Library of Herbal Monographs

While the science behind herbal medicine continues to evolve, the ancient art of healing with plants remains a testament to the enduring connection between humans and the natural world. By deepening our understanding of these powerful botanical allies, we empower ourselves to take charge of our own health. Materia Medica is a Latin term for the body of collected knowledge about the therapeutic properties of any substance used for healing — in this case herbs. This list is a living document of herbal monographs that I update regularly. ♥

Raindrops on Roses & Whiskers on Kittens

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens… The following carefully curated collections are all tried and true through my own (considerable) trial and error. I think you will be very pleased with anything you buy through this page. Some of the below links are affiliate links. By clicking on them, you’re helping to support my site. Thank you!

Oil Cleansing + a Simple Creamy Vanilla Bean Shower Oil Blend

I don’t know why it took me so long to think of trying this, but OMG y’all, I think I’m in love. My “skin twin” sebum mimicking oil trio makes a killer shower oil with a lovely “creamy” texture. The tallow thickens and gives a bit of body to the lighter jojoba and squalane oils and the result is a lovely creamy oil blend that resembles a cross between a lotion and an oil and is thick enough to dispense nicely from a pump bottle.

Tincturing Beyond the Folk Method

Herbalists who practice the folk method rely on their senses and experience instead of precise measurements and formulas. It’s simple, intuitive and flexible and, because it doesn’t require a lot of measuring and math, it’s appealing to those of us who prefer a more natural and less technical approach to herbalism. The folk method produces a perfectly good tincture for personal home use, but there are times when the folk method just isn’t sufficient.

Stocking Your Herbal Apothecary

For the majority of our history, we’ve relied on the inherent wisdom of plants for both medicine and nourishment. Even as modern pharmaceuticals become widespread, nature continues to provide a plethora of safe, effective remedies to those who know where to look.

Dabbling with Dragon’s Blood

Dragon’s blood is a plant resin that’s been used for various purposes — including skincare — for centuries. From Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as far back as the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) to Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder to modern day, dragon’s blood has been employed for its medicinal properties.

Irish Moss as a Gelling Agent (Plus an Easy Hydrogel Face Mask Recipe!)

The ocean has a (beauty) secret. Irish moss has a long history of traditional use in Ireland and other coastal communities. It’s been harvested for various purposes over the years, including a food source, a remedy for respiratory ailments and a thickening agent in culinary and medicinal preparations. It also happens to be a terrific choice for water-based skincare formulations where a gel-like texture is desired. Thanks to its high mucilage content, Irish moss is a top-notch natural gelling agent capable of adding texture and viscosity to skincare formulations — without the need for added gums!

More Than Just a Pretty Face: Tincturing with Self-heal

Prunella vulgaris, commonly known as self-heal, is charming little purple flower that never fails to make me smile. But it’s so much more than just a pretty face. Self-heal possesses potent medicinal qualities, offering both topical and internal benefits, from wound healing to immune support.

A Look at Herb-Infused Honeys

When it comes to crafting herbal preparations, the choice of a suitable menstruum — aka a solvent used to extract the therapeutic properties of herbs — is of utmost importance. Honey can be considered a moderate-to-strong menstruum, unique in its ability to extract water-soluble constituents as well as small amounts of oil-soluble compounds.

Tincture Dilution Calculator

Calculate the volumes of any two alcohol proofs to create a tincture of a particular strength.

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