Wandering Bee Farm & Apothecary

07/13/2025

Weekend full of flowers checking out Franz Witte new cut flower farm & the lavender festival at Deer Flat Ranch!

07/11/2025

Harvest baskets still very full of herbs these days as the tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, and peppers are full of flowers and tiny veggies. Red clover, rosemary, chamomile, st johns wort, citronella, calendula, and lemon balm harvested today. I also harvest a full drying rack of yarrow, bee balm, and borage. I have more to pick tonight. Always something to harvest this time of year!

07/05/2025

Come check out these vendors today at Bernie Fisher Park from 9am to 1pm! Sourdough, lemonade, tallow and more!!! ☀️

07/05/2025

Farmers Alley Market of Kuna tomorrow morning!

07/01/2025

Only one market this weekend as I get ready for a very busy month of August! Hope to see you at Farmers Alley Market of Kuna

06/20/2025

Friday Product Highlight: Cottonwood Bud Oil
This deeply aromatic oil holds a special place in my heart — it was one of the very first herbal medicines I worked with when I began my herbalism journey. Each spring, we hand-gather the fallen buds from beneath cottonwood trees, honoring the season and the land as we collect just what we need.

Cottonwood buds are rich in salicylates, the same family of compounds found in willow bark and similar in structure to aspirin. These natural constituents give the oil its well-known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a powerful ally for muscle aches, tension, and minor injuries.

It’s one of my personal go-to remedies — it’s helped me with shin splints during my running stints, sore muscles after lifting, and even eases the tension headaches that visit me far too often.

Typically it is made into a balm but living somewhere so hot, I've found that keeping it as an oil is much preferable. You’ll also find this infused oil blended into many of our bath products, where it helps to deepen the soothing, restorative effects of a warm soak.

It’s simple, strong, and infused with care — just the way herbal medicine should be.

https://www.wanderingbeefarm.com/products/cottonwood-bud-oil-balm-of-gilead

06/18/2025

Wednesday Herbal Highlight: Comfrey
Bold, vibrant, and deeply rooted, Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a powerhouse plant both in the garden and in the apothecary. Traditionally known as “knitbone,” comfrey has long been used externally to support the healing of bruises, sprains, and minor injuries. Rich in allantoin, it encourages tissue repair and regeneration, making it a go-to in soothing salves and topical formulas.

In my apothecary creations, I work with comfrey only externally — infused into oils and added to balms for sore muscles, dry skin, and general skin support.

⚠️ Safety Note:
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver if taken internally. It should never be used internally or on open wounds for extended periods. Even powerful plants need respectful boundaries — and comfrey is one of them.

Comfrey is also an incredible garden ally. Its deep roots draw up nutrients from the soil, making the leaves rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. I’m currently preparing a comfrey fertilizer tea made from homegrown leaves — a potent, organic liquid feed that will be available in just a few weeks! It’s a fantastic way to nourish your plants naturally and will be available to share soon!

And as if all that wasn’t enough — comfrey’s purple blooms attract massive, happy bumblebees all summer long, making it one of my absolute favorite flowering plants to grow.

Have you grown comfrey or used it in your own herbal or garden work?

06/11/2025

Wednesday Herbal Highlight: St. John’s Wort
Bright and blooming right around the summer solstice, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a radiant herb long used to support emotional well-being and nerve health. Traditionally turned to for mild mood support, it’s also known for its affinity for the nervous system — helping with tension, low spirits, and even topical nerve discomfort.

In this photo, you’ll see the fresh yellow blossoms beginning their transformation into a deep red tincture — a process that captures the plant’s solar energy and herbal strength at its peak. I have loved having them in my garden this year for tincturing and will wild forage for oil in a few weeks.

Important note: While St. John’s Wort is a powerful ally, it’s not for everyone. It can interact with many medications, including antidepressants, hormonal birth control, and others. Always research interactions or check with a trusted practitioner before using it internally.

Do you have this wild beauty growing near you?

06/08/2025

Just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to everyone we saw last night and also add we were so sad to miss the morning market (2 hrs of sleep isn't it when it comes to market days 🙃)
Markets are always a lot of work to prepare for so when they go well, it is so good. I have got a lot of restocking to do before the next one in July! But what a great way to start out the summer season of markets!

06/07/2025

06/06/2025

Friday Product Highlight
This week’s spotlight is our three new warm-weather creations from our early summer apothecary additions. I love creating small batch products that highlight what is currently in season!

🍓 Summer Passion Tea – A bright, fruity herbal blend with hibiscus, strawberry, orange, and a hint of calendula sunshine. Refreshing hot or iced.

🍒 Cherry Berry Tea – Bold cherry, tart hibiscus, hawthorn, rosehips, and blackberry leaves for a rich, balanced cup that’s full of good for you berries.

🌼 Chive Blossom Salt – Savory, citrusy, and full of flavor. This small-batch finishing salt is made with fresh chive blossoms, lemon, and ancient kosher salt—perfect for grilled veggies, eggs, or avocado toast.

Available at the market and online (after this weekend, markets get first dibs!)
Which one will you try first?

06/04/2025

Wednesday Herbal Highlight: Red Raspberry Leaf
You might have this herbal powerhouse growing right in your backyard! Red raspberry leaf has long been cherished in traditional herbalism for its ability to tone and support the uterus, making it especially beloved during menstruation and end of pregnancy. It's rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins — offering gentle, nourishing support for the whole body.

Its flavor is smooth, mild, and slightly herbaceous — reminiscent of a very light black tea, making it a perfect base for blends or soothing on its own.

The best time to harvest red raspberry leaves is in late spring to early summer — ideally before the plant begins to flower. At this stage, the leaves are young, vibrant, and rich in nutrients. I typically take leaves from first year shoots that aren't going to be putting out fruit.

Choose healthy, green leaves from plants growing in clean, unsprayed areas. Snip the leaves with clean scissors or pinch them off gently by hand, taking care not to strip the plant. Avoid yellowing or damaged leaves.

After harvesting, lay the leaves out in a single layer to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Once crisp, store them in an airtight container away from direct light and moisture. Properly dried, they’ll retain their flavor and properties for months.

You’ll find red raspberry leaf in both my Moon Cycle Tea and Bump Support Tea, where it helps ease cramping, support hormonal balance, and provide mineral-rich nourishment.

Do you use red raspberry leaf? Is it growing near you? Let me know in the comments!