Nervines Explained: Traditional Herbs for Stress, Anxiety & Nervous System Support

Traditional Nourishment: The Forgotten Power of Homemade Broth

Traditional Nourishment: The Forgotten Power of Homemade Broth Have we forgotten some of the most nourishing foods our grandparents relied on every day? In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, we explore the traditional kitchen practices that once formed the foundation of family nourishment. From homemade bone broth and nourishing stocks to slow-cooked meats, healthy fats, collagen-rich foods, and mineral-dense meals, we discuss how generations before us used simple ingredients to support their families long before supplements and convenience foods existed. As modern life has shifted toward convenience, many of these traditional practices have quietly disappeared. Yet homemade broth remains one of the simplest and most affordable ways to bring deep nourishment back into the home. Sometimes the answers we're searching for aren't found in a supplement aisle, they're found in the pantry we forgot. In This Episode We Discuss The difference between nourishment and convenience Why homemade bone broth was once a kitchen staple Natural sources of collagen, minerals, and healthy fats How traditional foods supported family wellness Using leftover bones and scraps to reduce waste Simple ways to begin making homemade broth The connection between traditional nourishment and modern health concerns Why food once served as both medicine and daily sustenance We also touch on the work of Weston A. Price and the insights from traditional cultures that relied on whole foods, animal-based nourishment, and seasonal cooking. Quotes from the Episode "Have we been throwing away the most nourishing parts of our food, then buying them back in supplement form?" "Sometimes the answers we're searching for aren't found in a supplement aisle, they're found in the pantry we forgot." "For generations, people were getting nourishment from everyday foods, eggs, butter, cream, slow-cooked meats, and broth." Key Takeaway Sometimes returning to simple things isn’t about doing more, it’s about remembering. Remembering that nourishment doesn’t always come from a bottle. Some of the most valuable foods are already in our kitchens, waiting to be used. FAQ What is bone broth? Bone broth is made by slowly simmering bones and connective tissue to create a mineral-rich, nourishing broth often used in soups, cooking, or drinking on its own. Is homemade broth actually healthy? Yes. Traditional broth contains minerals, gelatin, and nutrients that support digestion, joint health, and overall nourishment when made from quality ingredients. What’s the difference between broth and stock? Stock is typically made primarily from bones, while broth can include both meat and bones. Both serve as a flavorful, nutrient-rich base for cooking. How do you use bone broth in everyday meals? It can be used to cook rice, make soups, stews, sauces, or simply sipped warm as a nourishing drink. Do I need special ingredients to make it? No. Most broths can be made using leftover bones, vegetable scraps, water, and basic kitchen staples. Related Topics Traditional homemaking Slow living Natural health Holistic wellness Healthy fats Bone broth Homemade stock Ancestral nutrition Nourishing traditions Family wellness Modern homesteading Closing Thought Returning to traditional nourishment isn’t about rejecting modern life, it’s about remembering what once worked, and deciding what still serves us today. If You Enjoyed This Episode Follow Womenfolk Revival, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is curious about simple, traditional ways of living. Stay Rooted + Stay Wild

Healthy Fats Explained: Why We've Been Told to Fear Fat

The Fat Revolution: When Did We Become So Afraid of Fat? Butter. Ghee. Tallow. Cream. For generations, families around the world cooked with traditional fats that were available through their climate, culture, and local food systems. Somewhere along the way, many of us began fearing the very foods our grandparents considered ordinary. In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie explore traditional fats, ingredient labels, food culture, and why simple foods often contain fewer ingredients than the products filling modern grocery store shelves. We discuss: *  Butter, ghee, tallow, and traditional cooking fats  *  Reading ingredient labels and asking better questions about our food  *  Traditional kitchens and ancestral foodways  *  Cooking with intention instead of perfection  *  Small changes families can make without overwhelming their budget  *  Why traditional food looks different around the world  *  Nourishing our families with simple, recognizable ingredients  This conversation isn't about perfection. It's about becoming more aware, asking questions, and taking small steps toward understanding where our food comes from. Episode Highlights Meara and Maggie open with a simple but powerful observation: traditional fats were once normal, everyday ingredients, not something controversial or confusing. They break down what fats like tallow, ghee, and butter actually are, and how they’ve been used across cultures for centuries. Maggie shares how tallow can come from different animals depending on region and availability, while Meara reflects on how quickly something unfamiliar can feel intimidating, until it becomes part of daily life. A recurring theme throughout the conversation is this: Modern food has become more complicated than it needs to be. Both hosts talk about reading ingredient labels and noticing how many modern products contain long lists of additives, while traditional foods often contain just one or two ingredients. Food Labels, Trust & Modern Confusion One of the most striking parts of the conversation is how often both hosts now flip over food packaging before buying anything. Meara shares how she’s started asking: *  What is this?  *  What’s in it?  *  What purpose does it serve?  Maggie points out how many products that seem “normal” contain ingredients most people wouldn’t recognize, or expect. They also reflect on the difference between countries, noting how the same brands often contain fewer ingredients overseas than in the United States. The conversation isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness. Traditional Fats in the Kitchen The episode explores how fats like butter, tallow, coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil are used in everyday cooking. Meara shares how she uses: *  Butter for cooking fish and chicken  *  Ghee or tallow for high-heat meals  *  Coconut oil for popcorn  Maggie talks about making popcorn from scratch on the stovetop and finishing it with butter and mineral salt, turning a simple snack into something nourishing and intentional. They both emphasize that traditional cooking fats aren’t complicated—they’re practical. Small Changes, Not Perfection A major takeaway from this episode is that change doesn’t have to be extreme. You don’t need to throw everything out.  You don’t need a perfect pantry.  You don’t need to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Instead: *  Start by reading ingredient labels  *  Choose simpler versions of everyday foods  *  Swap one cooking fat at a time  *  Notice how real foods make you feel  As Maggie puts it, it’s about deciding what matters and making gradual changes that fit your life and budget. Why This Matters The conversation goes deeper than food. It touches on: *  Health and energy  *  Modern convenience culture  *  Trust in food systems  *  The loss of traditional knowledge  *  Reconnecting with ancestral food practices  Meara reflects on how traditional kitchens weren’t built around perfection—they were built around feeding families well with what was available. Final Reflection Before closing, the hosts encourage listeners to do one simple thing: Next time you’re at the grocery store, turn a package around and read the ingredients. Do you recognize them?  Do you understand them?  Or have they become unfamiliar? That small act of awareness is where change begins. Because sometimes the simplest foods really are the most nourishing. Important Note This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Dietary needs vary from person to person. Please consult your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing medical conditions. Resources: Ohio Traditional Food & Fat Sources Looking for grass-fed beef, tallow, raw dairy, or local farms in Ohio? *  OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association): https://grow.oeffa.org [https://grow.oeffa.org] *  OEFFA Organic Farm Directory: https://www.oeffa.org/countymap.php [https://www.oeffa.org/countymap.php] *  Real Milk Ohio Farm Directory: https://www.realmilk.com/farm-directory/wpbdm-region/ohio/ [https://www.realmilk.com/farm-directory/wpbdm-region/ohio/] *  Raw Milk Finder – Ohio: https://getrawmilk.com/browse/US/Ohio [https://getrawmilk.com/browse/US/Ohio] *  Raw Milk Sources Near Cincinnati/Hamilton Area: https://getrawmilk.com/search/Hamilton%2C%20Ohio [https://getrawmilk.com/search/Hamilton%2C%20Ohio] When purchasing fats, ask: *  What was the animal’s diet?  *  How was it raised?  *  How was it processed?  *  Is it minimally processed?  FAQ What are traditional cooking fats? Traditional fats include butter, ghee, tallow, lard, and animal fats that were commonly used before modern seed oils became widespread. Is fat actually good for you? Yes—fats play an essential role in hormone health, brain function, and nutrient absorption, especially fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. What is tallow? Tallow is rendered fat, typically from beef or sheep, used for cooking, skincare, and even candle making. Can I cook everything with tallow or butter? Many foods can be cooked with traditional fats, but variety is helpful. Olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil also have their place depending on heat and use. Do I need to change my entire diet to eat healthier fats? No. Small swaps and gradual changes are more sustainable than overhauling everything at once. Stay rooted. Stay wild.

The Call Back Home: Why Modern Women Are Craving a Simpler Life

The Call Back Home: Why Modern Women Are Craving a Simpler Life What if it’s an echo? For generations, families passed down more than names and dates—they passed down ways of living, tending land, growing food, preserving harvests, and building community. Somewhere along the way, many of those rhythms faded. But what if the longing so many women feel today isn’t random? What if it’s an echo? In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Maggie and Meara explore their ancestry journeys and the surprising ways they connect to the lives they’re building today. Meara shares how discovering her Austrian, Slovenian, Nigerian, and West African roots helped her understand a missing piece of her identity after being adopted. Maggie reflects on uncovering the traditions and values woven through her own family history and how those discoveries mirror the things she has always felt called toward. Together, they discuss traditional living, food preservation, herbal knowledge, community, family traditions, and why so many women seem to be longing for a return to practical skills, meaningful connection, and life closer to the land. This conversation isn't about DNA percentages or family trees. It’s about asking what wisdom is worth carrying forward. Because maybe some human needs never really change. And maybe some echoes are worth listening to. Episode Highlights In this conversation, Maggie and Meara explore: *  Ancestry and identity beyond DNA tests  *  The emotional experience of discovering biological roots  *  Austrian, Slovenian, Nigerian, and West African heritage connections  *  Germanic and Celtic influences on traditional living  *  Food preservation, herbal remedies, and seasonal living  *  The importance of community and the “lost village”  *  Why so many women feel drawn back to homemaking skills and land-based living  *  The difference between modern isolation and ancestral community life  *  What it means to carry forward meaningful traditions  Ancestry, Identity & The Search for Belonging Meara shares her experience of being adopted and how, for most of her life, she didn’t feel a strong need to search for her biological roots. But something shifted over time. As she began exploring ancestry more deeply, she discovered connections to Austrian, Slovenian, Nigerian, and West African heritage, and with it, something clicked. Not just names or locations, but a sense of familiarity in how those cultures lived: *  Seasonal rhythms  *  Farming and food preservation  *  Community-based living  *  Practical, land-connected skills  For her, it wasn’t just information, it was recognition. Maggie shares her own experience of uncovering family lineage and noticing how certain values and instincts in her life seemed to align with the way her ancestors once lived. Living Closer to the Land A major theme in this episode is how many ancestral cultures shared similar rhythms of life, even across continents. Both hosts reflect on: *  Living by the seasons  *  Preserving food for winter  *  Relying on herbal knowledge and home remedies  *  Building skills that supported the household directly  *  Living within close-knit communities  These weren’t trends, they were survival, structure, and culture. And today, many women feel themselves naturally drawn back to those same patterns. The Lost Village One of the strongest threads in this episode is the idea of the “lost village.” Meara reflects on how modern motherhood can feel isolating compared to traditional community structures where: *  Children were raised collectively  *  Elders passed down knowledge  *  Families lived in close proximity  *  No one carried everything alone  Maggie adds that even in modern life, the absence of community places a heavy emotional load on women, especially mothers. The longing for connection isn’t nostalgia, it’s a response to isolation. Why Traditional Skills Keep Coming Back Throughout the conversation, both hosts notice a pattern: Even without being taught these skills growing up, they both found themselves drawn to: *  Gardening  *  Herbal remedies  *  Homemade food and preservation  *  Cooking from scratch  *  Ingredient awareness  Maggie reflects on how plants in ancestral cultures often served multiple purposes:  food, medicine, dyes, and symbolism. Meara shares how natural remedies like garlic, ginger, onion syrup, and herbal teas felt familiar, even without being passed down directly. The question becomes:  Are we learning these things again… or remembering them? Modern Life vs. Ancestral Rhythm The episode doesn’t romanticize the past, but it does question the cost of modern isolation. Maggie reflects on how she once struggled to find meaningful female friendships that aligned with her values. Meara shares how friendships shift over time, and how connection is less about sameness and more about shared respect and alignment. Both agree:  Community still matters, but it may look different today as people rebuild it intentionally. Final Reflection Before closing, Maggie and Meara invite listeners to notice what keeps pulling at them: *  The skills you want to learn  *  The foods you want to make  *  The kind of home you want to build  *  The community you wish existed  Instead of ignoring those pulls, start small. Learn one thing.  Practice it.  Share it. Because maybe those desires aren’t random. Maybe they’re echoes. And maybe some echoes are worth following home. Important Note This episode is intended for reflection and educational discussion only. Individual experiences with ancestry, identity, and lifestyle will vary. Always follow what is right for your personal situation and values. Join the Community Continue the conversation here:  https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18cFornVr4/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18cFornVr4/] We’d love to hear: *  Your ancestry story  *  Traditions from your family  *  Skills you feel drawn back to  *  The “echoes” you’ve noticed in your own life  FAQ What does “the call back home” mean in this episode? It refers to the feeling many people experience of being drawn toward simpler, more traditional ways of living and connecting with ancestral patterns. Is this episode about genealogy or DNA testing? No. It uses ancestry as a starting point but focuses more on identity, cultural memory, and lifestyle patterns. Why do so many women feel drawn to traditional skills? The episode explores the idea that this may come from both cultural memory and a response to modern disconnection from land, food, and community. Is the goal to return to the past? No. The focus i...

Nervines Explained: Traditional Herbs for Stress, Anxiety & Nervous System Support

Nervines Explained: Traditional Herbs for Stress, Anxiety & Nervous System Support Ever find yourself realizing your shoulders are tense, your jaw is clenched, and your mind won’t slow down? In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie explore simple, traditional ways women have supported the nervous system for generations. From calming herbs known as nervines to humming, breathwork, grounding, and EFT tapping, they discuss practical tools that can be used throughout everyday life when stress begins to take over. Meara shares her perspective as a nurse on why it’s important not to dismiss physical symptoms as “just stress,” while Maggie discusses breathwork, movement, and the small practices that help bring the body back into balance. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, caregiving, a busy household, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers gentle reminders that sometimes the smallest practices can make the biggest difference. In This Episode • What nervines are and why they’ve been used traditionally for nervous system support  • EFT tapping and how it may help interrupt racing thoughts  • Grounding and spending time outdoors  • Humming and the connection between breath, vibration, and relaxation  • Simple breathing techniques for stressful moments  • Why many women become shallow breathers over time  • The importance of knowing your health baseline and working with your healthcare provider  • Essential oils traditionally used to create a calming environment Resources Mentioned • EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)  • Grounding / Earthing  • Breathwork and Box Breathing  • Vagus Nerve Support Practices  • Edgar Cayce A.R.E.  • Mountain Rose Herbs EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Research suggests EFT may help reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout symptoms in some individuals. *  NIH / PubMed Research Library: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/] *  National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/ [https://www.nih.gov/] Breathwork & Slow Breathing Studies suggest slow breathing may help regulate the autonomic nervous system and support relaxation responses. *  NIH Research Database: https://www.nih.gov/ [https://www.nih.gov/] *  Cleveland Clinic – Breathwork & Stress Relief: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22666-breathwork Humming & Vagus Nerve Support Humming may naturally lengthen the exhale and support vagal tone associated with relaxation. *  Cleveland Clinic – Vagus Nerve Overview: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21279-vagus-nerve *  Cleveland Clinic – Stress & Nervous System Regulation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/] Grounding / Earthing Research is still emerging, but some studies explore potential effects on stress, sleep, and inflammation. *  NIH Research Portal: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/] *  Overview of Grounding Research: https://www.nih.gov/ [https://www.nih.gov/] Edgar Cayce A.R.E. A research and education organization inspired by Edgar Cayce’s work. *  Edgar Cayce Association for Research & Enlightenment (A.R.E.): https://www.edgarcayce.org/ Herbal & Natural Wellness Resources *  Mountain Rose Herbs: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ [https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/] Episode Conversation Highlights Maggie and Meara explore how simple nervous system tools—many of which women have used intuitively for generations—can support emotional regulation in real time. They discuss how movement, humming, and intentional breathing can interrupt stress patterns, especially during overwhelming or chaotic moments. Meara shares how shallow breathing can become more common during stress, and introduces box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) as a grounding tool that can be used anywhere, even in the car. Maggie reflects on learning structured breathwork and how awareness of movement and breath can shift the body out of a stress response. They also emphasize the importance of not dismissing physical symptoms and working with healthcare providers when something feels off—especially when anxiety overlaps with physical sensations. Essential Oils Mentioned Traditional calming oils discussed include:  • Frankincense  • Sandalwood  • Myrrh  • Vetiver  • Cedarwood  • Patchouli Final Thoughts Small practices matter. Whether it’s breathwork, grounding, herbs, or simply noticing your own body, these tools are meant to support, not overwhelm you. Start simple. Pay attention. Come back to your breath. And remember: you can support your nervous system while also staying connected to modern healthcare when needed. If you’re enjoying these conversations, follow Womenfolk Revival wherever you listen so you don’t miss future episodes. And if this episode helped you, share it with another woman who might need a reminder to slow down and reconnect with herself. Stay Rooted & Stay Wild 🌿

We’ve Been Drinking Tea Wrong | Loose Leaf Tea, Infusions & Traditional Tea Preparation

Most tea bags contain plastic, many people are steeping tea incorrectly, and traditional cultures prepared tea completely differently than we do today. In this episode, we dive into: • loose leaf tea vs tea bags • infusions vs decoctions • tannins, oxalates, and milk tea • herbal teas for calm and wellness • traditional tea preparation methods • the hidden problems with convenience culture What started as a simple conversation about tea quickly turned into a full-on “tea identity crisis.” We explore the surprising truth that green, black, oolong, and pu-erh teas all come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), and how traditional cultures used different steeping methods to support the body in different ways. We also break down: • why adding milk to black tea was actually a smart traditional practice • the concerns surrounding plastic-filled tea bags • loose leaf tea and herbal infusions • simple ways to return to slower, more intentional rhythms at home Somewhere in the middle, this episode became less about tea and more about the overwhelm of modern life, the “microwave generation,” and the small practical ways we can start reclaiming old skills without burnout. From calming overwhelmed kids to struggling through hand-crank grain mills, we’re talking about real-life slow living, intentional motherhood, natural wellness, and taking baby steps back toward the old ways. Welcome to Womenfolk Revival, where we are deeply rooted and wildly intentional. RESOURCES + TEA BRANDS MENTIONED Traditional Medicinals https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/ [https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/] Numi Organic Tea https://numitea.com/ [https://numitea.com/] Pukka Herbs https://www.pukkaherbs.com/ [https://www.pukkaherbs.com/] Yogi Tea https://yogiproducts.com/ [https://yogiproducts.com/] Clipper Teas https://www.clipper-teas.com/ [https://www.clipper-teas.com/] Loose Leaf Tea Infuser Example https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stainless+steel+tea+infuser [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stainless+steel+tea+infuser] Reusable Cloth Tea Bags https://www.amazon.com/s?k=reusable+cloth+tea+bags [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=reusable+cloth+tea+bags] Research on Microplastics in Tea Bags https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02540 [https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02540] Learn More About Herbal Infusions vs Decoctions https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-infusions-and-decoctions [https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-infusions-and-decoctions] WHAT TO AVOID • “Silky” pyramid tea bags unless clearly labeled plastic-free • Heat-sealed or thermosealed tea bags without clarification • Cheap generic tea bags that may contain polypropylene plastic THE SIMPLEST PLASTIC-FREE OPTION Switching to loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel infuser or reusable cloth tea bag is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic exposure and reconnect with traditional preparation methods.  🌿 Support Womenfolk Revival If you'd like to support the podcast and help us continue sharing traditional wisdom, homemaking, herbalism, and intentional living, you can support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/womenfolkrevival Stay Rooted + Stay Wild!