“Not everything that looks harmless is harmless, and not everything dangerous looks dramatic. Some plants earn their reputation quietly.” ~Lori I will be doing a more in-depth teaching you can get later on. What’s in the poisonous bouquet Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) Black, glossy berries and dusky purple flowers. Historically infamous. Beautiful, dramatic, and absolutely not your friend. The plant equivalent of “I warned you.” Hemlock (Conium maculatum) Fine, fern-like leaves and small white umbrella flowers. Looks innocent. Is not. Famous for being deadly while pretending to be parsley’s cousin. Wolfsbane / Monkshood (Aconitum) Tall spikes of deep blue-purple hooded flowers. One of the most toxic plants in Europe. Gorgeous, regal, and absolutely earns its reputation. Foxglove (Digitalis) Bell-shaped flowers in soft pinks and purples. Medicinal history when isolated and controlled, lethal when not. The plant that proves “natural” does not mean “safe.” Additional Nightshade Family Foliage Dark green leaves and clusters of berries. This family does not play nice. ~ Lori

What herb feels like comfort to you?

Safer Swaps for Toxic Mandrake 🌱 Mandrake: The Legend, the Look, and the Safer Swaps Mandrake has one of the most dramatic reputations in plant history. Human-shaped roots. Screaming folklore. A résumé full of myths and bad decisions. Here’s the part people forget: most historical herbalists didn’t actually use real mandrake. They used look-alikes. On purpose. Because nobody wanted to poison the village. So let’s talk about the plant, the legend, and the plants that give the same vibe without the danger. 🌿 The Real Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) Mediterranean plant with a thick, forked root All parts are toxic Contains compounds that can cause hallucinations, confusion, and heart issues Historically used in tiny, controlled doses… and often replaced with safer plants Bottom line: fascinating history, not a casual houseplant. 🌱 Safer Plants That Give “Mandrake Energy” Without the ER Ginseng Naturally human-shaped roots Long history of use Grows slowly, looks ancient, feels important Much safer and widely cultivated Why it works: same mystical look, none of the screaming folklore. Ashwagandha Thick, gnarly roots Easy to grow in pots Used traditionally for stress and balance Calm plant. Cooperative plant. Why it works: mandrake’s chill cousin. Sweet Potato Ridiculous root shapes Easy, fast, and non-toxic You will absolutely grow one that looks like it needs a tiny sweater Why it works: mandrake, but happy and well-fed. Carrots, Beets, Turnips Grown in loose soil, they twist and fork naturally Fantastic for photos and teaching moments Zero danger, maximum personality Why they work: proof that you don’t need poison to get drama. 🌿My Big Takeaway Mandrake became famous because it looked human, not because it was practical. People wanted symbolism, mystery, and power. So they used plants that looked the part… and left the poison behind. You can admire the history without growing something that could hurt people or pets. Stanley Mandrake would approve. ~Lori

Alright, gather round, you beautiful plant people. This is the very low-stress, zero-pretension survival kit for enjoying my herbal writings without losing your mind or your place on the couch. What You’ll Need for Saturday Herbal Lore (and beyond) 1. A journal. Nothing fancy. No pressure. It can be: A notebook from the dollar store An old spiral with three pages left A “this was supposed to be for groceries” notebook This is where you jot things down that make you go, “Ohhh, that’s useful,” or “Wait, I actually have that plant.” 2. A pen you like. This matters more than people admit. One that doesn’t skip One that doesn’t feel like punishment to hold One you won’t immediately lose under the couch If you’re loyal to a specific pen brand, congratulations, you’re already advanced. 3. Optional but encouraged: sticky notes or bookmarks. Because at some point you’ll want to mark: Herbs you want to try Things you forgot five minutes after reading Notes that say “LOOK THIS UP LATER” and then never do That’s normal. Everyone does it. 4. Your curiosity. You don’t need: A backyard apothecary A certification wall A perfectly curated herbal aesthetic You just need curiosity and a willingness to learn things the practical way. The “real life, what people actually do” way. How to Use This Space Read. Laugh a little. Write down what sticks. Ignore what doesn’t. Come back later when it suddenly makes sense. This isn’t homework. This isn’t perfection. This is herbalism for people with lives. So, Pull up a chair. Grab your pen. Let’s talk plants. — Herbalism with Lori

Alright, gather round the metaphorical kitchen counter. We’re talking herbal tinctures, aka “how humans figured out how to trap plant goodness in a jar and call it medicine.” Just plants, patience, and a little alcohol doing the heavy lifting. So… what is a herbal tincture anyway? A tincture is basically herbs soaking in alcohol long enough to give up their secrets. The alcohol acts like that one friend who gets everyone talking at a party. You end up with a strong, shelf-stable liquid extract that lasts years, not weeks like tea. This is why herbalists love tinctures and why your cabinet starts to look suspiciously like a bar. What you need (nothing dramatic) A clean glass jar with a lid Mason jars are fine. No crystal required. Herbs Fresh herbs (chopped) Or dried herbs (even easier, less water) Alcohol Vodka is the crowd favorite. Brandy works. Everclear if you’re feeling bold and respectful of math. A label Because “mystery brown liquid” is not helpful later. Time. Not much effort. Just time. How to make it (the no-nonsense version) Step 1: Fill the jar If using fresh herbs: loosely fill the jar about ¾ full. If using dried herbs: fill about ½ full. Do not pack it like you’re stuffing a suitcase. Step 2: Add alcohol Pour alcohol over the herbs until they are completely covered, plus about an inch on top. Herbs floating above the liquid = sad herbs. Step 3: Seal it and wait Put the lid on. Shake it gently like you’re reassuring it. Store in a dark cabinet. Shake it once a day if you remember. If you forget, the herbs will forgive you. Step 4: Wait some more Let it sit 4–6 weeks. Yes, weeks. This is herbalism, not instant coffee. Step 5: Strain Strain through cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a fine strainer. Squeeze the herbs. They’ve given everything they had. Pour the liquid into a clean bottle. Step 6: Label it Write: Herb name Alcohol used Date Future-you will thank present-you. How people actually use tinctures A few drops in water or tea