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    Results for Category: Botanical

an introduction into canine herbalism by Herbal Academy
  ON September 21,2015

An Introduction Into Canine Herbalism

If you have dogs, you probably cannot count the times you’ve seen them run to a patch of something green and begin to consume it ravenously. You might wonder when, and more importantly, where the consumed forage will represent itself again, which always seems to be in the middle of your dinner party on your […]

  ON September 03,2015

Motherwort: The Plant World’s Mama Bear

Motherwort is the plant world’s mama bear. Or mama lion, from its Latin name Leonurus cardiaca, which translates to the Lion-Hearted One (Bennett, 2014). Motherwort Plant Profile This mint-family member has the ubiquitous square-stems that run in the family. Motherwort’s miniature blooms are delicately painted soft pink, and resemble the healthy womb and reproductive system […]

  ON September 02,2015

The Horseradish Plant: Harvesting, Processing & Uses

Fall is fast approaching, and with it comes the harvesting of roots. And the horseradish plant is high on our list! For those of you who regularly grow, harvest, process, and enjoy horseradish, I hope you pick up a new tip or two in this article. If you’re new to horseradish harvesting, I hope I […]

  ON August 28,2015

Red Clover Blossoms

How many times have you walked passed these red clover blossoms without even a second thought? I remember picking them as a little girl and being struck by their beautiful purple color whilst sucking out the sweet nectar from their blossoms. Little did I know just how magical they were, with such a long list […]

  ON August 14,2015

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 […]

  ON August 09,2015

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 ...

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  ON August 06,2015

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 […]

  ON July 30,2015

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 […]

The Secret Meaning of Herbs | Herbal Academy | Sage for wisdom, thyme for courage... Across many different cultures, humans have cherished a secret meaning of herbs and plants!
  ON July 17,2015

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 […]

benefits of lavender
  ON July 16,2015

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 […]

  ON July 01,2015

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 […]

herbal first aid kit for pets
  ON June 29,2015

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 […]

Using Elderflowers + An Elderflower Fritter Recipe by Herbal Academy
  ON June 08,2015

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 […]

  ON May 11,2015

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.  […]

  ON May 07,2015

Violet Plants: A Simply Herb for a Healthier Family

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 […]