She’s a naturopath, medical herbalist, author, and magazine writer with a specialty in wellness, gardening and natural solutions. So when you get your hands on The Everyday Herbalist by Jane Wrigglesworth, consider yourself very lucky indeed.
And because you’re here? You’re even luckier. Why? Because we’re sharing a few of Jane’s amazing recipes right here – and (drumroll)…you could win a copy of her book too! This is your sign.
As you may know, at Youology&Co, we’re all about helping women thrive in midlife. We talk about hormones, xenoestrogens, and those pesky endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) often lurking in personal care products, cleaning supplies, and food – messing with your mojo and your hormones.
That’s why we’re thrilled to spotlight Jane and her herb-powered wisdom in:
The Everyday Herbalist – The Essential Guide to Growing & Using Herbs in Aotearoa
Why Herbs Matter More Than Ever
The Everyday Herbalist is your one-stop guide to growing and using herbs for health, beauty, and general glow-up goodness. Jane covers over 30 essential herbs, from how to grow them to how to whip them into DIY remedies.
Her journey started young – around 10 years old – during a family visit to a herb farm somewhere in Aotearoa – she can’t quite remember where. But she does remember being captivated by the groupings of plants: herbs for headaches, first aid, colds, coughs, and skincare. Indeed, that early curiosity bloomed into hands-on experiments in her teens, and by the early 2000s, while editing Weekend Gardener magazine, her herbal passion truly took root.
Then came a personal health scare: a bleeding stomach landed her in hospital with critically low haemoglobin and iron levels. As a result of her healing journey, she wanted to explore more than conventional meds.
“So I googled natural remedies and found that parsley, a veritable wonder herb, ishigh in virtually all vitamins and minerals, including iron. I began to consume it daily basis, along with chamomile tea, which helped to reduce the inflammation in my gut, and soon enough, my iron levels began to rise. That was revolutionary for me, and since then I’ve been a convert to the magic of herbal medicine.”
Within the pages, you can also learn how to make cough and cold remedies, gut health wonders, skin, hair and lip concoctions, and how to circumnavigate that old foe of many of you – fatigue.
Want to make soap? There’s a recipe for that. What about some homegrown furniture polish? Jane has you covered.
And for those midlife aches and pains? Try the Ginger & Turmeric Syrup below, along with your anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style way of eating.
Your Gift: Recipes from The Everyday Herbalist
Yes, indeed. From gut-loving elixirs to solid perfumes, lip balms, and even DIY cleaning products – Jane’s book is a goldmine for natural living. So we cherry-picked a few to share (with Jane’s blessing).
Ginger & Turmeric Syrup (Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse)
Jane says, “Both these herbs are noted for their anti-inflammatory properties. So if you like using fresh roots, try this. It packs a punch, but take 1-2 teaspoons straight, if you can stand it, 3 times a day, or add it to smoothies and juices.”
Ingredients:
- 140g (5 oz) fresh ginger, chopped
- 70g (2 1|2 oz) fresh turmeric, chopped
- 2 1|2 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup rice malt syrup
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
Method:
Image: karolina grabowska @pexels
- Place the ginger, turmeric and lemon juice in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.
- Press through a fine-meshed sieve placed over a glass mixing bowl (the turmeric may stain a plastic one), extracting as much liquid as possible.
- Store the remaining pulp in the fridge and use it to flavour stir-fries.
Solid Perfume – Basic Formula
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (or herb-infused oil)
- 10g (1|4 oz) beeswax, grated
- 40 drops essential oil/s of your choice
Method:
1.Heat the jojoba oil and grated beeswax in a double boiler gently until the beeswax is melted.
2. Remove from the heat, add the essential oil and stir to combine.
3. Immediately pour it into your perfume container.
4. Cool completely before capping.
Image: shkrabaanthony @pexels
Floral Solid Perfume Blend
- 15 drops 3% jasmine essential oil in jojoba mix
- 12 drops clary sage essential oil
- 7 drops lavender essential oil
- 6 drops rose geranium essential oil
Make as per the basic formula above.
Mango Lip Balm
Image:darmel @pexels
Ingredients:
- 15g (1|2 oz) beeswax, grated
- 15g (1|2 oz) mango butter
- 9g (1|4 oz) cocoa butter
- 5–6 tsp calendula-infused oil (more for a softer consistency)
- 20 drops mango-flavoured oil
Method:
- In a double boiler, gently heat the beeswax, mango butter, cocoa butter and infused oil until melted, mixing to combine.
- Remove from the heat and add the essential oil.
- Pour into small pots immediately and leave to cool completely before attaching the lids.
Psst… A great place to source your ingredients? Try Pure Nature.
GIVEAWAY TIME!
If you can’t tell, we’re in love with The Everyday Herbalist – and Jane’s kindly given us a copy to give away!
Head to Instagram here to enter.
Good luck.
