Erika's Musings
Sovereignty Herbs LLC
The Benevolence of Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia ...

There is no other sight in these feral woodlands of Southeast Ohio that makes me feel the way that Blue-eyed Marys do. It is the warming of unconditional acceptance…like being held in the arms of Mother Nature herself as she kisses me on my forehead and reminds me that I am worthy of her love.

The Benevolence of Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna)

aromatic medicine

Frost Flowers or Fairy Skirts: Tales of American Dittany

Frost Flowers or Fairy Skirts: Tales of American Dittany

Another fascinating species that likes to live on the edge, and the subject of today’s enchantment, is the American Dittany. Historically, the plant was classified as either Mappia origanoides or Cunila mariana, with folks finally settling on a combination of the two resulting in its modern Latin binomial, Cunila origanoides (L.) Britt. Over the years the species has also enjoyed several other names including Maryland Dittany, Stone Mint, Wild Oregano, or for those who still believe…’Fairy Skirts’ (although thoroughly explained later on in today’s tale, now is the moment to note that the latter will forever remain the species proper name).

,

Distilling the Feminine: Exploring Archetypes through Aroma, Plants, & Landscape

,
Distilling the Feminine: Exploring Archetypes through Aroma, Plants, & Landscape

The aromatic distillation workshops that I lead are, therefore, an attempt to foster a deeper relationship with the plant kingdom, a relationship full of metaphor, story, and personal myth, while simultaneously developing deeper relationships with ourselves and our unconscious. As the plant material is transformed into hydrosol and essential oil, we too are transformed. In this regard, each distillation provides a platform for self-discovery and exploration of the natural world and our place within it.

Of Serpents, Wildfires, & Lemon Balm: My First Journey into Aromatic Distillation

Of Serpents, Wildfires, & Lemon Balm: My First Journey into Aromatic Distillation

"Even as a ‘rational’, scientifically-minded clinical herbalist, I am not in search for pharmacological truths today. I am less interested in ‘how lemon balm hydrosol can be used for my or others benefit’ and more focused on the meaning and intention that lemon balm brings to the ritual and prayer of this distillation. Although this is herb and I have worked together before and I know where and how it likes to grow, its uplifting citrusy-sweet aroma, even its clinical applications, I am open to the reality that perhaps I don't know this plant at all. Not in this capacity, not in ritual or prayer. It is from this place that I search for supportive meaning."

The content on this website is For educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.