The Prairie Journal RSS



Herbal References for Beginners

My cat pounces on my lap gently kneading her paws and purring. I am engrossed in a book and absently detach her from my lap. She pounces again, her warm furry body balancing precariously on my lap. She lifts her paw and tries to knock the book out of my hand. “Luna de buho” I groan (using her full name whilst she is in trouble) and gently place her off my lap. She pounces again, I sigh and give into her persistence. We settle in a comfortable rhythm, I pet her with one hand and hold the book in the other while she curls in my lap purring contently and gets busy kneading her biscuits. Her nemesis, the book, forgotten...

Continue reading



Garden Refresh During the Earth Element Season of Late Summer

Are you interested in starting a late summer or early fall garden? This blog explores what vegetables are compatible to grow after a hot summer, what native plants and perennials you might consider planting now, how to plant fall roots, establishing a wildflower garden area before winter, and pollinator-friendly habits anyone can adopt all year.

Continue reading




Earth Season - The 5th Season

  Elemental Flow-Chart, photo credit to Paige Hill, CH   Have you heard of the Earth season before? What about the Earth Element? No, you haven’t? Well neither did I, not until I started working for Prairie Star Botanicals and began my herbal education.   Prior to herbal education, I have heard about the different elements of nature (Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Ether), but I have never explored them to understand their meaning. Now, I have an association and appreciation with all of the different elements that govern not only the universe, but our bodies. My teachings are a blend of multiple traditional practices, but what has stuck with me most, is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).   Today, I have...

Continue reading



Ask The Herbalist: Mother & Baby

  We have interviewed Kate Bodmann (pictured above), who is a Registered Clinical Herbalist and Registered Aromatherapist who has been providing herbal consultations and classes for the past 10 years in Omaha, Nebraska. She is the owner of Land of Milk and Honey Herbs and Omaha Whole Living, a small health and wellness collective that provides massage, qi gong, and other energy healing practices. We have worked with Kate for many years now and knew that she would be THE Herbalist to interview for the content of this blog.   What herbs are safe to take during pregnancy? Herbal safety is an important aspect to consider when working with women who are or may become pregnant. There are many safe herbs...

Continue reading