Herbalism
St. John’s Wort: Multiple studies reveal that this sunny flower may be just as effective as standard SSRIs for treating mild to moderate depression.
I completed a year-long herbalism apprenticeship under the tutelage of a bio-regional herbalist in Tacoma, where I was taught the art and science of plant medicine. Each week, we would sustainably forage plants found throughout the PNW and make healing remedies. The curriculum heavily emphasized anatomy, diving deeply into the medicinal properties of each plant and its effects on the body, as well as any contraindications.
My kitchen cabinets have transformed into a robust home apothecary. Tinctures, vinegars, syrups, infused honeys—you name it, I’ve got it. Healing herbs are a staple in my cooking and homemade teas. I could geek out about this stuff all day; plants are so powerful and cool.
Preparing smoke inhalation recovery tea blends for folks impacted by the LA wildfires. Packages were distributed to local mutual aid efforts.
Hawthorn berry elixir, a formula that’s excellent for heart health, lovingly crafted from the hawthorn trees on my property.
Purple dead nettle, miner’s lettuce, and chickweed comprise a medley of nutrient-rich spring greens. I used these ingredients to make wild weeds pesto, hummus, and green goddess dressing.
Cheesing with a lion’s mane mushroom that I foraged. A specimen of this quality is a rare find in Washington. Lion’s mane is a powerhouse for nerve repair, mental cognition, and gut inflammation. Preliminary research even suggests that it may be a useful neuroprotective agent for patients with dementia.
A watercolor herbal profile that I made on wild rose, a Venusian plant ally that’s excellent for women’s health, grief, and trauma.
Freshly harvested lavender bundles (and my creeping puppy, Porter). These were used in lavender honeys and relaxation teas that I gifted for the holidays.
A sweet and savory summer salad sprinkled with basil grown in my garden.