Category: herbalism
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Dandelion: Nature’s Healing Power Unleashed
Dandelions (for the purpose of this article I’m referring to Taraxacum officinale, though there are over 400 other varieties) are more than just a sunny weed dotting our lawns—they’re one of the most versatile and healing plants in the wild. Every part of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), from flower to root, is edible and medicinal…
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The Benefits of Marshmallow: A Healing Herb Guide
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It is found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils. When I first learned that marshmallow was a plant and not just a treat to throw into my hot cocoa, I started looking…
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Bee Balm: Beautiful Beneficial for Boogers
Have you ever been walking through a field suddenly caught a whiff of something simultaneously pungent, spicy, and floral? You might have encountered Bee Balm! Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma are the two varieties of Bee Balm I’m referring to in this post, though Monarda punctata also shares the same medicinal qualities. I grow both…
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Crafting Heart-Healthy Teas: The Magic of Hawthorn
This is Part 2 in my series about Heart Health and healing matters of the heart. Hawthorn (Cretaegus monogyna and other spp.) has long been seen as a medicinal plant, mainly in Western herbalism. Hawthorn berries are the most frequent part made into herbal medicines, though the leaves and flowers carry medicinal qualities too. Hawthorn…
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Healing Heartbreak with The Magic of Wild Roses
Valentine’s Day is coming soon and a lot of people will be either giving or receiving roses. But did you know that roses are medicinal? This is the first post in a short series I’m writing about matters of the heart; both the physical AND the emotional heart. Rose petals and hips are the parts…
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Benefits of American Reishi Mushroom: A Complete Guide
The American native Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma tsugae, grows on the Eastern white hemlock tree (Tsuga canadensis.) If you wild harvest some of this amazing mushroom, be sure to slice it up within a few days after you cut it off the tree. Reishi dries as hard as wood VERY quickly and once…
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Wormwood: Cleansing You Body, Mind, and Spirit
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial herb with a long and fascinating history. Known for its distinctive bitter taste, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and culinary practices across various cultures. I have two big wormwood bushes in my yard that come back every year and I’m trying to grow more this…
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Comfrey! One of my Top 5 Must-Have Herbs
I’m writing about Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) this week partly because so many people asked for it and partly because it really is one of my favorite herbs. I LOVE how quickly and amazingly comfrey or an infused oil of comfrey heals bruises, sprained ankles, small cuts, or helps mend broken bones. I (sort of )…
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Herbal Remedies for Back Pain and Inflammation
Are you in pain today? I am. Pain is caused by inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injuries or infections. The inflamed tissue swells up in an effort to heal itself and as a result, presses on the nerves in that area. Pressure on the nerves causes pain. There are two types of…
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Garlic: A Powerful Food and Medicine Combination
I finally got my small garlic crop into the ground this past week and I thought it would be a great time to talk about why I think EVERYONE (who isn’t allergic) should be eating garlic. I’ve come a long way from the time some garlic bulbs sprouted in my pantry and I dug a…