It was as though while I tended to her, the plants were tending to me.
-Natalie
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
An earthy root, burdock purifies and balances, long used as a blood + skin cleanser.
Properties
• Detoxifying + purifying
• Supports liver + skin health
• Anti-inflammatory
• Traditionally used for acne + eczema
Ritual Note
Root medicine—burdock grounds and clears, offering steady renewal.
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Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Golden petals of sunshine, calendula is the gentle healer of skin and spirit.
Properties
• Anti-inflammatory + soothing
• Promotes wound + skin repair
• Gentle enough for sensitive skin
• Antimicrobial + protective
Ritual Note
A flower of radiance—use calendula to remind skin of the sun’s warm embrace.
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Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Soft and calming, chamomile brings peace to both skin and nerves.
Properties
• Soothes irritation + redness
• Calming for sensitive or inflamed skin
• Mildly sedative + nervine
• Anti-inflammatory + antioxidant
Ritual Note
A lullaby herb—steep, steam, or smooth on skin to invite rest and ease.
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Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey, also called “knitbone,” is famed for its ability to mend and regenerate.
Properties
• Promotes cell regeneration
• Soothes inflammation
• Supports bone + tissue healing
• Moisturizing + protective
Ritual Note
A herb of repair—comfrey is nature’s weaver, stitching strength back into skin.
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Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Short Description
Warm and spicy, ginger ignites circulation and brings inner fire.
Properties
• Stimulates circulation
• Anti-inflammatory
• Digestive aid
• Warming + energizing
Ritual Note
A root of fire—ginger awakens body and spirit with radiant heat.
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Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Short Description
A vibrant red flower, hibiscus is tart, tangy, and full of skin-loving antioxidants.
Properties
• High in vitamin C
• Rich in anthocyanins
• Supports collagen + elasticity
• Brightening + toning
Ritual Note
The flower of beauty—sip or steam for radiance that blooms from within.
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Short Description
Beloved for its scent and calm, lavender restores balance to body and mind.
Properties
• Calming to skin + spirit
• Antimicrobial + antibacterial
• Soothes inflammation
• Aromatherapeutic for relaxation
Ritual Note
Breathe deeply—lavender is the herb of tranquility and gentle renewal.
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Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Short Description
Bright and lemony, lemon balm soothes stress while uplifting the spirit.
Properties
• Calming nervine
• Antiviral + antimicrobial
• Soothes digestive upset
• Gentle mood enhancer
Ritual Note
A balm for the heart—lemon balm restores joy and calm with its citrus kiss.
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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Short Description
Sweet root with powerful soothing properties, licorice brings brightness to skin and calm to inflammation.
Properties
• Brightens + evens skin tone
• Anti-inflammatory + calming
• Supports adrenal balance
• Sweetens herbal blends
Ritual Note
Licorice carries sweetness and strength—balancing fire with ease.
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Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Short Description
Soothing and mucilaginous, marshmallow root coats and comforts.
Properties
• Deeply hydrating + softening
• Calms inflammation
• Soothes dry or irritated skin
• Moisture-binding
Ritual Note
Like a gentle balm—marshmallow root brings comfort to parched tissues.
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Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Short Description
Known as the “miracle tree,” moringa is nutrient-dense and protective inside and out.
Properties
• Rich in vitamins A, C, and E
• High in antioxidants
• Supports collagen formation
• Detoxifying + revitalizing
Ritual Note
A tree of abundance—moringa nourishes as if pouring from an endless well.
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Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Short Description
Bitter and powerful, neem is a traditional purifying herb used for skin and scalp health.
Properties
• Antimicrobial + antifungal
• Purifying + clarifying
• Anti-inflammatory
• Supports acne-prone skin
Ritual Note
The bitter healer—neem cleanses deeply, restoring balance where excess thrives.
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Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Short Description
A mineral-rich tonic herb, nettle nourishes skin, hair, and the whole system.
Properties
• Rich in iron, silica, and minerals
• Strengthens hair + nails
• Anti-inflammatory + antihistamine
• Supports skin repair
Ritual Note
A wild green ally—nettle is a tonic of vitality, strengthening from root to crown.
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Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Short Description
Cool and refreshing, peppermint stimulates circulation and clears the mind.
Properties
• Cooling + invigorating
• Relieves headaches + congestion
• Antimicrobial
• Soothes digestion
Ritual Note
A breath of freshness—peppermint awakens the senses and energizes the spirit.
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Plantain (Plantago major)
Short Description
A humble wild green, plantain is a first-aid ally for skin, drawing out heat and soothing wounds.
Properties
• Heals minor cuts + stings
• Anti-inflammatory + cooling
• Supports skin repair
• Traditionally used as a poultice
Ritual Note
Plantain carries earth’s remedy—an herbal bandage in leaf form.
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Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Short Description
A gentle yet powerful herb, red clover supports skin health and inner cleansing.
Properties
• Detoxifying + blood purifying
• Supports skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
• Rich in phytoestrogens
• Anti-inflammatory
Ritual Note
Red clover blossoms hold the medicine of resilience—soft yet strong.
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Rose (Rosa spp.)
Short Description
Soft and fragrant, rose petals bring heart-centered beauty and soothing care.
Properties
• Calming + anti-inflammatory
• Rich in antioxidants + vitamin C
• Hydrating + toning
• Balances mood
Ritual Note
The flower of love—rose invites softness, compassion, and radiance.
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Rose Hip (Rosa canina)
Short Description
Bright red hips, rich in vitamin C, are a nourishing fruit for skin and immunity.
Properties
• High in vitamin C + antioxidants
• Supports collagen formation
• Hydrating + anti-aging
• Brightens skin
Ritual Note
A jewel of autumn—rose hips carry the sun’s warmth into the colder months.
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Short Description
A fragrant evergreen, rosemary awakens the senses and invigorates the body.
Properties
• Stimulates circulation
• Antimicrobial + antioxidant
• Clarifying for mind + memory
• Strengthens hair + scalp
Ritual Note
The herb of remembrance—inhale rosemary to call forth clarity and vitality.
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Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Short Description
An herb of wisdom and cleansing, sage purifies both body and space.
Properties
• Antimicrobial + clarifying
• Supports circulation
• Astringent + toning
• Traditional for spiritual cleansing
Ritual Note
Burn or brew—sage is both medicine and ritual for clarity and protection.
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Willow (Salix spp.)
Short Description
Source of natural salicylates, willow bark gently exfoliates and soothes.
Properties
• Anti-inflammatory
• Natural salicylic acid source
• Supports acne-prone skin
• Pain-relieving + cooling
Ritual Note
A tree of renewal—willow peels away the old, making space for the new.
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Witch Hazel Leaves (Hamamelis virginiana)
Short Description
Astringent and clarifying, witch hazel tones skin and eases inflammation.
Properties
• Astringent + pore tightening
• Reduces swelling + irritation
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant rich
Ritual Note
An herb of clear waters—witch hazel refreshes, tones, and restores balance.
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Short Description
Named for Achilles, yarrow is the warrior’s herb—strong, protective, and healing.
Properties
• Astringent + wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Promotes circulation
• Supports skin repair
Ritual Note
A herb of thresholds—yarrow is carried for protection and used for wounds both seen and unseen.
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