Red Road Herbs Retreat & Learning Center LLC

09/04/2026

I'm delighted to announce Dustin Clayton, student of Myth and Folklore, will be our guest teacher this Fall. I can hardly wait to attend this class! He will guide us through the symbolism and history of humankind's spiritual connection to trees, a subject near and dear to my heart ❤

Trees in the Western Esoteric Tradition
Saturday, November 14th
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

From the sacred Druids to the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden to the various depictions of the World Tree or Axis Mundi, forest and trees and our relationship to them have heavily influenced spiritual traditions around the world. This will be a two-hour exploration of the symbolic role of the tree in western esoteric tradition. Learn how our ideas about trees have changed (or remained consistent) over time. And learn how our ancestors' relationship to trees still has something to teach us today. This class will be divided between lecture and practical exercises. We will spend a fair amount of time exploring meditative and magical practices associated with trees. While you're here, I'll introduce you to our Guardian Grandfather tree, a magnificent Cottonwood who has seen at least 180 winters.

Registration Required - use the link below

Saturday, November 14th, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00pm Location: Red Road Herbs Retreat & Learning Center From the sacred Druids to the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden to the various depictions of the World Tree or Axis Mundi, forest and trees and our relationship to them have heavily i

09/02/2026

Common wild plants have so much to offer if we only take the time to learn about their benefits. Here are just three of the health benefits from the seeds of stinging nettle:

Nettle seeds are an adaptogen, which means they will help with balancing your body during stress. Henriette Kress uses nettle seed for "run-down, overly tired, burned-out, or just bone-weary people -- folks who would do things if they just had the energy for it." They work especially well for helping the adrenals, which also helps the entire endocrine system function better as a result. I've heard them described as "an herbal Red Bull®" in their effect on energy levels. Dried nettle seeds provide several minerals and trace minerals for general health and vitality. The green, dried seeds can be added to salads, soups and smoothies or toasted in a frying pan to bring out the nutty flavor. About a teaspoon a day is a good place to start.

Nettle seeds are a good tonic for the kidneys. David Winston has the best description I've seen on their effectiveness:
"I discovered Nettle Seed could be used as a kidney trophorestorative – literally a food for the kidneys. I have used the seed tincture to treat over 30 cases of degenerative kidney disease and the results have far exceeded my expectations. A recent study published in the Journal of The American Herbalist Guild [4(2):22-25] confirms my clinical experience, showing that Nettle Seed increases kidney glomerular function and reduces serum creatinine levels. Many herbalists have seen significant benefits from using Nettle Seed tincture in patients with glomerulonephritis, chronic nephritis with degeneration, and to protect the kidneys from nephrotoxic medications."

Nettle seeds can help ease depression. Research herbalist and member of the Linnean Society, Monica Wilde, states that nettle seeds contain acetylcholine, which "binds to the mood receptors in our brains. It stimulates the autonomic nervous system, improves mood and heightens sensory perception, attention span, vigilance and intuition. The ‘feel-good’ factor from eating raw, dried nettle seeds is caused by the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and serotonin...which raise dopamine levels, creating pleasurable feelings."

All that from a lowly w**d most people curse for the sting!!

08/30/2026

Tiny neon yellow spiders love to lay in wait for possible prey on the Calendula blossoms. As seen in the photos, they blend in with both yellow and orange blossoms. I'm not sure if it's an optical illusion or they can actually change color depending on their surroundings.

08/29/2026

Stinging nettle has a bad reputation because of the sting, but they are an excellent wild herb for all sorts of remedies. Nettle leaves, elderflower, goldenrod flower and yarrow can be combined to help with seasonal allergies, which are quite intense now that the ragw**d is blooming. I like to add nettle leaves in a tea ball to my morning cup of Earl Grey as nutrient boost and all these other benefit.

08/27/2026

Country nights are not as quiet as you might think. There is a constant choir of cicadas and every once in a while you can hear high-pitched yelps of coyotes or the whinnies of a screech owl protecting their territory. This time of year their kids are venturing out on their own and the parents want them to have a safe place to explore.

08/27/2026

Herbs for digestion is one of the topics we cover in the Home Herbalist Program at Red Road Herbs, along with the importance of bitters. Elecampane (Inula helenium) root is well-known as a lung tonic, but is also an excellent digestive herb. Their pungent roots contain inulin, a bitter compound that stimulates digestion (pre-biotic) and nourishes the gut biome. They also have antispasmodic properties that help ease intestinal spasms and anthelmintic properties that help with the intestinal parasites.

The other herbs included in this recipe are orange peel, dandelion root, ginger root, licorice root and cloves, all of which are bitters and provide prebiotics to help feed good gut microbes. The orange and ginger are fresh (all the others are dried) and covered with brandy to extract 4-6 weeks, then will be decanted (herbs removed) and stored in a dark bottle to be used in small amounts as a digestive aid (bitters) prior to meals.

08/26/2026

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) flower infused oil is a traditional remedy for mild earaches and to prevent ear infections. The flowers contain antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Garlic or St. John's Wort can be added to boost the antimicrobial and pain-relieving action, but I like to make it a a simple (single-ingredient preparation.) It's important to not use the oil if the eardrum is ruptured and to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

08/25/2026

Many thanks to all the staff, customers and friends who stopped by Open Harvest on Sunday. It was great to meet/see you and have a quick chat! I'm especially appreciative of Moriah at Open Harvest for inviting me to their Local Vendor Sale. I'm glad we were able to find a day that would work with my summer schedule.

All-in-all, a lovely day in the big city 🥰

08/23/2026

This month the Year 2 Home Herbalist Program students made a Flower Essence based on the method first developed by Dr. Edward Bach. Flower essences are a way of capturing the flower's energy (essence) using water and sunlight.

Dr. Bach's (1886-1936) created 38 flower essences that subtly work on emotional disharmonies, like fear, anger, self-doubt and worry, that effect our physical health. He wanted to find a way that people could address and shift the patterns of these issues in a safe, simple way. He discovered plants, specifically flowers, could help balance negative emotions and provide a path to health through harmony.

"Health and disease are caused by how we think, how we feel within ourselves." ~ Dr. Edward Bach

Calendula Flower Essence:
"Calendula serves as our guiding light when we find ourselves overwhelmed by the weight of mental and emotional burdens. Its essence provides unwavering support during times of change and transition, enveloping us in a comforting warmth and openness. Resilient and enduring, this remarkable plant thrives throughout the year, imparting invaluable lessons on embracing the ebb and flow of life. With its wisdom, flexibility, and the touch of luck it bestows, Calendula assures us that we are protected and destined for success on our chosen path." ~ Felicia Howe

08/23/2026

If you live in the Lincoln area, come on over to Open Harvest today from 11:00-3:00 for $10 discount coupon on all classes and workshops at Red Road Herbs and a small travel container to everyone who purchases The Best Herbal Salve Ever!

https://openharvest.coop/