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Your Ultimate Guide to Healthy Living
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Formulating
Herbalism is not just about knowing which herb does what. It is about learning to look at a situation, or a set of symptoms, and thoughtfully combine herbs to create an intentional blend with a targeted response.
Laura Van Horn
Apr 226 min read


Nourishing Spring Teas
Thankfully, springtime brings herbs that are nourishing, mineral-dense, and cleansing, exactly what our bodies need after winter.
Laura Van Horn
Apr 77 min read


Overwhelm
Our lives have become an overwhelming constant stream of input, as if we are being firehose-blasted with content, much of which is likely totally fake. Thanks, AI.
Laura Van Horn
Apr 111 min read


Seasonal Allergy Support
Seasonal allergies may be unavoidable, but suffering through them doesn't have to be. Start early, and be consistent with herbal support remedies.
Laura Van Horn
Mar 247 min read


Understanding Inflammation
It is helpful to distinguish between acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is:
short-term, protective, localized, part of normal healing
Laura Van Horn
Mar 177 min read


Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
There is solid scientific evidence behind its many uses. If you have ever wanted more than "lavender is calming" to stand behind, this post is for you. Let's start with what is inside the plant, and then examine what the research shows for five specific uses: pain, anxiety, sleep, blood pressure, and wound healing.
Laura Van Horn
Mar 1011 min read


DIY Versatile Skin Salve for Chapping, Chafing & More
Our skin is great, it does a remarkable job protecting us, but sometimes it can develop some rather uncomfortable and even smelly problems. You probably know what I am talking about: skin rashes from working out too hard, chafing in special places, and the dreaded fungal infections like athlete's foot. Luckily, these issues can often be easily addressed with herbal home remedies.
Laura Van Horn
Jan 284 min read


Why Immune Herbs Work Better in a Regulated Nervous System
Supporting immunity is not only about strengthening defenses or responding to germs; it also involves maintaining internal conditions that allow the body to repair, regulate, and respond appropriately.
Laura Van Horn
Jan 138 min read


Menstruum Matters
The menstruum, the liquid used to extract an herb, is not a neutral choice. It plays an active role in what constituents are drawn out. This does not require advanced chemistry, but it does require slowing down and doing a little bit of research.
Laura Van Horn
Jan 65 min read


Staying Well Through Winter
As the weather keeps us indoors more, respiratory infections tend to circulate more easily, and many people notice a dip in energy or motivation once the holidays have passed. While the New Year often inspires wellness resolutions, lasting change is more likely to come from simple, supportive habits that can be sustained over time. Winter offers an opportunity to slow down and choose practices that nourish the body and support overall well-being, both now and in the months ah
Laura Van Horn
Dec 30, 20257 min read


Comfort & Joy: Gentle Support for Winter Wellness
Natural Winter Wellness Remedies As I write this, it is now December, which means we are now in the Christmas holiday season. For many, this season is a season of spending, but for me, it is Advent season . Do not get me wrong, I have had my years of consumer-itis, but over time, I kept asking myself, "to what end?", which led me to re-evaluate the meaning of this season. Symptoms of consumer-itis often include rushing from place to place, losing patience with others, exhaust
Laura Van Horn
Dec 2, 20258 min read


Pain-Relieving Salves
Foot soaks do wonders for my feet, but sometimes I just do not want to put in the effort. That’s when having a pain salve on hand to massage into my feet, or any sore spot, is an absolute blessing.
Laura Van Horn
Nov 18, 20257 min read


Warmth & Wellness
'Tis the season for warming herbs and spices; the ones that bring comfort to cold hands, support our bodies during cold season, and fill the house with aromas that make everyone want to linger at the kitchen table just a little longer.
Laura Van Horn
Nov 4, 20257 min read


Herbal Roots
Herbal roots can form a solid foundation for home herbalism, addressing immune support, digestive health, liver function, inflammation, and structural wellness. Each can be prepared as a simple decoction or tincture and stored for use throughout the winter months when the body often needs extra support.
Laura Van Horn
Oct 7, 20257 min read


Be Ready for Back to School
School environments create the perfect storm for infections to spread. Meanwhile, the pressure of academic performance, social dynamics, and packed schedules can leave some feeling overwhelmed. But there is hope.
Laura Van Horn
Aug 5, 20259 min read


Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is no lightweight; it exudes warmth and strength. In the kitchen, it enlivens. In the apothecary, it stimulates, soothes, and comforts. This is an herb that acts on digestion, joints, circulation, respiration, and the immune system. Keep it on hand, and you will find it meets more needs than you might expect.
Laura Van Horn
Jul 15, 20257 min read


Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is an enjoyable summertime herb in both the kitchen and the apothecary. European herbalists have long used basil to support digestion, calm the nervous system, and ease respiratory complaints.
Laura Van Horn
Jul 8, 20257 min read


Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint is loved for its versatility and reliability; it is easy to grow, multipurpose, and offers benefits in many forms—from the fresh or dried leaf to the potent essential oil and gentle hydrosol.
Laura Van Horn
Jul 1, 20257 min read


Summer Relief Kit
Summer brings unique challenges when it comes to pain and discomfort. From sunburns, itchy bug bites, muscle cramps due to dehydration, or a tension headache from excessive sun exposure, having a well-stocked natural pain relief kit can make all the difference between suffering through summer or enjoying it.
Laura Van Horn
Jun 24, 20255 min read


Refreshing Sun Teas and Iced Herbal Refreshers
When the summer heat hits and you are looking for something refreshing that supports, nourishes, and hydrates your body instead of draining it, herbal teas are a great option. These simple, cooling beverages help you stay hydrated while providing gentle herbal benefits—perfect for busy families who want something more nourishing than sugary drinks or popsicles.
Laura Van Horn
Jun 17, 20254 min read
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