Old River Farm Herbs & Healing, King's Lynn (2026)

20/03/2026

Spring has sprung! 🌼🌺🌷

Happy Spring Equinox!! 🌞🌱

Today, day and night are in perfect balance—a beautiful moment of harmony between light and dark.

As winter fades, the Earth is finally waking from her slumber. We’re seeing the first blooms on the plants and trees, and feeling that fresh energy in the air. It’s the perfect time to celebrate new beginnings, warmth, and a total renewal of spirit. 🌿✨

How are you celebrating the first day of Spring? 👇

18/03/2026

Medicinal Tree Series: Alder

(For any new followers - see the initial post on this series in the pinned section)

🌿 Meet the Trailblazer: Alder (March 18 – April 14) 🌿

Step into the fourth month of the Celtic Tree Calendar. Known as "Fearn" in Celtic lore, the Alder is the ultimate bridge between heaven and earth. Often found flourishing on riverbanks, its roots dive deep into the water, peaking in energy right around the Spring Equinox (Ostara). 🌸✨

The Alder is monoecious, meaning it grows both male and female flowers (catkins) on the same tree. Here’s what to look for right now (February–April) before the leaves even appear:

💛 Male flowers: Long, yellow, dangling catkins (about 2-6cm) that sway in the breeze.

💚 Female flowers: Small, green, rounded clusters on the same branch.

The Transformation: 🌬️

Once the wind does its work with pollination, those tiny green flowers turn into woody, brown "mini cones" by autumn. When they’re ready, they pop open and send their seeds off on a journey via wind and water. 🌊🍃

Alder is also a powerhouse of traditional medicine. Here’s how this member of the birch family is used in herbalism:

🛡️ External Healing

Because it’s packed with tannins, Alder is a natural "astringent" (it tightens and protects):

• Wound Care: Bark decoctions help pull tissues together and fight microbes.

• Skin Soother: Used for eczema, rashes, and even stubborn inflammation.

• Aches & Pains: Perfect in a foot bath for sore feet or a compress for arthritis.

☕ Internal Support

Alder isn't just for topical use; it’s a warrior for internal health too:

• Throat & Mouth: A go-to gargle for sore throats, tonsillitis, and ulcers.

• Digestion: Helps settle the stomach, stops diarrhoea, and aids bile production.

• Nature’s Aspirin: Contains salicin to help reduce fevers and ease inflammation.

• Immune Boost: Acts as a "lymphatic cleanser" to help your body fight off infection.

⚠️ A Note of Caution:
Large doses of fresh bark can cause nausea. It should be avoided during pregnancy and may interact with blood thinners or diuretics.

Anyone know why Alder is called The Trailblazer? 🌳 Let us know in the comments! 👇

15/03/2026

Spring flowers - Part 2🌷🌺🌞

Looking for a bit of garden magic? 🌼✨

Here are four common spring blooms that have been used in traditional remedies for centuries. From soothing salves to respiratory relief, these plants are more than just pretty faces!

🌼 Common Daisy (The Gentle Healer)
Once known as "bruisewort," daisies are a natural, gentler alternative to Arnica. They are great for soothing bruises, sprains, and joint pain when used as an oil or salve.

⚠️ Note: Skip this one if you’re allergic to ragw**d!

🌸 Primrose (The Breather)
In traditional medicine, primrose was the go-to for clearing coughs and mucus. It’s also been used to help with skin conditions and muscle aches.

⚠️ Note: Some people get a skin rash (dermatitis) from touching the leaves.

💜 Violets (The Soother)
These cooling beauties are packed with Vitamins A and C. They’re traditionally used as a syrup or tea for sore throats and dry coughs. They are gentle enough for kids!

⚠️ Note: Only use wild violets, not the decorative "African Violets" from the shop.

🌷 Daffodils (The Modern Medicine)
Did you know daffodils contain a compound used today to manage Alzheimer’s? While they were used for wounds in the past, they are actually toxic.

⚠️ Note: Never ingest daffodils or use them in home remedies. They can also cause "daffodil itch" if you handle the bulbs too much!

Which of these is blooming in your garden right now? 👇

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🚨‼️Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes. Always consult a professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you have allergies or are pregnant.

14/03/2026

Spring is springing!! 🌱🌿☀️

While the Spring equinox isn’t until March 20th, the first blooms are already peeking through.

Aren't they beautiful??!! 🌷🌻🌸

Is there anything more revitalising than seeing primroses, daisies, daffodils, and velvety violets after a long winter?

They’re exactly the bit of bright, cheerful magic we all need right now. 🙂✨

Coming tomorrow: I’ll be diving into the surprising medicinal uses of these spring beauties. Stay tuned!

28/02/2026

🚨UK Pollen Bomb - Part 2

Top tips to survive the pollen surge:

• Create a barrier: Rub a bit of vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen before it gets in.

• Shield up: Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes.

• Wash it off: Shower and change your clothes immediately after being outside.

• Natural support: Don't forget the power of herbs!! I sell a specific herbal tea blend for hayfever and single teas that help with allergy symptoms - see my webpage for details: https://oldriverfarm.org/

🌿 Top Herbal Remedies for Hay Fever

• Nettle (Urtica dioica): Often called nature's antihistamine. Drinking nettle tea or taking capsules can help block histamine receptors and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.

• Eyebright (Euphrasia): Living up to its name, this herb is traditionally used to soothe itchy, watery, and irritated eyes. You can find it in specialised eye drops or drink it as a tea to help tighten mucous membranes.

• Elderflower: Excellent for reducing excess mucus, making it ideal for both runny noses and "weepy" eyes. It’s frequently combined with nettle and chamomile in seasonal tea blends.

• Chamomile: Beyond its calming effects, chamomile acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Use cooled chamomile tea bags as a soothing eye compress for immediate relief from redness.

🍎 Dietary "Antihistamines"

• Quercetin-Rich Foods: This natural plant pigment stabilises the cells that release histamine. Boost your intake by eating red onions, unpeeled apples, berries, and capers.

• Local Honey: While scientific evidence is mixed, many swear by a spoonful of local honey daily to help the body acclimatise to local pollen.

• Ginger & Turmeric: Both are powerful anti-inflammatories that can help reduce swelling in the nose and throat. Try a fresh ginger and lemon tea to clear your senses.

🌬️ Quick Relief Tips

• Steam Inhalation: Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water can help clear blocked sinuses and ease breathing.

• Vitamin C: Acts as a natural antihistamine and immune booster. Load up on citrus fruits, kiwis, and red peppers

Stay safe (and sneeze-free) out there! 🌼

27/02/2026

🚨 ALERT: The UK "Pollen Bomb" has arrived!

After 55 days of rain and cold, the sudden warm snap has triggered a massive surge in tree pollen weeks earlier than usual. 🌳💥

If you’re already sneezing, you’re not alone. Trees like alder, hazel, and elm are currently hitting "very high" levels across the UK.

Is it a cold or hay fever? 🤧
Unlike a cold, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) won’t give you a fever, and your symptoms will last as long as you're exposed to the pollen.

Key Details About Hay Fever:

• Causes: Primarily triggered by tree, grass, and w**d pollen. It can also be caused by mould, dust mites, and pet dander.

• Symptoms: Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy/watery eyes, and itchy throat, nose, and ears.

• Timing: Seasonal (usually March to September) due to high pollen counts.

• Management: While there is no cure, it can be managed by avoiding exposure to allergens, use of antihistamines, nasal sprays, and of course herbs!! 🌿🌱

See my next post tomorrow with recommendations for top tips on how to survive the pollen surge! 🤧

18/02/2026

Medicinal Tree Series: Ash 🌳✨🌿

Ash: The Enchanter (February 18 - March 17)

The third tree in the Celtic Tree Calendar series is Ash, known as "Nion" in Celtic (also spelled Nuin or Nin), symbolises connection, wisdom, strength, and the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil, the cosmic world tree, was an Ash, highlighting its significance as a central pillar connecting different realms.

The ash tree has a long history in traditional medicine, with leaves and bark used for their anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and laxative properties. Key medicinal uses include relieving joint pain and arthritis, treating gout, promoting kidney health, and acting as a natural detoxifier, often taken as tea or extract.

Constituents: the bark of ash contains salicylates, other parts contain flavone glycosides, resins, tannins, mannitol and fruit acids.

Key Medicinal Uses and Benefits:

• Arthritis and Rheumatism: Ash bark and leaves are frequently used to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with joint issues and muscular pain.

• Diuretic and Detoxification: Leaves possess strong diuretic properties, stimulating kidney function and promoting the elimination of toxins and uric acid.

• Gout Relief: The diuretic action aids in reducing uric acid levels, making it useful for managing gout.

• Digestive Health: Historically, the bark and leaves have been used for their mild laxative effects and to treat digestive issues.

• Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic: Used for fever reduction and reducing inflammation in various tissues.

• Skin Conditions: Historically applied to wounds and sores due to the astringent and, in some cases, anti-inflammatory properties of the bark.

Common Preparations include an infusion of the leaf (tea), a decoction of the bark, and capsules/extracts for a more concentrated effect. ☕️

⚠️ As with all medicinal plants, while ash is generally regarded as safe, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider before using, especially for conditions like chronic arthritis.

References:
Stapley, C. (2021) The Tree Dispensary, London: Aeon Books Ltd.

17/02/2026

Today (February 17, 2026) is a massive day for cosmic energy! 🌌

We’re witnessing a rare "Triple Convergence" of high-intensity shifts: a New Moon, a "Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse, and the start of the Chinese New Year—the Year of the Fire Horse.

To match this fiery energy, let’s talk about a plant that brings the heat both in the kitchen and in medicine: the Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum) 🌶️🔥.

🌿 The Power of the Chili Pepper

Cultivated for over 7,000 years, this plant is much more than just a spice. Its secret weapon? Capsaicin—the compound responsible for that famous "burn" and incredible healing properties.

How it helps you medicinally:

Pain Relief: Capsaicin is a natural analgesic used in creams and patches to desensitise nerve endings, offering relief for arthritis, shingles, and muscle aches.

Metabolic Spark: It boosts your basal metabolic rate through thermogenesis—literally helping your body burn energy by creating heat.

Gut Hero: Historically used to aid digestion and reduce bloating, it stimulates gastric secretions to keep things moving smoothly.

Heart Support: Studies suggest it can help lower cholesterol and improve circulation, keeping your cardiovascular system strong.

Immune & Respiratory Boost: High in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it’s a traditional go-to for clearing congestion and fighting off bacteria.

⚠️ Safety Note: If you’re using capsaicin topically, remember to take a break! It shouldn't be used continuously for more than 3 weeks at a time.

Whether you’re setting intentions for the New Year or just looking to spice up your wellness routine, today is the perfect day to embrace the fire! 🐎🔥

15/02/2026

Snow Herbs!! ❄️🌿🌱

We actually got some snow today here in Norfolk! It’s that wet, heavy kind that won’t stick around for long, but it looks beautiful while it lasts.

I managed to snap a few photos of my herbs tucked away in their winter slumber, now blanketed under a fresh layer of white. It's amazing how resilient they are!

Can you guess which herbs are hiding under there? 🕵️‍♀️

Leave your guesses in the comments below! 👇

(Hint: they are all common kitchen herbs)

31/01/2026

Spring has sprung? Or has it?? 🌱🌞🌷

Despite it still being technically winter here in the UK.....the signs of spring are definitely showing!

The early spring herbs are waking up!!

Cleavers (Galium aparine): The Lymphatic Lifter 🌿

One of the best herbs for a healthy spring detox, cleavers is a potent lymphatic tonic and diuretic. It aids detoxification by reducing fluid retention, supporting kidney function, and easing swollen glands. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin conditions (such as eczema and psoriasis), urinary tract infections, and respiratory congestion.

How to use:

Sip it: Steep fresh or dried leaves for a cleansing morning tea.

Boost it: Use a tincture or fresh juice for a concentrated lymphatic "reset."

Heal it: Apply as a poultice to soothe minor burns or reduce puffiness.

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Chickw**d (Stellaria media): The Nutrient Powerhouse ✨

A tiny plant but a powerhouse of nutrients, chickw**d offers significant anti-inflammatory, soothing, and cooling properties for skin, digestive, and respiratory health. Rich in vitamins A and C and essential minerals, it is used to soothe skin irritations, reduce joint pain, and support nutrient absorption.

How to use:

Eat it: Toss raw leaves into salads or sauté them like spinach (it's delicious with a peppery flavour!).

Drink it: Brew as a cooling tea to support digestion.

Soothe it: Use infused oils or crushed leaves topically for itchy skin or eczema.

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My Spring Brew- In my excitement at finding a large patch of both cleavers and chickw**d (with tiny baby nettles coming up, too!), I made a cold infusion. I simply cut the fresh herbs, rinsed them, placed them in a clean jar, and topped them up with fresh water. I’ll leave the jar in the fridge overnight to enjoy a refreshing glass first thing in the morning.

It really couldn't be easier to bring beneficial medicinal herbs into your life! 🙂🌿

24/01/2026

Medicinal Tree Series: Rowan

Rowan: The Protector (January 21 - February 17)

The second tree in the Celtic Tree Calendar series is Rowan, known as "Luis" in Celtic, which meaning protection, vitality and fire. It is also known as Mountain Ash.

Rowan tree flowers, berries and bark have been used historically as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, and a rich source of vitamin C used to treat scurvy. In more modern days, the berries are commonly prepared as teas, jams, or tinctures to address digestive issues, sore throats, rheumatism, and infections.

Constituents in the berries include organic acids, flavonoids, amygdalin, cyanidin, sorbitol, pectin, sugars and tannins.

Key Medicinal Uses and Benefits:

• Digestive Health: Rowan berries are traditionally used as a laxative to aid digestion and to treat diarrhoea.

• Immune System Boost: Due to high vitamin C content, they are used to treat colds, flus, and infections.

• Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief: Used to alleviate symptoms of rheumatism, gout, and arthritis.

• Astringent Properties: The bark and berries are used as a gargle for throat infections, hoarseness, and for managing haemorrhoids.

• Antiseptic: Rowan berries contain sorbic acid, which acts as a natural inhibitor of bacterial growth, sometimes used for throat infections.

• Vitamin Source: The berries are rich in vitamin C and sorbitol, helping to boost immunity and aid in hydration.

Important Safety Information:

• Toxicity Risk: Raw berries contain parasorbic acid, which can cause kidney damage, diarrhoea, and vomiting if consumed in high quantities.

• Preparation Requirement: Berries must be cooked, dried, or processed to neutralize the toxic compounds.

• Medication Interaction: use with caution if taking medications that affect the kidneys.

17/01/2026

Medicinal Tree Series: Birch

Birch: The Initiator (December 24 - January 20)

The first tree in the Celtic Tree Calendar is the Birch, known as "Beith" in Celtic, a name signifying new beginnings, rebirth, and regeneration. Birch are among the first trees to colonise new, disturbed, or cleared land due to their hardiness, fast growth, and ability to thrive in poor soils. Their presence helps improve soil conditions, paving the way for other, less hardy tree species to establish later.

There are many species of birch trees distributed widely across the Northern Hemisphere, but the species most commonly used by western herbalists is Silver Birch (Betula pendula). This tree has been valued for many thousands of years with a myriad of uses including its wood in furniture and canoes, bark for waterproof containers and glue, and sap for drinks and medicine.

It is still used medicinally today, and the parts used include: the sap (tapped from mature trees in Feb/March), bark (stripped from branches in early spring), and the buds and leaves gathered in late spring or early summer.

Medicinal uses:

• Diuretic & Detoxification: Birch leaf tea is used to flush the urinary tract and help with uric acid elimination, supporting kidney and bladder health.

• Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief: Used for arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and muscular pain, with topical application of bark sometimes used for muscle relief.

• Skin Conditions: Bark and tar are applied topically for eczema, psoriasis, warts, and irritation; extracts show potential for skin purification.

• Antiseptic: Birch buds and bark have antiseptic qualities, aiding wound healing.

• Digestive Support: Astringent properties help tighten mucous membranes, and bitterness stimulates digestion.

• Antiviral & Anticancer: Research has shown antiviral and potential anticancer effects of bark compounds like betulinic acid.

Reference:

Stapley, C. (2021) The Tree Dispensary, London: Aeon Books Ltd.

Old River Farm Herbs & Healing

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