Author: Amelia
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Dry Cough vs Wet Cough: An Herbal Approach
We’ve all dealt with it — a nagging cough from allergies, a virus that caught up with you, or a chronic condition like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. But not all coughs are the same. A wet cough requires a different strategy than a dry one, and choosing the right herbal approach starts with understanding that…
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You Can’t Heal a Fragmented Mind in a Disconnected Body
Herbalism has taught me a lot about working with plants, mushrooms, and the physical human body. Your body is something I can see with my own two eyes (and technically could also experience with my other senses as well), but while your brain is a physical organ, your mind (and your mental health) are invisible.…
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Managing Migraines Naturally: A Holistic and Herbal Approach
Migraines are no joke–I know, I’ve had a few. But if you have chronic migraines, there’s something deeper at play inside your body. In the world of naturopathic medicine, we view a migraine not as a standalone disease, but as a “check engine light” for the body. It’s like your headache is screaming at you…
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Mucus Overload? You Need Ground Ivy
I’ll admit it—I didn’t even know what ground ivy was until about 7 years ago. I heard a podcast episode about it and immediately went in search of this diminutive plant because I heard that it was “better than Mucinex” for mucus overload in your sinuses. Boy, were they right! What is ground ivy? Ground…
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Foraging in Connecticut: Learn the Land Through Your Senses
Connecticut is home to a wide variety of wild edible plants and medicinal herbs year-round. In spring, look for stinging nettle, greenbriar shoots, and serviceberries. Summer brings elderflower, chanterelle mushrooms, and St. John’s Wort. Fall is ideal for rose hips, sassafras roots, and hickory nuts, while winter offers evergreen barks like wild cherry. With diverse…
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Birch vs Birch: Is there a difference among them?
You probably know by now that I love birch trees, because birch bark is a phenomenal herbal pain reliever. But what are the differences among the various varieties of birch trees? Let me tell you what I have personally experienced and you can make the final decision. The first time I ever worked with Birch…
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Witch Hazel: Connecticut’s Most Powerful Wild Medicine
Did you know Connecticut is considered the Witch Hazel capital of the world? [Source] If you’ve ever stepped onto a wooded trail here, that probably doesn’t surprise you. Witch hazel is everywhere—tucked along stream banks, lining old forest roads, even growing right off hiking paths. One of my favorite fall moments is catching that faint…
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Sun-Kissed Butt Cheeks: My Experience with Calendula
Calendula, the bright orange, lions-mane-like flowers of late summer have been on my Top 5 Herbal remedies to keep in my medicine cabinet for over 16 years now. All because of little red butt cheeks. The first time I ever even heard of Calendula was as an ingredient in the all-natural diaper rash cream I…
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The Ancient Plant that hoards Precious Minerals
Horsetail is one of the world’s oldest plants, dating back over 300 million years. Many people find it on their property and decide to hate it, as it’s incredibly difficult to eradicate once it has populated an area. But those “in the know” see this wild being as the precious resource it truly is. There…
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My No-BS Skincare Routine (That Actually Works)
I get compliments on my skin ALL the time. As an elder millennial, I really appreciate it! I thought I would share my Skincare Routine with you all here so you will be able to follow in my footsteps if you so choose. Some of you are not going to like this. You’re either going…