Shows
An Herbal DiaryCulinary Herbalism featuring Baking with CinnamonIn this episode we delve into herbal medicine from a culinary perspective by baking with the queen of baking spices.. cinnamon. It's no surprise that this spice has a pastry named for it. Cinnamon is prominent as a remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. Its warming quality stimulates circulation. We talk about the differences between ceylon and cassia cinnamon along with when to choose between the two. This episode of An Herbal Diary continues the Herbal Bake Club segment of the podcast highlighting pumpkin pie cinnamon rolls. I have started a virtual herbal bake club and am including a...
2025-12-1536 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Bake Club: Panna Cotta & Cookies with Herbal Guests Ashwagandha and CardamomThis is a special episode of An Herbal Diary. I am organizing a virtual herbal bake club and this is the first companion podcast episode. Please consider joining me! I have also started a newsletter on Substack. Please subscribe for all the details, recipes and zoom link for the meeting. If you are not yet subscribed to my new Substack, please head to notesfrommykitchenapothecary.substack.com to join. I would love to have you join! If you are subscribed to my Substack, you are automatically invited to Herbal Bake Club meetings. Check your inbox for the...
2025-10-2129 min
An Herbal DiaryAshwagandha MonographThis episode highlights Ashwagandha, a medicinal herb that originates from the Indian Ayurvedic tradition. I'm spending time with this nourishing plant today with an herbal monograph episode. An herbal monograph is also called materia medica. It is a collection of knowledge about one plant that helps to describe the plant as a material of medicine. In the last episode of an herbal diary, I spoke about a general category of plants called adaptogens. If you've listened to that last episode, you will remember we talked about how there are only a few herbs that through research can be clearly d...
2025-09-3059 min
An Herbal DiaryStress Relief from Adaptogens and How Herbs Can Do ThisPlants labeled as adaptogens take the word literally. These herbs lend us a way to adapt, a way to adjust to what life throws at us. You can't go wrong taking adaptogens, but you can go wrong in how you take them. There are two paths to careful selection. Work with an herbalist who can guide you to adaptogens that fit you best or arm yourself with deep study. I hope this episode will help with the deep study path. I am beginning a series on adaptogens. In this first episode, I focus on the basic foundational principle that a...
2025-06-1046 min
An Herbal DiaryMaking Gumbo with SassafrasSassafras is a richly nuanced medicinal tree that also has a distinctive place in the culinary world. Sassafras root bark is responsible for the flavor of root beer, but it is no longer used due to a Food and Drug Administration ban. The reasons for this fortunately do not transfer to sassafras leaves which have a long history of being essential to classical Southern gumbo. I think sassafras falls into the category of underutilized herbs. Despite questions about safety and bad publicity, sassafras is distinctive and very much worth getting to know. Links to Gumbo Mentions:
2025-02-1542 min
An Herbal DiaryGetting to Know Sumac, An Underutilized HerbWhat makes a fruit or vegetable easy to find in grocery stores? While there are many answers to this question, a lot of edible medicinal herbs are not, herbs like nettles, burdock root and elderberries. To this list, I am adding sumac berries. Sumac may not give us delicious fruit, but there is good reason to get to know it better and I am doing this in my kitchen. And in case you are wondering, this is a totally different plant than toxic poison sumac. My favorite sources for dried sumac: Mountain Rose Herbs
2024-08-0946 min
An Herbal Diary57. The Medicine of Tree Bark and Flowering Spring TreesWhat makes a tree medicinal? The answer to this question depends on the medicine we are searching for. Especially in spring, trees can be medicine for our eyes. After the grayness of winter, glorious flowering trees like dogwood and magnolia are sweet visions. Aside from landscaping decoration, both dogwood and magnolia along with many other trees,have long been used for strong medicines derived from their bark.Tree bark has phytochemicals that make it bitter, astringent, and highly antimicrobial. Bark is a tree's protective layer, helping it to survive through winter cold and other dangers like bacteria, fungi and...
2024-06-0639 min
An Herbal Diary56. Warming Energetics and Evergreen TreesPlant energetics is a way to understand how a plant can affect the body through our senses and how it feels in the body. Energetics is subtle, but so helpful when choosing herbs. The difference between warming and cooling plant energetics is like feeling the warmth of the sun versus a cool plunge into the ocean. In this episode, we delve deep into warming energetics and match these with a group of trees that provide great examples: evergreens. These trees have great potential for kitchen uses and herbal remedies. We talk all about juniper, fir, hemlock and spruce trees. ...
2024-03-2051 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Pine Needle SalvePine trees are trees that are very familiar especially because of their long thin needles and pine cones. But they seem overlooked for their culinary and herbal remedy benefits. In this episode, I am back in my kitchen with elegant pine needles brewing a tea blended with warming spices and preparing a skin healing salve. I'll talk you through all the steps. Thank you for joining me! Pine Needle Chai: 1 cinnamon stick 1 teaspoon dried ginger 2 teaspoons dried orange peel or zest of 1 orange 1 allspice berry ¼ t...
2024-02-2055 min
An Herbal DiaryA Tea Decoction that Tastes like JuiceHerbal teas are a lovely way to be creative and experience herbs on a daily basis. Brewing herbal teas can take on different forms and tastes, including juice-like creations when dried berries are used as the main ingredients. These berry teas are a wonderful way to gain nutrient benefits from herbs. In this episode I am sharing my current favorite method for brewing herbal tea that feels more like a juice. Thank you for joining me. Tea "Juice" Decoction ¼ cup dried elderberries ¼ cup dried hawthorn berries ¼ cup dried sea buckthorn berries...
2024-01-1722 min
An Herbal Diary53. Little Herb Saver: Part 2 Lemon Balm MonographThe Little Herb Saver: Lemon balm is like a blanket of peace, calming a nervous stomach, reducing anxiety, elevating a gloomy feeling, and providing relief for sleepless nights. That's a lot, but that's also not all. Lemon balm is easy to grow, lovely to eat or drink as tea, powerful in its own right but not in a way that lends caution to using it. To get more lemon balm into our lives, can only be a good thing. And this is why I deem it a little herbal saver. Thank you for joi...
2023-04-2051 minAn Herbal Diary52. Lemon Balm Monograph Part 1Lemon balm is soothing, calming and uplifting, whether fresh or dried its a pleasure to have and use. Lemon balm is such a gem that it deserves a a two part herbal monograph. Here in part 1, Dina focuses on lemon balm's origin and the benefits it can offer for us now. Also offering favorite sources for dried lemon balm and some recipes for making teas and tinctures. Thank you for joining me. Recipes in Episode: Lemon Balm Tea: 1-2 tsp dried lemon balm with 8 ounces hot water, steep 15-20 minutes. Lemon Balm Tincture: 50...
2023-02-2739 minAn Herbal DiaryLemon Balm Scones are Medicine for the BakerBaking and herbs both calm my heart and mind. In today's episode, I am back in my kitchen baking scones with lemon balm infused heavy cream blended into the batter. Lemon balm is a delight to grow and the fresh leaves offer a beautiful perfumey aroma that can uplift a heavy heart and offer a peaceful moment. In the kitchen, it's medicine for the baker. Lemon Balm Scones (if lemon balm balm is not something you have, give these a try using basil or thyme in its place) For lemon balm infused cream:
2022-09-0438 minAn Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine Broth Series:Ginger StockRounding out my broth episodes with ginger provides the perfect example of how lovely tasting herbal tea can second as herbal broth which then infuses the food we eat with an extra layer of nourishment. Ginger is a great example, because it is such a foundational culinary herb with multitudes of methods and recipes incorporating ginger both fresh and dried.. As for soup, ginger itself may be added as an ingredient, it goes especially well with chicken soup or creamy carrot soup or a garlic lemongrass broth with noodles, But it can also be layered in as the actual...
2022-05-1733 min
An Herbal Diary49 Kitchen Medicine Broth Series: Chicken StockCould chicken soup be medicinal because of the plant and herbal ingredients?. Chicken adds nourishment but I propose the healing qualities are due to onions, thyme, bay leaves and pepper. Chicken Stock (from my kitchen) ½ gallon water (2 quarts) 3 pounds chicken bones (joints - wings, backs) 2 cups chopped onion 1 cup chopped carrot 1 cup chopped celery 1 Tablespoon thyme ½ Tablespoon pepper 2 bay leaves Run bones under cold water for 5 minutes, drain. Add bones to stock pot with water, bring to gentle simmer. Sk...
2021-05-1430 min
An Herbal Diary48 Kitchen Medicine Broth Series II featuring KvassAnother form of kitchen alchemy and extraction: Kvass. This fermented beverage is refreshing and tangy. Using Kvass as broth may be unconventional but it is also uncommonly good, especially beet kvass used in borscht, either cold or hot. Give it a try. Kvass Recipe 12 slices dark rye bread 2-3 quarts hot water ¼ cup sugar or honey 1 ¼ teaspoon dry active yeast 1 Tablespoon lemon juice 12 raisins For Beet Kvass 2-4 beets, peeled and cubed 2-3 quarts water Mentions: ...
2021-04-0728 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine Broth Series: Garlic StockJoin me in my kitchen apothecary as I make the easiest stock ever. Just garlic and water simmered together results in a versatile, flavorful and densely nourishing stock. It's perfect for making vegetable soup, rice, marinara sauce or beans. Garlic Stock makes 2 quarts 2 whole heads garlic 1 Tablespoon olive oil 2 quarts water Gently wash garlic head under running water, pat dry with a paper towel. Slice garlic head in half horizontally. In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add halved garlic c...
2021-02-2317 min
An Herbal DiaryPop-Up Cocoa Tea SalonChocolate begins as the seeds of Theobroma cacao, a tropical tree. After much processing, we are gifted cocoa powder which is in itself an herbal remedy, a delicious one at that. Come join me in this pop-up tea salon episode where we brew a warm comfort cup of cocoa. **NEW TRIAL OFFERING: Herbal Kitchen Styling Sessions** To Schedule Click Here Mentions: Jim McDonald: Herbcraft.org Jim's Virtual Classes Cocoa Tea Recipe 12 ounces herbal tea (chamomile, mint or any favorite) 1 teaspoon 100% dark cocoa powder...
2020-12-2821 min
An Herbal DiaryMateria Medica: PlantainThe more I work with weedy plants from my yard and in my kitchen, the greater my confidence in them grows. Plantain is the perfect bridge for embracing the idea that plants growing around us are remedies readily available. Plantain is a rockstar for healing the skin and mucous membranes where it can soothe pain, cleanse and promote wound healing. What plantain heals externally it can also do internally. Photo of Plantain major Photo of Plantain lanceolata For more on plantain poultices listen to episode 44 of An Herba...
2020-11-1635 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Plantain and PoulticesThis is not the tropical fruit plantain, so yummy cooked in butter. This plantain is the leafy green weed growing in any grassy yard, field or meadow. This plantain tops the list for herbal first aid remedies, especially for rashes and insect bites. In this episode, we explore topical uses including the amazing plantain poultice. Plantain Poultice Recipe: Big handful fresh plantain leaves OR ½ cup dried plantain leaf Hot water, just to moisten 1 Tablespoon calendula oil 2 drops lavender essential oil Blend either in mortar and pestle or bl...
2020-08-3034 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Kitchen Garden VisitHerbs offer all kinds of remedy. Tending a kitchen garden may provide culinary delights and stock for an herbal medicine cabinet, but with additional benefit of peace, solace and hope. Join me in this episode to tour through my 2020 kitchen garden for some delicious and medicinal discoveries. Mentions: Donna J. Haraway: Staying with the Trouble, Making Kin in the Chthulucene Aaron Bertelson: Grow Fruit and Vegetables in Pots Companion Plants Strictly Medicinal Seeds Rootwork Herbals and the People's Medicine Project Reclamation CONNECT WITH DINA
2020-07-191h 01
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Demulcents and ExpectorantsMedicine from plants can't replace pharmaceuticals, but botanical remedies can contribute to prevention and recovery from illness. In this episode, I explore building the kitchen herbal pantry to include cough remedies. Categories and Examples of Herbs with therapeutic use for coughing Demulcents are herbs that soothe and protect mucous membranes from irritation and inflammation and thin mucus Examples are flax seed, chia seed, oats, okra, marshmallow, licorice, fenugreek, fennel, slippery elm, mullein, violet, butterfly weed Expectorants are herbs that help move excessive mucus out of the respiratory system Examples i...
2020-05-051h 08
An Herbal DiaryPop-Up Tea Salon: Ashwaganda ChaiSharing three inspirations of courage from my kitchen apothecary. A calming chai, ideas for a little remedy kit that you probably have already at home and thoughts for future herbal kitchen planning. Ashwaganda Chai Herb/Spice Blend ¼ cup ashwaganda root powder 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder ¼ teaspoon clove powder ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper To Prepare Chai 1 cup milk - cow, soy, coconut, nut, oat ¼ cup water 2 teaspoons herb/spice blend ¼ teaspoon va...
2020-03-3133 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Rosemary Chocolate Chip BiscottiFinally a kitchen medicine baking episode! This one starring herbal infused culinary oils. Not to be confused with essential oils, herb infused oils are easy to prepare at home and versatile. Always use dried herbs for infusing into an oil like olive oil. The creative options are endless. Perhaps begin by baking this biscotti with me! Mentions: Culinary Infused Oil Safety Rosemary Gladstar Patience Gray's Honey from a Weed To Make Herbal Infused Culinary Oil: Use sterilized Mason Jars Fill a jar approximately 1/3rd full w...
2020-03-0857 min
Plant Love RadioHerbal bake shoppe with Dina RanadeIn this episode, we explore the importance of flavor when herbs are introduced to your picky eaters, some of the best herbs to incorporate into baking and cooking and ways to substitute herbs seamlessly in your favorite recipes. My today's guest is Dina Ranade, RDN, RH(AHG), IFNCP. Dina counsels private clients blending nutrition with herbalism. She is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild. Additionally, Dina is a recipe creator, blogger and a podcaster sharing her knowledge and expertise through Herbal Bake Shoppe and An Herbal Diary podcast. Show Notes: ...
2020-02-2748 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Tinctures and ExtractionsHerbal tinctures are welcome and sustainable additions to your kitchen medicine cabinet - whether homemade or purchased. And they are so easy to prepare. Join me to delve into the basics of herbal extractions. Herbal Tincture Weight to Volume Ratios Fresh Herbs 1:2 (1 part herb to 2 parts menstruum) Dried Herbs 1:4 or 1:5 (1 part herb to 4 or 5 parts menstruum) Supplies: Organic High Proof Neutral Alcohol Spirits Tincture Storage Bottles Mentions: Michael Moore's Herbal Tinctures in Clinical Practice Herbalist & Alchemist CONNECT WITH DINA
2020-01-2544 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Astragalus Chocolate Nut TrufflesAstragalus is one of the premier immune system nourishing and strengthening herbal medicines. The best way to use an immune system tonifying herb like astragalus is to begin taking it when you are not sick, beginning about six weeks prior to the height of cold and flu season. It's ideal for incorporating into cooking on a daily basis. In this episode, I share a recipe for creamy chocolate nut truffles with a big dose of astragalus powder as an ingredient. Ingredients for Creamy Chocolate Nut Astragalus Truffles ½ cup figs, chopped, 1 cup almonds, ½ cup cashews, 3 TBS coc...
2019-12-1540 min
An Herbal DiaryMateria Medica: Red CloverLovely red clover may be a weedy and grow wild, but it is not to be overlooked as a medicinal herb. This full monograph delves into all of its nuances from garden friend to delicious tea to profound remedy. Mentions: Mypronouns.org Strictly Medicinal Seeds David Winston's Alterative Formula from Herbalist & Alchemist Celebrated Herbalists: David Winston Michael Moore David Hoffmann Matthew Wood Red Clover Fritter Batter Recipe: - 1 Cup Flour - 1 Tsp baking powder ...
2019-10-1748 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Controversies, Phytoestrogens and Red CloverWe are forever learning the role of plant compounds in our bodies, especially those with complexity like isoflavones and phytoestrogens. Red clover and traditional whole soy foods are sources of these phytochemicals. In this episode, my goal is to reframe some of the controversies. Sources for Red Clover Dried or Tincture: Avena Botanicals Mountain Rose Herbs Herbalist & Alchemist Mentions: Aviva Romm MD: Botanical Medicine for Women's Health Ellen Evert Hopman ** Please join me for my new monthly online group gathering, a ki...
2019-08-2539 min
An Herbal DiaryPop-Up Tea Salon: Dandelion Root Vanilla LatteI can not yet serve you a latte through your podcast app even though I wish that I could. Maybe someday that will happen. For now, here is a pop-up recipe offering, to make dandelion root vanilla latte homemade. I hope you enjoy! Dandelion Root Latte with Vanilla Syrup 8 ounces roasted dandelion root tea 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup ¼ cup milk (whole, any nut milk, coconut or organic unsweetened soy) Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, heat on low setting to warm. Pour warm mixture into a blender an...
2019-07-0932 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Green Sauces with NettleAn installment in my continued commitment to not waste the abundant and aggressive nettle crop I have growing in my yard. These green sauces are an embrace of life for me, a pathway to the things that I love: recipe collecting, discovery of brilliant herbal use and reason to shop for interesting ingredients, green or otherwise. Please come along and sauce with me. To Blanch Nettle/Remove the Sting: Use tongs or gloves to handle prior to blanching Heat a small amount of water in a large pot Plunge nettle leaf i...
2019-05-3133 min
An Herbal DiaryMateria Medica: DandelionMateria medica tells a plant's story. Please join me to explore and appreciate one of the herbalism sweethearts, a far cry from bothersome weed. I hope by the end you will love dandelion and never want to spray it with chemicals again. Taraxacum officinale = Dandelion: leaf, root, flower, stem Photos of Tarasque in Tarascon, France Sources for Dandelion: Black Locust Gardens - fresh Oshala Farm - dried White PIne Community Farm - dried Mountain Rose Herbs - dried leaf, root, roasted root, extracts, powder, capsules
2019-05-1852 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Edible WeedsCan we refashion the reputation of weeds? With many negative connotations surrounding weeds it's hard to switch their image to foods and herbal medicines to love. We may call them edible weeds or wild foods, but I would love to change the name. I'm working on my own relationship with weeds by getting to know lamb's quarters. Mentions: Edible Weeds Online Foraging Course from the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Lamb's quarters photos Book mentions: Fasting and Feasting, The Life of Visionary Food Writer Patience Gray by...
2019-04-1438 min
An Herbal DiaryPop-Up Tea Salon: Masala ChaiPopping up here to offer you tea, through recipes instead of actually serving it. I promise for the time it takes to wait in line or sit in the drive thru, you can make your own chai, tweak it to how you like it and best of all experience some good medicine. Recipe for Masala Chai 4 whole cloves 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, that I've cut into thin slices 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 4 or 5 grinds of pepper 1 ½ teaspoon loose l...
2019-03-0925 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Wild Cherry Cough SyrupCoughs can be so uncomfortable. Coughs can linger after the cold has long gone. Herbal cough syrups hold possibility to soothe and quiet a cough or support expectoration. Today's kitchen medicine has three steps and uses three herbs combined to make a cough syrup that keeps in the refrigerator for when you need it. Ingredients for Wild Cherry Cough Syrup: Dried Mullein Leaf, Dried Wild Cherry Bark, Dried Angelica Root Water, Honey Tinctures: 2 ounces each of Wild Cherry, Mullein Leaf and Angelica Root Cough Syrup Recipe Instructions: ...
2019-02-1245 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: BereavementSometimes prayers are not answered. A dedication to my mom... Mentions: Herbalist & Alchemist Compound Formula: David Winston's Grief Relief No Fear, No Death by Thich Nhat Hanh Inward by Yung Pueblo Herbs for next episode's Cough syrup: Angelica Root Wild Cherry Bark Mullein Leaf Deepest gratitude to Andrea Klunder, my podcast boss. Find her at thecreativeimposter.com. Original music by Dylan Rice --- CONNECT WITH DINA --- Ple...
2019-01-2117 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Cold and Flu Season ReadinessAdding herbs to a cold and flu season supply kit is easy and valuable peace of mind. Clear a space in your kitchen apothecary for dried herb blends for tea and steam inhalations, tinctures for prevention and symptoms as well as a few homemade syrups. Please listen in as I share my favorites. Cold and Flu Kitchen Apothecary Survival Kit Foods for medicine Honey, garlic, onion, ginger, dried sage & thyme Tea Blends Chai blend - 2 parts cinnamon & ginger, 1 part cardamom, ½ part clove & black pepper Diaphoretic blend - y...
2018-12-2151 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Pungent Immune Supporting TonicThere's no time like the present moment to stock up on kitchen medicine cabinet remedies that nourish the immune system, both for prevention and treating symptoms. This apple cider vinegar and honey combination is more like cooking than medicine making. If you're cooking along while you listen, you will need the following: ½ cup grated fresh horseradish root, approximately 6-8 inch piece ½ cup chopped onions, (1 medium onion) ¼ cup chopped garlic, (about 10-12 cloves depending on their size) ¼ cup grated fresh ginger, (about a 4-6 inch piece) Chopped fresh or d...
2018-11-3042 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Underground VegetablesDeep roots symbolize durability, resiliency and unfaltering character, they are grounded and strong. For plants, roots are a matter of life or death. Cut off a plant's roots then replant it, the plant won't survive. Autumn is the time for roots in the kitchen and in herbalism. Burdock Root and Carrot Nut Torte: get the recipe here Burdock Tea Decoction: Combine 1 tablespoon burdock root, fresh or dried, for each 1 cup water in small saucepan, simmer covered 45 min to 1 hour, then steep for 45 minutes and strain. Deepest gratitude to Andrea Klunder, my...
2018-11-0519 min
An Herbal DiaryGarden Visit: with Horseradish Harvest and WeedingAutumn and roots go hand and hand. I'm outside foraging through my weedy disarrayed backward to find treasure in the form of horseradish root. Join me for a successful harvest. Gardening podcasts: Plantrama Living Homegrown Mentions: Plants: horseradish, pokeweed, nettle, burdock, motherwort Plant Healer Magazine Chestnut School Of Herbal Medicine Deepest gratitude to Andrea Klunder, my podcast boss. Find her at thecreativeimposter.com. Original music by Dylan Rice --- CONNECT WITH DINA --- P...
2018-10-1132 min
An Herbal DiaryMateria Medica Yarrow MonographDo you have a top ten herb list? Is yarrow on your list? Some herbs have such a broad compass that they border on constructing a complete kitchen medicine cabinet. Yarrow is one of these herbs. We talk all about it in this materia medica monograph. Herbrally - herbal monographs, podcast and much more Latin Name: Achillea millefollium Henriette's Herbal: Photos of Yarrow Sources for Yarrow: Mountain Rose Herbs : dried leaf & flower, powdered leaf & flower, seeds Rosemary's Garden: dried leaf & flower ZacK Woods Herb Farm...
2018-09-2735 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Kitchen First Aid KitMishaps don't give warnings. Topical herbal remedies, those we use externally on skin, deserve star status for first aid. Options for topical herbal first aid remedies include compresses, poultices, ointments, oils, salves, soaks and washes. Yarrow, a premier first aid herb that can stop bleeding, cleanse wounds and take away symptoms of inflammation, is our focus for today. Henriette's Herbal: Photos of Yarrow Sources for Yarrow: Mountain Rose Herbs : dried leaf & flower, powdered leaf & flower, seeds Rosemary's Garden: dried leaf & flower ZacK Woods Herb Farm: fresh & dried ...
2018-09-1331 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Fruit InfusionsReluctant to ignore summer fruit in their abundant peak, I am infusing my favorite, cherries, to make a cordial. If you are preserving your favorite fruit by making jams, pickles or drying consider this as an alternative option. Cherry Cordial Recipe 2 quart or 1 half gallon size jars 2 1/2 pounds of cherries, stems removed, washed 2 1/2 cups sugar 1½ vanilla bean ⅛ cup cardamom pods 2 cups bourbon ½ cup brandy Place cherries into jar (no need to seed) Add the cardamom and vanilla bean, then sugar...
2018-08-3023 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Herbal Butters and Tinctures featuring SageGrateful to have a large bunch of fresh sage! I'm infusing some into butter to make cookies then turning the rest into a tincture. This is my first recording while baking - please let me know if you like it and want to hear more baking episodes! Sage Infused Brown Butter 2 sticks unsalted butter, sliced into chunks 4-5 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, torn into small pieces Heat butter in small saucepan over medium heat until melted. Cook until solids begin to brown about 6 minutes. Stir in sage and cook just until begins to crisp about 30...
2018-08-1637 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Buying Fresh HerbsBeyond culinary herbs, fresh medicinal herbs can be difficult to find. Why bother with fresh herbs? We can feel the vitality of plants through the energetic qualities of fresh herbs. There are many herb farms working extremely hard to supply high quality fresh and dried herbs and it is so good to support them. Mentions: American Botanical Council (ABC) American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) University of Mississippi's National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) Botanicals Adulterant Prevention Program Summary "Adulteration of Essential Oils" Local G...
2018-08-0226 min
An Herbal DiaryMateria Medica: CalendulaBright orange calendula flowers resemble rays of sunshine. As a warming, soothing herbal remedy calendula supports skin health, wound healing and so much more. Sources for Calendula(Calendula officinalis): Fresh Calendula: Local Grower Resource from Mountain Rose Herbs Dried Calendula and Topical Calendula Oil & Salve: Mountain Rose Herbs Frontier Co-op Strictly Medicinal Herbs Herbalist & Alchemist Avena Botanicals Mentions: Juliet Blankespoor and the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Rosemary Gladstar's Books Herbal Recipes for...
2018-07-1441 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: The Medicine MakerWhen we add our individual thoughts and love to the medicine we make the result is powerful. Regardless of level of herbal experience, you are the ultimate medicine maker for those you love. Mentions: Sam Coffman Rosemary Gladstar: Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide Juliet Blankespoor and the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Daniel Boorstin Deepest gratitude to Andrea Klunder, my podcast boss. Find her at thecreativeimposter.com. Original music by Dylan Rice ---
2018-07-0526 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Refreshing Herbal Tea SmoothieExploring herbal tea blends - delicious, healing, versatile in the kitchen Refreshing Herbal Tea Blend HIbiscus (HIbiscus sabdariffa) - 1½ part Lemongrass (Cymbopobon citratus) - 1 part Violet leaf (Viola sororia) - 1 part Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) - ¼ part To Brew: Combine 2 teaspoons dried herbs with 12 ounces hot water, steep 25 minutes. Herbal Tea Smoothie 10 ounces brewed herbal tea 1 frozen banana 6 strawberries (or any other fruit) ¼ cup almond milk (substitute coconut milk or any other milk) 3-5 iced cubes...
2018-06-2827 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Cooling HerbsExcess heat, whether from summer or internal energetic influences, can be completely uncomfortable and create tension and pain. In this episode, I talk about the natural element of fire and how cooling herbs can be a rescue when it is out of balance in our lives. Herb Sources Zack Woods Farm Companion Plants Many apologies for the sound quality of this episode! I had some inside challenges and at the last minute recorded outside. I hope the birds and construction noises are not annoying and distracting xoxo Deepest gratitude t...
2018-06-2125 min
An Herbal DiaryGarden Visit with Yarrow and Flower EssencesFlowers have the ability to deepen our personal experience with herbalism. Flower essences extract energetic elements of a plant and gently nudge our spiritual growth. Join me in my garden to prepare a flower essence with yarrow blossoms. Flower essence extract preparation Steps: Infuse flower blooms in spring water in sunlight or moonlight Strain flower essence water and dilute 50/50 with alcohol to make a Mother Essence Dilute once again by mixing 50/50 water and brandy and add 1-7 drops of Mother Essence Source for glass bottles: Specialty Bottle Mentions:
2018-06-1433 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Bitters and Dandelion Green PestoI'm talking all about bitters and how we can put our taste buds in rehab with dandelion green pesto. Dandelion Green Pesto Recipe: get the recipe HERE (adapted from Marcella Hazan's Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking and Deb Soule's How to Move Like a Gardener) 2 1/2 cups fresh partially chopped dandelion greens 1/4 cup basil leaves 1/4 cup cilantro leaves 2-4 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons walnuts 2 tablespoons pine nuts 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup olive oil ⅓ cup Romano cheese, grated 4 tablespoons bu...
2018-06-0728 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: Organization and Herbal ActionHerbal actions put a name to a plant's primarily performance in our body. I'm organizing my herbal pantry into actions and talking in detail about alterative herbs. This category of herbal actions may be the support our bodies need for healthy metabolism. Mentions: Alterative Herbs Eclectic Medicine Jim McDonald, herbcraft.org Calendula infusion: 2 tablespoons dried calendula flowers & 12 ounces hot water; infuse for 20 minutes; strain Sources for dried calendula: Rosemary's Garden Starwest Botanicals Deepest gratitude to Andrea Klunder, my podcast boss. Find her...
2018-05-3126 min
An Herbal DiaryMateria Medica: BurdockMateria Medica translates to materials of medicine. Our material today is burdock. I'm also talking about how a plant's healing abilities reach beyond the physical into our heart and spirit. You can find the full nettle profile HERE but here's a quick episode recap: * emotional and spiritual qualities of burdock * considerations for growing burdock for food and medicine * energetics and actions * using burdock in cooking * herbal burdock preparations * specific indications for burdock as medicines Mentions: Sajah Popham The School of Evolutionary...
2018-05-2438 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Prebiotics from Herbal RootsDigestion is foundational to our health and well-being. Today we focus on herbal roots that provide inulin. This prebiotic is vital to keeping the friendly microbes in our body happy as well as our digestion. And then I'm back in the kitchen to make super easy electuaries with powdered roots. 🍠🍯 Herbal Root Prebiotic Electuaries 1 1/2 parts (1 1/2 tsp) dried burdock root powder 1 part (1 tsp) dried dandelion root powder 1 1/2 parts (1 1/2 tsp) dried chicory root, powder 1 1/2 parts (1 1/2 tsp) dried marshmallow root powder 1 part (1 tsp) cacao powder 1/8 part (1/8 tsp) dried ginger...
2018-05-1732 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Decocting Burdock Root BrothSavory herbal decoctions second as broth, a vegetarian counterpart to bone broth. In contrast this herbal broth makes a lighter spring summer version. This is my spring cleanse, metabolic tonic with added immune strengthening capability. And so simple to make. 🍵 💚 Burdock Root Photos Springtime Tonic Burdock Root Broth Herbs: 1 part = 1/2 cup 3/4 cup dried burdock root, Arctium lappa (1 1/2 parts) 1/2 cup dried dandelion leaf, Taraxacum officinale (1 part) 1/2 cup dried red clover, Trifolium pratense (1 part) 3 jujube dates, Zizyphus jujuba, chopped Sea Vegetable: 2 tablespoon dried kombu fla...
2018-05-1045 min
An Herbal DiaryMateria Medica: NettleMateria Medica is a fancy way of telling a plant's story and the herbal monograph documents it in an organized way. In this episode I share my own monograph on nettle. 🌿📜 You can find the full nettle profile HERE but here's a quick episode recap: * plant personalities and their stories * considerations for growing nettle * where to buy * using fresh nettle in cooking * herbal nettle preparations * specific indications for nettle - leaf | root | seed Mentions: Matthew Wood's Books Susan Weed | Wise Wo...
2018-05-0346 min
An Herbal DiaryGarden Visit with NettleWelcome to my backyard.. I'm talking nature awareness, plant people, growing and gathering nettle. ☀️ Pardon the contractor noise. Nettle Gathering Outfit: gardening gloves, long sleeves, long pants Favorite Garden Gloves 🧤 Lessons and Steps: Select planting area carefully Plant seeds sparingly Wear gloves when touching fresh nettles Offer gratitude and gift prior to picking nettle, or any plant Cut top 4-5 leaves with small pruners Collect fresh nettles in a sturdy pot or bag Steam or dry quickly after gathering Sources to buy nettle Companion Plants Strictl...
2018-04-2647 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: On Being NettledNettle will never be the new kale unless we negotiate its sting. We delve deep into the why of nettle sting, how it feels, then diffuse it by turning fresh to dried. Recipe: Nette-infused hot cocoa 🍃☕️ For one cup: 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (non-alkalinized, organic) 1 Tablespoon honey (raw, local) 8 ounces nettle tea (2 tsp to 8 ounce water) 1 ounce whole coconut milk Prepare nettle tea. Combine with all other ingredients in saucepan and heat over low heat, whisking together until warm. Do not overheat. For o...
2018-04-1938 min
The Creative ImpostorSeek out tranquility, Kimberly Wilson, Tranquility du JourEpisode 067. "The connecting thread for me is the idea of tranquility... it's not because I have it all figured out. It's because I'm always seeking it out too." ~Kimberly Wilson Yoga. Mindfulness. Eco Fashion. Writing. Podcast. Conscious Business E-course. Psychotherapy. A charitable foundation called Pigs & Pugs... Kimberly Wilson has created the multi-passionate lifestyle brand of my dreams! (only my foundation would be more like Sloths & Cats... doesn't have the same ring...) I've been following Kimberly ever since I was a struggling yoga studio owner in 2009 and I sought out her help through her Conscious business...
2018-04-1844 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Nutrient Rich Nettle Infused VinegarWondering how to use stinging nettles without suffering a sting? In today's kitchen medicine making venture we embrace dried nettles - sting deactivated - infusing them into vinegar. The result: a vitamin and mineral packed ingredient for your herbal pantry. 🍾 Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) Recipe for nettle-infused vinegar Ingredients: * 1/2 cup dried nettle leaf, powdered if possible * 1 cup apple cider vinegar or 1 cup Balsamic vinegar (organic preferred) * 12 ounce jar with plastic lid or metal lid with double piece of wax paper Directions: Powder drie...
2018-04-1245 min
An Herbal DiaryMateria Medica: RoseMateria Medica is a fancy way of telling a plant's story and the herbal monograph documents it in an organized way. In this episode I share my own monograph on roses. 🌹📜 You can find the full rose profile HERE Quick episode recap: * Materia Medica and herbal monograph introduction * considerations for growing roses for medicine * where to buy * energetics: color, taste, smell, texture, hot/cold; dry/moist * edible roses * herbal rose preparations * specific indications for roses as medicines Suggested Sources: ...
2018-04-0524 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Medicine: Rose Honey SyrupOn today's episode of An Herbal Diary, our exploration of rose petals continues in the kitchen. Dina prepares a rose honey syrup that inspires all kinds of heart happy ideas for rose medicines. 🌹 Recipe Equipment and Ingredients: Medium saucepan with lid Hand strainer lined with cheesecloth Glass measuring cup Jar with lid Rose petals 1/2 cup 12 ounces water 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (3oz) honey 1 Tablespoon Brandy (optional) Other ideas for using rose petals: rose petal honey; rose brandy Links: Recipe for rose honey syrup Source for dried rose petals: mountain rose...
2018-03-2930 min
An Herbal DiaryHerbal Pantry: First Steps | First Herb...RoseBig love to you! On today's episode of An Herbal Diary we're talking about stocking a kitchen medicine cabinet. There are a few first steps to organizing it. Dina lists kitchen equipment to stock as well as introduces you to a first herb - rose - a true treasure and perfect way to start a pantry. Kitchen Medicine Cabinet equipment (suggestions only ⚖️) * stainless steel pots with lids * double boiler * coffee grinder * blender or food processor * hand strainer with cheesecloth to line * glass measuring cups...
2018-03-2236 min
An Herbal DiaryKitchen Segment: An Invitation to TeaBig love to you! Dina invites you into her kitchen for a discussion on herbal tea preparation. Pull up a stool, come sit and enjoy! Get the recipe from this episode Herbal Tea Blend 🍵 Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) Linden Flower (Tilia cordata) Milky oat tops (Avena sativa) Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citriodora) Rose petals (Rosa damascena) Supplies needed 🎛 Medium saucepan with lid | Measuring cups and spoons | Dried herbs | 32 ounces water | Timer | Hand strainer | Cheesecloth | 1 quart glass jar Mentions: Herbal actions: Nervine Suggested sources for dried...
2018-03-1539 min
An Herbal DiaryOpening the Diary: Introducing the PodcastBig love to you! On this first episode of An Herbal Diary, I share my vision and purpose for the podcast and tell you a bit about myself. I invite you to join me on this journey into the plant world. Please SHARE this episode with someone who may also be fascinated by herbal medicine. Help me to spread my passion for kitchen medicine and make everyone's home a place of herbal wisdom. 🌿✨ Mentions: David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies Deepest gratitude to Andrea Klunder, my podcast boss. Find her at th...
2018-03-1423 min