01/09/2023
Herbs are my passion, and have been since I lifted the first one from the church yard when I was sixish. I couldn't help myself. There it was all white-flowered and vibrantly green, calling to me: Over here! Pick me! So I did, and ate it despite mom's warnings, and I've been at it ever since.
The magical connection between the herbs of the Earth and the humans of the Earth is always on my mind, from my first cup of dandelion tea in the morning till my nightcap of lemon balm before bedtime. Between times, I'm planting, preparing, planning, harvesting, tending, searching, photographing, drinking, chewing, writing about, or talking herbs.
Both formally and informally trained, I've practiced as a local herbalist for more than 30 years. I offer herb walks and instruction, health consultations, and custom compounds in addition to the selection you'll find here. If you don't see it, ask me for it. Could be it hasn't been bottled, labeled, or photographed yet. I love to teach people about herbs and their health-giving benefits, how to use them, grow them, and prepare them.
Now here's a picture of that little herb that I requesitioned from the church yard sixty years ago. Not the plant I ate, of course, but the one that is growing in my little greenhouse, still one of my favorite herbs and foods. Turns out, it would have been just the thing for the chronic bronchitis I suffered with until I was seven.
Chickweed (this is Star Chickweed) grows year-round here in Macon County, Tennessee. Yes, even now, even after those single-digit nights we had a few weeks back.
It's one of those super foods, crazy high in silica, C, iron, bioflavonoids and phytonutrients, tender, delicious, pest-free, and FREE.
Stay Healthy! Stay in touch!