Meagan Visser, Author at Growing Up Herbal

Harvesting & Preserving Elderberries

Posted by Meagan Visser | Sep 11, 2019 | Wildcrafting |

A couple of weeks ago, a friend let the boys and I come and forage elderberries on her property. She had planted a couple of varieties of small elderberry bushes last year, and this year, they had taken off and doubled in size. Since she had already collected all the berries she wanted for her elderberry jelly, she said we were free to take whatever we wanted. When we got there, I was amazed at how many purplish-black berries were there just waiting to be picked or eaten by the birds. I only wanted to collect enough berries to...

A Natural Approach to Itchy Skin in Dogs

Posted by Meagan Visser | Sep 9, 2019 | Handcrafted Skincare |

Our dog, a mixed breed we rescued from the shelter 9 years ago, has had recurring skin issues for the last several years. When the itching flairs up, she is one miserable pup. I can hear her whining and biting at her skin. She rubs herself on anything that will scratch the itch, so much so that she bleeds and her hair comes out in clumps. She licks herself constantly, and her mood is somber. In the past, we’ve tried different things to help. First, we took her to the vet. The closest veterinarian is a good ole’ country...

8 Random Things in August 2019

Posted by Meagan Visser | Aug 21, 2019 | Personal Meanderings |

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog post about the random things on my mind, and I’ve had this one sitting in my drafts folder just waiting for me to add some photos and hit publish, so I decided tonight was the night. The boys are watching a show before bed (not great… I know!) and Dean is off doing something around the house. I’m not quite sure what exactly. Anyway, that has afforded me some time to sit down at the computer and write a bit. 1. We bought a new outdoor dining set off of...

Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally

Posted by Meagan Visser | Aug 12, 2019 | Guest Posts |

Can and should one use comfrey (Symphytum spp.) internally? This is a question that herbalists have been debating since safety concerns were first brought to light regarding the potentially negative health effects associated with using comfrey internally. While many herbalists have used comfrey internally for years with no known problems, others are heeding the warnings that stem from the conclusions of modern scientific studies on the internal use of comfrey. This week, I’m over on the Herbal Academy blog with an article about the benefits of comfrey and its traditional uses, its constituents and their physiological effects in the...

CBD: Hype or Help

Posted by Meagan Visser | Aug 6, 2019 | Natural Health |

I’ll admit that I’ve been pretty intrigued by all the cannabinoid (CBD) hype that’s been growing over the past year or so. I mean, everywhere you look there are messages about CBD products and how amazing they are, and while I tend to be skeptical of products labeled as “miracle cures” for seemingly every ailment and human condition under the sun, this one has caught my attention. Not because I believe it works as well as everyone claims, but because at this point in my life, I have a better understanding of plants and how they work in the...

14 Air-Purifying Houseplants For Clean Air & A Beautiful Home

Posted by Meagan Visser | Jul 3, 2019 | Home |

One of the best things I’ve done to make my home feel more comfortable and inviting has been to incorporate fresh indoor plants into my home decor. Fresh plants not only help to make your home have a more homey feel to it, but they also work to purify and clean the air from various chemicals, such as VOCs, car exhaust, pollen and mold, and more, making your home’s air healthier for you to breathe. Today, I’d like to share a list of air-purifying houseplants that are great for indoors. Most of these air-purifying houseplants are easy to grow,...

Phototoxic Essential Oils: What You Need To Know

Posted by Meagan Visser | Jun 20, 2019 | Essential Oils |

I’ll admit it. When I first started using essential oils, I thought because they were “natural,” they were safe. I did very little research on them other than looking into the basics of how to use them. Thankfully, I mostly used them in homemade cleaning products and DIY skin care recipes, so most times they were properly diluted. No unfortunate peppermint bath experiences here, thank goodness! Over the years, I’ve become a bit of a stickler for safe essential oil use, especially now that I know more about them. Essential oils are concentrated and strong. Not only that, but...

How To Manage Burns Naturally From Start To Finish

Posted by Meagan Visser | Jun 10, 2019 | Guest Posts |

Burns are a common type of ailment that many of us will experience at least once in our lifetime. While some burns require emergency medical assistance, such as severe burns which cover large portions of the skin, those that penetrate deep into the tissue, or burns that are the result of a chemical or electrical sources, most medical professionals agree that minor burns can be managed at home. But how does one manage burns naturally at home? Burns are painful, and they lead to an increased risk of infection. This week, I’m over on the Herbal Academy blog teaching...

Author: Meagan Visser

Harvesting & Preserving Elderberries

A Natural Approach to Itchy Skin in Dogs

8 Random Things in August 2019

Comfrey Controversy: Can and Should One Use Comfrey Internally

CBD: Hype or Help

14 Air-Purifying Houseplants For Clean Air & A Beautiful Home

Phototoxic Essential Oils: What You Need To Know

How To Manage Burns Naturally From Start To Finish

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