Sustaining the Spirit : Elecampane Plant Profile

How could I resist sharing with you an herb which possesses the common name of Elfwort?

I can't resist, so I won't. 

There are herbs that work better over the long-run (such as Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna) and there are herbs that work very effectively in a short amount of time. Elecampane is one of those quick-acting herbs (as quick and sudden as an elf shot, perhaps?) and when someone is struggling with chronic congestion, Elecampane is one of my go-to allies. 

The magick of Elecampane is not often as celebrated as other herbs which is strange considering its common name of Elfwort is a big ol' rainbow flag sign of its enchantment. It is the type of herb that I find I use again and again in my practice because of the type of folk that I often work with - those wild-ones and edgewalkers who sometimes have difficulty resettling in their bodies (my beautiful fae, wonderkin, and changelings). 

So enjoy learning about the healing qualities of Elecampane and be sure to share your own Elfwort stories in the comments below.

Common + Folk Names : Elfwort, Elf Dock, scabwort, horseheal, horse elder, velvet dock, marchalan, wild sunflower, raiz del moro, helopia

Planet : Mercury, Sun, Uranus

Element : Earth

Sign : Gemini (Guardian Herb), Aquarius (Remedy Herb), Pisces (Remedy Herb)

Moon Phase : Waxing Quarter (Learn more about making medicine by the Moon)

Parts used : Roots (predominantly), leaves, and flowers.

Habitat : Perennial native to Europe and Russia. 

Growing conditions : Prefers poorly drained sites such as damp pastures, roadside ditches, and waste spaces.

Collection : Collect the roots during the fall.

Flavor : Bittersweet, pungent

Temperature : Hot

Moisture : Dry

Tissue State : Damp/Stagnation, Cold/Depression

Constituents : Calcium, magnesium, inulin, mucilage, azulene, camphor, helenin, lactones, sterols, sesquiterpenes.

Actions : Alterative, analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiscorbutic, antitussive, antivenomous, aperient, aphrodisiac, aromatic, astringent, bitter, bronchial dilator, cardiotonic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emollient, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hemostatic, hepatic, immune stimulant, pectoral, restorative, stimulant, stomachic, vulnerary.

Contraindications : Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Large doses may cause gastric spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic hypersensitivity. Some rare cases of temporary paralysis.

Drug interactions : None known.

Recommended Dosage : 2 tablespoons root decocted per 1 cup water, 1 - 3 cups daily. 3 - 30 drops (Fresh root, 1:2 or Dry Root, 1:5, 60% alcohol) three times daily.

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Main Uses

A traditional Latin prescription for Elecampane reads “Enula campana reddit praecordia sana” or Elecampane will sustain the spirit. One of the supreme lung tonics in Traditional Western Herbalism, as well as a deeply antiseptic and antibacterial herb, Elecampane root is extremely useful stimulating expectorant for cases of chronic lung complaints, especially when infection is present. Use for chronic imbalances of the lungs including tuberculosis, asthma, pneumonia, catarrh, general congestion, respiratory infections, and coughs. The herb is a powerful astringent and expectorant, helping to loosen phlegm and catarrh from the respiratory system and then pull it from the body. Elecampane has long been used in the treatment of tuberculosis and specifically inhibits the growth of tubercle bacillus. Whether or not infection is present, one of the signs that Elecampane may be useful is a stubborn and spasmodic cough. Look also for yellow and green mucus (a sign of infection) and a cough that is worse at night from lying down. A nervous Aquarian cough which is spasmodic, coming and going. I sometimes wonder if the powerful and painful spasmodic cough may not be the “elf shot” that older herbals warn of and Elecampane is supposed to be protective against. Be aware that the power of Elecampane is to produce a deep and powerful cough to help expel gunk from the lungs - which can seem like the condition has temporarily worsened when, in fact, deep healing is occurring. 

Other respiratory complaints that Elecampane is useful for include pleurisy (another contender for the definition of “elf shot”), shortness of breath, sinusitis, whooping cough, hay fever, and laryngitis. Best suited for cold coughs as opposed to hot ones as the herb is warming. In cases of colds and fevers, Elecampane induces sweating which lowers the temperature. 

The herb is warming and clears out build-up not only of phlegm and catarrh, but general excess moisture and waste throughout the body. It is well suited for individuals who would be considered kapha in Ayurvedic medicine and of a Damp/Stagnation persuasion with tendency to Cold/Depression in TWH.  Elecampane is also useful in relieving stagnant pain such as rheumatism and similar arthritic conditions. If a condition is stuck, tending to coldness, and creating unwanted build-up, consider Elecampane.

As a warming bitter, the herb strengthens weak digestion which is troubled by excess moisture. Look for signs of bloating, belching, and fullness caused by excess mucus and edema. Elecampane helps with the metabolism of fat as well as generally enhancing digestive circulation. The high inulin content of Elecampane helps to manage blood sugar as well as being a tonic to the pancreas. Inulin is a very nourishing polysaccharide, assisting the restoration of an exhausted body through nourishment. Works to clear out nematode and protozoan infestations including roundworm and giardia. The root has also been used in the treatment of candida and other systemic imbalances, as well as restoring the health of someone suffering from chronic poor health and nutrition. Elecampane’s powers of expulsion are also useful in bringing on delayed menses, helping with labor, and birthing the placenta.

The plant has an interesting aphrodisiac affect. While some cite its use for increasing libido my experience with Elecampane is that its powers as an aphrodisiac lie in its ability to help bring the heart spirit to the body. I especially see this when folks are caught between the worlds for whatever reason - they are in the period of a great transition, they were born a bit between or they have stumbled too far into the realm of the Good Folk. Read more about the story of Helen of Troy, of whom Elecampane takes its Latin binomial, to learn more about the spiritual pain that Elecampane is well-suited for relieving. 

Topically, use as an insect deterrent both on the person and hung around your space. Elecampane will also relieve the sting of Nettle (Urtica dioica). Use in baths and steams for relieving congestion and pain. Create a facial wash for acne and facial pain. Since Elecampane helps to clear toxicity from the body, it works internally, too, to help alleviate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

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Magickal Uses

Russian name for Elecampane is de-via-sil which apparently means “magic power” but as my Russian is non-existent I can neither deny nor confirm this fact. What it does suggest is that Elecampane’s reputation as a magickal herb, especially one associated with the Good Folk, is far flung. Use to awaken the second sight and lines of communication between you, the Good Folk, and local land spirits. The herb is strongly protective and can be worn as an amulet. The root can be burned as a protective incense and to neutralize negative energy. Elecampane is specifically protective against the elusive but powerful elf shot.

It's Mercurial nature lends itself well to trancework and shifting shapes. Since it is an herb of Mercury it is also associated with the Magician card in Tarot. Given the trickiness of the Magician (who sometimes appears as one of the Good Folk pretending to be a humyn and hiding behind a stage act of magick to disguise themselves), I find this association apt.

The herb enhances psychic powers, especially the ability to perceive the Good Folk. Traditional use in love charms as well. The herb is also associated with horses and so can be used when connecting to the power of our equine kindred. Herbalist and astrologer, Elisabeth Brooke, recommends Elecampane for connecting with the transpersonal will. Use in baby blessings and connecting with the inner child. Create a homecoming charm with Elecampane to call lost things and people home.

The Elecampane Personality

The Elecampane person has an undernourished spirit in addition to an undernourished body. It may be that they are eating wonderful foods or imbibing in beautiful spiritual practices, but there is so much undigested or un-expelled physical and spiritual decay in their system that they are wallowing instead of feeling fulfilled. They are not quite here. Sometimes this manifests as dullness of the body and spirit. Other times this manifests as a low-level but constant irritation (they have a thorn in their side, so to speak, perhaps an elfshot). Very often, the condition of the Elecampane personality seems quite permanent. But it is not. Elecampane is a heartening plant. There is no infection of the spiritual system that it fears. The herb will help one come home again after a long and arduous journey away from oneself. It restores a lightness of being and warms the cold and distant heart.

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Elecampane Recipes

A Popular Combination | Thomas Bartram

Decoction: mix equal pasts; Yarrow, Marshmallow root and Elecampane root. 1 oz (30g) in 1 pint (500ml) water simmered 20 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup, 2 - 3 times daily. In the absence of any one ingredient substitute Wild Cherry bark.

Billie Potts Preparations of Elecampane
from Witches Heal: Lesbian Herbal Self-Sufficiency

{Elecampane} combines well with expectorant herbs such as comfrey or sage. I often use it by preparing a tea of comfrey or coltsfoot or mullein-sage and put 3-5 drops of elecampane tincture into the tea. For dealing with pneumonia infections I’ve had good results with elecampane and echinacea augustifolia tinctures in a comfrey or comfrey-sage tea. Any combination of an entrenched bacterial nature needs a “course” of treatment.

Elecampane Syrup | Nicholas Culpeper

The fresh roots of Elecampane preserved with sugar or made into a conserve, or a syrup, are very effectual to warm a cold windy stomach and stitches in the side, caused by the spleen and to relieve coughs, shortness of breath and wheezing of the lungs.

How will you be using Elfwort in your practice?

Maybe it will become one of your indispensable herbs? Or part of your winter wellness regimen? It is a great herb to make friends with, especially if working with local land spirits is part of your practice.

The Magick of Thorns

I’ve been talking a lot about thorn magick this summer within the Lunar Apothecary, in my readings, and within community conversations. The summer of 2016 has been rough. In the United States we are wrestling with ourselves, searching for our center, and coming undone. The work of repairing the world is hard stuff and it takes more than a little bit of vulnerability and grit. There are those who are learning about privilege for the first time and grappling with that heavy knowledge. There are folks who are realizing that they have too long normalized or denied or hidden the pain of the violence they face on the daily. There is a lot of opening up and difficult realizations occurring and there are a million hearts breaking in the process.

To do this work of unraveling, we need to be able to feel vulnerable in ways that allow us to still feel supported. 

Thorn magick can play a powerful role during times like these when we are opening up, whether for the first time or all over again for the hundredth. So, what is thorn magick? It is herbal remedies that open us up while establishing a steady and protective boundary so that we can do the work that needs doing. Thorn magick allows for vulnerability and support to exist simultaneously instead of feeling vulnerable and too far exposed. I recommend thorn magick to those who are doing the hard work of creating change in their communities and in their lives; who are recovering from a difficult breakup and looking to be vulnerable in love again; to those who are experiencing difficult emotions that they have long denied but are now finally coming to the surface.

Working with herbs that possess strong thorn energy, such as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Rose (Rosa spp.), can be as easy as preparing and ingesting a tea or tincture or the plant. Especially if that tea or tincture is made, in part, from the thorns of the plant. Adding a single thorn to your Rose tincture can powerfully shift the brew to being not only a heart-opener but a heart-protector. Sitting and communing with living thorny plants can be another way of working with thorn magick. If neither or those two options are available, even meditating on an image of a thorny plant (such as placing a picture of a sacred Hawthorn tree on your altar) can do a lot of good.

image by Oliver Pacas

However, you work with the plant, I encourage you to visualize two things occurring at once. First, see a beautiful and protective shield of thorns encompassing your whole body. The thorns are turned outward from you allowing only that which of benefit to you to get to you. Second, within this protective space, visualize your heart blossoming open like a flower, knowing that it is supported and guarded within the sanctity of your thorn space. I encourage you to move slow with the second part of the meditation - don’t force movement, but allow the unfolding of your heart to occur at an easy and kind pace. It can take time for our hearts to feel safe enough to open up again. That’s ok. Give yourself time. The plants are patient and wise and will stick with you. 

While there are many thorny plants in the world, I have profiled Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Rose (Rosa spp.) below which are two common and well-loved plants within Traditional Western Herbalism. I’ve listed some of the more prominent medicinal uses of each plant, but have primarily focused on their emotional and magickal gifts. Other thorny plants you might consider working with include Agave (Agave americana), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.), a great variety of cacti, and many other plants.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Hawthorn is one of the first herbs many Traditional Western Herbalists turn to for supporting cardiovascular health. The herb nourishes and feeds the heart working best as a long-term tonic (i.e. multiple months of use if not longer). In other words, Hawthorn is a cardiac tophorestorative which is a restorative tonic for the heart, bringing the hard working muscle back into balance whether from an illness, stress, or the affects of aging. Hawthorn is a powerful but gentle herb meaning that children, seniors, and all between can benefit from its use. Part of Hawthorn’s heart healing gifts is its possession of antioxidants which prevent and reverse damage caused by free radicals as well as reducing oxidative stress on the capillary walls and improving circulatory tone (whether by relaxing or strengthening). The herb should be considered when there is a case of congestive heart failure, angina, irregular heartbeat, hardening of the arteries, enlargement of the heart from excessive exercise or overwork, hypertension, both low and high blood pressure, and too much cholesterol.

Hawthorn shares a common characteristic found in many TWH heart herbs - it possesses beautiful flowers and protective thorns. Hawthorn helps the heart to open to new possibilities, especially after a period of heartbreak and distress such as after the loss of a loved one whether through death or a break-up. The herb protects our emotional vulnerability with its thorns. In fact, we are able to feel more vulnerable in a way that is healing and restorative when we feel protected by plant allies such as Hawthorn. Add a thorn from the plant to your tincture or glycerite preparations for extra protective energies. I have used Hawthorn many times in my practice for those recovering from heartbreak and have seen beautiful transformations occur with this plant’s amazing healing gifts. I love the language used by Judith Berger to describe Hawthorn: “As guardian of the hinge, hawthorn wisely discerns the right timing for the wounded heart to open” (Herbal Rituals, 134). Combine with Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) to help the Wounded Warrior, Wounded Healer type recover after a long period of giving and overwork where they has exhausted their mental, physical, and emotional resources. Hawthorn is also a good herb for those who feel wild and overstimulated in their grief and heartbreak. It calms, it soothes, and it protects, which is what we need more than ever when we feel raw. My favorite way to use Hawthorn as a daily tonic is as a glycerite that combines the leaf, flower, and berry.

Within an astroherbology context, Hawthorn is most often connected with the planet Mars due to its thorns. Other planetary correspondences include the Sun, because of Hawthorn's affect on the heart and overall vitality of the body, and Saturn since Hawthorn is hedgeherb and boundary-marker with strong connections to the otherworld.

image by Jana Illnerová

The brokenhearted and grieving have a special place in the Hawthorn circle, for Hawthorn opens the heart after a period of despair. It is an ally for those who feel the grief of the world most readily, even if a personal tragedy is not currently present in their life. They recognize the tragedy of living on a planet that we pollute without regard to our shared sacredness and amongst endless wars and conflicts. Feeling wild in grief is a sign that Hawthorn may be needed and for some their journey with Hawthorn will be significant but relatively brief as they are able to move on with their lives with a newly opened heart. Those who need Hawthorn in the long-run tend towardsrestlessness and irritability, they are easily overstimulated and can sometimes lean (or fully reside) in the domain of the Type A personality. Often they are categorized as having attention disorders as children, whether or not this is warranted. They are children who appear to be more like changelings than a fully humyn child. Sometimes they are punished for the everyday acts of being an energetic child and disdained for their enthusiasm - they close up their heart to protect it from the hostility of a world that would prefer they sit quietly at a desk for hours following directions. Hawthorn re-opens the heart and helps folks connect with their resiliency, their capacity to forgive those who have harmed them, and to remain protected as they begin to express themselves and all their energy with pride and focus. The herb will bring calm to what has felt like a tumultuous existence, helping folks to find the tools they need to express themselves honestly and beautifully. 

Rose (Rosa spp.)

Rose is an ancient plant with fossils have been found across Europe, North America, and Asia dating back from as early as the Miocene period (7 - 26 million years ago). The flower has been used medicinally for thousand of years, with Dioscorides recording Rose as a cooling and contracting medicine. The three varieties of Rose most often used for medicine-making is Rosa gallica (also known as as Provins or Apothecaries rose), Rosa damascena (or Rosa x damascena to denote its hybridity, also known as damask rose), and Rosa centifolia (also known as Provence Rose). More modern uses within TWH includes Rosa canina and Rosa rugosa.

Roses strengthen the heart. 18th century herbalist J. Quincy wrote that Rose “raises the spirits and gives sudden strength and cheerfulness” and categorized Rose as primarily a cardiac and cephalic (relating to the head). The herb assists with memory and promotes clarity of mind, heart, and spirit by connecting all three. Rose nourishes the body and is sweet medicine which calms the nervous system. Within Ayurveda, Rose is considered a rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) and medhya (brain tonic and nervine) for all of the doshas or body types. 

image by Jeffrey Wegrzyn

As a plant of Venus, Rose is a classic aphrodisiac. Rose is an opener - it opens the heart and body to sensual experience. Like many aphrodisiacs, Rose has nervine and nourishing qualities which help to relax and soothe the body so that it may become ready and desirous of intimacy. Venusian magick, though, reveals desire on more than the physical level. It reveals the desire to engage mystery where there has only been the acknowledgement of the mundane.

Rose is especially useful for those who have lost their spark of desire. They might have trouble sleeping, restless and exhausted, but not enough energy to go out into the world. The desire to create and experience is low along with their vitality. What they think they should be doing dominates their thoughts more than what they want to be doing. Sometimes they are not even sure they know what they want to be doing. There can be a disconnect in relationships and not necessarily a feeling of isolation, but of distance. Rose folks often experience sudden overwhelming feelings of despair and being lost without a light in the murk. Sometimes, unresolved anger simmers deep below the surface - Rose teaches us how to use both our thorns and petals to set up boundaries and supportive spaces to express how we really feel. Rose reconnects to wildness, fierceness, and determined desire. To dream and want and feel and growl and move and connect with each other. One thing that I have seen again and again that is particularly powerful about Rose, is its ability connects us back to the secret excitement of mystery. So much of our unresolved and stagnant pain arises from a false notion that we know it all or at least know that our pain is permanent, what caused it is unchanging, and that this is all that will ever be. Rose reminds us that we, in fact, know very little, acceptance of which opens the path of possibility faster than a heart that has forgotten the importance of mystery will ever achieve.

Whether or not you use thorn magick and medicine in your practice, I hope that you have a space that you feel protected and held so that you are able to be vulnerable, soft, and open to the wisdom of your heart.

Do you use thorn magick in your practice? What is your favorite thorny plant to work with? Share your stories in the comments below!

Plant Ally Project : Creating An Indispensable Herbs List

When I started my herbal studies I was so friggin’ excited!

I could make tea that could take care of my cold! Look an herbal oil for hair care! Ahhhh, that weed growing up through the concrete does a really useful thing!!!

And then I realized that there are a bajillion herbs in the world (that is a completely accurate measurement of the number of plant kindred on our planet). Holy heck, how was I supposed to learn them all, their names and uses and contraindications? How about their folklore? Their favorite color? The dreaded student overwhelm settled in. 

Fortunately, some of my earliest teachers (both of person and book form) emphasized the following:

It is not about knowing all the herbs, but knowing a few very well.

I have continued to follow this simple guideline and it has served me well in my practice. While I’m always interested in learning about new herbs, especially ones that show up in my travels or are introduced to me by others (aka nerding out with other herbalists about their favorite plants), I tend to return to the same herbs again and again in my practice. These plant kindred are what I call my indispensable herbs - without them I would practice very differently and they are some of my greatest herbal teachers. I first came across the idea of a indispensable herb list from Matthew Wood who has posted his own list on his website, though, the idea of practicing with a small list of herbs for many ailments was initially introduced to me through Susun Weed’s Healing Wise.

Image by Harriet Isabel Adams | source

If you’re new to herbalism, studying plants from a foundation of developing an indispensable herb list can help you to focus your studies and begin to better understand how to use one herb for a wide range of complaints. If you’ve been at the herbal game for a while, creating an indispensable herb list can freshen up and focus your practice. An indispensable herb list is a great teaching tool for your own clients and students, as you can focus on speaking confidently on and sharing information about these select herbs in a way that is concise and accessible.

My indispensable herb list structure is an adaptation of Matthew Wood’s since we both work with Traditional Western Herbalism (TWH) energetics which work with the six tissue states. I also include a magickal herb and tonic herbs that are indispensable for me but didn’t fit into the initial list. If you work with other herbal traditions I encourage you to adapt the list appropriately. An Ayurvedic list, for example, might have herbs that cultivate or curb the energy of each one of the three doshas and dosha combinations. Another option would be to come up with an indispensable herb list for each organ and/or body systems. If you are an herbal practitioner that works with clients your indispensable herb list for your professional practice might be different than your list for your personal practice. Or, you could take an astroherbology approach and have indispensable herbs for the signs and planets. As you can see, creating an indispensable herb list is endlessly customizable.

But what makes an herb indispensable? Well, that is up to you. For me an indispensable herb is one that has the following qualities:

• The herb is one that I am very familiar with and know how to use for a variety of conditions.

• The herb is easily accessible meaning that I can either grow it myself, wildcraft it, or source it from a reputable supplier.

• The herb is generally considered safe with little to no side effects and many can be taken for an extended period of time. 

Botanical illustration of Zingiber officinale by Francisco Manuel Blanco | source

In all, there are thirteen herbs on my indispensable herbs lists (because witchcraft). Here is how my indispensable herbs list is structured:

The Nine Foundational Herbs are as they are described - foundational to my practice and often the foundational herb in remedies that I make. But they are also the pillars of my practice and my beloved teachers and guides. They correspond to the six tissue states as well as three additional herbs that cover the blood, muscle and bones, and heart of the body more explicitly. These nine herbs are the sacred structure of the temple of my practice.

My Nine Foundational Herbs

• Warming Remedy: Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

• Cooling Remedy: Rose (Rosa spp.)

• Drying Remedy: Sage (Salvia spp.)

• Oil/Moistening Remedy: Burdock (Arctium lappa)

• Stimulating Nervine Remedy: Basil (Ocimum spp.)

• Relaxing Nervine Remedy: Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

• Blood Remedy: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Musculoskeletal Remedy: St. Joan’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

• Heart Remedy: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

source unknown - if you know, comment below!

The Three Tonic Herbs are ones that didn’t fit in neatly to the above list because their healing reach is so expansive in my practice, but mostly because I use them as tonics very often. Tonic herbs are plants that can be taken long-term and have a nourishing and restorative effect on the body. I always recommend a tonic herb or herb blend in my consultations along with whatever remedies I’ve created to address more acute conditions. These tonic herbs are the attending Priest/esses and Weavers of the sacred temple of my practice. 

My Three Tonic Herbs

• Elder (Sambucus nigra)

• Nettles (Urtica dioica)

• Milky Oats (Avena sativa)

The Artemisia californica plant that is now growing in my garden.

The Magickal Herb is one that some folks may have on their list but many others won’t. I practice both medicinal and magickal herbalism, so all of the herbs on my list are ones that I also incorporate into my magickal practice. My Magickal Herb is one that I would be pretty sad to live without and one that I use in many a ritual and charm, but more importantly, my magickal herb is my teacher and guide to my clients on the magickal arts. This herb is the crystal-heart of the temple of my practice. 

My Magickal Herb

• California Mugwort (Artemisia californica)

So you’ve created your list - what next? 

If you’re a member of my free Magick Mail (if you’re not already, it’s quite easy to join) you can download my indispensable herb chart worksheet which uses the format I've described above. I regularly pull out and review my indispensable herb list because as my practice grows and changes so does my list. Angelica (Angelica archangelica) used to be my primary oily remedy, but I find myself using the more accessible (meaning it has wider range of use amongst a variety of folks) Burdock (Arctium lappa) these days. Angelica has grown more and more into an indispensable magickal herb for me, in fact. These regular reviews of your indispensable herb list are like sit down chats with your plant allies where everyone convenes and compares notes on where we’ve been and where we might be going. 

Consider working with each herb on your list through the Plant Ally Project. Or begin creating your custom seasonal apothecaries based on your list. Name your children after each of your indispensable herbs! Or pets! Or your favorite rocks!

Oh and will someone please create a beautiful oracle deck of their indispensable herbs and then show me some pictures so I can jump up and down excitedly in glee? #IndispensableHerbOracle

In the meantime, cast some cards with the Indispensable Interview spread.

Check out the rest of the Plant Ally Project series and be sure to comment below with questions or musings. Better yet, share your list!

The year ahead for the fully enchanted world of the Apothecary...

I'm back from my winter travels - including moving house from Long Beach to Sacramento, CA! Heck yeah!

I never thought I would live in northern CA, but I feel pretty lucky these days to be in such a lovely city surrounded by trees, mountains, and valleys. Basil, the Apothecary hound, is somewhat unsure about the rain (I think he thinks we're trying to trick him into an outside shower) but he has a new big yard full of trees to run around in so he just got his own personal dog park. I've already been mapping out my explorations of the city by visiting all the tea, coffee, and book shops. Any suggestions? Be sure to comment below!

So what does 2016 hold for the Apothecary?

• In-person classes!

  • One of the great things about Sacramento is that there are a lot more accessible teaching spaces (including the possibilities of an urban farm - but more on that later!) which means I'll be teaching in-person classes again, including some exciting new Califia Collective projects. Check out a sampling of my previous offerings on my Classes page. My Magick Mail subscribers get early sign-up access for all of my classes as well as recipes, tutorials, and freebies in their brand-new secret subscriber's-only page (keep scrolling to learn more).

• More Plant Ally Projects!

  • The Plant Ally Project: Thirty Day Challenge is one of my most popular blog posts of all time! The feedback has been great and folks have been sharing their journeys with the hashtag #PlantAllyProject. I'll be posting new Plant Ally Projects throughout the year including figuring out what your indispensable herbs are and creating home apothecaries.

• More stars!

  • My Astroherbology series has been super popular hit with readers which I'm thrilled about because I love writing about stars and plants! I'll be finishing up my zodiac profiles this spring. Start your journey through the amazing world of medical astrology with an herbal focus with my introduction to astroherbology.

• Growing the new Magick Mail Members-Only Page!

  • I just started the new not-so-super-secret Magick Mail Members Area that you get exclusive access to just for joining my mailing list. It'll feature exclusive mini ecourses, recipes, worksheets, and more! I've already uploaded labels for you to use for your herbal creations and will be posting one of my favorite vinegar-based herbal recipes (hint: it'll help you be tough as nails) later this month.

• More recipes + tutorials!

  • I'm growing my popular recipes + tutorials section of the blog, starting this month with some of my favorite vinegar-based recipes. You can find some of my favorite recipes, including my most beloved herbs for starting the day, in my fine collection of ebooks.

• Continued expansion of the Lunar Apothecary!

  • My in-depth and in-expensive ecourse and exclusive learning community is one of my favorite spaces to dwell on the web. Clever ones, if you're looking to connect with herbal medicine and magick in a way that invites you to step into your power and celebrate your unique qualities as an herbalist, the Lunar Apothecary is for you. I, along with a circle of wise-ones, am available to answer questions, offer insights, and help guide you on your journey. There are medicine-making tutorials, plant profiles, guided meditations, bi-monthly newsletters, explorations of astroherbology, community forums, and tons of recipes and rituals with new content adding regularly throughout the year. And at a little more than $10 a month with the option of payment plans for folks who are in financial need, it's a space that I've purposefully priced low to keep it accessible. Sign-up today!

• I'll be opening up my small private-practice again to new herbal clients.

  • During the latter half of the year I'll be taking on new private herbal clients which I haven't done for quite some time, but I'm excited to open my practice again to new folks!

• The premier of the Tarot Apothecary!

  • I am working on a new ecourse that'll be available later this year! The Tarot Apothecary is all about the art of Tarot combined with herbal medicine and magick. Curious? Check out my Tarot Herbology series that I wrote for Little Red Tarot to get a taste of what we might learn when we combine the sacred art of card-casting and plant medicine. Be the first to learn about the Tarot Apothecary (plus some special discounts for the course when it premiers) by signing up for my Magick Mail.

How exciting is all that!?

I'll be back to my regular posting blog posting schedule by the end of the month, including my newest Astroherbology profile on Capricorn! What are you excited about in 2016? Comment below! 

Whatever adventures you get up to this year I wish you well on your journey, I hope you get all the tea you need to keep you warm and nourished as you travel, and may you always remember your wisdom wherever you find yourself.