Results for Category: Botanical
The Benefits of Elderberries Sambucus nigra and Sambucus canadensis
Across the country, the elderberries are turning dark purple or black and herbies everywhere are harvesting them, drying them, and formulating their favorite elderberry preparations for the seasons ahead. In my blog in June, we talked about the plant, the flowers, and some of the wonderful lore and magic that surround the elder. The flowers…
Cooling Down with Summer Rose
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is the season of yang and is associated with the fire element, the Heart, and Small intest...
Jewelweed, A Story
Post written by John Bailey, student in the Intermediate Herbal Course. Who ever knew that herbs and other things that help us on ...
Recipes Using Bee Balm
As we discussed in our last article, many names have been given to the plant monarda: bee balm, bergamot, or Oswego tea (more on that here). It has been used in North America for a very long time and for many purposes. You can find it in nearly every state in the U.S., and since it’s…
6 Natural Ways to Deter Insects From Your Herbs
Herbs tend to be relatively low-maintenance plants, which is one reason they are so popular to grow. They also add to our lives in more concrete ways, like providing delicious additions to family meals, preventing infections for minor cuts or scrapes, and providing many other health benefits. So it stands to reason that these wonderful…
A Family Herb: The Comforts Of Rose
The lovely rose has more than a beautiful face. Highly prized throughout history as an herbal remedy, roses (Rosa spp.) have long ...
Benefits of Bee Balm: Monarda fistulosa and M. didyma
Bee balm is the common name of both Monarda didyma, which has red flowers, or Monarda fistulosa, which can have lavender, pink, or...
The Secret Meaning of Herbs
Across many different cultures and time periods, humans have cherished a secret meaning of herbs and plants. Flowers, herbs, and foliage were given as tokens of good luck and well wishing – sprigs of wheat included in bridal bouquets for fertility, wreaths of bay laurels worn as a symbol of victory. Small bouquets called “tussie…
The Benefits Of Lavender In The Family Home
At our house, lavender is a constant friend, helping to keep our home and its occupants safe, clean, and comfortable. Rich with antimicrobial essential oil, lavender helps to naturally clean and refresh the home. Lavender has a relaxing, yet refreshing action, so it is wonderful to have around the house to welcome home weary souls…
23 Ways to Use Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most recognized and used herbs in the western world. Many people think of it first for anxiety and insomni...
Get to Know the Versatile Chamomile Plant
From the Astereraceae (daisy) family comes the Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile). Bo...
9 Ways To Use Valerian, Valeriana officinalis
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a lovely garden plant with pinkish-white aromatic flowers. A perennial to Zone 4, valerian thrives in sun to partial shade, is easily propagated, and requires little care. Plant it in the back of your garden, though, since it can grow up to six feet tall! Valerian is more than a garden…
Basic Herbal Support for Pets
Most of us have a first-aid kit in our homes to treat minor scrapes and burns. But what about our four-legged friends? What happens when Fido gets a cut while trying to jump the fence? Or when Mittens steps a little too close to the wood stove? These basic herbal supports for pets can make…
A Family Herb: Lemon Balm Benefits
Delightfully fragrant lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a wonderful herb for the entire family. In fact, it is one of my familyâ...
Getting to Know the Valerian Plant
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)Â is on the other end of the fragrance spectrum. Although some people like the smell of the valeri...
The Grass Isn’t Greener: Inviting Bees Into Your Yard Â
For bees and beekeepers, the sight of closely-cropped lawns bordered with rows of non-blooming shrubbery will never garner any votes for, “Yard of the Month.†Gone are the days when these boring patches of green are considered fashionable. Rather, we favor the yard dotted with bright, yellow dandelions and a variety of blooming native plants….
Harvesting and Using Elderflowers + An Elderflower Fritter Recipe
As lovely as elderberries are, elderflowers are a wonder in their own right. Familiarize yourself with the elderflower and its properties. Using elderflowers may just be the highlight of your summer! All About Elder For purposes of this article, I am referring to Sambucus nigra (European) and Sambucus canadensis (North American). An elderberry bush or…
Stinging Nettle Plant: A Spring Favorite
Many herbalists can hardly wait for spring to nourish their bodies naturally with fresh greens from the earth. Much like our ances...
Growing Herbs in Unlikely Locations
When you picture herb gardens, you might think of luscious outdoor spaces that are filled with exotic fragrances, beautiful colors...
Designing An Herb Garden
This is the second article in a two-part series on planning and designing your herb garden! Part I – Tips for Making An Herb Garden Plan – discusses planning your garden – choosing a location, prepping the soil, and gathering plants. Part II – Designing Your Herb Garden – discusses design ideas for theme gardens and color selections. …
A Family Herb: Violet Plant
Violet plants are a pure delight for the senses, enchanting children and adults alike with their lovely, sweet-smelling purple flowers and precious, bright green heart-shaped leaves. A seasonal springtime flower, violets are often among the first plants to peek their little flowering heads up towards the sun. Gather the flowers in the spring and enjoy…
Celebrate HerbDay with Herb of the Yearâ„¢: Savory Monograph
To draw attention to HerbDay 2015, we are celebrating with the reveal of our Savory monograph from The Herbarium, which just so h...
Tips For Making An Herb Garden Plan
Join us in this two-part series on planning and designing your herb garden! In this article, we’ll dive into creating an h...
How to Start Foraging in Your Backyard
Many people are interested in learning about edible wild plants, and a natural extension of this is to start foraging and explore what may be growing close to home. One of the best ways to begin foraging in your backyard is to find an herbalist or forager who offers local plant walks. Having in-person instruction…
Oregano for Healing and Nutrition
Oregano is a wonderful plant for healing, nutrition and flavor! Oil of Oregano is derived from the wild oregano plant (Oreganum vulgare), a member of the mint family (Lamiacae or Labiatae). The name oregano originates from two Greek words: oros (mountain) and ganos (joy). Oregano is well known as a culinary herb. The oregano herb has…
Foraged Skin Care Remedies
Early spring is a wonderful time for foraging. After winter, it is refreshing to finally get outside and gather some healing herbs...
10 Reasons Why Witch Hazel Rocks!
I have been known to buy witch hazel extract by the gallon. I always keep it on hand and substitute it for water in almost all of ...
Looking for Natural Flu Remedies? Woad Works!
Worries about influenza, Ebola, and measles are making headlines. As herbalists, we have many natural flu remedies in our toolkits, including a repertoire of immune boosters, cold remedies, and digestive aids to help with viral symptoms. Wouldn’t it be helpful if there were other plants, like elderberry, that work at the cellular level to prevent…
Comfrey Uses + Soothing Comfrey Cream Recipe
I started growing comfrey a couple of years ago, but my reasons were NOT strictly altruistic. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of my herbs, but I particularly love perennial herbs like comfrey that are well suited to a pot and can be brought indoors during our cold Kansas winter. There is Comfort in…
How To Grow Pea Shoots Indoors: Fresh Greens Year-Round
With the garden tucked in for the winter and the farmer’s markets closing up shop until spring, we’re back to listless strolls...
