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
Lemon Balm and Ginger Oxymel: The Perfect Ingredient for Summer Drinks
Learn how to create a refreshing and invigorating lemon balm and ginger oxymel with our step-by-step guide. Discover the perfect balance of flavors in this herbal concoction and enjoy the numerous health benefits it offers.
Best Books about Northeast Foraging: My Favorites List
Discover the best books on Northeast foraging! Explore a curated list of my favorite resources for identifying and preparing wild edibles and medicinal plants in the Northeastern part of the US. Enhance your foraging adventures with these invaluable guides.
5 Easy Herbal Salve Recipes: Harnessing Nature’s Bounty for Healing and Wellness
Discover the healing potential of common herbs and weeds with these 5 herbal salve recipes. Crafted from nature’s bounty, these remedies offer natural solutions for various ailments. From pine resin to yarrow, antibacterial herbs, and dandelion, learn how to create soothing and nourishing salves for optimal well-being. Explore the transformative power of herbal medicine in this informative blog article.
Elderflower Cordial Recipe: The Perfect Summer Drink
Learn how to make your own delicious cordial at home with this easy-to-follow elderflower cordial recipe. Discover the step-by-step process and tips for crafting your very own elderflower cordial from scratch.
Summer Solstice: Ancient Ancestral Celebrations and Easy Ways to Celebrate Today
Celebrate the summer solstice in harmony with ancient traditions and embrace the wisdom of our ancestors. Explore the significance of this celestial event and discover meaningful ways to honor it in the modern world.
How to Make Homemade Calendula Cream: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to create your own soothing and nourishing calendula cream at home with this comprehensive guide. Discover the step-by-step process, from infusing calendula petals into oil to blending it with skin-loving ingredients. Unlock the secrets of this natural remedy and pamper your skin with the goodness of calendula.
A Nourishing Cleavers Infusion: Embracing the Springtime Magic
Learn how to make a nourishing cleavers infusion, harnessing the power of nature to give your body a gentle boost. Explore the benefits of this wild medicinal plant and embrace the enchanting energy of spring.
Cleavers 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Identification, Uses, Harvesting, and Preparation
Explore the comprehensive guide to identifying, using, harvesting, and preparing Cleavers (Galium aparine). Discover the unique features of this versatile plant, learn about its various medicinal and culinary uses, master the art of proper harvesting and preparation techniques.
July’s Full Moon: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of a Buck Moon
Explore the folklore, spiritual significance, and enchanting traditions associated with July’s full moon, known as the Buck Moon. Discover the deep-rooted beliefs of various cultures. Uncover ten meaningful ways to honor the Buck Moon, from moonlit meditations and nature walks to rituals and ceremonies that embrace the transformative energy of this celestial event.
Harmony with Nature: The Power of Permaculture Gardening for Sustainability
Unlock the Secrets of Permaculture Gardening: Explore the philosophy, principles, and methods of permaculture gardening in our comprehensive blog article. Discover its pros and cons, and learn how this sustainable approach can contribute to a greener future.
Foraging Burdock: How to Find, Harvest, and Identify this Amazing Plant
Join me as I discuss foraging burdock plants, unveil the optimal times to harvest their roots, leaves, stalks, and flowers, and unlock the secrets of accurately identifying this remarkable plant. Together, let’s delve into the enchanting realm of burdock and deepen our connection with the earth’s bountiful offerings.
Crafting Yarrow Salve: Honoring the Medicinal Gift of Achillea millefolium
Discover the art of wildcrafting yarrow salve with our comprehensive guide. Immerse yourself in the world of plant medicine as we delve into identifying, harvesting, and creating this potent herbal remedy. Learn to harness the healing power of yarrow, honoring nature’s wisdom while crafting a nourishing salve for your herbal first aid kit.
Burdock: Exploring Its Magical and Medicinal Properties
Discover the enchanting world of burdock, a plant with a rich history of medicinal and magical properties. Our blog article explores the fascinating benefits of burdock, including its potential as a natural remedy for skin ailments, digestive issues, and more. Immerse yourself in the captivating lore of this plant, and learn how to incorporate it into your daily routine to enhance your well-being. Uncover the secrets of burdock and let its magic heal and nourish you.
My Love Affair with Herbal Oxymels: Unlocking Nature’s Healing Potential
Discover the magic of herbal oxymels! In this article, we explore the benefits of these enchanting tonics and guide you on how to make your own blend. Embrace the wisdom of nature and infuse your wellness routine with these transformative tonics.
Creeping Jenny: An Unexpected Ally for Health with a Nourishing Tea Recipe
Unveiling the Secrets of Creeping Jenny: Explore the wild and invasive nature of this medicinal plant. Discover its remarkable healing properties, learn about its impact on ecosystems, and find out how to harness its potential for natural remedies.
Discovering the Wonders of Evening Primrose: A Guide to Identifying and Using this Wild Plant
Discover the beauty and benefits of evening primrose with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to easily identify this biennial herbaceous plant and unlock its potential uses for health and wellness. From recognizing its distinctive leaves and flowers to harnessing its therapeutic properties, this article is your go-to resource for all things evening primrose.
Strawberry Moon Magic: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of June’s Full Moon
Discover the enchanting folklore and spiritual significance of June’s full moon, the Strawberry Moon, in our latest blog article. Learn about the ancient traditions and beliefs associated with this celestial event, and explore various ways to honor its significance in your own life. From rituals and ceremonies to connecting with nature, dive into the mystical world of the Strawberry Moon.
Dandelion Root Tea: A Nutritious Gift From Mother Nature
Discover the health benefits of dandelion root tea and learn how to prepare a delicious cup from scratch! Our step-by-step guide will show you how to harvest, clean, dry, and brew dandelion root tea, a natural remedy that supports liver and digestive health, reduces inflammation, and boosts the immune system.
How to Make Infused Herbal Oils the Easy Way
Looking to take your skincare routine to the next level? Check out our guide to making infused herbal oils for use in skin care or as the base for homemade salves and balms. Learn about the benefits of different herbs and how to infuse them into carrier oils, so you can create personalized blends that meet your skin’s unique needs. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be well on your way to crafting all-natural, nourishing products that will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and glowing.
How to Make Powerful Herbal Glycerites: Alcohol-Free Tincture Alternatives
Learn how to make herbal glycerites, an alcohol-free alternative to traditional tinctures. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to create potent and shelf-stable herbal remedies using glycerin, herbs, and a few simple kitchen tools. Discover the benefits of this gentle extraction method and how to incorporate herbal glycerites into your natural wellness routine.
The Power of Stinging Nettle Tea: A Natural Brew for Health and Wellness
This article delves into the wonders of stinging nettle tea – from its brewing process to its numerous health benefits. Discover how to make the perfect cup of stinging nettle tea, who should avoid drinking it, and the many ways it can improve your wellbeing.
Shop Seasonal Guides & Workbooks
Digital DownloadsSamhain Celebration Guide
$8.99 Add to cartThis lovely and functional Samhain Celebration Guide bundle is perfect for planning your days throughout the Harvest season. Includes 49 pages to connect you with the energy of the season of Samhain. Reflections. Rituals. Magical Correspondences.
Digital DownloadsMabon Celebration Guide
$8.99 Add to cartThis lovely and functional Mabon Celebration Guide bundle is perfect for planning your days throughout the Harvest season. Includes 49 pages to connect you with the energy of the season of Mabon. Reflections. Rituals. Magical Correspondences.
Digital DownloadsLughnasadh Celebration Guide
$8.99 Add to cartThis lovely and functional Lughnasadh Celebration Guide bundle is perfect for planning your days throughout the Harvest season. Includes 49 pages to connect you with the energy of the season of Lughnasadh. Reflections. Rituals. Magical Correspondences.
Digital DownloadsLitha Celebration Guide
$8.99 Add to cartThis lovely and functional Litha Celebration Guide bundle is perfect for planning your days throughout the Summer Solstice season. Includes 50 pages to connect you with the energy of the season of Litha. Reflections. Rituals. Magical Correspondences.
BeltaneBeltane Celebration Guide
$8.99 Add to cartThis lovely and functional Beltane Celebration Guide bundle is perfect for planning your days throughout the Beltane season. Includes 50 pages to connect you with the energy of the season of Beltane. Reflections. Rituals. Magical Correspondences.
Digital DownloadsOstara Celebration Guide
$8.99 Add to cartThis lovely and functional Ostara celebration guide bundle is perfect for planning your days throughout the Ostara season. Includes 49 pages to connect you with the energy of the season of Ostara. Reflections. Rituals. Magical Correspondences.
Digital DownloadsImbolc Celebration Guide
$8.99 Add to cartThis lovely and functional Imbolc celebration guide bundle is perfect for planning your days throughout the Imbolc season. Includes 47 pages to connect you with the energy of the season of Imbolc. Reflections. Rituals. Magical Correspondences.
Digital DownloadsYule Celebration Guide
$6.99 Add to cartThe Yule Celebration Guide is the perfect companion for celebrating the winter solstice, the dark half of the year. In it, you will find history, rituals, recipes, and journaling pages all related to this holiday. In this guide you’ll find herb and crystal correspondences, planner pages and lots more.
Featured In
