A Gentle Shift – Herbs and Tea for the Return to Fall Routines

As August fades into September, the pace of life begins to change. Summer vacations wind down, school schedules return, and mornings suddenly arrive earlier than anyone would like. The transition can feel exciting, exhausting, and emotional all at once—for adults and children alike.

Herbs, especially herbs in tea, offer gentle support during this seasonal shift, helping create moments of calm, focus, and comfort as routines settle back into place. Here are a few tea suggestions to help you along the way.

Lemon Balm Tea

🌿 Lemon Balm and Lavender for Calm

Back-to-school season can bring nervousness and overstimulation, especially after relaxed summer days. Lemon balm and lavender are two herbs traditionally used to encourage calm and relaxation.

A simple evening tea can help create a peaceful bedtime ritual before busy school mornings begin.

Calming Evening Tea

• 2 parts lemon balm
• 1 part chamomile
• ½ part lavender

Steep for 5–7 minutes and sweeten lightly with honey if desired.

The flavor is gentle and approachable, making it ideal for family tea time.

We have two Backyard Patch Teas that are perfect to include in this ritual.  Calming Spirit - A soul-soothing blend designed to quiet the nerves and settle the stomach. The delicate balance of rosemary, lavender, spearmint, chamomile, and cloves creates a mildly minty, aromatic infusion that brings tranquility with every sip. Enjoy it hot for a cozy evening wind-down or iced for a refreshing moment of calm. Holy Basil Relaxing Tea - Unwind naturally with this calming evening blend designed to quiet busy minds and ease you into restful sleep. Holy basil, lemongrass, lemon balm, peppermint, fennel, sage, hibiscus, and rose hips create a lightly citrusy, minty cup with soothing herbal depth. Packed with comforting herbs and vitamin C-rich ingredients, it’s the perfect nighttime ritual for relaxation and wellness support. Cozy, calming, and wonderfully grounding!

🌿 Rosemary for Focus and Memory

Rosemary has long been associated with memory and concentration. Students in ancient Greece reportedly wore rosemary garlands while studying, believing the herb sharpened the mind.

Whether or not one believes the legends, rosemary’s invigorating scent certainly awakens the senses.

Try:

• Adding rosemary to lemonade or herbal iced tea
• Simmering rosemary on the stove for an aromatic study environment
• Using rosemary in snack mixes or roasted nuts

We created a headache tea using a combination of rosemary with other herbs called Headache Liberation, that is bright and refreshing. This citrusy-herbal blend brings together lemon verbena, lemon balm, lavender, catnip, rosemary, and sage to help release tension and clear the mind. Whether it’s stress, sinus pressure, or a long day weighing on you, this tea is a breath of fresh air.

🌿 Building Immune Support

The return to classrooms often means the return of seasonal sniffles. Late summer is an excellent time to begin incorporating supportive herbs into daily routines.

Classic herbs include:

• Thyme
• Sage
• Elderflower
• Echinacea
• Mint

These can be blended into teas, syrups, or steam blends for seasonal wellness support.

Simple Wellness Tea Blend

• 2 parts thyme
• 1 part elderflower
• 1 part peppermint

This blend has a pleasant flavor while offering comforting herbal warmth.

If you want to look into our teas, we have Winter Remedy - A cool, soothing blend designed to bring relief during cold and flu season. Rosehips deliver a burst of vitamin C, sage works to fight germs, and peppermint provides a cooling effect to ease fevers and body aches. A winter staple to keep you feeling your best. Or Tulsi Rose Tea - Soft floral notes and comforting herbs come together in this soothing, immune-supportive blend. Holy basil (tulsi), lemon balm, rose petals, and elderflower create a rich reddish-brown tea with a slightly sweet, robust flavor that feels warm and calming from the very first sip. Perfect for winding down at night, easing frazzled nerves, and keeping cozy during cold and flu season. A peaceful cup for body and spirit alike!

🍎 Small Rituals Matter

The transition back to routine doesn’t have to feel abrupt. A cup of tea after school, herbs tucked into lunches, or a calming evening bath can help create comforting rituals that ease the change of season.

Herbs remind us to slow down and pay attention—even during busy times. As summer softens into autumn, they offer both flavor and reassurance, helping families settle gently into the rhythms ahead.

Herb Dental Rinses to help you avoid celebrating National Toothache Day

Sometimes I just decide to post something because the “National Day” is today.  Did you know that February 9 is National Toothache Day?  Don't just whiten those teeth, keep them healthy! Educate yourself about natural dental care and the use of herbs to maintain a healthy mouth, gums, teeth.

I was rereading an article in Mother Earth news which discussed natural ways to brush teeth and prevent tooth ailments, discovering a couple of great recipes which I tried. As my husband and I are acutely aware, dental disease has a reciprocal effect with overall body health. If you're over stressed and generally unhealthy, your immune system will be suppressed and dental caries, caused by bacteria, will flourish. If your mouth is unhealthy, especially with gum disease, it overloads your health every moment of the day, lowering your resistance to all disease. This suppression of immunity resulted in my husband being unable to suppress an infection he picked up in Guatemala which landed him in the hospital multiple times.  Since changing how he takes care of his teeth my husband has seen a drastic improvement in his health including the management of his diabetes.

Although I found serval interesting tidbits especially about Ayurveda medicinal practices, I think you should read them for yourself to determine what you need to enact in your life.  However, I did find in the article reference to herbal rinses you could add to your daily routine which can improve oral health, so I thought I would share them with you here. 

Check out the end of this post for sources and other information.

According to Learning Herbs there are three steps to improving mouth health:

1. Manually Removing Food Debris and Plaque and Tartar. Promote dental health by brushing and flossing daily and use a mouth wash. By ridding the mouth of food debris, it also helps to decrease the number of bacteria in the mouth. Brushing, flossing and using a mouth wash decreases the buildup of plaque, which then decreases the amount of tartar. Regular visits to the dental hygienist will remove any built-up tartar. 

2. Promoting Healthy Mouth Bacteria.  Most of us have heard of the concept of promoting healthy gut bacteria and the same principles apply to the mouth. There are beneficial and harmful bacteria in the mouth and by supporting beneficial bacteria through healthy lifestyle practices, like diet, it can decrease the harmful bacteria. 

3. Remineralization of Teeth. Our skin is constantly regenerating itself, sloughing off dead skin cells and regenerating new ones. Teeth are similar in that they can remineralize. Saliva is designed to remineralize our teeth and, in doing so, can continually build our tooth enamel. The catch is that the saliva has to contain a plentiful amount of minerals in order to remineralize our teeth effectively. In order for our saliva to have minerals we have to be ingesting minerals in our diet and avoid activities that decrease minerals in our body (such as sugar consumption and chronic stress).

Herbalists and natural healers recommend using warming, astringent, connective-tissue-healing herbs to enhance and maintain oral health. These herbs can be used as a rinse or applied as packs (a pinch of powder, wetted to a mush with a liquid such as water or vitamin E, and tucked next to the teeth). Rinses are made by preparing an herb as tea in the usual way, or by simply stirring herb powder into water. Hold the rinse in the mouth for a few seconds or up to several minutes, gargle, and spit out.

Herbs to Use in Dental Rinses

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that help heal irritated, tender gums. It also has a mild antiseptic action.
• Chamomile – (Matricaria chamomilla) soothing and relaxing it is also good for the inflammation of gingivitis.
• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.), an immune-stimulating herb, helps combat infection; it is anti-inflammatory and antiviral.
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic properties; it’s good for healing and preventing gum problems.
• Horsetail is rich in silica, vitamin E, selenium and other minerals. When used as a mouth rinse, it can help in coagulation, decrease bleeding and heal oral infections.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) provides a pleasant, freshening flavor and sensation.
• Sage (Salvia officinalis) has strong astringent properties, making it a favorite herb for tightening the gums and soothing a sore mouth.
• Plantain (Plantago major, P. lanceolata) Plantain is scorned as a weed by many but is a beloved herb to those who truly know it. The list of plantain’s medicinal abilities could go on and on so for this we’ll simply say it is a wonderful herb to help heal wounds and fight infection.
• Thyme (Thymus ssp) Thyme has a chemical in it called thymol which is often times an ingredient in commercial mouthwashes and rinses.  So adding thyme to an infusion for an herbal rinse can give you the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties thyme is known for.  It will assist with fighting infection.
• White oak bark (Quercus alba), a strong astringent, is helpful for healing swollen, tender and bleeding gums and mucous membranes, and has a clotting and antiseptic effect.

Herbal rinses to try

Simple Chamomile Mouthwash

Make a stronger than normal tea by steeping 2 tsp of chamomile flowers in 6 to 8 ounces of water and allow to steep 10 to 12 minutes.  Chill and use as a rinse after brushing teeth

Sophisticated multi-herb Dental rinse

The herbs in this rinse all have properties that will help with healing of the gums as well as killing the bacteria.

1 tsp thyme

2 tsp calendula petals
1 tsp sage
1 tsp peppermint
2 tsp plantain

Combine herbs and store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.  Use 1 to 2 tsp of blend in 6 to 8 ounces of water.  Boil water and add herbs.  Steep 7 to 10 minutes.  Chill tea. 

To Use: Hold the rinse in the mouth for a few seconds or up to several minutes, gargle, and spit out.

Refreshing Herbal Mouth Rinse

1 cup brandy or vodka

1 Tbls. sage, dried
1 Tbls thyme, dried
1 Tbls. eucalyptus, dried
1 Tbls. rosemary, dried
1 Tbls. dried lemon zest.
1 cup distilled water
½ tsp vanilla

Into a jar (with a lid) place brandy or vodka, dried sage, thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary, and dried lemon zest. Cover and set aside for two weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain, add distilled water and vanilla.

To Use: pour a few tablespoons into a glass, swish in the mouth, and spit.

Additional sources on Herbal Dental health:

Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums (North Atlantic books, 2013) by Nadine Artemis

Complete Handbook of Nature Cure: Comprehensive Family Guide to Health the Nature Way (Jaico Pub House, 2003) by H.K. Bakhru

Ayurvedic Beauty Care (Lotus, 1994), by Melanie Sachs

The Herbs of Life (Crossing Press, 1992) by Lesley Tierra, L.Ac.

Traditional Healers Handbook (Healing Arts, 1988), by Hakim Chrishti, N.D.

Planetary Herbology (Lotus, 1988),  by Michael Tierra, O.M.C., L.Ac.

The New Holistic Herbal (Element, 1983), by David Hoffmann

www.learningherbs.com

Immunity Boosting Herbs

There are numerous herbs which are known, both through traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, to benefit the immune system. Typically, such herbs work by directly attacking and destroying disease-causing pathogens, increasing the numbers and/or activity of immune cells in the body, or both. Here are some powerful immune-boosting herbs, in no particular order.

1.Astragalus

Astragalus was described by Mark Stengler, ND, as "one of the best herbs in the world for enhancing the protective effects of the immune system." This herb boosts immunity by increasing the numbers and/or enhancing the function of various immune cells in the body, including macrophages, natural killer cells, white blood cells and antibodies. It also stimulates the production of interferon, a potent antiviral compound. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, where astragalus is known as Huang Qi, it is used to help prevent common colds and upper respiratory tract infections.  In the US we call it milkvetch and it grows wild in fields, long roads and other places where the soil has been disturbed.  I posted some more details about this plant back in 2012 among the Wild Herbs I found in Wisconsin.

2.Echinacea

Although the taking of powdered echinacea in tablet form was debunked a number of years ago, further study has revealed it does give the immune system a boost by stimulating the immune cells that patrol the body and fight off disease-causing pathogens when extracted into tinctures. This herb raises both the number and activity of white blood cells, a core component of the body's immune system, and activates interferons, which are required for protective immune defense against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and tumor cells. Echinacea also contains other chemicals which prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, and has even been shown to have anticarcinogenic properties.

One particular study in Germany found that 30 drops of Echinacea tincture taken three times daily helped to enhance the activity of phagocytes, a type of immune cell, in the body by 120% after 5 days of consumption. The direct antiviral properties of Echinacea make it valuable considering the limits of conventional medicine in dealing with viral infections.

I covered some of its other attributes and details of how to grow it and make a tincture from the leaves, flowers and roots in an herb of the week post in 2011

3.Licorice Root

There are two compounds in licorice, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, which research has shown to elevate the levels of interferon in the body. This helps to keep the replication of viruses and other pathogens in check. Licorice root is actually found in many Chinese, Ayurvedic, Japanese and even Western formulas for treating infections and infectious diseases. Licorice lozenges and teas are commonly recommended by my herb friends. I shared a tea recipe back in a blog in 2012 

In Europe, physicians have a high regard for licorice root as one of the best herbal treatments for fighting viral hepatitis. Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C are treated intravenously using licorice in Europe.

4.Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been found in research to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, as well as the ability to both increase immune cell production and enhance immune cell activity. 

Be aware however this plant is protected, so wild harvesting is generally not allowed in most places.  Instead try to grow a patch of your own (And no, this is not goldenrod or ragweed the plants that grow everywhere!)

Goldenrod (not Goldenseal)

5. Elderberries 

Elderberries are held in high esteem in areas all over the world. Known for their outstanding ability to ward off and cure the common cold and flu virus, elderberries make some of the most effective remedies and should be a part of everyone’s home healing pantry. In fact in a 1996 report researchers who studied elderberries found that they are 99% effective in fighting the Avian Flu (H5N1) virus. (Nutri-ingredients USA) Make a tincture or enjoy a syrup made with this on your pancakes or ice cream.

6.Garlic

Garlic also contains compounds which fight and destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and even cancer cells. For the best health effect, fresh garlic should be chopped or crushed, left for 10-15 minutes, and then eaten raw.  Do not kiss your partner after trying this, however.

7.Ginseng

American Ginseng

Research in Germany found that Siberian ginseng boosts immunity. In particular, the activity of lymphocytes are enhanced, which are immune cells in the body that fight infection. In addition, Chinese ginseng has also been found to give immune function a boost. American ginseng is also known for its healing properties and as a result it has been over harvested.  There are a number of regulations about harvesting this plant so know yours before you gather it yourself.


Sources for this article include:

Stengler, Mark, ND. The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies: Proven Remedies Medical Doctors Don't Know. New York, NY: Prentice Hall Press, 2010. Print.

Murray, Michael, ND., Pizzorno, Joseph, ND., and Pizzorno, Lara, MA, LMT. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York, NY: Atria Books, 2005. Print.

Gaby, Alan R., MD. The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 2006. Print.

Haas, Elson M., MD, and Levin, Buck, PhD, RD. Staying Healthy With Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine. New York, NY: Celestial Arts, 2006. Print.

Immunity Boosting Herb Garden

Come winter time I begin thinking of what to plant next year.  I have discussed theme gardens before, but this time I thought I would focus on medicinal herbs.  Recent illnesses among my friends and family have made me more aware of the need to incorporate medicinal herbs into our daily life.  I admit that although I understand the medicinal properties of many plants.  I grow herbs because I enjoy the scents and flavors more than any other aspect.

So this year I decided to focus on the easiest ways to begin incorporating those medicinal properties.  Boosting or strengthening the immune system would help most people avoid chronic illness, so I decided to start there.

scale is 4 squares to 1 foot

I designed this garden based on an idea I found in the Herb Companion Magazine back in 2012 and sketched into my notes.  The Garden is round and about 4 and ½ feet in diameter with a raised center section about 2 feet in diameter located in the center.  Raising the herbs up in the center allows them to get more sunlight and to spread without crowding the plants that encircle them.

At the bottom is a diagram
of the raised center

It created a nice compact immunity boosting herb garden that you can try too!

I suggest one each of the plants listed except Echinacea which should number 3 and thyme which can number 3 to 5.

The Plants are:

E Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or Echinacea purpurea) - This strong hardy perennial is easy to grow from seed and looks lovely when it flowers in the fall.  You can use the root to make tea or just the flowering tops both will boost natural immunity.

G Ginger (Zingiber officinale) The root is used in tea as it is both warming and anti-inflammatory and has been used effectively to help fight the flu and common cold. Not hardy in the Midwest this plant should be grown in a pot.

L Lavender – (Lavendula) - Studies have demonstrated lavender’s inherent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal disinfecting properties. It is a low growing shrub that makes a striking plant with it silver gray leaves and purple flowers.

M Mint (Mentha) - with many different species to choose from, almost all assist with illness symptoms like nausea, headaches and fever. Bushy shapes like apple mint and spearmint will look the best in this small garden, but a container may be needed to keep the mint under control.

Me Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) - The leaves and flowers have a pleasant wintergreen aroma and flavor, and are used internally for inflammation, fevers, heartburn, and peptic ulcers. Meadowsweet is a wonderful tonic for arthritis with its anti-inflammatory salicylates. A hardy perennial, it grows to 4’ tall, and 2.5’ wide. Plant in full sun or part shade.  

Mo Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)- is a short-lived herbaceous perennial, plant in full sun to part shade. Hardy to Zone 4. Plant 18-24 inches apart; grows 3 to 5’ tall. In cooler climates, it can take over and become quite weedy, so you may want to plant it where it can do its thing without stepping on anyone’s toes.

O Oregano (Origamnum vulgare) - Most known for its culinary properties, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which make it perfect for immune system support. It is believed to have enough antibacterial effect to kill MRSA.

R Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - A culinary wonder, this herb provides anti-inflammation, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. And research provides ample evidence that rosemary not only improves memory, but helps fight cancer.  Not hardy below 10 degrees, this plant should be grown in a pat to bring in for the winter.

S Sage (Salvia officinalis) - An anti-fungal herb you can add this to tea and use to make sore throat treatments.  A hardy perennial it can get larger over time so as a background plant is great.

T Thyme (Thymus) - Thyme has many medicinal properties it is anti-bacterial and can be used in all of its scents including lemon.  Hardy, they are a low grower and can fill in around the base of the Echinacea.

Almost of these plants will be available on May 12 & 13, 2017 at the Plant Sale of the Garden Club of Villa Park. Pre-order of plants is available thru April 20 with order forms available on the Club website.

Cough Relief Herbal Tea - Weekend Recipe

Coughs are very common in the winter months.  A cough remedy or cough drop is always a good idea, but in a hurry a cough relief tea is also quick and easy.  You can blend up this recipe of cough relief herbs way in advance and use just 3 tsp. per cup of hot water.  Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 7 minutes.  Drink this tea as often as needed.

This blend makes a strong tea to help relieve your cough as well as make coughs more productive to rid the body of toxins and heal quicker.  This recipe will make 5 1/2 cups which should be enough to get you through the winter.   Enjoy!

Cough Relief Herbal Blend

1/2 cup each:
Red Clover Blossoms
Horehound
Mullein Leaf
Nettle Leaf
Echinacea Purpurea Leaf
Marshmallow Root

1/4 cup each:
Thyme
White Pine Bark
Elecampane Root
Echinacea Purpurea Root
Wild Cherry Bark
Licorice Root

1 cup:
Peppermint Leaf

Combine and store in an air tight container.

An ABC of herbs from the Klehm Arboretum

In June on one of the fine days we had before the rains started, my husband and I decided to visit the Klehm Arboretum in Rockford, IL.

There were several things there I just loved.  Beyond the experimental garden where they had different plantings and garden ornament which I always love to tour, there was a maze garden and children's garden of ABCs.

I loved this garden because it was a mix of common names and scientific names and they did not even stretch too far to find something for each letter.

For E they used Echinacea, it was too soon to tell it if was the purple variety or not, but that was my guess.  For F they chose Floss Flower Ageratum houstonianum.  I guess I never knew this name for this plant wish is a "Miller," like Dusty Miller, but then I saw it at the Rotary International Garden in Janesville, identified with this same name, so now I think this may be a Midwestern name for it and I still harken back to my Ohio roots when iidentifying plants by common names.

H was a lovely planting of  Hen & Chicks in a ceramic pot with the chicks spreading down to the ground.

J was a plant I had never heard of called Jewels of Opar.  What I discovered was it is Talinum paniculatum, a succulent subshrub in the purslane family. Or in the vernacular, a species of Portulaca or Moss Roses.

Lamb's Ear stood up for L, with Marigolds for M.  Nepeta (catnip) was used for N and  with O being Oenothera or Sundrops.

Windflower represented W, but I was too early to see it flowering. It has a small white pointed five petal flower  Anemone nemorosa is thought to be the flower Adonis turns into after having been torn to pieces by a boar in Ovid's 'Venus and Adonis.'

R was a stand by perennial Rudbeckia, I suspect the usual Black Eyed Susans will be blooming here sooner than their normal fall time.

X was Xanthoriza simplicissima, Yellow Root, a shrubbery that you cannot even see in this photo because it is is so small.

But I found it in another image....

for Y they used the herb Yarrow and Z was for Zinna, one of my favorite flowers.....



The Klehm Arboretum is 155 acres of trees, plants, shrubs and flowers nestled into the south side of Rockford Illinois, at 2715 S. Main Street.  During the Summer they are open 9 am to 8 pm and the admission is very reasonable.  I took more than 100 photos during our trip, so I guarantee there is more to see that what I have shared here.