Calendula’s main claim to fame is probably its amazing ability to help prevent infection and speed healing of wounds – including deeper lacerations and less injurious cuts and scrapes. This is definitely an herb you want to have around and in a topical first aid kit! Calendula is a popular salve and cream ingredient because …
Motion sickness is just plain no fun, and once it sets in, it can be difficult to get rid of. Prevention is best; and there are a number of herbs that can help. Ginger is one well-known motion sickness ally, but it’s not the only tool in your herbal arsenal. Keep reading to learn how …
If you’re struggling with a dry, scratchy, unproductive cough, this recipe is for you! The antispasmodic properties of peppermint combined with the soothing, calming effects of marshmallow and honey make for a wonderful herbal ally during flu and allergy season! A great bonus is that they’re practically like candy. A spoonful of sugar, does indeed, …
Come with me down the bitters Rabbit Hole (we have GREAT martinis!) Infusing your own homemade bitters from scratch is not at all difficult, and it’s fun to play mad scientist with the herbs and ratios to make your own custom concoctions. Some herbalists prefer to tincture each of these herbs separately, mixing them at …
There was a time when I considered bitters only as an essential ingredient in a good martini. However, ever since my husband began having issues with his digestion, my research into natural digestive aids has given me a new perspective on the old cocktail staple. One of the many oh-so fun things about getting older, …
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 …
Are you one of those unfortunate individuals who deal with seasonal allergies? During this time of COVID-19 and quarantine, you may be getting glaring looks from strangers if you’re walking through a grocery store sneezing. Keep reading for a few things you can do to help decrease your susceptibility to allergies/hay fever. * Symptoms of …
Finishing up Here we are at the end of our 7-part series on pain management. The focus has been on chronic pain, but many of these techniques and remedies are extremely useful in cases of acute pain. Pulled muscles, tension, headaches, lower back pull, ligament injury or sprain/strain can all be addressed with the things …
Herbal Allies Sometimes I struggle with the Western mindset of “What drug/herb can I take for [fill in the blank] condition?” Our bodies are intended to be looked at as a whole – not parts to be treated. We’ve already discussed that pain exists to signal us that something is amiss. Why then, would our …
So far, we’ve covered the topic of why we have pain and how pain is registered in the body. Today, we’re getting to the nitty gritty (and I’m saying that like Nacho Libre in my head). What are some modalities that can help decrease pain and help repair some underlying reasons for the pain? Somatic …
