The Empirical Herbalist

11/05/2025

Just made a new double batch of Elderberry Syrup right before we get our first really cold weather.

Why do so many people take elderberry? Glad you asked- Elder is sooooo good for us!

Elderflower -

Anti viral- meaning she protects from viruses and heals them quickly

Diaphoretic- It’s a wonderful medicine to gently raise a temperature especially in the young or the elderly. She’s much more gentle than other herbs and this raising of temp can be very helpful in pushing a fever or if circulation is an issue.

Mildly purgative- helps us release and let go

She helps to relieve nasal secretions and sinus congestion particularly, working on gently drying the mucus in the sinuses.

The elderflower has an unique anti inflammatory specialization that the berry doesn’t- it works to relieve inflammation around the muscles and joints making it wonderful for those aches and pains with the flu

Elderberry - a tried and true herbal ally

Anti viral

Anti Histimine

Anti bacterial

Anti Infammatory

High in Vitamon C, A, Flavonoids and polyphenols.

Great for respiration

Boosts immune response

Lowers “BAD” Cholesterol

Keeps Bowel Movements regular

One strudy in Israel, “found that it disarms the enzyme that the flu viruses use to pe*****te healthy cells in the lining of both the nose and the throat. Taken as a preventative, elderberry prevents this enzyme from invading AND taken after infection, it prevents the spread through the respiratory system. In a trial 20% of subjects showed improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours and 90% claimed to be back to their healthy selves with in 72 hours. In contrast, subjects treated with a placebo reported feeling better after 6 days.

And on the home front, University of Maryland Medical Center reports that elderberry outranks “Superfoods” such as blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and goji in terms of total flavonoids content. Flavonoids are the warriors you want on your team to deal with free radicals that wreak havoc on our cells. Think of them as a first line of defense against the day to day stressors we all encounter.

OH and it tastes yummy and is easy to add to you day- drink it by the spoonful, add to fizzy water, your coffee or a tea. I love it in some oatmeal or yogurt.

Links to order in the comments

11/05/2025

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

Tis the season, Wreath making class is back!
We'll gather in the classroom and each person will craft their wreath from a variety of herbs and plants freshly harvested from my yard and gardens while snacking on herbal goodies. Every wreath is unique and should represent YOU- please feel free to bring any stones, jewelry or ribbons you would like to add. There will be a selection of other add ins available as well.

It's a perfect way to kick off the holiday season- bring a friend or come out and make a few.

Spots are limited so grab yours today!
Link in the comments

11/03/2025

November is the time where we wrap up the gardens. We harvest all the annuals and the roots of the perennials, taking care to gather just enough and not to hurt the future of the plant’s life. We lay mulch to help the plants retain nutrients and to protect from the harshness of the cold months ahead. The plants have much work to do over the next few months. They dig in deeper to keep themselves well and supported for the new years upcoming growth. They stretch deep working behind the scenes so well that it appears they are sleeping but isn’t that the way it always is- the true hard work is not showy or put on for the greater audience. It’s done in steps bit by bit.

What are you working toward as the days get shorter and you have more time for going deeper?? What roots are you nourishing? May it be exactly what you need for support!

So the Holiday Season is here- for me it’s always here by Halloween/Samhain and before we know it- 2026 will break through the door and bring in loads of new energy. As I begin my own journey of tidying up and planning- I try to remember to breathe. This has been a very intense year personally and there is a lot to unpack and nurture. BUT the year still has lots to show us and I hope that as we all move toward the closing of 2025 we can celebrate all of our triumphs and lessons, even if we feel a bit road worn, we are still here.

Herbs that I am personally turning to this time of year for support that might be allies for some of you right now too. Let me know what herbs you are leaning on for Fall.

Tulsi- Or Holy Basil - she’s one of my favorite adaptogens- helping navigate the ups and downs of being human. She is cardio protective, helps with respiratory issues, slightly warming, has an affinity for the brain including memory and helps overall with stamina and fortitude.

Thyme- such a yummy herb to cook with- blends with sweet and savory and is anti disease- gives us a little extra in our immune system tank for the yucks going around offers us a little protection and strength.

Ashwaganda- more adapatogenic help and really grounds us in all areas, especially in my Perimenopause life.

Cacao - there are many reasons Cacao is scientifically called “food of the gods” because Cacao is absolutely divine. Such a heavenly taste and helps with all issues of the heart and mind. It’s the perfect addition to my coffee or baked goods or in a cup with other herbs.

Calendar-

Nov 13th- 17th- Closed for SENC

Nov 15th & 16th- SENC- a wonderful herbal conference in Burgaw NC. This 2 day event is only about 1/2 hour from the beach so come learn, shop and hit up the Ocean one more time in 2025.

Nov 22nd- Planting Ceremony- SOLD OUT

Nov 26th - 30th - CLOSED for the Holiday

Nov- 28th- Dec 1st - Online Sale for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday- There will be an email sent out with all the sales and the codes. Stay tuned!

Dec 2nd- Herbal Wreath Making Class - 6:00 in the Classroom. Come make your own wreath with herbs and other plants from my yard. There will be holiday treats and you can shop The Apothecary. We always have such a fun time just creating with each other. There is one scholarship available for this as long as I make the minimum to host this event. Email me if you would like the scholarship!

Dec 6th- OPEN HOUSE- Come stock up on herbal goodies and treats for your loved ones or yourself!

Dec 23rd- Jan 4th - Closed for the holidays

Link for Class in the comments-

10/30/2025

This year saw many plants explode in my gardens. One in particualr was my passionflower vine. She’s known to make herself very comfortable and did. I could harvest daily for months and I did try to stay on top of her but a lot went to fruit. Now a few years ago, I harvested some when I “thought” they looked ripe and blecch- pretty unremarkable and I just couldn’t for the life of me understand why people ever ate this fruit. This year I let them be while I was busy being busy. As I was cutting some of them back- I saw some not so attractive wrinkled ones and remembered reading somewhere that older ones were actually the ripe ones so I split them open- and struck gold- LITERALLY- when ripe the fruit is a golden yellow on the inside and they taste unlike anything I’ve ever had. I actually ran to have Glenn try it. Thoughts already formulating.

I love jelly and jams! Who am I kidding I ADORE them but I don’t make them often. I’m impatient and my great grandmother came from a long line of Appalachian women who made incredible ones so I was spoiled on her homemade goodies. I will argue that her applebutter is superior to anyones ever. So my own version of imposter’s syndrome is I will not be as talented or make anything close to my family so why bother.

Well I did bother this time because I have never had it and I just felt called to make it because other people have probably also never had it. It is really one of the most favorite things I’ve ever eaten. Not because I made it- no, I’m sure other people make it better, but because the flavor is sweet and tangy and like if you crossed the best mangoes, bananas and lemonade. They are bright and vibrant and just filled me with wonder and joy. I told my Mom that I was even mad that my family had let me go without it. It turns out that my great grandmother didn’t make it because her sister in law made it. Maybe I’m not the only one with a little imposter issue. Maybe someone in your family heritage made it too.

I hope to make this a seasonal regular item as long as my plants do well but it is limited this year so if you feel called to it, grab it while you can.

Link in the comments

10/28/2025

🍁Nourishing Neighbors This November!

For the month of November, Ijams Nature Center is hosting a Nature Nourishing Neighbors Food Drive for community members in need.

Bring two or more nonperishable food items to the Visitor Center during November and receive a 15% off your coupon for a gift shop purchase as a thank-you for giving back.

Your donations will support people right here in our community. Let’s make a difference together! 💚

📍 Drop off: Ijams Visitor Center
📅 When: All November long
🎁 Thank you gift: 15% off gift shop items

10/28/2025

As Halloween or Samhain fast approaches, most of us snuggle down and get excited for a few good scares BUT there is one thing that unfornately scares us through out the year. YES, I’m talking about something far worse than any ghost or ghoul- that’s right “HOT FLASHES” - EEEEKKKKKKK
Easily they are one of the worst aspects of perimenopause/menopause. They disrupt sleep, disturb our quality of life and make us feel like molten lava may come out of our ears. There are so many herbs that can taken to help alleviate them when taken for extended periods of time but most of us need is instant help- well herbs have got us there too.
This spray was designed to help cool down that vasodilator reaction in the body- HUH?? So vasodilation is when out venous system (viens) expand and it causes more blood to pump, this increases our body heat and in a hot flash it can happen suddenly. The real reason behind it is our hypothalamus is disregulated by the decreasing estrogen in the body so we need to help with that decrease but in the moment we need something to cool the body- fanning, cool water, stripping naked- if you know you know.
Simply shake this bottle and spray it on pressure points- wrists, behind the knees, back of the neck (my personal favorite). You can keep this in your purse, by your bed or where ever is most convienent for you.

Link in the comments

10/23/2025

Thank you all so much! The Planting Ceremonies are sold out!

10/20/2025

WOW-

Only one spot left for the planting ceremony- 5:30- grab it if you want it. Payment plans are available.

Here's a testimony- “I heard messages from the trees and was taken back to most of my fond memories... all related to my love of nature as well as nature's love for me. I felt transformed after the ceremony and could relate to all living things more clearly. Somehow, this connection has led me deeper into my own truth, confidence and healing. I am grateful for the integrity, knowledge and genuine hope for my highest good that Ruth has shown me on my journey.”