The word “astringent” is not one we commonly use. Astringing herbs draw proteins together, meaning that they bind tissues and hold back fluids. If you’ve ever had a very dry, red wine, then you’ve felt the effects of astringency. The sudden dryness of your mouth is a perfect example of the action of astringents. In …
Getting familiar with herbs should be fun and interactive. Herbalism isn’t all about memorizing facts — it’s a lifestyle. So today we’re going to talk about ways to increase your personal relationship with herbs! Here are the steps I want you to follow. Choose your herb — any herb, but preferably one you don’t know …
Lobelia inflata Parts used: above ground Lobelia is an herb that is not often used, but when you need it, it’s a great herb to have it around! I always have my students taste a little lobelia infusion, just so they can become familiar with its action and feel it for themselves. It’s very relaxing …
Building a first aid kit for your home and travel is super important. I know we don’t like to think about anything bad happening, but it’s better to think ahead and prepare than to not have the things you need when an accident happens! So what should be in a first aid kit? Anything you …
When you think about nervines, most of the time, you don’t think about differentiating between actions. However, different types of nervines serve different purposes. There are several types of actions: hypnotics relaxants trophorestoratives stimulants Hypnotics have the ability to induce a much stronger level of calm than nervine relaxants. These are generally used in more …
Verbascum thapsus Common Name: mullein Other Names: cowboy’s toilet paper (wipe with the grain), great mullein, Aaron’s rod, candlewick plant, cow lungwort, velvet dock, flannel plant, feltwort, shepherd’s staff, torches, our lady’s flannel, blanket herb, rag paper, wild ice leaf, clown’s lungwort, Peter’s staff, Jacob’s staff, shepherd’s club, beggar’s stalk, Adam’s flannel, beggar’s blanket, fluffweed, …
When I first started learning botany, the vocabulary was a little confusing. Not only was I having to memorize unfamiliar words and definitions, but I found that different books used different terms to describe the same thing. Here’s a hint: choose a descriptive word you like and stick to using that one. Becoming familiar with …
Star anise (Illicium verum), not a very popularly used or thought-about spice, but darn it, I love the taste it imparts to recipes! This spice is NOT the same as anise seed; it’s beautifully star shaped and pleasantly fragrant. In our home, we use it in two of our favorite recipes: chai spice blend (also …
Fall, winter and early spring bring opportunities for harvesting roots (as long as you don’t mind digging through the snow!) The Basics Make sure you’ve positively identified your plant and understand what you are looking for. Always collect from clean areas, as plants absorb toxic materials into their roots and leaves. Don’t be an “herb …
Have you eaten your weeds today? The farmers’ market isn’t the only place in town to find fresh, local produce. Check out our video to learn how to jazz up a salad using tasty, nutritious (and just plain beautiful!) wild greens and flowers growing outside your front door — things like lamb’s quarters, violets, pineapple …
