Although I have already covered my favorite recipe and educational books in two previous posts about Recipe Books and Herbal Education Books, there is always more to learn! A few of the books on my shelves address herbalism from different perspectives, so I have a few more unique readings to recommend (some of which are also available on Kindle as well as hard copy):
Willow and Sage Magazine – This wonderful magazine subscription features more than 70 unique recipes, hand-illustrated tips, educational information such as eye-catching infographics, and the benefits of specific ingredients.
Make It Last: Sustainably and Affordably Preserving What We Love (DIY) by Raleigh Brigges (Paperback) – This delightful read tackles the problem of ‘disposable culture’ and seeks to promote a more sustainable kind of living. From repairing clothing, preserving home-grown food, and even repairing your kitchen sink, this book will guide you through the process of preserving the things you love without breaking the bank.
As I’ve mentioned before, herbal studies can seem daunting at first, but the right supplemental ready, when combined with the Herbal Academy’s exceptional courses, can prove to be extremely useful. Since we’ve already covered some of my favorite recipe books in “An Herbalist’s Library: Recipe Books,” it’s time to dive a little deeper into herbal practices. I’ve got one more post to go in this series (“An Herbalist’s Library: Miscellaneous”), but for now, here are some of my favorite herbal education books, including reference books and how-to guides (many of which are also available on Kindle as well as hard copy):
Herbal First Aid (DIY) by Raleigh Briggs (Pamphlet) – This short guide to medicinal plants includes information on healing cuts and scrapes, burns, rashes, sunburns, building a first aid kit, gut problems, aches and pains, bugs, bruises, bleeding, parasites, and more. Plus, it features cute illustrations by Giovanni Caputo that bring a fun vibe to the educational materials!
Good Manufacturing Practices for Soap and Cosmetic Handcrafters by Marie Gale (Paperback) – Meant for the more advanced herbalist, this book takes your desire for the best product possible and uses it as the basis for implementing good manufacturing practices that follow USA and International guidelines. It relieves some of the anxiety of manufacturing your own products and maps out your path to better manufacturing practices.
The Herbal Apothecary: 100 Medicinal Herbs and How to Use Them by JJ Pursell (Paperback) – This holistic guide not only provides advice for the home gardener on growing and foraging your own medicinal plants, but also profiles 100 of the most important medicinal plants with striking photographs and step-by-step instructions for making herbal teas, tinctures, compresses, and salves to treat everything from muscle strain to the common cold or anxiety.
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne (Paperback) – This particular book is one of my absolute favorites! This full-color guide to medicine-making provides detailed, easy-to-follow instructions for making and using approximately 250 herbal medicines at home, including practical tips and numerous effective formulas developed and tested by the authors, both expert herbalists with years of experience. It is incredibly informative, and I would definitely recommend it for the avid reader!
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 3rd Edition by Andrew Chevallier (Hardcover) – This encyclopedia is so informative that it rapidly became one of my favorites! With 550 key herbs and their uses as natural remedies for nearly 200 common ailments, this book is the definitive home reference to healing with the world’d oldest form of medicine. From ginger to lavender and thyme to dandelion, readers will learn about the chemistry of plants and how and why they work as medicines within the body.
Herbal Antibiotics, 2nd Edition: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria by Stephen Harrod Buhner (Paperback) – Though this guide delves into some rare herbs that you may never come across, it remains quite informative. The book explains the roots of antibiotic resistance, explores the value of herbal treatments, and provides in-depth profiles of 30 valuable plants, noting the proper dosages, potential side effects, and contraindications of each.
Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections by Stephen Harrod Buhner (Paperback) – This guide offers in-depth instructions on how to prepare and use herbal formulations to prevent and treat infections such as SARS, influenza, and encephalitis. Though some of these herbs may be more rare, these natural remedies will fight off disease and strengthen your immune system, keeping your family healthy and happy.
American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition edited by Zoë Gardner and Michael McGuffin (Hardcover) – This guid is an absolute must-have for anyone making and selling their own herbal products! It reviews both traditional knowledge and contemporary research on herbs to provide an authoritative resource on botanical safety. The book covers more than 500 species of herbs and provides a holistic understanding of safety through data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports, and historical texts.
Homegrown Herbs: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying More than 100 Herbs by Tammi Hartung (Paperback) – This comprehensive guide provides in-depth profiles of 1010 popular herbs, including information on seed selection, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and drying. Hartung also shows you how to use your herbs in a variety of foods, home remedies, body care products, and crafts. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or planting your first garden, this book will inspire you to get the most out of your herbs.
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use by Rosemary Gladstar (Paperback) – This introductory guide shows you how easy it can be to make your own herbal remedies for life’s common ailments. The book profiles 33 common healing plants and includes advice on growing, harvesting, preparing, and using herbs in healing tinctures, oils, and creams.
Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care by Maria NoelGroves (Paperback) – This holistic guide shows you how to read your body’s signals and support your own wellness with herbal remedies and other natural treatments. You’ll learn how each of your major body systems – respiratory, digestive, immune, nervous, memory, reproductive, circulatory, and more – optimally functions, and you’ll discover how to use natural remedies to nourish and repair problem areas, restore lost vitality, support your body as a whole, and prevent future problems.
The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion: The Ultimate Guide to Growing, Preserving, and Using Herbs by Amy K. Fewell (Paperback) – This beautiful guide takes readers through the basics of herbalism, including the different types of herbs and the uses for them around the homestead. It also breaks down how herbs are used in tinctures, salves, essential oils, and infused oils. From learning how to incorporate herbs and essential oils around your home, to learning how to enhance your family’s health and well-being, this book is the go-to guide for those wishing to live a more natural homesteading lifestyle.
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Planning a trip outside, even for a short daytime hike, should always include some essential planning and prepping steps to ensure your well-being and safety. Print off this handy checklist for yourself, a friend, or that teenager in your life to ensure that the next adventure does not go awry. It’s always better to be overly prepared for a little journey than to be underprepared for an unexpected, big adventure.
Make a Plan: It’s best to travel in pairs, or more. Buddy up and then tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Check in with them once you are home to let them know you made it safely.
Make a List:
Hiking shoes or trail shoes to get you there and back
Backpack to hold all the essentials
Try ours! It comes pre-equipped with many of the items listed here – we offer two styles, Bug Out Bag (longer excursions) or Day Trip (short daytime hikes/trips)
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat to protect yourself from the sun, even on cloudy days
My favorite sunglasses are Rayban’s Wayfarer Sunglasses, however I tend to drop and/or misplace mine often and tend to purchase the knock off versions!
Waterproof matches, flashlight and whistle in case of emergency*
Food and water, including a portable purifier or purifying tablets* if you run out of water
Rain gear* and some spare dry clothing
Map and compass, because cell phone reception and GPS may not always be available
Camping gear for overnight trips, including shelter and sleeping bag
Make No Mess: Leave no trace as you trek your way through the woods. In fact, try to leave Mother Nature more beautiful than how you found her. What you pack in, you should also pack out.
To cover some of your day trip essentials, check out the Day Trip Survival Bag or Watertight Survival Box from my company Southern Belle Products. It covers many of the essentials above, so that you are ready for just about anything Mother Nature brings your way. Great for all day hikes or quick trips into the backcountry. For extended trips, the Bug Out Bag and First Aid Kit together will help cover your ass(ets) so that you are ready for almost anything in the great outdoors. An * means those items may be included in one of the hand packaged kits from my company!
Disclaimer: affiliate links mean I may get paid if you may a purchase
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I will receive a small commission if you complete a purchase from the link.
An Herbal Academy Mini-Course
The Herbal Academy is offering an exciting new mini-course which will be of value to anyone who has an interest in herbalism, from the novice to the expert. The course is now open! You can also upgrade to include the gorgeous Herbal Journey Planner to accompany you on this course.
Becoming An Herbalist explains what exactly an herbalist does on a day-to-day basis. As you may have noticed, explaining the multifaceted role of an herbalist can be tricky. Herbalists may work in the field of wellness, but we aren’t doctors; we may work in a clinical setting, or we may work from home. We might grow herbs, write about herbs, or even sell herbal products. All the while, herbalists must navigate the legal, ethical, and logistical considerations of using herbs with minimal guidance from outside sources, which introduces a whole host of other complications. Here is where the Herbal Academy comes in.
This brief but informative course is intended to provide guidance to your path as an herbalist, exploring the daily responsibilities and complications in the life of an herbalist. Here’s a brief breakdown of the course:
Lesson 1 looks closely at certification and regulation for herbalists and explores some of the educational options that are available to those interested in herbal careers.
Lesson 2 will take a look at the language that herbalists use: words you can and cannot use legally, regardless of education, due to the state of herbalism as an unlicensed practice.
Lesson 3 dives deep into the ethical considerations of becoming an herbalist. The Herbal Academy will five you the lowdown on scope of practice, confidentiality, informed consent, and full disclosure. For those interested in clinical practice, you’ll go over basic red flags, safety concerns, and referrals.
Lesson 4 will outline key aspects of starting your own herbal business and the many details that go along with each.
Lesson 5 discusses the importance of keeping your finger on the pulse of herbalism. The way that herbalists use herbs is constantly evolving, with new clinical research being published all of the time and practicing herbalists discovering novel ways of brining balance to human physiology with herbs.
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Imagine you step outside on a bluebird day – in the woods, at a park, inside the garden, alongside a river. What do you smell? Maybe slight hints of grass or the lavender growing nearby. It’s subtle. Yet memorable. That is what my company, Southern Belle Products’ Aromatherapy products aim to provide you. A sensory experience that is calming, not overwhelming. A home filled with feel-good scents, not full of artificial ingredients. A way to unwind and relax, revive and recharge. I have burned the midnight oil many nights (pun intended!) perfecting our candle scents. The result? A perfectly balanced, clean, and nature-inspired candle line that is a better choice for everyone.
With my candles, you can refresh your home with pure and organic scents that are sourced as close to the Earth as possible. All of our candles are handmade with all natural, clean burning soy wax and essential oils. Natural cotton fiber wicks provide a clean, soot-free burn. Candles range in size from metal tins (outdoor) to glass jars. Our candles feature pieces of the scent – think lavender buds, coffee grounds, vanilla beans, and cinnamon sticks enmeshed within the wax.
Soy wax candles are a better alternative for you and your family. Why? many reasons. For one, they don’t increase the CO2 levels in your home like traditional paraffin wax candles do. This means better air quality for all of you – especially important during winter months when homes are closed tight and air flow is low. That’s right, these candles are non-toxic! Healthier for you and the environment. With a cleaner burn also comes a slower burn. You will find our candles tend to last longer than other scented candles, when burned properly.
Additionally, soy wax is naturally biodegradable and far easier to remove in case of a drop or spill. Trust me, I know this first hand! With soy wax, there is also a lower burning point and the essential oils disperse into the air more pleasantly. If you have gotten headaches in the past with other candles, you will find our soy wax candles are far less irritating. A little scent can go a long way!
Visit our store to find your perfect scent today! We offer five options: Eucalyptus Mint, Lavender, Morning Brew, Rosemary Sage and Vanilla Rose. If you’re looking for a specific scent, please contact us to see if its possible for us to create!
Diving headfirst into herbalist studies can seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation, you’ll be able to master herbalism in no time! Personally, I find that some supplemental readying, when combined with the Herbal Academy’s exceptional courses, can prove to be extremely useful. My library overflows with countless herbal texts which I have read and loved throughout the course of my herbal education. Because I couldn’t possibly list my entire library in one post, this will be the first of three (Recipe Books, Herbal Education Books, and Miscellaneous) in order to cover as many books as possible. Below are some of my favorite recipe books, offering hundreds of recipes for blending and using essential oils and herbs in the best possible ways (many are available on Kindle as well as hard copy):
The Heart of Aromatherapy: An Easy -to-Use Guide for Essential Oils by Andrea Butje (Paperback) – This guide to safe and effective aromatherapy provides over 100 recipes to support skin care, rest and relaxation, respiratory health, digestion, pain relief, meditation and contemplation, and even natural cleaning. Plus, each of the 40 essential oils covered in this book are profiled in-depth, including its unique aroma, uses, and safety tips.
French Aromatherapy: Essential Oil Recipes & Usage Guide by Jen O’Sullivan (Paperback and Kindle) – This comprehensive recipe and usage guide utilizes the French Aromatherapy method: the art of using essential oils that encompasses all methods of use (aromatic, topical, and internal). Containing over 300 recipes to enhance your understanding and usage of essential oils, this guide also teaches proper safety precautions and how to implement essential oils into your entire lifestyle. *disclaimer: always consult your healthcare provider before ingesting essential oils, as most do not recommend it*
Essential Oils, Natural Remedies: The Complete A-Z Reference of Essential Oils for Health and Healing by Althea Press (Paperback) – Another favorite of mine, this reference guide provides a comprehensive reference to herbal healing without the hassle, expense, and frustration that comes with consulting doctors and taking prescription medicine, practitioners of all levels will learn a lifetime of herbal remedies from how to treat the urge to itch chicken pox with lavender-tea tree salve to soothing away arthritis symptoms with peppermint oil.
Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies that Heal by Rosalee de la Forêt (Paperback, Kindle and Spiral-bound) – This book was very information and went way beyond the usual recipe book. This guide will show you how to transform common ingredients into foods and remedies that heal. What were once everyday flavorings will become your personal kitchen apothecary. In addition to offering dozens of inspiring recipes, it examines the history and modern-day use of 29 popular herbs, supporting their healing properties with both scientific studies and in-depth research into herbal energetics.
Essential Living, 2nd Edition by Andrea Butje (Paperback) – This guide provides easy-to-follow recipes which teach beginners and experts alike how to create natural, safe products to replace synthetic chemicals and toxic ingredients found in many store brands. With a modest collection of essential oils and tools from around the kitchen, readers will learn how to create cleaning scrubs, natural air fresheners and healthy body products. Neatly organized by room and purpose, these recipes give readers the power to replace unwanted chemicals with handmade, effective, aromatic products.
This is simply a condensed list of my favorite herbal recipe books. For more recommendations, feel free to message me!
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What might look small, is in fact very mighty. Invented just before World War II to be used as parachute cord by the United States Air Force, paracord has quickly taken on uses well beyond the sky. Now in almost every home and used extensively in the field, paracord has become a popular lightweight rope that everyone should have on hand. While there are countless uses, here are 100 useful ways to, well, use paracord. If you’d like to try any of these, but don’t have paracord – no worries! We prefer Paracord Planet‘s paracord for it’s durability, vast array of color choices and being made in America.
Tie a tarp to trees for shade or cover – good idea whether its summer or winter
Make a lanyard or key fob to hold items, such as your keys! We can custom make them for you too, just send us a message!
Craft an emergency, and fashionable, paracord bracelet/wristband – or have one custom made by sending us a message!
Build an emergency snare from a single nylon strand – or seven strands!
Create a fishing line from a single nylon strand
Make a fishing net
Use as an extra lace for your boot or shoe
If you’re in a pinch, you can use the inner strands as floss
Make a dog collar, or have one custom made for you!
Create a dog leash (or lead) or have one custom made for your K9!
Use an inner strand as an emergency suture
Wrap your knife, or axe, handle for extra grip – my husband has done this before and it works!
Create a bow drill to start a fire via friction
Drape clothes between two trees or poles to dry by making a clothesline
Improvise a seat by lashing a long log horizontally to 2 trees
Emergency repair for a sail while out on the water
Use as a belt for your pants
Hang a kettle or cooking pot over a fire – careful that the rope doesn’t get too close to the flames!
Use a single inner strand as an emergency sewing thread
Make into a net hammock
Improvise a rifle sling or have us custom make one for you, just send us a message!
Tie your horse – or doggie – to a tree or fence post, making sure they have plenty of room to move into the shade or graze on grass
Use as perimeter trip wires with tin cans or bells attached while camping – great way to know if a bear is snooping around, or worse – a skunk!
Make a watchband, or message us for a custom made one!
Rig up a quick bow stringer if you’ve forgotten yours
Carry gear on you back when you don’t have a rucksack, or backpack – just mind your neck and shoulders
Make a knotted hose cleaner by tying granny knots in the paracord and pulling it through
Have forgetful children, or husband, tie their house keys to their backpack or belt, or even loosely around their neck (think lanyard!)
Use several strands to craft an emergency tow rope
A pulley line for dragging big bits of wood up to side of a hill – or anything heavy really
A standby strop for polishing a razor to make it cleaner or shaper
Tie a heavy knot in the middle and make a jump rope for kids
Hang mesh frames for propagating plants in a greenhouse
Tie up your food and trash items our of reach of nosy bears
Make a simple swing for kids
Abseil down a cliff edge – like a rock climber does
Make a quick headband or hair tie – try using the inner strands for this; I’ve had to do this quite a few times and it works fairly well!
Bundle firewood together for easy transport
Tie onto a sled so you can drag it through heavy snow
Hang a light over the bathroom for nighttime use
Replace a snapped pull string on older lights or ceiling fans
Improvise a fuse to start a fire
Hang a mirror or other large objects
Use as a strap wrench or Spanish windlass
Make a halter and leads for your horses
Improvised bore snake for cleaning a firearm
Make a tire swing
Hang your hammock or repair a hole in one
Hang an emergency whistle loosely around your neck (think lanyard!)
Make a pull cord for a chainsaw
Halfway there! Have any uses for paracord in mind that we haven’t included?! Feel free to shoot us a message. We’d love to hear any creative ways to utilize parachute cord you can come up with 🙂
Use as a pull cord for a boat engine
Fix a pull cord for a lawn mower or a weed-whacker
Use as an emergency tourniquet
Tie down straps and belts of rucksacks when traveling
Replace a drawstring cord in a rucksack or on gaiters – or sweatpants and sweatshirts!
Use as tent guide lines – don’t want your tent tipping over or flying away!
Make a monkey fist for defense – just use a marble or ping pong ball for the support! Want a custom made one? Send us a message!
Make an improved stretcher by crafting a net between two poles
Bind poles, or tree branches, together to make a shelter
Tie a blade to a long pole, or tree branch, to make a hunting spear
Use to help lower equipment and packs down cliff edges – can also aid in helping an injured person or a puppy down the cliff too
Make handcuffs for bad guys
Use as a zipper pull
Make a rope ladder
Use for mooring your boat to a dock
Replace a broken water ski rope – or any other water sport that requires a rope
Teach yourself to tie life-saving knots
Use it to collect water, along with a mylar blanket or poncho
Help climb a tree
Improvise snow shows
Make a sling shot
Create a bullwhip for defense
Tie a scope to a rifle
Use to tie night vision to a rifle
Hang tools from your belt
Make emergency suspenders
Replace a broken bra strap
Tie garden plants to stakes, such as tomatoes or green beans
Make a camera strap
Use as a walking rope for kids when out on excursions, simply tie one end around their waist (belt area and not too tight) and the other around yours
Identify members of your group with matching bracelets – remember to message us for custom made ones!
Use as trail markers so you don’t get lost
Use to measure distance, just make sure you know how much paracord you have first!
Knot into a hacky sack for entertainment
Make a pit trap by lashing the cord across the mouth of a hole in the ground before placing loose plants on top – just make sure you remember where you set it!
Tie to luggage handles when traveling for easy bag identification – I chose two colors and knotted them before tying to my suitcase and it helps a lot!
Wrap around iPhone, or other phone, charging cords to repel cats from chewing on them
Seal punctures in broken metal appliances, just melt the nylon and let it seal the hole – use caution!
Wrap a hammer to absorb shock, and for better grip on the handle
Stake our an area or grid of space
Tie a broken door or window closed
Repair broken flip flops
Use it to train a horse or dog via lead or leash – just probably not a cat!
Secure weights to a pop up tent – my husband and I had to do this before the incoming hurricane got stronger!
Use as a guide when crossing a stream, just be careful if you’re the first one across to attach the cord to the other side
That was quite the list, don’t you think?! Let me know what you think by sending me a message or leaving a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions, plus any other uses you can come up with for paracord. Look forward to hearing from you!
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Did you know that approximately 85 hurricanes occur each year worldwide? However, flash floods are the most frequent natural disaster to occur in the United States and are the cause behind the most weather related deaths.
You may be thinking to yourself that you don’t need to know this information because you live inland, or in a dry state. However, one day you may vacation in an area where these two natural disasters are prevalent, in which case, you may find yourself in one, or both, of these situations. Hurricane season goes from June to November each year, and flash flood season often begins in September (unless brought on by a hurricane). Therefore, it is always a good idea to be prepared for every possible situation you may find yourself in. Additionally, many people tend to find themselves unaware of how to prep for these disasters and end up putting themselves, and their families, in more of harm’s way. So how do you prepare yourself and your family for such occurrences?
First off, if you are under a hurricane warning: seek shelter immediately and listen for updates via the Emergency Broadcast System. Even if the storm isn’t as massive as you may think, it’s always important to follow the action plans your state has in place for such occurrences. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Take refuge as soon as you are able to. The best place to seek shelter from a hurricane is ideally in a designated storm shelter but realistically not everyone will be able to get to one. If you can’t, your best shelter is an upper level interior room, this protects you both from flooding and high winds. Use only outside generators and stay away from windows. Besides the community plans, make your own plans for evacuation and shelter locations by doing the following:
Gather needed supplies while keeping everyone’s medical needs in mind, as well as any other specific need each person may have. Don’t forget about your pets!
Gather supplies for at least three days.
You will want to make sure that all of your important documents are in a safe and secure location, a safe way is by transferring all important documents and family photos to digital copies with password protection on them.
Remember to always stay up to date on your insurance policies.
If you are having a hard time knowing what to pack, visit either my company, Southern Belle Products’ Survival collection or FEMA’s site for more information.
The most important advice I can give is to always evacuate. The best way to know that you and your family are safe, is to leave the dangerous areas and stay ahead of the storms. If you stay behind after the government issues evacuations, you can get trapped and it will become harder for you to get out later on down the road. Not only would it endanger your lives, but also the lives of the first responders that would be sent in to rescue you. Once flooding starts, it becomes more and more dangerous for you, so always remember the following:
Do NOT drive or walk through flooded areas
Remember: “Turn around, don’t drown“
Stay away from moving water because you never know when the water will speed up and wash everything in its path away
Your best chance, if you do stay behind, is to get to the highest ground possible and wait for emergency response teams and rescuers
If flooding in your area is possible, you should always be prepared to move to higher ground or leave at short notice
While we get into more of flood and hurricane season, it is always best to be prepared, never rule out the possibility of a natural disaster hitting around where you live. Stay safe and always be prepared!
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Are you prepared if a natural disaster comes your way?! I want to help you and your family be prepared now, and throughout the year, for any natural disaster that comes your way. Before you can make a plan, you need to be informed of what may happen. Here is a list of the common natural disasters that you should be prepared for:
Power Outages (Unexplained): when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. They can occur at any time, last for any length of time and can have a serious impact on you personally; as well as your community and the economy.
Wildfire: an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, the grasslands or a prairie. They can happen anywhere, and at anytime, with a risk factor that constantly increases within a short amount of time. Additionally, they can cause flooding, disrupt transportation, gas, power and communications.
Hurricanes: a massive storm that forms over warm ocean waters and moves towards land with potential threats of powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, flooding, tornadoes and landslides. They can occur along each United States’ coast line, whether that be the east coast (Atlantic Ocean), the west coast (Pacific Ocean) or the gulf coast (Gulf of Mexico).
Floods: a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. They come with little to no warning, can cause power outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides. Floods are caused by rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, overflows of dams and/or other water systems.
Winter Storms: range from freezing rain, ice and moderate snowfall over a few hours to a blizzard that lasts several days, or a combination of the two. Normally they come with dangerously low temperatures. Winter storms can immobilize a whole region and can shut down heat, power and communications services, and can last for several days. Roadways and walkways become very dangerous due to icy conditions, thus leading to residents needing to stay home or at work without utilities until it is safe to drive, ride and/or walk outside.
Tornado: a rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and, though not always, is visible as a funnel cloud. Lighting and hail commonly occur in storms that produce tornadoes. Damages caused by tornadoes range from unsubstantial to catastrophic; and injuries ranging from minor to serious and even life threatening. It can disrupt transportation, power, gas, communications and other services both in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Tornadoes, and the storms they accompany, can produce heavy rain, flash flooding and hail.
Earthquake: a sudden shaking of the Earth caused by the breaking and shifting of underground rock from either volcanic or tectonic origins. They can cause structures and roads to collapse and heavy items to fall, leading to property damage and serious injuries. Earthquakes can also cause fires, tsunamis, landslides and avalanches.
You may be wondering, “How do I prep for all of these different natural disasters?!” For starters, it’s important to have a plan. Therefore, I am going to help you make one with the following steps:
Start by putting together a plan for your household, and family, that answers these four questions:
How will I/we receive emergency alerts and warnings? Text, phone call, radio, etc.
What is my/our shelter plan? Stay in place, public shelter, underground, basement, etc.
What is my/our evacuation route? Make sure to laminate a map with a highlighted route – or try invisible ink.
What is my family/household’s communication plan? Walkie talkies, glow sticks/flashlights, morse code, etc.
Next, consider the specific needs of your household by basing your plans around the needs and responsibilities of your daily household, such as: different ages of members within your household, dietary needs, medical needs (prescriptions and equipment), disability access and needs (devices and equipment), languages spoken (cultural and religious considerations) and pets and service animals.
Download and fill out a Family Emergency Plan, or use them as a guide to create your own. It is very important to practice your plan with your family, or by yourself if you live alone.
Next step, be financially prepared! Gather financial and critical personal, household and medical information together in one secure place. Keep them in a fire- and waterproof box in your home. If you need to take them with you in case of emergency, put the files in a plastic bag to prevent potential water damage. Start saving money in an emergency (rainy day) fund that can be used during a crisis; the easiest way to make quick purchases in times of crisis is with smaller bills, therefore always try to keep some on hand. Obtain property, health and life insurance if you do not already have them – remember to regularly review existing policies.
Other things to be prepared for, or to add to your preparations, are:
Sign up for your community’s emergency alert system and/or the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). Additionally, learn the evacuation plans for your community.
Gather emergency supplies for at least three days, or 72 hours (do not forget medical equipment, medicine and your pets!). Make sure to keep your bug out bag in an easily reachable location, but out of site from visitors. It’s a good idea to keep a smaller, or second, version in your car incase you are away from home when an emergency strikes. Don’t forget the first aid kit!
Take inventory of items you need that rely on electricity and make sure you have a way to keep them charged, such as a solar panel charger or external battery pack (I recommend Nimble). Additionally, keep vehicle tanks full of gas or diesel – plus extra portable containers when possible.
Disasters do not plan ahead, but you can by taking the time to be ready for the unexpected as much as possible. For more information, I recommend visiting this government-created preparedness website.
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Begin Wildcrafting with Confidence!
In spring, as days get longer and longer and the temperatures rise, the sleepy heads of new plant life begin to emerge and we experience the green world’s revival. There is no better time to get into the woods and poke around for the many wild edibles and herbs flourishing in your area.
While foraging and wildcrafting are certainly hot topics nowadays, the idea of trekking into the woods to forage for your own food and herbs may have you feeling intimidated. Or you may even be a little scared, which is to be expected if you don’t know what you are doing, especially when trying your hand at it for the first time.
If you fall into this category, I have some exciting news to share with you!
The Herbal Academy has released their Botany & Wildcrafting Course, a fascinating voyage that will guide you through the art of wildcrafting, teach you the science of plant identification, and answer your many getting-started questions, all while building your confidence along the way! Curated by an expert team of herbalists and botanists, this program explores plants as living beings, their fascinating ecological relationships, and the ways that our own ecosystem can shape your relationship with plants.
By the end of this class, you will have the information to safely wild harvest and use at least 25 common wild plants, and have the tools and know-how to independently wildcraft the plants in your region!
That’s not all!
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:
Name all the parts of a plant, including the parts that makeup flowers, leaves, fruits, and stems.
Identifynew plants anywhere in the world using a dichotomous key.
Understand how to decipher plant part differences such as leaves, flowers, and fruits of separate plant species.
Decode patterns in nature and gain insight into plant relationships and herbal and edible use by understanding these patterns.
Sense of the vast number of relationships that exist between plants and other organisms that are required for pollination, seed dispersal, and survival.
Understand how and when to use a plant’s binomial name and discover why a plant might have more than one name.
Dry plants in a way that maintains their vitality, aroma, color, and flavor.
Create your very own herbarium of pressed plant specimens.
Get to know plants on a deeper level through keying, drawing, coloring, and organoleptic identification.
One thing is for sure, you can expect to look nature through an entirely new lens as you journey through the Botany & Wildcrafting Course!
Like most Herbal Academy courses, you will also have the option to upgrade with a gorgeous Botanical Illustrations Workbook, including 25 botanically accurate illustrations from the class ready for your coloring skills, summary monographs from class to complete your learning experience, and blank pages for additional sketches and note-taking!
If wildcrafting piques your interest, but foraging for you own wild edibles and herbs has you feeling nervous, this course is the perfect opportunity for you to gain the confidence and tools you need to get started! Even intermediate level foragers will benefit from this expertly crafted course!
So what are you waiting for? Check out the Botany & Wildcrafting Course right here.
