The body naturally regulates pH levels, but eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can support a balanced internal environment. Many mineral-rich herbs—like nettle, oatstraw, and alfalfa—are considered “alkalizing” because they’re packed with minerals. Instead of focusing on one single herb, adding more greens and mineral-rich infusions into your daily routine is a gentle and supportive way to approach balance.

Blend suggestions: Nourishing and Beauty

There isn’t one single “best” herb, but several are well known for supporting the body’s natural inflammatory response. Turmeric (especially when paired with black pepper) is one of the most popular. Ginger and meadowsweet are also gentle, effective herbs traditionally used for easing inflammation.

Blend suggestions: Golden Milk, Soothing Soak

Absolutely! You can enjoy your herbal infusions iced. Cooling them does not reduce their mineral content or key properties. In fact, iced herbal teas are a wonderful way to stay hydrated and supported during hot weather. In general I try to avoid iced drinks because they slow down our digestive fire, but in very hot days we have heat to spare!

Whole foods are still one of the best ways to nourish your body, even if we can’t control everything about how they’re grown or processed. When possible, choose:

• Local and seasonal produce (often fresher and with fewer preservatives when found at farmer’s markets)

• Organic options for the “dirty dozen” (the produce most likely to carry pesticide residues)

• Grass-fed or pasture-raised meats if you eat animal products

• Minimally processed whole foods as much as possible

And remember, food is nourishment but also connection and joy—stress about perfection can sometimes feel heavier than the food itself. Focus on variety, freshness, and enjoying your meals.

Yes! Once you’ve experienced the herbs individually and learned how they feel in your body, blending them can be a creative and supportive next step. For example, nettle and oatstraw together make a deeply nourishing, mineral-rich tea. Just keep blends simple—two or three herbs at a time—so you can still notice how each one is supporting you.

Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place in airtight containers—glass jars with lids work beautifully. Avoid storing them near the stove or in direct sunlight, as heat and light can cause herbs to lose potency faster. Label your jars with the herb name and date so you can rotate them and use the oldest first.

For the nourishing herbs we worked with in the course, a long steep (at least 4–8 hours) brings out the minerals and deeper constituents. Many students make an infusion at night and drink it the next day, or brew one in the morning for evening use. Shorter steeps (15–30 minutes) are fine too, but you’ll get a lighter flavor and fewer minerals extracted.

Yes, some herbs aren’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. For example, avoid strong stimulant or detoxifying herbs (like senna or high doses of sage). However, many of the nourishing herbs from the course (like nettle and oatstraw) are traditionally used as supportive tonics. Always double-check and consult with a knowledgeable herbalist or your healthcare provider if unsure.

Blend suggestions: Nourishing and Mother blend

Yes. For example, ginkgo—which we work with in the course—can have blood-thinning effects and may interact with medications like anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. While most of the nourishing herbs (like nettle, oatstraw, and red clover) are considered food-like and gentle, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist when combining herbs with prescription medications.

For most people, yes! The nourishing herbs in the course—like nettle, oatstraw, and red clover—are mineral-rich foods as much as they are herbs. Drinking them daily is similar to adding more leafy greens to your diet. If you notice any changes you don’t like, take a break or rotate herbs, but generally, long-term daily use of these types of herbs is considered safe and supportive.

There’s no wrong way—many people choose based on how they feel that day. If you’re tired, you might reach for nettle for deep nourishment; if you’re stressed, lemon balm might be comforting. Others like to rotate, working with a different herb each day so they can experience them all over time. Trust your body’s intuition and let it guide you.