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Wayana | Herbs • Garden • Foraging

@wayanafields

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🌿 From garden to apothecary
🍵 Teas, remedies and herbal craft
🌱 Growing · Harvesting · Creating
🤍 Slow, seasonal herbal life

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I come to the garden to grow things.
But somehow, the garden grows me too.

It teaches me patience.
It humbles me.
It grounds me.
It calms me.

It teaches me to create without rushing,
to learn without needing to know everything,
to tend without controlling,
and to let go when the time comes.

Here, my hands are busy,
but my mind becomes quiet.

And in that quiet,
I feel closer to God.

Maybe the garden is not just where I grow flowers, vegetables and dreams.

Maybe it is where I remember
who I am,
what matters,
and how beautifully life keeps unfolding.

🌿🌸🐝

#seasonalliving #natureinspires #herbgarden #gardeninspiration #naturalhealing by @wayanafields

There's nothing better than sitting around a crackling fire on a chilly evening, right? Whether you're camping, enjoying a backyard fire pit, using a pizza oven or wood stove, these DIY fire starters are worth trying!

They're easy to make, look gorgeous (almost too pretty to burn!) and release a lovely fragrance as they catch fire. 🌿🍂

These dried bundles of herbs and flowers also make wonderful fragrant gifts for friends and family, especially with December fast approaching.

If you're anything like me, you probably have plenty of plants that need pruning. Whenever I'm tidying up the garden (and that happened quite a lot in October!), I like to gather some of the trimmings into little bunches to use as kindling or fire starters.

I particularly enjoy using fragrant herbs such as mint, lavender, lemon balm and sage. Woody herbs like lavender can also help the bundles burn a little longer.

How to make them:

Gather your garden trimmings and tie them together with natural twine. Wrap the twine up the bunch and back down again, then tie it off at the bottom to keep everything neatly together.

For these, I've also reused the strings from my sweet peas and tomato plants, giving them another purpose instead of throwing them away!

Make them as long, short, thick or thin as you like, then leave them to dry in a warm place with good airflow. Depending on their size and drying conditions, this can take a few days to a couple of weeks.

Once completely dry, they're ready to use!

Keep them in a pretty basket beside the fireplace, or tie a few together with a lovely bow to gift to someone who loves a cosy fire.

Safety note: Only use non-toxic plant material, avoid plants you're allergic to, and never leave a fire unattended.

#firestarter #gardeninspiration #NaturalLiving #seasonalliving #wayanafields by @wayanafields

Four Thieves Vinegar: The story behind this centuries-old herbal tradition.

The tale takes us back to plague-ridden Europe in the Middle Ages. As the story goes, four thieves roamed the streets during the outbreak, stealing from the sick and dying without falling ill themselves.

When they were finally caught, they were offered leniency in exchange for revealing their secret. They claimed that an herbalist had prepared a special remedy for them using garlic, vinegar and aromatic herbs.

Whether this story is true, folklore, or somewhere in between, the recipe has been passed down through generations.

Recipes may vary but the core ingredients usually include:

🌱 Garlic — a natural antibacterial and antiviral powerhouse.

🌱 Rosemary — stimulating and antimicrobial.

🌱 Sage — purifying and strengthening.

🌱 Thyme — an herb famous for fighting infection.

🌱 Lavender — soothing and antiseptic properties.

Lavender is optional, although it appears in many versions of the recipe.

Variations: mint, wormwood, juniper berries, cloves or basil.

🌿 Four Thieves Vinegar Recipe

Ingredients:
• 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”) — approx. 240 ml
• 3–4 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or ½ tbsp dried)
• ½ tbsp dried thyme (or 1–2 fresh sprigs)
• ½ tbsp dried sage (or a few fresh leaves)
• ½ tbsp dried lavender buds (optional)
Optional extras: juniper berries, cloves, lemon peel, basil or mint.

Method:

Add the herbs and garlic to a clean glass jar.
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar until the herbs are fully covered.
• Use a non-metallic lid, or place parchment paper between a metal lid and the vinegar to help prevent corrosion.
• Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking the jar every few days.
• Strain out the herbs and transfer to a clean, sterilised glass jar or bottle. Don't forget to label it!

👉🏻 How to use (please see pinned comment below)

This isn't just an old legend; it's a living tradition that continues to inspire us today.

#seasonalliving #herbalremedies #natureinspires #herbalism #herbgarden by @wayanafields

October in the garden has been a little bit of everything. 🌿🍂

The last summer harvests, flowers still blooming, and autumn and winter varieties now being sown for the months ahead.

The cosmos, calendulas, nasturtiums and marigolds are still bringing colour to the garden, while seeds are being saved for next year.

And of course, Benji has been causing havoc before settling down for a well-earned rest! 😺

A little look back at October in my garden. 🤎

#october #inthegarden #gardenlove #seasonalliving
#gardeninspiration by @wayanafields

October, you have been so incredibly kind. ✨

This month always holds a truly special place in my heart—it is easily one of my absolute favourites. This year, the transition into the darker half of the year has felt particularly beautiful, filled to the brim with quiet happiness, blessings, and memories I’ll hold onto tightly.

As the garden begins to rest and the hearth fires are lit, I’m feeling immensely grateful for the slow, golden rhythm of the past few weeks.

Thank you for everything, October. 🍂🕯️ by @wayanafields

I like to start my day right (and sometimes finish it!) with this delicious apple crumble. 🍎

Cinnamon-spiced apples, a golden, crunchy oat and pecan topping, and that cosy autumn flavour. It's one of my favourite ways to enjoy the apple harvest, whether for breakfast or dessert.

For the apple filling:

- 3–6 good-sized sweet apples
- 1 tsp cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- A pinch of salt
- Coconut sugar, to taste (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
- A little vanilla extract (optional)

For the crumble topping:

- ⅔ cup oats
- ⅔ cup pecans or walnuts
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tsp honey or organic maple syrup
- A little splash of raw milk or water, if needed

How to make it:

1. Chop the apples and sauté them in a pan with the coconut oil, cinnamon and salt. Add coconut sugar to taste, if using, along with the lemon juice and vanilla, if desired.

2. Cover the pan for a few minutes to help the apples soften, but don't let them get too soft, as they'll bake again in the oven.

3. Preheat your oven to 180°C.

4. Add the crumble ingredients to a food processor and blend for around 40 seconds, or longer if needed, checking the consistency as you go. You're looking for a sticky yet crumbly mixture. Add a little raw milk or water if needed.

5. Spread the apples in a small baking dish, lightly greased with coconut oil or lined with parchment paper. Use your fingers to form the crumble and scatter it over the apples.

6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

How to serve:

Enjoy with raw milk, yoghurt or fresh fruit for breakfast, or a scoop of cream or ice cream for dessert.

Storage and reheating:

Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for around 5–10 minutes, until warmed through. This helps bring back some crunch in the topping.

It's a lovely make-ahead breakfast, and a comforting autumn favourite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! 🧡

#applecrumble #autumnrecipes #SeasonalLiving #apples #gardeninspiration by @wayanafields

As the days grow colder, I'm changing my tea blends to suit the season. 🍂

Today's blend brings together nettles, sage, meadowsweet, mint, hawthorn berries, calendula and dandelion leaves.

And the lovely thing? All grown and gathered from my own garden. 🌿

A little reminder of how much our gardens can offer, even as the seasons change.

#TeaOfTheDay #HerbalGarden #SeasonalLiving #tealover #AutumnVibes by @wayanafields

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), also known as knitbone or slippery root, has a long history in traditional herbal medicine. Its name comes from the Greek symphyo, meaning to unite or grow together.

Comfrey has traditionally been used for bruises, sprains, pulled muscles and other injuries and tissue damages. It contains allantoin, mucilage, saponins, polysaccharides and other natural plant compounds, and certain comfrey preparations have been studied for their topical use in relieving pain and swelling.

It's the leaves that you want to use to make medicinal oils or salves. You can then use it directly on the skin or mixed with other ingredients. 🌿

It's also a wonderful plant to have in the garden. Bees and other pollinators love its flowers, while the leaves make a useful addition to the compost heap and can be used to make plant feed. I have several clumps growing in my garden, and I also use the leaves to make herbal preparations, including my comfrey oil and salve.

A note on safety: Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage when taken internally. Never use it as a tea or supplement, and don't apply it to open wounds or broken skin, it's so powerful that it can stimulate healing on the outside and trap microbes inside (you don't want bacteria and other microorganisms inside wounds since they can cause abscesses).

Having this herb growing where you can easily access it is one small step towards being a little more self-reliant. I feel much more at peace knowing I have comfrey growing just outside in my garden.

Like other medicinal plants, comfrey should be understood and respected before using it.

#comfrey #gardeninspiration #herbalhealing #herbalism #herbalwisdom by @wayanafields

Hops (Humulus lupulus) are best known for brewing beer, but these fragrant female flower cones have a long history in herbal medicine, too. 🌿

Here are some of the traditional uses of this fascinating plant:

🌿 Sleep & relaxation — Hops are traditionally used to encourage restful sleep and help settle feelings of nervousness and restlessness.

🌿 Digestive support — Their bitter compounds may stimulate digestive secretions and support digestion, which is why hops have also been used in traditional bitters.

🌿 Menopausal support — Hops contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can interact with oestrogen receptors. Some research suggests they may help with symptoms such as hot flushes, although more evidence is needed.

🌿 Anti-inflammatory properties — Compounds found in hops are being studied for their anti-inflammatory effects. Hops have also been used in traditional skincare preparations, including infused oils and salves.

Beyond herbal use, hops have a distinctive bitter flavour and floral aroma that can add an interesting note to homemade drinks and cooking.

Making a hops tincture is one way to preserve the plant for later use. The flower cones are covered with alcohol, left to infuse in a cool, dark place, shaken regularly, then strained and bottled.

A little caution: hops can cause drowsiness and may not be suitable for everyone. Seek professional advice before using them medicinally, particularly if you take sedative medication or have a hormone-sensitive condition. Hops are also highly toxic to dogs, so keep the plant and preparations well out of their reach.

There is always more to learn from the plants growing around us. 🌿

#hops #herbalremedies #herbs #gardeninspiration #herbalism by @wayanafields

A gentle reminder for Saturday.

In a world that constantly asks us to produce, grow, and move onto the next thing, true rest is a quiet act of stewardship.
Today, step away from the to-do list.
Breathe in the fresh sea air, look out at the vastness of creation, and take the time to make your soul happy
.
Wishing you a peaceful, restful weekend. 🤍

#slowliving #FaithAndNature #sabbathrest #natureishealing #seasonalliving by @wayanafields

I love growing food for the table, and onions are one of those staples I plant every year. They might not be something we eat in large quantities, but they add so much flavour to home-cooked meals. 🌱

Autumn-planted onions get established before winter and give us an early harvest next summer.

A few things to know when planting overwintering onion sets:

- Plant pointed end up, around 1–1.5 cm deep.
- Space sets 3–5 cm apart, with 30–40 cm between rows.
- Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil.
- Keep the bed weed-free and mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

And that little spoon? It's an antique shop treasure that has become my favourite garden tool for making planting holes. 🥄🌱

I'll be adding mulch to my bed soon, too! It's a little like growing garlic, and one more crop to look forward to next summer.

#HerbalGarden #KitchenGarden #onion #gardeninspiration #seasonalliving by @wayanafields