Bacopa, also known as Brahmi and Water Hyssop, has a long history of use in the indigenous medical systems of India and Sri Lanka. These ancient modalities, called Ayurveda and Siddha, used Bacopa for 1000’s of years as a powerful brain tonic and rejuvenation agent called a rasāyana (more about this below). For more information …
Gotu Kola – Centella asiatica Gotu Kola and I have been friends for many years. Yet, it’s just over the last few months that I have really come to appreciate the way it sooths and calms the mind and body, while at the same time encouraging equanimity, clarity, and focus. It has been, and continues …
Blue Cohosh – Caulophyllum Thalictroides Blue Cohosh is a perfect example of an herb that should be used with knowledge and experience. This is not an herb to read about on someone’s blog and decide to take it. Rather, if you feel like it could be helpful, you are advised to seek guidance from an …
I first became acquainted with Our Lady’s Mantle about 5 or 6 years ago through a series of classes at the Herbal Medic University (a fabulous school). The herbalist/midwife that led the family and women’s programs called it a “Wise Woman Herb” because the Wise Woman Healers in Europe and Asia have used it for …
Coming across a robust Rhodiola plant while hiking is always exciting. In the United States I’ve run across a few varieties. They are beautiful. At my South Dakota herb farm, we grew the official variety Rhodiola rosea. Every year it would get a little bigger, with white flowers blooming early spring through mid-summer. After 5 …
True Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum and other varieties) Family – Liliaceae I first became familiar with True Solomon’s Seal through a discussion with a friend We were talking about herbs to help relieve prolapsed organs. She suggested Solomon’s Seal root because of its uncanny ability to manage tendons and ligaments, whether too tight or too …
Triphala, is an ancient Ayurvedic formula made up of a combination of three fruits, native to the Indian subcontinent. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis,) Bibhitaki, (Terminalia belerica,) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebulabelerica) are each outstanding healing plants individually. When put together, they produce one the best tonic and rejuvenative preparations in Ayurveda. Table of Contents Add a header …
Desert Willow – Chilopsis linearis Family – Bignoniaceae Desert Willow is a beautiful small tree found all over the southwest. In Silver City, New Mexico (my new home), it is a commonly used in landscaping. The flowers are lovely in the late spring and early fall. However the plant is lovely all year long. I’ve …
An Herbal Interlude with Stinging Nettles Nettle (Urtica dioica) Family – Urticaceae Stinging Nettles is one of the plants I get excited about whenever I come across a patch in the wild. Luckily, I’ve never stumbled into one unawares. Well, Ok, maybe once, as young, and budding herbalist. Fortunately, I was in the company of …
With a special affinity for the urinary system, Juniper has been used all over the world, for at least 3000 years and probably more. It has a long history of use as a diuretic, urinary antiseptic, a soothing kidney remedy and much more.