Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia. Other Common Names: Bergamot orange, bergamott (Swedish), bergamottorange (Danish), bergamotte, (German), bergamotier (French). Habitat: The plant is endemic to tropical Southeast Asia. Today it is cultivated in many subtropical areas around the world, especially in southern Italy and the Ivory Coast. Description: Bergamot is a small tree of the Rutaceae family (the rue or citrus family). It can grow up to 4.5 m high and has smooth, oval leaves and white flowers. The small, round fruits change color from green to yellow when they mature. The tree looks like a very small orange tree. It should
Reishi is the “king of herbs” in Chinese medicine. Believed by ancient Taoists to be a core ingredient in the elixir of everlasting life.
Check out this step-by-step photo tutorial and learn how you can turn your backyard garlic harvest into beautiful, convenient braids for curing or storage.
Marigolds can protect tomato plants from both whiteflies and nematodes. While gardeners...
Botanical Name: Hyoscyamus niger. Other Common Names: Hogbean, Schwarzes Bilsenkraut (German), jusquiame (French), veleño negro (Spanish), villrot (Norvegian), bolmört (Swedish). Habitat: The plant is probably endemic to the Mediterranean countries and western Asia, but is now widespread in many parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The species has been introduced and naturalized in North America, Brazil, Australia and many other countries. Plant Description: Henbane is either annual or biennial plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family also known as the nightshade family. The plant can grow up to 25-100 cm tall. It has bright green, hairy leaves that are
Keeping Fresh Herbs Fresh • Loosely wrap herbs in a damp paper towel, then seal in a zip-top plastic bag filled with air. Refrigerate for up to five days. Check herbs daily, as some of them lose th…
Download a variety of printable fact sheets, free, all focused on combining the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and folklore.
Herbal trees and shrubs can provide shade and wildlife habitat as well as useful barks, leaves, and berries for the home herbalist.
Botanical Name: Lysimachia vulgaris. Other Common Names: Loosestrife, garden loosestrife, yellow willowherb, herb willow, willow-wort, wood pimpernel, lisimaquia amarilla (Spanish), lysimaque vulgaire (French), Gewöhnlicher Gilbweiderich (German), strandlysing (Swedish), ranta-alpi (Finnish), almindelig fredløs (Danish), fredløs (Norwegian). Habitat: Yellow loosestrife is native to Europe and North Asia but was introduced to North America in the 1900s for decorative purposes and soon became naturalized. The plant thrives best in wetlands, on riverbanks, lakeshores, and along beaches. Both yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) and its close relative large yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata) are grown as garden plants due to their beautiful yellow flowers. Plant Description:
Tips for turning kitchen compost scraps into pretty spring greens. Even thought my daughter is just six years old, it’s clear that I’m raising a little environmentalist. Clara carries a bag and picks up garbage on our forest walks, aghast at people who litter. Of her own free will, she turns off the water in...
Underworld Smuggling! Anti-viral herbs! Parasitic medicinal plants! Cannabis, Ginseng. This episode has it all. My conversation is with Dr. Susan Leopold, Ethnobotanist and Executive Director of United Plant Savers.
An 8 part series for children to learn the benefits of herbalism. The Introduction to Herbs for Kids mini course is a wonderful teaching tool for parents!
Shepherd’s purse, (Capsella bursa-pastoris), plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). Native to the Mediterranean region, shepherd’s purse has become naturalized worldwide and is a common lawn and roadside weed. The plant is most conspicuous in the spring and is distinguished for its flat
Children are often fascinated by the natural world, learning from simple interactions with a puddle or a bug or a tree. This series of lessons caters to that natural inquisitiveness while introducing children to the world of herbalism in interesting and enjoyable ways.
Yarrow is one of the most beneficial wild plants that there is. Foraging yarrow is easy, you might even have some in your own backyard!
Gender: Masculine Planet: Sun Element: Fire Powers: Exorcism, Healing, Protection, Visions Magical Uses and History: Angelica, which derives its name from 'archangel', was once considered a cure-all by European healers, which is likely due to its natural ability to stimulate the digestive system, improve circulation, and lessen respiratory problems. From the fifteenth century, there are records indicating that people wore or carried angelica in posies to protect against the plague. One legend tells that an angel appeared to a monk in a dream to tell him that angelica would protect against and cure the plague. Its name may also derive from the fact that angelica blooms on May 8th which was traditionally celebrated as the Feast of the Apparition of St Michael. Due to its association with St Michael, people would weave necklaces for their children to ward off demons, witches, and enchanters. In Livonia and parts of East Prussia and Pomerania, peasants march into the town during early summer carrying angelica flowers chanting an incantation that has sense lost meaning. It is believed this is the remnants of a pagan festival celebrated during this time. As such, growing angelica around your home will protect you and those within from harm, witchcraft, ghosts, and other unwanted entities. You can also sprinkle it in the four corners of your home or around the perimeter to ward off evil while bathing in an infusion of angelica will remove not only curses but unwanted spells as well. Angelica can also be used in healing spells and magic, or to communicate and connect with angels. In the Americas, angelica root was often carried to increase luck, especially in gambling, so carry it on your person whenever you seek a new endeavor or take a risk. The smoke is also said to cause visions which makes angelica perfect for spirit communication, hedge riding, and divination. Angelica can be used in a number of spells including: Divination Healing Spells Protection Magic Luck Spells Medicinal Uses: The roots and seeds of angelica are used to treat a variety of ailments, especially those regarding poor digestion, weak circulation, and respiratory problems. It also aids in recovery from chronic illness. Despite its bitter taste, it stimulates stomach activity to increase appetite and digestion, soothe cramping, and elevate gas. It also eases respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, chest congestion, and cough. Due to its warming nature, it is great for improving circulation and soothing fibromyalgia. The leaves can be used in a compress to soothe inflammation in the chest. It pairs well with chamomile. Preparation and Dosage: Angelica is to be taken internally or applied externally. For a decoction, combine a teaspoon of dried roots in one cup of water and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for two minutes before removing from heat and allowing to cool for 15 minutes. Take one cup up to three times a day. For a tincture, take 2-5 milliliters up to three times a day. Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a hardy, perennial herb from the Sunflower family. The plant needs a sunny, sheltered position in a well-drained soil.
Did you know that wild violets are both edible and medicinal? Not only beautiful in salads and on desserts, wild violets may be used for coughs, inflammation, and more. Learn more about foraging and using wild violets. #foraging #ediblewildplant
