To say this cheerful flower is one of the most important plants in the herb garden is really not an exaggeration. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has a long history of use as medicine, food, cosmetics, and fabric dye...

Read entire article

When I say “basil”, do you think “pesto”? Pesto made with sweet basil happens to be my enduring obsession, but with over 50 different varieties (possibly as many as 150!) distributed around the world, basil is about much, much more.

Read entire article

When you think of herbal medicine, do you think of Sage? The same Sage that’s on your kitchen spice rack is antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral.

Read entire article

Did you ever wonder how St. Johnswort, so closely associated with Summer Solstice, witches, and magic, got a Christian saint's name?

Read entire article

The quest for yar! Thoughtful design and a quality build gives a sailboat her yar. Am I the only one who sees the connection to vegan botanical skincare? Yar is an idea I use to create my recipes. I want each balm, serum, salve, mask and soap to be right and everything it should be.

Read entire article

Rosemary is believed to be a very protective plant, and new sailor that I am, was tickled to find this in the book “Magical Herbalism” by Scott Cunningham: “Has connections with the sea so is used in all sea rituals as well as sachets designed to ensure a safe, easy passage on the water... Did I make a charm for our sailboat? Yes.

Read entire article