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Herbs for Resiliency & Resistance

While much of my online presence is hyper focused on the plants themselves, I can't pretend that the actual work I do isn't deeply and intimately entwined in the reality of the world I live in; and right now that world is one of deep struggle and pain for many many people. From the genocide in Gaza, to attacks on trans people, to the ICE protests in Los Angeles; communities (especially marginalized communities) are feeling the heaviness of the devastation that is being wrought upon them.


Ever since childhood, I have been a nurturer, a caretaker, a support. No matter what job title I held, the values of those things informed my work. I may bend and flow through the gender spectrum on a daily basis; but I always will claim the title of mother specifcially. Mothering is a calling to hold, nurture, protect, and devote yourself to the care of those you love; I just so happen to also follow the belief that I am capable of loving humanity at large, not just those who share bloodlines with me.


So, I felt called to compile a list of herbs that I feel can give folks a toolkit of resources that may be of help as we navigate the difficult times ahead and resist the tyranny before us. This is by no means all inclusive (because the world of herbalism is incredibly vast and diverse); but these are some plants I have access to and have worked with. These are plants are either native to Southern/Central California or grow well here.


I will provide as many resources as possible for how to find these plants; however if you have questions or would like to work with me one on one to build a custom formula for your needs, please email me at lauren@thimbleandseed.com. My services are always offered on a sliding scale and I will do my best to never turn anyone away for lack of funds.




MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus) *For lung support/irritation

Mullein is a biennial plant; meaning that it grows for a two year/two season life cycle; and the leaves can be harvested continuously. This makes it an easy to grow plant that can be rotated and moved around in the garden if needed. Traditionally leaves and flowers are primarily used; however there are some newer applications that utilize the roots.

Mullein tastes salty and sweet; as it has a high mineral content and is has significant mucilage. One of the primary uses (and the thing we will be highlighting here) is Mullein's abilities as a relaxant expectorant; a gentle soothing way to move irritation out of the lungs. It can relieve spasms and tensions in the smooth muscles of the lung area. Colloquially here in California, this herb is know as "the fire herb" because of its ability to calm and sooth irritation caused by wildfire smoke inhalation. It also has demulcent (soothing/cooling/moistening) effects on the mucous membranes and an inflammation modulating property that help when the lungs are hot, dry, and irritated by foreign particles. To use: Make a tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 Tablespoon of dried leaf and infuse for 10-15 minutes.


If you are local to Ventura County, I currently have several plants available to go to new homes. Please email me if you would like to pick one up.


California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

*For calming the nervous system/anxiety


California Poppy, the state flower of California is a common sunshine powerhouse of gentle nervous system regulation. The history of California poppy use has been documented back to before colonization by the Chumash people. It has mild sedative, anxiety relieving and pain relieving properties; but unlike its cousin the Opium Poppy, California Poppy is nonaddictive and does not contain morphine or codeine opioid alkaloids. While California poppy is considered gentle (even safe enough for children to use) as with all herbs that affect the CNS, be mindful of excessive use and combination with other sedative medications. *This should not be used by pregnant individuals To use: - Mix dried leaves and flowers with other herbs to make a gentle tea (and to increase palatability, as poppy can be somewhat bitter). Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 Tablespoon of dried leaf and infuse for 10-15 minutes.


- You can also make a tincture by mixing 3 ounces of dried herb with 16 ounces of high proof alcohol (95%). Combine herb and alcohol into a jar with a tight fitting lid (if lid is metal, be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between the menstruum and the lid to avoid corrosion). Store in a cool dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally to ensure equal distribution. When it is ready, strain into a clean jar or glass bottle (with a dropper). Seal, Label and store. I generally use 5-10 drops in water, tea, or juice, as needed (up to 3x per day)



Sages & Sagebrush (Salvia apiana, Salvia mellifera, Salvia leucophylla, and Artemisia californica) *For pain relief and aching muscles


I have combined the true local sages with the Artemisia, Sagebrush because this grouping all have powerful pain relieving properties and can be used together beautifully. All of these contain monoterpenoids with documented pain relieving properties as a part of their chemical makeup and are abundant in local chaparral (with the exception being White Sage, Salvia apiana, due to its excessive harvesting and poaching for "smudge wands")




These plants all work well fresh and dried and have a variety of topical applications that make it easy to utilize. **There are some chemical constituents in these plants that present cautions around internal usage/dosing, so do not ingest unless under the care and guidance of a trained medical professional.


To use: - You can use all of these plants (fresh or dried) in a bath soak, foot soak, or tea compress


-I make a Wild Artemisia Liniment that contains Sagebrush and White Sage; this is an alcohol based liniment in a small roller that can be applied as needed to places of discomfort. You can purchase a liniment roller HERE



Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) *For uplifting the spirits


Lemon Balm is one of those herbs that simply just shouts "Joy", from its bright green leaves to its fresh lemony scent and flavor; not only is it energetically uplifting, but also has a range of medicinal properties that bolster physical wellbeing. It's herbal actions include: Nervine sedative (calming the nervous system without drowsiness), Carminative (helps relieve spasm and cramping in the digestive system due to excessive gas), Anti-Spasmodic (gentle tension relief through the body), Anti-viral, Nootropic (it has an ability to "wake" up cognitive function)


To use: Lemon balm is most easily (and tastily) enjoyed in tea form; whether in a hot tea, sun tea, or cold infusion overnight. Lemon Balm tinctures are available, and it is fairly easy to make a fresh tincture at home; but are more potent and generally not needed for common daily uses.


If you are local to Ventura County, I currently have several plants available to go to new homes. Please email me if you would like to pick one up.


Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

*For bleeding and wound care


Yarrow is an ancient medicine, with evidence of its use and presence in human archeological finds as far back as 40,000-60,000 years ago! It is found all over the northern hemisphere and has a complex variety of species and hybrids. It is an astringent/vulnerary, which means that it tightens and tonifies tissues. This can be useful for wound care and it has a long history of use in staunching the bleeding of a wounds. But, it also has anti-septic and inflammation modulating properties which make it invaluable for healing wounds after initial application. To use: Fresh plant matter is best, as it can be mashed and used directly; however, realistically, this might not work for certain situations. But, you can also rehydrate dried plant matter to make a poultice or brew a strong tea to apply as a fomentation (soaked cloth). I personally try to always carry around a small tin of dried yarrow on my hiking trips; as it can be utilized for a variety of needs and is one of my primary first aid herbs.


If you are local to Ventura County, I currently have several plants available to go to new homes. Please email me if you would like to pick one up.




Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) *For clarity of thought and strategizing


While Rosemary has a plethora of medicinal qualities; the one I want to focus on for the purpose of this post is its nootropic qualities. Nootropic herbs have the ability to enhance cognitive function and "wake up" the brain when we're feeling foggy, sluggish, or our mind can't seem to focus. Rosemary is one of the best herbs in modern western herbalism for this purpose; as its strong scent and powerful chemical constituents have a powerful stimulating action on the blood and nerves. These properties help get blood to the brain and enhance the mind, senses, and cognition. To use: -If you have immediate access to a Rosemary plant, it sounds silly, but I just walk outside and stick my face into the middle of the plant and inhale deeply. The scent experience alone has a stimulating effect. -Carry a bundle of fresh rosemary with you to places in which you might need a boost of cognition/focus. Inhale the scent as needed. -Drink a tea: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 Tablespoon of dried leaf and infuse for 3-5 minutes.

-Use Rosemary essential oil in place of fresh rosemary. **Be sure to dilute properly in a carrier oil before applying to any part of the body. I have put a small dab on my wrists before when I need to carry a little burst with me, but am limited on the ability to carry fresh plant material.




WHERE TO SOURCE PLANTS AND MATERIALS:










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