Hedgerow Herbalist

19/09/2026

13/09/2026

🌿 Herbs from the Hedgerow

HAWTHORN

How to identify it Clusters of bright red berries growing on thorny shrubs and small trees. Commonly found in hedgerows, woodland edges and field boundaries.

In season now September is an excellent time to spot and harvest ripe hawthorn berries.

What I'm making This year I'm making a hawthorn berry tincture.

Other ways to use it
• Tinctures
• Syrups
• Vinegars
• Decoctions
• Jams and jellies

Foraging note Always be certain of identification before harvesting and only take what you need, leaving plenty for birds and wildlife.

11/09/2026

🌿 Nourish: The Foundation of Health

Before we think about complex health protocols, it's worth asking a simple question:

Are we truly nourishing ourselves?

As the seasons change, our bodies often benefit from warm meals, regular routines, adequate rest and plenty of nutrient-rich foods.

Health is rarely created through one big action.

More often, it grows from small daily practices repeated consistently.

What helps you feel most nourished during autumn?

10/09/2026

🌿 Fresh Mint Tea

Herbal medicine does not always have to be complicated.

One of my favourite ways to use mint is as a simple fresh tea.

Mint is traditionally used to support digestion and can be particularly enjoyable after a meal when you want something light and refreshing.

Sometimes the most effective remedies are also the simplest.

Have you tried mint tea made from freshly picked leaves?

10/09/2026

🌿 Herb of the Week: Mint

Fresh, fragrant and easy to grow, mint is one of the most accessible herbs to have in the garden or on your windowsill.

Traditionally used to support digestion, mint can be enjoyed as a tea after meals, added to cold drinks, or included in summer or autumn recipes.

A simple cup of mint tea can be a lovely way to reconnect with the healing power of everyday plants.

Do you grow mint at home?

06/09/2026

🍇 Elderberry Harvest Time

The hedgerows are full with clusters of dark, glossy elderberries, one of autumn's most recognisable gifts.

For generations, elderberries have been gathered and transformed into syrups, oxymels, tinctures and cordials to support wellbeing through the colder months.

I love this time of year because it reminds us that nature provides many of the ingredients we need to create a simple home apothecary.

If you decide to harvest elderberries yourself, be sure to leave plenty for wildlife and only take what you need.

Have you spotted elderberries in your local hedgerows yet?

🍂 A herbalist in every home.

04/09/2026

Your Symptoms Are Messages, Not Mistakes

🌿 The Body is Always Communicating

Many people view symptoms as something to fight against.

As a herbalist, I've learned that symptoms are often valuable clues.

Poor digestion, disrupted sleep, fatigue, headaches or skin issues may be signs that the body needs support rather than suppression.

Instead of asking:

❌ "How do I get rid of this symptom?"

Consider asking:

✅ "What is my body trying to tell me?"

One of the first steps in my approach is to assess patterns and look for the underlying causes of imbalance.

When we understand the message, we can begin to support the body more effectively.

Have you ever discovered that a symptom was pointing towards something deeper?

03/09/2026

After an amazing summer with the family of bird nerds. We have the RSPB magazines and welcome pack.

02/09/2026

🌿 Autumn Apothecary Tip: Drying Rosemary

September is a wonderful time to preserve herbs for the months ahead.

Rosemary is one of the easiest herbs to dry at home. Simply harvest healthy sprigs, tie them into small bundles and hang them somewhere warm, dry and out of direct sunlight.

Once fully dried, store in an airtight jar and use throughout autumn and winter in:

🌿 Herbal teas
🌿 Seasoning blends
🌿 Infused oils
🌿 Bath preparations

Creating a home apothecary doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with a single bunch of herbs hanging in the kitchen.

Do you dry your own herbs?

01/09/2026

Rosemary is much more than a culinary herb.

Traditionally used to support circulation, digestion and mental clarity, rosemary deserves a place in every herbal home.

Do you grow rosemary in your garden?