…the bee balm species in the Monarda genus medicinally. Contraindications: Do not use in pregnancy, as bee balm is a traditional menstrual stimulant. As with other spicy herbs, bee balm may aggravate heartburn. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). 5. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis, Ranunculaceae) Parts Used: Rhizomes, roots, leaves, and stems (the rhizomes and roots are most potent)Preparations: Infusion (leaves), decoction (rhizome and…
…of flowers and fruit for the plants to reproduce. If you’re harvesting roots, replant the root crown or take only a portion of each plant’s root system. When digging up roots, be sure to cut back the aboveground parts so the plant doesn’t become stressed for water with a root system that no longer matches its aboveground growth. These regenerative…
…Mitchella repens, wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa, Dioscoreaceae), and black haw root bark (Viburnum prunifolium, Adoxaceae) taking 2 mls, 3-6 times a day. These herbal allies, along with bed rest, Epsom salt baths, and Ruby’s feisty spirit, saved her pregnancy. Another story of Mitchella involved a woman in her sixth month of pregnancy who was experiencing a lot of stress…
…use the roots as a poultice to draw out inflammation in thorn wounds; tea of the root in the ear for earache; and tea of the root to wean infants. [iv] The Houma people infuse the roots as a blood tonic. ii It is interesting to note that contemporary herbalists use primarily the leaves, stems and flowers, whereas the ethnobotanical…
…day until they’re fully acclimated. I recommend planting your seedlings in the garden on a cloudy day, or in the afternoon, and watering them in well. You can use a diluted seaweed tea or willow twig tea to encourage root growth. If your plant is root bound (roots coiled around the edge of the soil), try and break them free…
…hybridized but sometimes potted herbs are hybrids. Cultivars, short for cultivated varieties, are the result of hybridization, selection, or natural mutation. Cultivars typically need to be propagated asexually (through division or cuttings) to remain true to type. This is why it’s better to purchase starts (little potted plants that have been divided) of mint varieties like peppermint or chocolate…
Pink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule) Written and Photographed by Juliet Blankespoor Pink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule, Orchidaceae)> – Lady’s slipper orchids have a commanding presence—their inflated blooms are captivating to the point of heady swooning and inspiring colorful prose. The etymological root of the word orchid comes from the Greek orchis, meaning testicle. Certain species of orchid bear roots, which…
…group of plants variably called groundsel, life root, staggerweed, ragwort, and a slew of other regional names. These were historically placed in the Senecio genus, which is one of the largest genera of flowering plants, with over 1,200 species. The genus is in botanical flux, with many species being reclassified into new genera (over thirty new genera have been separated…
…of spilanthes, as the throat may take offense and clamp down—not a fun exercise! Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea). 2. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea; E. angustifolia, Asteraceae) Parts Used: Roots, flowering tops, aboveground parts gathered in full bloom Preparations: Tincture, decoction (roots), infusion (leaves and flowers) Herbal Actions: Immunostimulant Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Anticatarrhal (decongestant) Lymphagogue Sialagogue (stimulates salivation) Alterative The roots, seeds and fresh…
10 Best Herbs to Start Your Home Herbal Apothecary Written by Meghan Gemma and Juliet Blankespoor Photography by Juliet Blankespoor Our apothecary at the Chestnut School is no mere medicine cabinet; it holds the stories and healing signatures of herbs gathered from local wildlands, cross-country travels, and our school gardens. The medicine in its bottles is much more than roots,…
