The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living

Ep 180. Adaptogens vs. Nervines: What they are, how they're different, and when to use each

Adaptogens vs. Nervines: What’s the Difference?
Our nervous systems are overloaded — and not all stress-support herbs work the same way.
In this episode, we break down the difference between adaptogens, nervines, and mood-supporting herbs, including calming vs. stimulating adaptogens and relaxant vs. tonic nervines. We also touch on herbs like St. John’s Wort, mimosa, and lemon balm for seasonal blues and low mood.
If you’ve ever tried an herb and wondered why it didn’t work, this episode will help you understand which category might actually fit your current season — and how to use them safely and thoughtfully.

Ep 179. Herbal Preparations 101: Tea, Infusions, Tinctures, Oils & Salves

Episode Show Notes: Herbal Preparations 101
Teas, Infusions, Tinctures, Oils & Salves (Apothecary February)
In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re breaking down the most common herbal preparations I actually use at home—without overcomplicating things or pretending you need to become an herbalist overnight.
We talk through teas and infusions, decoctions, tinctures, oil infusions, and salves, when each one makes sense, and how to choose a preparation that you’ll realistically use for your family. This episode is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by herbal recipes or unsure which method to use for which herb.
In this episode, we cover:
Why the way you prepare an herb really matters
Herbal compliance: choosing preparations you’ll actually take
Teas vs. infusions vs. decoctions (and when to use each)
When tinctures are helpful—and when they’re unnecessary
Alcohol vs. glycerin tinctures
Why oil infusions are the foundation of so many herbal remedies
How salves and balms are made (and why they’re great beginner projects)
Common beginner mistakes (like tincturing everything)
How to choose the right preparation based on the herb and the body system you’re supporting
Herbal preparations discussed:
Herbal teas & water infusions
Decoctions for roots and tougher herbs
Tinctures (alcohol & glycerites)
Herbal oil infusions
Salves and balms
Helpful resources mentioned:
How to Brew Herbal Tea: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-brew-herbal-tea-infusions-and-decoctions/
Herbal Bath Tea: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/bath-tea-with-comfrey/
Body Oil Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/lemon-balm-and-lavender-body-oil/
Lip Balm without Beeswax: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-infused-lip-balm-without-beeswax/
Wound Salve: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wound-salve/
Garlic & Mullein Ear Oil: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/garlic-mullein-herbal-oil/
Calm Heart Tincture: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/heart-tincture/

Ep 178. Growing Herbs for Your Home Apothecary (Even in Small Spaces)

In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re talking through the best herbs to grow for a home apothecary—and where to plant them so they don’t take over your garden. We cover essential garden basics like annual vs. perennial herbs, direct sow vs. starting seeds indoors, and growing herbs in containers versus in the ground. You’ll learn which herbs are beginner-friendly, which ones self-seed or spread aggressively, which can be invasive in North America, and which herbs are often better to buy than grow in small spaces. This episode is a practical, realistic guide to growing medicinal herbs in any size garden, from raised beds to patio containers.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/common-herbs-for-herbal-remedies/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
 
 

Ep 177. Apothecary February: Home Herbalism without the Overwhelm

In this first episode of Apothecary February, we’re setting realistic expectations for using herbs at home and building a strong, safe foundation for beginner and intermediate herbalists alike. This episode focuses on practical herbal education—without pressure to become an expert or “natural doctor” overnight.
In this episode, we cover:
What Apothecary February is (and what it’s not)
Why herbs are supportive tools, not standalone cures
Buying herbs vs. growing your own (and why both are valid)
Which herbs are best for beginners
Where to buy high-quality herbs online
Wildcrafted vs. organic herbs
Common beginner mistakes when buying herbs
Herbal safety basics and why contraindications matter
How to read herbal books and monographs without overwhelm
Why calendula and chamomile are “gateway herbs”
Different ways to prepare herbs (teas, infusions, tinctures, oils, salves)
Herbs Mentioned
Calendula
Chamomile
Echinacea
Feverfew
Mullein
Nettle
Dandelion
Resources & Links Mentioned
Supplies for Apothecary February: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brittanylgibson/list/2W4977LYCHIZU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_GEED11EVRXAZ61SSCS4W
 
Free Calendula Salve Ebook
Learn how to make calendula oil and salve—an easy, beginner-friendly first herbal project.https://thehomesteadchallenge.kit.com/a9dc7c0be5
Herb Buying Guide: Wild Harvested vs. Organic
A deep dive into sourcing herbs and choosing between wildcrafted and certified organic options.https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wild-harvested-vs-organic-herbs/
 
Herbal Safety Basics
Learn how to research herbs, understand contraindications, and use herbs safely at home.https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-safety-basics/
Beginner Herbal Book List (Being Updated)
A curated list of trusted herbal books for beginners—without the overwhelm.https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/7-best-books-on-herbalism-for-beginners-without-the-overwhelm/
Spring Gardening Summit (Free Online Event)
A free online summit covering gardening, herbs, fermentation, gut health, and more.https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/
Recommended Herb Suppliers
Frontier Co-op
Mountain Rose Herbs
Starwest Botanicals
Final Note
This episode is about learning slowly, safely, and realistically. You don’t need to memorize everything, grow all your herbs, or feel perfectly confident to get started. Apothecary February is about building skills and confidence over time—without pressure or fear.

Ep 176. When Winter Drags On… Homestead Projects That Bring Spring Energy Back

Winter can feel long and heavy, and sometimes leaning into “slow and cozy” just isn’t enough. In this episode, we’re talking about simple homesteading projects that bring spring energy into the dead of winter—like organizing seeds, fermenting, making jam from your freezer stash, growing microgreens and herbs indoors, and tackling garden-adjacent projects. These small, hopeful actions help beat the winter blues and remind us that growth doesn’t have to wait for spring.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
 

Ep 175. What I am Planting in the Garden in 2026

In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'm planting in the garden in 2026 on my 1/4 acre homestead in the city and why these choices make sense for our real life, space, and season. We talk through what’s staying, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re planning a garden that feels nourishing instead of overwhelming. If you’re craving a more intentional, low-pressure garden plan this year, this one’s for you. 🌱
 
Sign up for the FREE Spring Gardening Summit: https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/
 

Ep 174. Why Failure Days are Actually Homesteading Wins

We’re talking about the fail days — and even fail seasons — that come with this lifestyle and why they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. From flat sourdough and bitter canned fruit to recipes that just don’t work, we’re sharing why trial and error is actually the point and how learning what fits your family, your taste, and your schedule is where real progress happens. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that slow, imperfect effort still counts.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
 

Ep 173. Homestead Goal Planning without an Entire Life Overhaul

In this episode, we talk through a slower, more nourishing approach to homestead goal planning. Instead of big overhauls that lead to burnout, we focus on 12-week goals, micro habits, and habit stacking to turn good intentions into systems that actually fit real life. We also walk through a real-life example of how we’re using our word of the year, Nourish, to plan goals that support our families without adding stress.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
 

Ep 172. My Word of the Year is "Nourish" (and What that Actually Means for my Homestead)

In this episode, we’re sharing our word of the year—nourish—and what that actually looks like in real life. Instead of chasing big goals or a “new me,” we’re focusing on supporting our body, home, routines, creativity, and mental load in a slower, more sustainable way. This episode is a gentle reminder that consistency often comes from care, not pressure.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
 

Ep 171. 8 Things to Do Before You Set Homestead Goals for 2026

Before you start setting garden or homestead goals for the new year, there’s something important to do first: prepare instead of rushing.
In this episode, we talk about the simple things you can do right now to set yourself up for success—without pressure or overwhelm. We cover reflecting on last year, clearing physical and mental clutter, taking inventory of what you already have, deciding your real capacity, and why it’s okay to make a “not this year” list.
I’m also sharing a gentle challenge to help you prepare one area of your home or homestead before you ever write a goal.
Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity