Kirsty’s Herbs

Hello January 2023!

I’ve been so busy with life this last year, lots has changed & I’ve learned to deal with the new normal that is my life.
Something that annoyed me last year is that I didn’t make time for my page & learning more about how to enjoy life.
So decided last month that with the new year I’d try to incorporate it back into my life. So here we go, I can’t promise I’ll post each month but I’m going to try 🤞🏻

So here’s this month’s snippet of knowledge.
In season herbs:
🌿Parsley
🌿Coriander
🌿Rosemary
🌿Sage
🌿Chervil
🌿Bay

Month flower:
💐Snowdrop

Monthly Recipe:
🍽️Rhubarb & Amaretti crumble

Monthly Crystal:
💎Selenite

Yoga Poses:
🧘🏻‍♀️Fish pose
🧘🏻‍♀️Child’s pose
🧘🏻‍♀️Pranayama

Remember to always big yourself up so I will include some affirmations that you can use & hopefully you will help like they did with me.
Life is not perfect, I had a relapse with my mental health so don’t worry if you are struggling one day & not the next. It’s natural, it’s life. We are all here for each other 💕

Imbolc associated with the myth and legends of Brigid, the patroness of smith craft, poetry, and healing. It is said in her legends from Ireland that a
snake comes up from the womb of mother earth to test the weather.
Brigid, being informed winter is weakening, appears with her white wand and is said to breathe life into the mouth of the dead winter and bring him to open his eyes to the signs of spring. The cold is said to tremble for its safety on Bride's Day and flee for its life on St. Patricks Day. Brigids generosity was well known to both wildlife and the poor. Her healing wells also give her power to those in need, even to this day. Her legend, however, that is most well known is that of her eternal fire at her temple.

Winter weather, the dark early nights, and viruses make this time of year testing for our immune systems. Herbs such as mushrooms and seaweeds support the immune system to function optimally, making them invaluable winter allies.
Every mushroom contains immuno-modulating polysaccharides, beta glucans and chitin,
which are embedded in the cell walls. These polysaccharides contribute to the anti-allergenic, anti-infective, and systemic anti-inflammatory effects seen in studies. Some of the most renowned medicinal mushrooms that are good to eat include shiltake, porcini, oyster mushrooms, lion's mane and maitake. But you could use button or chestnut mushrooms too.
Oyster mushrooms are probably the most simple medicinal mushroom to grow. They help lower
cholesterol, are protective of the liver, anti-bacterial, and full of antioxidants.

Immune Support Stock 🌿

Mushrooms need to be cooked for at least an hour to release these immune properties. The best way to do this is in stews, soups or stocks. Make a stock of a variety of mushrooms, seaweeds, and warming culinary herbs which support circulation, such as Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary. Put the stock on low heat or in a ceramic-based slow cooker and simmer for several hours. Once cooled, use straight away or add to ice cube trays and use a few every time you cook. You can also add a bit of hot water and drink as broth teas.

So I adopted a dog…..

Meet my new baby, Gemma.
Having her has been such a journey this last month. Not only am I giving her a safe forever home, but she’s getting me back out in nature.

Hi I’m still here 💕..
I know been very quiet for a while.
I moved house, quit my job, started new career as a teacher & I’m adopting a dog.
I know crazy few months 😅..
So here’s a lovely recipe to help reconnect your body & mind.

Ingredients:
🌸 4 cups hot water
🌸 1.5 tbsp black tea leaves
🌸 1 tsp grated dark chocolate
🌸 2 tsp lavender buds
🌸 1 tsp cardamon
🌸 1/2 cinnamon stick
🌸 honey for taste

Imbolc Blessings..

My Monday activity 🎓..
First webinar on Heartwood Foundation.
Looking forward to sharing the great knowledge I gain....

So Root and Rise Yoga, asked for some essential oils to use with her latest yoga sessions that look at our different chakras.
Of course I found some time between studying to create a little post about it.

https://www.kirstysherbs.co.uk/post/essential-oils-for-chakras

Essential Oils for Chakras Essential oils are a great way to help balance your chakras. The oils can be diffused or mixed with a carrier oil to be used at the relevant chakras location. Below are some oils that can help rebalance your chakras. Crown Frankincense (Boswellia fereana) Western Australian Sandalwood (Santalum s**c...

This year has been crazy for us all....
So here’s a way to help yourself manifest next year into a better one 💕

Yule blessings from my family to yours ❄️🎄..
Know that you are not alone. It’s been a tough year but you have made it 💕

Enjoy soothing bath this winter solstice ❄️..
🌸 1/4 cup chamomile flower
🌸 1/4 cup elder flower
🌸 1/4 cup calendula flower
🌸 1-2 cups Epsom salt

Add ingredients together in a muslin cloth & hang over the tap as water runs.
OR
Blend with 4 cups of boiling water. Strain into a container & then add to bath water.

Life is crazy 💕...
Sorry that I haven’t been posting, life has got a little crazy. Ignoring the news as we all know it’s crap....
My baby boy hasn’t been very well, lots of sleepless nights & days spent at work worrying about him....
His 16 years in this world didn’t start off great, but luckily he found our family. So I’m trying to spend every moment I can with him so he knows he’s loved.
Anyone that knows him, knows he’s the most pampered dog. Which does lead to funny moments as he always gets what he wants. (He’s used a policeman’s foot as a pillow 😂)...
I do have lots of posts planned & excited to start my medical training next month. So please bare with me 💕

Samhain Blessings 🍂✨💕

Self care can come in any form....
I’ve had a rubbish day & needed some much needed me time. So eating profiteroles while watching Hot Fuzz. ...
Food & laughter can be the best medicine 💕...

Sunday Funday 💕...
I saw this great idea & thought I’d share it with you all.
You can use any nuts or dried fruit so have fun & experiment with the flavours 😋...
Chocolate Apple Slice Pops

Ingredients:

🌸 3 large apples of choice, washed and dried completely
🌸 2 cups dark chocolate chips or chunks
🌸 1 Tbsp unrefined coconut oil
🌸 1/2 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
🌸 1/3 cup dried cranberries, or raisins
🌸 10 -12 wooden popsicle sticks

Method:

Add your coconut oil to the chocolate chips and place in the in the microwave, on high.
Melt in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until fully melted and smooth.
Alternatively, you may melt your chocolate in a bowl over boiling water on the stove, stirring constantly.
Transfer to a shallow plate that will allow you to easily dip your apple slices into.

Prepare your chopped pecans, cranberries and get 10-12 popsicle sticks, set them out in your workstation.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Using a very sharp knife, carefully slice your apples into 1/2 inch slices as shown. Gently remove any apple seeds from your slices.
Next make a small slit into the bottom of each apple slice. This will help you insert the popsicle sticks easier.
Very carefully, insert a popsicle stick into each piece of apple.
Dip apple slices into your melted chocolate to evenly cover both sides, then gently place on your prepared baking sheet.
Immediately sprinkle with pecans and cranberries.
Refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Elderberry Syrup 🤒

Also known as elderberry rob, which is a thickened, sweetened juice.
As elderberries & honey have amazing antiviral properties, this is a go to during the winter months.

Ingredients
🌸 1 cup fresh or dried elderberries
🌸 1 cup raw honey
Optional
🌸 1 tbsp ground or grated ginger
🌸 1 tbsp cinnamon
🌸 1 tbsp thyme

Method
Gently cook berries in water for 3 minutes or until they are soft.
Squeeze out the juice with a jelly bag, wine press, cheese cloth or through a sieve using the back of a spoon to apply pressure.
Add honey (and optional extras) & bring back to the boil on a low heat.
Remove from the heat & store in a sterile airtight container in the fridge.

Take 1 teaspoon twice a day during winter.
This should store for 4-6 weeks in the fridge or freeze the mixture in ice cubes.

Wisdom Wednesday ...
With the colder weather now here, I always start to get a runny nose & start to feel run down 🤧🤒
Sign that cold/flu season has started....
So here are some herbs that can help keep you airways open & hopefully make you feel a bit better 💕

New books to add to my growing collection 😜...
The Witch’s Herbal Apothecary by Marysia Miernowska.
✨Learning how to use herbs & rituals for each season✨...
The Herbal Book of Making & Taking by Christopher Hadley & Non Shaw
✨Essential wisdom for aspiring herbalists✨...

I am lucky to have some amazing friends who have equally amazing businesses.
So this year I thought it would be great to give back to them & support other great small businesses that I love and probably spend to much at 😉...
I've written a guide to some of my favourites on my blog https://www.kirstysherbs.co.uk/post/holiday-gift-ideas...
So if you are looking for some lovely gifts to get this holiday, then please consider these:

Applebees Fitness
Aimee - Artist & Paper Crafter
Cards from Sarah
Cocoa's - Locally handmade chocolates
COPPERMOON
Driftmoods
Grown Up Marshmallows
Leela
LW Ceramics
Moonchild Recipes
Motley Dog Woodturning
Root and Rise Yoga
The Sunshine Bindery

World Menopause Day 💕...
I use a clary sage blend to help my mum with her perimenopause symptoms....
There are so many herbs that have been used for 1000s of years. Here is just a few that could help 💕...

Friday Recipe 💕...
Today the New Moon is in Libra, so it’s all about balance in our relationships.
Your relationship with yourself is the most important.
So here’s a lovely self care recipe 💖...
New Moon Bath Blend

🌸 Lavender
🌸 Rose Petals
🌸 Jasmine
🌸 Epsom Salts
🌸 Pink Himalayan Salts
🌸 Cheesecloth

Bundle the herbs into the cheesecloth. Tie the bundle below the faucet so the hot water passes through it as the tub fills. Add 2 cups epsom salts and 1/2 cup Pink Himalayan Salt directly to the bathwater. After you have filled the tub, untie the bundle from the faucet and let it continue to steep in the bath water.

Sorry I’ve been a bit quiet, very busy time for me....
Lots of updates to look forward to:
🍁I’m going to British Herbal Medicine Association seminar today
🍁My babe, Root and Rise Yoga is hosting an autumn workshop on 1st November. Think hibernation, self care, yoga, rituals & might be a few surprises from my apothecary.
🍁I’m working on a blog post for holiday season. I have lots of friends who run small business, who I’d like to support. So thought I’d share with you all, their amazing products.

“Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.”
Friedrich Nietzsche

🍁

Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners ~ William Shakespeare...
Making time for yourself isn’t selfish, we all need to heal 💕...
📷:

A little fun for Sunday afternoon 🌿...
How to grow a lemon tree 🍋...

Today is World Mental Health Day ✨...
As someone who has been diagnosed with depression, talking about mental health matters to me....
Please don’t suffer in silence, talk to someone. It can be anyone, even me. Whatever you are going through, know you aren’t alone 💕

Monday magic ✨...
Starting the day or week off right with a simple morning ritual. ...
Setting your intention is important as water holds memories. Water is very healing, it is a fundamental element for life....
So using the ingredients & practices that correspond with your intent can boost that magic....
Try it sometime this week & let me know how you got on 💕

Happy Saturday!!...
Lots of new items added to the store. 💕
https://www.kirstysherbs.co.uk/shop

My new apothecary cabinet from has arrived!!!!
Thank you so much xx...
Look how amazing it is. I’m in love 😍💕 ...

I’m taking part in this lovely event this weekend.
Head over to the event to see the other lovely crafters 💕

https://facebook.com/events/s/witchcrafters-online-full-moon/592169444998271/?ti=icl