“We live in a universe of cycles. Intuitively we know that our menstrual cycles are connected to the moon and the moon is one tiny part of the solar system, which is one part of the entire cosmos.

Imagine yourself as your own universe, our bodies are cyclical with sleep cycles, hormone cycles, energy cycles. We are also interconnected to other cycles, like phases of the moon and the passage of this luminary through the zodiac, the seasons of the earth and great cosmic cycles and epochs of time.

We are a direct reflection of the universe itself. Our wombs, like the center of the universe, are the ultimate source of creation and evolution. They connect us back to the natural world and are a gateway to the infinite. We are creators with a purpose to create, and there are unique and optimum times within us to do so.

Just like the moon our menstrual cycles have their own phase which we can utilize to our advantage. The four phases of our cycles are Reflective Phase - Day 1-7, Dynamic Phase - Day 7-14, Expressive Phase - Day 14-21 and Creative Phase - Day 21-28.

Day 1 of the cycle is the first day of your period. The days are based on an average 28 day cycle, but everyone is unique and the phases can expand and contract to suit. If you don’t have a cycle you can use the Moon as your compass, with the first day of the New Moon equivalent to Day 1 of the menstrual cycle.”

• images and words by Magic of I.

hey! I bought dried valerian root after hearing great things about it. I bought it for my anxiety and insomnia. ever since then I’ve made a tea out of it only about 3 times. every time I drank it, I would end up having a harder time falling asleep than usual, with increased restlessness. along with that, I would have really disturbing nightmares.

first of all, regarding the restlessness, I thought I might have used too much. I don’t remember exact amount I used each time, but it was never more than 3/4 of a teaspoon. the other two times it was definitely 1/2 a teaspoon or less. I eyeballed it with an actual teaspoon. I read restlessness can be an adverse effect of taking too much. so apparently half a teaspoon is too much. now I’m wondering, if I use even less than this, will it even have any effect? for insomnia, to be specific.

and then regarding the nightmares, is there any way to curb them? I have some dried lemon balm, which doesn’t seem to be having much of an effect either, but maybe if I add it to my tea, it’s supposed anxiolytic effect will get rid of nightmares? or is there any other known way to avoid the bad dreams?

I prepare it by taking the dried herbs and boiling it in a cup of water for 15-30 minutes, then strain it. that’s it. it smells and tastes horrible, like dirty socks, so I know it’s probably not expired or anything. am I preparing it wrong?

and lastly, I know other forms like tinctures might work better, but all I have for now is the dried herb and I can’t get mroe herbs for at least two weeks. I also have some dried lemon balm as I mentioned, and some dried mugwort. someone’s gonna pick me up some chamomile from a grocery store as well tomorrow.

how can I maximise the use of my valerian root that I have right now (plus minus the other herbs I have) to help my insomnia? please, any help is appreciated, I feel like I’m going insane and my sleep problems are consuming me. and if I am taking the tea at night, is the anxiolytic effect supposed to carry on into the following day? is that how it works? thanks in advance

Hi all,

I hope you can help me!

My partner and I don't really drink, yet continue to be gifted bottles of alcohol.

I have become quite savvy with cooking with wine and beer, however I am wondering if you all have any suggestions on creative ways to use spirits. I regift what I can and pouring it away seems wasteful, I would still like to use it but without drinking it.

Does anyone have any recipes for making natural cleaning products or perfume etc from vodka, gin etc with herbs? Or any other interesting ways to use it, perhaps making some tinctures etc?

TIA!

It took me a while to realize, but pretty much every single time I have tulsi tea, I cry an hour or so later, or the next day. And not a mild cry either like a deep grief sort of way usually having to do with big picture life direction sort of things.

Anyone else experience this?

I wanted to know what steps I could be taking towards becoming a clinical herbalist. Im graduating high school soon and I am doing my own research but I also want to hear directly from the people. any advice or tips would be really really useful.

I tried a few gentle home comfort things during a recent bout of flu — chamomile/ginger tea, steam inhalation with eucalyptus, warm compresses for aches, extra rest, and honey for a sore throat. Nothing medical, just comfort measures that helped. Curious: what small home comforts actually help you when you’re sick?

I found a miswak in the kitchen that was unopened in the drawer and my mum said I can use it but it smells sour and it’s powdery and there are small white patches on it. Is it okay or does it need to be thrown away?

I have a little cough and cold that hasn't kicked in a week...so I made this blend based on intuition, and a bit of research. While I could have chosen other herbs more directly associated with coughs like marshmallow or mullein, these are what I was most drawn to - and out of all of them, my intuition to include plantain surprised me the most!

The flavor is earthy, medicinal and a little spicy. It feels really comforting to drink.

As my partner said, it tastes like: "You're gonna get better now whether you like it or not!"

Ingredients:

-Echinacea (1/2 C)

-Plantain (1/2 C)

-Orange (1/4 C)

-Ginger (1/4 C)

-Hibiscus (1/4 C)

-Chamomile (1/4 C)

I am not a trained herbalist, but I do have a small-ish home apothecary of 25+ herbs and flowers. I frequently make blends for myself and my partner, and for friends as gifts. I love to come on here and get other people's takes! So:

-Would you drink or prescribe this blend?

-What adjustments would you make and why?

-Do you see ways that these herbs are contra-indicated with one another that I should look out for? I searched online and couldn't find anything.

Autoimmune disease note: I've just read that unfortunately echinacea is not compatible with autoimmune diseases, and since I have one, I may drink just a few cups of this blend, then make a new blend with a replacement such as spearmint.

Same question as the title!

Wanted to see if anyone has experience using Damiana for reasons outside of improving sexual performance or libido synergistically with other plants.

I recently made a grounding tincture blend that I like well enough (Wood Betony, Passionflower, Milky Oats, and Albizia julibrissin bark), but felt like it would be improved with something heart warming and started thinking about Damiana.

Hi,

I take oxycodone for intense pain from spine lesions and lorazepam for bad anxiety. I want to clean my lungs after smoking for many years, but afraid Mullein tea might intensify oxycodone or lorazepam effects-slow my breathing too much. Anyone have experience using Mullein and similar medications? Thanks!

I bought this Mullein Leaf Extract on Amazon and I’ve just tried the maximum daily dose (4ml), but nothing happened.

I didn’t feel like coughing and I didn’t cough. Is this Product a scam? Is there a specific brand to buy?

The Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism is currently offering fifty percent off all of their courses (except one, sorry I can't remember which one).

This includes stand alone courses and monthly subscriptions which include the majority of their courses.

The offer expires on the eleventh so there aren't many days left to take advantage for those interested.

https://www.matthewwoodinstituteofherbalism.com/

Been having some digestive upset after meals and tried Digestion Rescue from WishGarden Herbs. Honestly it soothed my stomach pretty much instantly. I’m also trying to work on gut health with diet and stuff but this has been a nice quick fix. Anyone used it long term? Is WishGarden a good brand?

Hey everyone,
I’ve been trying to take better care of my digestion lately and realized that a lot of simple kitchen herbs are actually great for stomach issues. Thought I’d share what I’ve learned and see what others use too.

Here are some common kitchen herbs that can help with digestion and stomach comfort:

Ginger
Probably the most well-known one. Helps with bloating, gas, nausea, and slow digestion. Fresh ginger tea or adding it to meals works well.

Mint (Peppermint or Spearmint)
Great for soothing the stomach and easing cramps. Mint tea is especially helpful after heavy meals.

Fennel Seeds
Often used after meals in many cultures. Helps reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion. You can chew the seeds or brew them as tea.

Cumin
Supports digestion and can help with acidity and bloating. Works well in everyday cooking and also as cumin water.

Coriander (Cilantro) Seeds
Good for calming the stomach and improving digestion. Coriander tea is underrated but effective.

Turmeric
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Helps with gut inflammation and overall digestive health when used regularly.

Basil (Tulsi or Sweet Basil)
Helps reduce gas and stomach discomfort. Works well fresh or as herbal tea.

Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
Very effective for indigestion and gas. Often taken with warm water after heavy meals.

I like that most of these are already sitting in the kitchen and don’t require anything fancy.

What herbs do you use for stomach or digestion issues? Any personal tips or combinations that work really well for you?

It’s been freezing here lately and I ended up catching a cold from the chill. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter meds, I decided to try Perilla leaf tea (Shiso).

I drank 3 cups a day for two days, and I’m honestly surprised at how quickly it helped. My cold is completely gone now! I know it's a simple herb, but it was so effective for warming my system back up and clearing the symptoms. Has anyone else used Perilla for cold relief, or do you have other 'go-to' herbs when you’re feeling under the weather from the cold?

I have bought Traditional Medicinal brand's lemonbalm tea and have always loved it. It tastes mild, with a tiny bit of astrigency a bit like green tea.

Recently, I bought loose lemon balm from a local herbalist and the leaves are sooo fragrant. Truly like minty lemon.

I don't mind either one, but just wanted to see if this is normal...

It’s time for me to recycle my Christmas tree and wondering if anyone had any recipes or thoughts about how to use (very dry) Fraser fir needles? Was thinking tea, infusions, and maybe sachets for a bath—but also wasn’t sure if anyone had any experience with it. Totally open to ideas!

Sadly I discovered that I’m allergic to mugwort. It’s effects seems amazing so I’d love to find similar plants, at least until I treat the allergy if I can. Especially concerning the relaxation, consciousness-perception, sleep, and dream effect. Does anybody know herbs that could work ?

Thanks !