Author: Amelia
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Solomon’s Seal: The King of Herbs for Connective Tissue Problems
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.) is a plant native to the Americas that most people just plant as an ornamental in their garden is by far one of my favorite medicinal herbs. Its unique, bone-shaped roots strengthen bones, marrow, and especially tendons. Note: I am an Herbalist, not a doctor. This post is not intended as…
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Black Cohosh does so much more than “stop hot flashes”
Black cohosh is a gorgeous perennial plant native to North America. You’ll find it under two different Botanical names, depending on the age of the text you look in: Cimicifuga racemosa and Actaea racemosa. I can’t recall which one is the older name but botanists drive me nuts when they do this… Anyway, I used…
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My Must-Have Herbal Reference Books (as a Practicing Herbalist)
Sure, you can agree that nothing compares to hands-on, fingernails-dirty, in-the-trenches learning when it comes to herbalism. But every knowledgeable herbalist also has a handful of reliable reference books on their shelf. This list is made up of the books I reach for most often when I need support. I don’t own any A.I.-generated books,…
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My Most-Used Foraging Gear as a Professional Forager
If you’re hoping for some secret, fancy foraging gear… this might disappoint you. Because the truth is, what I use most often is pretty simple, everyday stuff. No magic knife, no special bag—just practical tools that get the job done. That said, as a professional forager, there are a few things I always have on…
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The ONE wild plant I can’t live without: Plantain
Any time I hear someone ask me, “What’s the one herb you would want to have with you if you were lost on a deserted island?” my answer is almost always going to be Plantain. And no, that’s not a big starchy banana. There are three varieties of plantain species you’re likely to find in…
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Dry Cough vs Wet Cough: An Herbal Approach
We’ve all dealt with it — a nagging cough from allergies, a virus that caught up with you, or a chronic condition like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. But not all coughs are the same. A wet cough requires a different strategy than a dry one, and choosing the right herbal approach starts with understanding that…
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You Can’t Heal a Fragmented Mind in a Disconnected Body
Herbalism has taught me a lot about working with plants, mushrooms, and the physical human body. Your body is something I can see with my own two eyes (and technically could also experience with my other senses as well), but while your brain is a physical organ, your mind (and your mental health) are invisible.…
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Managing Migraines Naturally: A Holistic and Herbal Approach
Migraines are no joke–I know, I’ve had a few. But if you have chronic migraines, there’s something deeper at play inside your body. In the world of naturopathic medicine, we view a migraine not as a standalone disease, but as a “check engine light” for the body. It’s like your headache is screaming at you…
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Mucus Overload? You Need Ground Ivy
I’ll admit it—I didn’t even know what ground ivy was until about 7 years ago. I heard a podcast episode about it and immediately went in search of this diminutive plant because I heard that it was “better than Mucinex” for mucus overload in your sinuses. Boy, were they right! What is ground ivy? Ground…
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Foraging in Connecticut: Learn the Land Through Your Senses
Connecticut is home to a wide variety of wild edible plants and medicinal herbs year-round. In spring, look for stinging nettle, greenbriar shoots, and serviceberries. Summer brings elderflower, chanterelle mushrooms, and St. John’s Wort. Fall is ideal for rose hips, sassafras roots, and hickory nuts, while winter offers evergreen barks like wild cherry. With diverse…