**this is a long overdue post cause I’ve been taking time to relax** I made some rose petal infused oil a while back so that I could use it to make some rose body butter. Body butters are general made with two types of oil – oils that remain solid at room temperature and oils that are liquid at room temperature. Both shea butter and … Continue reading Whip Up Some Body Butter
None of the plants below are native to Nipmuc country but they are all found everywhere and I use them regularly when making, using, and giving away plant medicine. Plantain Plantain is #1 on this list because it’s my favorite medicinal plant and its available everywhere. It is NOT native to the Americas, the colonists brought it over from Europe. As someone who works with … Continue reading 5 Wild Medicinal Plants in Nipmuc Country that You Can Use Everyday
Infused oils are easy to make and can be used to make many things including salves, lotions, and lip balms. Follow along with me to make rose infused oil. In six weeks, when the oil is ready, we will use it to make the best body butter ever. Ingredients Dried rose petals – You can dry them yourself from flowers not sprayed with pesticides or … Continue reading Creating an Herb-Infused Oil
I love teas made from medicinal herbs. Some of the mixtures I love to drink are a little crazy with multiple plants helping me with multiple issues. But for other humans, I tend to use less variety in the mix, focusing not solely on symptoms but also the person’s general health and needs. But I also have some blends that I distribute to folks on … Continue reading Some of my Favorite Teas
I had the opportunity to visit a couple of cedar swamps in Westborough, MA last fall. The weather was warm though and the ground soaking wet so I didn’t get as close as I would have liked. Both cedar swamps are well known and cared for by the town. Here is a link to the South Cedar Swamp trail guide – https://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/CedarSwampExplorationGuide.pdf and some photos … Continue reading Cedar Swamps & Westboro
Plants are a source of healing and nourishment for humanity. From ancient times, people have sought remedies from the rich offerings of the natural world. One such remedy is wild cherry (also known as black cherry) bark, a powerful herb known for its therapeutic properties. Below is one of my favorite syrups. Wild Cherry Syrup (or Elixir) Some of the benefits of wild cherry bark … Continue reading Syrups & Elixirs & Tonics, part 2
Syrups, elixirs, and tonics are my favorite herbal preparations to make and gift. I also keep a few on hand for myself. This is how I define these three concoctions. Syrup – Made with herbs, water, and sugar (or honey) Elixir – Made with herbs, water, honey (or maple syrup), and alcohol Tonic – Made with herbs, honey, and vinegar. Making a Syrup There are … Continue reading Syrups & Elixirs & Tonics, part 1
Cheryll Toney Holley 