Growing, Finding, & Buying Herbs
Happy May!
This time of year is so exciting for plant lovers! The plants are poppin' and there is plenty of fun-work to do while enjoying the smells and feels of spring! When working with plant medicine, it's important to ensure that the plants have been grown and nurtured in healthy conditions. You can do this by growing your own, foraging sustainably, and shopping at a reputable herb store like Vervain! We've written about growing and foraging before if you want a recap on how that can look for you. And for those times when you don't have space, time, or desire to grow or find the herbs you love, Vervain is here for you! We have about 200 jars of dried herbs from well-respected companies, including local favorite Purple Sage Farms (pictured here having a great time)! Peruse our list of herbs online, and if you'd like you can submit a pre-order to save time waiting in the shop! Please also let your holistic health care practitioners know that we do custom tea and tincture orders for patients & clients!
New Essential Oil Blending Bar!
We are super excited to announce a new feature at Vervain - an essential oil blending bar! Check out this menu and stop in to try out something new for you and your crew!
Upcoming Classes
Vervain hosts classes of many types! Check out our calendar and register online. If you're interested in leading a conversation or teaching a class, you can find our application form on the same page!
Friday, May 7 from 4-7 pm (in person): Botanical Perfume Show with Oracle Perfumes! Free!
Wednesday, May 19 from 5:30-6:30 pm: BYOP - Bring Your Own Plant with Melanie Pensak (in person). $15.
Thursday, May 20 from 5:30-6:45 pm (in person): Home Brewing with Idaho Kombucha Co. $30 includes SCOBY & starter.
Saturday, June 5 from 2-330pm (in person): Herbs For Identification Herb Walk with Anne & Sam. $15
Third Saturday of every month: Rosemary Gladstar's The Science & Art of Herbalism - ask about our 10-month series or drop-in classes! Virtual option available!
Herb of the Month: Cleavers!
You've probably seen these "sticky" little cuties spreading in your yard or in the alleys around town. Here's a photo of some from Kelsey's garden! They pop up in early spring and last until it gets too hot. Then it's time to bundle them up for the compost bin! Cleavers Uses & Benefits Cleavers (Galium aparine) is an abundant, sticky (like Velcro!) sprawling springtime "weed"; one of the first greens to arrive and so much fun to harvest for food and medicine. Beautiful, vibrant, and fresh, Cleavers can be found growing almost everywhere! Cleavers is an alterative, tonifying herb as well as a gentle lymphatic mover with cooling and draining actions, perfect for hot and stagnant conditions. Cleavers can be beneficial in many skin issues and can be used both internally and externally for the skin. Burns, including sunburns, can be relieved with the topical application of cleavers either as a juice or a poultice.Nature's wisdom shares Cleavers with us first thing in the spring; a perfect antidote for the sort of stagnation that builds up from the heavy foods and sedentary times of winter. Good Morning Cleavers! Cold Infusion It is best to use cleavers as a fresh plant and is especially easy and refreshing made as a cold infusion.
Add one or two tablespoons of chopped, fresh cleavers (the leaves and stems, not the roots) into a quart jar or muslin bag.
Fill the jar with cool water (and some lemon slices if desired) and allow the cleavers to infuse overnight (8-12 hours).
Strain and drink first thing in the morning as a gentle detox to get your day started right and bright!
The Vervain Collective apothecary is open Monday 9-7, Tues-Sat 11-7, and Sun 11-5! Our online store is open 24/7, and delivery, shipping, and curbside pickup are available! We can’t wait to see you!
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