Talk about wild- dandelion defies all rules of gardening and thumbs its nose at the pesticides designed to kill it- THANK GOODNESS! What a powerful herb! In my region, zone 9b, the cool weather (what we call winter) has caused the dandelions to reemerge. They won't bloom much until spring, but the green plants have popped up all over my herb garden. I thought it fitting for today's focus. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Common names: Lion’s tooth, piss-a-bed Identification - Bright yellow composite flowers - Deeply toothed leaves in a rosette - Hollow milky stems - Globe seed head ("wish flower") Energetics - Bitter - Drying - Cooling Key Actions - Bitter digestive - Cholagogue (stimulates bile) - Diuretic - Hepatic - Nutritive tonic Chemical Constituents - Sesquiterpene lactones (bitters) - Inulin (prebiotic fiber) - Potassium (supports diuretic action) - Flavonoids - Triterpenoids Medicinal Uses - Liver & Gallbladder: improves bile flow, detoxification - Digestion: stimulates stomach acid, appetite, and digestion - Kidneys: strong yet safe diuretic without depleting potassium - Metabolic health: supports blood sugar regulation - Nutrition: vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium Folklore A symbol of resilience; children’s “wish blowing” traditions date back over 300 years.

Rest and digest- this week's class is all about those herbs that help shift the nervous system into a calm state allowing the digestive system to work well. These herbs also help calm an upset stomach and reduce bloating, gas, and unrest. It is not hard to get your guts sorted, a nice tea daily or a tincture before you eat will make you feel so much better!

On today’s episode of Thursday testimony, I want to talk about valerian root. This herb is a nervine and muscle relaxer. It helps me with tension headaches related to my traps being tight. It will also make me drowsy and helps me sleep. In the beginning, I bought capsules. But now I buy the root dried and make tea and tinctures. The items made at home are stronger.

Since this category is dedicated to herb blends and pairings, I though it fitting to have a thorough post on blending herbs. Here you go- The Basics of Blending Herbs Herbal blending is both an art and a science. Whether you are creating a soothing tea, a culinary spice mix, or a healing salve, blending herbs thoughtfully ensures harmony of flavor, aroma, and effect. Beginners often find that a few guiding principles can transform their herbal creations from random mixtures into balanced, purposeful blends. 1. Understanding the Purpose of Your Blend The first step in blending is to define the goal. Are you seeking to support digestion, create a calming bedtime tea, or add complexity to a recipe? The purpose informs the types of herbs you select. For instance: - Medicinal blends may target specific systems (nervous, digestive, immune). - Culinary blends often balance flavor groups (savory, sweet, bitter, pungent). - Aromatic blends like incense or potpourri rely on fragrance harmony. 2. Choosing a Base Herb Every blend needs an anchor. In tea blending, this is often called the foundation herb, typically making up 40–60% of the formula. Base herbs are usually mild in flavor and action, supporting and carrying the other herbs. Examples include: - Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – calming, lightly citrusy. - Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – soothing, floral. - Nettle (Urtica dioica) – nutritive, earthy. 3. Adding Supporting Herbs Supporting herbs reinforce the purpose of the base. They may contribute similar properties, add synergy, or bring in secondary benefits. For example, a calming blend of lemon balm might be paired with passionflower to enhance relaxation. In culinary blends, rosemary may be supported by thyme or oregano to build depth. 4. Accent Herbs: Flavor and Focus Accent herbs are added in small amounts (5–20%) to provide distinction. They bring brightness, spice, or a strong medicinal action. Examples include: - Peppermint for cooling freshness. - Ginger for warmth and improved circulation. - Lavender for aromatic, calming notes.

I’m looking to plant alot of various perennial stuff (cold weather hardy… I’m in Michigan) that will contribute to warding off insects. (Bonus points if it will look nice too 😜) Anyone have any favorites to recommend??