Category Archives: Herbs

The Medicine of Flowers

I call myself the practical herbalist. Pragmatism is a value that I hold in high regard. I dress in clothing that fits comfortably. I strive to cook food that is flavorful and nutritious. I recycle. I can. I save paper … Continue reading

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Saving Amelia

Amelia was groggy. She sat under the grape arbor like a chicken-shaped brick. If she was a cat, I wouldn’t worry. Cats will sit with their legs folded under them for hours and brag about it later. Amelia, like most … Continue reading

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Taming Bears

Free clinics get all sorts of patients. That is the point actually. Every one can come to Occupy Medical to get free, professional, holistic care no matter what their economic situation is. (We are even nice to rich people.) Some … Continue reading

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Spicy Bits

The snow outside inspired me to cook with peppers. I just finished a zesty dinner of huevos rancheros which consisted of 2 tortillas covered with spinach, fried eggs straight from the chicken, garlic stuffed olives and a small mountain of … Continue reading

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Elderberry to the Rescue

I am an unabashed elderberry fan. It is not a one-size-fits-all herb like garlic. It doesn’t grow neatly on a kitchen window like sage. It isn’t easy to pick without a ladder like cayenne. It doesn’t wander into the front … Continue reading

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Garlic Day in Sierralupeland

The garlic was ripe and ready to harvest. The leaves were drying and flowers were fading. It was garlic harvest time. I bundled up the garlic that I had pulled and laid it on on the lawn by the deck … Continue reading

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Calling All Converts

My husband, Dave, uses herbs the way most people use radiator coolant. Herbs are always around but he only seeks them out when his engine goes dry. Since he lives with an herbalist, he has an admirable knowledge base of … Continue reading

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Letting the Pain Go

Last week, a family friend passed away. It was sudden and unexpected. The shock wave is still rippling through my little community. Each person I connect with that knew our friend seems to be in a different stage of grief. … Continue reading

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Iron Woman

Iron has been a challenge for me most of my life. Keeping my blood levels high by regulating my diet has been both a chore and a delight as a vegetarian and as woman. It’s gotten easier over time. It … Continue reading

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Rocket Man

Most of the time, being an herbalist offers questionable rewards. My hard work leaves me with an aching back, dirty fingernails, sunburned shoulders and bandages in mysterious places. Today, it gave me a case of the giggles. The owner of … Continue reading

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