Herbalism

In TCM, late summer belongs to the Earth element and the Spleen and Stomach—the systems responsible for transforming nourishment into usable energy. When Earth is depleted, it can show up...

This Cancer season, we sat down with Arielle Hayat, an herbalist and astrologer who has been studying the cosmos since childhood, to get her take on what this season has in store....

Gemini season heightens mental activity, communication, and curiosity, but excess air energy can scatter attention and dysregulate the nervous system through shallow breathing and thought loops. This season asks us...

Regenerative farming shifts the focus from control to collaboration, where soil health, biodiversity, and natural cycles replace chemical inputs and rigid systems. Briana highlights how reducing consumption, accepting imperfection (like...

Tremella mushroom is uniquely hydrating because its mucilaginous fibers add moisture to the gut rather than pulling water from the body, supporting smooth elimination without cramping or dehydration. In TCM,...

This blog highlights how oxymels transform pantry staples into functional medicine by marrying honey’s antimicrobial, antioxidant, and soothing qualities with apple cider vinegar’s digestive and blood sugar–balancing effects. Infusing thyme...

Dogs thrive when herbs are matched to their constitution—cooling plants like calendula for pups who run hot, or warming herbs like ginger for chilly snugglers. Teas and water-based remedies are...

Harvesting herbs at the right time—like morning for flowers or fall for roots—protects their active compounds and ensures medicinal potency. Drying methods should balance airflow, temperature, and light to prevent...

Your Moon sign holds the key to your inner emotional world, revealing how childhood shaped your sense of safety, the defenses you’ve built to cope, and the somatic pathways that...

Stinging Nettle isn’t just a mineral-rich tonic—it’s a powerful energetic ally for transitions, especially during liminal times like early spring. With its protective sting, nettle teaches the importance of honoring...

Herbal steams are a powerful, time-honored remedy for winter congestion, working by hydrating dry mucous membranes, loosening stubborn mucus, and delivering antimicrobial plant compounds directly to your respiratory system. Using...

In 2024, five core lessons stood out: understanding histamine intolerance and the nervous system’s role in chronic illness; realizing that nervous system regulation—not perfection—is key to true healing; accepting and...

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the balance of hot and cold energies within the body is foundational for health. Excess heat can trigger inflammation, rashes, and anxiety, while excess cold can...

Simmer pots offer more than just a cozy scent—they're a traditional, low-tox ritual that humidifies dry air, supports respiratory health, and infuses the home with the natural antimicrobial benefits of...

Poppy flower essence empowers you to shed the exhausting cycle of hiding your true self and step into full, authentic expression. It supports releasing fear around being seen, strengthens self-trust,...

Flower essences work best when woven consistently into your daily rituals. Take 4 drops under the tongue up to 4 times a day, add to your water bottle for steady...

Making a flower essence is a deeply intentional process that captures the living spirit of a plant, not just its physical properties. It’s less about harvesting and more about relationship...

Flower essences offer a profound yet gentle way to support emotional healing and soul-level alignment. Developed by Dr. Edward Bach, these vibrational remedies use the energetic imprint of flowers to...

Our community shared tried-and-true tips to bring sad tomato plants back to life, from enriching your soil with compost and organic fertilizers (like tomato food and fish emulsion) to homemade...

Tinctures are one of the most powerful, practical ways to preserve and use the healing properties of plants—and making them is much simpler than it seems. Whether you prefer the...

Cooling herbs like mint, hibiscus, marshmallow root, lemon balm, and rose help regulate body temperature, soothe inflammation, and calm the nervous system during hot summer months. Whether you’re sipping iced...

TLDR – if you’re taking an Omega 3 supplement, make sure to take it during the portion of your day that you’re NOT working out. If you like to exercise...

A thriving spring garden starts with knowing your soil through proper testing before planting. Focus on beginner-friendly, cool-season crops like cilantro, calendula, radishes, and peas that tolerate light frosts. Avoid...

From immune-boosting elderberry syrups and lung-supporting botanicals to gut-healing probiotics and adrenal-adaptogen blends, this curated list shows how targeted herbs and supplements can be tailored to meet specific needs—whether for...

Supporting your body through the seasonal transition into fall means syncing with nature’s rhythms: embracing warming herbs like cinnamon and ginger to stoke circulation, shifting to cooked, seasonal foods to...

Fall allergies are often mistaken for seasonal colds, but if your symptoms last over ten days, itchy eyes and sinuses included, allergies might be to blame. Ragweed and mold spores...

Strengthening kids’ immunity doesn’t have to mean reaching for OTC meds—herbal formulas like Elderberry Elixir, Chest Comfort Syrup, and Spring Defense Tonic offer gentle, effective support through seasonal bugs, digestive...

While cold plunging offers a rush of dopamine through hormetic stress, ancient healing systems warn against overexposure to cold—especially for women, whose bodies naturally lean toward yin. TCM, Ayurveda, and...

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic mimic a powerful gut-brain hormone that regulates appetite, glucose, and insulin. While these medications can rapidly improve blood sugar and reduce cravings, natural strategies like high-protein,...

Motherhood can feel like a nonstop shift—with little time for self-care. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite herbal formulas to help moms restore energy, boost mood, and stay grounded....

Spring aches and tightness are often rooted in Liver Qi stagnation—energy that’s stuck after a sedentary winter. Rosehip stands out as a single-herb ally, helping to disperse stagnant Qi, ease...

Whether you’re just starting your herbal journey or looking to expand your apothecary bookshelf, this curated list of herbal books from the Organic Olivia team offers something for everyone. From...

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a warming, mucilaginous seed used traditionally to support digestion, regulate blood sugar, soothe inflammation, and promote lactation. Its bitter flavor stimulates digestive secretions, while its demulcent...

Herbal vinegars are a powerful, alcohol-free way to extract minerals and medicinal properties from herbs using vinegar as the solvent. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a favorite for its blood...

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is a potent metabolic herb traditionally used in Ayurveda to support insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. Known for its distinct bitter taste, it stimulates digestion,...

Gymnema sylvestre’s true power lies in its ability to rewire how your body perceives and metabolizes sugar, making sweet foods less appealing at the taste bud and brain level through...

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a gentle, citrus-scented herb traditionally used to calm the nervous system, uplift mood, and support immunity. Native to the Mediterranean but widely grown, it's known...

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a powerful aromatic and bitter herb traditionally used to support memory, digestion, circulation, and mood. With its warming energetics and active compounds like carnosic and rosmarinic...

Bee Balm is a fiery, diffusive herb that shines as a respiratory and immune ally, breaking up stagnant mucus, easing fevers by promoting circulation and sweat, and soothing digestive upset...

This DIY cooling mist blends rose and calendula—two herbal powerhouses that calm inflammation, reduce puffiness, and repair the skin barrier. A splash of ACV adds antiseptic, anti-itch, and healing benefits...

Cold infusions are the gentlest way to extract medicinal properties from heat-sensitive herbs like hibiscus and mucilaginous roots like marshmallow. This method preserves volatile compounds, offering a deeply hydrating, anti-inflammatory...

Rose hips go far beyond Vitamin C—they contain galactolipids and polyphenols that ease post-exercise inflammation, support connective tissue, and nourish the cardiovascular system. Their Qi-moving properties benefit the joints and...

Craving a fresh start or curious about building your own daily herbal routine? We asked the Organic Olivia team to share their personal stacks—customized for their individual goals, constitutions, and...

Myrrh isn’t just ceremonial—it’s metabolically intelligent. With its warming, scraping, and blood-invigorating qualities, it supports the body’s natural detox pathways by moving stagnant lymph and liver Qi while also lighting...

Schisandra’s standout gift lies in its ability to “contain the leak”—calming scattered energy and restoring vitality when stress, overthinking, or fatigue leave us feeling depleted. Its sour, astringent nature makes...

A revered Ayurvedic herb used for over 5,000 years, Bacopa is a cognitive tonic and adaptogen that helps clear mental fog, support thyroid function, and nourish the nervous system. With...

Yarrow is a fierce yet gentle herbal ally—known as the great harmonizer for its ability to bring balance to the body. With a long legacy in folk medicine and myth,...

Resilient and mineral-rich, Horsetail is a powerhouse herb that supports strong hair, nails, skin, bones, and connective tissue from the inside out. Rich in silica—a key compound for collagen production...