Dawn CombsDawn is a wife, mother, farmer, author, ethnobotanist, professional speaker, and educator. She has over 20 years of ethnobotanical experience, is a certified herbalist, and has a B.A. in Botany and Humanities/Classics. Dawn is co-owner of Mockingbird Meadows Farm. Her books include Conceiving Healthy Babies and Heal Local.
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This article on growing lemongrass, for use in food and medicine, will help you better understand the benefits of lemongrass and help you start growing and using the plant for better health in your every day life.
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This article focuses on herbs as a natural anti inflammatory therapy, especially for back pain. With proper diet and exercise, herbs can help the body recover much more quickly. The following are my favorite herbs for both internal and external applications.
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Whether Oil pulling with coconut oil or other oils, the practice is beneficial in so many ways. Let’s discover this time honored practice, learn how it works, and explore it’s many health benefits so we can start reaping them ASAP!
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This article shares the creative things I do to get my child to ingest herbal supplements while he’s at school. As a young mother I naively believed they would willingly drink my healthy concoctions, but the first time I tried proved disastrous! Enjoy these tips I developed to make it happen!
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My favorite way to use black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) isn’t as the well known menopausal remedy. I love it for its anodyne (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties in association with back pain.
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Deciding when to keep a child home from school isn’t always as easy as it sounds. I put together this reference guide to help you decide if/when they’re well enough to go back to school.
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Natural stimulants can lend you energy without the caffeine. These non-caffeinated herbs work to quicken our metabolism, boost our vitality, and energize our nervous system.
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Mullein tea is a great natural decongestant, especially in the winter months. This common weed has the ability to expel trapped mucus while soothing inflamed soft tissue membranes making it great for cough, congestion, and more.
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For sensitive teeth, I avoid xylitol, glycerine, fluoride, and sugar in toothpaste as they interfere with teeth’s ability to mineralize. Instead I make my own simple clay toothpaste, and do a few other simple, natural things.
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Pumpkin waffles made with eggnog? Yes! My family didn’t know what ingredients I used in the waffles until they finished eating. The consensus was that these were some of the best waffles I’ve made. Enjoy!
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Kaffir lime leaves come from a thorny lime tree–native to the tropics–whose leaves are useful in many ways. But what if you live north of the tropics? That’s the good news, we’re about to show you how you can grow it, and use it, even if you’re north of the beautiful tropics!
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You and your kitty will love these homemade cat toy and treat recipes. What cat wouldn’t love a catnip mouse and catnip treats? You can make them any time of year, but they’re great for putting under the Christmas tree for your kitties!
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These homemade dog treats and toys can be made any time of the year, Christmas just gives you a great excuse. Gift them to your dog, and make some extras to give as gifts to the fellow dog lovers in your life.
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This mint simple syrup recipe is delicious, perfect for the holidays, and it makes for great gift giving. However you decide to use it you can be confident the ingredients are all natural!
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Growing sunflowers–and these other plants–for birdseed will draw goldfinches, titmice, blue jays, cardinals and other birds for your enjoyment during the cold winter months.
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Edible roots are in harvest! Medicinal leaves and flowers may be gone, but that doesn’t spell the end for fresh medicinals. It’s time to focus on our medicinal roots.
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This homemade Jojoba shampoo, made with Jojoba oil, is excellent for dry hair and scalp, and works great on scalp eczema. We love this recipe in our house!
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Sassafras root used to be heavily harvested, but confusion led to a lower use. Let’s take a look at what it is, what it’s good for, and a yummy Sassafras Chai recipe!