Tonic Herb of the Month

Yellow Dock

(Rumex crispus)

Tastes/Energetics: bitter, sour, astringent, cool, dry

Parts Used: primarily the root, but leaves can be used externally on skin irritations

Actions: bitter tonic, alterative (blood-purifier), mild laxative

Uses: A compress soothes skin eruptions & infections. It is especially soothing to nettle stings and poison ivy rashes. A decoction can be useful for treating diarrhea. Conversely, small amounts of yellow dock infusion or tincture can relieve constipation. It is a gentle, safe laxative that strengthens the colon. Yellow Dock helps to liberate iron stored in the liver and is often used in blood-building formulas such as our blood-building syrup. As an alterative/blood-purifier, yellow dock supports the body’s detoxification processes, making it useful in cases of acne, allergies and cancer when signs of “bad blood” or toxic blood are present. It is traditionally used as a spring tonic to rid the body of the excess baggage of winter, especially if you had an extra merry holiday season!

Recipe for Iron-Rich Syrup:

  • 8 Tbsp. dried yellow dock root
  • 4 tbsp. dried nettle leaf
  • 4 tsp. orange peel
  • 4 tsp. fennel seed
  • 5 cups filtered water
  1. Add herbs and water to pot.  Mark the water level and simmer until liquid is reduced by ½.
  2. Strain the herb material, reserving the liquid.
  3. For each cup of liquid that you have remaining, add 1/4 cup honey & 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses.
  4. Use funnel to pour syrup into clean bottles. Label and refrigerate. Keep up to 3 months.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Medicine Making Circles

withJen Halima  

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Next one: November 22nd

Aromatic Herbal Incense

Together we’ll explore all the sweet and spicy scented plant that can be harvested locally.  Scent is a beautiful place to linger and explore, a simple way to transform a space, a mood… a call to presence. As we settle inside for the winter months make herbal burn bundles and incense cones. You’ll take home a few incense cones and an herbal burn bundle.

Register Here

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Plant Allies for Stress, Depression, and Fatigue

with Kat Maier

Saturday January 31st, 2026, 10am – 5pm

In Chinese medicine, the season of winter is a time of hibernation and restoration. This applies not just for the previous year but, in our culture, for the stress of holidays and all that is happening in our world now. This class will share ancient as well as new medicines for restoring our balance and providing deep resilience for the body, mind, and soul. The day will also acknowledge February 1, known as Candlemas, a Celtic celebration honoring the return of light. We will learn practical and easy-to-follow teas and recipes to strengthen our immunity for the times that lie ahead.
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Sunday Morning Tea Ceremonies

with Silvy Franco

Join Silvy for a meditative ceremony to commune with Camelia sinensis. Come for quiet reflection as you sip on several cups of tea following Japanese tradition. Ceremony begins at 9:30 am and goes for an hour. Pre-registration is required.

Suggested Donation: $25

Register Here