Chelsea Green Blog

Health & Wellness

Tips & Tricks for Harvesting and Drying Herbs

Harvesting and drying herbs correctly is crucial for crafting your own medicinal remedies. Here are some tips to get you started!

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pumpkin seeds

Tasty Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds

Wondering what to do with pumpkin seeds? Instead of roasting them, try these alternative ways to prepare & use seeds! Plus a must-try pumpkin granola recipe.

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acorn harvesting

Move Over Squirrels, It’s Acorn Harvesting Time!

These small fruits are a delicious source of nutrients that you can find almost anywhere. Get started on acorn harvesting with help from these simple tips!

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thyme

About Thyme: Growing, Harvesting, and Drying Thyme

Thyme is easy to grow and harvest in almost any condition. Follow these tips to get started growing, harvesting (and drying) thyme in your home or backyard!

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Healing Earth in hands

Healing Our Bodies, Healing Our Earth

How can we protect ourselves from the pollution, chemicals, and toxins that pervade our environment? Dr. Jenny Goodman connects the health of our planet with our own well-being, addressing the questions that very few doctors ask. Ultimately the goal is to empower you to look after your own health—and that of the planet because “healing…

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honey jar

How to Brew Mead at Home: Ginger-Apricot Mead Recipe

When Jereme was in North Carolina for the 2016 Mother Earth News Fair in Asheville, he picked up a local honey made from summer wildflowers. Why? He was inspired after visiting Fox Hill and sampling their Special Reserve Mead, which has hints of ginger and a unique blend of buckwheat honey and some lighter varietals.…

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kvass

Kvass: A Nourishing, Fermented Beverage

Looking to add another recipe to your fermenting repertoire? Try your hand at kvass! This nourishing beverage calls for just a few simple ingredients and only takes a couple of days to ferment. Use beets or get creative with various fruit combinations like Blueberry Lemon Mint or Ginger Apple Lime. The following recipes are from The Heal…

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lambsquarter

How to Use Lambsquarter from Root to Plant to Seed

Before yanking out the next patch of lambsquarter you find in your yard or garden, consider the different edible and medicinal uses of this “super weed.” From green juices to soaps, lambsquarter can be used to create and enhance plenty of health-boosting meals and products. The following is an excerpt from The Wild Wisdom of Weeds…

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Recipes and Meal Plans for Childhood Cancer

“Your child has cancer.” Every day, forty-three American families hear these words, thrusting them headlong into the terrifying and unfamiliar territory of pediatric oncology. Finding meals that are both enjoyable and good for your child’s health can feel near impossible. Read on for some tips and recipes to inspire and help in one of the…

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HerbButter

Better Butter: Blossom Butter and Herb Garden Butter

Herb butter is a fantastic trick to have up your culinary sleeve! These two recipes offer simple ways to use edible flowers and herbs that you can pick right in your backyard. If you’ve never made herb butter, you’re in for a treat. These recipes are from The Occidental Arts and Ecology Cookbook, by The…

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garlic mustard

Garlic Mustard: A Gold Mine of Food and Medicine

Garlic mustard: while known as “invasive,” this plant can be consumed in its entirety and has great nutritional value. Plus, the garlic-flavor is a perfect addition to any recipe that calls for mustard! The following are excerpts from Beyond the War on Invasive Species by Tao Orion and The Wild Wisdom of Weeds by Katrina…

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Catnip! Good for Cats, Good for Humans

Many know the effects of catnip on our feline friends, but few realize that catnip has medicinal effects for humans. From stomach aches to reducing fevers, catnip is a versatile herb with many benefits. The next time you grow this plant for your cat you may end up taking a few cuttings for yourself! The…

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nightcap mocktail

Calming Herbal Nightcap Mocktail to Mix Before Bed

Whether you’re looking to replace your end-of-the-day cocktail, relax before bed, or want something new to add to your tea, this non-alcoholic mocktail syrup base will do the trick. Delicious and all-natural, take a sip of this nightcap mocktail and feel your troubles melt away. The following is an excerpt from Herbal Formularies for Health…

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anti-inflammatory smoothie

Ginger and Pineapple Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie: The Best Medicine You’ve Ever Tasted

Surprisingly, medicine can actually be delicious. This anti-inflammatory smoothie uses natural (and tasty!) ingredients to help reduce inflammation caused by any number of circumstances. The following is an excerpt from Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, Volume 4 by Jill Stansbury. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE: Ginger and Pineapple Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie This is an all-purpose…

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making sauerkraut

Making the Best Sauerkraut on Earth in Four Simple Steps: Chop, Salt, Pack, Wait

Make your own delicious, healthy, probiotic sauerkraut! Four easy steps are all you need to turn fresh garden veggies into a long-lasting, tangy, pungent condiment. The following excerpt is from The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz. It has been adapted for the web. 4 Simple Steps to Making Sauerkraut The English language does…

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cheez-its

Healthy Homemade Cheez-Its: Cheese with a Crunch

Do you love Cheez-Its, but not the nutrition facts? Try your hand at this healthier, homemade version. These crunchy, cheesy snacks are not only ridiculously yummy, they’re also very easy to make! The following recipe is from The Heal Your Gut Cookbook by Hilary Boynton and Mary G. Brackett. It has been adapted for the web. RECIPE:…

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herbalism

9 Ways to Improve Your Health with Herbalism

Herbal remedies are a great way to naturally support overall bodily health. Here are some useful tips on all things herbalism — from starting your own herb garden to making remedies for any number of everyday ailments. Start Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden with These 3 Herbs Want to start your own medicinal herb garden? Passionflower, lemon balm,…

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Fresh-Fig-Pecan-Bread

Fresh Fig Pecan Bread

This fig pecan bread is a  sweet, delicious, and nutritious side that everyone around the table will enjoy this winter (or maybe you’ll want to keep it all to yourself, we won’t judge). Enjoy! The following is an excerpt from From the Wood-Fired Oven by Richard Miscovich. It has been adapted for the web. What…

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Medicinal Uses for 8 Herbs Already in your Kitchen

We all know a dash of cayenne pepper is great on roasted sweet potatoes and a little bit of cinnamon goes a long way in a batch of cookies, but did you know many of the kitchen herbs already in your spice rack can also be used medicinally? The following is an excerpt from Energetic Herbalism by…

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bone broth

Homemade Bone Broth: A Healthy Diet Staple

Looking for a soup that tastes good AND is good for you? Consider adding this nutrient-rich, immune system boosting bone broth into your daily diet! The following is an excerpt from The Heal Your Gut Cookbook by Hilary Boynton & Mary Brackett. It has been adapted for the web. How to Make Bone Broth Bone…

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Mastering the Actions of Herbs

Want to become a master in medicinal herbs? The first step to using these herbs successfully is understanding the actions of each one and how they work to treat an individual patient’s symptoms. The following excerpt is from Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, Volume 2  by Dr. Jill Stansbury. It has been adapted for the…

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soup

Cream of Butternut Squash Soup

During this time of year — when the weather is cold and the sun still sets early — there’s nothing like a good comfort meal to warm you up and boost your spirits. This soup recipe is sure to keep you feeling cozy all season long! The following excerpt is from Full Moon Feast by…

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herbs

10 Herbs for Family Health

Growing your own herbs  is a great alternative to over-the-counter medicine. Not only do these plants help with general wellness, they’re also an easy fix for small cuts, be used as a calming agent, and boost your immune system. Have more control of what goes into your body with these 10 herbs to promote natural…

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soothe coughs

How to Decipher and Soothe Coughs: A Guide to Getting Through Cold & Flu Season

During cold and flu season, finding an alternative way to soothe coughs could save you an unnecessary trip to the doctor’s office. Understanding different kinds of coughs and how to identify them can also provide comfort and peace of mind. Keep in mind that for symptoms that go beyond the common cold, you should always…

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medicinal herbs

Growing Medicinal Herbs: An Agricultural Revolution

Growing & using your own medicinal herbs keeps you healthy AND helps improve our environment. So what’re you waiting for? Check out these quick tips and get ready to start an agricultural revolution with medicinal herbs! The following is an excerpt from The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer, Revised Edition by Jeff and Melanie Carpenter. It has been adapted for…

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