**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
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
I don’t know enough about mushrooms to be very fond of them – especially after watching that apocalyptic HBO series. But these fungi found in a Petersham forest are all quite beautiful. Hopefully, none will mutate and destroy mankind over a weekend. Aquene, Cher Continue reading The Mushrooms of Petersham
Motherwort, cedar, amaranth, black walnut, Joe Pye weed, and others. The Farm at Pequoig is always full of life and medicine. Aquene, Cher Continue reading Herbal Beauties at the Nipmuc Farm
I visited the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary a few times this past fall. Norcross exists on traditional Nipmuc homelands and, as a Nipmuc woman, I possess the ancient right to forage there. Our women’s group also visited one day to gather cranberries and cedar. During my visits, I gathered medicinal plants to be added to teas and salves. I also gathered cedar for ceremonial use. I … Continue reading Fall Foraging
Cheryll Toney Holley 