Circé + Medée

04/12/2026

We’re pleased to share this post from Airmid’s Healing Gardens 🌿

A closer look at one of our favourite plants, marshmallow. Simple, useful, and often overlooked.

If you’re curious to learn more about the plants growing around us, this is a beautiful place to start. There’s even a traditional marshmallow recipe included, just to share a little extra of the bounty.

Feel free to share and enjoy 💚

Marshmallow Root: A Gentle Ally for Tissue Support

Marshmallow is one of those plants that works quietly, yet consistently, in supporting overall comfort and balance in the body.

Its primary value comes from its rich mucilage content. When prepared correctly, these compounds form a soft, gel-like substance that can:

• help soothe and coat the throat
• support the natural integrity of mucosal tissues
• provide gentle comfort to the digestive tract
• assist the body in maintaining hydration at the tissue level

In practice, marshmallow is one of the plants I reach for most often. It is especially appreciated in situations where there is a sense of dryness, irritation, or general sensitivity in the body’s linings. It offers broad support while remaining well tolerated for most individuals.

It is sometimes compared to licorice for its similar soothing properties. However, marshmallow is often the more appropriate choice in everyday use, as licorice may not be suitable for individuals with high blood pressure. Marshmallow, by contrast, is generally considered a milder and more universally compatible option.

One important point that is often missed: marshmallow should not be prepared as a hot tea.

Heat can reduce the presence of its mucilage, which is central to its supportive qualities. A cold infusion is therefore the preferred method of preparation.

Simple Cold Infusion Method:

• 20 g dried marshmallow root
• 250 ml cold water

1. Combine the root with cold water
2. Allow it to steep for 2 to 4 hours, or longer if desired
3. Strain to obtain a slightly viscous liquid
4. Sip throughout the day

The result is subtle, mild in flavour, and deeply supportive. This is not a plant that forces change. It works by creating the conditions for the body to settle, soften, and maintain balance.

✨ Bonus: Traditional Marshmallow Confection (for the curious)

Long before it became a commercial sweet, marshmallow was prepared using the root of the plant itself. The result is quite different from what you find in stores. Softer, more delicate, and with a subtle botanical quality.

Ingredients:

• 20 g dried marshmallow root
• 250 ml water
• 200 g honey or sugar
• 2 egg whites
• Optional: vanilla or another natural flavour

Method:

1. Macerate the marshmallow root in cold water overnight
2. Strain to obtain a slightly viscous liquid
3. Gently heat this liquid with honey or sugar to form a syrup
4. Whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks
5. Slowly pour the warm syrup into the egg whites while whisking
6. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes thick and airy
7. Transfer to a mould and allow to set in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours
8. Cut and enjoy

What you end up with is something closer to the original idea of marshmallow. Light, softly textured, and gently comforting.

Simple, accessible, and dependable, marshmallow remains a staple in a well grounded apothecary.

04/10/2026

Cassandra and I have been reflecting on where Circé + Medée is heading, and one thing is clear: this space has always been more than one service, one modality, or one person.

Yes, clinical herbalism remains a core part of what we do. But Circé + Medée is first and foremost a community wellness centre: a curated space where different pathways to wellness can coexist. Massage, Reiki, independent practitioners, educational offerings, and hands-on experiences all have a place here.

This year, we are gently opening that door a little wider.

We’re expanding our educational offerings to reflect the broader vision of the space. Not just more classes, but more ways to learn, explore, and connect.

Some of the longer-format classes we are currently considering include:

Spicy Psychology: Witchcraft & Metaphysics
A grounded exploration of symbolism, spirituality, personal meaning, and the deeper frameworks people use to understand themselves and the world.

Natural Perfumery
A richer, longer-form experience for those who want to explore scent, plant materials, creativity, and the art of natural fragrance.

Angel Connections with Cassandra
A class designed to explore the archangels and begin learning how to connect with them in a personal and meaningful way.

We are also considering a Wheel of the Year series: eight classes offered throughout the year, each held in advance of the seasonal festival it reflects.

This is the direction we’re growing into: a multi-modality wellness platform, carefully curated, community-rooted, and open to different ways of learning and being.

We would love your input.

Which of these longer classes would interest you most?
Would you register for a multi-class format spread over four to eight classes?
Are there topics, formats, or schedules you’d love to see offered in our space?

We’re listening, and we’re building this with community in mind.

04/09/2026

WILD FRIDAY NIGHT IN PUBNICO 🌿

Tomorrow night, we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting back to basics; the kind that actually work.

From 6 to 8 PM, we’re hosting our well-loved Natural Cleaning Workshop, and yes, there are still a few spots left.

This is not about Pinterest fluff or vague “green” marketing. We’re talking real, practical knowledge you can use the moment you get home.

You’ll learn where our cleaning traditions come from, what actually changed with modern products, and why some of those ingredients deserve a hard second look. Not everything on a label is as harmless as it pretends to be.

Then we get to the good part, for $55, I show you how to make your own cleaning trio:

• A window cleaner that actually shines
• A surface spray you’ll reach for daily
• A scrubbing blend that does the job without wrecking your hands

These are the exact products I use in my own home. Simple, effective, and made a few times a year… not every week, because life is busy and this needs to be sustainable.

You’ll leave with products in hand, formulas you understand, and the confidence to stop guessing.

It’s practical, a little eye-opening, and honestly… a good time.

📍 West Pubnico
🕕 Friday 10 April 2026, 6–8 PM
🎟 A few spots available

If you’ve been curious, this is your nudge.

Come make, learn, and maybe question a few things along the way.

04/08/2026

WHITE PLANTS
Gentle support, protection, and the breath

Chamomile, garlic, onion, marshmallow, elderflower…

White plants rarely draw attention. They are not the boldest, not the most striking. And yet, they are among the most quietly reliable allies in herbal practice.

In early spring, before colours fully return, they begin to appear. Small, pale, sometimes almost invisible. Elderflower. Chamomile. They do not try to impress. But they show up where it matters.

Over time, a clear pattern emerges.

These plants tend to support the body where it is most vulnerable.
The mucous membranes. The respiratory tract. The digestive lining. The skin.

Not by pushing. Not by overstimulating.
But by soothing, protecting, and helping tissues recover.

Many of them contain mucilage. A gel-like substance that forms when mixed with water. It is not glamorous, but it is clinically useful. These plants coat irritated tissues, reduce friction, and create the conditions for healing.

Think marshmallow root. Mallow. Plantain.

Others support the respiratory system more directly. Elderflower is often used at the first signs of seasonal illness. Thyme remains one of the simplest and most effective herbs for respiratory support, whether in infusion or in food.

And then there are the plants we already use without thinking twice: Garlic. Onion. Chamomile.

These are not exotic remedies. They are already part of the kitchen, already part of daily life. And yet, they carry real functional value when the body is under strain.

White plants do not try to dominate a formula.
They accompany. They support. They soften the edges.

In a world that often looks for fast and forceful solutions, they offer something else.
A slower approach. A steadier one. One that works with the body rather than against it.

Next time you make a cup of chamomile or add garlic to a broth, take a moment.

It may look simple. It is not.

Have you been enjoying this series on plant colour?

Adapted from my translation of the wonderful work of my teacher, Veronique Pare.

04/08/2026

There are many ways people seek clarity.

Sometimes it comes through clinical work. Sometimes through conversation. And sometimes through sitting with someone who works in a different way.

We will be welcoming Judy Stark to our space one Friday afternoon each month, where she will be offering intuitive and mediumship sessions by appointment.

Judy has been working with people for many years, and what stands out is not just what she does, but how she does it. Her approach is gentle, respectful, and grounded in genuine care for the person in front of her.

These are one-on-one sessions held in a quiet, private setting. Whether you are curious, seeking perspective, or simply open to the experience, this is an opportunity to step into a calm and supportive space.

This is a hosted offering within our space. While it sits outside of our clinical herbal practice, we recognize that meaningful connection and personal reflection can take many forms.

Appointments are limited. Our first visit will take place on April 17.

04/08/2026

There is a growing trend online that needs to be addressed clearly and without apology.

Posts that label everyday foods and herbs as “natural painkillers” are not just simplistic. They are misleading, and in some cases, genuinely unsafe.

Let’s be precise. Yes, many plants have pharmacological activity. Yes, nutrition plays a role in long term health. But calling pineapple, turmeric, or peppermint “painkillers” without context is not education. It is reductionism.

Dose matters. Preparation matters. Plant part matters. Context matters.

Cherries, for example, are often associated with joint support. That does not mean eating a bowl of cherries will meaningfully address joint pain. The active constituents and their delivery are far more complex than that (good luck with that diarrhea - I even recall *that* scene from the Witches of Eastwick).

Turmeric is another classic case. In food form, it is supportive and preventative. It is not functioning as a painkiller in the way these posts suggest. To reach therapeutic levels, formulation and bioavailability strategies are required.

Peppermint is frequently recommended for digestion. Used incorrectly or in the wrong context, it can aggravate dryness and contribute to constipation. This is not theory. This is what I see in practice.

This is where the issue becomes serious. People are making real health decisions based on low effort, decontextualized graphics. And when practitioners step in to explain nuance, those explanations are often dismissed or removed , right? Looking at you Folk Medicine And Remedies ...

That is not education. That is curation of misinformation.

As clinical herbalists, we spend years learning how to assess the whole person, select the correct plant, the correct part, the correct preparation, and the correct dose. Reducing that to a list of “eat this for that” is not only inaccurate, it undermines safe practice.

And here is the uncomfortable truth. When misinformation spreads widely, regulation follows. The people who practice responsibly are the ones who end up constrained, while the sources of misinformation continue unchecked.

So here is the takeaway.

If a post makes bold health claims without context, dosage, preparation, or safety considerations, it is not reliable. If a page deletes thoughtful, evidence informed discussion, it is not acting in good faith.

Protect your health. Be critical of what you consume, both on your plate and on your screen.

And if you are unsure, ask someone trained to guide you properly.

04/04/2026

SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE

It’s 5:50 a.m. as I’m writing this. We laid Pippin to rest yesterday, and sleep hasn’t really come since.

I’m hoping to be able to open the shop later today. The plan is to rest as much as I can and wake up at the very last moment possible, then reassess how I’m feeling. It is possible that we will open, but I can’t promise it just yet.

If we’re unable to open today, I truly appreciate your understanding.

I’m taking the time I need to rest and regroup today.

For now, please just standby. I will update as soon as I know what the day will look like.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

04/02/2026

YOUR INPUT IS REQUESTED!

There’s something I’ve been sitting with lately.

Over the past little while, it has quietly become harder to find simple, well-made metaphysical tools locally. Not the mass-produced, trend-driven items, but the grounded, practical ones people actually use in their daily lives.

So I’d like to ask you directly.

Would you be interested if we created a small, carefully curated metaphysical section at Circé + Medée?

This would remain very much in line with how we already work. Thoughtful. Practical. Rooted in both tradition and real-life application. Not overwhelming, not cluttered, and certainly not built on exaggerated claims.

What we already offer would naturally be part of it:
• Fumigation bundles
• Non-smoke air cleansers
• Anointing oils

What we are considering adding, in a limited and intentional way:

• Simple ritual candles, including seasonal offerings aligned with the Wheel of the Year
• A small selection of high-quality crystals, chosen for clear, practical use and accompanied by guidance
• A few grounding tools to support nervous system regulation and daily practice
• Minimal ritual supports that help people begin or maintain a personal practice without overwhelm

Everything would be sourced with care. Fair trade whenever possible, with close attention to how materials are extracted and brought to market. No unnecessary production. No disposable spirituality.

We are envisioning something modest, since we have limited dusplay space. Enough to support a practice, not fill a shelf.

Before moving forward, I would really value your input.

Is this something you would use?

And if so, what would you hope to find there that is currently missing?

Your feedback will help shape this, or help us decide to leave it aside. Both are equally important.

In care,
Andrée

04/02/2026

BLUE PLANTS
When colour reflects function in the body

From wild blueberries to lavender, passing through mallow and elder, certain plants stand out through their deep blue and violet tones. These colours are not just aesthetic. They reflect the presence of compounds that can support circulation, cognitive function, and nervous system balance when used appropriately.

There is a moment each summer that I always look forward to, and it is the return of blueberries. These small, dark fruits, almost purple, stain your fingers without warning as you pick them absentmindedly, one after another. Their taste is gentle, slightly sweet, sometimes a little wild depending on where they grow. What appears simple at first glance carries far more depth, because in plants, colour often reflects underlying chemistry rather than decoration.

COLOUR AS A BIOLOGICAL SIGNAL

Blue and violet hues in plants are largely due to compounds called anthocyanins. These molecules are produced by the plant as part of its survival strategy, helping it respond to environmental stressors such as sun exposure and fluctuating growing conditions. When these plants are included as part of a varied and balanced diet, those same compounds may offer supportive effects within the human body, particularly in systems that rely on vascular and cellular resilience.

SUPPORTING CIRCULATION

Anthocyanin rich foods are commonly associated with supporting vascular health. They help maintain the integrity and tone of blood vessels and contribute to healthy circulation patterns. In everyday terms, this may translate into a sensation of lighter legs, support for microcirculation, and improved comfort during periods of visual strain, especially for those spending extended time focusing at close range.

THE BRAIN AND DEEPLY COLOURED PLANTS

There is also increasing interest in how these compounds interact with cognitive function. Current research suggests they may help support neuronal health and contribute to cognitive resilience over time. This does not position them as a standalone solution, but rather as one meaningful component within a broader approach that includes nutrition, lifestyle, and overall nervous system support.

NOT ALL BLUE PLANTS WORK THE SAME WAY

While colour offers a useful clue, it does not define the action of a plant. Lavender, for instance, is often used for its ability to support relaxation and rest, primarily through its aromatic profile. Mallow, on the other hand, offers soothing support to mucosal tissues, helping to bring comfort where there is dryness or irritation. Although they share a similar colour spectrum, their roles are distinct, which highlights the importance of understanding the whole plant rather than relying on a single visual cue.

BRINGING THEM INTO DAILY LIFE

Incorporating these plants into daily life does not require major changes. Adding wild blueberries to a bowl or smoothie is a simple and accessible starting point. A mild infusion of mallow can be used when gentle soothing support is needed, while culinary lavender can be incorporated sparingly into sweet preparations. Elder can also be enjoyed as part of seasonal routines, offering a traditional and practical way to include deeply coloured plant compounds in everyday habits.

A QUIET INVITATION

Blue and violet tones often evoke a sense of depth, calm, and stillness, and it is perhaps not surprising that plants carrying these colours are frequently used to support both circulation and the nervous system. These systems are closely tied to how we experience energy, focus, and overall well being. Taking a moment to observe these plants more closely can shift how we relate to them, moving from passive consumption to a more intentional form of use. Often, the most effective forms of support are not complex, but rather consistent, grounded, and built into daily life.

—

This content is provided for educational purposes within the scope of herbal practice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical care. Inspired from the translated work of Véronique Paré.

04/01/2026

🚨 PUBLIC NOTICE 🚨

We regret to inform you that there has been a serious breach of bathroom privacy at Circé + Medée.

It has come to our attention that Bastet (pictured above), also known as “The Silent Observer,” has been regularly stationed in her elevated post… in the bathroom.

While we do provide collars for our cats for nighttime safety, Bastet has recently been equipped with a tracking collar fitted with a small camera (for her frequent and entirely unauthorized escape missions).

Unfortunately, and quite critically, this means that during certain periods… recordings may have occurred.

Yes. From that angle.

We cannot confirm the full extent of what has been captured. We can, however, confirm that:

* Bastet takes her surveillance role very seriously
* She does not blink
* She does not look away
* And she has absolutely no respect for personal boundaries

As a result, any individual who has used the washroom during Bastet’s active observation periods may be entitled to financial compensation for emotional distress, loss of dignity, and unsolicited audience participation.

We are currently:
✔ Reviewing all feline-issued equipment
✔ Assessing the need for “No Surveillance Zone” signage
✔ Attempting to negotiate with Bastet (unsuccessful so far)

In the meantime, we strongly recommend:
✔ Conducting a full cat sweep before use
✔ Avoiding prolonged eye contact
✔ Coming to terms with the fact that Bastet may know you better than you know yourself

We sincerely apologize for this… situation.

— Management 🐾