This interview with Doris Kern from Mit Liebe gemacht is part of an interview series with women who feel as connected to nature as I do. Here, I speak with different women about their approach to nature and life.

Homemade products from herbs | made easy

Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about yourself and your career path?

I grew up in Mühlviertel, specifically in Peilstein. Very sheltered and surrounded by beautiful meadows and forests, I certainly picked up a lot of connection to nature there. However, at 19, I didn't find the idyll so exciting and decided to do something completely different. I studied Software Engineering – a career choice that makes me smile a little today. But I really enjoyed it and it's also a part of me.

My interest in and love for nature has always been there, even if it wasn't always so prominent for a while. My interest in herbs came with my love for natural cosmetics. Since I've always enjoyed taking care of myself, I was particularly interested in what was inside creams and other products. Well, once you start, you quickly get to herbs, as many ingredients can be wonderfully used in natural cosmetics. But not only there; they often strengthen the entire body. And since then, I've been fascinated by herbs and plants and am always learning something new.

You work with herbs and wild herbs - why do you do that?

There are several reasons – one is that many plants have wonderful ingredients for homemade natural cosmetics. You can make excellent home remedies that strengthen your health. But even when you're sick, your own natural pharmacy is a wonderful aid. And herbs have a certain fascination: recognizing them, knowing what's inside them, what you can make from them. Being able to learn something new again and again. Working with herbs and wild herbs is like going on a journey – you always discover something new.

How did you come to share your knowledge?

I started my blog Mit Liebe gemacht in 2014. At first, I mainly showed DIY projects, but it quickly evolved into an herb and nature blog. I simply enjoy showing what you can make from plants that grow right outside our doors. And it's important to me that this knowledge isn't lost, but that many people once again know how medicinal some plants are.

What do you enjoy about giving workshops on the topic of nature?

Feeling people's enthusiasm and seeing the many "aha" moments when you talk about nature, or make a recipe together. Many applications are so simple and wonderfully integrated into everyday life. It simply brings joy to see how everything is received and that I can share my enthusiasm.

What does a "normal" day look like for you?

In addition to my herbal work, I am employed part-time at a company. Afternoons are dedicated to my young daughter, and we do a lot together. She also watches with interest when we try a herbal recipe together. In the evenings, I work on my herbal topics, prepare posts for Instagram and my blog, or work on one of my books. So I'm rarely bored – there's always a lot to do, and when I have time, I try out new ideas and recipes.

Do you enjoy being in nature?

Yes, absolutely! It grounds me, gives me strength, and at the same time clears my head to develop new ideas.

Do you have a special favorite spot or power place - where do you like to be most of all?

I love going to the forest. I've lived in various places over the past 20 years, and no matter where I lived, I was always drawn to the forest. There I can literally breathe a sigh of relief and find my center during stressful times. For me, it doesn't have to be a specific or constant place, just forest air and lots of green!

Do you have a recipe for us that even "inexperienced" people can easily replicate and that supports our natural health?

My favorite recipe is Oxymel – also known as sour honey. It wonderfully strengthens our gut, our digestion, and you can add herbs that are good for you at the moment.

You need:

• 300 g honey
• 100 g vinegar (of your choice, e.g., apple or wine vinegar)
• Handful of herbs of your choice

Chop the herbs finely and put them in a sealable jar. Mix the honey and vinegar well until they combine. Then pour over the herbs. Seal the jar and let it infuse for at least 14 days. Afterward, strain and mix 1-2 tablespoons daily with a glass of water and drink.

Nature, herbs, but also sustainability and organic products are very much "on trend" now - why do you think that is?

I believe it's a kind of "recollection." For centuries, we lived with nature, we were dependent on the seasons. It was important to respect nature, and so on. And we still have this feeling deep inside us, and for many people, it's returning and wants its place.

Why is there also a longing in us to be more connected to nature and to live simply?

Because in nature you can just be – you don't have to conform to any ideal. Nature accepts us as we are. We don't have to measure ourselves; we can just be, feel, and experience! And that simply feels good! And honestly, for a good life, so little is often needed, isn't it?

Many of my recipes and ideas can be found on my blog mitliebegemacht or on my Instagram profile. I also share a lot of knowledge in my books Einfach natürlich, Aromatischer Wald, Verlockende Blüten, Freche Früchtchen, Quitten in Küche und Kosmetik, Natürlich weihnachtlich, and Fühl dich wohl – die grüne Apotheke der Hildegard von Bingen.

And what I'm really looking forward to – this year my own seminar room is being built, and from next year I'll also be able to welcome people interested in herbs to my home. I will announce all information about this on my blog. If you'd like to read from me regularly, you can also subscribe to my newsletter.

You can find more interviews about amazing women and their connection to nature here:

Karin from Naturspirit
Stephanie from Atempause
Susanne from Naturzauberwerke
Tina from die Kräutermacherei
Melanie from Mint
Anja from Gänseblümchen & Sonnenschein
Andrea from Fermentista
Andrea from Yoga Cuisine
Marlies from Quendelgrün
Christine from Textpoterie
Doris from Mit Liebe gemacht
Alex from Die Kräutermadame
Bianca from Naturespiritauraspray
Gerda from Grüne Kraft
Judith from Seelenzauber