Red Road Herbs Retreat & Learning Center LLC

05/25/2026

We had about 3" of much-needed, gentle, non-storm rain over the past few days 😊

The bedding plants who were getting a bit cranky about being in their pots for so long (through 90 degree heat and hail storms) have finally been put in the ground. The next few days will be a challenge with the expected heat, but they're healthy and happy.

Many thanks to all the herb growers! You can rest assured the plants you provided will be well cared for here at Red Road Herbs and will help people learn about their incredible gifts.

05/23/2026

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is blooming!!
Despite the pungent odor of the roots, the flowers are sweetly scented, though they have a hint of the spiciness that is in the roots. There’s a saying about Horseradish that recommends harvesting the root only in a month that has an “R” in it. While that’s true if you want the most potent root, you can use a bit of them any time of year to clear up sinus congestion. The famous herbalist and author, Dr. Christopher, recommends chewing a piece of the root until the flavor is gone to drain sinus cavities. Horseradish root is also a digestive aid, hence the culinary use of it with fatty meats.

05/21/2026

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is also known as wild cherry and has been listed as an official medicine in the US (for cough and sore throats) since 1820. The cherries were also used extensively by Plains tribes for food, medicine and ceremonies as noted in the diaries of Lewis and Clark. Even today, who can resist a jar of homemade Chokecherry jam?

Pemmican, a staple “to-go” food for nomad tribes, was made from dried, ground Chokecherries and buffalo meat that would keep for years if kept dry. The inner bark (cambium) of Chokecherry branches was used for coughs, sore throats and as an eyewash. The leaves and cherry pits are poisonous unless cooked.

Like most fruit trees, Chokecherry wood is very hard and can withstand a lot of heat before burning. For that reason, forked branches are used to carry hot rocks from the fire pit to the sweat lodge for ceremonies.

Another nice thing about having Chokecherries grow nearby is they attract Tiger Swallowtail butterflies.

05/20/2026

Happy World Bee Day - May 20th
Celebrate and learn more about bees by building a "bee house" for solitary bees:
https://beekeepercorner.com/build-a-bee-hotel-at-home/

05/20/2026

Frost Advisory!!
Gee, a few days ago the baby plants (still in pots) needed protection from 94-degree heat as they were getting hardened off to go outside. The last two days they had to come inside because we had hail and severe windstorms. Now they still can't go outside until tomorrow because of a potential frost overnight!! They are beginning to get a bit dramatic about this weather and having to stay inside😫

Hopefully tomorrow they can get out of those dinky pots ☺️

05/18/2026

Speaking of birds, if you'd like to learn more about herbs to grow for birds, join us at Pfanny's Farm on June 13th at 6:30 (farm shop open at 5:30)

Rachel from Red Road Herbs will be joining us again this season with a special treat for all our bird & herb lovers! Text Julie, or send us a message to reserve your spot!

05/18/2026

18 different birds singing this morning! Such a lovely sound to start the day 😊
The evening was a bit harrowing with tornado warnings and some hail, but all is well.

In addition to the list the Merlin app heard, we have a few other regular visitors:
Brown-headed cowbird
Downy woodpecker
Hairy woodpecker
Red-bellied woodpecker
Northern flicker
Western meadowlark
Northern cardinal
American crow
Eastern towhee
Northern bobwhite
Rose-breasted grosbeak

05/17/2026

Petrichor - from the Ancient Greek word for rock (petra) and the mythological blood of the Greek gods (ichor.)

From the BBC and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:
The molecule, geosmin, is produced by Streptomyces. Present in most healthy soils, these bacteria are also used to create commercial antibiotics. Drops of water hitting the ground cause geosmin to be released into the air, making it much more abundant after a rain shower. Goesmin is becoming more popular as a perfume ingredient and also give beets their distinctive earthy taste.

According to Prof Nielsen, research also indicates that geosmin could be related to terpenes - the source of scent in many plants. The plant chemicals that smell pleasant are produced in leaf hairs... and the rain may damage these, releasing the compounds.

Photo: raindrops on mullein leaf

05/14/2026

Make plans now to attend Nebraska's first and only herb conference 🌱🌼🌿🌸
Register before June 1 for Early Bird Special Pricing - save $60 on weekend price!
More information available at

2026 Saturday & Sunday July 18 & July 19 A hands-on herbal immersion in prairie wisdom, plant connection, & community. Register for 2026 Saturday | July 18th, 2026 | Schedule Registration: 8:00 - 9:00 AM Sign In & Choose Classes Welcome: 9:00 - 9:30 AM Session One: 9:30 - 10:50 AM Paige - Advanced M...

05/12/2026

Acknowledgement:
I am an herbal educator, not a licensed medical professional. The information provided on this page is intended as education to support your overall health and wellness and is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment. If you have questions about your health, please consult your healthcare provider.

It is important to work with your healthcare providers and let them know if you are taking any herbs or supplements. Herbs may have side effects, cause individual sensitivities or interact with medications. It is important to research any and all contraindications listed for a particular drug or health condition and discuss potential risks with your healthcare providers.

05/12/2026

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Motherwort is one of those herbs whose scientific name says it all when it comes to medicinal qualities. This lovely lady is used to calm the heart (cardiaca.)

"There is no better herb to take melancholy vapours from the heart … and make a merry, cheerful, blithe soul." ~ Nicholas Culpeper

Motherwort is considered a “tonic” for the heart, especially for heart conditions related to anxiety. Her calming and antispasmodic properties are also used to ease menstrual cramps. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT because of uterine stimulant properties which bring on delayed me**es and labor.

Motherwort is native to Asia but naturalized in North American. Leonurus is a Greek word meaning “lion’s tail”, describing the shaggy leaves. She is a majestic member of the mint family and can grow up to 5 foot tall.

Motherwort is a very hardy perennial preferring the moist soil and a little shade of woodland areas. The aerial parts are harvested while the plant is flowering. She is one of the first plants to come up in the spring and a welcome sight indeed – just seeing this little jewel makes me “merry and cheerful!”