Simple Thrift and Herbs

Saving money, time, energy. And chatting about herbs.

  • Oats (Avena sativa)

    There are many medicinal ‘herbs’ that are traditionally thought of a ‘food’. Who says they can’t be both? One of my favorites, turmeric, is considered a spice and even a food in Indian cooking. I don’t know that I could live without it, but that’s another post. The photo above is from a few years Read more

  • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

    The word I think of when I think of yarrow is stop. It can be ‘stop’ or ‘STOP!!’ Yarrow is known as a warrior herb. If you think about the name, it makes sense: Achillea for Achilles (Greek legend that was unstoppable, except for his heel) and millefolium (thousand leaves). Yarrow is a member of Read more

  • We’re All donuts

    I know, I know – you’re thinking I’m nuts. Well, possibly true, but we are all donuts. Bear with me. I would love to say this analogy is originally mine, but it’s not. Thanks to one of my herb teachers, Kat, I can share this. We have an inside and an outside – and those Read more

  • Althea officinalis and friends (why Latin names are important part II)

    This is my friend Althea. She is just the most calm soothing herb you could ever run into – great for almost all tissues (skin, intestines, lungs, any mucous membranes) and so gentle. A little more detail for you. Althea officinalis or marshmallow is full of mucilage and immunomodulating polysaccharides, so using it internally as Read more

  • Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

    I’ve been seeing a ton on FB lately about mullein. Which is a little strange to me since I think of it as being primarily for respiratory issues and earaches. I first got mullein from my friend Judy that lived a lot closer to the mountains than I do – Hwy 85 south of Greeley. Read more

  • Why Are Latin Names Important

    When I refer to an herb, I try to always add the Latin binomial (genus and species) in parentheses behind the name. Why is this important, other than it makes me feel a bit like Harry Potter? Several reasons. The major one is that it helps to identify the plant I’m talking about. This is Read more

  • Flower Essences 101

    One of the certificates I have is for Flower Essence Therapy. So what is it? FE is a vibrational therapeutic – like homeopathy, sound bowls, or music. They are created from spring water that particular flowers have been infused in, then preserved with brandy. The essence (full strength is called the mother) is further diluted Read more

  • Skin Care and Surgery

    Because this came up at my house this week, I thought – why not blog about it? The man of the house had to have minor (it’s only minor if it’s not you, by the way) surgery. While we got great pre-op teaching, not everyone does, so here goes: If you are having surgery, things Read more

  • Herbs for Respiratory Gunk

    In my corner of the world, Flu A is running rampant. Following close behind are COVID, strep, pertussis (whooping cough), and RSV. It’s that time of year. This little blog ‘o mine is NOT a substitute for medical care. If you have an illness that’s not resolving, please see your doctor. Pertussis and strep are Read more

  • Making Yogurt

    Making yogurt is really easy. So much so that I rarely (except when I need new starter or I have a run of brain flatulence and forget I need some) buy it. From late fall to late spring, this is my favorite yogurt maker: In the summer, it goes in the greenhouse. Between those times, Read more