by Kristine De Block | Sep 12, 2024 | Blog Post
As autumn sweeps in with its cooler winds and golden light, the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) stands out against the landscape, its vibrant red berries hanging in heavy clusters. Often referred to as the “Mountain Ash,” rowan has a rich history woven with...
by Kristine De Block | Aug 31, 2024 | Blog Post
Growing up in Flanders, juniper berries were a familiar sight, especially when it came to making jenever, a traditional Flemish gin. Jenever, named after the Dutch word for juniper (“jeneverbes”), has been cherished in our region for centuries. This spirit...
by Kristine De Block | Feb 13, 2024 | Blog Post
It’s truly heartening to see the dark wintery skies of recent months give way to the tentative return of light. This time of year always fills me with joy as cherished wild weeds begin to emerge anew. NATURE’S EARLY GREENS On my recent walks, I’ve...
by Kristine De Block | Jan 9, 2024 | Blog Post
Herbal therapeutics for the common cold – a humoral approach Every year, as the light fades and the air cools, colds begin to circle through homes and classrooms. We reach for tissues, teas, and remedies – small comforts against the chill. In herbal medicine,...
by Kristine De Block | Jan 9, 2024 | Blog Post
In traditional herbal medicine, we often turn to ancient wisdom to guide our practices. One such treasure is the concept of the four temperaments: sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic. These temperaments, deeply rooted in traditional understanding, offer a...
by Kristine De Block | Jan 9, 2024 | Blog Post
My mornings are often spent walking through the Chiltern Hills, where the tranquility of nature offers a serene start to the day. On a recent crisp, bright morning, there was a remarkable sense of stillness, almost as if the landscape itself was pausing in...