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
What is Witch Hazel For? Make Your Own Useful Extract
In this blog post, we will answer the question what is witch hazel for as well as other questions about this valuable herb. We will explore what this herb is, what it does, how to use it, and even how to make your own witch hazel extract.
Autumn Olive Berries: An Amazing Superfood
Autumn olive berries are a magical fruit that can be found in the fall months. These berries have been used to make teas and jellies, and fruit leathers, but they also serve as an herb for maintaining overall health. In this blog post, we’ll talk about identifying, harvesting, and enjoying the many benefits of Autumn Olive Berries.
6 Ideas for Hosting the Perfect Samhain Celebration
Learn how to throw the perfect Samhain celebration in the comfort of your own home with some of my favorite fall feast foods and recipes, seasonal crafts, and DIY decorations.
10 Simple Herbal Tea Recipes for Wintertime Support
This blog post will provide you with delicious herbal tea recipes that are specially designed to help you feel energized and refreshed during the colder months.
20 Inspiring Fall Activities to Make the Most of the Season
Fall is a great time to get creative and explore new things. From apple picking to pumpkin carving, there are so many fun fall activities out there for you and your family to enjoy together. What’s more? We have an entire list of 20 ideas right here!
How to Make Waxed Leaves for Fall Crafts
This post shows you how to make waxed leaves that will allow you to preserve these gifts of nature indefinitely for use in craft projects or simply for display.
Amazing Homemade Antibacterial Salve Recipe
I’m about to show you how to easily make a homemade antibiotic salve that not only has an antibacterial effect but also antiviral, antifungal antimicrobial properties? It’s pretty fantastic! Try this amazing salve recipe today!
Recipe For Soul Cakes: An Offering to Our Ancestors
Today we are sharing a recipe for soul cakes to help you get into the “spirit” of Samhain, Halloween, All Saints’ Day, or All Souls’ Day! These yummy treats will have your taste buds tingling and your soul bursting with joy.
Goldenrod Tea: The Magic of a Joyful Ritual
In a world where we often find ourselves feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s important to take time for joy. Goldenrod tea is the perfect way to do this because of its uplifting qualities and sunny yellow color that makes us feel happy just looking at it. Learn how and why you should brew some of this liquid joy today!
Wild Harvesting – 5 Easy to Find Fall Edibles
This blog post will guide you through the process of wild harvesting in the fall. This season is typically when many plants that are edible go into dormancy, but it’s important to know that there are still many edible and medicinal plants that can be harvested now. We’ll also discuss what tools to bring with you when out on a harvest.
Lamb’s Quarters & Wild Mushroom Quiche
This crustless quiche made with lamb’s quarters and wild foraged mushrooms is going to rock your world!
Irresistibly Delicious Recipe for Butternut Squash Pie
It’s the time of year when butternut squash is in season and it’s a perfect time to make this recipe for butternut squash pie! It’s creamy, sweet, and delicious. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday get-togethers with friends and family. We’re gonna show you how to make it step by step so that you can enjoy this dessert too!
Easy DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden
Growing your own herbs is a great way to save money and have access to fresh, organic produce year-round. This craft uses common household items and can be done in as little as one day!
Celebrating Mabon With Herbs & Ancient Traditions
Happy Mabon! Autumn is definitely in the air, and it’s time for celebrating Mabon. We’re going to be talking about the mythology and folklore of Mabon as well as the herbs for this season. What better way to get into the spirit of fall and celebrate the season than with some herbal inspiration?
Goldenrod vs Ragweed: One Benefits Pollinators, One Causes Allergies
Goldenrod vs ragweed. One attracts pollinators and one causes allergies. Know the difference!
Surprising Jewelweed Plant: Identification, Uses, and Benefits
Find out what jewelweed plant is (AKA Touch-me-not), how to identify it in the wild or in your garden, and some of its many medicinal uses.
Canning Basics 101 for Successful Food Preservation
Let’s learn some canning basics! One of the best ways to preserve food long-term involves a process called home canning. Today, we will discover just how easy it is to learn this exciting skill set.
Best Zucchini Pie Recipe with All-Purpose Baking Mix
Try this delicious savory zucchini pie recipe made with Bisquick or other all-purpose baking mix.
Incredible Cheddar Onion Biscuits
Nothing beats these warm flaky old-fashioned cheddar onion biscuits straight from the oven. This fool-proof homemade biscuit recipe is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. One of them is our all-purpose baking mix.
Amazing Recipe for Zucchini Pancakes
This savory recipe for zucchini pancakes are unbelievably easy to whip up and are great with a little dollop of sour cream.
Homemade Baking Mix – Better than Bisquick
Make your own all purpose baking mix. Make it up ahead of time and use it when you need it. A great substitute for Bisquick or Jiffy Mix.
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