrigerator (or under the
moon), strain, and serve.

JULY: SUPER BUCK MOON

IN CAPRICORN 7/3/23
While July's full moon is often called the Buck Moon,
harkening to the time when male deer begin to sprout new
antlers, in other regions Thunder Moon, Raspberry Moon,
Blackberry Moon, Mead Moon, or Hay Moon are more apt.
Regardless, the heat of high summer brings on an energy
of strength and heightened motivation mounting from the
previous moon cycle.

As both a super moon and a full moon in Capricorn, a

strong sense of responsibility and independence may be
felt. It will be a good time to look inward to reassess and
find stores of inner strength. This tea blend encourages
just that, with mugwort and lavender for insight.

Super Buck Moon in Capricorn Tea Materials

2-4 chopped raspberries, fresh or dried
1 tsp mugwort
1 tsp lavender
½ tsp cinnamon bark chips

98
 AUGUST: SUPER STURGEON MOON
IN AQUARIUS 8/1/23
In the North American Great Lakes region, August is
the time of the Sturgeon Moon due to the month’s
proliferation of sturgeon fish. As an important time of
first harvest, it also goes by Green Corn Moon, Red Moon,
and Grain Moon in other areas of the world. Abundance
and expansion are key, regardless. The sign of Aquarius
and the super moon energy will bring an air of innovation
and change. It’s another good opportunity to turn inward
and meditate on your part in these shifts.

The tea recipe for this moon balances sunny calendula and
soothing linden with the clarifying and grounding energies
that sage and star anise offer.

Super Sturgeon Moon in Aquarius Tea Materials

1 tsp calendula
1 tsp linden
½ tsp sage
1-2 star anise

AUGUST: SUPER BLUE MOON

IN PISCES 8/31/23
August brings with it a second full moon, known as a
Blue Moon. Also a super moon, this one is in Pisces. The
Virgo energies of the season combined with Pisces bring an
interesting mix of spirituality, compassion, sensitivity, and a
need for grounding and structure. It is a time to dream big
along with the power of the blue moon, but also to dig into
the earth and your own abilities to plan and work with
structure. Perhaps Pisces is there to keep Virgo from
overthinking!

For this special blue moon, the magic of rosehips are in

order. Combine them with peaceful catnip, dreamy skullcap,
zingy orange, and fennel—Virgo’s secret weapon—for a
grounded exploration into this moon’s energies.

Super Blue Moon in Pisces Tea Materials

1 tbsp rosehips
1 slice orange, fresh or dried
1 tsp catnip
½ tsp skullcap
½ tsp fennel seed

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.
99
 THE
RADISH
FLOWER
FAIRY
BY KATE BOWEN

The Radish Flower Fairy awoke to the smell of mist and

sweet wildflowers. The ground was warm and slightly
damp, as it was when a low thick fog hung off the coast
all night. She had fallen asleep in a small glen and woke
just as the first birds started singing. Before the sun was
over the mountain–the mountain she called home. She
knew she should sprout her wings and hurry back
home, but she was in a field full of radish flowers. Her
special namesake. They would only bloom for a few
months at a time up where she lived, but down here
they were always in bloom.

The Radish Flower Fairy had wandered here yesterday

afternoon. This place wasn’t exactly a part of the
mountain, rather, it was more of a pocket world inside
the mountain. A small hidden realm that she would visit
from time to time. To get there you first find the cave
covered by thick wisteria vines. The wisteria looks
different throughout the year so being able to spot the
entrance was sometimes tricky. Today for instance, the
early summer blooms and wide green leaves left only
the tiniest fairy sized gap for her to fly through. She
moved along the tunnel passageway, dark and full of
smooth round rocks the color of the night sky. After a
bit of walking and climbing, she had come up to a spot
where the cavern roof was split and revealed dappled
sunlight that seemed to drip to the rocky path beneath
her feet. A few steps up some moss-covered stairs that
felt like they were put there centuries ago led her the
rest of the way into the Radish Flower valley.
 Here in this place, the radish flowers flourished
all year long and the green seed pods were giant
and crunched so loud that the ladybugs’ legs
quivered like they’d heard thunder. The Radish
Flower Fairy laid for a moment more, savoring
the last minutes before sunlight, reveling in the
smell and the sounds the earth makes when it
first wakes up in the morning. One final exhale
and she was up, hands running through what
seemed like endless flower bushes. She dug her
toes into the dirt and stretched her arms as far as
they could go in opposite directions and in each
hand grasped a seed pod. She paused with a brief
moment of appreciation for the plant before
plucking them off and biting into them
ceremoniously. The crunch was the first thing
that tickled her senses. It boomed in her ears and
made her delighted to be alive.

The corners of her lips curled upward and she

danced as she crunched on more, letting the
peppery and earthy taste fill her mouth. After
filling up on the seed pods, the Radish Flower Fairy
shifted her attention to the flowers, picking one of
every hue from deep amethyst through faded blush
and all the way to palest moonlight. She laid them
out on her hand to sample. Each one must taste
different, she reasoned, but by the time she popped
the second flower on her tongue, she realized their
flavors were all the same. However,
if she closed her eyes, she could see with her
mind’s eye which color flower she was eating. In
fact, if she focused just enough she could see the
color of the petal in her mouth exploding in a
firework display. Not a particularly helpful bit of
magic, but a bit of magic nonetheless, she thought.

After indulging in a few more handfuls of flowers as

the sun peeked over the mountain, she decided her
time in the valley had been well spent. She weaved
some of her harvest of radish flowers into a garland
for her brother who was leaving on expedition.
From her studies on plant lore, she knew that
blooming radish offered its wearer protection and
she’d hoped it would do the same for her brother.
The garland looked fit for a prince, she thought
and tucked it away safely.

The Radish Flower Fairy had spent a lovely and

peaceful morning in the valley, but it was time
for her to head home. She knew the next time
she visited, the radish flowers would still be
ready for her.

Kate Bowen is a storyteller and photographer living in Ventura, CA. She draws inspiration from flowers, nature,
fairytales and classical art. You can see her creations @lightbeacon_photography.

The fairy model is Sonya Barriere of @bornformorefamily. She can be found frolicking up and down the West Coast,
where she spreads her healing magic.
101
GLORIOUS
GOLDENROD
BY NINA VETETO

Goldenrod’s reputation as an important healing herb goes back centuries in both

Europe and North America. So much so, Linnaeus named it Solidago, meaning “to
make whole, to strengthen.”

Here in North America, which is home to more than 90 native species, goldenrod (s.
odora) was used as a substitute for tea. In his 1920 publication, Edible and Useful Wild
Plants, Charles Saunders wrote that Solidago could be used to make a fragrant, anise-
flavored “mountain tea.” A small Appalachian industry developed around the sale of this
tea and at one point, it was even exported to China.

The Anishinabe call goldenrod Gizisomukki, which translates to “sun medicine.” Many
other Indigenous tribes used goldenrod for medicinal and practical purposes, too.
Goldenrod has also been used for centuries as a reliable source for dye.

In Europe, goldenrod was associated with witches, treasure and good fortune. Ancient
diviners believed the plant could be used to point the way to underground sources of
water, hidden springs and even troves of silver and gold, thus the golden-rod. And
another goldenrod superstition says he who carries the plant will find treasure. In
China, goldenrod is often planted around people’s homes to attract wealth.

Legend says that the plant was born from kindness. The story goes that there was once
an old hag walking through the village. The old woman had traveled far and was weary
and foot sore. She begged the villagers for help, but they turned their backs on her. As
she moved on, she heard a scratchy little voice say, “I can help you!” She looked down
and saw a stick. She picked it up and started using it, and with the stick’s help, she made
it all the way home. Once at home, she transformed into a beautiful fairy. Then she
turned to the stick and said, “Stick, I'm so grateful. You've been so helpful and you've
kept me company, so I'd like to grant you a wish! What would you like?” The stick said, “I
would like to be loved by all the children.” And with that, the fairy transformed the stick
into a beautiful wildflower and sprinkled it with golden fairy dust, and that is how
goldenrod came to be.

Back in the 19th century, when the subject of a national flower was hotly debated, many
argued that goldenrod was the ultimate symbol of the United States. Were it not for its
misrepresentation causing hay fever, goldenrod might well be in the running today as
our national flower.

This true North American native also acts as a pollinator powerhouse providing
important pollen and nectar sources during the flower scarce autumn when insects
scramble to build winter stores. Monarchs also depend heavily on goldenrod nectar
to maintain energy levels during their migration to Mexico.

Nina is a long-time forager, explorer, plant lover & art maker living in the beautiful Blue Ridge
Mountains of Asheville, NC. You can find Nina sharing wildflower folklore on her website
www.blueridgebotanic.com or on IG @blueridgebotanic.
103
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER +
THE LION’S GATE PORTAL
BY HEATHER MOTIL

The Lion’s Gate Portal signifies when the Sun, the Earth, and the star Sirius take perfect alignment
in the sky. The star Sirius rises over the eastern horizon around the same time every year, from
July 28th to August 12. When it first becomes visible above the eastern horizon, it is called a
heliacal rising. These risings occur after a star or planet has been blocked by the illumination of
the sun for a period of time.

Sirius is known to be the brightest star in the night sky and translates from the Greek word Seirios
for ‘glowing.’ Like that of eclipses and solstices, ancient peoples around the world viewed the sight
of Sirius as a sign of the seasons changing. Some ancient Egyptian cultures even marked the rising
of Sirius as the first day on their calendar! The star Sirius is a part of the Canis Major constellation,
and its rising is where the phrase ‘dog days of summer’ originates. The month of August is ruled by
the sign of Leo, hence the name of the ‘Lion’s Gate Portal.’ When the star is visible, it’s a tell-tale
sign that the sun is at its peak in the Northern Hemisphere. Ancient cultures believed the heat
from the star and the sun is what caused the unbearable weather.

Astrologically, Sirius is thought to illuminate parts of the spiritual self while the sun shines on
the earthly and physical self. It’s even referred to as the ‘Spiritual Sun.’ Modern spiritualists and
astrologers believe the portal hits its peak energy on 8/8 due in part to the numerological
significance of the number 88. Spiritually, this number is thought to represent infinity and
transformation. When harnessed in ritual, the number eight is associated with achieving higher
realms of consciousness and unlimited potential.

This ‘cosmic gateway’ is an invitation to harness the solar energies of summer, connect with the
expansive energies of the cosmos, and set intentions to manifest abundance, confidence and
prosperity in your own life.

Herbs of the Sun & the Lion’s Gate Portal

Using herbs and flowers that are connected to nature’s cycles and the astrology in the sky, you can
cultivate a relationship with plants at an entirely new level. The sun is ruled by the zodiac sign of
Leo, which is known for its confident, passionate and bold energy. Leo’s element is fire, and when
the sun is stationed in its home sign of Leo, roughly from July 22nd to August 22nd, the fiery and
expressive energies are even more magnified.

Sunflower in oils it draws strengths and in incense it brings abundance and prosperity
Orange increases luck, vitality and confidence
Calendula brings ease to past traumas while comforting the soul to draw in a passionate spark
Chamomile promotes vitality and purification, aiding in the cycle of rebirth
Yarrow brings long lasting and enduring love
Frankincense resin increases intuition, divine wisdom, and is a symbol of sweet nectar
Carnations, yellow attract abundance and aid in mental wellbeing by dispelling depression
Ashwagandha activates and nourishes the life force energy
Pineapple stimulates spiritual insight, ignites new beginnings, and helps one lead with generosity

105
Creating your Own Lion’s Gate Rituals
The Lion’s Gate Portal is a perfect time to conduct
rituals of manifestation, abundance, gratitude,
transformation, courage, and reaching higher levels
of consciousness. Connect with the power of the sun
to illuminate your personal power and evoke a sense
of renewed hope as summer reaches its peak.
Rituals to honor the Sun and Sirius:
Build an altar
Create your own incense blend
Infuse an herbal oil
Set intentions to manifest your dreams

Build a Lion's Gate Altar

The dog days of summer are bursting with sunshine
and expansive energy. And nourishing your mind,
body and spirit under the elements doesn’t have to
stop when you go inside! Create a space in your
home that corresponds with the energies of the
current season and fully embody the essence of the
elements.

The first step to creating an altar is finding a flat

surface that is easy to clean and within sight. You
may choose to lay down a tapestry or altar cloth but
it is not required. Next, you’ll want to find elements
that correspond to the energies you want to invite
into your sacred space.

Lion’s Gate Correspondences

Colors gold, yellow, orange, red
Fire Element incense, candles
Shapes sun, star, circle
Masculine energy the King tarot archetype
Crystals fire agate, citrine, carnelian,
smoky quartz, pyrite
Herbs chamomile, frankincense, sunflower,
yarrow, calendula

Once you have collected the desired items for

your altar, it’s time to set your intentions and
start placing your elements. Try to let go of
perfection and drop into a place of mindfulness
and relaxation as you intuitively create a space
that feels aligned for you.

As the days begin to grow shorter and the end of

summer nears, bask in the abundant energies and
release all of your fears. When the wheel continues
to turn, dismantle your Lion’s Gate altar and prepare
for autumn’s yearn.

Heather is an Earth Witch and Ritualist, weaving ancestral

and modern practices to guide others in reigniting their
inner magic. Follow Heather on Instagram
@calluna.alchemy or visit her website at
www.callunaalchemy.com.
106
LIVE YOUR
SUMMER DAYS
TO THE FULLEST
SUMMER
RITUALS +
ROUTINES
BY JULIA LINSTEADT

Summertime is the season to live each

day to the fullest, whether that is working
from sun-up to sunset in the garden, or
lounging by a body of water soaking in
the warmth and cherishing the fun times
with family and friends. There is so much
to look forward to in the summer: beach
days, summer vacations, homegrown
tomatoes, homemade popsicles,
sunflowers, lazy mornings, and
garden parties in the evenings.

Summer’s haze and heat can cloud our

senses, while our minds race with all of
the possibilities and connections the
season unfurls. Select your activities with
intention and fill your days with mindful
moments that will keep you present in
this fast-burning time of year. Use this
season to release control and refresh
your body, home, and heart when things
become too rigid. Pace yourself through
this energetically busy season.

107
SUMMER RITUALS & ROUTINES
FOR THE BODY

In the morning, massage your hands and feet to

wake them gently. Massage them again in the
evenings with your favorite herbal-infused oils.
Keep hair hydrated and healthy with a DIY hair
mask using comfrey, rosemary, or mint-infused
oils.
Summer is considered Pitta season in
Ayurvedic practice, with qualities of hot, oily,
and liquid. Think humidity. Consider
consuming foods that are cooling, such as
fruits like strawberries and melon, coconut and
olive oils, herbs such as coriander and cilantro,
and dark bitter leafy greens like arugula.
Practice yin yoga at the end of the day to slow
and cool the body’s joints and muscles.
Awaken the body with fresh mint and
chamomile teas.
Update the home apothecary with natural bug
repellents and hydration powders.

SUMMER RITUALS & ROUTINES

FOR THE SOUL

Celebrate the summer solstice with friends

and family by gathering for a garden picnic,
garden clean-up party, or potluck.
Journal about reconnecting to your
playfulness and creativity during these
expansive summer days and nights.
Create an earth mandala out of natural
materials to connect to the season and
Mother Earth.
Sing in the shower, sing to the moon, sing in
a group, find as many opportunities as
possible to stretch your vocal cords.
Try a more vigorous exercise routine and
cool-down with an herbal spritzer of
hibiscus and mint or 100% fresh squeezed
juice such as watermelon infused with
thyme or mint.
Make iced tea with the power of the sun
to drink in the sun’s rays.
Listen to the Botanical Anthology Summer
playlist.

108
SUMMER RITUALS & ROUTINES
FOR THE GARDEN

Pay attention to your gardening zone and add

plants to your garden that will thrive in your
climate.
Water, water, and water your plants to ensure
they stay hydrated during the hot summer
months. Set-up a timed watering system, or
follow a manual watering schedule.
Add mulch to your garden to help retain
moisture and keep plants happy and thriving.
Find a garden trug or harvesting basket to
make gathering your harvest efficient, fun, and
beautiful, too.
Consider adding a water feature for local birds
to stop by to get a drink on the hottest days.
Perk up the lawn with a gardening fork to
aerate the grass and encourage robust new
growth.
Declutter outdoor toys and yard area to get the
most of your outdoor living time.

SUMMER RITUALS & ROUTINES

FOR THE HOME

Keep the blinds up and curtain open to let in

all the light from sun-up to sunset.
Keep travel books and past family trip albums
on the coffee table to encourage daily
adventure, no matter how small.
Bring the garden indoors with bouquets made
from blooms you’ve grown or picked up from
the farmer’s market.
Use fruit as decor: Place lemons, oranges, or
limes in a beautiful bowl for a unique decor on
your summer tablescape. Add eucalyptus
leaves for an added aromatherapy boost.
Clean and wipe down your travel bags and
suitcases, even if you just plan to take an
overnight to a local friend’s home. Add a
lavender sachet to your travel bags for a touch
of home and comfort.
Choose summery bedding that is lightweight
and breathable like linen or loose-weave
cotton blankets.

Julia Linsteadt lives in the Sierra Nevada Foothills on a small farm where she writes, gardens, and creates
with her family. She is the founder of A Farm to Keep, a website that helps families explore slow and simple
living through the magic of the seasons. 109
L. Prang & Co- 1888
SUMMER PLAYLIST
DREAM OF SUMMER
BY JULIA LINSTEADT

Our curated playlist is inspired by and for summer and features

songs that will spark your imagination while infusing your days with
upbeat and ethereal joy. Enjoy the music while tending the garden or
picnicking among wildflowers.

Playlist
Dreaming 1-800-lost, Jade Alice
Something New Paco Versailles
Hummingbird Leslie Odom Jr.
You Want the Sun Niki & The Dove It was June, and the
Summer Season Leisure, Muroki
world smelled of
Summer Days (Roosevelt Remix) Rhye, Roosevelt
Flowers Leon Bridges
roses. The sunshine
Build Me Up Buttercup The Foundations was like powdered
Petite Fleur Jill Barber gold over the grassy
Wildflowers Tom Petty
hillside.
The Sunshine Manchester Orchestra
The Unfurling of Small Leaves Magnetic Vines
Dream in Blue The Stray Birds
Take Up Your Spade Sara Watkins Maud Hart Lovelace
Wildflowers Wailin’ Jennys Betsy-Tacy, and Tib
Garden Gregory Alan Isakov
Tend Your Garden Mapache
Sunflower, Vol. 6Amber
Harry Styles
Joy Kennedy

Feels Like Summer Childish Gambino

Doin’ Time Sublime
Aurora Daisy Jones & The Six
Summer Flowers J_ust, Yun DDanDDan
Sunflower Pauline Zoe Park
Summer Sun Common Saints
Summer’s Here Tinyela
Grow- A Colors Encore Facesoul
Follow the Sun Xavier Rudd
Sunny Day Emerald Rose
Wake Me Message to Bears
Summer
Julia Solstice
learned Sean
to create Harkness
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.

111
 Siobhan Watts

LOVE SUMMER? Digital

CHECK OUT THE

2022 SUMMER EDITION OF
BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY
Print
*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.
Celebrate
Solstice + Lammas

Maria Ilves
SOLSTICE
CITRUS MINT
DONUTS
BY CASSANDRA HEIST

As summer begins, sweeping in on

glimmering green leaf seas and
sunbeams, it brings a season spun in
abundance. An abundance of warm
sun, of wild growth, of plants, and of
love fills these bright ray days. The
first day of this season, known by
some as Litha, marks the longest day
of the sun’s warm kiss, a festival of
the summer solstice.

Celebrate this sun-soaked summer

solstice with a picnic of donuts
infused with citrus, honey, and mint.
Lemon citrus symbolizes our
celestial golden-yellow life-giving
body, the great sun. Homegrown
mint brings a cooling flavor, a sense
of strength, and wisdom. Add in
some honey from local bees for
sweetness, healing, and community.

Adorned with a lemon glaze and a

wreath of fresh mint leaves and
lemon zest, these donuts are sure to
bless your midsummer fête! Or leave
a few sweet donuts just under the
trees as an offering to the sun fairies!

114
Mint Donut Materials
1 c oat flour
½ c almond flour
½ c sugar
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp dried mint leaves
½ c applesauce
¼ c olive oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ c local honey
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest
¼ c milk of choice
donut pan

Glaze Materials
1 ¼ c powdered sugar
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp vanilla
fresh mint leaves, optional
lemon zest, optional

Method
Gather ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk
together oat flour, almond flour, sugar, baking
powder, salt, and dried mint leaves. Set aside.

In another bowl, combine wet ingredients of

applesauce, olive oil, vanilla, honey, lemon juice,
lemon zest, and milk. Pour the wet ingredients
into the dry ingredients and mix well.

Gently spoon batter into the donut pan. Bake

at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Let the donuts cool
before carefully removing them from the pan.

Prepare the donut glaze. In a small bowl whisk

together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and
vanilla. Mix well. When ready, dip the top of the
donuts in the glaze. Adorn with a circle of lemon
zest and fresh mint leaves to enjoy with family,
friends, or the summer fairies!

Notes
Donuts will keep in the refrigerator for about
one week.

Cassandra can be found among the flowers with her

daughter. She loves to learn about plant medicine and
bake with flowers from the garden. She believes in love,
magic, and beauty for all. Follow her into the garden
@lafemmeflorale and explore the magic of wildcrafting
with fibers, flour, and flowers.
 LITHA
FAIRY NIGHTS
TEA
BY CARRIE TUTTLE

Litha is a magical time. Celebrated on the Summer Solstice, usually falling on June 21st or
22nd, this Pagan holiday is celebrated with bonfires and feasting to honor the fullness of the
summer season. The word Solstice is from the Latin sol (Sun) and sistere (to stand still) as the
sun appears to stand still at its highest point. On a personal level, we recognize the fullness of
our own self-growth since the year's beginning, and pause to reflect and celebrate our
triumphs and honor our deeply magical roots.

Litha, like Beltane and Samhain, is a time when the fairy world is more easily accessed by the
mortal realm. It is a sacred and celebratory time for both our world and theirs, a time of fires
and feasting. The mantle that conceals their world is pushed aside, and we may see the nature
spirits that inhabit our lands as they partake in their joyous revelry. The best time to see these
spirits is at dusk, a liminal space between day and night, when the fairy folk begin their
celebrations.

Though it is not recommended to directly engage the nature spirit folk on this night, as we
do not wish to disturb their revelry or their work in the balancing of nature, one way we can
connect with the magic of this time is a fairy tea. A fairy tea celebration with friends is a great
opportunity to connect with the spirit of the season while enjoying the company of your
loved ones.

Prepare by gathering the following herbal ingredients for a tea to be sipped at dusk on Litha.
Remember to thank these herbs for working with you, and with your friends, as you cultivate
a spirit of joy and abundance at this time.

116
Chamomile The “herb of the sun,” chamomile
soothes restlessness and brings peace to your
solstice day.

Rose The queen of summer flowers, rose is known

for its heart healing and nervine properties. Rose
also connects us with Mother Earth and with our
ability to love ourselves, and show love to our dear
ones.

Hawthorn Berry Hawthorn connects the material

with the spiritual realm, and is closely connected
to the fairy world. Hawthorn is calming and
relaxing and opens and heals the heart. The
hawthorn tree is a portal to the fairy realm in
Celtic lore, and brings you into a spirit connection Materials
with their world. 1 c chamomile
½ c rose
Lavender Known for its soothing properties, ¼ c hawthorn berry
lavender is native to the Mediterranean and brings ¼ c lavender
love, protection, and wards away evil. It is often ¼ c holy basil
used in Summer Solstice rituals that include love, ½ c elderflower
healing, and connections to the universe. 1 tbsp mugwort

Elderflower Connected with the earth mother, Method

elder is thought to be the home of the tree spirit
known as the dryad. It is a tree of protection, and
deeply linked to fairy lore. Stories from Celtic
lands say that one can see the fairy folk by
standing near the elder tree on the Summer
Solstice.
Holy Basil Tulsi is an ayurvedic herb, sacred to
India, associated with warmth and clarity. Known
as the queen of herbs, it is known for its ability to
soothe our minds from worldly cares and bring on
a meditative and prayerful state of mind.
Mugwort Mugwort is the witch's herb, and
sometimes known as cronewort. It has been
used from ancient times to communicate with
the ancestors and the spirit world via dreams.
Not suitable for pregnant or lactating women
as it contains thujone, a mild intoxicant, and
toxic in high doses.
Blend ingredients, alone or with tea party celebrants,
while saying aloud this Litha incantation:
Spirits of Summer
Nature's Golden light
We ask you to bless us
As we honor Litha night
Leaf and flower, moon and stars
May joy and friendship
Warm our loving hearts
Divide tea into tea balls or bags, about a tablespoon
each. Place in tea cups with 6 oz boiling water and
let steep for 5 minutes. Sip tea under moonlight, or
candlelight, before walking into your garden or
forest to view nature spirits in their solstice revelry.
You may also pour an extra cup for the fairy nature
spirits, to be left out overnight, then poured onto the
earth in the morning.

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

117
SUMMER SOLSTICE
FLOWER ESSENCE
BY RENEE HADAD

Summer Solstice is when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, the plants are in full bloom,
and the energy is at peak vibrancy. Both our outer and inner worlds are experiencing a grand
illumination. Making a flower essence on the Summer Solstice can be a beautiful way to connect
with the potency of the sun’s heightened power, the plants, and the energies of this season.

Creating an essence is an act of magical co-creation, a way to experience the emotional and spiritual
qualities of plants on an energetic level. Only a small amount of fresh plant material is combined with
water in a glass bowl or jar, making this a sustainable method to connect with a plant vibrationally.
While flowers are traditionally used to make an essence, you can also incorporate leaves, trees, moss,
or stones. Crafting an essence calls us to be fully present and tune into the plant, season, time of day,
and surroundings, as well as our own emotions. It is an opportunity to be in ceremony with the earth
and ourselves, to listen for messages from the plants and other subtle realms. This ritual itself is a
great part of what essences can bring.

Before gathering your materials, take a moment to think about which plants have been calling to
you. In the northern hemisphere, this is the time when so much is in full bloom, such as yarrow,
mugwort, St. John’s wort, wild rose, Queen Anne’s lace, motherwort, elderflower. Which plants
remind you to celebrate the beauty that still exists in this world? Which ones light you up inside,
bring you a sense of joy, connectedness, creativity? Exuberance, strength, belonging?

The following are a few examples of some wonderful plants you could work with to create your
flower essence.
Mugwort
Growing abundantly in
both the sun and shade,
mugwort connects us to
both the outer- and
inner-worlds. It is
historically associated
with the moon, seen in
the silvery underside of
its leaves, and dream
realms and the
subconscious. Mugwort
can help strengthen our
intuition and enhance our
dream states.
Yarrow
The wound-healer
and boundary-holder,
an essence of yarrow
can help us fine-tune
and stick to our self-
made boundaries and
resolve. This may be
especially helpful if we
are overwhelmed by the
frenetic activity and
exposure of the summer
months.
Wild Rose
Famously known as the
flower of love, rose is one
of the greatest remedies
for the heart. An essence
can help soothe
heartache and grief,
helping us to move
through our emotions
with greater ease. It can
help us with self-
acceptance and
strengthen our
boundaries.
St. John's Wort
Traditionally a plant of
Midsummer, its bright
yellow blossoms are as
radiant as the sun itself.
St. John’s wort can help
us find our own inner-
light. This may especially
come in handy as the
sunlight begins to wane
and we head towards the
darker half of the year. It
can help us remember joy
and a sense of liveliness.

Materials
Small glass bowl or ½-1 cup jar
Fresh spring water
Brandy or Apple Cider Vinegar

Method
On the Summer Solstice, fill a clear jar or bowl with a small amount of water. Sit with the plant(s) you have
chosen, outside in their habitat. Take a few deep breaths and tune into the plant in front of you. Try to listen
for any messages you may receive: these may come in the form of words, emotions, colors, songs, memories,
etc. When you are ready, and feel from the plant that it is okay to proceed, put your vessel near the plant and
harvest just a few flowers or leaves with clean hands. Say thank you, and if you feel led, you can leave an
offering, such as a piece of hair, some water, a stone, herb, or song. Place the plant material in the water so
they are floating on the surface. It is best to have your vessel directly in the sunlight, if possible. Leave this
here for 1-4 hours or longer if you prefer.

Carefully remove the plant material, and combine an equal amount of brandy or apple cider vinegar to your
essence. Pour into a small jar, cap tightly, and label. This is called the “mother essence.” To make a “stock
bottle,” which is what you will use to take your essence, fill the bottle half way with either brandy or apple
cider vinegar, and add 7-12 drops from the mother essence. Fill the rest of the way with water. From this
bottle, take 3-5 drops up to 5x a day.

Renee is the creator of Wild Compass: Herbs & Magic. She offers handcrafted products and guidance in co-creation with
Earth & Spirit. Her work is rooted in bioregional herbalism, ancestral folk practices, and connecting with nature through
soul-centered embodiment. Follow Renee on Instagram @wildcompassherbs, and visit her website at wildcompassherbs.com.

119
 SWEDISH
MIDSUMMER
FLOWER
CROWNS
BY GINA VIDE

Midsummer is a magical time of year,

especially in Scandinavia where it's
celebrated as a national holiday in Sweden
and Finland. Floral crowns and wildflowers
are symbols of the occasion, and they're as
beautiful as they are meaningful.
Midsummer Day falls on the closest
Saturday to the summer solstice, the
longest day of the year, while the main
celebrations are held on Midsummer Eve.

Swedish midsummer is a cherished

tradition that involves flowers in your
hair, dancing around a maypole, folk
dancing, food, drinking songs, and
enjoying the outdoors.

The traditions of Midsummer harken back

to ancient times when people would light
bonfires to celebrate the summer solstice.

In Scandinavia, this tradition merged with

Christian celebrations of St. John the
Baptist to create the Midsummer we know
and love today. Additionally, the maypole
was adopted from an old German spring
tradition. 120
 Floral wreaths are called
“midsommarkransar,” and they're
a beloved part of Midsummer
celebrations. They're hung above
table tops, adorn the midsummer
pole for dancing, and are worn by
children and women alike. Even
now, cities clear out as everyone
heads to the countryside to
gather wildflowers for their
wreaths. These flowers are
combined with birch branches,
which help bind the wreath
together, and they're worn
throughout the festivities.

At night, after the Midsummer’s Eve

party, young women put seven different
wildflowers under their pillow to dream of
their future partner. The most typical wild
flowers growing in this season in Sweden
and therefore used in flower crowns are wild
daisies, buttercups, clovers, forget-me-nots,
meadowsweet, St. John’s wort, harebells,
Queen Anne’s lace, and even birch branches!

Besides looking beautiful, the language

of wild flowers is important to know
when choosing the intention behind
your flower crown.

Buttercup humility and neatness

Clover good luck and prosperity
Forget-me-not true love and remembrance
Hare Bells constancy and everlasting love
St John's Wort protection and strength
Queen Anne's Lace sanctuary and protection
Birch renewal and purification

If you don't have time or access to forage

flowers, use this paper wreath to color, cut
out, and tape together to make your own
traditionally Scandinavian Midsummer
crown wherever you are. Download the
template via the QR code below.

Created with her own two hands for you! Gina is an American ex-pat, illustrator,
artist, children’s book author and mother of 3 who lives, works and finds daily
inspiration in the Stockholm archipelago in a Swedish, French, American family. If you
use this template, tag @willowdaygram and #willowday so she can see your creations.

121
LITHA
CORNFLOWER +
CALENDULA
HOME ADORNMENTS
BY ASHLEY MOORE

Litha, also known as Midsummer and the Summer Solstice, is one of four solar festivals which divide
the year into quarters. Litha is the longest day of the year, the day the sun’s light shines the longest.
This festival celebrates the sun and all of the food and flowers flourishing because of its light and
warmth. The themes of this day center around prosperity, abundance, and joy.

There are many plants associated with the sun, including onions, and flowers such as sunflower, daisy,
chamomile, marigold, calendula, St. John’s wort, helichrysum, golden yarrow, and generally any yellow
or gold flower that is in bloom around this time. Litha decorations can be made from these sun plants
and used to decorate the home, altar, or even outdoor spaces.
Sun Flags
Sun flags take a bit more time to make but once you’ve sewn a set, they can be brought out for display year after
year. The shape and colors of the flags represent the rays of the sun, and the shimmering silk pieces look especially
evocative when hung outside to flap in the breeze. Plants symbolizing the sun are used to dye silks in yellow and
gold. Choose from the following:

Yellow-orange one large handful of onion skin

Yellow 4 cups of blossoms, leaves, and stems of golden yarrow, or ¼ c ground turmeric
Deep copper 2 cups of eucalyptus bark (from fallen bark)
Light gold 2 cups of calendula or marigold blossoms

Materials
Plants of choice
2-4 undyed silk scarves
10-12 feet of twine
Scissors
Needle and thread
Plant material

Method
Add a dye plant of choice to a large saucepan, and cover with approximately 8 cups of filtered water, enough
to cover all of the plant material by at least a couple of inches.

Heat on high until boiling, then turn down the heat and simmer on low, covered, for 20 minutes.

Turn off the heat, and leave this dye to deepen overnight. The next day, strain out any solid plant material,
reserving the dye.

Heat on low until simmering, then submerge one of the silk scarves in the dye. Stir gently for 10 minutes, then
turn off the heat.

For a richer color, leave the scarf in the dye until the liquid has cooled, then remove the scarf, carefully squeezing
out extra dye, and hang it outside to dry. Repeat this process with a new scarf, and a new plant, until you have as
many colors as you’d like.

When the scarves are dry, cut a long, rectangular strip all the way across each scarf, as wide as you’d like each
triangle piece to be tall, between 4” to 8” wide. Cutting different widths from each color creates a nice variation.

Make diagonal cuts through the rectangle of silk to make triangle shapes for the flags. Arrange the triangles in a
long line. It’s up to you if you prefer a pattern or random order.

Starting at about 12 inches from one end of the twine, attach each little triangle, one after the other, by folding
the base of the triangle over the twine and securing it with a running stitch. 123
 Solar Cross
The solar cross, also called a sun wheel or solar disk, is a
symbol of the Wheel of the Year. The wreath signifies the
Wheel and the cross that intersects it divides it in quarters,
marking the places of the solstices and equinoxes. These sun
wheels are traditionally hung in a tree outside, or indoors at
the top of the altar.

1 2

Materials 3 4a
11 long stems of cornflower, or another plant
with semi-flexible stems
6 or more calendula, marigolds, or other
yellow or gold flowers
Twine or embroidery floss for tying the ends
together

Method
1. Use clippers to harvest long cornflower
stems at the base, where they connect to the
main stalk. 4b 5a
2. Secure 9 stalks of the cornflower about 2-4”
from the ends with twine, then separate
them into sections of three. Braid these
sections until you come to the end.
3. Squeezing all of the stalks firmly will help to
bend the braid into a circle. Secure the two
ends together with twine.
4. Take one of the remaining stalks of
cornflower, and position it vertically across
the circle. Stick it through the top and then
the bottom of the circle. Much of your stalk 5b 5c
will be sticking out of the bottom. Bend that
part back up, and wrap it around itself,
sticking it in again at the top to secure it.
5. Take the last remaining stalk of cornflower,
and position it horizontally across the circle,
bisecting the vertical stalk. Weave it through
the circle in the same way as the vertical
piece, tucking in the ends.
6. Decorate your solar cross with calendula or
other yellow or gold flowers, and use twine
to tie it in a tree or hang it above the altar. If
Ashley lives an ordinary, magical life in Southern California,
hung in a tree, the solar cross can remain
where she cooks, crafts, and gardens as a way to express her love
there until the next Summer Solstice. At this
and gratitude for the Earth and all living things, and to feel as
point, a new solar cross is made, and the one
from last year is traditionally burned on the much as possible like one of the fae folk herself.
Midsummer fire.
124
August rain: the best of the summer
gone, and the new fall not yet born.
The odd uneven time.

Sylvia Plath
LAMMAS
BERRY BREAD
ROOTED IN FOLKLORE
BY JENN CAMPUS

Lammas, an age-old harvest festival, brings together

communities to celebrate the season's first bounty of
berries and grain. Our ancestors participated in
elaborate rituals and jubilant festivities on village
greens, farmhouses, and barns, expressing gratitude
for the crops and the laborers who toiled for their
sustenance.

Embrace the warmth of tradition and rekindle the spirit

of bygone days as you bake a delightful Lammas berry
bread. As you craft this recipe, indulge in the colorful
tales of love and fertility that flourish in the heart of
this time-honored harvest festival.

Once upon a Lammas Eve, young people wandered into

the countryside and forests to gather berries, forging
relationships as they went. Their return brought fruits
and the promise of fertility, a gift they believed would
enrich their lives and the fields they tended.

Today, we can honor our ancestors, their deep

connection to the land, and their unyielding dedication
to survival. By celebrating Lammas, we pay homage to
their sacrifices and cherish the sweetness of life with
our loved ones.

This delectable berry bread recipe marries the two

main crops of Lammas: berries and grain. Lammas Berry
Bread, crafted with fine durum wheat flour, boasts a
delicate yellow hue, symbolic of the sun's energy. The
fine grain lends the bread a luscious cake-like texture,
but feel free to use any baking flour or even a cup-for-
cup gluten-free mix to suit your preference.

Bring the magic of folklore into your kitchen as you

celebrate the season with this tantalizing berry bread
complete with a bright yellow lemon glaze. Delight in
the richness of tradition as you break bread with those
you love and rekindle the enchantment of Lammas in
your heart.
Berry Bread Materials
1 ½ c fine durum wheat flour
½ c almond or hazelnut flour
¾ c cane sugar
Pinch of sea salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ c plain Greek yogurt
¼ c olive oil
Zest of one lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 c mixed fresh berries of choice, such
as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries,
lingonberries, and bilberries

Glaze Materials
1 c powdered sugar
¼ tsp saffron or turmeric powder
Pinch of sea salt
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp milk
Fresh or dried rose petals and
elderflowers to garnish

Method
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease or line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flours, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the yogurt, oil, lemon zest, and vanilla.
Gently fold the berries into the mixture and spoon it into the pan, smoothing the surface.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until a fork or skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes away clean.

In the meantime, make the lemon glaze. In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar, salt, and saffron or
turmeric powder. Whisk in the liquids very well. If it is too stiff, add a drop at a time of lemon juice, stirring
well after each addition. The glaze should have the consistency of honey.

Once the cake is finished, remove it from the oven. Allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes before inverting it
onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle the flowers evenly.

Finally, when it has cooled completely, slice and share the bread with your loved ones. You might also like to
offer a piece to your Ancestors. Light a candle for them and place it next to a plate with a portion of the bread.
Alternatively, you might like to offer some to your local land spirits by bringing a slice of Lammas bread to a
special place in nature.

Jenn Campus is an anthropologist and animist who uses four sacred keys, food, land, tradition and myth to unlock
the traditional wisdom of our Ancestors so we can reclaim our intuitive way of relating to the animate world
around us. Visit www.jenncampusauthor.com to learn more.

127
CALENDULA,
GOLDENROD +
BLACKBERRY
OAT MILK
BY HARMONIE O'LOUGHLIN

128
August 1st is the halfway point between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox and so begins the first
of the harvest festivals called Lughnasadh, Lammas, Loaf Mass or Feast of First Fruits.

We've reached the high point of summer and the harvesting has begun. It is a time of reaping what you've
sown and celebrating the bounty the earth has provided. There is relief that the stores will be full by winter,
but work and luck must carry on to ensure full bellies in the cold months.

There is a perceptible shift in the air come the beginning of August. The vibrancy of bright spring and summer
flowers makes way for the golden hues of goldenrod, calendula, and oats. The deep colors of ripening
blackberries dot the hedgerows.

Drink to the dog days of summer with an herbal berried oat milk. Using tea as the liquid to make homemade
oat milk adds an herbal element. This is a thicker sip thanks to the mucilaginous properties of oats that help
hydrate and soothe the body. Blackberry syrup sweetens the beverage and adds a fruity note, plus vitamins
and antioxidants.

The plants symbolize all the energy we wish to cultivate in the days ahead. Oats exemplify abundance.
Blackberries signify prosperity and protection. Calendula embodies the sun and its optimism. Goldenrod
shines with encouragement.

Let’s toast the first harvest with a drink that celebrates the season. The toil is worth the harvest.

Herbal Oat Milk Blackberry Syrup Beverage

Materials Materials Materials
1 1/2 c water, boiling 1 c blackberries 1 c herbal oat milk
4 tsp calendula petals, dried ¼ c water 4+ tbsp blackberry syrup
2 tsp goldenrod, dried 4 tbsp honey
1 c oats

Herbal Oat Milk Blackberry Syrup Beverage

Method
Make an herbal tea by covering
calendula and goldenrod with
boiling water. Steep for 15
minutes and strain. Place tea
in the refrigerator to cool.
Blend cool tea with oats in a
high-powered blender for 30
seconds. Strain. If you prefer
smooth milk, use a tightly
woven cloth. If you don’t mind
a bit of sediment, strain
through a fine mesh sieve.
Notes
To avoid a slimy result, do not
use warm tea or over blend the
oats when making oat milk.
Method
Add blackberries and water to
a saucepan with a lid. Over
medium heat, warm the
berries for about 10 minutes,
until they are cooking down.
Mash the berries to extract the
juice. Cook for 5 more minutes.
Strain berries through a fine
mesh sieve, pressing with the
black of the spoon to extract
as much juice as possible.
Rinse out the saucepan.
Add the blackberry juice back
to the pan. Add honey. Warm
gently to melt and mix the
honey into the juice. Turn off
the heat and let cool.
Method
Add oat milk to a glass and stir
blackberry syrup to taste. Cool
in the refrigerator or add ice
before serving.
Harmonie is the founder and
editor of Botanical Anthology and
Plant Wonder Collective. She is the
homesteading mama maker behind
Flora's Feast Botanicals who
explores plants through her
garden and in her kitchen and
home apothecary. Check out her
blog on www.florasfeast.com and
on social media at
@florasfeastbotanicals.

129
LUGHNASADH
LAVENDER,
WHEAT + OAT
HOME ADORNMENTS
BY ASHLEY MOORE

Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, is a fire festival marking the first harvest, celebrated on the first
day of August. The themes of this day center around gratitude and thankfulness. In the physical realm,
we see the first fruits of our long efforts ripen when we pick flowers and fruit, and harvest the grain,
after much time toiling in the garden.

Our inner lives mirror this outward expression when we notice personal growth as a result of months
or even years of work and striving towards goodness, forgiveness, or enlightenment. The seeds we’ve
sown in the earth and the seeds we’ve sown in ourselves have sprouted and grown, and for this we are
grateful.

Three of the many plants often harvested this time of year are lavender, wheat, and oat, and beautiful
decorations can be made with each of them, bringing the harvest indoors to adorn our homes.
Lavender 1 2
Just as Brigid’s crosses are woven each Imbolc for the protection of
the home and those living inside it, the same technique can be used
to celebrate and have gratitude for the first harvest at Lughnasadh
by replacing the straw with blooming lavender. These lavender
weavings make for sweet summer house blessings that smell divine
and symbolize peace, serenity, and pursuit of a higher purpose.

Materials 3 4
28 long stems of fresh lavender
Twine or embroidery floss for tying the ends together
Scissors

Method
Harvest lavender in the late morning, when the flowers are at their
peak fragrance and any dew will have dried. The length of lavender
may vary. 20” long stems are ideal, but shorter stems may certainly
be used if that is what is available. 5 6

1. Put one stem in front of you, and fold another roughly in half,
keeping the side with the flowers a little longer. Hint: pinch the
stem where you’ll be bending it first, so it is less likely to split or
break.
2. Position the straight stem perpendicularly through the bent
stem, with the bent stem folded over the straight one.
3. Pull the bent stem close to the straight one. Let’s call the
straight stem “stem 1” and the bent stem “stem 2.” 7 8
4. Fold another stem (stem 3) and fold it over the first bent stem,
which is stem 2.
5. Pull stem 3 in closely.
6. Fold another stem (stem 4) and fold it over stem 3. This time,
though, make sure you keep stem 4 on top of stem 1.
7. Now, take stem 1 and fold it in half, tucking both ends of it into
the loop of stem 2. Note that one of the ends is already through
stem 2, and you will just need to tuck the second end through.
To do this, you will need to pull the loop made by stem 2 out a 9 10
bit.
8. At this point, you should have what looks like a little square.
9. Bend another stem and fold it over stem 1.
10. Continue this way, bending stems around the previous stem
until you get to your very last stem of lavender.
11. Bend this stem over the second to last stem, then tuck both
ends of the last stem into the loop. Again, you will need to tug on
the loop of this stem just a bit to make the opening large enough
11 12
to tuck the final stem inside.
12. Pull the stem in closely again, and this will “lock in” all of your
stems.
13. At this point, you are either finished and can leave it as-is, or
you can decide to trim the ends of the stems down to just past
the flowers. After trimming you might tie each of the four
bundles together with a bit of twine. The twine can either be
double knotted at the back or tied into bows at the front. The
leaves can be left on or removed, and the lower flowers can be
arranged so that they sit at the top of each bundle and are more 13
visible.

These lavender adornments look lovely hung on a wall or door, but

they’ll need to sit on a flat surface to dry for a few days first, so that
the flowers don’t droop towards the ground. A loop can be added to
the back and they are ready to hang.
Wheat + Oats
Wheat is probably the most widely used symbol at
Lughnasadh, and it represents fertility, prosperity,
and a bountiful harvest. Dried wheat bundles 17”
1 2
long can be ordered from dried flower stores
locally or online, or it can be grown from seed.
Gardeners who mulch with straw may even grow
wheat inadvertently.

If you don’t have wheat, but have access to oats,

you can use the same method to make your
decorations out of fresh or dried oat stalks. Oats
are especially appropriate at Lughnasadh, as they
symbolize the manifestation of one’s true life
purpose, goals, and values, and heeding one’s
inner calling to pursue a vocation.
3 4
Materials
*Do not include the flower head in the
measurement, just the stems.
3 stalks of wheat 11 ½ “ long
8 stalks of wheat 8” long
4 stalks of wheat 7” long
8 stalks of wheat 6” long
Twine or embroidery floss
Scissors

Method
1. Cut all of the wheat stalks to size, and arrange 5 6
them in bundles according to size.
2. Gather the 11.5” stalks. Place one in front of
you, vertically, with the flower pointing down.
Cross the other two so that the end of each
stem is at the flower head of the other stalk.
Bisect the first stem with the other two.
3. The 8” stalks need to be made into 4 bundles of
two, in the same way, with one flower head at
each end. These 4 bundles make a diamond
over the first three stalks. Secure the ends
with twine at this point.
7 8
4. The four 7” stalks can be made into 2 bundles
of two, crossed one over the other in the
shape of an X.
5. Arrange this X on top of the diamond design.
Secure ends with twine.
6. Make 4 bundles of two out of the remaining
eight 6” stalks and turn the adornment over.
On the back, use each of these bundles to
connect the midpoints of the diamond, making
a square.
7. At this point, your design will look like a
diamond with a square inside it, bisected with
a cross. Secure with twine. Add a loop at the
Ashley lives an ordinary, magical life in Southern California,
top to hang.
where she cooks, crafts, and gardens as a way to express her love
8. A whole assortment of designs can be made by
and gratitude for the Earth and all living things, and to feel as
using 2 or 3 times as many stalks per bundle,
much as possible like one of the fae folk herself.
combining all three plants into the same piece,
or by gluing dried strawflowers on top of a
finished arrangement.

132
Viewpoint
Interviews
Book + Podcast Reviews

Lindsey Melott
 Siobhan Watts

MEET
REBECCA DESNOS
BY JULIA LINSTEADT

Rebeca Desnos, a UK-based natural plant dyer, is responsible for inspiring

thousands of people to explore the vast world of natural plant dye. In this interview,
Rebecca shares how seeking alternatives to synthetic textile dyes led her to deepen
her relationship with nature and botanicals, and she shares her process and
encouragement for anyone interested in dipping their toes into natural dyeing.
With Rebecca as your guide, you are bound to discover everything you need to start
dyeing with plants.

This interview has been edited for brevity. The responses were provided by email correspondence.
134
Please briefly describe your history and
creative path to working with plants and
nature.
I’ve been making things since I was a child:
clothes, cards, jewellery, little books. At
university, I studied Linguistics – the structure
of language. I was so frustrated that I hadn’t done
art for A Level. I was continually searching for
ways to bring more creativity into my life and did
various short courses in clothes making and
pattern making. Then, a few years later, I did a
postgraduate diploma in interior and spatial
design, then continued on to do an MA. I enjoyed
it, but it still didn’t really satisfy my creative itch.
Since then, I’ve realised that it doesn’t matter
what we formally study – we can make our life
whatever we like. We can change direction and
learn new skills. Anything is possible and it’s
never too late.

When I was in my mid-twenties, I remember

standing in the kitchen and having a kind of
epiphany when I realised I should try plant dyeing
next. It brought together lots of my interests and
felt like the perfect next step. I kept hearing
about various types of natural dyeing on the TV
and in magazines, but it sounded really
complicated which I found off-putting. So after
procrastinating and reading about it for months, I
finally took the plunge and started dyeing with
plant dye extracts (concentrated dye powders),
such as indigo and madder. I was immediately
captivated by the colours and never looked back. I
used to dabble in lots of different crafts, but plant
dyeing has kept my attention for over 10 years,
and I just never get tired of it.
Which plant did you first start
working with to create natural
dyes? Why do you think you were
drawn to work with that particular
plant?
I originally started working with dye
extracts, but a couple of years later I was
tempted to explore my local plants for dye
potential. At the time, I was living in a big
town near London, and just across the road
from my home were some large alder
trees. I’d just spotted alder cones in a new
dye book and realised that these were the
same cones that I’d seen on the grass. So I
decided to gather a few handfuls of them
to try in my dye pot. They made a gorgeous
golden caramel dye and I’ve been hooked
ever since. I stopped using dye extracts
and have been focusing on local and
homegrown plants ever since. There’s an
endless bounty of plants right on our
doorstep.
135
What are your top 5 plants to work
with to create natural dyes?
Hawthorn leaves The leaves make beautiful
peach dye. It’s always a bonus to dye with the
blossom or berries in the spring and autumn.

Marigolds A common plant that many of us

already grow in the garden; the blooms make
yellow and green hues. Tagetes erecta and
patula make different shades.

Dyer’s chamomile The dye is so potent, almost

neon yellow! It turns a deep, chocolate brown
when you add iron (rust).

Avocado A pink/peach dye; this has been a

favourite for many years!

Yarrow A green/yellow dye from the plant tops,

and dark green when iron is added.

Why do you think working with plant-

based dyes is vital in this modern age?
I think that people have different reasons for
starting natural dyeing. For me, I was looking
for a non toxic way to dye fabric, and then I fell
in love with the range of possible colours as a
secondary thing. The hues are so subtle and
changeable depending on the time of day and
the lighting; the colours feel alive.

In recent years, I’ve explored the healing

For someone just starting with creating
natural dyes from plants, how do you
suggest using the dyes for home and
garden projects?
I always suggest dyeing with [black] tea as a
starting point, as most of us have some tea bags
knocking around a kitchen cupboard. Tea is rich
in tannin which is a natural mordant, meaning
that it helps bind the dye to the fibres. Making
dye is a lot like making a strong cup of tea.
properties of plant dyes. There’s quite a bit of
contextual history across the world with other
cultures dyeing medicinal and therapeutic
cloth. It’s not a new concept, but in this
‘modern age’ that we’re in, many of us are
quite disconnected from nature, and unaware
of natural and holistic ways of doing things.
Many tannin rich dyes produce naturally
antibacterial cloth and some herbs are known
to imbue their healing properties into fibres.

136
What do you love most about
working with plants through the
seasons?
There’s always something new to discover.
Working with botanicals encourages me to
get out of the house and explore different
areas, in search of new plants to forage. It’s
fun for the children too. I always think that
plant dyeing is a really healthy hobby to
have – it encourages us to get fresh air, go
for walks and it’s a great way to bring some
mindfulness into your life by focusing on
scents, textures, subtle colours and even
sounds in nature. Natural dyeing teaches
us to be patient, as you have to wait many
months to see your favourite plants pop up
again. When you work with plants, you’re
acutely aware of the seasons and weather.
I love capturing the season’s colours on
fabric; it’s a beautiful way to document the
seasons. Every piece of fabric that you dye
is a unique reflection of the natural world
around you.
In your book, Grow Your Own
Colour, you share about growing dye
plants. What would be the best dye
plants for beginners to grow first?
My new book is a guide to starting a dye
garden, no matter how little space you have
– a windowsill, balcony or garden. All of the
plants mentioned in the book are great
starter plants: sulphur cosmos, Hopi black
dye sunflower, black hollyhock, dyer’s
chamomile, purple pin cushion, Japanese
indigo, coreopsis, marigold… and more.
Marigolds and Japanese indigo are probably
my favourite, as you can dye fabric with
both these plants and make a gorgeous teal
green shade. Marigold petals and indigo
leaves print well on fabric using the
pounding/hammering method, so you can
make your own botanical prints (there’s a
hammering project in the book).
Emily Quinton
Rebecca Desnos is a UK-based plant dyer, author,
writer, a mother to three young children, and an
all-round plant lover. Her best selling dye book
Botanical Colour at your Fingertips has inspired
thousands of readers. You can visit her website
rebeccadesnos.com and pop across to say hello on
Instagram @rebeccadesnos.
Julia Linsteadt lives in the Sierra Nevada
Foothills on a small farm where she writes,
gardens, and creates with her family. She is the
founder of A Farm to Keep, a website that helps
families explore slow and simply living through
the magic of the seasons.
137
138
ROSE INK
BY REBECCA DESNOS

This is a very simple recipe that doesn't require any special equipment. One of my biggest passions is
to find new ways to introduce people to plant dyeing without needing particular tools, and this is one
of my favourite projects.

Rose petals are a beautiful, therapeutic herb that can be infused into oils and used as a tea. There
are so many uses for roses, but please don’t consume flowers that you’ve bought from a florist or
supermarket as they will have been sprayed with chemicals. For teas and other herbal uses, grow
your own flowers or source organic petals from an herbal supplier.

Materials
Dark red roses, fresh
Bowl
Salt
Paint brush
Glass jam jar and lid
Paint palette or little bowl
Ferrous sulphate, optional

Method
Remove petals from a few roses. The more roses you use, the more ink you’ll make. I used three
large roses. Put the petals into a bowl.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the petals and begin to scrunch them in your hands. This is a bit like
making sauerkraut where salt is massaged into shredded cabbage leaves to draw out the moisture.
Here we are massaging salt into rose petals to draw out the liquid content to extract dye. You may
need to add a little more salt depending on how many petals you used. Keep scrunching and mashing
the petals in your hands until they have wilted.

When the roses have reduced in volume, transfer into a jam jar. You can continue mashing the petals
in the jar with a spoon. Pour a small amount of the rose petal ink into a little bowl or paint palette and
begin painting.

Optional: sprinkle a tiny amount of ferrous sulphate crystals into some of the ink to darken the colour.
Watch as it immediately darkens. Use separate paint brushes for each colour.

Notes
Use gloves if you’d like to protect your skin from getting stained.
This ink will last for many months in the fridge. I never strain the petals, and the salty ink is still in my
fridge many months later, and it hasn’t gone moldy. Mine has been in the fridge for about 6 months,
and it still smells deliciously fragrant, like rose jam! Make sure you label it clearly “ink - do not eat,” so
no one accidentally eats it!
You can also use this ink on fabric if it’s been mordanted or pretreated beforehand. Then heatset the
dye with a hot iron.
If you choose to darken the ink with ferrous sulphate (iron), ensure you don't get the darkened ink on
your skin as iron is irritating. Also, keep away from children and animals.

139
 COMMUNITY VOICES

MEET
TIFFANY JONES
BY HEATHER MOTIL

Please tell us a little about your background What plant do you work with most often?
and what led you to start working with plants? Calendula. I love it because I feel it's one of my
I am a country girl that grew up in a small town in first memories of plants my mom loved. Each
South Carolina. My summers were spent with my year she would fill our yard with marigolds,
grandma who loved growing plants and we spent a lot and we make a cream at Cheryl’s Herbs with
of time in the woods picking wild plants that we used. calendula flowers that many of our customers
Fast forward to adulthood, because I feel like my true use year-round.
education came from owning an herbal shop that I love.
It [Cheryl’s Herbs] was started by a woman who was a
well-known herbalist and aromatherapist. This
is what truly increased my knowledge of working with
plants. It also grew from creating herbal products to
helping customers find a plant that was a great
resource for them.

Explain how being a part of a diverse

community has affected your life as a small
business owner.
That it is hard work, nothing that I have gotten has
come easy and I am truly challenged each and every
day. However, I feel like it's what has helped me to
grow as a business owner and a leader. Cheryl’s Herbs
was originally started by a white woman and when I
took over the business many customers left, and it
definitely was heartbreaking. Customers made their
choice to find another herbal store; however, that did
not stop our growth and today we have built a huge What impact or change do you want to see
business. in the world regarding the relationship to
plants?
Do you feel like the plant-centered community
I want everyone to have a relationship with plants
has developed into a more inclusive circle? no matter the background they come from. This is
I think we are still striving to make the plant part of our legacy as a people; our ancestors in
community look different. Most often people feel that most cultures used plants long before us. I don't
in order to have a relationship with plants it's only for want people to think you need to look a certain
hippies or white men with long beards living off the way, eat a certain way, live in a certain area to
land. But working with plants is available and open to have a relationship with plants and this can be
everyone and I love seeing a diverse community open started at an early age.
up education to all to have and grow that relationship.

Tiffany is a community leader and the owner of Cheryl’s Herbs, a thriving organic-certified herbal store in
Maplewood, MO. She is studying to become a clinical herbalist with Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine. You
can find Tiffany and Cheryl’s Herbs on IG @cherylsherbs and online at www.cherylsherbs.com.
140

MEET SUSAN LEOPOLD OF
UNITED PLANT SAVERS
BY NINA VETETO
Susan Leopold, PhD, is an ethnobotanist and
passionate defender of biodiversity. She currently
serves as the executive director of United Plant
Savers (UPS). She is a proud member of the
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia and the
author of the children's book Isabella's Peppermint
Flower, teaching about Virginia's botanical history.
Tell us about your plant conservation path!
I've always been interested in plants, even as a
child. I grew up in an area that was still wild. I was
very fortunate to have had a pond and a forest in
my backyard with a very large population of Lady
Slipper Orchids. I was able to explore that as a
young child, which is I think where I developed my
strong connection to nature.
CONSERVATION CORNER
Who started UPS and why?
The organization essentially grew out of
late-night conversations in dorm rooms at the
International Herbal Symposium that Rosemary
Gladstar established. A core group of concerned
herbalists started to look around and ask each
other, “Hey, is anyone else worried about the
future of the medicinal plants?” Rosemary
decided to set up the United Plant Savers
because of those conversations.
What is the mission of UPS and how is
the organization fulfilling it?
Our primary goal is to research, educate,
and conserve native medicinal plants. We also
encourage conservation through cultivation.
In that way, we are a little different from other
conservation organizations, because we are not
telling people not to interact with plants, we are
asking them to do so mindfully.
What current UPS projects are you most
excited about?
We are very excited about having just inherited
the Jim Duke archive, and now are building an
incredible ethnobotanical library. The collection
is cataloged and searchable on our website, but
our hope is that people will come here to be
with the books and to study.
What is your favorite plant and why?
I have so many, but Pink Lady Slippers hold a
special place for me. I love the French-Canadian
name, dentelle de la terre, meaning ‘lace of the
earth,’ especially since we know it has
mycorrhizal relationships and that the seeds
won’t germinate without that threaded
connection.
Where can readers go to learn more
about UPS?
Be sure to check out the website at
www.ups.org. There you can find lots of
information about how to help take part in
conservation efforts. Our Forest Farmers
Handbook can be downloaded for free, and that
provides a lot of simple instructions on how to
grow and cultivate these woodland botanicals.
141

OUR KINDRED
HOME
In Our Kindred Home, writer,
photographer, second-generation Haitian,
and folk herbalist Alyson Morgan gently
draws attention to the troubling state of our
world and how we can navigate traumas
from global climate shifts and racial
discrimination through nature connection
and relationships with plants. Slowing down,
following the seasons, and communicating
through herbal remedies, recipes, and
beautiful plant epitaphs, Alyson offers hope
in an era of overwhelm. Her poetic prose and
transformative photography beckon us to
become conscious stewards of the earth.
Our Kindred Home features an explanation
of ecological grief and its impacts, ideas for
working with subtle body energy; how to
begin foraging in your area; techniques for
crafting herbal preparations for everyday
use; and over 80 seasonal recipes and 40
plant monographs.
-Julia Linsteadt
BOOK REVIEWS
THE COMPLETE LANGUAGE
OF HERBS
For a gorgeous deep-dive into the folklore,
history, symbolism, and powers of herbs,
consider adding The Complete Language of
Herbs: A Definitive and Illustrated History by
S. Theresa Dietz to your bookshelf.
With entries on over 500 botanicals from the
world over, this encyclopedia is a fascinating
reference resource for those who enjoy
learning about the lesser-known qualities
and backstories of herbs.
The book is arranged by scientific name, if
you want to test your expertise, but it also
has a convenient list of common names in
the index at the back to help locate entries
more easily.
The beautiful full-color illustrations
throughout make this book a treasure for
any plant-lover’s collection.
-Anna Reisz
142
 PLANT WONDER COLLECTIVITE

MEET
CHAURI JACKSON
When did you first fall in love with plants?
As a child, I admired plants, but it was in my late teens
that I fell in love with them while searching for a
deeper connection to the earth. I learned that plants
are more than decoration. Through learning about
their medicinal properties, I learned to create herbal
remedies and experienced their magic firsthand. They
are now my allies in healing and transformation.

What is your favorite plant and why?

My favorite plant is ginger. It brings back childhood
memories of soothing my nausea. As an adult, it was
the first plant I used medicinally to help with my mom's
chronic pain and my own inflammation. Ginger's
warming properties are a comfort for someone like me
who gets cold easily. It invigorates my senses and
brings me a sense of warmth and well-being.

How do you most incorporate plants into your

lifestyle?
Plants are an integral part of my daily life, from
adorning my home to nourishing my body and healing
ailments. But it's in my spiritual practice where I deeply
connect with their power. Through meditation, ritual,
and intention-setting, I work with plant spirits for
transformative change. Their energy guides me on a
path of growth, healing, and a profound connection to
the natural world.
What do you find meaningful about Plant
Wonder Collective that adds to your life
What is your current inspiration when and work?
working with plants? As a folk herbalist, Plant Wonder Collective is
At present, I'm inspired by the deep connection invaluable to me. It provides a platform to
approach each plant of the month holistically and
between plants and our spiritual evolution. Through
gain knowledge from the diverse contributions of
Healing Treazures Botanical, I'm committed to sharing
fellow plant lovers. It fosters connections and
this knowledge to empower others to tap into the
provides inspiration for unique ways to work with
magic of plants for their own journey. From remedies
plants. It's a truly amazing community that
to rituals, my work centers around the transformative
enhances my plant journey in my life and through
power of plants. It's an incredibly rewarding path, and my work.
it brings me joy.
Chauri is the folk herbalist and plant alchemist behind Healing Treazures Botanical. Follow Chauri on
social media @healingtreazuresbotanical, where she inspires others to create meaningful change in
their lives through magickal herbalism; or discover her shop at www.healingtreazures.com.
143

THE PETTY HERBALIST
PODCAST
The Petty Herbalist is an easy-going podcast
that showcases individual herbs, the role of
colonization in herbalism, sustainable herbal
practices, medicine making and so much
more.
Presented as a casual conversation between
herbalists Karina Desroses and Asia Dorsey,
they discuss their experiences with herbs
and practices within the context of culture,
politics and history.
The narrow focus of each episode allows
them to explore the many different faces of
an herb, its history, how it can be utilized,
and even its spiritual significance.
In addition to their in-depth knowledge, the
laid-back presentation is enhanced by the
witty banter and grounding personalities of
the two hosts, making the whole experience
of listening to this podcast as enjoyable as it
is educational.
-Jess Marcy
PODCAST REVIEWS
HEALTHY HERB
PODCAST
For an herbalism podcast that is equal parts
informative and enjoyable, look no further
than Brighid Doherty’s Healthy Herb
Podcast.
Doherty presents deep dives on numerous
herbs, thorough explanations of herbal
projects and processes, discussions on
subjects affecting the herbalism community,
medicinal and spiritual perspectives, lovely
interviews of fellow herbalists from diverse
walks, and more.
Doherty has a friendly and approachable
manner that draws you into the listening
experience like you’re having tea and a
discussion with a friend, despite the breadth
and depth of subject matter.
With an extensive back catalog of episodes,
the Healthy Herb Podcast offers much for
the new listener to look forward to!
-Anna Reisz
144
 ESSAY

UNFOLDING TO THE
MYSTERY
BY LINDSEY MELOTT

What is your relationship to the natural world?

Do you allow yourself time and space to go outside, sit, and be in the wonder of all that surrounds you?

When was the last time you went and told your cares, worries, and fears to the trees and plants? Asking them to listen and to hold
you in your most tender times? Allowing them to witness you in all of your vulnerability and authenticity? Whispering your dreams
to a sunset or to a meadow of flowers?

Do you believe that the flowers, plants, trees, and stones all have an essence? Just as you and I have an essence? That every living
thing around you is filled with spirit?

When we look at the plants, we typically only see their beauty and their physical medicine. But have you stopped to look deeper? To
understand that the natural world is alive, and it contains an essence that has the power to help transform and transmute many of
our emotional desires?

When we sit with a rose and smell her fragrance, we notice how our hearts begin to open. There is a sensation that swells up in our
chests and brings us joy and peace.

When we sit next to an old oak tree, perhaps resting against it, we can feel the way it immediately grounds us and provides us with a
sense of safety and stability.

When we walk through a meadow of beautiful, vibrant flowers we are immediately filled with happiness and feelings of being a child
again. Our senses overtake us and we can smell the potent aroma of the flowers, we see the crystal blue sky, we hear the bees
buzzing around the choir of blooms, and we are completely submersed in the present moment.

When we allow ourselves to let go of our conditioned beliefs and start to tap into our innate abilities to connect more deeply with
nature, we can see that her medicine is much more powerful than we can find in a tea, tincture, or any herbal formula. And all we
have to do is simply walk outside and begin to start a relationship with the land around us. Ask, “What is your medicine?” And
continue to show up and listen. Plants are truly the most generous beings on Earth and they want to be in relationship with us. They
want to share their medicine with us. Not just the medicine we can see. But even more so, the unseen. The essence of who they are
and how our essence can weave with theirs to bring us back to wholeness. We are all longing for this deeper connection to the Earth.

We long to integrate with and feel this love and magic that is emanating from the Earth at all times. In order to get more in touch
with the Earth and its beauty, we have to get back to a place of fully accepting and loving ourselves. Recognizing that the spirit and
the beauty that’s flowing through the Earth is the same spirit and beauty that is flowing through our bodies at all times.

We are walking manifestations of the Earth’s beauty. We all have the ability to remember our fluency with the Earth and the language
of that beauty. And it starts by sitting long enough and listening. Looking and opening ourselves up to receiving the language of the
Earth that surrounds us. By spending time in the natural world and engaging all of our senses. Putting away the distractions and
allowing ourselves to be completely immersed in the present moment. Witnessing the plants and allowing them to witness us back.
Slowing down. To the pace of molasses running through a tree on a cold winter's day. And welcoming in mystery. The mystery of the
wildness that surrounds us. The unseen. The fertile dark. The indescribable.

Connecting to nature is like writing the most beautiful love poem you have ever heard. It's like coming alive in a way that could never
be described or captured. It’s finding a lover, mother, friend, healer and true mirror of the self, all wrapped up in one.

It's a coming home. And a deep remembering. Take your time. Nature doesn't hurry. And neither should we.

Lindsey is an herbalist and a mama who currently lives as a full-time nomad. She can be found frolicking in the forests or
swimming in wild water with her little fam. She loves connecting others to the simplicity of working with herbal medicine
specifically to help find deep nourishment. Find her adventures on Instagram at @rewildingroots_.
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 STAY CONNECTED
Shelby Wolfe
CONTACT
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Maria Ilves

146
More from Botanical Anthology
BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY
AUTUMN
Digital
*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 + kitchen
spices
*Dye with seeds, draw echinacea + felt acorns
Print
*Celebrate Mabon + Samhain with simple
observances

BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY
WINTER
Digital
*Sip on immune tea, miso broth, wassail +
gingerbread golden milk
*Learn how to make ghee, gluten free
sourdough + activated nuts
*Whip up hand sanitizer, a warming foot bath
+ body butter
*Forage wintergreen, raspberry stems + chaga
*Develop rituals + routines for the season
Print
ahead while listening to a winter playlist
*Weave wreaths, make trinket dishes + draw
narcissus
*Celebrate Winter Solstice, Midwinter +
Valentine's Day with simple observances

BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY
SPRING
Digital
* Sip on carrot ginger shrub, chaga dandelion
latte + nettle ginger beer
* Stuff magnolia leaves, make spring soups +
bake a viola cake
* Whip up a lilac toner, steep spring bitters, +
infuse a chaparral oil
* Forage hawthorn, red clover + tree buds
* Grow sea buckthorn + an herbal tea garden Print
* Create confetti egg poppers, dye with tulips
+ make wax sachets
* Celebrate Spring Equinox, Beltane, Earth
Day, Mother’s Day + Father's Day with simple
observances
*Meet Lauren May of Must Love Herbs
Journal
Goals

Make Learned

148
 I wish I could photosynthesize so that
just by being, just by shimmering at the
meadow's edge or floating lazily on a
pond, I could be doing the work of the
world while standing silent in the sun.

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Maria Ilves