Mushroom soup as it should be – rich, indulgent, and full of earthy flavor.

I make this soup a little differently to ensure I am getting in a ton of nutrient benefits - using bone broth as well as culinary herbs. - Feel free to use what herbs you enjoy - you can also add cream at the end also if you like. 

Astragalus root provides quick energy, supports the immune system, helps digestive function, and is considered one of the most important longevity tonic herbs.

Astragalus is a “qi” tonic,, as it directly supports the Lung and Spleen organs in the body.

By supporting those organs, you derive and maximize energy from the foods you eat and the air you breathe.

French chefs have a term fonds de cuisine, which translates “the foundation and working capital of the kitchen.” Bone and meat stock provide just that, the foundation of both the kitchen and ultimately one’s physical health.

One of the most common questions that those individuals embarking upon the the journey of gut health have is:

“Do I make stock or broth?”

What is the difference between the two?

Making elderberry gummies is SO easy. Really truly, you’re going to make these and then kick yourself for not making them sooner – they’re THAT easy.

But before I give you the tutorial, let’s talk about WHY you should make elderberry gummies.

WHICH IS BETTER: ELDERBERRY GUMMIES OR ELDERBERRY SYRUP?

The answer is elderberry gummies, by a smidge

Meat stock, is especially rich in gelatin and free amino acids like proline and glycine. These amino acids, along with the gelatinous protein from the meat and connective tissue, are particularly beneficial in healing the connective tissue in the lining of the gut.

Perfectly spiced and balanced. Made with quality heirloom cocoa, this blend is deeply restorative as it is flavorful. A perfect way to add adaptogen herbs to your daily nourishment routine

A rich warming chocolaty mug of comfort:

Stinging Nettle is Much More Than Just a Prickly Plant

I personally love stinging nettle, but know many people who don’t because of its sting. If you have mixed feelings about it, give stinging nettle a closer look. It is nutrient dense, medicinal, and makes gorgeous fiber. It grows from 3 to 8 feet ,stinging nettle is a perennial that dies back in the winter. The soft, green leaves are usually oval in shape and range from 1 to 4 inches in length. Occasionally the leaves

Flowers and young leaves are edible raw. Older leaves taste better cooked with other greens or in soups. leaves are mucilaginous and are good for thickening stews. Note that the roots are not eaten and may cause nausea and/or vomiting.

Cleavers is rich in vitamins and minerals, and contains flavonoids, coumarins and various alkaloids. It has strong affinities to the lymphatics, kidneys and nervous system.  Cleavers is a gift to the lymphatic system, supporting the movement of lymph fluids and easing congestion of swollen glands. It is an excellent herb to reach for when getting a cold and for elimination support and skin issues of all varieties.

A quick, easy and simple way to preserve chives. This vinegar packs a flavor punch!

Chives have a beautiful mild onion like flavor.Chives stimulate appetite, ease digestion and help relieve gas.Fresh chives are easy to grow. They require full sun or partial shade and a well drained soil with moderate watering. They tolerate frost and once established they grow and grow and grow.

Fragrant lilacs are a sure sign of spring. Preserve the blossom for seasons to come in a sugar that is perfect for baking or tea.

Lilac sugar can be used in tea or baking. Or any other creative use you can come up with. I personally love it in a cup of chamomile tea.

Lilac flowers have astringent, aromatic, and perhaps a little bitter qualities. Astringents tighten, draw, and dry tissues such as skin. So a wonderful application would be a cold or warm infusion to use as a toner on the face. Or using the same method but apply to rashes, cuts, and other skin ailments.

A member of the Snapdragon family, mullein reduces the formation of mucus and is also a potent expectorant. It is a valued herb that can be helpful with  treating bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.

The fresh, bright flavor of rosemary can be used for everything from grilled vegetables and roasted chicken to savory marinades and herbaceous cocktails, and capturing its vibrant flavor couldn’t be easier.

Resinous and aromatic, rosemary sprigs can be bound together with other herbal companions in fragrant smoke bundles for cleansing and purification.

A refreshing chilled chocolatey drink. Lets make it:

With a spicy-sweet aroma reminiscent of licorice, anise hyssop is a gentle remedy for coughs, colds, indigestion, insomnia, mild depression, and anxiety. I like to combine it with catnip (Nepeta cataria) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) in teas, as their flavors meld nicely and their medicinal uses are complementary.

 Classic garden sage has a special affinity for the mouth and throat, and is treasured as a gargle or rinse for sore throat, canker sores, periodontal disease, bad breath, and cold sores. It has a rich tradition of use as a mental stimulant and is often added to formulas to aid concentration, memory, and focus.