In a world that often prioritizes quick fixes over natural harmony, it's time to return to the innate intelligence of our bodies and the wisdom of the earth and our ancestors. By trusting in biology and embracing the support of the plants, we can nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits while deepening our connection to nature and our innate biological processes.

This simple guide is for women, mothers, and children—those in the tender, expansive stages of life—who are ready to align with the rhythms of nature and rediscover their relationship with plant allies and their own bodies. It is empowering to reclaim one’s health and the well-being of their families health instead of outsourcing it to outside sources. By leading with confidence, trusting one’s intuitive innate wisdom to guide them and reconnecting with nature's remedies you start to embody a legacy of care and sovereignty.

Although it’s always best to trust the body's innate intelligence to heal and return to homeostasis, working with plant allys to support the body in this process is very helpful. Along with clearing out emotional stressors and toxins from products/processed foods/pharmaceuticals, working with medicinal plants over a short or long period of time will connect you deeper to the earth and yourself creating cohesion between one’s MindBodySpirit. I’ve found that children are eager to work with the plants and love being a part of the medicine making process, it comes naturally to them and sometimes even just the spirit of the plant they’re working with is healing enough. The plants are also a great support to women and mothers as they hold space for the heavy and expansive stages of life. These herbs are safe to work with throughout the whole family, even the newer members. Always do your own research and create your own relationship with the plants to have a more in depth understanding and above all else use your intuition and trust your gut.

The Power of Plant Medicine

While the body is designed to heal itself, herbs can provide gentle yet profound support during this process. When combined with the removal of stressors like processed foods, toxins, and emotional burdens, medicinal plants help us come into balance, creating cohesion between the MindBodySpirit.

Children, in particular, have an intuitive connection to plants, often eager to participate in medicine-making. Simply working with a plant's spirit can be healing for them. For mothers and

women, plants hold space during life's heavy yet transformative stages, offering physical and emotional support.

Here’s a list of safe, family-friendly herbs to consider. As always, trust your intuition, do your research, and cultivate personal relationships with these plants to unlock their full wisdom.

Herbs for Women and Children

Each of these herbs has specific properties that make them wonderful allies for nurturing bodies:

Chamomile – Calms nerves, soothes digestive inflammation. Catnip – Relaxes the nervous system, eases stress, and relieves teething pain. Wild Cherry Bark – A gentle cough remedy and expectorant. Slippery Elm – Soothes digestive tract inflammation; helpful for diarrhea or constipation. Lavender – Calming for nerves and skin; great as a mist or salve. Echinacea – Immune-boosting and infection-fighting; a go-to herb when uncertain. Elder Flower/Berry – High in vitamins A & C; supports immunity and respiratory health. Lemon Balm – Calms anxiety, antiviral, and nervine. Passionflower – Supports restful sleep and dream peace. Rose Hips – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Red Clover – Cleansing to the blood, mineral-rich, and cooling for the skin. Seamoss/Seaweeds – Nutrient-dense; soothing to the digestive system and skin. Skullcap – Relieves tension, calms nerves, and helps with focus (great for ADHD). Motherwort – Emotional and reproductive system support; connects the heart and womb. Calendula – Healing for skin and gut; ideal for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Nettles – High in minerals, great for tissue and bone support, and cleansing for the blood. Mullein – Supports respiratory health; flowers can ease ear infections. Frankincense – Grounding and anti-inflammatory. Yarrow – Multi-purpose plant: digestive, wound-healing, staunching bleeding and more. Burdock – Liver tonic, rich in minerals. Hibiscus – Cooling and high in antioxidants; supports immunity. Fennel – Aids digestion, relieves gas, and increases milk flow in breastfeeding mothers. Milky Oats – Restorative for the nervous system; ideal for long-term stress support. Marshmallow Root – Soothes inflammation, especially in the digestive tract. Raspberry Leaf – Uterine tonic; supports all stages of motherhood and is mineral-rich.

Administering Herbs to Children

Every child is different, and so are their preferences when it comes to taking herbs. Some enjoy herbal teas with a touch of honey, while others prefer the herbs "hidden" in food or syrups. Here are some methods to make herbal remedies accessible to children:

● Tinctures: Alcohol or glycerin extractions; start with small doses for children.

● Syrups: Concentrated teas preserved with honey or maple syrup.

● Teas: Infusions for leaves/flowers; decoctions for roots/bark.

● Oxymels: Herbal infusions in apple cider vinegar.

● Powdered Herbs: Add to pancakes, smoothies, or other recipes.

● Lozenges: Mix powdered herbs with honey and roll into balls.

● Electuaries: powdered herbs mixed into honey

● Oils: Infused oils for topical application.

● Salves: Made from herbal oils combined with beeswax for external use.

● Essences: Flower essences that work energetically and are especially gentle for children.

Recommended Reading

Deepen your knowledge and intuition with these resources:

● Herbs for Children’s Health by Rosemary Gladstar

● Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed

● Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar

● Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Dr. Christiane Northrup

● New Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed

● Hygieia: A Woman’s Herbal by Jeannine Parvati Baker

As you embark on this journey, remember that herbalism is not just about remedies—it’s about relationship. Connect with the plants, trust your body, and embrace the healing wisdom of the earth. Sovereign living is about empowering yourself and your family to live in alignment with nature, cultivating a deeper sense of trust and balance within.