Seeds, herbal torches and potions- oh my!

My witch hazel in bloom!

Merry meet all,

Don’t you love the month of October? I feel so much magic in the air. I have a pumpkin, a pot of bright yellow chrysanthemums outside, a jar of pumpkin spice, and witchy magazines to read this fall! Bring it on! I am ready. I hope you are too. 

It’s my goal to save as many seeds as I can from my garden this year. So far, I have saved Shasta daisy, elecampane, echinacea, tickseed, dill seeds, lavender, lemon balm, yarrow, marigold seeds and witch hazel! Yes I did save witch hazel seeds. The flowers of my witch hazel are shown in the photo above. The witch hazel seeds are glossy, slippery, and deep black. I have 5 seeds and in the spring, I plan to scatter them outside in the ground on the nature trail. Some seeds need the cold of winter to germinate. 

My witch hazel tree is flush with flowers. The whole tree or shrub I should say, is gorgeous. I have stored the seeds in jars and labeled paper envelopes. I have been feeling especially crafty in the last few weeks. I am REALLY bitten by the herbal bug. I’m brewing jars of burdock root + dandelion root tinctures, hawthorn cordials, gingered honey, and for the first time I made mullein herbal torches. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making mullein torches is easy. They were known as hag torches. Mullein grows wild where I live. To make the torches, cut and dry mullein stalks. Measure how long you want the torches to be. I have a small pot I have dedicated for melting beeswax in. So the torches are small. You can make your torches be whatever size you want. Melt a lot, like a LOT, of beeswax in your double boiler. You can add essential oils to give your torches a nice fragrance. I chose essential oils that correspond with autumn: cinnamon, clove, rosemary, etc. Dip the torch stalk into the beeswax to ensure they are fully and deeply coated. Sprinkle on herbs that correspond with autumn! Choose marigold petals, chrysanthemum, mugwort and sage. Press the herbs lightly down to make sure they stick. Let them dry on a wire rack. They make great offerings to Hekate! I suggest you burn them outdoors to avoid a fire in your home. 

October is not complete without pumpkins! I have half a pumpkin in my freezer, a squash to puree, pureed pumpkin in my fridge. I baked a lovely pumpkin bread which I enjoy with cinnamon butter. Yummy! I tried to make elderberry mead. It turned into a syrup. I will try again next year!

I have a recipe for Pumpkin Spice Herbal Latte. Mmm I am making it tomorrow and I can’t wait. I still have to harvest the elecampane root and wash the grow bag. Then I have to store the garden knick knacks, clean and sterilize my garden tools, and store everything away for winter. The garden lawn chair cushions will be stored in my Mom’s basement. 

I began nettle from seed in a large pot under my grow lights. I transplanted a few nettle seedlings into the garden. I believe they rooted which means I will get nettle next summer. I am very relieved the nettle is outside because it really does sting! I grew tired of being constantly stung by the nettle. Stinging nettle has its name for a reason. My mint is growing nicely in the pot along with what I believe may be mugwort and rue. They will overwinter indoors. I am not sure if rue would survive the winter. I am planting garlic this fall!

I stocked up on extra jars to hold all my herbs. I had a great harvest this year. In fact, my herb harvest was so successful it has led to me making a big decision about my garden. I am now not growing as many vegetables as I used to. I do better growing herbs. So herbs it is, it is a lot less effort, they are not as bothered by pests, and I don’t waste as many seeds. The soil is not that deep as I would like. The soil is very good quality but not that deep. Herb roots don’t need a lot of depth. 

Having a herb garden and such an abundance of herbs on the nature trail helps me financially. It would cost me a fortune to pay for all the herbs I require for the Herbal Academy. I could never afford it all. It is easier on my wallet for sure. I love living here and I consider myself truly fortunate. 

Blessed Be, Spiderwitch 

Links of Interest:

How to Make Hawthorn Tincture

How & When To Prune Rosemary For Big, Bushy Plants

27 Garden Plants You Can Easily Propagate From Cuttings 

Homemade Wildflower Seed Bombs To Beautify Forgotten Landscapes

How To Prepare Your Garden Beds For Winter

 

Herbal Allies

Look at these lovely dandelion roots!

Merry meet all,

Oh shiver me timbers. It’s cold here today. It’s also finally October! (so, who cares about the cold?) Pumpkins rest on the front decks and porches of many homes. People turn up the heat and dig out their winter woollies, in anticipation of the cold weather fall brings. My cat is napping under the blankets, and I’m sipping hot tea. I’m wearing a wool cardigan and a pair of slippers. I even wear wool cardigans with my pyjamas. That is how we Maritimers do things here. 

Now is the time for preparing soups, stews and other hot meals. We can use certain herbs and spices to keep us healthy through the fall and winter too. Since I have been studying at the Herbal Academy, I have become acquainted with a few amazing herbs. Astragalus, liquorice root, Eleuthero root, elecampane, elderberry, echinacea. I am of course familiar with lemon, ginger, white onion and these are very potent and very good to have on hand through the cold season. The other herbs above are powerful allies in fighting colds and flus in their own right. 

I’m brewing a jar of hawthorn cordial. The ingredients are steeping in a jar. The ingredients are hawthorn berries, an apple, ginger, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon zest, hibiscus, honey and brandy. I didn’t have any pomegranate and the strawberries went sour. I know the other flavours will lend a rich taste to the cordial. Hawthorn is well known for being a good heart medicine. I added all the ingredients, stirred it well with a wooden spoon and it will now steep for four weeks. The fruits, herbs and spices are powerful aids for easing digestion at the end of a day. 

Confession: I was just out on a walk. Hurricane Fiona tore up a lovely elderberry shrub. I walked along the trail to help the shrub. I was saddened to discover the shrub lay dead on its side. I found a patch of dandelion and dug it up, roots and all.  I cleaned the roots and chopped them up then left them to dry with the other root pieces. The day before I also harvested dandelion & burdock root. The roots loaded with medicinal properties are  drying out in my kitchen. I plan to make a dandelion and burdock root tincture. I will savour every drop! Dandelions are best harvested in the fall and spring. The energy of the plant returns deep down to the roots, and then the roots contain more inulin and less fructose. 

I also harvested plantain seeds, astilbe seeds and lady’s mantle. They are drying in open jars. I just collected about 4 seedpods from my beautiful witch hazel. The leaves are turning green to gold. Such a magical tree! The witch hazel flowered too. I shall do my best to produce a photo of the golden spidery flowers. 

I stored a big harvest of lavender in a big brown paper bag, sage and hyssop from my Mom’s garden. I made a sage wand with some of the sage. I have a recipe for a sage oxymel and I may try that with it or save the garden sage for cooking. I hope I got seeds! The sage is growing well in my garden. 

I harvested LOTS of elderberries before the hurricane. Some of the elderberry shrubs survived the hurricane, much to my relief. They look wilted now. However, they have all fall, winter and into spring to recover, provided there are not more storms like Hurricane Fiona! I hope not. I plan to make elderberry syrup and elderberry mead! I bought a fermentation kit. I can’t wait to get started but I have to get some champagne yeast first. 

I harvested some purple aster, goldenrod, more German chamomile, and wild chamomile from the trail. It is not true chamomile but it is not poisonous. They will make a nice autumnal tea, rich in health boosting properties. When I come home from the trail, I am usually covered in burdock seeds! Fortunately, they are easy to remove. I leave the seeds outside. They may grow into a beautiful burdock plant! The nettle is growing well in my kitchen thanks to the grow lights. It stings my fingers sometimes.  

I harvested a huge amount of lemon balm from my garden. I am sure I can find something to use it for!

Now, I will go in more detail about the herbs to demonstrate their potency. 

Astragalus is best prepared as a decoction. You simmer the herbs in water in a pot then if you choose to, let it cool.  Astragalus mongholicus aids the respiratory system. It can be used in decoctions, infusions, soups and stews. 

Burdock is a good herb/ tonic for the liver. 

Chamomile is an excellent nervine and adaptogen. The tiny flowers right down to the roots are potent! Chamomile is usually consumed to relax and release the stresses of the day. 

Dandelions are loaded with nutrients. I can’t understand why people are so hellbent on getting a plant brimming with medicinal properties out of their yards. I made a lovely Scandinavian dandelion syrup with the yellow flowers. This fall, I shall make a tincture! Dandelions contain vitamins A, C, K D, E & B. They also contain potassium. Dandelions detoxify the liver as does burdock. Dandelions slow down aging, reduce blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. What is there to complain about? I plan to add dandelions as a serious addition to my diet for as long as I can. I will save some for the bees!

Ginger root is fiery and spicy. I drink ginger tea to ease nausea and stomach problems. It also acts at least for me as a nervine. A nervine helps support the nervous system. Other herbs that are nervines are chamomile, oat tops, skullcap and lemon balm. 

Elderberry is fickle. Elderberries are poisonous to the unwary traveller. I am studying at the Herbal Academy. I know that the tiny dark purple berries and in fact, the whole shrub from the berry to the root contains cyanide. Never eat them raw! It is best to cook them and/ or dry them then add them to tinctures, jams, meads and syrups. That removes the toxin and then they boost your immune system. 

Elecampane roots contain inulin. I saved the seeds in a jar. I am waiting till mid-October to harvest the roots. That will be a post here of its own. The roots of elecampane contain the most inulin in the fall. The energy of the plant travels downward to the roots.

–Medicinal Action and Uses—Diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, alterative, antiseptic, astringent and gently stimulant. It was employed by the ancients in certain diseases of women, also in phthisis, in dropsy and in skin affections. Its name ‘Scabwort’ arose from the fact that a decoction of it is said to cure sheep affected with the scab, and the name ‘Horse-heal’ was given it from its reputed virtues in curing the cutaneous diseases of horses. In herbal medicine it is chiefly used for coughs, consumption and other pulmonary complaints, being a favourite domestic remedy for bronchitis. It has been employed for many years with good results in chest affections, for which it is a valuable medicine as it is in all chronic diseases of the lungs asthma and bronchitis. It gives relief to the respiratory difficulties and assists expectoration. Its principal employment as a separate remedy is in acute catarrhal affections, and in dyspepsia attended with relaxation and debility, given in small, warm and frequently repeated doses. It is, however, seldom given alone, but most frequently preferred in combination with other medicines of a similar nature. It is best given in the form of decoction, the dose being a small teaspoonful, three times a day. The root used not only to be candied and eaten as a sweetmeat, but lozenges were made of it. It has been employed in whooping-cough. It is sometimes employed in the form of a confection for piles, 1 OZ. of powdered root being mixed with 2 OZ. of honey. In the United States, it has also been highly recommended, both for external use and internal administration in diseases of the skin, an old use of the root that has maintained its reputation for efficacy. Externally applied, it is somewhat rubefacient, and has been employed as an embrocation in the treatment of sciatica, facial and other neuralgia. Of late years, modern scientific research has proved that the claims of Elecampane to be a valuable remedy in pulmonary diseases has a solid basis. One authority, Korab, showed in 1885 that the active, bitter principle, Helenin, is such a powerful antiseptic and bactericide, that a few drops of a solution of 1 part in 10,000 immediately kills the ordinary bacterial organisms, being peculiarly destructive to the Tubercle bacillus. He gave it successfully in tubercular and catarrhal diarrhoeas, and praised it also as an antiseptic in surgery. In Spain it has been made use of as a surgical dressing. Obiol, in 1886, stated it to be an efficient local remedy in the treatment of diphtheria, the false membrane being painted with a solution of Helenin in Oil of Almond. Credit given to A Modern Herbal website about elecampane.

Goldenrod is a beautiful yellow flower. I dyed fabric with goldenrod this summer. It is an ideal herb for helping support your sinuses. It’s drying on a rack in my kitchen. I have never tried goldenrod tea before. It is good for helping urinary tract infections, treating or preventing kidney stones, and acts as a diuretic. 

Today I also embarked on yet another creative project. In the past, I made a Summer Solstice lantern. This fall I made an Autumn Equinox lantern (even though it’s October). I painted the jar brown. I had previously dried flowers, leaves etc, that were associated with fall. I selected fiery red stag horn sumac leaves, a lovely white daisy, an oak leaf, red maple leaves, gorgeous golden tickseed, a golden maple leaf, and a lovely dandelion flower. The warm autumnal colors of fall shine on the jar. I coated the jar with a deep brown paint mixed with Mod Podge to make the paint adhere to the jar. I left it to dry overnight. This morning I added the pressed leaves and flowers. I coated them with Mod Podge to make them stick. I wound a brown twine wire cord to the jar to make the handle. I secured the wire with a hot glue gun. 

These herbal allies will support you all fall and winter with their health boosting properties. I can’t wait to get started using these herbs this fall. I hope you all find your own herbal allies. Tell me all about it. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

Herbal dry cough syrup

Merry meet all,

If any of you are worried about contracting Covid, or are just guarding your health for your own reasons, here is a beautiful herbal remedy. I love this cough syrup. It should have a shelf life for a year. 

Ingredients:

• Elderberry tincture – a preservative
• hibiscus, dried and ground in a mortar and pestle
• horehound, dried and ground in a mortar and pestle
• echinacea root, decocted, dried and ground in a mortar and pestle
• liquorice root, decocted, dried and ground with a mortar and pestle
• 1 cup of honey
• 1 quart of water

”

Herbal Cough Syrup Recipe for a Dry Cough

Paula Saalfeld

A dry unproductive cough can be caused by irritation such as dry air, smoke, allergens, and pollution, or develop during a respiratory infection. Worst of all it can be really uncomfortable, disrupting sleep, work, school, travel, and other activities, and can cause a headache or a sore throat that lasts. A dry cough and sore throat will perpetuate each other. For soothing relief, I will share with you how to easily prepare your own homemade cough syrup recipe, including moistening, inflammation-soothing, and demulcent herbs.

These herbs come to your aid in a dry cough when natural protections like healthy mucosal production are lacking and the throat feels dry and scratchy. So, instead of suppressing the coughing, this herbal cough syrup is helping to reduce the irritation causing a cough so the coughing fits aren’t so painful and become more productive. The demulcent quality can also support natural healing in many cases!

Herbal Allies For A Dry Cough

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root, plantain (Plantago spp.) leaf and seed, and hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces are all demulcents. The slippery nature of demulcents contributes to and influences the quality of mucus even when it has become sticky, dry, and stuck, helping to unstick and thin the natural mucosal layer, making it more functional and protective. This effectively makes demulcents expectorant too!  This is particularly supportive in a dry cough or when there is an urge to cough but no cough is present. In these cases, mucus may be present though it is too thick, hardened, and inert to elicit a cough—or too thick and sticky to expel effectively by coughing. These herbs can also be used to reduce the impact of airborne allergens and other irritants, such as smoke or pollution that often occurs in densely populated areas. 

Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra (root)

The Genus name, Glycyrrhiza, is of Greek origin, with glykys meaning “sweet” and rhiza meaning “root”. A well-suited name for this herb!

Licorice is a sweet, neutral, and moist root that restores, relaxes, and softens. Polysaccharides in the root contribute to its soothing, demulcent quality. Licorice also has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for afflictions that are hot and dry, such as sore throats related to bronchitis and dry coughs. 

Licorice may also act as a broad-spectrum antiviral that either prevents a virus from entering cells, directly kills a virus through a variety of mechanisms (e.g., stops replication, inhibits growth), or stimulates the immune system to attack a virus.  

Glycyrrhizin, its most noted antiviral constituent is also 50 times sweeter than sugar and gives licorice its sweet taste. (Buhner, 2013)

Safety: Licorice should not be taken long-term (more than 4-6 weeks) or in high doses (Buhner, 2013). Licorice can induce a drop in potassium, leading to high blood pressure, and weakness. Those with high blood pressure, heart, liver, and kidney disease, diabetes, and pregnant women should not use whole licorice. 

Marshmallow Root – Althaea officinalis (root)

The demulcent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and emollient properties of marshmallow have long been in use to soothe inflammation and sore throats (Whelan, n.d.). Nowadays herbalists still value this demulcent for supporting mucosal membranes. Additionally, the German Commission E, a scientific federal medical advisory board, has approved marshmallow root for oral and pharyngeal mucosa irritation and dry cough (Hoffmann, 2003).

Plantain – Plantago spp. (esp. P. lanceolata and P. major)(leaf)

This seemingly lowly little weed, ubiquitous in disturbed and compacted soils around the world, has a surprisingly broad range of uses! Among these many uses, plantain is a powerful ally for lung health, helping to soothe inflamed and irritated airways (Gray, 2011). 

Hibiscus – Hibiscus sabdariffa (calyces)

The calyces of the luscious hibiscus plant are both astringent and demulcent, making it juicy and yet tonifying, supporting the functions of our natural barriers in a balanced way.
Besides that, it comes with a rich supply of antioxidants, including polyphenols, rutin, and anthocyanins, and has a lovely fruity taste, therefore rounding out the syrup recipe perfectly (Groves, 2016).

Homemade Cough Syrup for a Dry Cough

An herbal syrup is prepared by combining a concentrated decoction and/or infusion with honey. The honey works well for any kind of cough and increases the shelf life of the decoction. Also, honey increases the palatability of less tasty herbs. Children especially find syrups to be delicious!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, dried
2 tablespoons marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root, dried
2 tablespoons plantain (Plantago spp. (esp. P. lanceolata and P. major) leaf/ seeds, dried or fresh
2 tablespoons hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces, dried
1 quart of water
1 cup raw, local honey

Directions

• Grind the herbs in a mortar and pestle.
• Prepare a concentrated decoction with the licorice and marshmallow root:
  Combine the dried roots with a quart of water in a saucepan as follows.
  Bring to a simmer and cook gently until the liquid volume reduces by half.
  Keep an eye on the decoction to ensure it stays at a gentle simmer and be sure to remove it from the heat before the mixture becomes too thick or scorches.
• Prepare an infusion with the plantain and hibiscus, using the finished root decoction (Should be about 1-2 cups): Pour the hot, strained decoction over the plantain leaves and hibiscus calyces.
  Steep for at least 1 hour though not more than 8 hours.
• Strain with a tea strainer, cheesecloth, or French press and return the liquid to the saucepan. 
• Add the honey to the liquid in your saucepan.
• Warm the mixture just slightly to enable the liquid and honey to mix.
  (not heating above 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Transfer syrup into a clean, dry, sterilized glass bottle(s) or jar(s) (ideally, a dark-colored jar or bottle to protect from light exposure) using a sterilized funnel. 
• Label and store in the refrigerator.

To Use: Take 1 tablespoon every 4 hours for adults, 1 teaspoon every 4 hours for older children.
Shelf Life: Up to 1 year in the fridge.

This delicious sweet syrup makes a great addition to many beverages or foods. Or, it is tasty enough to be taken on its own. Enjoy this herbal cough syrup with a warm cup of tea, or in sparkling water or desserts—get creative here!

Being Prepared For The Allergy Season

Even if you feel balanced in the present, it’s always best to prepare as much as you can in advance so you feel supported through all of the challenges the allergy season ahead can bring. This syrup containing demulcent herbs is just wonderful for soothing throat tissues during a dry cough or sore throat. Also, consider making a batch ahead of time if you plan on spending time in an area that is heavy with pollutants or other airborne irritants.

Be sure to also check out our Homemade Cough Syrup for a Wet Cough!

REFERENCES

Buhner, S. (2013). Herbal antivirals. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

Gray, B. (2011). The boreal herbal: Wild food and medicine plants of the North.Whitehorse, YK: Aroma Borealis Press.

Groves, M. (2016). Body into balance. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press

Whelan, R. (n.d.). Marshmallow [Online Database]. Retrieved from http://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/marshmallow.html

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I hope you all make your own beautiful herbal recipes. I would love to hear about your amazing conjurations. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

 

 

Seeds of hope, flowers of glory )O(

Merry meet all,

Oh my goddess ! I have so many seedlings in my apartment I could fill a store up with them. I’m running out of room. I decided I would share tips on how I successfully began my seedlings in this post today. Grab a cuppa herbal tea and enjoy this post!!!

First, let’s begin with you figuring out what your intentions are. Do you want to grow lots of veggies to hold off on a possible food shortage? Do you want to grow a witch’s garden for teas and potions? Do you like a conventional garden of just flowers and herbs? Do you dare to grow some poisonous witch’s herbs? ( in which case, if so, research them first and please, PLEASE don’t plant them if kids and pets visit your garden. Or grow in pots indoors away from kids and pets- and wildlife and adults.)

Do you have the room and the budget and the time to devote to a garden? Once you have fully realized your intentions and answered the other questions, we can move to the next step. Growing the witchy herbs that you can harvest and enjoy all summer long. My intention is easy. I am studying herbalism and so I want to grow herbs that I can learn about at the Academy. I want to grow a lot of herbs to save money and not need to buy them at a local organic food store. I want to learn how to use these herbs medicinally and for my witchy path too. See how I did that?

Growing your own herbs helps you get to know the plants on a deeper level too. Herbs like mint, parsley, basil, rosemary, thyme and sage are good herbs  for healing and can be used in cooking. Yarrow, white, sage, nettles, mugwort are also witchy! Choose organic or heirloom seeds. Use good quality potting soil. Do use good soil. Don’t waste your money on low quality soil. The care you give the seeds and seedlings now pays off hugely in the future. Good quality soil encourages stronger root growth and helps you grow stronger plants and is affordable. The benefits you will receive of growing stronger plants outweights opting for cheap soil from a dollar store. Go with the strong seedlings and then you can choose which ones to thin out later.

Use a grow light or a big sunny window to grow your plants. I don’t own a grow light. I just arrange the pots at a window and sacrifice the space in my home until the frost passes. I water them frequently when the soil is dry. The trick is not to overwater the seedlings. Get a spray bottle to mist the plants. Don’t drown them or the roots will rot. 

So, now you know why you want to grow herbs, you have your grow lights and/ or a sunny window, your soil and your organic heirloom seeds. Now what? Here is the fun part and the hardest part- you have to have patience. Plant one or more seeds- just a few- in each starter pot. Label the pots to know what you planted where. That makes it easier on you unless you have an amazing memory. I can never remember. You can use popsicle sticks for labels. You can even draw sigils on them or witchy pentacles! Use your imagination!

If you have a plastic dome, cover the starter pots with the dome. This traps the moisture which seeds like to grow. You can empower the seed pots with your witchy intentions for them to grow strong. If you don’t have a dome, use saran wrap to cover the pots. Don’t layer it on to smother the plants. Leave an inch or two of space because that might kill the plants. Every so often, lift the saran wrap and let them get full sun. When they grow their true leaves, keep the dome or wrap off. Have lots of patience here. You get more life out of the green babies with tons of sweet talk and coaxing than using brute force. Trust me. Now is the time to cultivate a nurturing nature. I am not saying you would be cruel but gently guiding them and not getting angry if you don’t get the results you want is much better. Sometimes, plants just won’t grow for whatever reason.

When they outgrow the starter pots, you can gently tuck them into slightly bigger plant pots. That is the fun part! I love watching plants I began from seed grow into these beautiful herbs. I just love that, that and their scent. There are just so many amazing things about herbs.  I can’t list them all here but I know you know what I mean. 

The tips:

• Remember, don’t over water them!
• Keep the soil just moist.
• Practice organic gardening methods.
• Choose good quality soil and good starter pots. 
• Be gentle and don’t use pesticides. You kill the beneficial insects. 
• Trust that the herbs will grow into beautiful plants. Let go and let mama earth do what she do best. 

I can’t wait till the frost passes. I can’t wait to grow the white sage, sage, yarrow, kale, leeks, peppers, tomatoes, borage, anise, calendula, cucumbers, echinacea, dill, and lemon basil – all begun from seeds – outdoors. I cannot wait. I have saved scarlet runner beans, the seeds I have mentioned here and rue and yarrow seeds on order. I can’t wait to get growing! 

It is all predetermined in a single tiny seed. That seed can grow into a huge plant. Each seed contains the DNA of the plant. If that doesn’t amaze you, it sure amazes me. Some seeds have to be planted 1/4 inch under the soil and some need to be planted deeper into the soil. I go by the sizes of the seeds to determine that. Bigger seeds can go deeper into the starter pots. Seeds, like chamomile, are just spread over the surface of the soil. They are so tiny and fine. 

Here is the link to a company using organic methods and seeds: https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com. 

If you get dark, rainy weather like we do here in the Maritimes, then you can turn a lamp on and place it next to your plants. This helps them get maximum light. A grow light does help plants grow well. You can also use a fan to trick the plants into growing thicker stalks and stems. It mimics the wind. 

I hope the above tips and tricks inspire you to get growing your own amazing herbs! Blessings, 

Spiderwitch