April 2023 – Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy

Using Card Decks to Study Herbal Medicine

I bought my first oracle/tarot deck when I was 12 years old. This coincided with when I planted my first backyard herb garden. I wrote my own tarot card book in my 20’s. Did the entire Major Arcana and some of the Minor Arcana as photographs for an exhibition in college. Doing readings for myselfContinue reading “Using Card Decks to Study Herbal Medicine”

Green Bean Salad with DILL

It feels like spring when asparagus or green bean are fresh and plentiful in the grocery stores. If you live in a climate where dill overwinters or you have a “mother” plant that has come back once again in even greater size and glory, you might have something to harvest now. Let this post inspireContinue reading “Green Bean Salad with DILL”

Using the 5 Elements with Herbal Medicine

You will notice near the bottom of my posts, where I feature a specific plant, the category Element. This refers to the 5 element system of space, air, fire, water, and earth. I consider Element to be the most important section in my personal Materia Medica. It is the lens through which I view andContinue reading “Using the 5 Elements with Herbal Medicine”

Fish In a “Fur Coat” (LOVAGE)

There are certain plants in the garden that are harbingers of spring. Peas, asparagus, violets and what we would call pot herbs. These are leafy greens such dandelions, nettles, chicory, and chickweed that we typically would use as “medicine”. But they can be also be used as food when first appearing in early spring. AContinue reading “Fish In a “Fur Coat” (LOVAGE)”

Super C Honey (ECHINACEA)

I have been making this electuary for years. It is handy to have around to treat viral and bacterial infections. I have an adverse reaction to vitamin C tablets and lots of citrus. This infused honey is easier for me to consume. Echinacea can be safely consumed by children and adults for acute conditions. ItContinue reading “Super C Honey (ECHINACEA)”