Perhaps because it is the darkest time of year, or maybe because the Northlands become so cold, we find a richness of traditions, rituals, and legends from this season to keep our hearts bright and warm. Whether stories told after supper by the light of the fire, or aromatic evergreens and candles, we welcome the return of the light with the Solstice and find renewed inspiration for the year ahead. As herbalists, these occasions are easy to infuse with herbs. During this time of year, nothing beats herbal drinks, wither to aid digestion after an indulgent holiday meal, or to brighten the mood ..read more

Solstice Sun Cookies The longest day of the year and the first official day of summer feels like a reason to celebrate. The added touch of an edible flower to a drink or a cookie, and an herbal twist to any recipe makes something ordinary become instantly special. And since we could all use more beauty and enchantment in our busy lives, why not make both? Lemon Turmeric Shortbread Cookies A classic shortbread cookie with a bright herbal twist for solstice sun celebrations. Makes 24 cookies Ingredients 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 t salt 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar zest from two ..read more

Solstice Sun Cookies & Rhubarb Spritzers with Joy Tonic The longest day of the year and the first official day of summer feels like a reason to celebrate. The added touch of an edible flower to a drink or a cookie, and an herbal twist to any recipe makes something ordinary become instantly special. And since we could all use more beauty and enchantment in our busy lives, why not make both? Lemon Turmeric Shortbread Cookies A classic shortbread cookie with a bright herbal twist for solstice sun celebrations. Makes 24 cookies Ingredients 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 t salt 1 cup butter ..read more

Creative ways to use herbs. Here in the Northeast, we have settled into a cold winter. The freezing temps and whipping wind have us hunkered down near the woodstove, finding little reason to leave home. With that, and another year living through a pandemic, our nerves have certainly taken one for the team. It is a time to dig deep into the reserves and find things to fill our cup.  Rest and nourishment, healing foods, warm drinks, cozy wool slippers, good books, hot baths, and herbs that spark joy.*  I’ve been finding deep solace in adaptogens, their nourishment and replenishin ..read more

Preserving plants, places, and people in our 21st century world This article is inspired by the recent book, The Business of Botanicals, by Dr. Ann Armbrecht. Packed with great stories, it also shows a new model for how to bring the insights we learn as herbalists into the business world. It’s on sale at Chelsea Green and discounted for the holidays. Thank you for reading and being a part of our herbal world! I grew up in a town that reached its heyday over 500 years ago. Modern life has threaded its way through the city: old cobblestones are paved over, lights and plumbing and internet are ..read more

Create herbal care packages with inspiration and pairings to our organic herbal tinctures for a theme that feels personalized to your loved ones. It's no secret, we have become known as the most creative and thoughtful gift-givers in our circles! All it takes is a little plant magic.  Our annual gift guide aims to make your holiday shopping personal, thoughtful, and healthy; for your friends and family, and the planet. A favorite tradition at this time of year is to gift with intention, and create herbal care packages. We pair our organic herbal tinctures with organic herbal tea and a com ..read more

Make your own alcohol-free digestive bitters Doctor Jarvis, who studied medicine in our hometown of Burlington, Vermont, was perhaps the epitome of the New England country doctor. He worked during the first half of the 1900s, helping countless patients, visiting homes of friends and neighbors, and relying on strategies that supported and nourished – the same tonic approach we favor today. But he is perhaps best known for popularizing the use of apple cider vinegar, recommending its use for a range of common, everyday complaints. We may owe the recent popularity of switchel, fire cider, shrubs ..read more

Our two adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. From this perch, they not only have access to a rich blood supply, but are also close to the site of fluid and mineral balance in the body. This makes sense given their role: they participate in the stress response, of course, but are also involved in modulating electrolyte and water balance in our bloodstream. The hormones secreted by our adrenal glands connect to our experience of occasional stress, from the short-acting jolt of adrenaline to the longer-term influence of cortisol. It is easier to notice the effects of adrenaline (hear ..read more

A deeper look into the influence of our natural satellite Life on earth would be quite different without our natural satellite. The daily rising and falling of the moon, along with the monthly waxing and waning cycles, have effects on our oceans and seas. The tides are crucial to life: tidal pools, sheltered and renewed in rhythm with these cycles, catalyzed some of the first stable ecologies and still represent unique niches. While it may not be as widely recognized yet, it is becoming more clear that the moon also affects the flow of water through plants: sap moves more vigorously during the ..read more

Granola bars made with adaptogenic herbs to fuel a summer of fun. It's summertime, which means we are on the GO—packing in all the summer fun, outdoor adventures, and finding rest and renewal where we can.  Sometimes when we're busy, it's easy to forget to stop and eat, but planning ahead of time and having these adaptogenic energy bars ready to eat makes for easy fuel when we need it. Full of protein, good fat, and adaptogenic herbs, these are our go-to snacks for keeping ourselves supported during this busy time of year.* The secret ingredient: Energy Tonic(R), our energizing herba ..read more