In this conversation, I share my personal journey with herbal medicine, from the joy I’ve found in my garden this summer to the ways plants have guided my work and teaching. I talk about the development of my Year Two herbal program, which focuses on clinical herbalism and the importance of building community through our shared love of plants.

I also explore some of the most common questions I hear about herbal medicine, including how herbs interact with pharmaceuticals, and why whole plant remedies are often safer and more effective than single extracts. Along the way, I reflect on the deep relationship between plants and people—how herbs can support not only physical wellness, but also emotional healing and personal growth.

As we look ahead to the fall season, I share how this time invites creativity, reflection, and connection—with nature, with each other, and with ourselves.

If you’re curious about herbal remedies, plant consciousness, and how we can grow together through herbal medicine, I’d love for you to join me in this conversation.

🌿 Subscribe for herbal tips and wellness insights: https://bit.ly/4iRnpyX

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

Resources: 

Sky House Year Two Course: https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/second-year

Drug/Herb Interaction resources: 

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

👉 https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance

Natural Medicines Database (formerly Natural Standard)

👉 https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this video (and linked resources) is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any herbs, supplements, or medications. While the resources shared are reputable and evidence-based, they are not exhaustive, and individual responses to herbs and pharmaceuticals can vary.

Chapters: The Joy of Plants: Herbal Medicine, Growth, and Community

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:18 Gardening Journey and Herbal Medicine Education

09:36 Deep Dive into Herbalism and Clinical Practices

19:34 Questions from the Minnetonka Gardening Club

27:26 Summer Reflections and Future Plans

In this video, I’ll show you exactly how I make a Blue Vervain tincture from start to finish. I’ll walk you through how to identify and harvest Blue Vervain safely, choose the right alcohol (and why I love using brandy), and prepare the herb for the most potent and flavorful medicine possible.

I’ll also share some of my favorite tincturing techniques—like the meditative hand-ripping method—and why I believe the quality of our energy shapes the medicine we create. You’ll see how I approach sustainable harvesting, my process for getting the perfect ratio in the jar, and the simple but important step of labeling your tincture.

Along the way, I’ll talk about the medicinal benefits of Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), a cooling, anti-spasmodic herb I often use to ease tension, calm the nervous system, and support deep rest. This is more than just a how-to—it’s a personal look at the joy of making herbal medicine with intention and connection.

In this episode, I share:

- How I properly identify and respectfully harvest Blue Vervain

- Why sustainable harvesting matters to me

- My go-to alcohol for extraction (and why I prefer brandy)

- My methods for preparing herbs for tincturing

- Tips for getting the perfect ratio in your jar

- How I label and store my tinctures for long-term use

- Why connecting deeply with the plant transforms the medicine-making process

Subscribe

Study with Me! Year Two Herbal Integration and Practice: https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/second-year 

Links:

“Herb of the Month: Blue Vervain” including medicinal uses, dosage, and science: https://youtu.be/FO2tu5pkkAc?feature=shared 

“Blue Vervain: A Personal Medicine Story”: https://youtu.be/PiqDe9gd1qo?feature=shared 

🌿 Subscribe for herbal tips and wellness insights: https://bit.ly/4iRnpyX

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

Chapters: How to Make the Best Blue Vervain Tincture | Herbal Medicine Tips & Benefits | Ashley Elenbaas

00:00 Begins

00:34 Harvesting Blue Vervain: A Step-by-Step Guide

03:28 The Benefits of Blue Vervain: Why Make a Tincture?

04:52 Essential Steps for Making a Tincture

09:35 Choosing the Right Alcohol for Extraction

11:46 Methods for Preparing Herbs for Tincturing

24:25 Filling the Jar: The Importance of Ratios

33:29 Finalizing the Tincture: Labeling and Storing

35:07 The Personal Touch: Making Medicine with Intention

In this episode, I sit down with herbalist and wellness guide Rachelle Robinett. RH(AHG). to talk about her inspiring journey from the fashion industry to the world of herbalism and plant-based healing. We explore what it means to reclaim the divine feminine through rituals, emotional healing, and connection to plant consciousness.

We dive into how nature shapes identity, why rituals should be non-negotiable in our self-care routines, and how plants act as emotional and spiritual allies—especially in urban environments like New York City. This conversation touches on themes of embodied feminism, wellness, and the revolutionary act of slowing down and tuning in.

🌿 Whether you're new to herbalism or deep on your own plant path, this episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and wildness.

🧿 Subscribe for more conversations about herbal medicine, emotional healing, rituals, and the divine feminine.

Get Your Copy “Naturally:The Herbalist's Guide to Health and Transformation” https://amzn.to/4mkidpE

Follow Rachelle Robinette on Social at @rachellerobinett - https://www.instagram.com/rachellerobinett/#

Sign Up for Rachelle’s Newsletter - https://www.rachellerobinett.com/

Shop Pharmakon Herbals - https://www.ursupernatural.com/

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🌿 Subscribe for herbal tips and wellness insights: https://bit.ly/4iRnpyX

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

Chapters: 00:34 From Fashion to Herbalism: A Journey of Self-Discovery  

06:57 The Urban Herbalist: Navigating Nature in NYC  

11:25 Embracing the Divine Feminine Through Herbalism  

21:01 Wildness and Authenticity: The Influence of Nature  

24:24 The Dual Nature of Plants: Poison and Cure  

26:17 Herbs as Allies in Emotional and Spiritual Healing  

30:14 Rituals: The Importance of Tradition in Healing  

35:13 Feminism and the Future of Herbalism  

40:18 Empowerment Through Herbalism and Environmental Advocacy  

#herbalism #divinefeminine #plantmedicine #rituals #emotionalhealing #feminism #selfcare #plantconsciousness #wellness

In this video, I dive into the causes of overwhelm and exhaustion, sharing personal insights on how we can start replenishing our energy and restoring balance in our busy lives. As someone who has struggled with burnout, I explore the importance of prioritizing relaxation, nutrition, and self-care in the face of our modern, fast-paced culture. I also weave in some personal reflections and Tarot insights to help illuminate deeper patterns of energy depletion.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:

- Overwhelm is a product of our busy culture and it’s crucial to understand this in order to make lasting changes.

- We need to make unstructured time a priority in our lives—without it, true rest and recovery are impossible.

- Nutrition is a game-changer for our energy levels, and understanding its impact on our bodies is essential.

- Tarot insights can offer unique perspectives on our state of depletion, guiding us toward more balanced living.

- Herbs like marshmallow can support the body’s ability to restore balance and replenish energy naturally.

- Letting go of old patterns and beliefs is key for new growth and energy renewal.

- By making small shifts in how we navigate our busy culture, we can create more sustainable habits.

- Self-care is essential for well-being—it’s not selfish, it’s necessary.

I’ll also share herbal remedies that can help with energy restoration, including my favorite go-to herbs for deep replenishment. If you’re feeling depleted or overwhelmed, this video will give you practical tips and inspiration to make small but powerful changes.

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🌿 Subscribe for herbal tips and wellness insights: https://bit.ly/4iRnpyX

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

RESOURCES

Sky House Herb Events - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/upcoming-events 

Year Two Herbal Apprenticeship - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/second-year 

Herb of the Month: Marshmallow/Making a Marshmallow Infusion:https://youtu.be/Zyj9-WUgZrU?feature=shared 

Motherpeace Tarot Deck - https://amzn.to/4fAKtCp 
The Herbal Tarot Deck - https://amzn.to/4memawB

Chapters: Overcome Exhaustion & Burnout: Powerful, Under-the-Radar Herbs For Deep Replenishment

00:00 Begins

00:34 Understanding Exhaustion and Depletion  

02:26 Cultural Pressures and Busy Culture  

07:04 Nutrition and Its Impact on Energy  

09:52 The Art of Relaxation and Unstructured Time  

12:04 Personal Reflections on Energy and Productivity  

14:13 Insights from Tarot: Depletion and Recovery  

19:53 Herbal Remedies for Replenishment  

20:00 Marshmallow - Queen of Pentacles  

21:39 Wild Yam Card - 10 of Pentacles  

22:41 Rhubarb - 7 of Pentacles  

24:21 Integrating Changes for a Nourished Life 

July’s Herb of the Month is Blue Vervain or Verbena hastata. This cool, bitter herb is native to wetlands and streambanks across North America. Blue vervain has a long history of use as a nervine relaxant and tension reliever—our ancestors turned to it for everything from calming anxious minds to easing menstrual cramps. I chose blue vervain for the month of July as it speaks to us about release—not only our need to let go of stress and tension but also our invitation to embrace softness and vulnerability.

As we move into the height of summer’s heat and activity, you might try taking a few drops of Blue Vervain tincture or glycerite to encourage relaxation and hormonal balance.

If you want to try Blue Vervain as a bitter fast-working tea, I recommend

 🌿 Add 1 teaspoon of dried aerial parts to 1-2 cups of hot water and steep for 10 minutes covered.

 🌿 Strain and, if you like, add a splash of plant‑based milk or a touch of honey to round out the bitterness.

Enjoy either a few drops of Blue Vervain as a tincture or a few sips of tea every evening, and if you have time, take a few moments to sit quietly and notice how your body and mind respond—journal any insights that arise.

Where to buy Blue Vervain:

Mountain Rose Herbs – Wild Harvested Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) – https://mountainroseherbs.com/blue-vervain

Please leave your questions, comments, and takeaways below! I love to hear how blue vervain shows up for you.

Subscribe to this channel to stay up to date with new videos: https://bit.ly/4iRnpy

Sign up to my mailing list for webinars, virtual garden and herb walks, and more free content: http://www.skyhouseherbs.com/

Join me in this episode as I explore the magic of Bee Balm — specifically two of its most common and beloved varieties: Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa. As a clinical herbalist, I love sharing how these vibrant, fragrant plants can support our bodies, minds, and spirits.

We'll look at the similarities and differences between these two Monardas, from their mucolytic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and digestive properties to their nervine effects that help ease anxiety and tension. I’ll also share a few personal healing stories and offer insights on how the growth patterns of Bee Balm can reflect themes of community and divine timing in our lives.

And for a hands-on treat, I’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step guide to making your own herbal infused honey using Bee Balm. Whether you're a seasoned herbalist or just starting your journey, this is a nourishing way to bring more plant medicine into your kitchen and your heart.

🌿 Subscribe for herbal tips and wellness insights: https://bit.ly/4iRnpyX

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿

Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

References:

Herb of the Month: Bee Balm/Monarda fistulosa with Ashley Elenbaas - https://youtu.be/oOxMwmY4FQQ?feature=shared

Book: "Native Plants, Native Healing Traditional Muskogee Way" by Tis Mal Crow https://amzn.to/3GQYhLY

Book: "The Book of Herbal Wisdom" by Matthew Wood https://amzn.to/4nYo1Xs

Chapters: Monarda Magic: Comparing Bee Balms & How To Make Herbal Honey

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction to Bee Balm and Its Varieties

04:21 Nervine Effects and Personal Healing Stories

07:49 Antifungal Properties and Practical Applications

12:22 Personal Anecdotes and Healing Experiences

15:49 How to Make Monarda Infused Honey

22:59 How to Use Medicinal Monarda Honey

24:56 Conclusion and Encouragement to Experiment with Herbs

In this episode, I’m sharing the top gardening trends for 2025—and why they matter not only for our gardens, but for our hearts, our communities, and our planet. As a clinical herbalist and lifelong gardener, I love looking at how nature-based practices evolve to meet the needs of the moment.

This year’s trends speak to a deeper desire for sustainable gardening, mental health support, and meaningful community engagement. From mini meadows to vertical gardening, from soil health to repurposed materials, I’ll guide you through each of these powerful approaches—and how you can start using them today.

Whether you have a full yard or just a few containers, these ideas can bring more life, beauty, and connection to your space.

Here’s what we’ll explore together:

- Mini Meadows – A low-maintenance way to support pollinators and rewild your spaces

- Companion Planting & Ecosystem Gardening – Let your plants care for each other

- Soil Health – The foundation for a thriving, nutrient-rich garden

- Repurposed Materials – Reduce waste while creating something beautiful

- Smart Water Use – Save water with simple, effective conservation methods

- Community Gardens – Growing herbs and vegetables together builds belonging

- Wildlife-Friendly Gardens – Invite birds, bees, and butterflies back in

- Vertical Gardening – Make the most of small spaces, especially in urban areas

- Gardens for Mental Health – Use gardening as a therapeutic, grounding practice

Resources:

Soil to Spirit Playlist with Ashley Elenbaas - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtGmbdK5tigdaoI6mlsJdkzFSiJxrt7Am&feature=shared

Making Compost Tea - https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/the-best-compost-tea-recipe-to-help-your-plants-thrive/

Book - “God’s Hotel” by Victoria Sweet - https://amzn.to/40LTthw

🤝 Share this Video: XX

🌿 Subscribe for herbal tips and wellness insights: https://bit.ly/4iRnpyX

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

Chapters  - Proven 2025 Garden Trends: Create Stunning Medicinal & Ecological Gardens!

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction to 2025 Gardening Trends  

01:44 Embracing Mini Meadows  

03:22 The Power of Companion Planting  

05:58 Soil Health: The Foundation of Gardening  

08:06 Repurposing for Sustainable Gardening  

09:06 Smart Water Use in Gardening  

10:44 Building Community Through Gardening  

11:44 Utilizing Vertical Space for Urban Gardening  

13:21 Gardening for Mental Health  

#GardeningTrends #MiniMeadows #CompanionPlanting #SoilHealth #SustainableGardening #CommunityGardens #VerticalGardening #MentalHealth #WaterConservation #EcoFriendlyGardening #SkyHouseHerbs

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 life-changing books that every herbalist, gardener, and nature lover should have on their shelf. These are the books I return to again and again—whether I’m planning my medicinal herb garden, identifying wild plants, or curling up with a beautiful summer read that reconnects me to the heart of herbalism.

🌿 As a clinical herbalist, gardener, and teacher, I believe that books can be powerful allies in our journey—offering deep knowledge, creative garden inspiration, emotional healing, and spiritual connection. Some titles are practical and grounding, while others invite us into the soulful and intuitive side of plant medicine.

Whether you're new to herbalism or a longtime plant person, I hope these titles will inspire you to grow your library, your garden, and your relationship with the green world.

🤝 Share this Video: XX

🌿 Subscribe for herbal tips and wellness insights: https://bit.ly/4iRnpyX

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

🌿 10 Life-Changing Herb Books You Need to Read This Summer

(As featured in Sky House Herbs)

1 - Weeds in the Heart

 by Nathaniel Hughes and Fiona Owen

https://amzn.to/3GtEsKr 

2 - Secret Medicines from Your Garden: Plants for Healing, Spirituality, and Magic

 by Ellen Evert Hopman

https://amzn.to/46rvCr9 

3 - Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification

 by Thomas J. Elpel

https://amzn.to/45SKMpk 

4 - The Perennial Gardener’s Design Primer: The Essential Guide to Creating Simply Sensational Gardens

 by Stephanie Cohen and Nancy Ondra

https://amzn.to/4lzcZFY 

5 - The Medicinal Herb Grower: A Guide for Cultivating Plants that Heal, Volume 1

 by Richo Cech

6 - The Celestial Garden: Growing Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers in Sync with the Moon and Zodiac

https://amzn.to/4ex3vsI 

 by Jane Hollister Stevens

7 - Of People and Plants: The Autobiography of Europe's Most Celebrated Healer

 by Maurice Mességué

https://amzn.to/3TiVTjR 

8 - Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm: Beyond the Doors of Perception into the Dreaming of Earth

 by Stephen Harrod Buhner

https://amzn.to/4lbgByp 

9 - The Fifth Sacred Thing (fiction)

 by Starhawk

https://amzn.to/44vyXmD 

10 - God’s Hotel: A Doctor, a Hospital, and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine

 by Victoria Sweet
https://amzn.to/4nv9aDJ

Chapters: 10 Life-Changing Herb Books You Need to Read This Summer

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction to Summer Reads for Plant Lovers  

06:27 Essential Gardening Books for Plant Enthusiasts  

10:32 Fun and Engaging Reads for Relaxation  

17:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Book Selections 

In this video, I'm sharing my 5 biggest herbal mistakes—the kind that are a little embarrassing, sometimes painful, and always full of important lessons. 🌿

From burning my skin with raw garlic to accidentally creating an infection with marshmallow root (yes, really!), I’m pulling back the curtain on what not to do when working with herbs. I’ll even show you the photos—because let’s be honest, we all learn best when it’s real.

You’ll also hear about a cold I gave myself with the wrong herbal timing, and a gardening fail with Mugwort that completely took over. If you’re learning herbal medicine or just using herbs at home, this video will help you avoid some of the most common—and avoidable—pitfalls.

These lessons were hard-won, but I hope they’ll keep you safe, empowered, and on a smoother path with your herbal journey.

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

👉 If you’ve ever had an herbal fail, drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your story!

Resources:

Check out the LA Cold Cure Toast Recipe: https://youtu.be/UZvm9BPr2pk?feature=shared 

Chapters - Don't Do This! My 5 Biggest Mistakes Using Herbs

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction to Herbal Mistakes  

01:56 The Garlic Foot Fail  

05:09 Marshmallow Root Misapplication  

07:53 Mugwort Gardening Mistake  

09:27 Hormonal Balance Blunder  

10:38 Cold Treatment Timing  

12:40 Conclusion and Reflection  

#herbalmistakes #herbalmedicine #clinicalherbalist #herbalsafety #plantmedicine

In this episode, I’m joined by land steward, farmer, and ethnobotanist Aleya Fraser for a rich conversation about ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and the deep connections between land, community, and purpose.

We talk about how Aleya’s  journey from aspiring medical professional to full-time grower was shaped by a dream and rooted in the teachings of elders. Together, we explore the role of food as medicine, how spirituality shows up in farming and herbalism, and how storytelling helps pass down cultural and plant knowledge through generations.

This conversation touches on:

- The importance of elders and intergenerational wisdom

- Farming as a spiritual practice and form of resilience

- The connection between feminine energy and land stewardship

- How plants like elderflower carry ancestral stories across cultures

- Gardening and herbalism as tools for healing and climate adaptation

Whether you’re a gardener, herbalist, or simply curious about the intersection of culture, plants, and purpose—this episode offers inspiration and insight into what it means to live in relationship with the earth and our ancestry.

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

————

References and Resources:

Book, “Caribbean Herbalism: Traditional Wisdom and Modern Herbal Healing by Aleya Fraser - https://amzn.to/45pZROP

Aleya’s Website: https://www.caribbeanherbalism.com/

Follow Aleya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturaleya/

Octavia Butler - “Parable of the Sower” book - parable of the sower octavia butler summary

Benjamin Banneker - https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2025/02/26/the-extraordinary-benjamin-banneker/

Harriet Tubman “Aunties” Farm - https://www.theaunties.farm/

Google Search - “Fermented Plant Juices”

Stella Natura Planting Calendar 2025 - https://spikenardfarm.org/product/stella-natura-calendar/

Korean Natural Farming Basics - https://www.motherearthgardener.com/organic-gardening/korean-natural-farming-basics-zm0z20uzbut/

CHAPTERS - Storytelling, Soil & Spirit: How Elders and Plants Guide Our Purpose

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction to Ancestral Wisdom and Plant Medicine  

02:10 Exploring Roots and Heritage  

03:54 The Journey to Farming and Herbalism  

06:26 The Role of Elders in Learning  

08:42 Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life  

09:10 The Power of Place and Ancestry  

12:38 Connecting Through Plants  

14:35 Technical Difficulties and Transitioning to Goddess Worship  

14:35 Exploring Neolithic Goddess Worship and Ancestral Connections  

17:47 Land-Based Practices and Feminine Energy in Farming  

20:23 The Power of Storytelling in Teaching and Connection  

23:47 Gardening Tips and Ancestral Wisdom in Plant Medicine