You know, sometimes life can get so wild with the craziness of mom life and summertime activities that you forget to stop and smell the... herbs? That's right, I've been caught up in the whirlwind of birthdays, anniversaries, softball games, and basketball practices that I've found myself feeling a serious case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) about my beautiful plant friends!

I'm not saying I haven't been making any medicine, because oh boy, I have. Yarrow and motherwort are thriving in my garden, and I've been busily creating my magical concoctions. But as the summer season continues to bloom, I've been feeling a pang in my green thumb for not spending enough time with my beloved plants.

Why, the Yarrow is up, the Arnica is passed, and the St. John's Wort has passed! It's wildflower season here in Oregon, and all my plant-loving human friends are out there harvesting and making epic medicine. And here I am, feeling like I've been neglecting my green pals.

But hold up! Before you start crying for poor old me, let me tell you that I've also found time to reflect and be grateful.

I live in the mountains and am surrounded by an abundance of medicinal plants every day. Plus, I've got a stockpile of medicine left over from my product line, so I'm not exactly going without.

There's something magical about the herbal world that transcends mere horticulture. Every plant has a story, a personality, and a specific healing power. Motherwort, for example, is not just another green in the garden; she's the heart-healing friend that you reach out to when you need comfort and understanding. The tender Yarrow, on the other hand, can help stitch up emotional wounds just like it aids in healing physical ones.

Let me share some of my personal favorites and their uses with you. Lavender, with its calming scent, is perfect for easing anxiety and aiding in sleep. Rosemary, robust and full of vitality, helps in enhancing memory and concentration. The gentle Chamomile can be your best friend during stressful times, calming the mind and soothing the stomach.

And hey, there's still time to get out there and harvest at the peak of medicinal potency. August, September, and October are calling my name for some root medicine action! I can't forget that harvesting at the right time is key – like getting those young, tender leaves in the spring and early summer or the roots in the fall and early spring. Timing is everything!

What's that? You want to know my secrets for making tasty tinctures? Well, I can't resist sharing some golden nuggets with you. I love using Organic Alcohol Company's cane alcohol, and my friends, it doesn't even smell like alcohol. It's 190 proof magic that makes the most delightful herb-flavored medicine.

And while we're on the subject of responsible herbalism, I have to give a shoutout to United Plant Savers. They're all about protecting at-risk species and advocating for sustainable and regenerative cultivation. Let's keep herbalism alive and well for generations to come!

One important aspect of herbalism is education!

Whether it's learning from a local herbalist or seeking wisdom from ancient texts, continuous learning helps make herbalism accessible to everyone. Encouraging others to grow and harvest their own plants, or seek out reputable sources for herbal medicine, strengthens our connection to the earth and each other.

Workshops and herbal courses are fantastic ways to dive into the world of herbalism. They foster a sense of community, allowing like-minded people to connect, share knowledge, and grow together. It's this nurturing environment that really helps budding herbalists to blossom.

But enough rambling on my part. I've been busy whipping up some Lemon Balm, Catnip, Yarrow, and Motherwort concoctions, all while juggling life's demands. If you're a busy mom like me and still want to make the most of your garden, don't fret. Drying the herbs or making a quick tincture can be your best friends!

Oh, how I love to play chef with my folk remedies! You know, combining a bit of this plant with that herb, tossing it together like a tasty salad, but for healing. The more I learn about each plant, the more it feels like creating magic potions, concoctions that can boost health in the most delightful ways.

But here's the thing – my passion for making remedies started to clash with my family life.

My beautiful child was growing, and I was missing out on precious time with her. It led me to a soul-searching moment where I had to figure out my 'why'. I realized I wanted to inspire a movement where every home has an herbalist. It's about saving the planet, connecting people back to nature, and making the world a more joyful place.

My journey with Mountain Mel's was an incredible adventure, filled with dreams coming true, like getting my products into REI. But the large scale of the business became overwhelming, taking away from my joy of creating medicine and sharing my awe for Mother Nature. It's not just a job; it's an art and a science that demands dedication, creativity, and a sprinkle of fun.

The FOMO was real, my friends! I wanted to gather all my plant buddies, create more medicines, and at the same time, be the best mom ever. So what did I do? I started drying plants, making fresh teas, freezing them into ice cubes, and making tinctures. I even encouraged supporting local herbalists and herb farmers – because let's face it, not every herbal preparation you find online is top-tier.

And mistakes? Oh yes, we've all had them! Moldy medicine, unlabeled jars, remedies down the drain – it's all part of the learning curve. But when you hit that sweet spot, it's pure magic.

Now, my life is a mix of teaching, hiking, connecting with nature, and spending time with my family. It's about finding that balance, remembering the 'why,' and embracing the joy that herbalism brings.

So here's to the fellow herbalists out there, feeling the abundance and FOMO at the same time. May you find your path, your balance, and your joy. Whether it's on a wildflower hike or in the kitchen crafting remedies, we're all in this together, nurturing our planet and each other one plant at a time! 🌱🌸