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Owl & Frog Meadow
Leigh Arnoldy - Herbalist

Hello - My name is Leigh Arnoldy, and I am a Minnesota-based herbalist and artist.

Nature has many things to teach us, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear.

The Language of Nature is one of patterns, woven with symbols and metaphor.

These patterns translate into our daily lives in the form of plants, animals, and even the stars.

If you're looking to explore wellness through the lens of Nature, I'd like to help you on your journey.

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Herbal Consultations

Offering initial intake and follow up herbal consultations.

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One to One Astrology

For those that want to learn more about their birth (natal) charts.

Coming soon!

Astro Art

Explore the themes of your birth (natal) chart with custom made art.

Coming Soon!

Trillium - Wake Robin - Bethroot

Three lovely leaves, and soon, three lovely petals. The Robin of the forest is back.

A lovely, three-leaved Native American female remedy - only if the land can spare it. This is top notch for endometriosis. If the land can’t let spare it, you can use the flower essence.

Please know that that Trillium is very sensitive to disturbance; it takes years to establish, and picking the flower will prevent from coming back.

#trillium
#wakerobin
#femaleremedy
#endrometriosis
#herbalmedicine

Trillium - Wake Robin - Bethroot

Three lovely leaves, and soon, three lovely petals. The Robin of the forest is back.

A lovely, three-leaved Native American female remedy - only if the land can spare it. This is top notch for endometriosis. If the land can’t let spare it, you can use the flower essence.

Please know that that Trillium is very sensitive to disturbance; it takes years to establish, and picking the flower will prevent from coming back.

#trillium
#wakerobin
#femaleremedy
#endrometriosis
#herbalmedicine

Hepatica :)

#hepatica

Hepatica :)

#hepatica

Geranium - the Star, the Soul

This is the “domestic” Geranium, but it still knows its cousin, Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). The Geranium holds the seed in the Star of its leaves and veins.

This makes me think of the eye, and how the eyes are the “window to the soul.”

Wild Geranium restores the essence after drug use, whether it be recreational or lots of pharmaceutical.

A theory: when drugs come in to take the place of natural processes, we give up a little of our autonomy. If this happens in large doses or frequency, that’s a lot of self that you’re giving away.

This is not judgement - we all walk our own path, and I think most of us are trying to do what we think is right or necessary.

Wild Geranium is Crane Medicine, and Crane is the communicator. I think about Crane and the connection to water and air, both which deal in currency. Currency is flow and connection. I think that Crane knows connection and knows the way back.

Wild Geranium can call you back.

Later, the flowers, on long, airy stems, will bear seeds that point back to the leaves, back to self, and back to the soul.

Wild Geranium can bring you back.

I believe this plant, along with Borage, is named “Death from Above,” due to the seed. It is also Crane Medicine due to this bill-like shape. When we’ve experienced a loss of self, perhaps a “dark night of the soul,” or a death, this might be a time to think about Wild Geranium.

As Crane is a messenger, it will know the realms, traveling the unseen currents. Many messengers are psychopomps, or guides of the dead.

What is death? Is it only physical, or is it transformation? Is it loss of one part so something else may come in? Is what once was lost or preserved in the soul, transformed?

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. This is purely educational.

#geranium
#wildgeranium
#geraniummaculatum
#cranemedicine
#herbalmedicine
#doctrineofsignatures

Geranium - the Star, the Soul

This is the “domestic” Geranium, but it still knows its cousin, Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). The Geranium holds the seed in the Star of its leaves and veins.

This makes me think of the eye, and how the eyes are the “window to the soul.”

Wild Geranium restores the essence after drug use, whether it be recreational or lots of pharmaceutical.

A theory: when drugs come in to take the place of natural processes, we give up a little of our autonomy. If this happens in large doses or frequency, that’s a lot of self that you’re giving away.

This is not judgement - we all walk our own path, and I think most of us are trying to do what we think is right or necessary.

Wild Geranium is Crane Medicine, and Crane is the communicator. I think about Crane and the connection to water and air, both which deal in currency. Currency is flow and connection. I think that Crane knows connection and knows the way back.

Wild Geranium can call you back.

Later, the flowers, on long, airy stems, will bear seeds that point back to the leaves, back to self, and back to the soul.

Wild Geranium can bring you back.

I believe this plant, along with Borage, is named “Death from Above,” due to the seed. It is also Crane Medicine due to this bill-like shape. When we’ve experienced a loss of self, perhaps a “dark night of the soul,” or a death, this might be a time to think about Wild Geranium.

As Crane is a messenger, it will know the realms, traveling the unseen currents. Many messengers are psychopomps, or guides of the dead.

What is death? Is it only physical, or is it transformation? Is it loss of one part so something else may come in? Is what once was lost or preserved in the soul, transformed?

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. This is purely educational.

#geranium
#wildgeranium
#geraniummaculatum
#cranemedicine
#herbalmedicine
#doctrineofsignatures

Who eats flowers? Me!
#herbalistseatflowers

Who eats flowers? Me!
#herbalistseatflowers

Itchy!

#weasel
#mustelids
#mustelidae
#minnesota

Itchy!

#weasel
#mustelids
#mustelidae
#minnesota

One of my favorite families: the Buttercups, or Ranunculaceae, which means “little frog.”

Members include: Buttercups, Pulsatilla (shown), Hepatica (shown), Black Cohosh, Delphinium, Monkshood, Clematis, Columbine, and so many more. Some are safe for ingestion, some are fairly toxic, and others are down right deadly.

Know your Buttercups.

#buttercups
#ranunculaceae
#pulsatilla
#hepatica

One of my favorite families: the Buttercups, or Ranunculaceae, which means “little frog.”

Members include: Buttercups, Pulsatilla (shown), Hepatica (shown), Black Cohosh, Delphinium, Monkshood, Clematis, Columbine, and so many more. Some are safe for ingestion, some are fairly toxic, and others are down right deadly.

Know your Buttercups.

#buttercups
#ranunculaceae
#pulsatilla
#hepatica

More thoughts on Pulsatilla.

#pulsatilla
#pasqueflower
#windflower
#herbalremedies
#homeopathic

More thoughts on Pulsatilla.

#pulsatilla
#pasqueflower
#windflower
#herbalremedies
#homeopathic

Oh, get ready for some Pulsatilla love.
I love visiting these guys.

Happy Spring, y’all!

#Pulsatilla
#Pasqueflower
#Windflower
#goatprairie
#spring
#herbofmars
#herbalmedicine
#plantid

Oh, get ready for some Pulsatilla love.
I love visiting these guys.

Happy Spring, y’all!

#Pulsatilla
#Pasqueflower
#Windflower
#goatprairie
#spring
#herbofmars
#herbalmedicine
#plantid

“We fear death, but we long for slumber and beautiful dreams”

~Khalil Gibran

I visited White Water Lily. She was less there than in the most frozen time of the year. One leaf confirmed that yes, indeed, she was still there.

This reminded me of Pisces season: this is the sleep and the Dream. The Dream is the touching off all parts, all ingredients of conception. The Dream must happen for the “Wachtet Auf” (Sleepers, Awake!) of Aries.

Although in this end of February time, it looks like there is suspension in the ice, but the waters of semi-consciousness are stirring.

The only proof you receive is the evidence of what has been, the remnants of a leaf, to remind you of the promise of new consciousness.

Pisces dreams so we can come alive. Cancer holds the memories of life, and Scorpio prepares us for the return. Water runs to more water, until we sleep, and dream, and awake again.

No photo today of White Water Lily. She is dreaming. So I softly said “hello,” and knew I’d find her when she wakes.

#whitewaterlily
#pisces
#piscesnewmoon
#watersigns
#elements
#astrology
#khalilgibran

“We fear death, but we long for slumber and beautiful dreams”

~Khalil Gibran

I visited White Water Lily. She was less there than in the most frozen time of the year. One leaf confirmed that yes, indeed, she was still there.

This reminded me of Pisces season: this is the sleep and the Dream. The Dream is the touching off all parts, all ingredients of conception. The Dream must happen for the “Wachtet Auf” (Sleepers, Awake!) of Aries.

Although in this end of February time, it looks like there is suspension in the ice, but the waters of semi-consciousness are stirring.

The only proof you receive is the evidence of what has been, the remnants of a leaf, to remind you of the promise of new consciousness.

Pisces dreams so we can come alive. Cancer holds the memories of life, and Scorpio prepares us for the return. Water runs to more water, until we sleep, and dream, and awake again.

No photo today of White Water Lily. She is dreaming. So I softly said “hello,” and knew I’d find her when she wakes.

#whitewaterlily
#pisces
#piscesnewmoon
#watersigns
#elements
#astrology
#khalilgibran

Beebalm - Monarda fistulosa

Feeling kinda drab? Need a little pick-me-up? Give that Monarda a little squeeze! Monarda has volatile oils for days!

The Oregano-like smell will linger on your fingertips, loaning a little minty lift to grey days. Or maybe get you by until you can get to the nearest greenhouse.

For the aural folks, it has a pleasant, squishy sound. And for those tactile folks, this is better than bubble wrap.

#beebalm
#monardafistulosa
#wildbergamot
#herbalmedicine
#oregano
#volatileoils
#herbalism

Beebalm - Monarda fistulosa

Feeling kinda drab? Need a little pick-me-up? Give that Monarda a little squeeze! Monarda has volatile oils for days!

The Oregano-like smell will linger on your fingertips, loaning a little minty lift to grey days. Or maybe get you by until you can get to the nearest greenhouse.

For the aural folks, it has a pleasant, squishy sound. And for those tactile folks, this is better than bubble wrap.

#beebalm
#monardafistulosa
#wildbergamot
#herbalmedicine
#oregano
#volatileoils
#herbalism

Ginkgo helps you think-o!
And it looks like the symbol for Aries, too!

#ginkgo
#aries
#brain
#braincirculation
#memory
#doctrineofsignatures
#plantsignatures
#herbalmedicine

Ginkgo helps you think-o!
And it looks like the symbol for Aries, too!

#ginkgo
#aries
#brain
#braincirculation
#memory
#doctrineofsignatures
#plantsignatures
#herbalmedicine

Two of Wands 🌿 Mirabilis (Four o’ Clocks)

When I drew the Two of Wands, I thought: bifurcated.

The Two of Wands is bifurcated: he’s planning, making choices. He’s in the fiery suit of wands, but in the mentally active state. He’s a “two,” so he’s in the process of “this or that.” The Ace of Wands lit the desire and the spark, and now the Two of Wands will plan - with the long game in mind. Everything will be done, but only when the time is right.

Four o’ clocks also know about timing: the bloom late in the day (four o’ clock?) and through the night.

Mirabilis nyctaginea. When I first saw this plant, 2)/5 stood out to me was the “two-ness” of it -
bifurcation. Like the bronchi.

Mirabilis = wonderful. Nycta = night. This is a night bloomer, a host for Sphinx Moths; during the day, for Hummingbirds.

Before we launch into action, we nurture our plans in our thoughts, hidden from the world until they are ready to come to light, just like the later-bloomer Mirabilis.

Mirabilis also provides food for the moth and hummingbird alike, keeping both the day and the night within arm’s reach. Deciding. Weighing.

The Mirabilis species were traditionally used for several things, but what came up most frequently was:
1) burns
2) skin
3) fevers
4) post-partum/gynological aid

So it knows fire (wands) and it knows bringing forth something new. Although in this case, the Two of Wands ideas are in its infancy. A little fanciful, but hey - sometimes you have to push against the boundaries.

We do see the figure in the Two of Wands is dressed in element-appropriate attire: his fiery hat, cloak, and hose.

Something else I noticed: if he wants the world, he must make a choice. He cannot hold both wands and the world at the same time.

#tarot
#twoofwands
#fouroclocks
#mirabilis
#mirabilisnyctaginea
#herbalism

Two of Wands 🌿 Mirabilis (Four o’ Clocks)

When I drew the Two of Wands, I thought: bifurcated.

The Two of Wands is bifurcated: he’s planning, making choices. He’s in the fiery suit of wands, but in the mentally active state. He’s a “two,” so he’s in the process of “this or that.” The Ace of Wands lit the desire and the spark, and now the Two of Wands will plan - with the long game in mind. Everything will be done, but only when the time is right.

Four o’ clocks also know about timing: the bloom late in the day (four o’ clock?) and through the night.

Mirabilis nyctaginea. When I first saw this plant, 2)/5 stood out to me was the “two-ness” of it -
bifurcation. Like the bronchi.

Mirabilis = wonderful. Nycta = night. This is a night bloomer, a host for Sphinx Moths; during the day, for Hummingbirds.

Before we launch into action, we nurture our plans in our thoughts, hidden from the world until they are ready to come to light, just like the later-bloomer Mirabilis.

Mirabilis also provides food for the moth and hummingbird alike, keeping both the day and the night within arm’s reach. Deciding. Weighing.

The Mirabilis species were traditionally used for several things, but what came up most frequently was:
1) burns
2) skin
3) fevers
4) post-partum/gynological aid

So it knows fire (wands) and it knows bringing forth something new. Although in this case, the Two of Wands ideas are in its infancy. A little fanciful, but hey - sometimes you have to push against the boundaries.

We do see the figure in the Two of Wands is dressed in element-appropriate attire: his fiery hat, cloak, and hose.

Something else I noticed: if he wants the world, he must make a choice. He cannot hold both wands and the world at the same time.

#tarot
#twoofwands
#fouroclocks
#mirabilis
#mirabilisnyctaginea
#herbalism

The World 🌿 Milkweed

Symbolism in Nature.
And I think employing Tarot symbolism can help.

I’ve always been drawn to stories, legends, myths,
later learning that they can be classified as archetypes: the big stories we find imprinted throughout history.

Today, I looked for the World.
And what struck me about the World card is the vesica piscis - the ellipses or oval shape that surround the Woman. You can see this image in the Pisces/Ichtys fish symbol and the Sheela Na Gig. She is coming through the birth canal.

Interestingly, Pisces is opposite the sign of the Virgin, Virgo. We see a new maiden arise in the World. The word “virgin” means “unto oneself.” You could interpret this as a complete, whole woman, one in her female aspect. And then the symbol of the birth canal enters. Another aspect of the woman.

This also rings of Botichelli’s famous portrait: Birth of Venus. Born of the Woman (shell, ocean) and pure. We could get into the sea foam part of the myth, but I’ll keep it simple for now.

This is also interesting, since in a few days, the astrological nodal placements (mathematical moon calculations) will move from Aries-Libra (Man-Woman as lovers) to Pisces-Virgo (Higher Octave of Love, Wholeness).

Where did I find the World in Nature?

In Milkweed.

The pod surrounds the new, the fresh, the pure seeds. The seeds that went out into the world to spread their fire, their light, their fragrance, their song.

#theworld
#tarot
#milkweed
#asclepiassyriaca
#vesicapiscis
#virgo
#pisces

The World 🌿 Milkweed

Symbolism in Nature.
And I think employing Tarot symbolism can help.

I’ve always been drawn to stories, legends, myths,
later learning that they can be classified as archetypes: the big stories we find imprinted throughout history.

Today, I looked for the World.
And what struck me about the World card is the vesica piscis - the ellipses or oval shape that surround the Woman. You can see this image in the Pisces/Ichtys fish symbol and the Sheela Na Gig. She is coming through the birth canal.

Interestingly, Pisces is opposite the sign of the Virgin, Virgo. We see a new maiden arise in the World. The word “virgin” means “unto oneself.” You could interpret this as a complete, whole woman, one in her female aspect. And then the symbol of the birth canal enters. Another aspect of the woman.

This also rings of Botichelli’s famous portrait: Birth of Venus. Born of the Woman (shell, ocean) and pure. We could get into the sea foam part of the myth, but I’ll keep it simple for now.

This is also interesting, since in a few days, the astrological nodal placements (mathematical moon calculations) will move from Aries-Libra (Man-Woman as lovers) to Pisces-Virgo (Higher Octave of Love, Wholeness).

Where did I find the World in Nature?

In Milkweed.

The pod surrounds the new, the fresh, the pure seeds. The seeds that went out into the world to spread their fire, their light, their fragrance, their song.

#theworld
#tarot
#milkweed
#asclepiassyriaca
#vesicapiscis
#virgo
#pisces

Finding Water Lilies

How odd -
To discover these beautiful plants in their suspended state. They are still wonderful, even as they sleep. Waiting for spring to start again.

#waterlilies
#nympheaodorata

Finding Water Lilies

How odd -
To discover these beautiful plants in their suspended state. They are still wonderful, even as they sleep. Waiting for spring to start again.

#waterlilies
#nympheaodorata

American Chestnut - Canstanea dentata

Ooo! Finding this tree is so cool! It’s not really from this part of the states, and it’s going through a bit of a rough patch due to a fungus.

This is American Chestnut!

This is a “true” Chestnut, like the Bach Flower Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), which are in the Oak/Beech family (Fagaceae). This is a bit different from the Buckeyes and Horse Chestnuts (Aeschulus spp.) and even the Maples of the Soapberry Family (Sapindaceae).

Fun fact: This Chestnut’s cousin, Sweet Chestnut, is a Bach Flower Remedy for release, when a person feels there’s no hope left - the dark night of the soul. A related tree, the White Oak is also a Bach Flower Remedy for release, but in a different way: this is for those extremely loyal, dedicated folks who trudge on and on, despite it being better to let go and@count their losses.

Both of these types need to allow change: one needs to know that they will come through the dark and into the light, allowing a rebirth to occur (Sweet Chestnut), while the other (White Oak) has to let go of what is being held onto too tightly, trusting change and leaving space for the light to make something better.

#americanchestnut
#chestnut
#castaneadentata
#fagaceae
#beechfamily
#oakfamily
#bachflowerremedies
#bachflower

American Chestnut - Canstanea dentata

Ooo! Finding this tree is so cool! It’s not really from this part of the states, and it’s going through a bit of a rough patch due to a fungus.

This is American Chestnut!

This is a “true” Chestnut, like the Bach Flower Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), which are in the Oak/Beech family (Fagaceae). This is a bit different from the Buckeyes and Horse Chestnuts (Aeschulus spp.) and even the Maples of the Soapberry Family (Sapindaceae).

Fun fact: This Chestnut’s cousin, Sweet Chestnut, is a Bach Flower Remedy for release, when a person feels there’s no hope left - the dark night of the soul. A related tree, the White Oak is also a Bach Flower Remedy for release, but in a different way: this is for those extremely loyal, dedicated folks who trudge on and on, despite it being better to let go and@count their losses.

Both of these types need to allow change: one needs to know that they will come through the dark and into the light, allowing a rebirth to occur (Sweet Chestnut), while the other (White Oak) has to let go of what is being held onto too tightly, trusting change and leaving space for the light to make something better.

#americanchestnut
#chestnut
#castaneadentata
#fagaceae
#beechfamily
#oakfamily
#bachflowerremedies
#bachflower

Capsicum annuum - Cayenne liniment

Yeah. Cayenne can burn, but for those that need a little circulation boost, Cayenne can be a boon. And if you’ve got nerve damage in your extremities, this might be the right diffusive. A liniment is nice because you don’t have to rub it if your dogs are barking. Just spray and wait.

I once got Cayenne in my eyes. I was putting Cayenne powder in a vent as a pest deterrent, but I forgot to turn the heat off. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I flushed it with water (milk probably would have been better), and it 🔥 burned, but not as much as you might think.

After all that, my eye circulation was definitely activated. And my eyes looked and felt brightened and more toned.

Herbalist Dr. Christopher used Cayenne in an eye wash. He was a huge fan of Cayenne, and even prevented many heart attacks by carrying it around with him to give to those that were showing symptoms; this was enough to get them to the hospital.

Cayenne is a circulatory aid, so when Dr. Christopher gave it to someone whose heart was taxed, it took pressure off the heart by equalizing the circulation.

Anywhere you use it, Cayenne helps circulation: it cools a hot person and heats a cold one - just by making the heat go ‘round and ‘round. This special property is diffusiveness. Cayenne even has a bit of tingle to it, so you know it’s potentizing, energizing, and ready to get things moving.

TL/DR: Cayenne helps circulation (even if you get it in your eyes).

Update: I’ve somehow managed to bring circulation to the right side of my lips. And it’s spreading… (Here we go again…)

#cayenne
#capsicum
#capsicumannuum
#herbalmedicine
#circulation
#diffusive

Capsicum annuum - Cayenne liniment

Yeah. Cayenne can burn, but for those that need a little circulation boost, Cayenne can be a boon. And if you’ve got nerve damage in your extremities, this might be the right diffusive. A liniment is nice because you don’t have to rub it if your dogs are barking. Just spray and wait.

I once got Cayenne in my eyes. I was putting Cayenne powder in a vent as a pest deterrent, but I forgot to turn the heat off. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I flushed it with water (milk probably would have been better), and it 🔥 burned, but not as much as you might think.

After all that, my eye circulation was definitely activated. And my eyes looked and felt brightened and more toned.

Herbalist Dr. Christopher used Cayenne in an eye wash. He was a huge fan of Cayenne, and even prevented many heart attacks by carrying it around with him to give to those that were showing symptoms; this was enough to get them to the hospital.

Cayenne is a circulatory aid, so when Dr. Christopher gave it to someone whose heart was taxed, it took pressure off the heart by equalizing the circulation.

Anywhere you use it, Cayenne helps circulation: it cools a hot person and heats a cold one - just by making the heat go ‘round and ‘round. This special property is diffusiveness. Cayenne even has a bit of tingle to it, so you know it’s potentizing, energizing, and ready to get things moving.

TL/DR: Cayenne helps circulation (even if you get it in your eyes).

Update: I’ve somehow managed to bring circulation to the right side of my lips. And it’s spreading… (Here we go again…)

#cayenne
#capsicum
#capsicumannuum
#herbalmedicine
#circulation
#diffusive

Ooh! Those pollinators are working those Asters!

Do you remember Richard Scarry and the Busytown books? And you could look over the details to your heart’s content? It’s like that. But real life Busytown.
Busy Bugs.

No Officer Flossy. But still cool.

#fallasters
#asteraceae
#pollinators

Ooh! Those pollinators are working those Asters!

Do you remember Richard Scarry and the Busytown books? And you could look over the details to your heart’s content? It’s like that. But real life Busytown.
Busy Bugs.

No Officer Flossy. But still cool.

#fallasters
#asteraceae
#pollinators

Lobelia - Lobelia syphilitica

Is this not the most gorgeous blue? It looks so velvety and rich. No wonder this is a good vagus nerve remedy - smoothing the rough areas and hiccups in our rhythms, opening up our third eyes, and letting the goodness filter in.

I can’t believe the good fortune I had did if this plant, especially since I’ve had the vagus nerve on my mind. And in confirmation, as I was making a video of this,
I ate a mosquito. 😆 Yep - a little dart on the vagus target.

#lobeila
#lobeliasyphilitica
#herbalmedicine
#blueflowers
#vagusnerve

Lobelia - Lobelia syphilitica

Is this not the most gorgeous blue? It looks so velvety and rich. No wonder this is a good vagus nerve remedy - smoothing the rough areas and hiccups in our rhythms, opening up our third eyes, and letting the goodness filter in.

I can’t believe the good fortune I had did if this plant, especially since I’ve had the vagus nerve on my mind. And in confirmation, as I was making a video of this,
I ate a mosquito. 😆 Yep - a little dart on the vagus target.

#lobeila
#lobeliasyphilitica
#herbalmedicine
#blueflowers
#vagusnerve

Just a general appreciation post.
I am fortunate to have a yard. It can be overwhelming at times to think him I’m going to plan things out
or put things in place, so I’ve embraced the spirit of a chaos gardener. It helps me accept that I can’t do all of the things at the same time. But I can create or encourage little areas of beauty with what I have.

It’s wild. It’s messy. But it’s also forgiving. At least a little forgiving. It’s hard when you want things perfect or neat, but also want to help things be wild.

So for now, this is my plan. A little of both. And we’ll see where it goes.

I inherited someone’s plan, which helped me stretch my own imagination.

So, in short, something something …no need to be perfect… creative…

Maybe someone needed to hear that something today.

Just a general appreciation post.
I am fortunate to have a yard. It can be overwhelming at times to think him I’m going to plan things out
or put things in place, so I’ve embraced the spirit of a chaos gardener. It helps me accept that I can’t do all of the things at the same time. But I can create or encourage little areas of beauty with what I have.

It’s wild. It’s messy. But it’s also forgiving. At least a little forgiving. It’s hard when you want things perfect or neat, but also want to help things be wild.

So for now, this is my plan. A little of both. And we’ll see where it goes.

I inherited someone’s plan, which helped me stretch my own imagination.

So, in short, something something …no need to be perfect… creative…

Maybe someone needed to hear that something today.

Lady’s Thumb - Persicaria maculosa

Sure, I know she’s everywhere. But she’s really pretty.
And that little dark spot in the leaf? What a great signatures for a depressed tissue state, especially if you see a similar depression in the middle of the tongue.

#ladysthumb
#persicariamaculosa
#herbalmedicine
#doctrineofsignatures

Lady’s Thumb - Persicaria maculosa

Sure, I know she’s everywhere. But she’s really pretty.
And that little dark spot in the leaf? What a great signatures for a depressed tissue state, especially if you see a similar depression in the middle of the tongue.

#ladysthumb
#persicariamaculosa
#herbalmedicine
#doctrineofsignatures

‘Loo for the Liver

Purple Loosestrife.
Some thoughts.

It’s an herb of Culpeper.
Herb of the Moon 🌙 and Cancer ♋️.

Culpeper mentions that it’s for the eyes and marks on the skin. The flowers look really crepe-y, and that was one of my first associations. It’s also for ulcers; makes sense because Culpeper describes the herb as cold, making this an application in opposites (versus similars).

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it works on the liver. I remember nibbling on it for the first time and felt a pop in the liver area. A few moments later, I felt a flushing sensation in the same place.

So…
Portal vein activity?

What’s in the stars today?
Well, a square between Leo Sun and Scorpio Moon. Is it telling me about tension? Perhaps.

Neither are super liver like, but I like to get a read on the vibe. What energy am I bringing into my tincture…

So, a battle of wills - between fixed fire and fixed water. That sounds like a metabolic struggle. Maybe even when the liver is taking the brunt of metabolic activity if your other functions (gallbladder - Leo, colon- Scorpio) aren’t online or are in conflict.

Lythrum (genus name) means “blood” or “gore.”
This is also a wound remedy. Salicaria (species) means “Willow-like.” Blood Willow. That’s pretty metal. 😬

#purpleloosestrife
#lythrumsalicaria
#herbalmedicine
#astrologicalherbalism

‘Loo for the Liver

Purple Loosestrife.
Some thoughts.

It’s an herb of Culpeper.
Herb of the Moon 🌙 and Cancer ♋️.

Culpeper mentions that it’s for the eyes and marks on the skin. The flowers look really crepe-y, and that was one of my first associations. It’s also for ulcers; makes sense because Culpeper describes the herb as cold, making this an application in opposites (versus similars).

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it works on the liver. I remember nibbling on it for the first time and felt a pop in the liver area. A few moments later, I felt a flushing sensation in the same place.

So…
Portal vein activity?

What’s in the stars today?
Well, a square between Leo Sun and Scorpio Moon. Is it telling me about tension? Perhaps.

Neither are super liver like, but I like to get a read on the vibe. What energy am I bringing into my tincture…

So, a battle of wills - between fixed fire and fixed water. That sounds like a metabolic struggle. Maybe even when the liver is taking the brunt of metabolic activity if your other functions (gallbladder - Leo, colon- Scorpio) aren’t online or are in conflict.

Lythrum (genus name) means “blood” or “gore.”
This is also a wound remedy. Salicaria (species) means “Willow-like.” Blood Willow. That’s pretty metal. 😬

#purpleloosestrife
#lythrumsalicaria
#herbalmedicine
#astrologicalherbalism

Lunar Yellow 🌕 Prickly Lettuce and Evening Primrose

Many yellows are often for the viscera: liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder.

But not all yellows are the same.

I have a theory.

I present: Lunar Yellow.
The softer side of yellow.

These plants seem to have a Cancerian connection. Just as the moon reflects the yellow sun, the lunar yellow is a paler reflection of the bolder, brighter yellows.

Cancer has boundaries and a tough shell.
Cancers often retreat deeply into themselves, and if deeply hurt, may set up a permanent internal residence.

Prickly Lettuce is for those that are shut down because life was so harsh. It also has the latex or the”milk” that is associated with Cancer as Mother.

Evening Primrose is named for the evening. It helps develop strong bones and the oils are hugely nourishing, another Cancerian trait.

This is a theory I’m developing. We’ll see where it goes.

#cancerthecrab
#astrology
#moon
#lunar
#herbalism
#doctrineofsignatures
#herbalmedicine
#astroherbalism

Lunar Yellow 🌕 Prickly Lettuce and Evening Primrose

Many yellows are often for the viscera: liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder.

But not all yellows are the same.

I have a theory.

I present: Lunar Yellow.
The softer side of yellow.

These plants seem to have a Cancerian connection. Just as the moon reflects the yellow sun, the lunar yellow is a paler reflection of the bolder, brighter yellows.

Cancer has boundaries and a tough shell.
Cancers often retreat deeply into themselves, and if deeply hurt, may set up a permanent internal residence.

Prickly Lettuce is for those that are shut down because life was so harsh. It also has the latex or the”milk” that is associated with Cancer as Mother.

Evening Primrose is named for the evening. It helps develop strong bones and the oils are hugely nourishing, another Cancerian trait.

This is a theory I’m developing. We’ll see where it goes.

#cancerthecrab
#astrology
#moon
#lunar
#herbalism
#doctrineofsignatures
#herbalmedicine
#astroherbalism

Maximilian Sunflower - Helianthus maximiliani

You know who’s NOT sweating today?
Sunflower.

Cool as a cuke and soaking in the rays. Basking, as Leos are wont to do.

A little gift from the birds.

Enjoy your Leo season. It’s a hot one.

#helianthus
#helianthusmaximiliani
#leo
#leoseason

Maximilian Sunflower - Helianthus maximiliani

You know who’s NOT sweating today?
Sunflower.

Cool as a cuke and soaking in the rays. Basking, as Leos are wont to do.

A little gift from the birds.

Enjoy your Leo season. It’s a hot one.

#helianthus
#helianthusmaximiliani
#leo
#leoseason

Bittersweet Nightshade - Solanum dulcamara

This is truly a beautiful plant. The flowers are graceful, delicate, and the fruits go through the rainbow as they ripen.

I don’t take plant removal lightly. I like to think things a chance to balance out. Sometimes, you have to establish boundaries and decide how the balance needs to work for you. Unfortunately, she was growing into the space where I had other Nightshades (tomatoes) growing, and it was time.

As soon as I started, the bees knew. Bumblebees, blue bees. Wasps and ants. They were all of a sudden very present and active. A last kiss, if you will. And that made me grieve a bit.

I’m grateful that she was here to share her beauty and sweetness before it was time to move on.

Bittersweet Nightshade - Solanum dulcamara

This is truly a beautiful plant. The flowers are graceful, delicate, and the fruits go through the rainbow as they ripen.

I don’t take plant removal lightly. I like to think things a chance to balance out. Sometimes, you have to establish boundaries and decide how the balance needs to work for you. Unfortunately, she was growing into the space where I had other Nightshades (tomatoes) growing, and it was time.

As soon as I started, the bees knew. Bumblebees, blue bees. Wasps and ants. They were all of a sudden very present and active. A last kiss, if you will. And that made me grieve a bit.

I’m grateful that she was here to share her beauty and sweetness before it was time to move on.

Burdock Flower - Arctium lappa

When I can avoid a root, I’ll take it. A root is a life. Even though Burdock is a biennial, I would be nice. Sometimes, using the roots as medicine is unavoidable. Then, do it with gratitude. I was taught to take what was given freely, so I also look to use downed branches instead of cutting.

And yes. Burdock is quite the aggressive grower, so the root would also be okay. But still be grateful!

Anywhoo… I’m gonna try it!

Burdock - the flower that grabs you back! 😂

I am admittedly a Burdock type of person, so integrating it different ways will be educational.

Matthew Wood has spoke of a hair tonic using an arrangement of the seed pod. And here I am, gathering the flowering head on an Aries Moon. Astrologer Judith Hill mentions that Aries Moon days are the days of unruly hair!

We shall see what manifest!

Have you made anything with Burdock flower?

#burdock
#arctium
#arctiumlappa
#herbalmedicinemaking
#herbalism

Burdock Flower - Arctium lappa

When I can avoid a root, I’ll take it. A root is a life. Even though Burdock is a biennial, I would be nice. Sometimes, using the roots as medicine is unavoidable. Then, do it with gratitude. I was taught to take what was given freely, so I also look to use downed branches instead of cutting.

And yes. Burdock is quite the aggressive grower, so the root would also be okay. But still be grateful!

Anywhoo… I’m gonna try it!

Burdock - the flower that grabs you back! 😂

I am admittedly a Burdock type of person, so integrating it different ways will be educational.

Matthew Wood has spoke of a hair tonic using an arrangement of the seed pod. And here I am, gathering the flowering head on an Aries Moon. Astrologer Judith Hill mentions that Aries Moon days are the days of unruly hair!

We shall see what manifest!

Have you made anything with Burdock flower?

#burdock
#arctium
#arctiumlappa
#herbalmedicinemaking
#herbalism

When your neighbor has grapes… so do you! ��😆
Working with trellises this year to take advantage of growing fruits and veggies.

Also… food tunnel! How much fun is that???

#grapes
#grapesfordays
#foodtunnel

When your neighbor has grapes… so do you! 😆
Working with trellises this year to take advantage of growing fruits and veggies.

Also… food tunnel! How much fun is that???

#grapes
#grapesfordays
#foodtunnel

Making Liniments!

Photo 1 - Prickly Ash bark
Photo 2 - Stained filter, Prickly Ash
Photo 3 - Stained filter, Rosemary

When you’re in pain, you probably don’t want to have to aggravate the area by doing a lot of application. So I decided liniments were the way to go!

Rosemary is good for getting lower circulation moving (cue blue ankles) and Prickly Ash for intense pain.

First thing I do is try them out. Both release a lot of heat! That was unexpected at first, but not surprising. If there are areas that are stopped up or have some concentration of energy, this both will help distribute it.

I was most surprised at Prickly Ash - I didn’t have a lot of intense pain, but a cranky back where I had slipped on my wet outdoor steps and fallen. So I thought, let’s try! WOW. It took a few moments. Then it was like icy hot. Cool diffuser. Then a release of heat. And that could have been intensifying the Rosemary I sampled earlier.

AND is smells like cinnamon. Well, cinnamon and rubbing alcohol. But I smell delicious. And isn’t that what we all want? 😂

And the filters are a trick from @matthewwoodherbalist - Matthew uses milk filters for straining. So helpful to get fine particles out.

I love the colors - a soft buff brown from Prickly Ash and a vibrant chartreuse (it matched my bowl!) from Rosemary. Isn’t that cool? Prickly Ash softening the pain (buff color) and Rosemary sharpening the mind and circulation (vibrant chartreuse). Signatures in their tannins!

#herbalmedicinemaking
#herbalmedicine
#rosemary #rosmarinusofficinalis #salviarosmarinus
#pricklyash #zanthoxylum
#doctrineofsignatures
#plantsignatures

Making Liniments!

Photo 1 - Prickly Ash bark
Photo 2 - Stained filter, Prickly Ash
Photo 3 - Stained filter, Rosemary

When you’re in pain, you probably don’t want to have to aggravate the area by doing a lot of application. So I decided liniments were the way to go!

Rosemary is good for getting lower circulation moving (cue blue ankles) and Prickly Ash for intense pain.

First thing I do is try them out. Both release a lot of heat! That was unexpected at first, but not surprising. If there are areas that are stopped up or have some concentration of energy, this both will help distribute it.

I was most surprised at Prickly Ash - I didn’t have a lot of intense pain, but a cranky back where I had slipped on my wet outdoor steps and fallen. So I thought, let’s try! WOW. It took a few moments. Then it was like icy hot. Cool diffuser. Then a release of heat. And that could have been intensifying the Rosemary I sampled earlier.

AND is smells like cinnamon. Well, cinnamon and rubbing alcohol. But I smell delicious. And isn’t that what we all want? 😂

And the filters are a trick from @matthewwoodherbalist - Matthew uses milk filters for straining. So helpful to get fine particles out.

I love the colors - a soft buff brown from Prickly Ash and a vibrant chartreuse (it matched my bowl!) from Rosemary. Isn’t that cool? Prickly Ash softening the pain (buff color) and Rosemary sharpening the mind and circulation (vibrant chartreuse). Signatures in their tannins!

#herbalmedicinemaking
#herbalmedicine
#rosemary #rosmarinusofficinalis #salviarosmarinus
#pricklyash #zanthoxylum
#doctrineofsignatures
#plantsignatures

I love bees and butterflies. They are fantastic.

But check out these unsung heroes of pollination and mutual benefactors lending a helping hand to the lovely Peonies: wasps, flies, robber flies, and ants.

Maybe all bugs are love bugs…

#peonies
#paeonia
#insects
#pollinators
#pollination

I love bees and butterflies. They are fantastic.

But check out these unsung heroes of pollination and mutual benefactors lending a helping hand to the lovely Peonies: wasps, flies, robber flies, and ants.

Maybe all bugs are love bugs…

#peonies
#paeonia
#insects
#pollinators
#pollination

A for real ladybug!

I haven’t seen one in what seems like forever. You can tell them apart from Asian Beetles because the Ladybugs lack the characteristic “M” shape on their forehead.

#ladybug
#honeysuckle

A for real ladybug!

I haven’t seen one in what seems like forever. You can tell them apart from Asian Beetles because the Ladybugs lack the characteristic “M” shape on their forehead.

#ladybug
#honeysuckle

Nettle - Urtica dioica

Having a Nettles tincture on hand is a good idea. Good for proteins issues, like gout and other kidneys issues.

Weighing herbs down was a thing - leaves would poke above the weight or wherever and oxidize. It the end of the world, but you want all the medicine to stay in the menstruum.

Enter the pickling weight. Canning weight. Fermentation weight. Any way (weight?) you swing it, it’s a happy little glass chap that holds everything down. Yay!

Nettles are good at dealing with protein waste. It’s why you can find them in rich soils and even septic areas.

Protein management is huge for kidneys, the organs behind sorting through protein wastes (ammonia) in the urine. If there’s excess, it can build up into irate crystals and hand out in your joints. The most common place is the big toe, and ca. indicate gout.

#nettles #tincture #herbalmedicinemaking
#Urticadioica #gout #kidneys #proteinwaste

Nettle - Urtica dioica

Having a Nettles tincture on hand is a good idea. Good for proteins issues, like gout and other kidneys issues.

Weighing herbs down was a thing - leaves would poke above the weight or wherever and oxidize. It the end of the world, but you want all the medicine to stay in the menstruum.

Enter the pickling weight. Canning weight. Fermentation weight. Any way (weight?) you swing it, it’s a happy little glass chap that holds everything down. Yay!

Nettles are good at dealing with protein waste. It’s why you can find them in rich soils and even septic areas.

Protein management is huge for kidneys, the organs behind sorting through protein wastes (ammonia) in the urine. If there’s excess, it can build up into irate crystals and hand out in your joints. The most common place is the big toe, and ca. indicate gout.

#nettles #tincture #herbalmedicinemaking
#Urticadioica #gout #kidneys #proteinwaste

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