Herbs
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One of the certificates I have is for Flower Essence Therapy. So what is it? FE is a vibrational therapeutic – like homeopathy, sound bowls, or music. They are created from spring water that particular flowers have been infused in, then preserved with brandy. The essence (full strength is called the mother) is further diluted… Read more
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Because this came up at my house this week, I thought – why not blog about it? The man of the house had to have minor (it’s only minor if it’s not you, by the way) surgery. While we got great pre-op teaching, not everyone does, so here goes: If you are having surgery, things… Read more
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In my corner of the world, Flu A is running rampant. Following close behind are COVID, strep, pertussis (whooping cough), and RSV. It’s that time of year. This little blog ‘o mine is NOT a substitute for medical care. If you have an illness that’s not resolving, please see your doctor. Pertussis and strep are… Read more
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Isn’t she lovely? Chamomile I think, does not get the respect she deserves. Most people see ‘chamomile’ and think ‘sleepytime tea’. And while that is true (most of the time), it pigeonholes this lovely herb. Chamomile is so much more. Matricaria recutita has a picture that goes with her of the type of people that… Read more
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Meet my friend yellow dock (Rumex crispus). They decided a great place to grow would be my front flower bed, and I let them stay. Unfortunately, they invited a TON of relatives to move in, and now they (like my friend Motherwort) are trying to take over my front yard. The brown bits at the… Read more
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Isn’t she beautiful? Melissa is one of my favorite herbs. She is a mint (Lamiaceae), so she will spread, but mine has been exceptionally well-behaved. She stays in a raised bed made of a tractor tire, hanging out with her friend Violet (Viola odorata). Lemon balm looks a lot like mint, but if you crush… Read more
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Just look at her! I imagine this plant as a mom with unbrushed hair that is just losing her mind and shaking her head and screaming. Surprisingly, I’ve had folks from out of state nod knowingly and say, “Oh. You grow your own.” No – it’s not marijuana. Please don’t steal and smoke all my… Read more
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Oh my. Nothing more refreshing than mint. Mint tea, mint ice cream, mint brownies, mint in aqua fresca…. mmmm. Mint is a really versatile herb. Most people think of it as being for digestion, and that is true – with limitations. Mint (specifically peppermint) is also a relaxant. So if your belly issues are related… Read more
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Isn’t it pretty? I have been really blessed this year with a bumper crop of gumweed. It grows wild in our pasture in NE Colorado and I harvest it from there as I am able to. This year, I’ve made both oil and tincture from it. Side note – the constituents in Grindelia spp. (species… Read more
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My first post on this blog for herbs. The first of many, many posts on herbs (I hope!) First, Latin binomials (genus species names) are important, and this herb is a very good reason why. Common mallow refers to several different plants, like Sida cordifolia or Malva neglecta. To state the obvious, different plants have… Read more