The rose has lived as a symbol of many types of relationships, but the pseudo-fruit this plant bears benefits that work best as a tonic, incorporated into regular ritual to receive the most nutrients. Rose Hips grow when the flower itself has ended its own cycle and tend to lose some nutrient quality depending on when and how they are…
A native to the Americas and Mediterranean, Blue Vervain has been noted to be the herb for ‘intense, fanatical people who have absurdly high standards for themselves or others, strain to live up to these standards, and have the emotional and mental strength, but not the physical strength (digestion, sexual centers) to live up to their own standards (Wood, 2009)’.…
Black Cohosh was used by Native American tribes, such as the Algonquin, Cherokee, and Iroquois tribes. The herb was infused with spirits and used as a tonic to help with many heat-based illnesses. Used to treat fever, cough, pneumonia and bronchial conditions, Black Cohosh works to boost energy in your body. It’s most commonly used to help treat symptoms of…
Oregano is an extension of the Mint family, though its taste is a bit more savory. Indigenous to Central and Southern Asia, Oregano was often cultivated in Southern Europe as well. The leaves and volatile oil of the plant are most commonly used for medicinal purposes; the leaf is a culinary staple. Originally grown in Greece, they believed Oregano to…
Astragalus Root has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for millennia as a staple adaptogen and immune supportive herb by boosting white blood cell production in the consumer’s body. Commonly known as “Huang qi”, this “yellow leader” was introduced in North America much later, in 1925, when the USDA’s Plant Introduction Office sowed the seeds throughout the country. The…
A native to Asia and Europe, Valerian is a plant that can grow up to five feet tall and has also been grown hugely in the United States, as well as Belgium, France, and many other countries. Originally described as a sleep aid as far back as Ancient Greece, the root of Valerian has been used medicinally since. Used as…
A cousin in the Mint family, Motherwort is a leafy green that remains hardy under most growing conditions. Parts of the plant that grow above the ground contain the most medicinal properties of the plant. Documented to have been given to mothers in times of Ancient Greece, Motherwort stays true to its name as a natural remedy that works best…
Ashwagandha’s (Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry) use in Ayurvedic medicine reaches to the teachings of Punarvasu Atreya, a personal physician of the King of the Gandhara Kingdom. A nervine tonic, Ashwagandha is taken regularly to partake in its full benefits. It works to calm unsettled nerves and enhance operation of the body’s nervous system, while also regenerating it. Its adaptogenic qualities…
Echinacea has several different types, but Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia are those that have been used for centuries to help heal from or cure several ailments. Native to North America, Echinacea has been used by Native American cultures for centuries to stave off illness, treat burns, scratches, and cuts. The Navajo tribe has revered Echinacea as one…
Turmeric root has been used alongside ginger and garlic in Siddha and Ayurveda as a most cherished herb for health and culinary purposes, as well as the practical. Since 2500 B.C., Turmeric root has been revered for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which have become increasingly popular in western culture throughout time; it’s been recorded as grown in the forests…