Medicinal plants have been my primary form of health care for the last 35 years, and I feel privileged to have shared the joy of herbal healing with thousands of students over these decades. And as an aging herbal hippie, I’ve seen some things.
Gaia Devi Stillwagon (she/her) is a clinical herbalist, grower, and founder of Gaia’s Garden Organics, where she creates organic medicinal teas, tinctures, and flower essences on her family-owned garden in Southwest Arkansas.
Many seeds have a built-in sense of timing, a quiet alarm that only sounds once winter has truly passed. This internal clock ensures that a seed doesn’t awaken during an unseasonable warm spell, only to perish when cold returns. Seed stratification (sometimes called cold conditioning) is our way of mimicking that natural pause, helping seeds recognize that it’s safe to begin life.
Opening children up to a world of wonder and magic is as easy as introducing them to the plants. Creating a life among the green world is both empowering and full of depth. Read on to learn about simple ways to connect with plants, herbs that are helpful for children, first aid preparations, and herbal recipes you can make together.
The beauty of Caribbean herbal knowledge is that it lives in the people. The downside to this is that there is not as much scholarly or published work on the matter. Much as with other Indigenous ways of being, it is mainly an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Ever wished your kitchen shelves could double as a healing cabinet? ✨ Your herbal apothecary can begin as simply as a shelf of recycled glass jars, and the intention to care for yourself with the gifts herbal medicine can offer.
Your herbal business idea can begin with one single plant. One herb can be your teacher, your muse, and your ticket to launching a business that is meaningful and sustainable. You don’t need dozens of product lines, acres of herbs, or a full curriculum to start sharing your knowledge and passion. In fact, with a strong herbalism education and a bit of creativity, you can establish your business by building your business skills, offerings, and impact on the strongest foundation: a deep kinship with the plant world.
Whether you’re planning your first herb garden or already tending a botanical beauty, our student garden tour will show you how far care, dedication, and a solid herbal education can take you. If you’ve been wondering how to grow an herb garden yourself, we’ve included free resources at the end of the blog—complete with practical tips, beginner-friendly plant suggestions, and ways to grow your skills (and confidence) with medicinal herbs. Take a gander at these real-life photos and stories showcasing the incredible ways Chestnut students are weaving medicinal herbs into their homes, backyards, and communities.
Ready to dive into some reading that’s as comforting as a cozy evening and as fresh as a bundle of handpicked herbs? We went on the hunt for the best fiction books featuring our favorite green-thumbed heroes—herbalists. Our readers have shared their most-loved herbal novels—the ones that made their hearts race, their minds wander, and their love for all things leafy grow even stronger. So, grab your favorite reading spot, a cup of herbal tea, and get ready to explore the art of herbalism in all its storybook splendor.
Aphrodisiac herbs are plants that elevate, nourish, or sustain our sexual or sensual desires. This Herbal Aphrodisiac Shortbread Cookie recipe is delightfully decadent and not too sweet. The cacao nibs, which are small pieces of the cacao bean, provide a rich and nutty crunch, while the rose water adds the lightest floral note. The rose petals contribute a splash of alluring color to entice the eyes along with the nose. These cookies are tasty as a stand-alone treat, but we also love them biscotti-style, served with coffee or tea.
