Wild Roots Wellness

Wild Roots Wellness Bringing together food, herbal medicibe and whole-person wellness.

As a master herbalist and Red Seal chef, I look beyond symptoms to the bigger picture, using practical nutrition and plant medicine to nourish, support, and get to the root of your health

🍂 Harvest Market at The Saskatoon Farm! 🍂Wild Roots Wellness will be joining the Harvest Market at The Saskatoon Farm on...
09/03/2026

🍂 Harvest Market at The Saskatoon Farm! 🍂

Wild Roots Wellness will be joining the Harvest Market at The Saskatoon Farm on September 11 & 12!

Come find us and explore our herbal apothecary, handcrafted wellness products, seasonal teas and more — plus learn a little more about the food, herbal medicine and wellness services we offer.

🌿 Herbal teas & tinctures
🌿 Handcrafted apothecary products
🌿 Tea samples
🌿 Herbal & wellness support

Come say hello, have a cup of tea and enjoy a beautiful fall day at the farm. 🍁

Your kidneys are doing a lot more than making urine. 🌿These two small organs are constantly working behind the scenes — ...
09/03/2026

Your kidneys are doing a lot more than making urine. 🌿

These two small organs are constantly working behind the scenes — filtering your blood, balancing fluid and electrolytes, helping regulate blood pressure, activating vitamin D, supporting red blood cell production and maintaining your body’s acid-base balance.

And here’s the important part: kidney problems can develop quietly.

Changes in urination, swelling, persistent fatigue and rising blood pressure can be clues, but blood and urine testing often tell us much more.

Some of the important markers include creatinine, eGFR and urine albumin (ACR) — and looking at the pattern over time can be just as important as one individual result.

Kidney health is also closely connected to blood pressure and blood sugar, which is why supporting those systems early matters.

Food, hydration, movement, sleep and overall metabolic health all play a role — and certain herbs have traditionally been used to support urinary and kidney function as well.

The goal isn’t to wait until something is wrong.

Know what your kidneys do.
Know your numbers.
Support them before they’re struggling.

Educational information only. Kidney disease requires individualized medical and nutritional guidance.

Recipe of the Week: Harvest Power Bowls with Lemon Herb DressingNaturally gluten-free, dairy-free and refined-sugar-free...
09/02/2026

Recipe of the Week: Harvest Power Bowls with Lemon Herb Dressing

Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and refined-sugar-free, with an easy vegan option.

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the bowls

* 1½ cups cooked quinoa
* 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
* 2 cups broccoli florets
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 small red onion, sliced
* 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* ½ tsp ground cumin
* Sea salt and black pepper
* 2 cups chopped kale or baby spinach
* ½ cup pumpkin seeds
* Fresh parsley

Choose your protein

* Chicken: 4 chicken breasts or thighs, sliced and seasoned with the same spices
* Vegan: Add an extra can of chickpeas or use baked organic tofu

Lemon Herb Dressing

* ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
* Juice of 1 large lemon
* 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
* 1 tsp Dijon mustard
* 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
* 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* Black pepper

Directions

1. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the sweet potato, broccoli, pepper, onion and chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
4. If using chicken, roast it alongside the vegetables until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
6. Build each bowl with quinoa, greens, roasted vegetables, chickpeas and your chosen protein.
7. Finish with pumpkin seeds, fresh parsley and lemon-herb dressing.

🌿 HERB OF THE WEEK: BLACK WALNUTJuglans nigraBlack Walnut is a powerful North American medicinal tree with a long histor...
08/31/2026

🌿 HERB OF THE WEEK: BLACK WALNUT
Juglans nigra

Black Walnut is a powerful North American medicinal tree with a long history of use for the digestive tract, skin and microbial balance.

🌿 Traditional Uses

The green outer hull is the part most commonly used medicinally and has traditionally been used for:

• Intestinal parasites and worms
• Fungal overgrowth
• Digestive complaints
• Supporting healthy intestinal balance
• Skin conditions when used externally
• Its astringent and antimicrobial properties

Black Walnut is particularly well known in herbal medicine as an anthelmintic — an herb traditionally used to help expel intestinal worms.

🔬 Plant Chemistry

Black Walnut contains several active plant compounds, including:

Juglone — a naphthoquinone associated with antimicrobial and antifungal activity.

Tannins — strongly astringent compounds that help tone tissues.

Flavonoids & polyphenols — plant compounds with antioxidant activity.

Interestingly, juglone also plays a role in the tree’s own defence system and can inhibit the growth of certain plants surrounding a Black Walnut tree.

🌳 Traditional Medicine

Black Walnut has a long history of use among Indigenous peoples of North America, with different parts of the tree used for food, dyes and medicinal preparations.

Later North American herbal traditions incorporated the hull into preparations for intestinal worms, digestive complaints and skin conditions.

🌱 Herbalist Note

Black Walnut isn’t an herb I think of as a gentle everyday tonic.

It’s a strong, targeted botanical.

I most often associate it with herbal protocols involving the intestinal environment, particularly where parasites, fungal imbalance or microbial overgrowth are part of the picture.

The plant part, preparation, dose and duration all matter when working with stronger herbs like Black Walnut.

Powerful plant. Powerful medicine. 🌿

For educational purposes only. Black Walnut is not appropriate for everyone, including during pregnancy, and may interact with medications or medical conditions. Work with a qualified practitioner when using therapeutic preparations.

🛒 Heart-Healthy Grocery ListPRODUCELeafy greens — spinach, kale, arugulaBroccoli & Brussels sproutsBeetsBell peppersToma...
08/27/2026

🛒 Heart-Healthy Grocery List

PRODUCE
Leafy greens — spinach, kale, arugula
Broccoli & Brussels sprouts
Beets
Bell peppers
Tomatoes
Avocados
Sweet potatoes
Berries — blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
Apples & oranges
Pomegranate
Garlic & onions
Fresh herbs — parsley, cilantro, basil

PROTEINS:
Salmon
Sardines
Trout
Skinless chicken or turkey
Lentils
Chickpeas
Black beans
Tofu or tempeh

HEALTHY FATS:
Extra-virgin olive oil
Walnuts
Almonds
Pistachios
Ground flaxseed
Chia seeds
Pumpkin seeds

WHOLE GRAINS + FIBRE:
Oats
Barley
Quinoa
Brown or wild rice
Whole-grain bread
High-fibre wraps

PANTRY EXTRAS:
Low-sodium broth
No-salt-added canned beans
Canned salmon or sardines
Natural nut butter
Cocoa/cacao
Cinnamon
Turmeric
Black pepper

❤️ What are we trying to get more of?

Soluble fibre → supports healthy LDL cholesterol
Potassium + magnesium → important for normal vascular tone and blood-pressure regulation
Omega-3 fats → support cardiovascular health and can lower triglycerides
Polyphenols → found in berries, cocoa, olive oil, herbs and colourful plants
Unsaturated fats → replacing saturated fats with these can help improve cardiovascular risk factors

And one of the biggest shifts isn’t necessarily what you add — it’s making highly processed foods and processed meats.

Blood pressure deserves our attention before it becomes a diagnosis. 🫀🌿Blood pressure naturally fluctuates with stress, ...
08/27/2026

Blood pressure deserves our attention before it becomes a diagnosis. 🫀🌿

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates with stress, sleep, movement, hydration, sodium and potassium intake, hormones and more.

One higher reading isn’t necessarily the concern — the pattern over time is what matters.

Consistently higher pressure means greater stress on blood vessel walls and increased workload on the cardiovascular system. And because high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, knowing your numbers matters.

🌿 Herbs can also be part of the bigger picture.

🌺 Hibiscus — rich in anthocyanins and studied for its potential to support healthy blood pressure.

🧄 Garlic — certain preparations have shown modest blood-pressure reductions in clinical studies.

🌿 Hawthorn — traditionally used for cardiovascular support and rich in flavonoids and procyanidins.

But herbs aren’t a replacement for investigating why blood pressure is rising — or for appropriate medical care.

Know your numbers. Watch the trend. Support your cardiovascular health early.

Prevention doesn’t have to start with a diagnosis. 🌿

Educational purposes only. Herbs may interact with cardiovascular medications; seek individualized guidance when appropriate.

We are on route from Florida to Kentucky so this weeks recipe felt like the perfect time for some Southern inspiration. ...
08/25/2026

We are on route from Florida to Kentucky so this weeks recipe felt like the perfect time for some Southern inspiration. Perfect recipe for those with dietary restrictions or just want a healthier version. Vegan option below. I could only fit the chicken recipe in this post so if you want the succotash, greens and gluten free cornbread, comment MORE and I’ll DM it to you!

Peach BBQ Chicken with Summer Succotash, Braised Greens & GF Skillet Cornbread

Serves 4 | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Vegan Option

Peach BBQ Chicken

Ingredients

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* Salt and black pepper

Peach BBQ Sauce

* 2 ripe peaches, peeled if desired and diced
* ⅓ cup tomato paste
* ¼ cup orange juice
* 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
* 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* ½ tsp smoked paprika
* ½ tsp onion powder
* ¼ tsp ground cumin
* Pinch cayenne, optional
* Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegan option: Substitute 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into thick slabs.

Directions

1. Combine all peach BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, until the peaches are very soft.
2. Blend until mostly smooth. Taste and adjust with additional vinegar, maple syrup, salt or pepper as needed.
3. Lightly coat chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill over medium-high heat for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
5. Brush generously with peach BBQ sauce during the final few minutes of cooking.
6. Serve with additional warm peach BBQ sauce.

For the tofu: Lightly oil and season the tofu. Grill or pan-sear until golden on both sides, then brush generously with peach BBQ sauce.

Comment MORE if you would like the succotash, green and gluten free cornbread recipe!

🌿 HERB OF THE WEEK: BLUE VERVAINVerbena hastataFor the person who is always doing, thinking, planning and pushing — Blue...
08/24/2026

🌿 HERB OF THE WEEK: BLUE VERVAIN
Verbena hastata

For the person who is always doing, thinking, planning and pushing — Blue Vervain has an interesting place in traditional herbal medicine.

This tall, beautiful plant with its spikes of tiny purple-blue flowers has traditionally been used as both a nervine and bitter herb, particularly when stress seems to show up as physical tension.

🌿 Traditionally Used For

• Nervous tension and restlessness
• Tension held through the neck and shoulders
• Supporting relaxation during periods of stress
• Digestive sluggishness associated with tension
• Traditionally used as a bitter digestive tonic
• Supporting the nervous system when it’s difficult to “switch off”

Blue Vervain is often associated with the person who keeps going even when their body is asking them to slow down.

🔬 Scientific Interest

Blue Vervain contains several interesting plant constituents, including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds.

One of its better-known constituents is verbenalin, an iridoid glycoside that has been investigated experimentally for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and nervous-system effects.

However, human clinical research specifically on Verbena hastata remains limited, so many of its modern herbal applications continue to be based on traditional use and herbal practice rather than strong clinical evidence.

🏺 Historical Use

Vervain has a fascinating history.

Plants in the Verbena genus have been considered sacred by several ancient cultures and became associated with ritual, purification and protection.

For educational purposes only. Blue Vervain may not be appropriate during pregnancy and may interact with medications or be unsuitable with certain health conditions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before medicinal use.



In traditional North American herbalism, Blue Vervain developed a reputation as a remedy for nervous tension, particularly in people who were intense, driven or prone to holding tension physically.

08/19/2026

There’s something I love about putting together a custom formula. 🌿

It starts long before the herbs hit the scale.

I look at the whole person — their symptoms, patterns, lifestyle, constitution and what their body may need support with — then choose herbs that work together as a formula.

Sometimes that means supporting digestion. Sometimes the nervous system, hormones, sleep, energy or several systems at once.

Because two people can walk in with the same complaint and leave with completely different formulas.

That’s the beauty of individualized herbal medicine.

🌿 Custom herbal consultations + formulations
Wild Roots Wellness

These Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies are made with whole-food ingredients and no refined sugar, these breakfast cookies get...
08/19/2026

These Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies are made with whole-food ingredients and no refined sugar, these breakfast cookies get their natural sweetness from apples, applesauce and a touch of maple syrup. Packed with oats, seeds and nourishing fats, they’re a simple way to make busy back-to-school mornings a little easier.

🍎 Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies

Makes 12–14 cookies | Vegan option included

Ingredients

* 2 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1 medium apple, finely grated
* 2 eggs
Vegan option: 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp warm water)
* ⅓ cup almond butter or sunflower seed butter
* 2 tbsp maple syrup
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1½ tsp cinnamon
* ¼ tsp nutmeg
* ½ tsp baking powder
* Pinch of sea salt
* ¼ cup h**p hearts
* 2 tbsp chia seeds
* ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
* ¼ cup raisins, optional

Directions

1. If making them vegan, combine the ground flax and warm water and let sit for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
3. Combine the applesauce, grated apple, eggs or flax eggs, nut butter, maple syrup and vanilla.
4. Stir in the oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, h**p hearts and chia seeds.
5. Fold in nuts or raisins if using.
6. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
7. Scoop roughly ¼ cup portions onto the baking sheet and flatten into cookie shapes.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. The vegan version may need an extra couple of minutes.
9. Cool completely before storing.

🎒 School-safe option: Use sunflower seed butter and skip the nuts.

Freezer tip: Make a double batch, freeze them individually, then grab what you need for busy mornings or lunchboxes.

Address

Calgary, AB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

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