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

Ep 184. Apothecary February Herbal Q&A

In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up Apothecary February with a relaxed herbal Q&A. I’m answering your questions about overwintering herbs, how I store dried medicinal herbs, and how long they really last.
We also talk about the five herbs I’d grow if I could only choose a few, natural herbs for seasonal allergies like nettle and mullein, and why homemade herbal skincare is one of the biggest “bang for your buck” projects. It’s a cozy, honest close to a month of building a simple, no-pressure home apothecary.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/
 
 
 
 
 

Ep 183. Tea Talk: Herbs I Love and Brewing Wisdom

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re having a cozy tea talk all about herbal tea for beginners. I’m sharing the herbs I actually use most often (like chamomile, lemon balm, nettle, hibiscus, and marshmallow root), how I brew herbal infusions and decoctions at home, and simple tips for blending loose leaf tea.
We’ll also talk about rosemary tea benefits, how to make herbal tea stronger for medicinal support, and when tea might not be the best herbal preparation (like when you need something fast or more concentrated). If you’re learning how to brew herbal tea for stress, digestion, hydration, or seasonal immune support, this episode will help you feel more confident using herbs at home — without overwhelm.
Plus, I’ll share how I make tea a simple daily ritual in real life as a busy mom and home herbalist. 🌿☕
 
Spring Garden Summit: https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-brew-herbal-tea-infusions-and-decoctions/
 

Ep 182. The Backyard First Aid Garden: Herbs to Grow for Real Life Emergencies

In this episode, we’re talking about building a simple backyard first aid kit using herbs you can grow or forage. From calendula salve for scrapes and dry skin to plantain for bee stings, yarrow for minor bleeding support, lavender for soothing burns, and even cayenne for emergency clotting response — these are practical, real-life herbs for everyday situations. If you’re planning your garden, this episode will give you ideas for herbs that are both beautiful and useful. 🌿
 
Spring Gardening Summit: https://springgardeningsummit.com/sign-up/?affiliate=thehomesteadchallenge
 

Ep 181. Herbs for Gut Health

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking all about gut health — from mouth to intestines and everything in between. Brittany shares how the digestive system connects to the nervous system and immune system, and why so many modern health struggles may begin in the gut.
You’ll learn practical herbs for common digestive issues, including chamomile, peppermint, and ginger for upset stomachs, marshmallow root and flax for constipation, blackberry leaf and slippery elm for diarrhea support, and how digestive bitters like dandelion root can strengthen digestion over time. She also explains where turmeric fits into daily gut support and briefly touches on parasite-cleansing herbs in a balanced, realistic way.
This episode focuses on gentle, daily herbal support — not extreme cleanses — and how small, consistent habits can help you build a healthier digestive system over time.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/what-are-herbal-bitters/
 

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/