Latest Blog Posts

pecan pie bars

Pretty Paleo Pecan Pie Bars

By Katja Swift

OMG, these are delicious! This all started because I saw a recipe for Paleo Pecan Bars, and I was excited! Delicious, I thought! But there was a lot of stuff in there that just wasn’t food, in the name of “it’s not really sugar”, and there was a ton of cream and butter – two…

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prunella in iceland

Self-Heal: Herb of the Week

By Katja Swift

Self Heal, Prunella vulgaris, is one of those plants that seems able to do everything. Writing in the 16th century, Gerard said that no herb equals Self Heal for healing wounds, and a whole host of other things. Self Heal is used all over the world – by Native Americans, Europeans, and all across Asia,…

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garden variety thyme

Herbs for Colds and Flu

By Katja Swift

Winter’s coming here in the Northeast, and along with that comes the standard “seasons changing” illnesses: the flu, colds, ear infections, sore throats, and lung gunk. Here are some easy remedies that you can try for your family next time something’s going around! Ear Infections As a child, I was particularly prone to ear infections,…

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ground ivy Charles River

Ground Ivy: Herb of the Week

By Katja Swift

Ground Ivy, Glechoma hederacea, is a small, unassuming little plant. You might know it as “Creeping Charlie” or “Gill-Over-The-Ground”, or (if you’re from England) as “Alehoof”. It often grows low to the ground, spreading horizontally instead of vertically – but if it’s in an area that isn’t mowed too often, it’ll stand up for a…

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icelandic angelica

Angelica: Herb of the Week

By Katja Swift

I didn’t really understand Angelica until I went to Iceland, but since then, I can’t get enough of it! Angelica LOVES Iceland, and it grows as tall as me – or taller. It’s got a strong, tall stalk and huge flower head, with leafy arms that reach for the sky and the sun that never…

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burdock seeds

Dying Back

By Katja Swift

as herbalists, we are closely tied to the plants, and to the cycles of the year. it’s appropriate to take time to contemplate those cycles sometimes! herbalism is also an exercise in self-mastery: not the bludgeon of discipline (though discipline is often good), but the more compassionate acknowledgement of who we are as individuals, of…

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wild rose 1428341 1920

Rose: Herb of the Week

By Katja Swift

A lot of people think of Roses when they think of Valentine’s Day, but there is so much more about Rose to love! Let’s start with the thorns – which you might think is somewhat strange, but the thorns are exactly what makes Rose such an amazing protector of small furry creatures and little feathered…

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Nettle in Flower

Nettle: Herb of the Week

By Katja Swift

Nettle is one of the most-loved herbs – and there’s so much to love! For starters, Nettle is one of the most super of all the super foods. High in vitamins, minerals, even protein – Nettle is deeply nourishing. According to the USDA, “Nettle is probably one of the richest sources of minerals among plant…

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mullein flowers

Mullein: Herb of the Week

By Katja Swift

Mullein is a fuzzy plant that starts out small, but in its second year can grow over six feet tall! Mullein is a good friend to people who challenge their lungs – whether it’s with smoke, particulate, or any other crud we breathe in. It’s particularly great when that “crud” is dry, dusty, and caked…

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arctic thyme

Thyme: Herb of the Week

By Katja Swift

Thyme remains one of my very favorite herbs for colds, the flu, and other respiratory gunk. Thyme has a very high volatile oil content – in other words, the constituents that make it smelly – and those volatile oils are super anti-microbial. The trick is, you have to get them in contact with the microbes…

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