Burdock, Arctium lappa Family: Asteraceae Common Names: Beggar’s Button, Clotburr, Lappa, Thorny burr, Cloth burr, Gobo (Japanese) , Bardane (French), Klette (German), Bardana (Spanish), Lopan (Polish), Niu bang zi (Chinese), Lappola or Bardana (Italian) Parts Used: root, rhizome, seeds, leaf Constituents: inulin, essential oil, resin, organic acids, lignans, mucilage, fatty acids, phenolic acids, high in minerals, thiamine and vitamin A…
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One of the members of The Christian Herbal Facebook Group asked if anyone had a list of books that would be good for new herbalists to read through. I decided to compile a list of books that are both my favorites, my go-to’s, and a few that are on my wishlist (but highly recommended by others). I am sure this…
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Aloe Vera, Aloe barbadensis Family: Asphodelaceae Common Names: Aloe, moka, cape, turkey, Aloe Zanzibar Parts Used: Leaf, Juice Constituents: Glycoside (anthroquinone, called aloe emodin or aloin), polysaccharides, saponins, essential oil, steroids, enzymes, minerals, cinnamic and salicylic acid, acemannan Actions: promotes bile, heals wounds, tonic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, demulcent, sedative, purgative Energetics: Leaf: bitter, hot, moist Gel: salty, bitter, cool, moist Contraindications:…
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I came up with this tea blend intending to sell it at our farmer’s market. In creating it, I had hoped it would be a blend that would be relaxing and calming, something to help me wind down before bed. One afternoon I had a terrible headache. I don’t get headaches very often and this one was very persistent. I…
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Yarrow, Achillea millefolium Family: Asteraceae Parts Used: aerial portions Constituents: volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, salicylic acid, coumarins, sequiterpene lactones Actions: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antirheumatic, astringent, antispasmodic, antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, tonic, digestive bitter, hemostatic, diaphoretic Contraindications: Allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. High doses may turn urine dark brown. Some sources say to avoid during pregnancy as it…
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We stopped drinking Kool-Aid and other dye-laden drinks about 10 years ago, before most of my kids were even born. We were recently at my niece’s birthday party. The kids were given drink pouches with their cake–we graciously accept and make exceptions when we are guests. My oldest daughter started laughing. I looked over and realized that none of my…
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