Even as science and technology fling us into the future, it seems like more and more people are harkening back to the past. In the food world, that’s exhibited through the farm-to-table dining movement, the rise of Prohibition-era cocktails, and, now, the resurgence of grassroots apothecaries to aid common ailments in a natural, old-fashioned way with many herbs and spices commonly found in your kitchen or garden.

Herbal medicine dates back hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of years—as far as the papyrus scrolls of Ancient China and Egypt, on which its abilities to treat and prevent diseases are noted. Sure, some of it is snake oil, and they’re hardly panaceas, but after falling out of favor for chemical drugs in the 1800s, the time-honored practice is regaining popularity, with some 80 percent of the planet now using herbalism as a primary form of healthcare. 

In Baltimore, local makers are handcrafting medicinal blends of herbs and spices, too. A touch of turmeric here, a dash of ginger there. A sprig of rosemary, a sprinkle of chamomile. Through teas, tinctures, and tonics, these homemade remedies are helping us heal our bodies without Tylenol or a trip to the doctor. As medical costs continue to skyrocket, herbal medicine “has really bloomed in recent years,” says herbalist Jen Ehrhardt of the longstanding Zensations in Hampden, where she makes a medley of herb-infused products such as cordials and teas. “People are really being called to the plants right now. They’re looking for new ways to take care of themselves, and others, naturally.” 

That was the case with Katelyn Jarkowiec of Hey Thanks! Herbal Co.
“I went through a terrible breakup that did a number on me emotionally, which then started to play out physically,” she says. After murky medical diagnoses, she researched traditional Chinese medicine and, before long, started slowly feeling better. She now uses homegrown and foraged herbs and flowers in everything from bitters for better digestion to elixirs for stress relief and cramps. “They’re not cure-alls,” she says, “but you can use plants to give your body gentle nudges towards being healthy.”

Sarah Acconcia Norris of Juniper Culinary Apothecary even hopes to integrate these important ingredients into our way of eating. “Food is medicine, and nature makes everything we need,” says the former chef, who used natural remedies to heal after restaurant-industry burnout. Her Mt. Vernon Marketplace shop is an old-world treasure trove of superfood spices to be stocked on your kitchen shelves. “I’m not a doctor,” she says, “but we can still make these ingredients accessible, easy, and delicious to eat. This isn’t about diet culture. It’s about supporting your body. It’s about helping you be your best self.”

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

EAT

Dec. 4: Holistic Holiday Pop-Up Market

Mount Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

‘Tis the season for gaining weight, because as much as we try, with so many sweets and treats all around us, it’s really hard to eat healthy. (I mean, who’s going to pass up on hot toddys and peppermint mochas, not to mention sugar cookies and gingerbread houses and rib roasts . . . you get the point.) To curb those winter calories, swing by Mount Vernon Marketplace this Sunday for a refreshing switch-up with holistic holiday shopping and eating. Each stall will be featuring healthy specials and nearly 20 vendors will be in tow, toting feel-good gifts like Hex Ferments kombuchas, krauts, and kimchis; Pure Chocolate By Jinji handcrafted cocoa; and PlantBar juices and raw foods. Pick up some beautiful handspun bowls from Wild Yam Pottery, pluck a bouquet of Local Color Flowers, and stop in the new Juniper Apothecary shop for even more wellness wonders. Here’s to a healthy, happy holiday—and to warding off those sugarplum visions that keep dancing in your head.

DRINK

Dec. 3: Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas

Fells Point, S. Broadway & Thames St. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

This Saturday, the cobblestone streets of Fells Point will transform into a winter wonderland with the neighborhood’s Olde Tyme Christmas festival. Catch Santa come in by tugboat at 9 a.m. and then make your way to the adults-only annual Eggnog Contest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Broadway Square. Now in its 13th year, contestants will stack up against one another to see who makes the best sweet boozy beverage. (If you’re toting kids, there will also be hot chocolate and hot cider available, too.) Throughout the day, eat, drink, and shop local, but make sure you stick around until 5 p.m., when the lighted boat parade makes its way past Broadway Pier.

SEE

Dec. 4: Mayor’s Christmas Parade

Starting at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western High School, 4600 Falls Road. Ending at 37th St. 1 p.m. Free.

For the 44th year, make your way to Medfield and Hampden to watch the Mayor’s Christmas Parade. Along this holiday tradition’s 2.5 mile-route, join more than 25,000 people to see dozens of marching bands, dance troops, mummers, floats, giant balloons, and more than 100 Harley Davidson motorcycles, not to mention Miss and Jr. Miss Yuletide and Santa himself. From TK road, down The Avenue, to 37 th Street, admire the old street cars, catch some candy, and give one last wave to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

HEAR

Dec. 3: Night of 100 Elvises

Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 4-11 p.m. $60-90. 410-494-9558.

Everyone loves Elvis, and for some odd reason, everyone seems to love Elvis even more around the holidays. This weekend, get in the festive spirit and gather ’round Lithuanian Hall for a celebration of The King. For one full night, dozens of cover bands, tribute artists, and diehard fans will all come together to pay homage to the late, great Mr. Presley with a colorful night of rock and roll. Admire the hot rods, grab some pictures with the show girls, tip back some Heavy Seas beers, and indulge in Elvis’ favorite: peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches.

DO

Dec. 2-4: XXChange

Fri., Area 405, 405 E. Oliver St. Sat.-Sun., Open Works, 1400 Greenmount Ave. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

If you aren’t already hip to them, the Baltimore Women’s Maker Collective is a group of badass creatives who celebrate the work of self-identifying women and non-binary artists, business owners, and craftspeople throughout the great Baltimore region. They host monthly meetings, panel discussions, and a variety of events like artwork showcases and workshops. Their latest project is XXChange, a multilayered exhibit of more than 30 regional artists, featuring jewelry, furniture, textiles, metalwork, and more. On Friday, catch the closing reception at Area 405 during Alloverstreet in Station North, followed by a weekend-long pop-up shop at the new Open Works makerspace in Greemount West. Browse items like beautiful ceramics by Christina Haines, herbal infusions by Wight Tea Co., hipster-chic pillows by Cedar & Cotton, and handcrafted candles by Knit, Soy & Metal, to name a few.