Brookfield Herbal

11/03/2026

05/03/2026

You can switch Greek yogurt with a good coconut yogurt 👍

03/03/2026

02/03/2026

March Medicine | Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

Each and every March is when we go looking for her.
Low to the ground. Easy to miss.
And yet—one of the first to flower.

Ground ivy arrives early, offering her vibrant purple flowers and fresh green leaves just as the land begins to wake. She creeps through hedgerows and lawns, quietly signalling that winter is loosening its grip.

Her energy is fresh, aromatic, and rising.
We harvest the aerial tops:
the leaves, stems, and flowers,
gathered as we sing to her,
then popped fresh into a tincture, vitality is peak.

Traditionally, ground ivy is a marvellous spring medicine—a plant for clearing and opening. Our fresh herb tincture is applied to support:

🌿 respiratory congestion & sinus heaviness
🌿 sluggish digestion and post-winter dullness
🌿 lymphatic movement & gentle detox pathways
🌿 inflamed or irritated tissues (internally & externally)

She’s aromatic, slightly bitter, and deeply grounding.
One of the first flowering medicines of the year.
Purple-flowered. Powerful.

💜🌿

27/02/2026

NETTLE FRITTERS RECIPE

At this time of year nettles really start to shine as they pop up everywhere, vibrantly green and packed full of helpful minerals and goodness to kick start us into spring.

Nettle soup is a classic, but have you tried making nettle fritters?

The great thing about this delicious wild food is that they are easy to make and you can adapt them to exactly how you like them. Take the bones of this recipe we’re providing and make it your own!

One basic way to make them is to mix up gram flour with salt, spices, some baking powder and a little self-raising flour (you could use gluten free if you prefer). Mix this with an egg (leave this out if you avoid them) and either water or milk until you’ve got a smooth batter. Mix in nettles (that you’ve washed and patted dry), and then drop dollops of the mixture into a pan and fry until golden. Feel free to add any other vegetables, herbs &/or wild greens that you find and fancy!

Helen Kearney runs our in-person Home Herbalist course, makes these fritters a lot at this time of year, and is always coming up with tasty ways to build in more herbs and plants into her cooking.

🌿Come and learn with Helen on our Home Herbalist courses - the Advanced course starts soon in March, Summer School is in June and our introductory course is in the autumn.

➡️ Head to the link in our bio or go to www.betonica.co.uk/learn-more for links to all our Home Herbalist courses - both in person and online.

21/02/2026

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Mugwort is an ancient herb that has been widely used for its many therapeutic properties in traditional medicine systems across the world. Known for its aromatic leaves and its association with dreamwork and spiritual rituals, mugwort is most commonly used for digestive support, menstrual health, and as a gentle nervine. This hardy perennial has a long history in both European and Chinese medicine.

Description
•A perennial herb with long, lance-shaped leaves that are dark green on top and silvery-white underneath
•Produces small, greenish-yellow flowers arranged in clusters, blooming in late summer
•Can grow up to 3-6 feet tall and has a strong, aromatic scent
•Often found in disturbed soils, roadsides, and meadows

Parts Commonly Used:
Leaves
•The most commonly used part of the plant
•Typically used in teas, tinctures, or as a topical poultice
•Known for its digestive and calming properties

Flowers
•Sometimes used in herbal preparations for their mild digestive and relaxing effects
•Less commonly used than the leaves, but still valued in certain formulations

Root
•Less commonly used but can be found in some traditional formulations for its tonic and digestive benefits

Traditional Benefits:
•Digestive support: Mugwort is often used to promote healthy digestion, alleviate bloating, and support liver function
•Menstrual health: Known for its ability to help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms of PMS
•Dream and sleep support: Traditionally used to enhance dreams and promote vivid dreaming, making it popular in spiritual and ritualistic practices
•Nervine: Used as a mild nervine to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
•Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress

Forms of Use:
•Teas (made from dried leaves)
•Tinctures
•Poultices (used topically for aches or skin irritations)
•Capsules and powders
•Smudge sticks or incense (used for spiritual purposes)

Native Range:
Native to Europe, Asia, and North America

Grows in disturbed soil, roadsides, meadows, and along the edges of forests

Fun Facts:
•Mugwort has been historically used in rituals and spiritual practices to enhance lucid dreaming and promote prophetic dreams
•The name “Artemisia” is derived from the Greek goddess Artemis, who was associated with women’s health and the moon
•Mugwort is one of the "nine sacred herbs" of Anglo-Saxon tradition
•The herb is sometimes used in cooking in some cultures, especially in traditional Chinese cuisine, to flavor dishes like rice dumplings
•Mugwort was also used as a protective herb, often carried or hung in homes to ward off evil spirits

Disclaimer
Always do your research before introducing into your diet, especially if you have any underlying or pre-existing conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medications.

21/02/2026

🌿 Herb in Focus: The Synergistic Power of Hyssop & Mullein 🤝

In the traditional apothecary, Hyssop (the stimulant) and Mullein (the soother) are frequently paired to treat complex lung conditions. Now, a rigorous 2023 triple-blind clinical trial has validated this ancient "power couple" for modern viral respiratory care.

As detailed in our new infographic, Hyssop & Mullein Tea Clinical Trial, here is what the latest science reveals about using this tea as adjuvant therapy for COVID-19:

🔬 The Study Design
The trial involved 80 hospitalized patients. While everyone received standard hospital care, the intervention group drank a specific herbal tea blend (15g Hyssop flowers + 5g Mullein leaves) three times a day.

📉 The Results: The "Day 8" Kicker
The tea group recovered much faster than the control group.

Day 2: Early relief was noted, specifically for body pain and sore throat.

Day 6: Significant reduction in all five monitored symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness, throat, pain).

Day 8 (The Big Win): While the control group still had lingering issues, 100% of the patients in the herbal tea group reported NO cough, NO shortness of breath, and NO pain.

⚗️ Why The Synergy Works
It works because they cover each other's bases:

Hyssop: Acts as a potent anti-inflammatory, regulating cytokines and even acting on opioid receptors to reduce body pain.

Mullein: Provides ursolic acid (a viral inhibitor) and cooling mucilage that heals the hoarseness and soothes the tissues Hyssop is stimulating.

It is proof that sometimes, the most powerful medicine is found in the synergy of the teapot.

Want to learn more about the herbs that heal, check out our books, https://rjhomestead.com/books

19/02/2026

Mushrooms are the only produce item that can synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight, much like human skin. They contain a precursor called ergosterol. When exposed to UV light, they convert it into Vitamin D2. Studies show that even "store-bought" mushrooms will skyrocket in nutrient density if you just put them on a windowsill before eating them. You’re essentially "charging" your food with solar energy.

18/02/2026

🌿 Herb in Focus: Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) 🌿

In our latest deep dive, we are turning our attention to Hyssop, a beautiful perennial shrub that has journeyed from the Mediterranean to gardens all over the world. You might know it as a gentle remedy for coughs, but modern science is revealing a chemical profile that proves this plant is a heavy hitter in the apothecary.

As outlined in our new infographic, The Medicinal Power of Hyssop, here is what the research says:

🔬 The Chemical Profile
Hyssop's power comes from a diverse mix of compounds. Its leaves and flowers are packed with flavonoids like quercetin and luteolin, while its minty, camphorous essential oil is rich in unique terpenes like pinocamphone. It’s basically a cocktail of antioxidants and aromatic medicine!

🧠 Brain Health & Memory
This is exciting! Emerging research suggests Hyssop might help protect the brain. Extracts from the stems have shown activity similar to Alzheimer's medications (anticholinesterase activity). Studies also indicate it may help improve memory and learning by reducing oxidative stress in the brain and calming the nervous system.

🛡️ Antimicrobial & Antiviral Shield
Hyssop is a serious guardian against germs. Its oils and extracts have shown strong activity against tough bacteria like Staph. Even more impressive, crude extracts have demonstrated powerful antiviral potential in lab tests, including inhibiting mechanisms used by major viruses. It’s a potent defender for your immune system.

🫁 Respiratory & Tummy Support
Science is finally catching up to tradition! Research confirms Hyssop can help with asthma by balancing specific enzymes in the airways. It also acts as a muscle relaxant for the intestines and has "antiulcer" properties, helping to soothe and protect the stomach lining.

From its history as a holy herb to its use in the famous liqueur Chartreuse, Hyssop remains a vital botanical for modern health and wellness.

Want to learn more about the herbs that heal, check out https://rjhomestead.com/books

13/02/2026

10/02/2026

Sage advice

06/02/2026