
Get to Know the Versatile Chamomile Plant
From the Astereraceae (daisy) family comes the Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile). Both are known as chamomile, although North Americans tend to use the German chamomile plant, while those in the UK use more of the Roman variety. These two unrelated chamomile plants share many of the same constituents, have a similar appearance and aroma,…

5 Enlightening Herbal Books About World Traditions
As a whole, herbalism is made up of many traditions from all over the world. Distinct schools of herbal thought have arisen across many time periods, cultures, and regions of the globe, with one thing in common: they all consider ways that plants help us heal. The theories that developed and the skills that have been passed…

Magical Rainbow Fruit Salad With Herbs & Flowers
Can you eat a rainbow? You can with this beautiful rainbow fruit salad that is just a delicious as it is beautiful! Challenge your children to eat a rainbow and ask them to help you create a tasty salad with you. Kids love being part of food preparation and will have fun choosing fruits, herbs, and…

A Simple and Delicious Wildflower Jelly Recipe
As you venture into the world of herbalism and the number of wild edible plants opens up to you, think a bit beyond the infusions and tinctures and consider new ways to eat your weeds, like in this wildflower jelly recipe! One delicious way to explore edible herbs is by making a simple wildflower jelly…

Learning Botanical Names
If you have spent time reading about or studying herbs, chances are you have come across botanical names. Usually in italics, botanical names are found in herb profiles, scientific studies, and even in everyday places, such as the back of your favorite herbal tea blend. If you are a HANE student, you may have seen botanical…

How to Soothe Sunburns and Stay Cool Naturally
Ouch! Most of us know the tight, red-hot feeling of a sunburn. When the sun gets the best of you, count on these easy and effective remedies for quick relief. Tips for Soothing Sunburns Apple Cider Vinegar Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for soothing sunburned skin. Herbalist Kiva Rose speeds healing…

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…

Garden Of Whimsy, Making A Fairy Herb Garden
Invite the whimsy and magic of fairies right into your garden by creating a lovely place for them to live. Make your little garden useful too by choosing edible and medicinal herbs which will fill it with beautiful fragrance to enjoy. Making a fairy herb garden is all in fun and a wonderful way to engage…

DIY Natural Sunscreen Recipe + 2 More Easy-to-Make Recipes for Summer Skincare
Summer is a beautiful season, but it can also bring challenges for our skin. As you enjoy the sunny days, soothe and protect your skin using natural summer skincare with the easy-to-make recipes to follow using foraged wild weeds. Summer Skincare and Sun Protection One of the biggest summer skin issues is sunburns. If possible,…

Six Botanical-Based Air Freshener Ideas for Your Home
Are you tired of synthetic air fresheners that pollute the air with harsh and hazardous compounds? With a few simple, inexpensive ingredients, you can create effective botanical-based air fresheners that delight your senses. All air fresheners require two components. First, an air freshener must have a way of neutralizing existing odors. Second, it must be…