Using medicinal herbs in a traditional manner often creates an interesting paradox for beginning students of herbal medicine. At the most basic levels, traditional western herbalism is formed from concepts that are so simple even children understand them. Using only our senses, we can detect the properties of most herbs. We intuitively know that cayenne is “hot” even though it…
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I don’t remember when I first wanted to become a beekeeper. It had to be at least 10 years ago when my neighbor’s father was visiting and he gave me a beekeeping supply catalog. I had no idea that such a tiny spark would turn into a passionate flame. As an herbalist, I have been using bee products as medicine…
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What are Herbal Energetics? Many times we hear a word and it evokes a thought or a belief we may have that might not be accurate. This is very often the case when Christians hear the word “energetics” used in herbal medicine. We may correlate this word to mystical pagan beliefs and practices, but such a correlation is not always…
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Currently in the United States, there are no licensing or certification requirements for herbalists. Because of this, many people are confused by terms different herbalist use to define the scope of their practice. I consider myself a clinical herbalist and would like to answer the question, “What is a clinical herbalist?” Clinical Herbalists Work with Clients Clinical herbalists work with…
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Written by: Amaris Garcia Olive oil is widely used in culinary preparations around the world and known for its wonderful health properties, but the healing benefits of the olive leaf seem to be lesser known. There is a rich history of its use that goes back to ancient times, making it quite possibly one of the most beneficial herbs on…
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Written by: Emilie Patterson The Saint John River Valley in Atlantic Canada is a peaceful place, perfect for those wishing to escape the rat race. It is also the home of many homesteaders who take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere to nurture their families, grow their own foods, raise some livestock, and even tend a few beehives. David Noble, husband,…
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Elder, Sambucus nigra Family: Caprifoliaceae Parts Used: flower, berry, leaf and bark (leaf and bark best used external only) Constituents: Flower: essential oil, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), triterpenes, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, free fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, pamitic acid), tannins Berry: flavoinoids, sugar, fruit acids, vitamins A & C Leaf: triterpines, cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrin), flavonoids, tannins Actions: Flower: expectorant, anticatarrhal,…
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Summer has arrived here in south Texas and it looks like it is going to be a busy one for our family. We already have several day trips planned and a couple of overnight trips to visit family are on the calendar. Looking forward to the time away, but as a mom of seven there is one thing I know…
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Everyone loves honey and with good reason too! Honey is full of nutrition, a rather complete profile of vitamins and minerals. If we are speaking of completely raw honey, it is so much more than a simple carbohydrate. But what if you could take the benefits of honey one step further? This is where an herbalist gets very excited. There…
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