During this first birthday edition of the Self Care with Herbs segment, I reflect on the many and varied nourishing conversations I’ve had with guests over the past 12 months. 

I pull out common themes, from the benefits of weaving our self care around the cycles and rhythms within ourselves and the world around us to the way our self care may change depending on the stage of life we find ourselves in. 

I reflect on the value of nature connection, and the way that growing herbs can deepen our relationship with the plants.

I share how my little herb patch has grown as a direct result of the conversations had during the podcast.

I examine the way that existing in our world and the pressures placed on us by our society can be a huge barrier to prioritising ourselves and how even the common definition of self care (as spa treatment or expensive getaway) can make it difficult for many of us.

I rejoice in reviewing the many deliciously nourishing self care recipes and rituals shared by guests and share stories of the connections that have been made as a result of the podcast.

I hope you enjoy reflecting on the past 12 months of conversations as much as I have. My heartfelt thanks to all of my beautiful guests who have shared this journey with me. 

You can revisit any of the episodes from the Self Care with Herbs segment by visiting the links below…

8. Connection to our Cycles and the Natural World: Artist Dalee Ella 

12. A life changing accident inspires a passion for herbal medicine: Jen Campbell 

16. Foraging, kitchen medicine and herbal tea- bringing the herbs into our everyday: Caroline Parker

20. Continuing the legacy of Dorothy Hall- Bringing the plants and the people together: Sally Kingsford Smith

24. Motherhood meets small business- the importance of getting back to basics: Norfolk Naturopath Zoe King

28. Mothercare, prioritising the basics and avoiding overwhelm: Emma Jacques

32. Nourishing skin care rituals, finding balance and forming a deeper relationship with herbs: Sue Daly

36. Listening to the whispers of our heart and being held by the herbs during times of transformation: Kristin Zanotti

40. Flowers, essential oils and knowing ourselves constitutionally: Tara Luca

44. Applying permaculture principles to Self Care: Hanna Navara

48. Self care as a dynamic, seasonal, everyday practice: Cat Green

During this episode, I refer to Dalee Ella’s stunning new ‘Art to Wear’ collection which you can access here.

I also refer to Caroline Parker’s new book baby ‘The Medicinal Garden: An Intro to Medicinal Herbs and How to Grow them and Use them in the Kitchen’ which will be out in Winter 2024. Stay tuned here.

You can connect with me, Jess Bosscha, host of the Self Care with Herbs segment of the Elder Tree podcast by following along on Instagram and Facebook, by signing up to my newsletter here , visiting my online store here or making an appointment for a consultation here.

To find out more about The Elder Tree visit the website at www.theeldertree.org and donate to the crowdfunding campaign here.

You can also follow The Elder Tree on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to the newsletter.

Find out more about this podcast and the presenters here. Get in touch with The Elder Tree at:  [email protected]

The intro and outro song is "Sing for the Earth" and was kindly donated by Chad Wilkins.  You can find Chad's music here and here.