The Old Ways of Root & Leaf ~ Explore Ancient Plant Wisdom

The Surprising Truth About “Witches’ Gardens”

The Surprising Truth About “Witches’ Gardens”

Over time, the simple herb gardens of healers and midwives gained a reputation for mystery. In truth, they were usually just carefully tended collections of useful plants. The real “magic”...

The Surprising Truth About “Witches’ Gardens”

Over time, the simple herb gardens of healers and midwives gained a reputation for mystery. In truth, they were usually just carefully tended collections of useful plants. The real “magic”...

A horse drawn herb sellers cart with plants

The Traveling Herbal Peddlers of Early America

In small frontier communities, these peddlers were often welcomed with curiosity and excitement. They brought not only remedies, but also stories, news, and knowledge from distant places.

The Traveling Herbal Peddlers of Early America

In small frontier communities, these peddlers were often welcomed with curiosity and excitement. They brought not only remedies, but also stories, news, and knowledge from distant places.

Rosemary hanging above a doorway for protection and comfort

Why Rosemary Hung Above Cottage Doors

In many parts of Europe, a bundle of rosemary hanging above a cottage doorway was more than decoration.

Why Rosemary Hung Above Cottage Doors

In many parts of Europe, a bundle of rosemary hanging above a cottage doorway was more than decoration.

Why Medieval Herb Gardens Were Planted Beside Kitchens

Why Medieval Herb Gardens Were Planted Beside K...

In medieval Europe, herb gardens were rarely decorative. They were practical. If you walked behind a cottage in the 1300s, you would almost always find a small kitchen garden growing...

Why Medieval Herb Gardens Were Planted Beside K...

In medieval Europe, herb gardens were rarely decorative. They were practical. If you walked behind a cottage in the 1300s, you would almost always find a small kitchen garden growing...

The Village Witch and the Apothecary ~ A small historical amusement

The Village Witch and the Apothecary ~ A small ...

In many old European villages, the line between “witch,” “healer,” and “apothecary” was often thinner than people today might imagine.

The Village Witch and the Apothecary ~ A small ...

In many old European villages, the line between “witch,” “healer,” and “apothecary” was often thinner than people today might imagine.

The Ancient Art of Herbal Bathing

The Ancient Art of Herbal Bathing

A Root & Leaf Guide For as long as humans have gathered plants for medicine, they have also gathered them for bathing. Across cultures and centuries, warm water infused with...

The Ancient Art of Herbal Bathing

A Root & Leaf Guide For as long as humans have gathered plants for medicine, they have also gathered them for bathing. Across cultures and centuries, warm water infused with...