Reconnecting with Nature: My Journey with Herbal Remedies

Finding Stinging Nettle, Urtica diocia, growing in the mountains of Italy.

I was 19, grappling with hormonal imbalance, cystic acne, malnutrition, and emotional turmoil. I had just moved 3,000 miles to Portland, Oregon, with $2,000 in my pocket, knowing absolutely no one on the West Coast. Everything felt like it was crumbling.

I had three things going for me: I was curious, I maintained a regular yoga, meditation, and workout routine, and I surely was not going back to the Washington DC suburbs. Then I met my first teacher. He wasn’t a "teacher" in any traditional sense; he was a total instigator who saw my curiosity and cracked the door open to the world of plants and herbal medicine. Once I saw what was inside that doorway, I took off running down the path. My life has never been the same since.

Discovering the Wild

I was in a new place, surrounded by new plants, and eager for big adventures. I explored the mountains, creeks, and forests almost every day. I often found myself thinking, “Who are you?” Yes, for sure, “Who am I?” But also: who are the trees, the birds, the flowers, and the luscious green plants all around me?

My First Love: Valeriana officinalis

At that time, I was in the messy process of coming off anti-anxiety medication and hormonal birth control. I was incredibly anxious and self-medicating heavily with cannabis. My teacher saw my struggle and introduced me to Valerian root. I know, she kinda smells like stinky feet, but I really needed her.

I started taking a Valerian Root tincture whenever that "choking-with-anxiety" feeling arose. I hated the alcohol base of the tincture, so I found a tiny herb shop downtown to try making my own alcohol-free version. Seeing that wall of jars, I felt my mind cry out, “THIS is it.” I went home with roots, leaves, flowers, and a bottle of vegetable glycerine. Six weeks later, I strained my first Valerian glycerite and fully fell in love.

My Second Love: Urtica diocia

Soon, I was devouring herbal books and following the Wise Woman Way. That’s when I met Nettle. Oh, sweet Nettle, how you make my cells sing!

I heard she was abundant and easy to wildcraft if you were brave. I found my first patch hiking near the Columbia River Gorge. I reached out and—ouch!—it felt like a shot of lightning through my nervous system. It hurt, but in a way that felt good, like fully waking up.

Lacking proper gear, I used my pocket knife and a pair of wooden chopsticks to harvest the tops into a (clean!) dog poop bag. I went home and started kitchen witching hard: I brewed Nettle tea. I made a nourishing herbal infusion for the morning. I threw some Nettle in a pot with veggies and lentils and made a stew.

The magic wasn't just in the flavor; it was the feeling of that green medicine pouring through my body. It felt like coming home.

The Healing Power of Nature

As I continued my herbal journey, I discovered the profound healing power of nature. The more I learned about plants, the more I realized how deeply connected we are to the earth. Each herb has its own story, its own purpose, and its own way of helping us heal.

I began to understand that herbal remedies are not just about treating symptoms; they are about nurturing the whole person. This holistic approach resonated with me. I felt empowered to take charge of my well-being.

Coming Full Circle

When I finally had space to grow my first proper garden, the first two things I planted were Nettle and Valerian. I have deep reverence for these plant teachers and thank them for opening the door to the world of herbs.

Now, 11 years into this folk herbalism journey, things have come full circle. I’m deep into my Naturopathy and Materia Medica studies, I’ve built a functioning apothecary, and I’ve finally launched my heart-work project: Laya Botanicals.

Tonight, just like that 19-year-old in Portland, I’m brewing a Nettle infusion for the morning. Some things never change.

Embracing the Journey

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that every step has been a part of a larger tapestry. Each experience, each plant, and each lesson has woven together to create the life I live today. I invite you to embrace your own journey with herbal remedies.

What plants call to you? What stories do they have to share?

Let’s explore this vibrant world together.

Love,

Bees and Nettles

---wix---