Krista's Herbarium
a collection of herbal remedies, recipes, and reveries
Tag: nature
Perfume 201
“Nothing brings to life again a forgotten memory like fragrance.” Christopher Poindexter I gave a small eulogy at my Nana’s memorial service. I talked about a sense memory that has never left me though it is over 40 years old. Whenever I smell freshly… Continue Reading “Perfume 201”
Bee Petting: Autumn Edition
The cooler days mean sleepy bees. This one makes a vague suggestion of annoyance at the end by half-heartedly lifting one leg at me.
Making New Friends
On the way to Vienna, this little green buddy hopped a ride from České Budějovice. He stayed with me even on the subways in Vienna. I’m in my hotel room and he’s crawling around my head while I’m typing this. Update: He stayed with… Continue Reading “Making New Friends”
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus Common Name: mullein, velvet plant, figwort, Jupiter’s staff, blanket herb Family: Scrophulariaceae TCM Name: Jia Yan Ye Ayurvedic Name: N/A Parts Used: root, leaf, flower, flower stalk resin Native To: Native to Europe and North Africa, naturalised in North America Medicinal Notes Lyte (The Niewe Herball,… Continue Reading “Mullein”
Herbal How To: Making a Face Cream
Today I’m making a special order for a client. She requested a face cream with an SPF. I am adapting my Calendula Face Cream to have some sunscreen properties by adding St John’s Wort-infused almond oil. 1. Gather your supplies: infused oils, essential oil,… Continue Reading “Herbal How To: Making a Face Cream”
Happy Summer Days!
My husband has mowed a smiley face into our grass for a decade now. At first, the neighbours thought we were nuts. I’m pretty sure they chalked it up to us being the crazy foreigners. Now, I think the smiley brings everyone a bit… Continue Reading “Happy Summer Days!”
Self-heal
Prunella vulgaris Common Name: All-Heal, Blue Curls, Brownwort, Brunelle, Brunelle Commune, Brunelle Vulgaire, Brunette, Carpenter’s Herb, Carpenter’s Weed, Charbonnière, Heal-All, Heart of the Earth, Herbe au Charpentier, Hercules Woundwort, Hock-Heal, Petite Consoude, Prunela, Prunella, Prunelle, Prunelle Vulgaire, Self Heal, Sicklewort, Siclewort, Slough-Heal, Woundwort Family: Lamiaciae TCM Name: Xia Ku Cao Ayurvedic Name: N/A Parts Used: leaves, flowering tops Native To: Northern Hemisphere Medicinal Notes The plant has… Continue Reading “Self-heal”
Calling All Arborists
While out harvesting, I came upon this unusual Tamarack (?) Larch (thanks, Tony!). I saw several people gathering the succulent baby cones. I wondered for what purpose they could be used. I am no expert on trees, apart from the few that I use… Continue Reading “Calling All Arborists”
Bee Hotel
My husband and I were in a meadow harvesting St John’s Wort when we happened upon this bee hotel. Foxglove, you make an awesome restaurant/accomodation for my fuzzy friends!
Ladybugs Gone Wild!
This year, after a year of dedicated bio gardening, the ladybugs have returned with a vengeance. It’s like Nature is helping me out; I don’t poison, and she sends me the bugs I need instead. The ladybugs have taken up residence in my tansy… Continue Reading “Ladybugs Gone Wild!”
Krista's Herbarium 