Chestnut Herbal School
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Last updated on October 11th, 2024

Lavender’s Medicinal and Aromatherapy Uses and Lavender Truffles

There are few scents in this world that evoke the feeling of clean – lavender is one of them. Its common and scientific name originates from lavare, the Latin word for wash or bathe. In addition to this fresh quality, lavender is a bitter herb that supports healthy digestion, a gentle nervine sedative that soothes the nervous system, and a topical remedy with a range of applications. In this article, we’ll discuss lavender’s medicinal and aromatherapy uses in detail, plus we’ll share a decadent recipe for Lavender Truffles.

Cannonball tree flower.
Last updated on November 14th, 2023

Cannonball tree – sea slug-esque flowers, Shiva’s tree and pre-columbian transoceanic voyages

I had seen pictures of the cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis, Lecythidaceae) in my tropical plant books for years, always with its large distinctive cannonball-esque fruits. But I had never seen a picture of the flowers, and so the first time I laid eyes on its gargantuan blooms at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Florida, I was completely and utterly awed and enchanted.

Hibiscus calyx close up.
Last updated on October 11th, 2024

The Medicinal Benefits of Hibiscus

I try not to foster any regrets in life, but I must confess that I waited too many years to plant hibiscus, thinking the temperate climate unsuitable for its success—and for that, I am sorry. There are so many wonderful medicinal benefits of hibiscus and it is, in fact, easy to grow and harvest if you have the right variety and get a head start on the season. The hibiscus we use medicinally—also called roselle—is made from the calyces (aka sepals) of Hibiscus sabdariffa in the Mallow family (Malvaceae). These deep red calyces are often mistaken for flowers, and may be sold as such. Other notable members of the mallow family include cotton (Gossypium spp.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis).

Close-up of a calendula flower.
Last updated on July 11th, 2024

How to Grow Calendula & Use Its Medicine

Calendula (Calendula officinalis, Asteraceae) is one of the easiest herbs to grow and a highly versatile medicinal plant—naturally, it finds its way into the hearts and gardens of all herb lovers. It has been used internally and topically for centuries to heal wounds, burns, and rashes. The sunshiny flowers are a traditional remedy for supporting the immune system and lifting the spirits. If that weren’t enough, the edible ray florets of the flower heads (which look like yellow or orange petals) are bursting with antioxidant compounds. In this article, we’ll share how to grow calendula, gather it throughout the summer, and use it for medicine.

Red powder puff.
Last updated on November 14th, 2023

Even Red Powder Puff Has Bad Hair Days

The showiness of this flower does not come from its petals, but instead from its male flower parts. The filaments are the stalks of the stamens (pollen bearing structures). In this flower they are doing double duty by also attracting pollinators. This genus has diminutive petals but many of the powder puff-type legume flowers in the tropics have lost their petals and only have showy stamens.