Tag: herb
-
Kava: A Healing Herb of the Pacific Islands
Traveling across the Pacific Ocean destined for island exploration in the 1770’s, Captain James Cook encountered native people drinking a bitter brew they called kava. They believed the drink facilitated access to the spirit realm. Made from the pounded and liquified rhizome of a tropical plant, a few sips of kava left the mouth a…
-
Support for Natural Detox with Andrographis
While fasting, the body has the opportunity to flush out toxins that it may have been sluggishly trying to move out through respiration, excretion, sweating and other innate physiological processes. This can temporarily increase activity on the organs of detoxification, particularly the liver. To support this increased activity and to bolster immunity, holistic practitioners may…
-
Star of Bethlehem Flower Essence
For those of you who might just be learning about flower essences, this is a system of plant-based remedies designed to promote and balance emotional well-being. The flower essence therapy was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach. He designed Flower Essence Therapy to be as simple as possible, “I want to make it…
-
Honeysuckle: Herbal Support for Mind, Body & Spirit
A practice as old as time… sending, sharing, and cooking with specific flowers to express a sentiment, be it hope, sorrow, peace, joy, or love. Known as floriography, flowers have long been used to reveal sentiments of love and affection, and, if arranged in a certain way, they could even convey a secret message or…
-
Astragalus Root for Strengthening Immunity
Centuries of Traditional Chinese Medicine and European botanical medicine have documented Astragalus root (Astragalus Membranaceus) as a tonic to support the health of the spleen and the immune system, helping the body build resistance to illness. Today, researchers are studying how Astragalus may help prevent the common cold and be a complementary therapy to establish immune health.…
-
Help Keep Your Skin in Balance with Burdock Root
Burdock root, seeds, and leaves are recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The herb also has been used to protect liver cells from damage and to help purify the blood. The medicinal effects of Burdock root (Arctium lappa) on the organs of detoxification (liver, gut, and skin) makes it an excellent choice to support healthy skin.…
-
Catnip: A Soothing Botanical Remedy
Many intriguing stories come along with the herb, catnip (Nepeta cataria), also known as catmint. There’s folklore regarding women ingesting catnip and being turned into…you guessed it, cats. And, the more credible lore about cats exhibiting strange behavior around the plant. While big cats and domestic kitties alike get happy, spunky, and amorous after nibbling…
-
Celery: A Surprising Medicinal Herb
Crunchy, delicately salty by nature, and packed with hydration, celery stalks (Apium graveolens) are a great snack to pair with your favorite summer dip. Did you know that celery is also a potent botanical medicine recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties? It works in the body to reduce inflammation and increase circulation through the kidneys. Preliminary research also…
-
Minimize Outdoor Allergy Symptoms with Stinging Nettle
If you love to be outdoors, but are irritated by seasonal pollen, consider the herb Stinging Nettle to help reduce the sneezing and itching symptoms of hay fever. A well-established remedy in Western botanical medicine, Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties and other actions that support the immune system’s response to allergens.…
-
Coriander or Cilantro?
Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant species Coriandrum sativum. In different parts of the world, the very same plant-with its many health benefits-is referred to differently. For Americans, cilantro refers to the leaves and the stalks, both of which are edible. The dried seeds of the same plant are called coriander. For Europeans, coriander…