I didn’t grow up on kale smoothies and lavender tea. My vibe back then was more garden hose water in the summer, boxed mac & cheese, and enough neon-colored snacks to glow in the dark. It was the 90s, and as long as I was home when the street lights turned on, I didn’t have a care in the world.
Motherhood, Exhaustion, and Finding a Better Way
Fast forward a few decades, and I was 27 with three kids. My days consisted of feeling exhausted, anxious, and clinging to my favorite energy drink from the gas station. I missed the way I felt in my early twenties. Young, energetic, and always on the go. I knew there had to be a way to feel like me again.
It wasn’t a single dramatic moment. No thunderclap, no epiphany. Just a slow, stubborn whisper: “There has to be a way.”
That whisper led me down a winding, overgrown path. The kind lined with dandelions, tinctures, and more DIY fails than I can count. Eight years ago, I found herbalism, or maybe it found me. Either way, I’m exactly where I belong.
From Curiosity to Commitment
At first, it was just about learning what was in my food. Reading labels became a full-time hobby. I started with simple swaps like making breads and granola bars, then the fundamental shift came. I made my own laundry detergent. Sensitive skin has always been an issue in our house, and finding something that wouldn’t end in a rash was challenging. It made me feel like a pioneer witch in the modern age, and when it worked, I was obsessed.
The deeper I went, the more I realized this journey was more than just plants and herbs. It was about connection, understanding, and respect. To my body. My home. The Earth. I’ve always been spiritual. I am a moon child, crystal collector, tarot card lover, and talk-to-your-plants type, but it wasn’t until I dove headfirst into herbalism that I truly understood the plants, flowers, and herbs. I finally felt them. Each one has its own personality, story, and magic.
Suddenly, my kitchen started to feel like an apothecary. Lavender appeared on the windowsill, tea cups and jars of herbs began to line my cupboard shelves, and before I knew it, I was learning to trust my body, my instincts, and the wisdom of the Earth.
Let’s Be Real
I’m not over here trying to win any crunchy mom awards. My kids still have treats. We still indulge here and there. Heavily dyed foods don’t cross the threshold into our home, but burgers and fries from a local chain do now and then. I believe in balance, but even more in knowledge, intuition, and paying attention to what your body is telling you.
Combining herbalism with my spiritual practice was like coming home to myself. The girl who used to rush to the pharmacy for every sniffle now heads to her pantry or garden first. There’s a quiet kind of power in that.
You don’t have to go full homestead overnight. Start small. Brew a cup of chamomile. Read a label. Talk to your basil plant. Magic lives in the little shifts.
And if you ever need a friend along the way, I’m right here, probably barefoot in the garden, sipping something warm, and feeling grateful for the girl who said “yes” to a more natural and magical life.
🖤 Raven & Sage
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any herbal treatments or health practices. Raven & Sage is not responsible for individual outcomes or reactions to herbs or remedies discussed. Full Disclaimer
