{Alert: Graphic Wound Images} Ahh, comfrey! The name itself reminds me of the word comfort and that is exactly what comfrey has to offer. Comfrey is an extraordinary wound healer. The phytochemical allantoin enables rapid cell growth, speeding up the wound healing process. The demulcent mucilage present in the plant soothes inflamed tissue, while the astringency stops excessive bleeding. One…
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Chickweed, Stellaria media Family: Caryophyllaceae Parts Used: aerial parts Constituents: Mucilage, saponin glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids, carboxylic acids, triterpenoids, minerals (calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, silicon, zinc), vitamins (beta carotene, thiamin-B1, riboflavin-B2, niacin-B3, vitamin C) Actions: astringent, antirheumatic, vulnerary, emollient Contraindications: none Indications: skin irritations, inflammation, eczema, itching, wounds, hemorrhoids, diaper rash, rheumatism Chickweed is one of the first green…
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Chickweed is “the little engine that could” in the herb world. It is a delicate herbaceous annual that comes back year after year providing a powerhouse of nutrition to those who seek it out at the first sign of spring. We have had just enough warm weather in January to welcome its early arrival here in south Texas. As soon…
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For as long as I can remember I have struggled with iron deficiency anemia. As a teenager I was tall and thin, and couldn’t understand why I would get so winded playing basketball or running track. I had my blood tested and sure enough, I was anemic. I was put on the standard protocol, tiny red ferrous sulfate pills. This…
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Herbal infusions are the oldest form of medicine known to man. Very simply, an herbal infusion is what most of us consider to be a cup of tea. But really, an herbal infusion can be so much more! Herbal infusions provide medicine when we are sick, nourishment to our bodies, and can even boost our immune systems! Here is what…
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This week I received a package of herbs in the mail. From the moment I opened the box the smell of herbs filled the room. The minty freshness of peppermint was the most prevalent, but after looking through the bags I could also smell chamomile, elderberries, and sweet spices in the chai tea. This is how you know you have…
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One of the exciting aspects of learning about herbal medicine is sharing my love of plants with my children. Besides involving my children in various herbal medicine making projects, I am always on the lookout for educational materials that will help them learn about herbs. Exploring Creation with Botany allowed us all to learn botany together. Learning with My Children…
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This winter I decided to try my hand at making horehound cough drops. I had never made them before, but after reading through many different recipes I realized they weren’t as difficult to make as I would have imagined. To make an herbal cough drop, you basically need a very strong herbal infusion and either sugar or honey. These 2…
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Marshmallow root is supremely amazing for hair as an herbal detangler! Its mucilaginous properties soften the hair naturally while providing easy slip when combing. You can personalize this recipe with herbs that are right for your hair type and color. Chamomile is great for blonds. Sage is perfect for darkening. Nettle is very nourishing. Aloe vera juice has a ph…
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