As July fades into August, we enter the beginning of the harvest season, a time of transition, when the fullness of summer slowly gives way to the first hints of autumn. For centuries, this turning of the seasonal wheel has been honored with rituals of gratitude and celebrations. In the Northern Hemisphere, August 1st marks the halfway point between summer solstice and autumn equinox. This midpoint has long been a time…
While brushing and flossing are key to maintaining good oral health, a well-formulated mouthwash can offer extra support. Rinsing regularly helps reduce plaque, freshen breath, balance pH in the mouth, and soothe tender gums. Conventional mouthwashes are often alcohol-based and contain synthetic colors and flavors that are detrimental to health and the environment. But, making your own non-toxic herbal mouthwash is a simple and beneficial alternative. This recipe uses a…
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly ripe peach. Fragrant, sweet, and impossible to eat without juice running all over your hands and chin, peaches are a love letter from the season. A few summers ago, on an overcast August afternoon, I visited a local orchard with my mom, my daughter, and my oldest son, who was just a baby at the time. The peaches were so beautiful that we picked…
On a hot day, few things are more refreshing than a cold glass of agua fresca. This traditional beverage, whose name literally means “fresh water,” is popular throughout Latin America. Made by blending fruits, herbs, and water, each region has its own variation, and popular ingredients include watermelon, lime, hibiscus, and tamarind. However you make it, sipping agua fresca is a refreshing way to beat the heat. This version combines…
Whether you’re drawn to herbalism or slower, more intentional living, this beautifully curated digital guide here is to help you celebrate summer. It offers over 100 pages of vibrant recipes, remedies, and plenty of inspiration to work with seasonal herbs and produce.
Planting medicinal herbs alongside vegetables offers practical benefits and helps build a more resilient, mutually supportive garden ecosystem. These herbs add plant and insect diversity, which is key to healthier soils, stronger plants, and thus greater yields. This relationship-centered approach to gardening has long been practiced by Indigenous cultures and land stewards, reminding us that tending the land is also about reciprocity and care. With a bit of planning and…
Hapa zome is the art of transferring plant pigment to paper or cloth. And it is always a kid favorite because it is sanctioned bashing stuff with hammers. For more control use a mallet or a smooth rock, but sometimes the fun of this project is the hammering more so than the final product. Dandelions make a great first hapa zome print because they pretty reliably transfer color to paper.…
Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the official start of summer. It invites us to slow down, get outside, and soak up the sweetness of the season. One of our family’s favorite solstice traditions is packing a backpack full of snacks, taking a hike, and enjoying a picnic in one of our favorite spots. I love baking this Solstice Sun Bread to bring along. It’s easy…
Summertime means more time outside, which also means more bug bites and stings, unfortunately. This herbal bug bite paste is made with just a handful of ingredients and is quick to whip up to help ease itching and discomfort. Linden (Tilia spp.) is rich in mucilage, which is soothing for irritated, inflamed skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling, while its gentle astringency helps ease discomfort. Linden is also…
Cacao + Cayenne Dry Rub combines rich cacao (Theobroma cacao) with spicy cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), creating a blend that gives grilled meats a deep, complex flavor with a little kick. A touch of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) rounds out the mix, adding a touch of sweetness.