September is an ideal time to forage and benefit from natural remedies September's bumper-packed edition of Herbs With Barbara brought us Elderberries and medicinal compound in the form of Damson Gin! Elderberries are naturally antiviral and can be beneficial for a number of conditions - especially for colds and flu. You can make a lovely sweet-tasting syrup, an ideal cough medicine or daily pick-me-up. Meanwhile, the branches of the Elder […]
Stinging Nettles are more beneficial to health than you might think Stinging nettles - also known as Urtica dioica - are often avoided due to their prickly nature, but these plants have numerous health benefits that should not be overlooked. While you have to handle them with care, their medicinal properties have been recognised for centuries and continue to be valued today. In this edition of Herbs with Barbara, we […]
Elderflowers are now growing in abundance, so time to find out more about this much loved medicinal herb! This month, Barbara came to our studio with some freshly harvested Elderflowers - and a suspicious looking bottle of home brew! Elderflowers, just like the berries have been prized by Herbalists for Centuries and are used to treat an array of conditions - but be sure to harvest in the warm morning […]
May is a time for hope, fertility, optimism – and a time for celebration! It’s time for our monthly check-in with Barbara Wilkinson from the Herb Society – and in this edition we talk about the gifts that nature bring us at this time of the year. But first, Rhubarb! Now I don’t mind admitting, I’ve got a mild phobia about leaves – well, to be honest – about any […]
Herbs With Barbara: Beeswax Candles, Rosewater & Herbal Teas There's an ancient tradition to get candles blessed on the Feast of Purification - Candlemas day - which takes place on 2nd February each year. The blessing of candles is deeply rooted in Church history and has been happening since the 7th Century. However, it is said that pure beeswax candles are the only ones that should be blessed. Candles made […]
Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh A new year is upon us and the weather is decidedly dull and wet - but the promise of Spring, happier times and new beginnings is just around the corner. As we make our way through the winter months, it's time to re-connect with nature and to brighten your spirits with it's abundant gifts! Though most trees look skeleton-like and appear dormant at this time of […]
Festive Crafts & Star Anise It's 1st December and time for our monthy check in with the lovely Barbara Wilkinson, our Consultant Medical Herbalist. With the festive season just around the corner, Barbara gave us some wonderful Christmas craft ideas - from making your own wreath using willow twigs - to a simple table decoration idea using a silver or gold marker pen and fresh bay leaves. Star Anise This […]
Comfrey & Borage It's the first Thursday of the month - and time for our regular check in with the wonderful Barbara Wilkinson, our Medical Herbalist - who today comes bounding into the studio wielding two humongous triffids... These large, very green, stretchy leaves have a hairy texture and look a little like Dock Leaves on steroids - but it turns out they are actually Comfrey leaves, Symphytum Officianle, a […]
Apple Cider Vinegar Apple Cider Vinegar is a special type of vinegar which is made using fermented apple juice. It's rich in probotics and antioxidant polyphenols and is often referred to as a superfood. Apple cider vinegar is often used to make salad dressings and marinades. It's also believed to boost health in many ways. Many people use the vinegar to aid weight loss, help relieve heartburn and help control […]
