Return To Our Roots
Welcome to the outdoor Apothecary
The Outdoor Apothecary inspires naturally minded people to live with the seasons, become self-reliant, connect with nature, and protect their health through herbal living. We love celebrating “the old ways” of living to bring blessings to ourselves, our families, communities and to Mother Earth. We offer articles, tips, recipes and ideas on practical self-reliance, simple herbal remedies, foraging, gardening and reconnecting ourselves to our natural world and sacred ancestral traditions.
About Me: Barbi
I’m a bookish “earth mother” who loves to read and walk in the woods. I’m a wildcrafter & herbalist, avid gardener, collector of nature specimens, and field guide enthusiast.
I spent most of my childhood exploring our natural world and I’m now devoted to reviving the ancestral wisdom of plants as medicine and healers. I love spending hours outside tending to my gardens, gathering plants and herbs, being in nature,and learning skills of self-reliance like homemade soapmaking.
I give deep thanks and gratitude to my Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck family for inspiring me to honor our Mother Earth by dedicating myself to studying and sharing ancient lifeways and reviving the wonderous arts of plant medicine and nature connectedness. I sincerely hope you’ll join me on this journey.
Rewild Your Life
Connecting with nature is more than a walk through the woods. It’s about being conscious of seasonal changes, becoming attuned with the plants around us, and relearning the nature-language we’ve forgotten through our modern lives. We believe that incorporating the “old ways” of doing things, growing and harvesting our own food, and having a do-it-yourself spirit, promotes self-sufficiency and is an important part of leading a healthier lifestyle, closer to nature.
We hope to provide you with a foundation to rewild yourself through aligning with the cycles of the seasons and to help you in discovering the energies of the seasonal cycles.
Nourish Yourself with Nature
Free 29-page Guidebook to Celebrating the Seasons
A Guided Workbook to help you celebrate nature’s seasonal cycles with mindfulness and meaningful intentions – our gift to you! Learn how to live a mindful nature-connected life.
Recent Posts
12 Things Thyme is Good For: Uses & Benefits
There are so many things thyme is good for, from its use in skincare preparations, to its delicious flavor in culinary recipes, this herb should be included in every home herb garden.
Wild Edible Foods and Ancestral Eating
Today, many herbalists know that ancestral eating contributes significantly to our overall health and wellbeing and believe that the food we consume IS medicine.
How to Make Amazing Dandelion Jelly: Sunshine in a Jar
I’m going to share with you a super simple recipe for dandelion jelly that has become an early spring favorite in my family. In fact, I like to put up a few jars to open in the winter months as a little reminder that spring isn’t really that far away.
Wild Violet Honey – Nectar of the Spring Gods
Spring is finally here, that days are getting longer and we’ve had a few days of consistent warmth. It’s time to make some wild violet honey.
Syrup of Violets: The Perfect Ode to Spring
Syrup of violets is the perfect springtime and early summer treat that’s perfect for special celebrations like Mother’s Day, bridal showers and weddings.
Ultimate Guide to Foraging Violets for Food and Medicine
Foraging violets couldn’t be easier in many parts of the US. The tend to grow plentifully, in fact, are often considered invasive, which is good for us foragers and wildcrafters. This allows us to forage violets til our hearts content!
Health Benefits of Mullein – An Amazing Herb to Know
Many people are unaware of the health benefits of mullein and regard it as a plant to eradicate from their landscape. The truth, however, is that mullein has many health benefits and is a favorite of many herbalists for its uses and versatility.
Easy Herbal Healing Salve Recipe for Hardworking Hands
Learn how to make this simple but effective healing salve made with comfrey, calendula and purple dead nettle that’s perfect for hard working hands.
Amazing Country Rhubarb Wine Recipe
If you grow a lot of Rhubarb, consider making some delicious wine with some of your harvest. It’s tasty and easy to make – here’s how to make Rhubarb Wine.
Making Country Wines: Super Easy 6 Step Method
Making country wines with homegrown, foraged, and handpicked fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers is easier than you think! Learn the ins and outs with this fool-proof basic method.
Wildcrafting Purple Dead Nettle for Food and Medicine
Purple dead nettle is a highly nutritious wild edible herb that also has many medicinal properties. Learn how to identify, prepare and use purple dead nettle.
Chickweed Identification: Wild Edible Weed For Culinary and Medicinal Uses
You’ve most likely got some growing in your own backyard. Read more to learn chickweed identification, health benefits, poisonous look alikes,,,and more!
Easy Dandelion Root Tincture Recipe
This easy dandelion root tincture recipe is perfect for beginners. Can be used to support overall health and wellbeing as well as for liver, kidney, digestive, and gallbladder support.
Surprising Benefits and Medicinal Uses for Forsythia
In addition to their cheery presense, there are a surprising number of other uses for forsythia. They can be eaten and used for medicine. In this article I will show you the benefits and uses for forsythia as well as how make a tincture, tea, syrup, and salve using this lovely plant.
An Ostara Celebration – A Day of Perfect Balance
The act of planning and preparing an Ostara celebration can help you feel rooted & empowered in your life, by giving you a deep understanding of seasonal energy.
13 Simple Ways to Celebrate Ostara, the Spring Equinox
Here are 13 simple ways to celebrate Ostara, the Spring Equinox. Welcome spring with these easy rituals and activities.
An Offering for the Goddess of Spring: Lavender and Lemon Shortbread
Celebrate Ostara, the Goddess of Spring with an offering of Lavender & Lemon Shortbread cookies! It’s like springtime baked into a cookie!
Amazing DIY Dandelion Salve – Your Cure for Aching Muscles
Learn how to make this dandelion salve recipe using foraged dandelions! This homemade herbal salve is especially good for sore muscles, joints, and dry skin.
Understanding Herbal Infusions Plus 3 Delicious Recipes
Herbal Infusions are the simplest way to prepare the more delicate aerial parts of plants, especially their leaves and flowers.
Sacred Moon Tea Recipe – Celebrate the Divine Feminine and the Realization of Desires
I love to make Moon Tea as a full moon ritual to bring sacred feminine energy to the tea, especially during a full moon.
Your Useful Guide to Seed Starting: Get Your Garden Going Now
Seed starting made easy! Everything you need to know about hardening off of seedlings, the proper soil, water and light conditions, and supplies needed.
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