By Susan Staley

Sometimes the best thing to do is make yourself a cup of tea. Winter's deep slumber, combined with the peculiar and challenging nature of the season this year, call for moments of soothing restoration and connection. We encourage you to make you and your loved ones some tea. Anytime of day. When it comes to tea brewing you can be as simple and quick as a tea bag or as slow and steady as a decoction.

Today we want to remind you of, or perhaps introduce you to, the sourdough of the tea world- the decoction. We say its the sourdough of the tea world because with the need to stay at home these days many people have taken up slower preparations and methods of cooking than are possible when one is away from their kitchen all day. Decoctions lend themselves to the parts of the plant that are dense and compact- namely roots, berries, bark, and yummy spices. Medicinal mushrooms also require a decoction to extract the medicinal components of the fungi.

Now, a decoction doesn't have to take as long as a slow sourdough fermentation process- although it can. Essentially, a decoction is when heat is applied to the herbs and water over time instead of pouring boiled water over herbs to make a classic infusion. Decoctions are often done in a pot on the stove, over low heat, with a lid slightly ajar, over a period of 15min- 3 hour (or more). This preparation can also be done in a crock-pot, and is not dissimilar to making a stock.

The lid is left ajar to prevent rapid evaporation, to conserve heat, and to keep aromatic plant constituents in the tea as much as possible without building over. We also like the method of doing a quick decoction (15-30min), and then adding more water and continuing the process. Just be sure to keep an eye on your pot, and to start with more water than you want for tea. It is an unhappy account (and dangerous) to find a pot with only herbs and all the water evaporated. Bring water to a soft boil then reduce to the lowest heat on your stovetop.

A classic decoction is a "chai"- ginger, cardamom, black pepper and black tea (added at the end). Any decoction can become "chai-like" with the addition of aromatic warming herbs like those mentioned above as well as cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, clove, star anise, coriander, and fennel.

In addition to the spices above, we find the following herbs make great healing and tasty decoctions. They are, ashwagandha root, shatavari root, burdock, dandelion root, hawthorn berry, schisandra berry (tart!), licorice root, reishi mushroom, eleuthero root, astragalus root, and elderberry. Use your imagination and follow your instincts.

After you're finishing decocting and turned off the heat, you can also add the more delicate parts of the plant (leaves, buds, flowers, stems), cover, and let infuse into your tea. This is a great way to combine into one pot the herbs that benefit from some time over the heat with the herbs that simply require some time to infuse in hot water. Lastly, you can add more water if you find the decoction too strong, or conversely, continue to reduce if you find the cup too weak.

Quick Adaptogn Chai Recipe:

• 1 tsp ashwagandha root
  
• 1 tsp astragalus root
• 1 tsp burdock root
• .25 tsp licorice root
• 1 tsp dried (or fresh ginger)
• 3 cardamom pods
• small pinch black pepper
  

Simmer the above herbs in 1.5 c of water for 20-30min as directed above. Strain and prepare with milk and honey as desired. You can also sprinkle with additional cinnamon or cardamom before serving.

Susan Staley is a clinical and community herbalist and staff member with Railyard Apothecary. She deeply values those herbs and plants commonly available in most grocery stores, and the where the edge blurs between food and medicine. She works with individuals with a variety of health goals including immune, digestive, and mood support. You can schedule a conversation with her or other members of Burlington Herb Clinic here.

By Emma Merritt

In the wintertime, especially in the Northeastern U.S., it is a time when care for our skin and hands in particular becomes important.  And in 2020, with all the extra hand-washing even more so!  Here's a recipe to make your own hand balm at home.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sunflower oil (or other liquid oil of choice)

• 1/2 cup herbs (comfrey, calendula, and/or chamomile, to your liking)

• 4 tbs coconut oil

• 1 tbs beeswax

• 1 tbs cocoa butter

• 2 tbs shea butter

• Essential oils (optional)

Steps:

1. Combine oil and herbs and heat in a double boiler for at least 20 minutes (alternately use oven or sun method)

1. Strain oil

1. Clean out glass vessel and return oil to it

1. Add solid ingredients and stir until everything is melted

1. Remove from heat and pour into glass jars

1. Label, date, store in a cool, dark place or next to the sink

Use liberally as needed. Works great for dry hands.

For a thicker salve, use more beeswax.

Want to learn more?  Check our our brand new "DIY Herbalism" online medicine making course where you'll find more recipes and instructional videos.

Have fun, and let us know if you have any questions!

Emma Merritt is a clinical herbalist and educator with over eight years of experience. She graduated from Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism’s Three Year Clinical Training Program in 2012. Emma believes that connection to the earth is where healing begins. She teaches classes on medicine making and basic principles of herbalism. As a clinical herbalist, Emma works with people with a variety of health goals. Many of her clients are interested in improving digestive health, relieving stress and anxiety, hormone balancing, allergy relief, and better sleep. She takes a gentle, client-centered approach to healing.  You can book an herbal consultation with Emma here.

By Susan Staley

No matter how you plan to spend this winter holiday season from now until New Years Day 2021, it is bound to be as bittersweet as a bar of dark chocolate. A mix of longing, new territory, and various pressures with creative ways of connecting with others, celebration, and hopefully some peace. Whatever this season is like for you, we’ve compiled a short list of herbs and practices you can lean into during this time.

With the shortness of the days everything can be touched with a feeling of reflection, and this can both be challenging and beautiful. This year, may we try to welcome the hidden gifts in the strange “newness” of the season. And we hope that the following list, and the suggestions therein, will be a little like a helpful friend along the way.

1. Drink Tea. Hey, it’s cold, it’s the season of ‘drink hot tea any time of day’! A cup of aromatic herbal tea may be just the thing you need to support nerves, digestion, lethargy, and immunity right now. Look towards herbs like tulsi, lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, ginger, licorice, milky oats, and peppermint. Herbal teas also help us to stay hydrated, crucial when spending more time inside of heated buildings. 
2. Skip the sugar. No, not all season necessarily (balance people, balance). Simple sugars are a big immune suppressor, and also a way many people express love for others in the form of gifts and tradition (bittersweet, right?). If you know there will be many of your favorite sweets coming in your near future, focus on the savory now. When the time comes, go ahead and indulge, give thanks, and enjoy. But, have some bitters and practice moderation otherwise. 
3. Make these Bliss Balls*.  These delicious bites are good to have on hand when a sugar craving strikes or energy dips. Including adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, reishi, or licorice in your recipe is nourishing and increases your resiliency to stressors and challenges that will arise. Bliss balls are sort of like a simultaneous warm blanket and brisk walk in herb form. We’ve included astragalus root in the recipe below for extra immune support. 
4. Get to Bed or Give Yourself the Gift of Time. Nights are long, take advantage of the still darkness. Clean your sheets. Put your phone on airplane mode. Take a bath if you like. Grab a book or a notebook. Get creative. Consciously transitioning out of “working”, and into rest/ relaxation/creativity mode can have huge effects on mental health, immune function, and general well-being. ‘Tis the season. 
5. Be Generous. Think of others. Everyone is going through it one way or the other. Some of us are struggling more profoundly than others, both in our communities and around the world. Consider others and ask yourself what you might do with your resources to contribute to a more just and kind world. Be easy on yourself and others. 

Warming Adaptogenic Winter Bliss Balls Recipe

Tools: 

• Measuring Cup
• Tablespoon and Teaspoon
• Small -sized bowl
• Medium-sized bowl (or double boiler, can be make-shift)
• Mixing spoon

Ingredients:

• 1 cup nut butter (tahini with almond or peanut butter work well. Use what you like/have)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit- if using larger pieces, chop them smaller (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup- can help with mixing if “dough” is stiff (optional)
• One cup mixed herb powder:
  • 1 oz/~3 heaping tablespoons  ashwagandha root powder
  • 1 oz/~3 heaping tablespoons astragalus root powder
  • 1 oz/ ~3 heaping tablespoons carob/ cacao powder
  • 1 tablespoon licorice root powder
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg  
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

Method: 

1. Combine herb and spice powders and whisk together in a small bowl. 
2. Depending on how stiff your honey and nut butters are, either mix together in a medium sized bowl or use a double boiler method to just soften. Blend together. Add vanilla extract and maple syrup if using. 

3.  Add in herb powders and mix into a stiff dough.

4.  Add slivered almonds and dried fruit. Mix well.

5.  Use your hands to form into balls the size of large cherries.

6.  Store in an airtight container up to a month outside of the fridge.
7.   Eat 1-3 balls/day with a cup of hot herbal tea. Salud!

Susan Staley is a clinical and community herbalist and staff member with Railyard Apothecary. She deeply values those herbs and plants commonly available in most grocery stores, and the where the edge blurs between food and medicine. She works with individuals with a variety of health goals including immune, digestive, and mood support. You can schedule a conversation with her or other members of Burlington Herb Clinic here.

By Emma Merritt

For many of us who are mindful of environmental impact, we want to make sure we are making good decisions around gift-giving during the holiday season. We want to express our love and gratitude to our loved ones, while staying true to our values and not participating in wasteful consumerism. 

Let’s reclaim gift giving as a beautiful, thoughtful means of connection. Instead of giving gifts for their own sake, what if we gave gifts that nurture stronger bonds, that create deeper connections to each other, ourselves, and the earth, and that have the ability to heal?

DIY gifts are perfectly suited for meaningful gift exchange. I’ve personally been making herbal products as gifts for my friends and family for the past decade. The products I make have become a tradition in their own right. My loved ones look forward to them each year, and I feel good about it knowing that I am engaging in a sustainable, life-affirming act. One that encourages self-care, nurturance, and flourishing health. No plastic, no box stores, no online orders and two-day shipping. Just simple, natural herbal remedies that are beautiful and usable. My friends and family love knowing that my intention and care went into each and every product. 

The first year I made herbal products as gifts, I made three different cordials (a cordial is a blend of herbs and spices infused into honey-sweetened brandy). I found old apothecary bottles at dusty junk shops in central Vermont. I cleaned the bottles and made hand-drawn labels with colored pencils for each and every one. I felt like I had created a masterpiece! And my family agreed, although they may be just slightly biased. But the experience did confirm one thing: there is nothing quite like the joy of giving a hand made gift to a loved one.

Since then, I’ve scaled back my ambition just a bit. While I no longer have the time to illustrate dozens of hand drawn labels, I still do try to make my gifts special and unique (and I’ve discovered the virtues of a good color photocopy!).

My friends and family have come to count on me for their yearly supply of elderberry syrup and fire cider, which have become standard fixtures in everyone’s box of goodies. I’ve experimented with different products over the years. One year, I made cedar and vetiver scented bath salts and sumptuous lotions. Another, dream pillows filled with mugwort, lavender, rose, and chamomile. This year, I’ll be making special tea blends in pretty tins as well as luxurious massage oils and hand cream. Perhaps I’ll throw a mask-freshener spray in there, too. There are so many possibilities!

And I’m here to say that you can do it too! The sky really is the limit when it comes to what you can do with DIY gifts. If you’re not sure where to start, salve, tea blends, lip balms, and elderberry syrup are all great. They’re great gifts for all of your extended family who isn’t as familiar with herbalism. And if you’re new to herbalism yourself and feel like you need a little extra guidance, check out Railyard’s line of DIY Kits!

Here's a list of some of the recipes you can find on our blog:

• Elderberry syrup

• Herb salts

• Fire cider

• Whit pine syrup

• Herbal tinctures

• Sunburn care
  

Have fun!

Emma Merritt is a clinical herbalist and educator with over eight years of experience. She graduated from Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism’s Three Year Clinical Training Program in 2012. Emma believes that connection to the earth is where healing begins. She teaches classes on medicine making and basic principles of herbalism. As a clinical herbalist, Emma works with people with a variety of health goals. Many of her clients are interested in improving digestive health, relieving stress and anxiety, hormone balancing, allergy relief, and better sleep. She takes a gentle, client-centered approach to healing.  You can book an herbal consultation with Emma here.

Elderberry syrup is a herbal prep that's yummy, easy to make at home, and can help keep you healthy through the winter.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried elderberries or 1 cup fresh (or frozen) elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
• 2 cups water
• 2/3 to 1 cup honey

Optional additions:

• 1 tsp dried ginger
• 1-2 tsp cinnamon chips
• 1-2 tsp astragalus root
• 2 tsp rose hips

Instructions:
Combine berries and water and simmer until water is reduced by half. Mash the herbs in the water and then strain out. Take remaining water and add ⅔ to 1 cup of local raw honey to taste. Store in refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Some people take the syrup as a daily tonic during cold and flu season, 1 tablespoon for adults or 1 teaspoon for children over age one. If you are feeling sick or think you may be coming down with the flu try 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours up to 6 times in 24 hours (for children over one use 1 teaspoon).

Elder is an incredible and powerful plant that we have a lot of respect and gratitude for - it has helped keep generations of people healthy in many areas of the world. When using this plant we invite you to do so with an attitude of appreciation and respect for what is truly our elder.
🍇💚 🍇💚 🍇💚

P.S. Learn more about making elderberry syrup at a class with Nick on Wednesday, November 11th, 6pm-7:30pm on Zoom: sign up here.

The lymphatic system of the human body is often overlooked, even in some human biology classes. It is a “quiet” part of the body’s circulation, and sometimes the efforts of this system are totally unseen when it comes to immune health, general vitality, and cellular health. 
​
Just as the cardiovascular system has capillaries that reach into the interstitial spaces between cells, so does the lymphatic system have lymphatic capillaries. Along the lymphatic vessels there are collections of lymph nodes that monitor lymphatic fluid for pathogens- these nodes identify and signal out to other aspects of the immune system for extra support as needed. Lymph nodes swell when they encounter a pathogen or infection that cannot be addressed on-site. This is why, at the first sign of illness, we may find swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, and groin.

By Susan Staley

You could say that every season has their songs. And if you said this, you are probably someone who listens to and for these songs. To consciously participate in and observe the “natural world”, and then shift the way you live your life to match these observations is a fundamental of healthfulness. Some would say that the more attuned we are to the changing seasons of our lives in general, the more balanced and happy we are as individuals and communities, alike.

I think back to early March when the first calls for mandatory quarantine around the country went out. At that time in the season the days were still short and dark, and it was still truly cold in the northeast. This region spent a couple solid months inside as much as possible as winter transitioned into spring. Albeit to say it was a difficult and disorienting time for many people.

And then off in the distance... a birdsong you haven’t heard for a year. And the last of the snow waves away at long last. Patches of green and swollen tree buds catch your eye while driving down the highway or from your kitchen window. Maybe you went to the same tree everyday for 2 weeks to watch the buds unfurl in their slow elvin splendor of fresh green. And maybe this feeling, this display, of new energy and growth enlivened and lifted a part of you too. Spring's bloom causing you to remember that things change. Maybe your focus shifted. Maybe you were able to make that one move. These of some of the songs of spring.

And what of autumn, spring’s transition season sibling? The call of autumn is from within. Within the roots of the trees that call the sap downwards into the earth. It is the trees who release their crisp leaves, watch them whisper and wave as they fall. It is a time to let go of that which cannot come with us into the future. Maybe we grieve and honor our losses. Maybe the cooler weather beggs us to bring the warmth and light of Fire inside our home. Maybe the tea pot whistles more often. Autumn’s song is a remembering song. We remember where we have been and we are strengthened and inspired by it as we move into winter with tenderness and trust. 

May we cultivate a deep curiosity and sensitivity to the subtle changes of the seasons around us, in turn developing a keener view of the small shifts and various states that occur within us on the regular and throughout our lives. May we remember that “there is a time for that”, and find greater ease and flexibility for following the season’s lead. 

Susan Staley is a clinical and community herbalist and staff member with Railyard Apothecary. She deeply values those herbs and plants commonly available in most grocery stores, and the where the edge blurs between food and medicine. She works with individuals with a variety of health goals including immune, digestive, and mood support. You can schedule a conversation with her or other members of Burlington Herb Clinic here.

Herbs salts are just what they sounds like, a mixture of herbs and salt. Their extraordinary quality is rooted in their simplicity and elegance. And their ability to bring complexity and yum-factor to a multitude of dishes is noteworthy.

Salt is a mineral with drawing and purifying qualities that has a deep affinity for water and absorption. Salt draws and releases moisture as circumstance dictates. These qualities make salt a superb partner for drying herbs and absorbing the aromatic components of the plants. We can imagine that the making of herb salts is an age old method.

To prepare you will need the following ingredients and tools:

• 1 part salt (preferably a larger grain naturally occurring salt)
• 1 part fresh hearty aromatic herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, lavender, lemon peel, etc) Use herbs from your autumn garden or organic from the grocery store. Experiment with making your own blends.
• Food processor or strong blender (in lieu of machinery, herbs can be minced and blended with herbs by hand)
• Parchment paper
• Tray
• 3 to 7 days for drying

Method is thus:

Combine equal parts salt with fresh herbs by volume. Add both to a food processor and process until texture is uniform and appealing. Spread mixture onto a tray lined with parchment paper in a dry, warm/ room-temp room out of direct sunlight. The herbs will dry in a matter of days in the above environment. You can run your fingers through them to assess dryness. Once dry store in an jar. Make a great gift.

Herb salts are an easy way to brighten dishes such as roast vegetables, potatoes, popcorn, soups, eggs, dipping oils, and salads. The sky is the limit! Enjoy!

Susan Staley is a clinical and community herbalist staff member with Railyard Apothecary. She deeply values those herbs and plants commonly available to us today in most grocery stores, and the where the edge blurs between food and medicine. You can schedule a conversation with her or other members of Burlington Herb clinic here.

The cooler temps and dryness that accompanies them urge us towards herbs and herbal preparations that support circulation, immune function, and lung health. Horseradish root, Armoracia rusticana, is another super valuable medicinal herb almost hidden in plain sight. When feeling "stuck" in various physically ways, and even mentally or emotionally, consider working with this plant.

This root increases circulation in the body, moves mucus in the upper respiratory tract and sinus, helps stimulate heavy stagnant digestion, and even supports the lymphatic system. Think secretions!! The preparation method below is a good one to recall when you, or someone you love, needs quick and direct nudging and warming. Whether emotionally or physically.

Preparing fresh horseradish root for storage:
Take desired piece of root (no need to peel) and either grate by hand or us a food processor. Remember that as you grate the root you will release strong aromatics into the air. It will likely cause your sinuses to tingle and drip and maybe cause your eyes to water. This is a desired effect! But be warned, take care when deeply inhaling the fresh chopped herb, especially when using a food processor, as the aromatics can be very strong at this point!

Transfer root into a clean jar and cover with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey to your taste. A good ratio to start with is 2:1, vinegar:honey*.

This preparation is ready to take immediately. From here you can store in the fridge and take spoonfuls, including root bits, as needed and desired. Alternatively, you can strain after a couple weeks.

*honey helps to support the action of the horseradish with its moistening and healing qualities, but can be omitted if needed/desired.

Preparing fresh horseradish root for immediate use:
Grate a small amount of root as needed. This root can be infused in hot water to make a tea (add honey if you like), or blended with some combination of vinegar and honey as seen above. You can also simply grate fresh root onto bread, crackers, cheese, or vegetables as desired and eat plain.
For dosing, remember that horseradish is hot and spicy as well as being a digestive stimulant so avoid eating on an empty stomach. For acute illness try multiple spoonfuls/day. For a more long-term tonic approach, work with a spoonful/day.

Whole fresh root can be stored in the fridge wrapped well in plastic, or frozen. If you prefer making larger batches at a time freeze the root whole, otherwise, for more frequent smaller preps cut into smaller pieces and use bit by bit as needed.

We have local organic horseradish for sale in the shop right now from Shelburne Farms via Spoonful Herbals. For every pound sold a $2 donation will go to the Herbal Justice Fund.