Chestnut Herbal School

Author: Amanda Davis

A foldable clothes rack is handy for drying herb bundles.
Last updated on May 29th, 2026

How to Hang-Dry Herbs Using the Rubber Band Method

One of the easiest ways to dry herbs on their stems is to hang them in bundles on an indoor clothes-line or string using the rubber band method. If you have a nice dark corner of your house with adequate airflow simply put two nails in the wall and hang a string between them. In the olden days, our ancestors strung their herbs right from the kitchen rafters, and some herbalists still do. I prefer bundling herbs with rubber bands rather than twine, because the plants generally stay in place as they dehydrate.

Hibiscus ginger iced tea
Last updated on June 12th, 2026

Juneteenth Hibiscus Ginger Iced Tea Recipe: A Drink of Remembrance

June 19th is a day to honor the legacy of freedom hard-won and long-delayed—a celebration of resilience, remembrance, and the unyielding spirit of those who endured. Over time, red foods became central to Juneteenth celebrations, representing the bloodshed of ancestors and the tenacious spirit of a people who refused to be erased. Hibiscus tea served warm or cold, with its deep crimson hue, remains a staple drink at Juneteenth gatherings, a reminder of connections to African roots.

Of the Forest Festive Non-Alcoholic Bitters by Xálish Medicines.
Last updated on May 4th, 2026

Herbal Gift-Giving Guide

Give the perfect present to your herbal loved one! Giving a great gift is an art. Giving an herbal gift is to know and love the plant person in your life. To help you find the perfect present, we’ve compiled an herbal gift-giving guide featuring special items from small makers to please your herbally-inclined loved ones. For fun and ease, we’ve grouped these gifts into categories suited to unique plant personas.

A bowl of pomegranate molasses compound butter.
Last updated on October 11th, 2024

Herbal Compound Butters for Festive Feasting

Rich and sultry, compound butters generously lend a delectable flavor and silky texture to almost any dish. They can be slathered onto baked roots, fresh bread, and crackers or used to roast veggies or meat. Fruity, sour, and sweet butters are delicious with pancakes, muffins, or waffles. When you set the table with buttery herbal spreads, every occasion instantly feels special—from Sunday brunch to your best friend’s birthday dinner.

The roots of a freshly harvested ashwagandha plant.
Last updated on April 20th, 2026

The Medicinal Benefits of Ashwagandha

If you experience overwhelm in your life—whether from insomnia, anxiety, or burning the candle at both ends—the medicinal benefits of ashwagandha bring many blessings. Ashwagandha calms and heals your nervous system, refreshes sleep cycles, invigorates immune resilience, and infuses your entire being with strength. This charismatic herb heralds from India, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Ashwagandha’s medicinal use in the Western world is thanks to the traditional healers of these regions, who cherish its healing root for countless ailments.

Jodi McKee, owner of Jewelweed herbal apothecary.
Last updated on February 20th, 2026

Jewelweed: Student Business Spotlight

Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine graduate Jodi McKee, proprietor and herbalist behind Jewelweed, a small-batch herbal apothecary and healing venue located just outside of Minneapolis, MN, talks to us for our Student Business Spotlight series. The shop was named in honor of the local wildflower that grows prolifically nearby. Jewelweed offers an exclusive in-house seasonal line of handcrafted products made with organic or locally-grown and wildcrafted plants.

Calendula Tulsi Chai Recipe
Last updated on October 11th, 2024

Calendula Tulsi Chai Recipe

Astragalus, calendula, and tulsi are herbal tonics for the lymphatic, nervous, and immune systems. This Calendula Tulsi Chai Recipe will help ward off colds and flu during winter months. The aromatic botanicals in this chai—cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and ginger—keep the blood and lymph moving and are especially helpful for those who feel cold or sluggish. During warmer weather, dilute the concentrate with ice and your choice of milk for a refreshing summertime beverage.