What herb feels like comfort to you?

So… what are herbs, really? Before supplements, before pharmacies, before anyone decided to put everything in plastic bottles with warning labels longer than the Bible, there were herbs. And by herbs, I mean plants people noticed worked. That’s it. That’s the origin story. No lab coats. No marketing team. Just humans hurting, hungry, sick, tired, or annoyed, looking around and thinking, “Well… this leaf didn’t kill me yesterday.” Early humans didn’t have Google. They had trial, error, observation, and a lot of “don’t eat that again” moments. Over thousands of years, they figured out which plants eased pain, helped digestion, calmed nerves, healed wounds, or kept food from rotting long enough to eat tomorrow. Herbalism wasn’t a hobby. It was survival. Every culture on Earth developed herbal knowledge. Not because it was trendy, but because plants were the medicine cabinet. Grandmothers knew things. Healers knew things. Farmers knew things. And that knowledge was passed down by memory, story, and watching what worked. Then fast forward a few thousand years and suddenly herbs got labeled as: “Old-fashioned” “Folk remedies” “Alternative” Which is funny, because modern medicine literally comes from plants. Aspirin came from willow bark. Digitalis from foxglove. Morphine from poppy. Science didn’t replace herbs. It isolated them, concentrated them, and put them in capsules. Herbs didn’t disappear. They just got quieter. And here’s the part people forget: herbs were never meant to be magical cure-alls or miracle fixes. They were tools. Support. Helpers. Sometimes gentle, sometimes strong, sometimes not right for everyone. That’s what I’m here to talk about. Not fantasy herbalism. Not fear-based herbalism. Not “this plant will fix your entire life” herbalism. Just honest plant knowledge, where it came from, how people actually use it, and when to respect it instead of romanticizing it. Plants have been taking care of humans long before humans decided they knew better. We’re just remembering how to listen again.

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

Hi, I’m Lori, and I teach herbalism without yelling. This is a quiet space for learning about plants as they are. No miracle claims. No mystical backflips. Just herbs, context, and slow understanding. You don’t need experience. You don’t need special tools. You just need curiosity and a willingness to pay attention. If you want to introduce yourself, tell us: • a plant you already know • or one you’ve always wondered about Pull up a chair. The plants aren’t in a rush.

“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