Slàinteach

28/12/2025

This year has been quite challenging on a personal level and it's taken its toll somewhat. Due to caring responsibilities that were outwith my control, I fell behind with my book deadline. I've realised that I am not as good at 'spinning plates' as I used to be. So I am taking the decision to simplify things as I start this new year.

I'll be taking time out to complete my book Outlander Herbal, and also to study a Masters in Music & Environment at UHI.

I'm thinking of 2026 as a kind of gap year to nourish my self at a soul level. The world is a challenging place at the moment on all levels, and in some ways it feels a bit counterintuitive to be giving up such a large part of my employment, in times of economic instability. Truthfully though, since 2020 the combination of Brexit and post-pandemic pressures has made my small business virtually non-feasible. I have kept going out of obligation to my loyal customers and clients who rely on their herbs, but it has been a source of stress trying to keep the business afloat.

I think if we are to survive the current challenges, we need to find ways to come alive and experience the beauty and joy of this world beyond the rat-race and the daily grind.

For me this means more than just treading water, which is what 2025 felt like to me.

As a healer, I've probably been pouring from an empty cup for a little too long now, and I know that is not sustainable. Time for this 'Physician to heal herself!'

I'll be taking orders from my apothecary and tea shop until January 20th and then the website will take a little break for 2026.

There will be a few 'pop-up' shops throughout the year if you wish to stock up on your favourites, and I will advertise these in advance on socials, so don't worry, I am not going to completely disappear!

I'll also be announcing a new online course once my book has been published, so there is no chance that I will be giving up my herbal path for good.

I want to thank all of my regular customers and wish every one of you a healthy and happy 2026. I sincerely hope each of you finds the thing that brings you joy and shines a light in the darkness.

Much love,
Slàinte leat!
Claire 💚

15/12/2025

LAST post for Christmas delivery is Saturday 20th December.

Grab your Heartwarming Spiced Chai in time for Christmas Day.

We have a pot of this on the stove throughout winter and top up daily. It makes the house smell divine!

Winter Warmer, with Ginger, Licorice and Cinnamon also back in stock.

Please note, Express P&P required if placing an order after Friday.

Orsers before Wednesday will arrive in time for YULE!

27/07/2025

Theme is passion in folklore, art & Literature.
In Highlands the humble carrot is sexy as... 🥕🥕🥕🔥❤️

16/07/2025

In order to complete my book: Outlander Herbal, I am taking the months of July & August off. I will be back in September. Have a great summer! 💛

SUMMER IS FULL ON!!

🌼⭐️🌼⭐️🌼⭐️🌼⭐️🌼⭐️🌼⭐️🌼⭐️🌼⭐️🌼⭐️🌼

I love how as a herbalist the year begins slowly in February with the gradual emergence of buds and bulbs and the unfurling begins, the effervescence of Spring and then BOOM- Summer in full frenzy arrives.
It's always a busy time for me full of activity and distractions. I've also learned it's a time to really harness that peak solar energy and focus it into intentions🌞🏹

Which is why, I am taking the months of July and August off, to focus on finishing my book: Outlander Herbal.

I’ll be back towards the end of August, with upcoming events and some news!

I’ll be quiet on here in the meantime. But I will be back...

Here, in the meantime is my absolute favourite Solar herb. The ultimate sun worshipper: Marigold🧡🌞

According to Macer you only need to look at the radiant blooms to feel the healing virtues of it’s medicine.

Summer Love to you all.

I hope you are channeling the rays into all your hopes and dreams! ✨💚

30/05/2025

Been spending a lot of time combing the shores lately, soaking up the sea rhythms and seabird song. I love being by the sea. Sometimes as a teen, I would catch a train on a whim to the coast, just to walk for miles in the company of the waves and sea-mist.

It felt natural at somepoint that I would end up creating a Sea Tea blend, including my favourite wild seaweed- Tangy sweet dulse! That's Duilseag in gaelic.

A few years ago I took my foraging to the shore, and discovered the world of seaweeds, both nutritionally and medicinally.
Walking along the white sands in Golspie one day, I was reminded of the long history of using seaweed medicinally, when I met a elderly fisherman, who noticed I was collecting handfulls of kelp, and stopped to tell me that his wife used to make a poultice for his knees when he came back from sea, to help his rheumatism.

Highlanders have been using seaweeds for health for centuries. First records show seaweed broths for convalescing, topical applications for skin, baths and plaisters for body aches and rheumatism and food sources for minerals and nutrition.
The uses are as diverse as the numerous species! None of which are toxic to humans in the UK, so you really can't go wrong when experimenting!*

*although attention must be given to the location of harvesting and other guidelines for safe and ethical foraging.

tì na mara // tea of the sea

Is a blend of native mineral rich medicinal herbs, such as nettle, wild oats, bramble leaf and tangy dulse flakes all sourced in Scotland. It really is a powerfully mineral rich tea, that supports bone health, aids lymphatic cleansing, and skin rejuvenation.
It has a satisfyingly rich flavour, very nourishing, with just a slight saltiness reminiscent of the sea air.

Recommended as part of a detox, or as a daily boost!

11/02/2025

'Sobhrag' or 'Sobhrach' is the Gàidhlig for our native Primrose -Primula vulgaris.

The Gaelic comes from the root Sobh meaning 'pleasure' 'delight' or 'joy' and their yellow flowers in Spring certainly are worthy of their name!

'Sobhrag' or 'Sobhrach' is the Gàidhlig for our native Primrose -Primula vulgaris.

The Gaelic comes from the root Sobh meaning 'pleasure' 'delight' or 'joy' and their yellow flowers in Spring certainly are worthy of their name!

05/02/2025

03/02/2025

We are looking for seasonal staff to join our 2025 Dunrobin Castle team! 🏰

Available Departments
- Kitchen – Chef and Kitchen Porter
- Tearoom – Front of House Waiting
- Housekeeping

Type of Contract
- Various fixed term contracts available, from 1st April to October 31st, 2025
- Full-time and part-time
- Flexible hours
- Days of working may change from week to week
- Weekday and weekend work available

Please email your cover letter and CV to [email protected] by Monday 17th February 2025.

Only applications by email will be considered.
For any further information, please contact [email protected]

16/01/2025

💚Bliadhna math úr! / Happy New Year!💚

I know we are all made to feel like we should be thrusting forward making big plans for the year ahead, but the truth of it is that this calendar is a social construct that is out of sync with the natural seasons and we are still in the heart of Winter. (In the Northern Hemisphere!)

Here is an offer to fill your cup and keep your embers burning until Imbolc (2nd February), the natural start of Spring when the first shoots emerge from the thawing earth.

Head over to www.scottishteas.com and enter the code: 2025YEAH at checkout for a 25% discount on all products. This includes the full range of wellness and heritage teas and also any herbal apothecary products too.

You can use this discount right up until midnight on February 2nd so feel free to take your time deciding how to use it.
I wish you all the best of health for 2025 and a full cup all year round…

Slàinte Leat! // Good Health To you!

Blessings on your ahead.

Claire💚

17/10/2022

Caught up with Diana Gabaldon herself on Saturday Evening, at a special event!