Returning to Herbs, Gently

I’ve been starting to deep dive into herbs again.

Again, because herbs have been part of my story for as long as I can remember. I vividly remember being about ten years old and getting to tour my grandmother’s friend’s garden while she showed me her herbs. That visit stayed with me in a very literal way. The lemon balm I grow today is a direct cutting from that visit, replanted and regrown in every place I’ve lived since.

I’ve dipped in and out of herbalism over the years, but in the past year I’ve personally seen such impact from herbs, especially infusions (which is just a fancy name for a long-brewed tea) and tinctures, that it’s pulled me back in again.

So here I am, back in research-and-learning mode.

My goal this time is not to learn everything, but to learn deeply. To take a small handful of herbs and really understand them. As one herbalist shared with me (@jewishherbalist on IG),

“… a skilled herbalist knows 100 uses for a single herb instead of knowing 1 use for 100 different herbs.”

That idea resonated deeply. That’s where I’m starting. Again.

Believe it or not, I almost went down a degree path that included herbalism. It feels like a lifetime ago now, but the pull has always been there.

Growing things has always been part of my life. From that early garden visit, to plants on windowsills, to small kitchen counter herbs, to now growing and tending what I can alongside my kids each spring.

So today I’m sharing a bit of what I’m learning as I apply it and feel the differences for myself.

On the Glamstead

Glamstead, to me, is about choosing what fits your life and your season.

You don’t need to grow everything, know everything, or do everything. You can tend what you love, learn deeply where you’re drawn, and lean on community for the rest.

Herbs fit beautifully into that rhythm. They’re accessible, inexpensive, and grounding. You don’t need a field or formal training to begin, just curiosity and care.

One of the blends I keep returning to is this nourishing infusion.

 

Nourishing Herbal Infusion (NORA Tea)

Herbal Blend (by parts):

• 2 parts nettle

• 1 part oat straw

• 2 parts red raspberry leaf

• 1 part alfalfa

To Prepare:

1. Combine herbs according to the ratios above.

2. Place herbs in a jar or French press.

3. Pour boiling water over the herbs.

4. Cover and let infuse overnight (8–12 hours).

5. Strain and store in the refrigerator.

To Enjoy:

• Drink by the cup, hot or iced

• Sip daily or a few times a week

• Use the infusion as a concentrated tea essence

• Sweeten lightly with stevia or maple syrup if desired

 

 

This NORA herbal infusion has been one of my favorite ways to add gentle nourishment to the day. Mineral-rich, grounding, and easy to sip hot or iced.

I personally loved using this during the 3rd & 4th trimesters of my last pregnancy, and it made such a difference for me. I was recently mixing up this blend for a friend, and it felt like one of those simple things that’s too good not to pass along — the kind I’d want a friend to share with me.

Many people love it for its steady, supportive feel—especially during busy seasons—and for how these herbs have traditionally supported women’s rhythms through nourishment, not stimulation.

A Gentle Note

Everything shared here comes from personal experience and ongoing learning, often alongside my healthcare providers. This is not medical advice, just what has been supportive for me.

I’ll be sharing more as I continue this slow return to herbs, one plant at a time.