(about a 12 minute read)
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni1) is a small subtropical shrub with very sweet leaves and a complicated history. Here is some of what you might want to know before choosing if and how you'll use stevia-based sweeteners, along with tips on growing and using your own stevia plants.
(a 4 to 5 minute read)
The history books in our schools tell us that scientific and technological advancement have freed us from boredom, ignorance and oppression; from drudgery and repetition; from dirt, disease and malnutrition.
Let’s briefly examine these assumptions about what “progress” has achieved, and consider where we go from here.
(a 3 to 4 minute read)
This is a short, simple article for what should be known as an easy, accessible practice: that of using humble, common plants in basic preparations to support health.
It's not a how-to article, but it does link to resources that will help you with the how-to. Here are 9 quotes from herbalists about the oldest and simplest medicine in the world — so simple, a child can do it.
(4 - 5 minute read)
Switching from synthetic personal care products to simple, natural alternatives means giving up superficial attributes like foam, fragrance, and texture, which are achieved using toxic ingredients. This article explores how we got so dependent on these products and shares 3 ideas we can rely on in our efforts to get back to natural.
(4 - 5 minute read)
People tend to think that because they come from plants, essential oils are always safe and beneficial to use. But essential oils are highly concentrated and extremely powerful, are harvested and processed on an industrial scale, have big impacts on plants and communities, and should be used sparingly, with caution and respect.
(5 - 6 minute read)
Researching the topic of homemade toothpastes recently, I began to wonder what people did before there were plastic toothbrushes. Turns out we’ve been cleaning our teeth since probably before we walked upright on two legs. Here's how it was done (and in many parts of the world, still is).
(5 - 6 minute read)
In a recent article I described the use of the herb yarrow (Achillea millefolium) as first aide for a bleeding wound. In this article, I’ll share how I came to swear by yarrow for oral health care.
(2 - 3 minute read)
The herb yarrow (Achillea millefoleum) has had many names, attesting to its many, many uses. Its particularly well known for its ability to quickly stop blood loss and help heal wounds.
This post lists everything I wrote in 2020, organized by category. Thanks so much for reading along. I'll be back with more in 2021!
(2 - 3 minute read)
Growing food regeneratively means growing food in ecosystems, not mono-cultures. And it means doing so with an intention not just to feed people, but to build soils, care for ecology, and leave the surrounding web of life stronger, richer, more complex and more resilient after our growing systems are in place, than it was before.