Tag: herb
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Ease Muscle Pain, Bruising with Arnica
Native Americans have long used Arnica montana to ease the pain and inflammation associated with sore muscles. Today, many people are familiar with the use of homeopathic arnica creams, gels, and lotions to ease muscle and joint pain, as well as bruising due to injury. In the wild, Arnica’s bright gold blossoms resemble tiny stars. The herb…
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Wild Herb and Foraging Identification is Easy with an App!
If you’d like to learn more about the wild plants growing in your neck of the woods and you don’t want to carry a pocket guide with you, well, you guessed it: there’s an app for that! Here we present just a few options for apps that can help you become a better forager. When…
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Sage: Clarity for Body and Mind
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a fascinating botanical remedy that has been used by ancient and modern cultures around the globe for a variety of health concerns. From loosening congestion to facilitating relaxation, sage is a versatile herbal remedy to include in your personal apothecary. Sage is recognized by its grayish leaves and purplish-blue flowers, which…
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Bilberries: Herbal Remedy Rich in Antioxidants
The “wild cousin” of blueberry, sweet and tangy bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) have been used as a botanical medicine since the early Middle Ages. Tea brewed from bilberry leaves was used to treat imbalances in blood sugar. European herbalists used bilberry as a remedy for bladder infections as well as for stomach and gastrointestinal complaints. In modern herbal…
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Traditional Herbal Remedy: Jamaica Dogwood
Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia erythrina or Piscidia piscipula) has been in use as a medicinal herb since at least the early 1800s. It has been used as a traditional remedy for treating nerve pain, migraines, insomnia, anxiety, and muscle spasms due to nervous tension. More recently, animal studies have shown that bark extracts of Jamaica dogwood have various…
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Reduce Pain, Inflammation with Devil’s Claw
For the indigenous tribes of southern Africa, Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) has been used medicinally to alleviate migraines, gastrointestinal distress, and fevers. Salves made from Devil’s Claw were prepared to help reduce inflammation that accompanied wounds, rashes and other skin conditions. Today, Devil’s Claw is a scientifically validated remedy for pain and inflammation associated with…
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Cumin: Botanical Medicine for Digestive Health
A popular spice for cuisine and medicinal healing in many parts of the world, cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is robust with a nutty, peppery flavor that packs a little zing for the senses. From the moment that a food rich in cumin enters your mouth, it activates the salivary glands which initiates the digestive process. It is no…
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Calendula: Herbal Remedy for the Skin and So Much More
The use of calendula tea, oil, extract, and tincture dates back to ancient Egyptian culture and early Christianity. Calendula officinalis has many health enhancing properties that can help heal inflamed skin, reduce pain and swelling, and support the renewal of skin cells. The plant compounds found in it’s fiery red and yellow petals contain antibacterial,…
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Medicinal and Practical Uses for Rosemary
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a fragrant herb that has many practical uses and medicinal benefits. In botanical medicine, rosemary has been used to reduce inflammation, boost mental focus, and help lower stress. In the garden, growing rosemary can help to keep away deer and rodents. In the kitchen, rosemary is well known for lending a warm, bitter…
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Skullcap Herb Soothes Tension and Supports Wellness
Grown in meadows and wetland habitats, skullcap herb has been used in traditional herbal medicine to instill a sense of gentle calm. One of the most versatile herbs, skullcap also is used in holistic practices to help quell anxiety, calm symptoms of neuropathy, decrease inflammation, soothe irritability, and relieve headaches and tension. There are two…