Angelica Botanical Name: Angelica Archangelica Family: Apiaceae Parts Used: root and leaf (medicinal), stem and seed (confectionary) Description: from Maude Grieves: The stems are 4-6 feet high and hollow. The foliage is bold and pleasing, the leaves are on long stout, hollow footstalks, often 3’ in length, reddish purple at the much dilated, clasping bases; […]
Alfalfa comes from the Arabic phrae “al-fac-facah,” which means “father of all foods,” and that is how I was first introduced to this plant. I will always think of alfalfa as one of the greatest nutritive tonics we have. This time of year, as the sap begins to rise in the trees, so does our […]
To Make the Liqueur: cover the herbal blend with 750 ml of clear liquor (we recommend brandy, whiskey or vodka). Allow to infuse for 3 days. Strain and sweeten to taste (we recommend adding 1/2 cup honey). Zero-Proof: use 1 TBSP of the blend to 8 oz. boiling water (makes 16). Infuse for 15-30 minutes. […]
To Make the Liqueur: cover the herbal blend with 750 ml of clear liquor (we recommend vodka, tequila or clear rum). Allow to infuse for 3 days. Strain and sweeten to taste (we recommend adding 1/2 cup honey). Zero-Proof: use 2 TBSP of the blend to 16 oz. boiling water. Infuse for 15-30 minutes. Strain. […]
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a shaggy mushroom that grows on deciduous hardwood trees. It can be found in the Fall, and it looks like an upside down mop head or a Muppet-version of Cousin It. Lion’s mane is delicious when sauteed, baked or added to soups. As a medicinal mushroom, it is best-known for […]
In the spirit of Autumn Equinox, which is all about the balance between polarities (masculine/feminine, light/dark, hot/cold, inward/outward, etc.) I’m inspired to share about the medicine of Cacao, theobroma cacao (the plant that chocolate comes from). The Essence of Cacao I have used cacao for years as a heart opener and an aphrodisiac, but only […]
(Achillea millefolium) Yarrow’s genus name ‘Achillea’ refers to the Greek warrior Achilles who is said to have carried this plant with him on the battlefield. This speaks to the traditional use of yarrow for wound-healing, a use for which it is best known. I personally used a yarrow poultice and did a yarrow foot soak […]
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Nettles in Spring. Nettles full of zing. The stinging hairs are filled with an acid that can irritate the skin. But don’t let that deter you from getting to know them. Stinging nettle is a generous weed, with much to offer those who dare to treat it with respect. Parts Used: […]
Beets. While not technically an herb, food is medicine when it comes to nutrition, beets are hard to beat. February is Heart Month, and beets are beneficial to our heart health. The red color gives you a clue that they are nourishing to the blood. Actually, the red-violet pigment that gives beets their rich color […]
With so many amazing healing plants to choose from, and a never-ending list of health crises, how do you know which herbs to turn to for help? In a holistic model of herbalism, there is no one-size-fits-all protocol for wellness, but there are tonic herbs that are generally safe and have a lot to offer […]