Tag: herb
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Hibiscus
Hibiscus sabdariffa is an annual bushy plant that is generally grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Fresh or dried calyces are what is commonly used for medicinal purposes though the stems, leaves, and seeds can also be used for many other purposes. Hibiscus can be used to make various beverages including hot or cold tea, wine,…
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Dandelion: More Than Just a Weed
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is believed to be native to Europe, but it has now spread to the entire northern hemisphere. It is known as a common weed and the bane of anyone looking to grow the perfect yard. Dandelion is tenacious and can easily spread through the landscape with its puffy white seeds. But, did…
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Herbal Health From the Ground Up
If your mind has been thinking of spring and its promise of growing plants, you aren’t alone. Over half of the average American households do gardening activities while another 20% are planning on doing so soon. It’s also estimated that COVID created 18.3 million more American gardeners. The majority of these gardeners are growing edible…
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Grab Yourself a Cup of Sunshine
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, bee balm, or honey balm, is a perennial plant that is grown all over the world. It grows in a wide variety of soil conditions and elevations from sea level to the mountains. Lemon balm can be used for a wide variety of health concerns, and research is…
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Golden Root
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) (also called Golden Root) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices. This yellow-blossomed plant prefers sandy soils at high altitudes in Northern Europe and Asia. Dioscorides, a Greek physician, first wrote about rodia riza in 77 C.E. It was later renamed Rhodiola rosea due to the rose-like fragrance caused by cutting its fresh roots.…
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Guggul Your Fats
Guggul is a yellowish oleogum resin from the guggul tree (Commiphora mukul) and has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health diseases. Ayurvedic practitioners have used it for millennia to help with atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, rheumatism, and weight management. Primarily found in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, it has been shown…
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Peppermint: More than a Seasonal Candy
Peppermint is one of the most popular herbs used today, and it becomes most apparent each year when the holidays roll around. As cooler weather descends, people all over the globe are bombarded by peppermint; peppermint mocha, peppermint bark, candies, canes, and the list goes on and on. It comes in a wave of ever-rising…
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Herbs for Prosperity and Luck in the New Year
Feng Shui isn’t complete without taking the time to think a bit more about plants. The items in a home all contain energetic components and using herbs for good luck is a great practice. Not only to give your home a greater level of feng shui, but it offers a large list of other potential…
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Oregano–Much More than Topping for Your Pizza Pie
A member of the mint family, oregano is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is easy to grow–makes a lovely ground cover–and is a versatile botanical for both culinary and medicinal use. In traditional herbal medicine, oregano (typically the essential oil) has been used to ease the symptoms of a…
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Dill Weed: More than Just a Spice
Most people are familiar with dill weed as a dried or fresh spice used in cooking that adds a mild peppery flavor to pickled foods, sauces, stews, grilled meat or fish, potatoes, rice, and pasta dishes. What you may not know is that dill has been in use for centuries for medicinal purposes. Native to…