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 preparations, 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.
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 wondrous arts of plant medicine and nature connectedness.
What's In A Name?
Disclaimer: The use of the term “apothecary” in our name and content is strictly metaphorical, intended to convey nature’s role in holistic wellness and does not imply professional medical or pharmaceutical services. We do not operate as a pharmacy, medical, or pharmaceutical provider. Our content is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare. If you require medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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
Living By The Moon for Amazing Benefits and Nature Connection
Discover how living by the moon can help you live in rhythm with nature, understand its effect on your health and well-being, and help in your spiritual growth.
Hot Cross Buns: A Gift for the Spring Goddess
Many people are surprised to learn the history of hot cross buns and how they relate to the spring Goddess of fertility. In celebration of the beginning of spring, I’m going to share a recipe for hot cross buns to help you celebrate Ostara.
Forest Bathing: Discover the Extraordinary Healing Power of Nature
Learn the ancient art of forest bathing – the practice of immersing yourself in nature and consuming it with all of your physical senses.
20 Practical Slow Living Tips for a Purposeful Life
Learn what slow living means as well as ways to incorporate techniques into your daily life to help you live more intentionally.
Staghorn Sumac: How To Identify, Harvest, And Use This Wild Plant
Learn How To Identify, Harvest, And Use Staghorn Sumac – Plus 2 recipes.
Bare Root Fruit Trees—The Cheap Way to Grow Your Own Fruit
Bare root fruit trees are cheaper than container-grown trees, easier to plant and the first-year survival rate is much higher. In this article, we explain what bare root trees are, how to plant them, and how to care for them after planting.