As November settles in, I can already feel the buzz of the holidays approaching. Whether you’re looking forward to this season or feeling a little overwhelmed, taking a few small steps now can make all the difference in how grounded and joyful you feel when the celebrations arrive.

In this episode, I’m sharing five folk wisdom tips to help you prepare for the holidays—starting today. You’ll learn how to care for your body using simple seasonal wisdom (like protecting your neck, back, and feet from the cold), easy ways to nourish yourself with warming foods, and some heartfelt herbal gift ideas you can create at home.

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

We’ll explore:

 🌿 How traditional Chinese and folk medicine view cold protection

 🍲 Why soups and broths are your best allies this season

 🎁 Simple, meaningful herbal gifts like tea blends and sacred protector jars

 💚 How to weave care and creativity into your holiday rituals

These timeless practices will help you stay healthy, centered, and inspired—so you can actually enjoy the holidays instead of just getting through them.

If you found these tips helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more herbal wisdom and seasonal wellness inspiration!

🎫 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

Bulk Herb Suppliers

 - Mountain Rose Herbs: https://mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/herbs-spices 

 - Oshala Herb Farm: https://oshalafarm.com/ 

Tiny Glass Herb Jars with Cork Stoppers - https://amzn.to/4ow0LA0 

Red and White Bakers Twine - https://www.etsy.com/search?q=red%20and%20white%20bakers%20twine&ref=search_bar 

Chapters: Folk Wisdom Tips: 5 Ways to Prepare for the Holidays Starting Now!

0:00 - Intro to Sky House Herbs Podcast 

0:30 - Holiday Preparation Tips 

1:45 - Traditional Chinese Medicine Winter Protection 

3:15 - Protecting Your Neck, Back, and Feet 

5:30 - Warming Foot Bath Ritual 

6:00 - Winter Nutrition: The Power of Soup 

8:30 - Universal Herbal Gift Ideas 

9:45 - Herbal Tea Blend Tutorial 

11:30 - Creating Sacred Protector Herb Jars 

14:15 - Herbal Infused Oils: A Healing Gift 

16:45 - Christmas Tree Needle Oil Hack 

17:30 - Douglas Fir Healing Oil Benefits 

19:00 - Closing Thoughts and Gift Inspiration

In this episode of my Herb of the Month series, I explore Cragaegus spp. Hawthorne, or Hawthorn—a plant that has long stood at the threshold between the wild and the cultivated, the seen and unseen. Known both for its potent heart medicine and its folklore as a protector of sacred spaces, Hawthorn invites us to reflect on what it means to love bravely and to hold healthy boundaries.

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

You’ll learn about Hawthorn’s physiological actions, energetics, and emotional effects, along with the latest scientific research showing its ability to lower blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.

We’ll also explore its rich folklore and traditional role as a hedge plant, symbolizing protection, transformation, and the alchemy of the heart.

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

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

✨ Key insights:

- Hawthorn tones and strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and supports balanced blood pressure.

- Its leaves, flowers, and berries work gently to restore vitality to the cardiovascular system.

- The branches of Hawthorn teach compassion through clear, loving boundaries.

- Healing often arises from what first feels uncomfortable, reminding us that growth begins at the edges.

- Acceptance is the foundation for true transformation.

———— 

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

————

Hawthorn reminds us that love’s strength lies in tenderness—and that sometimes, the most profound healing comes from what we once resisted.

Reference Texts

Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs and natural supplements: An evidence-based guide (4th ed.). Elsevier Australia. https://amzn.to/3L9QomL 

Ellingwood, F. (1909). Ellingwood’s therapeutics: Materia medica and clinical therapeutics. Ellingwood’s Therapeutist Press. https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/journals/elth/elth1909/index.html 

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press. https://amzn.to/4oijH53 

Chapters: Herb of the Month: Hawthorn | Ashley Elenbaas

0:00 - Intro to Sky House Herbs Podcast

1:30 - Personal Story about Hawthorn Tree

4:45 - Hawthorn's Botanical Description

6:15 - Historical and Cultural Significance

9:23 - Medicinal Properties of Hawthorn

12:30 - Physical Health Benefits

14:45 - Mental and Emotional Effects

16:30 - Clinical Studies on Hawthorn

18:00 - Spiritual and Folk Medicine Traditions

19:09 - Poem about Hawthorn's Medicine

22:00 - Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

In this gifted bonus episode, I invite you to join me in reflection as we cross the threshold into Samhain — the ancient turning of the year, when the veil thins and darkness gently overtakes the light.

This spoken meditation is paired with imagery from my garden and the land here in Minnesota, filmed today as autumn unfurls her final colors. Together, we’ll walk into the heart of this season — into the fallen leaves, the deep rest of the earth, and the quiet wisdom of the plants who continue to offer their medicine even as the world slows and cools.

Through poetry, imagery, and reverence for the natural world, I share my reflections on the mystery, beauty, and ancestral teachings of this time of year. May this offering remind you to rest, listen deeply, and soften into the slower rhythm of the dark season.

🍂 Wishing you a blessed Samhain and a gentle turning toward the dark.

With Love,

Ashley

🌿 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

————

In this episode, I explore one of the most fascinating relationships in the body — the gut-brain axis — and how our digestion and mental health are intimately connected. As a clinical herbalist and a practitioner of plant spirit medicine, I’ve seen how tending the gut can calm the mind, lift the heart, and bring us back into balance.

We’ll look at the science behind this connection — how the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, and the gut microbiome shape our mood, focus, and emotional resilience. I’ll also share how stress and inflammation disrupt these pathways, and what we can do to restore communication between the gut and brain.

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

Throughout the conversation, I introduce some of my favorite herbal allies for gut-brain harmony:

 🌿 Ashwagandha – strengthens resilience and lowers stress hormones

 🌿 Holy Basil (Tulsi) – uplifts mood and clears mental fog

 🌿 Chamomile – soothes digestive tension and emotional unrest

 🌿 Lemon Balm – calms the nervous system and supports digestion

 🌿 Licorice Root – protects and nourishes the gut lining while easing fatigue

I’ll also share a simple case study and a few daily practices to help you strengthen vagal tone, improve digestion, and support emotional well-being — from breathwork and mindful eating to herbal rituals that deepen your connection with your body’s inner wisdom.

✨ Watch this episode if you’re curious about:

- How the gut-brain axis shapes your health and mood

- Herbs that support digestion, stress relief, and mental clarity

- The role of the vagus nerve and microbiome in healing

- Ways to calm inflammation and reconnect to your intuition

🎫 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: Herbal Gut-Brain Axis: The Link Between Digestion and Mood | Ashley Elenbaas

00:00 Begins

00:22 Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis

02:01 The Role of the Vagus Nerve

04:52 Neurotransmitters and the Enteric Nervous System

06:33 The Microbiome's Influence on Mood

08:16 Stress, Inflammation, and Gut Health

10:37 Herbal Allies for Gut-Brain Communication

18:04 Integrating Herbs with Lifestyle Practices

20:00 Case Study: Healing Through Gut Health

21:10 Final Thoughts on Gut Health and Intuition

In this episode, “Death and Herbs: 3 Topics to Think About Right Now,” I explore how herbalism, culture, and nature can help us reimagine death—not as something to fear, but as a natural teacher and an essential part of life’s cycle.

As an herbalist, I’ve always seen the threads between life, sleep, and death. In this talk, I share how our nightly rest can be a small rehearsal for letting go, how symptoms and illness can be wise teachers, and how creating rituals around death can deepen our connection to life itself.

We’ll look at death through the lens of spirituality, healing, and culture, considering what it means to celebrate mortality rather than resist it. Together, we’ll explore how embracing death can awaken a greater sense of joy, purpose, and reverence for the living world.

🌿 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

————

Key themes:

 🌿 Death as a teacher, not an enemy

 💤 Sleep as practice for dying

 🌺 Ritual and celebration as ways to honor mortality

 🌱 How herbs and nature can guide us through transformation

 ✨ Living more fully by accepting impermanence

If you’ve ever wondered how herbs, healing, and spirituality intersect with the great mystery of death, this conversation is for you.

Resources:

Alan Watts video on Death and The Tao: https://youtu.be/56yLoF-PGbk

Chapters: Death and Herbs: 3 Topics to Think About Right Now

0:00:00 - Intro and podcast introduction

0:02:03 - Start of discussion about death

0:11:24 - Discussion about sleep and death

0:00:35 - Seasonal context and changing leaves

0:02:15 - Three main points about death

0:11:24 - Third point: Death is vivifying

Have you noticed how some herbs are suddenly everywhere? Ashwagandha for stress, turmeric shots for inflammation, and milk thistle for “detox”? In this episode, I take a closer look at these three popular herbs — what the research actually supports, what’s marketing hype, and how we can use them wisely and safely.

🌿 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

————

💫 In this episode, I cover:

.Ashwagandha — the root that rebuilds: adaptogen for stress, sleep, and nervous system support.

.Turmeric — the golden healer: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic ally.

.Milk Thistle — guardian of the liver: gentle detox support and cellular protector.

✨ Key Takeaways:

.Herbs are not quick fixes — they’re long-term allies that rebuild resilience.

.Traditional use and modern research often meet beautifully when we look closely.

.The right form, dose, and rhythm matter just as much as the herb itself.

If you enjoy this conversation, comment below with which of these herbs you’ve worked with — or which you’d like me to explore next.

Resources:

Gaia Herbs: https://www.gaiaherbs.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoptddGcRAk2dquUbli8LtT53uNfR1eBuDYWiG8DX6Cm1rQ8I8-J

Herb Pharm: https://www.herb-pharm.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooNb9Sreadhzi8wKaqeJ6ci8Ld1zQzvaGipCkFErgBbo-rK7Gwa

Chapters: Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Milk Thistle: What the Research Really Says | Ashley Elenbaas

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction to Myth Busting Herbs

10:20 Turmeric: The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

17:42 Milk Thistle: The Liver Guardian

In this episode of Herb of the Month, I dive into the world of Angelica archangelica—a tall, majestic herb celebrated for both its medicinal and magical qualities. I’ll share its physical traits, how it grows best, and the many ways it has been used throughout history. From protecting against plague to soothing anxiety, Angelica has long been considered one of the great protectors in the herbal tradition.

I also weave in some of my own experiences working with this plant, particularly in supporting family health and children’s well-being. Together, we’ll explore its role as both a healing ally and a spiritual guardian.

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

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Angelica archangelica is a tall herb with hollow stems that thrives in moist, partially shaded areas.

- Warming and diffusive, it stimulates circulation and supports the digestive system.

- Historically used to ward off the plague and revered for its protective qualities.

- Known for its anxiolytic properties, helping calm anxiety and soothe tension.

- The root can be used in tinctures, teas, and even as incense.

- Beneficial for cold conditions and congestion.

- A protective ally in folk traditions, used as an amulet or talisman.

- Supportive for children, especially those experiencing nightmares.

🌿 Along the way, we’ll also touch on Hildegard von Bingen’s insights, magical traditions, and practical tips for using Angelica in your own home apothecary.

If you’re curious about the healing powers and spiritual presence of Angelica, this episode will help you connect more deeply with this incredible plant ally.

🎫 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:

Anxiety Research: Kumar D, Bhat ZA. Anti-anxiety Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Different Parts of Angelica archangelica Linn. J Tradit Complement Med. 2012 Jul;2(3):235-41. doi: 10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30105-5. PMID: 24716138; PMCID: PMC3942901. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24716138/ 

Book: “A Shamanic Herbal: Plant Teachers and Animal Medicines” by Matthew Wood: https://amzn.to/473QFjn 

Book: Culpeper’s Colour Herbal - https://amzn.to/4npv22M 

Organic Angelica Tincture - Wish Garden - https://www.wishgardenherbs.com/products/angelica?_pos=1&_sid=e7f5ec864&_ss=r 

Chapters: Herb of the Month: Angelica

00:00 Begins

00:24 Introduction to Angelica Archangelica

02:27 Physical Properties and Growth Conditions

03:15 Medicinal Uses and Benefits

05:34 Historical and Magical Significance

07:47 Preparation and Usage of Angelica

09:35 Culinary and Traditional Uses

10:30 Hildegard von Bingen's Insights

11:18 Protective Qualities and Spiritual Uses

13:42 Journeying and Creative Enhancement

15:33 Practical Applications and Dosage

17:34 Conclusion and Personal Reflections

Hi friends, it’s Ashley Marie Elenbaas. In this video, I open up about my own personal experiences with hair loss and thinning and share the natural solutions that have helped me along the way. Hair struggles can feel overwhelming, but there are many holistic approaches that support regrowth and long-term scalp health.

We’ll talk about some of the most common causes of hair loss, including stress, hormonal shifts, low iron, and nutritional deficiencies. I’ll also share how daily practices like weekly scalp treatments, herbal teas, oils, and proper nutrition can make a big difference in supporting healthy, strong hair.

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

Some of the highlights include:

 ✨ How cortisol and stress can impact hair thinning

 ✨ The role of hormonal fluctuations in both men and women

 ✨ Why iron levels and stomach acid (HCl) matter for hair growth

 ✨ Herbs like rosemary, nettles, and hibiscus that strengthen hair and nourish follicles

 ✨ The importance of hydration, sleep, and gentle hair care practices

If you’re looking for herbal remedies, nutrition tips, and easy hair care practices that really work, this conversation will give you practical tools to support your own hair regrowth 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

————

Resources:

Study with me! Year One and Year Two Herbal Apprenticeships - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

Organic Olive Oil - Braggs Olive Oil - https://amzn.to/4mqCObj 

Organic Dried Rosemary - https://amzn.to/4gCjoyW 

Laboratores Klorane: Dry Shampoo (Oat Starch Based) - https://amzn.to/3Itpt4k 

Daw: Fairy Duster Day Dry Shampoo (Corn Starch Based) - https://amzn.to/42MiMRw 

Bringraj Ayurvedic Oil - https://amzn.to/4pDUljd  

Chapters: Hair Loss & Thinning Solutions: Best Herbs & Practices For Hair Growth

00:00 Begins

00:34 Welcome and Introduction

01:19 Understanding Hair Loss Causes

04:33 Infused Hair Oils - Once A Week for Hair Regrowth

07:29 Nettle or Hibiscus Hair Tea

09:12 Nettles Overnight Infusions Daily for Healthy Hair

10:59 Exercise for Hair Regrowth

11:45 Hydration for Hair Growth

12:12 Nutrition and Foods for Healthy Thick Hair

14:08 Sleep is Crucial for Hair Growth

14:15 Essential Tips for Hair Care

15:23 Daily Hair Tips and Products

19:43 Recap and Closing

Can herbs really make you healthy? My answer is yes… and no.

In this video, I explore why herbs alone are not enough to create true health and why I believe our herbal community needs a stronger emphasis on exercise, exertion, and physical discipline. I say this not with judgment or anger, but out of deep concern for how we as herbalists model wellness.

Together, we’ll look at the role of herbs like adaptogens, nervines, and anti-inflammatories, and how they support the body — but also why herbs can’t replace movement, moderation, and nutrition. Historically, health care always included exercise and bodily care as foundational practices, and I believe we need to bring that wisdom forward.

🌿 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/ 

✨ In this video, I cover:

Adaptogens — supporting stress resilience and energy balance

Anti-inflammatory herbs — easing systemic inflammation

Nervines — calming the nervous system and supporting mental health

Nutrition — food as medicine and the power of moderation

Exercise & Exertion — strengthening the body through movement

Discipline & Balance — integrating lifestyle practices with herbs

Herbs are powerful allies, but they are just one part of a holistic path. Let’s talk about how we can integrate diet, exercise, and herbal medicine into a balanced, disciplined approach to wellness — and how we, as herbalists, can lead by example.

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

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

————

Resources:

5-Minute Sit for Peace - https://tonkadale.com/events 

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

Chapters: Can Herbs Make You Healthy?

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction to Herbal Health

02:00 The State of the Herbal Community

07:03 The Importance of Moderation and Discipline

12:04 Principles of Health from Historical Perspectives

19:13 Classes of Beneficial Herbs for Health

In this episode, I explore the powerful energies surrounding the current eclipse cycle and how we can work with them for growth, clarity, and transformation. I share insights into universal truths, tarot reflections, and herbal allies that can support us in navigating this intense moment in time.

—

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

—

Together, we’ll talk about:

- How eclipse energies can catalyze personal growth and change

- The importance of grounding practices and daily self-care routines

- Virgo’s influence on organization, clarity, and energy management

- Herbal wisdom for healing and nourishment, including Goldenseal, Holy Basil, and Sage

- Tarot guidance for embracing vulnerability, transformation, and self-awareness

- Practical ways to care for ourselves and find balance in times of uncertainty

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

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

💬 Some questions I’ll invite you to reflect on:

- How are you nourishing yourself?

- What are we missing in our routines or practices?

- Where can we allow change to move us toward transformation?

✨ Herbs, rituals, and reflection practices are powerful tools that can help us stay centered during the eclipse season. I hope this conversation supports you in finding clarity, grounding, and renewal.

If you enjoy this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with more teachings on herbal wisdom, astrology, and healing.

———— 

MY ONLINE COURSES

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

————

Resources: 

In Minneapolis? Join us Saturday 9/20 for our Free Fall Equinox Gathering - Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-equinox-gathering-tickets-1440787346739?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Year Two: Herbal Integration and Practice a Sky House Herb Program, starts 9/24! https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/second-year 

3 Reasons to Take Bitters - https://youtu.be/7tEX3j3Elx0?feature=shared 

Herb of the Month: Holy Basil Video: https://youtu.be/48cwQ5P6iq8?feature=shared 

MotherPeace Round Tarot Deck: https://amzn.to/41Lzal8 

The Herbal Tarot Deck: https://amzn.to/41Lzal8 

CHAPTERS: Bitters, Basil, And Sage: What You Need To Know About The Upcoming Solar Eclipse

00:00 Begins

00:34 — Introduction to Universal Truths and Eclipses

06:35 — Harnessing the Energy of Virgo

10:04 — The Ace of Wands: Lack of Resources to Act

11:09 — The Tower: Unexpected Change and Fate

13:21 — The Daughter of Discs: Low Confidence

16:53 — Herbal Wisdom: Goldenseal and Judgment

21:30 — Holy Basil: Heart and Vision

23:41 — Sage and the High Priest/Priestess

26:45 — Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Care