Spices show up in many holiday meals yet it’s not common to think about their medicinal properties.
I love growing herbs for spice blends like the thyme, oregano and rosemary mix I use for Thanksgiving.
Perhaps it’s my secret way to sneak in a little herbal medicine and indulge in my favorite part of my medicine.
Herbal medicine!
In ND school, I learned that herbs have unique personalities and characteristics, guiding us to choose the ones best suited to support the body.
Sure, research backs the benefits of specific herbs for particular conditions, but the magic of herbal medicine lies in its ability to heal on both energetic and physical levels.
It’s also my creative art outlet!
I love being an herbal mixologist, combining plants to craft blends that synergistically work together—perfect for daily use or addressing specific needs.
I’m fortunate to grow my favorite herbs, while others naturally appear in my yard as “weeds.”
While some might try to eradicate them, I see weeds as gifts from the universe.
Here’s a peek at how I use these so-called weeds:
- Dandelion (root & leaves): Liver detox support
- Red clover (leaves & flowers): Estrogen balance
- Mullein (leaves & flowers): Lung support & skin healing
- Chickweed (whole plant): Skin healing & injuries
Alongside these gifts, I also grow herbs to ensure my family and I have year-round medicine:
- Holy Basil: Calms the nervous system & aids sleep
- Peppermint: Soothes digestion
- Oregano: Antimicrobial support, especially during cold & flu season
- Thyme: Lung health & antimicrobial support
- Rosemary: Circulation booster
- Lemon Balm: Nervous system calming
I dry these herbs to create teas and spice mixes and use fresh ones to craft tinctures with potato vodka for potent extractions.
Witnessing the process from start to finish never gets old—and I’m thrilled to share this passion with others.
Recently, I had the opportunity to record a podcast with my client and fellow herb enthusiast Michael Yadrick, a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner.
Michael, also the host of the Tree Hugger Podcast, champions the value of invasive species and their medicinal qualities.
Together, we explored:
- Herbs in Michael’s cabinet, like Blue Vervain for sleep, Devil’s Claw for inflammation, and Oregon Grape Root for gut health.
- Medicinal properties of Pacific Northwest “weeds” like Japanese Knotweed(antimicrobial) and Milk Thistle (liver detox).
If you’re curious about diving into herbal medicine, here are a couple of my favorite resources:
- Susun Weed: http://www.susunweed.com/
- Rosemary Gladstar: https://scienceandartofherbalism.com/
You can also connect with local herbalists—there are hidden gems in every community!
Looking for a fun podcast to listen to on your drive or while fixing up your Thanksgiving meal? Listen in to my podcast with Michael – HERE.
Cheers to embracing the healing power of herbs! 🌱
Dr. Jannine Krause
