On The Banks Apothecary

03/14/2026

🌿 A Little Apology from On The Banks 🌿

We want to send out a heartfelt apology to anyone who made the trip out yesterday and found the doors closed.

I was rushing around trying to get off to a Celebration of Life for my uncle, and Whitney was knee-deep in chaos of her own — much like our parking area right now. 🌧️ Mud, water, and all the mess that comes in with springtime. At one point she nearly slid right into the ditch by the store, so between the two of us neither one managed to get a post out to let folks know what was going on.

Truth be told, the parking situation is still a muddy mess… and after the storm it may even be worse. Right now we just can’t safely get anyone into the drive. 🚗🌧️

We’re waiting (a bit impatiently) for the frost to finally lift out of the roads so we can move forward with getting the parking spaces fixed up the way they should be. Spring around the river has its wild side, and this is one of those moments. We have hills on each side of the river and all that moisture ends up right in our parking area.

Thank you kindly for your patience and grace while we work through the mud season. Around here we know the ground will dry, the sun will shine again. 🌞🌱

We sure do appreciate this community more than words can say. 💚

Photo is of my truck stuck out there this week when I went to cut trees to expand the bee yard. I made in just fine, coming back out not so much. I was able to drive it out the next morning when things froze back up a bit.

03/08/2026

03/07/2026

Plan B: customers definitely wear some mud friendly boots. 🙈😭🤎

03/07/2026

🌿✨ OTB Herb Countdown ✨🌿
Next up in our apothecary lineup… Bee Balm! 🐝🌺
(Botanical name: Monarda)

This beautiful bloom isn’t just loved by the bees — it’s a powerhouse herb for the home apothecary.

🌿 Traditionally used for:
• Supporting the lungs during colds & coughs
• Easing congestion and respiratory irritation
• Calming upset stomach, gas, and bloating
• Encouraging gentle sweating during fevers
• Natural antimicrobial support
• Lightly calming the nervous system

Its naturally occurring thymol gives Bee Balm many of the same cleansing properties found in thyme, making it a wonderful herb during seasonal illness. 🌬️🍵

Ways to enjoy it:
🌿 Tea
🌿 Tinctures
🌿 Steam inhalations
🌿 Herbal honey

🫙 Good news! Bee Balm is currently IN STOCK at the refillery at On The Banks in Morley.

Stop in and add this vibrant medicinal flower to your home apothecary! 🌺

🌿 Stay tuned as we continue counting down through the herbs, powders, blooms, roots, barks, and berries that make up the On The Banks herb inventory!

03/06/2026

We have a path through the mud. 🙈🤎

03/06/2026

🌅✨ Where the River Meets the Day’s End ✨🌅

The sun slips quietly behind the trees,
painting the river in gold and amber.
The water slows, the birds settle in,
and the land exhales after a full day.

Out here, sunsets aren’t just something you see…
they’re something you feel. 🌾

A reminder that the earth keeps its rhythm,
the river keeps flowing,
and there is grace in simply being present for it.

Tonight we pause, grateful for the land, the water, and the quiet beauty that wraps up the day. 🌿🕊️

May your evening be as peaceful as a sunset over the river. 🌅✨

03/05/2026

🌿✨ HERB COUNTDOWN CONTINUES and I am so excited about this new-to-me herb. I have researched amazing benefits and can not wait for this to come in this week........... this one is a little healer in a big way! ✨🌿

💚 Meet Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris) — also lovingly called “Heal All.” And trust us… the name says a lot!

Even more exciting news… Self Heal is coming soon to the shelves at On The Banks in 7-10 days........we are starting it right here in our seed hut too! 🌱 That means this powerful herb will be grown LOCALLY by us so you can enjoy it fresher than anything shipped across the country. Now that’s apothecary happiness! ✨

🌿 So what makes Self Heal so special?

Self Heal has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries as a whole-body support herb. It’s gentle, versatile, and one of those plants herbalists love to keep on hand.

Here are some of its amazing benefits:

💪 Immune Support
Self Heal is known for helping the body strengthen its natural defenses and support recovery when the immune system is under stress.

🔥 Anti-Inflammatory Support
Traditionally used to calm inflammation throughout the body, which can support joint comfort and overall wellness.

🦠 Antiviral & Antibacterial Properties
Herbalists have long turned to Self Heal during seasonal illness because of its natural compounds that support the body in fighting unwanted microbes.

🩹 Skin & Wound Healing
Topically, it has been used for minor cuts, scrapes, bites, and irritated skin. It’s one of those classic “field medicine” herbs.

🫀 Circulatory Support
Self Heal has been used to support healthy blood flow and overall cardiovascular wellness.

🌿 Digestive Support
It can gently help soothe the digestive system and support gut balance.

😌 Calming & Restorative
Many herbalists consider Self Heal a plant that helps the body restore balance after illness or stress.

Ways it’s commonly used:
🌱 Tea
🌱 Tinctures
🌱 Poultices and salves
🌱 Washes for skin support

✨ The best part?
You’ll soon be able to get locally grown Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris) from On The Banks — harvested with care right from our own growing space.

🌿 And yes… once it arrives, Self Heal will be available at the refillery at On The Banks in Morley so you can stock up for your home apothecary.

Because around here we believe the best medicine grows close to home. 💚🌱

Stay tuned… the herb countdown continues! 👀

03/05/2026

🌿✨ HERB COUNTDOWN CONTINUES! ✨🌿
Next up in our On The Banks Herb Inventory Countdown… a kitchen favorite with powerful healing roots…

💚 BASIL – The Herb of Vitality! 💚

Most people know basil as a delicious culinary herb, but in the apothecary world it is a powerful medicinal plant with a long history of use for supporting the body, mind, and spirit.

🌱 Medicinal Benefits of Basil:

🌿 Stress & Nervous System Support
Basil is considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. It can help calm frazzled nerves, support mental clarity, and gently lift mood.

🫀 Heart & Circulatory Support
Traditionally used to support healthy circulation and overall heart wellness.

🫁 Respiratory Support
Basil can help open the lungs, ease congestion, and support the body during colds, coughs, and seasonal illness.

🔥 Digestive Aid
Known to help soothe bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion while encouraging healthy gut movement.

🦠 Antimicrobial & Immune Support
Basil contains natural compounds that help the body fight unwanted bacteria and support the immune system.

🧠 Focus & Brain Support
Herbalists often use basil to sharpen focus, reduce mental fog, and support cognitive function.

💧 Anti-Inflammatory
Helps calm inflammation throughout the body and may support joint comfort.

✨ What Does a Basil Tincture Do?

A Basil Tincture is a concentrated herbal extract that works quickly in the body. It may help:

🌿 Reduce stress and calm the nervous system
🌿 Support digestion and gut comfort
🌿 Boost immune defenses
🌿 Help the body recover during colds
🌿 Improve mental clarity and focus
🌿 Support healthy inflammation response

Just a small dropper can deliver the plant’s powerful properties in an easy-to-take form.

📍 Good News!
We currently have Basil in stock at On The Banks at the Refillery in Morley! 🌿

Stop in to explore our growing wall of herbs, powders, roots, barks, berries, blooms, and botanicals as we continue counting down through the full apothecary inventory! 🌼🍃🌾

Stay tuned… the next herb reveal is coming soon! 👀🌿

03/05/2026

🌿✨ Herb Countdown Spotlight: Arrowroot! ✨🌿
The countdown through our apothecary shelves continues, and today’s herb highlight is the wonderfully gentle Arrowroot! 🌱🤍
Often known as a kitchen staple, arrowroot powder is actually a powerful and versatile natural remedy that herbalists have used for generations. This silky, soothing root has some amazing benefits!
🌿 Why Herbalists Love Arrowroot:
✨ Digestive Soother – Arrowroot is incredibly gentle on the stomach and has traditionally been used to help calm digestive upset, diarrhea, and irritated bowels. It’s often recommended during recovery when the digestive system needs extra support.
✨ Gut Healing Support – Because it’s easy to digest and naturally gluten-free, arrowroot can help nourish the body while giving the gut a break. It’s commonly used in convalescent foods and gentle herbal preparations.
✨ Skin Soothing Magic – Arrowroot powder is wonderful for the skin! It can help calm irritation, absorb moisture, and is often used in natural powders, salves, deodorants, and baby care blends. 🌼
✨ Natural Thickener – Herbalists and natural makers love arrowroot because it thickens teas, syrups, creams, and body products without altering flavor or scent.
✨ Cooling & Anti-Inflammatory – Traditionally used to help cool inflammation and support healing both internally and externally.
✨ Mineral Support – Arrowroot contains small amounts of potassium, iron, and B vitamins that help nourish the body gently.
🌱 Common Uses:
• Digestive support drinks
• Gentle recovery foods
• Natural body powders
• Herbal skincare blends
• Thickening tincture syrups or herbal sauces
🤎 Good news!
We have Arrowroot in stock right now at the refillery at On The Banks in Morley! Stop in and refill what you need for your kitchen apothecary.
🌿 Stay tuned as we keep counting down through the roots, barks, berries, blooms, powders, and herbs that fill our shelves!
🌿

03/05/2026

Sweet work in the sugar bush🍁 🤎

03/02/2026

🌕✨ Did you see that BEAUTIFUL Full Moon last night?! ✨🌕

She was glowing bright over the farm and reminding us that spring is waking up 🌱💛 And with these warmer temps rolling in… that means one thing around here…

🚜 MUD SEASON IS COMING BACK 🚜😅

As soon as the ground starts to thaw, you know that our parking area can turn into a muddy mess. Whitney and I are already brainstorming a temporary game plan to make parking as safe and smooth as possible — and to get you to our front door with clean boots 👢✨

Here’s what to know for now:

🌿 We are already in line and scheduled with a local excavator as soon as frost laws lift we will have it smoothed out as soon as possible.
🌿 Until then, we will guide you as far into the drive as possible.
🚫 PLEASE do not park on the road. Cars tend to drive much too fast, and your safety means everything to us. ❤️

We appreciate your patience during this in-between season. Farm life keeps us humble and muddy 😌🌾 But we promise we’re working behind the scenes to make it better!

Spring is stirring… and so are we 🌷🐝✨