Ruby’s House

03/26/2026

👀 Have you ever seen one of these?
I came across this Pharmacy Show Globe in my travels and WOW!

As the information states, it was used to indicate the pharmacy/apothecary (much like barber poles tell you where to get a cut and a shave)

The globe has a very long, storied and somewhat unclear origin, depending where you look and what you read. Though I do like the thought of the colored bottles of mascerating herbs in the windows of the apothecary, as a symbol of a herbal healer.

Pretty neat, hey?! This one is rather large and SO beautiful... even if it is indicating the plague right now. 👀🤷‍♀️😅

03/23/2026

Was out and about this morning to take advantage of the "almost" spring weather and melted snow. It's time to create my first batch of Balm of Gilead.

These are poplar (cottonwood or balsam) buds that I've harvested from fallen branches. Poplar are really great at self pruning - which makes it super easy if you know where to look!

Balm of Gilead has quite the history, back to biblical times. It is very fragrant and reminds us all of spring. You are likely very familiar with this bud, as they stick to EVERYTHING... your vehicles, shoes, pets, sidewalks... 😅

But dont be too hasty to dismiss this treasure. The resin on the bud is a valuable herbal remedy.

What it is known for:
🌱Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties- helps treat cuts, scrapes and bruises dry cracked skin and burns. It can also aid in soothing eczema and psoriasis.
🌱Analgesic - pain relief! It contains salicin (similar to asprin) to aid in reducing pain in joints and muscles
🌱Relief from congestion- can be used as a chest rub to help open up airways.
🌱Has a very distinct, sweet balsamic and woody scent. If you live near them, you already know. 😄

Have you ever tried using poplar buds?

03/22/2026

Herbal friends! Look who is coming to Red Deer in April and it's a FREE event. Yarrow will be touring a few cities that week like Calgary and Edmonton, check the link (let me know if it doesn't work and I can message you).

Return to Harmony: Functional Mushrooms & Restorative Herbs
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/return-to-harmony-functional-mushrooms-restorative-herbs-tickets-1984508452202?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

03/20/2026

🌷Happy Spring Friends! 🌷

Though it's a little gloomy outside I want to bring you some warmth with herbs (and tea blends) to add to your spring apothecary!

🌿UNTIL WEDNESDAY MARCH 25th🌿

Have a gander at the herb list below and let me know what you fancy! All herbs are organic certified and sourced from reputable Canadian suppliers.

**Please note: There is a limited number on most items, especially the chaga and reishi, so if you want them, now is your chance since it's all I've got!* 🍄 Some things I am able to bag more of, just reach out and let me know.

🌱Sale does NOT include salves, tallows, kits or other ready made product at this time.

🌱Will meet to deliver items in Stettler and surrounding areas (within reason) or Red Deer.

🌱I am happy to ship via Canada Post flat rate box as needed, at the purchasers expense.

03/18/2026

One guess what I've been doing. 😅
Another gorgeous day!

03/17/2026

Curious to know...
How much interest is there in:

🌿 More herbal "kits" that focus on various
wellness supports (first aid, skin, hair, steams etc)

🌿 Infused single oils (eg calendula, plantain, rosemary, mint etc) External use.

🌿 Single tinctures

🌿 Single dried herb powdered capsules *EDIT - this is a bit trickier an area... regulations and such.

I am feeling a shift in my focus, I love making finished product for people but my ultimate goal is to give people a stepping stone to reconnect them with the beauty and grace of herbs and their gifts.

Let me know what you think or what herbal process would make your life easier if I did it for you! 😅💚

03/17/2026

🥰🥰

03/16/2026

Good morning herbal friends.... 🌿💚
I know I've been a little quieter than usual lately, but I'm still here!

Taking quiet time to step back and evaluate where I need to be and where I want to be.

I will aim to post this week (🤞) regarding a spring apothecary "tidy", as I'd love to share with you some goodies to add to yours, in preparation of the changing of season. 🌼

As always - please don't hesitate to reach out if you're looking for anything in particular or need some guidance. You can still find some of my goodies at Vintage Thistle in the mean time too!

Have a beautiful and blessed Monday!

03/11/2026

Preparing some time to gather these precious buds. 💚 Have you ever tried using cottonwood/poplar buds?

Balm of Gilead is one of the oldest natural remedies out there, with references dating back to biblical times. 🧙‍♂️

When used correctly, this healing salve is known to relieve pain and ease inflammation thanks to natural compounds like salicylates.

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁: Though biblical mentions would have been derived from trees found in the Middle East, it’s most common now for Balm of Gilead to be made from certain poplar trees found in North America. The balm is actually a resin extracted from the sticky buds of 𝘗𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 (𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘢𝘮 𝘗𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘳) or 𝘗𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘤𝘢.

After making an oil infusion from the buds, you can mix it with beeswax for a thicker, easier-to-apply consistency. From here, it can be used as a topical pain reliever, as a tonic for rashes, burns, and insect bites, or even for respiratory support when used in salves or steam inhalation. It can even be used as a regular moisturizer!

This timeless and time-honoured herbal remedy is a great reminder to look to the past. For thousands of years, humans have relied on remedies like this one, and we can get all the same benefits when we turn to nature’s pharmacy.

If you’re interested in learning more about the healing power of the plants and herbs around us, Wild Rose College’s Herbal Village is for you. Learn more on our site (link below)! ✨

🌸 www.wildrosecollege.com

03/10/2026

Spring is in the air (mostly 😅) and it's time to refresh. I'm currently on day 7 of 12 using this fantastic program from Wild Rose - it is one of my teachers and mentors, clinical herbalist Dr. Terry Willard's creation.

100% plant based, #1 herbal detox program in Canada since 1975.

Only half way in, and I feel amazing! There's a handy guide and lots of support on how to get the most out of the program. (PS - yes, I have lost weight, but I am also following the food guide and working out 5x a week for 20mins 😉)

Biggest change - my stomach isn't unhappy and my digestion is definitely improving!

Check out the info at wildrose.ca
💚🌿

03/06/2026

In our recent winter wellness class we had been talking about the reishi/chaga/cinnamon decoction and even had some!
There's lots of ways to use it besides drinking it as "tea" - soup or stew base, in smoothies etc. Today I made my oatmeal in it and added an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. 😆 It was really quite nice lol.

03/06/2026

I have a couple bottles of freshly made elderberry syrup up for grabs. Let me know if you would like one!

250mL