Hi All Looking forward some advice about herb growing please. This is something new to me, so apologise if these questions seem basic. What 4/5 herbs are good for a beginner? I was thinking basil, mint, camomile - for both cooking and making teas. Any other suggestions for what immunity boosting and middle age? Any advice on best conditions?

Yesterday I attended the #herbalmedicine conference in #Lincoln hosted by the #bscclinicalherbalism team. It was an amazing day with an array of talks, stalls and workshops, lots of goodies given out too and a CPD certificate for attending. Lunch was included in the ticket price and was delicious 😋, catered by the savvy herbalist; I really want some of her recipes. She then hosted the herbal mocktail workshop which went down a treat. It is running again next year and I highly recommend attending, whether you attend Lincoln or not the conference is open to all herbalists and was jam packed with information. I have included a few cheeky snippets from the day. #herbalist #herbalism

May 2026 Two Full Moons. One Complete Cycle. 🌕🔵 This is not just a rare sky event. It is a full lunar cycle contained within a single month opening and closing with power. May begins in bloom and ends in rarity. 🌕 May 1 The Flower Moon The first Full Moon rises at 1:23 PM EDT, already illuminated as it enters the evening sky. Named for the wildflowers that cover the land during this time lupine, dogwood, buttercup this Moon has long been associated with fertility, abundance, and the height of spring’s expansion. The name comes from the abundance of flowers that bloom at this time of year, covering fields, hedgerows, and gardens in colour. Nature is no longer holding back, it’s expressing itself fully, openly, and without apology. Other Native American names include Leaf Budding Moon (Cree) and Planting Moon (Dakota, Lakota), while some suggested Anglo-Saxon or Celtic names include Milk Moon, Bright Moon, Hare Moon, Grass Moon, or Mothers’ Moon. In witchcraft, this is a Moon of growth and manifestation. What was planted earlier in the year begins to show itself. Energy moves outward. Intentions take form. The earth is no longer dormant — it is giving. Also signifies growth, expression, and the courage to be seen. A stage where potential turns into presence, where what has been nurtured quietly now begins to bloom. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t only about striving forward, it’s also about pausing to acknowledge what’s already flourishing. Full Flower Moon in Scorpio symbolizes intense transformation, emotional depth, and flourishing growth. It signifies a time for shedding old layers to embrace inner abundance and visibility. This is the Moon of fullness, attraction, and visible magic. This moon falls on Beltane. It is also a micro moon. Key Symbolism of the Flower Moon: Transformation & Depth (Scorpio): Occurring in Scorpio, this moon focuses on diving below the surface to release old wounds and embrace deep personal changes. Abundance & Growth: Named for the blooming spring, it represents the full expression of potential and acknowledging the growth and progress achieved.

Cleavers is a humble plant with a deep affinity for the body’s inner waters. Cleavers are well known for their sticky leaves and stems. They consist of weak, sprawling stems, of up to 1 m (39 inches) long. They bear whorls of 6–8 mm long, slender green leaves with a prominent central vein. Tiny greenish-white flowers are borne in branching clusters between May to August and develop into round, green (later brown/purple) fruits between 3–5 mm in diameter. Stems, leaves and seed have stiff hooked hairs and are sticky or velcro like. Often growing abundantly in the spring, it has long been valued for its ability to bring gentle movement and clearing to areas of stagnation. Its primary action is as an alterative, supporting the body’s natural processes of cleansing and restoration. This influence is most noticeable through the lymphatic system, kidneys, and urinary tract, helping to move fluids, reduce congestion, and support elimination. It is also commonly used as a skin tonic, reflecting the connection between the lymph, kidneys, and the surface of the body. More specifically, Cleavers can be understood as a diuretic and lymphagogue alterative, encouraging flow where there has been accumulation, whether physical or energetic. For medicine making, Cleavers is best harvested fresh right as it begins to flower in late spring or early summer. At this stage, its vitality is at its peak. Once dried, much of its potency is lost, which is why it is traditionally worked with fresh whenever possible. TRADITIONAL MEDICINE USES: - Urinary System: One of the main traditional Uses for Cleavers. A cooling and soothing plant, effective in cases of heat, irritation and inflammation within the urinary tract. Helping to ease the burning caused by cystitis, UTIs, and stones. Cleavers are a valuable remedy for cystitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, epididymitis, urethritis, UTIs, and interstitial cystitis. As a mild astringent it provides support in cases of bleeding, whilst it's diuretic properties flush the urinary system. Can be used in dry and or damp constitutions, however, heat is its primary constitution for prescription. Particularly apt when the situation also causes nervousness, anxiety and tension whilst affecting sleep. As a demulcent cleavers is ideal for supporting the mucous membranes, such as those in the urinary tract, due to the presence of silica, which strengthens weak connective tissue and improves its structure and function.