Herbalism, woven into the rhythm of family life, is one of the most grounding and nourishing things I’ve ever brought into our home. For over ten years now, I’ve been studying and practicing with plants — on myself, with my daughter, my parents, my niece and nephews, and dear friends — and it never stops being a journey of discovery. There is always more goodness to learn from our plant allies.
What I’ve found is that once you feel how powerful herbs can be, curiosity just takes over. You want to learn more, experiment more, and share the excitement with everyone around you. Consider this your invitation to catch that “good bug.” I’m going to highlight a few herbs I return to again and again, in hopes that something here sparks a little magic in your daily rhythms too.
🌼 Chamomile
If there’s one herb I’d recommend every family start with, it’s chamomile. Gentle, effective, and deeply soothing — it works beautifully on both the nervous system and the digestive system, which makes it endlessly useful for little ones and grown-ups alike.
Chamomile Tea or Infusion
Use 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf chamomile per 8 oz of hot water, steeped for 10–15 minutes. I love this before bedtime, or anytime my daughter has a tummy ache. One of my favorite combinations is chamomile and peppermint together — the mint adds a lovely brightness and makes it even more soothing for digestion. It’s also just plain delicious.
Chamomile Infused Oil Roller
This one is a staple in our house. Take a small glass roller bottle, fill it halfway with dried chamomile flowers, then top it off with a carrier oil of your choice — jojoba, sweet almond, and apricot kernel are all lovely. Seal it up and let it sit for 4–6 weeks, allowing the herb to infuse its medicinal properties into the oil.
Roll it behind the ears, on the pulse points of your wrists, or over your heart. We reach for this before big social gatherings, before bedtime, or any time the nervous system needs a little tending. In this overstimulated world, it’s one of the most comforting things to have on hand.
Chamomile Tincture
Take an 8 oz glass jar and fill it halfway with loose dried chamomile. Fill the rest of the jar with grain alcohol, or organic vegetable glycerin if you prefer an alcohol-free option. Store it in a cool, dark place for one month, then strain out the herbs. What you’re left with is a gentle, concentrated tincture you can add to water, tea, or smoothies for quiet, steady nervous system support.
🫐 Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is a fall and winter essential, and honestly, making it with kids is half the fun — it’s a wonderful sensory activity and they love being part of the process. You can find good-quality syrups online, but homemade is deeply satisfying and more potent.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups filtered water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1–2 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- ¾ cup Raw local honey (added after cooling — never cook the honey!)
Simmer the berries, water, cinnamon, and ginger together for 45 minutes until reduced by about half. Mash and strain the berries, let the liquid cool, then stir in honey to taste. Store in the fridge in a glass jar for up to 2–3 months. Dose: Kids: 1 tablespoon Adult: 2 tablespoons daily, during cold/flu season or when recuperating from an illness. You can mix it with a little water to take as well.
🌸 Red Clover Tea
Red clover is one of those quietly powerful herbs that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. It’s mineral-rich, deeply nourishing, and wonderful for long-term wellness support.
How to Prepare
For a simple tea, steep 1–2 tablespoons of loose red clover in 8 oz of hot water for 10 minutes, strain, and enjoy. For a stronger, more medicinal brew, make an overnight infusion: combine 4–5 tablespoons of loose herb with 24 oz of hot water and let it steep on the counter overnight. Strain in the morning and drink throughout the day, or refrigerate and enjoy within 1–2 days.
Benefits of Red Clover
Helps with Hormonal Balance, Immune support, and it overall taste so good.
📚 Resources I Love
Books:
Anything by Rosemary Gladstar — she is the grandmother of American herbalism and writes with so much warmth and accessibility.
Herb Suppliers:
Please support these wonderful small businesses directly rather than purchasing through Amazon — you’ll get fresher herbs and your money goes straight to people who care deeply about quality.
- Mountain Rose Herbs
- Starwest Botanicals
- Frontier Co-op
There is so much more to share, and I look forward to continuing this conversation with you. Plants have been humanity’s medicine and companions for thousands of years — and they are still here, patient and generous, waiting for us to remember. 🌿
Reach out to me for information on folk herbalism classes and groups starting soon, both in person and on-line! sacredspaceit@gmail.com
