Skullcap has a bit of a bitter and earthy flavor. It’s often introduced as a remedy and doesn’t have common culinary use. We really love Skullcap as a tea though, and this recipe is an absolutely delicious concoction! I like to increase the Skullcap to one full part on long days.

There are many names for the herb called Skullcap, with various origins. The lore isn’t very deep, as this plant has long been a remedy. The flowers are shaped a bit like a medieval soldier’s hats and earned them the moniker “Helmet Flower’. And Mad-Dog Weed - that’s about rabies!

There are lots of Skullcap varieties that grow well in Florida, with many being native. Scutellaria integrifolia or Eastern Skullcap in particular has known use locally, being a remedy to the Native tribes. It likes moist environments with partial shade and is best harvested when flowering.

The herb we call Skullcap does in fact help with headaches! It's very commonly used to help regulate issues with the nervous system, racing thoughts, muscle spasms, and various types of headache. Tincture or tea is the best application, and it can be bitter, but is still quite tasty.

Skullcap is an herb that is used in grounding work and protection magic. It is known for having the ability to dispel negative energy, and adding it to bathwater can be a powerful cleansing ritual. It helps you open your mind to new possibilities, so drink some tea before a new adventure!

Our American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a mint relative that has a long history of helping us through the day. It’s a mint family plant that does more work as a bitter. There are many different varieties around the country - and the world! Lets get out of our head and into the dirt!

"As an herb of the Moon, skullcap helps to soothe the mind and ease the spirit, bringing us into a softer, more receptive awareness of the world around us, without getting overwhelmed." - Sarah Corbett

This week we’ll make it easy, because the goal here is to taste the unique flavor of the tuber called Jerusalem Artichoke or Sunchoke. Roasting them with simple ingredients allows the rich taste to come through. Don’t forget the thyme, it really helps this dish shine!

The creation story of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) tells of Sky Woman’s descent to the back of a giant turtle, which would grow into the Earth. As Sky Woman died after the birth of twins Flint and Sapling, plants grew from various parts of her body. From her feet, the Sunchoke.

Sunchokes grow great here in Central Florida being native to the region. They like well draining soils and lots of Sun. If planted in the Spring, you can harvest the tubers in the Fall. Being in the Sunflower family, the blooms will be a pretty yellow and require minimum care to flourish.

The Sunchoke is loaded with inulin, an important prebiotic fiber that feeds your gut. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. The high potassium levels benefit cardiovascular health. Pickling them can make them even more beneficial to your body systems.

With abundant and bright yellow flowers from the Sunflower family, the Sunchoke has been associated with happiness and fertility. They naturally increase energy and can enhance the rituals they’re used in. Their decadent and sweet scent can aid in love magics!

The Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is also called Jerusalem Artichoke and Earth Apple. It is a root vegetable that has been a food source for Native Americans for many years and is now cultivated around the world. It’s even used to make alcohol! Let’s learn more!

“The defining characteristic of the sunchoke is fecundity. It will, I am convinced, outlive us all.” - Peter Todaro

It’s cootie season! Making your own tinctures can be a really empowering way to aid your system when you need some healing. This week’s recipe is a great way to incorporate some flavor into the herbs along with Boneset, which can be pretty bitter.

Boneset’s genus Eupatorium is named for King Mithridates VI Eupator of Ancient Greece. He was known for his alleged immunity to poisons having intentionally taken large amounts of medicinal and toxic plants to build up this immunity to try and prevent death. And it did, of sorts!

Bonset is native to Central Florida and grows very well here. It even grows in my own backyard! It doesn’t need much, just some moist conditions. During the dry season, the plant tends to die back, but will seed vigorously, spread through rhizomes, and return strongly in the Summer.

Boneset shines as a medicinal plant. It’s been used for fever reduction, treatment of cold and flu symptoms, and infection prevention. It was named for its use in treating Breakbone (Dengue) fever, though it is also used in healing broken bones. There is risk to the liver in large doses.

Boneset is an herb of protection, clarity, and repair. Using it in a ritual setting has been helpful for those in times of great change or inner healing. Associations with Saturn make this plant a strong ally in transitions and growth. Add some to a bath for powerful cleansing energy.

The plant commonly known as Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a powerful healing ally with historical use around the world. It’s Native to most of North America and is a great food for pollinators. It’s also a really gorgeous plant! Let’s learn more about this steady wonder.

“Much of the work of Boneset healing is Saturnian in nature - foundations are being formed, skillsets are being tested, and resiliency established.” - Alexis J Cunningfolk

Yellow Dock is prolific in North America and can be easily found. When cooked properly, it’s a delicious and healthy addition to any recipe you’d normally use leafy green with. This week we’ll get bright and light with a dreamy, lemony soup recipe.

Cleansing, purification, and love - all words we can associate with grief. Yellow Dock has been a plant long associated with transition both through death and prosperity. Throughout history this plant has been an ally to those who aid with these times of evolution.

While it can be considered invasive in Florida, Yellow Dock will grow well here, and is more commonly called Curly Dock. It can be toxic for livestock to consume, so its weedy habits are discouraged. A hearty plant whose seeds can remain dormant for 80 years and still sprout!

Yellow Dock has powerful uses as a digestive aid and laxative. In fact, it should be used in moderation due to this property. It can purify the blood and help the body with its natural elimination processes. It’s also a great source of iron and can be used as a supplement.

Used for purification and protection, Yellow Dock is a powerful plant. You can plant it around your home, or put the harvested leaves in doorways and windows as a protective barrier. It can help clear energy, making it great for transitionary periods such as moves or a new marriage.

Yellow Dock or Curly Dock (Rumex crispus) is a well known wild edible. It’s got a vast history of use in various forms and grows in temperate regions around the world. It has cultural significance and has a gorgeous long-leaf presentation. Let’s learn more! Image via: wildrose.ca/fr/pages/ing...

“Yellow dock makes its presence known. In my valley, its small demulcent leaves are some of the first to unfurl as the snow melts, and as summer comes to an end, its large cluster of deep rust-colored seeds stands out in the landscape and lasts well into the winter.” - Rosalee de la Forêt

Summer Savory is a common culinary herb. It’s been beloved for centuries, so we were eager to find a unique way to enjoy it this week. This recipe hits the spot - it’s herby and salty and robust. It’s a healthy dish to serve with crackers, toasty bread, or pita chips!

The Satyr is a creature from Greek mythology that was part human, part goat. These individuals were known for their lustful ways and insatiable appetites for revelry. Summer Savory has been known as the “Herb of the Satyr” through both name (Satureja) and use (love magic).

Oddly enough, Winter Savory (Satureja montana) grows better in Florida than Summer Savory. They both do great in the Spring, but the latter will suffer as the humid part of Summer kicks in. If you choose Summer type, it’s best to keep it as an annual and harvest early.

With well known digestive benefits, Savory is a common remedy herb. First identified as medicinal over 2000 years ago, this plant is added to tea, used topically, and is a known culinary herb. Drink an infusion or rub the fresh leaves on the skin to get the benefits.

Savory has been used in love and connection magic throughout history. It has aphrodisiac qualities and can stimulate mental abilities, making it great for connecting with the carnal energies and spiritual realms. Place dried herb in a sachet near the bed for a gentle boost!

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) is a common herb used in holiday cooking all over the world. It can be a common ornamental or hedge plant and can help repel pests where planted. This highly aromatic plant has a great history. Let’s explore it together this week!

“Savory… keep it dry by you all the year, if you love yourself and your ease, and it is a hundred pounds to a penny if you do not” - Nicholas Culpeper

It’s said the Ancient Romans consumed a candied version of Elecampane root as a digestive aid. Some say this was done in the Middle Ages. Whenever it was done, adding some sugar made the flavor better I’m sure! This week’s recipe is an interesting and healthy version!

Elecampane is named for Helen of Troy, daughter of Zeus, and once Queen of Sparta. As she was carried away by Paris, a Trojan Prince, her tears fell. Where they landed, this plant grew. To the Greeks this associated the plant to her melancholy, grief, and longing for what was lost.

Elecampane likes cooler climates than Florida, and it can be hard to get it to flower here at all. In order to grow a strong plant, make sure it has light shade and well drained soil. It does not like the humidity and can be prone to root rot, which is the part you want so be mindful!

The root of Elecampane is common in the use of respiratory ailments and digestive concerns. It is a powerful stimulant to the lungs, helping clear mucus and soothe airways. It's best consumed in a strong extraction, with something added to help offset the powerful flavor.

As with many root plants, Elecampane is associated with powerfully protective energy. It is said to ward off fairies and elves, who can be quite mischievous. It's known to increase intuition and psychic abilities, enhancing the ways we communicate with other realms of spirit and magic.

With a root used since Ancient times, Elecampane (Inula helenium) has a deep history. It’s not well known commercially as it doesn’t taste the best, but it’s used more often than you’d think! Let’s slow down and take some time to learn about a gorgeous (and very tall) perennial.

“Elecampane isn’t a quick plant. It asks you to wait. To dig slowly. To work with the seasons.” - Kristine, The Crafty Herbalist

Reeds are a versatile food and can be used in many ways. One of the easiest and most reliable is to treat them as you would asparagus or another shoot type vegetable. Boil and strain, add some seasonings and butter and you’ve got a surprisingly delicious treat!

Kuninotokotachi is an Ancient Japanese God who was born out of a Reed plant. He is one of the “hitorigami” Gods that appeared at the beginning of time. He represents the very foundation of the land itself and currently lives on top of Mount Fuji, a Japanese volcano.

The Common Reed is native to Florida and can be found near our various waterways all over the state. You don’t have to try and grow this, you’ll just find it growing plentifully in the wild! The best methods of propagation is division or cutting a portion of the rhizome.

The Common Reed has been found to have various medicinal properties. The leaves can treat bronchial conditions and unhealed wounds. The ashes of leaves can stop bleeding. The root can help relieve food poisoning, urinary conditions, and various respiratory concerns.

Since Ancient times the Reed has been related to Air, transition, music, and protection. Weaving reeds into charms, crosses, and knots for energy and fertility is very old magic indeed. They’re commonly used to make Brigid's cross, a talisman honoring the Celtic Irish Goddess Brigid.

The Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is a wetland grass that can grow up to 20 feet tall and has spread around the world. The Celts recognized this period the Tree Month of Reed and it’s been used by many cultures for music and ritual. Let’s bend into learning more about Reeds!

"The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm." - Confucius

Moon Milk is a traditional Ayurvedic recipe for a drink that will relax you and help with good sleep. This week, we offer three different delicious versions. Try them in any order, but the Butterfly Pea & Lavender one is an especially divine bedtime treat!