…balm (M. didyma). Safety and Contraindications: Do not use in pregnancy, as bee balm is a traditional menstrual stimulant. As with other spicy herbs, bee balm may aggravate heartburn. 4. Calendula (Calendula officinalis, Asteraceae) Parts Used: Whole flowers Preparations: Tea, tincture, infused oil, salve, lotion, broth, compress, poultice, fancy ice cubes, garnish, vaginal douches and suppositories, and sitz baths Herbal…
Herbal Tea Ceremonies Written and Photographed by Mary Plantwalker – Herbal Tea Ceremonies are a delightful way to find beauty in the everyday. By slowing down and getting to better know our plant allies, we can simultaneously open up to heartfelt connection with ourselves and/or others. Making the time and space to hold your own personal herbal tea ceremony—or with…
African American Herbalism: A Blog Series History :: Ethnobotany :: Traditional Healers and Practices :: Resources Written by Marc Williams Photography by Marc Williams (except where noted) – Part 2 North American Black Herbalism Many new or modified herbal traditions arose within Black communities in North America. These traditions were most celebrated, documented, and depended upon in the Southeast, where…
…Aboveground parts in flower Preparations: Infusion, vinegar, pesto, salad, smoothie, juice, poultice, compress, salve, and infused oil Herbal Actions: Nutritive tonic Anti-inflammatory Alterative Demulcent Expectorant Galactagogue (stimulates breast milk) Gentle laxative Diuretic Vulnerary Chickweed leaves Chickweed is one of my oldest green friends—we became acquainted over two decades ago, and I’m as smitten as ever. This sprawling weed is beloved…
…juice, compress, poultice Tincture ratios and dosage: Fresh leaves 1:2 95%; dried leaves 1:5 50%. Both preparations 2–5 ml (½ to 1 teaspoon) three times a day Infusion ratios and dosage: 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of the cut and sifted dried leaves infused in 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water three times a day Herbal Actions: Nervine Antianxiety Secondary…
The Best Herb Gardening Books for Herbalists Compiled by Meghan Gemma, Juliet Blankespoor, and Sarah Sorci Photography by Juliet Blankespoor Tending a medicine garden is an ancient part of the herbalist’s path. For thousands of years, healers have planted their most-used remedies in the soil just beyond their doorsteps. The wisdom in this is two-fold: not only do herbalists need…
How to Grow an Herbal Tea Garden Written and Photographed by Mary Plantwalker – I will never forget the first time I drank herbal tea. I was in college and was over at a friend’s house when my stomach started hurting. She kindly asked, “Would you like some tea?” I told her I didn’t like tea, thinking she meant iced…
…with trained herbalists and as an over-the-counter herbal medicine. Japanese honeysuckle’s popularity amongst Western herbalists primarily comes from being inspired by traditional Chinese herbalists. For a scientific review of Japanese honeysuckle’s antimicrobial benefits, visit this link. Japanese honeysuckle is a common invasive plant in eastern and central North America. Still, you won’t find its medicine readily available in commerce except…
…are taken right at the onset of an illness for on-the-spot protection. One of the biggest mistakes herbal newbies make is confusing immune-stimulating herbs for herbal immune tonics. Therapeutically, immune tonics are also used to address poor immune resilience—for example, individuals who experience frequent infections—and to boost the immune system in preparation for cold and flu season. You’ll notice that…
…ice cubes with herbal iced tea – Culinary Uses of Hibiscus Hibiscus stars in more of my recipes than any other herb. It’s highly nutritive and easily prepared in hundreds of different ways. The tart young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are a favorite food in many tropical cuisines. The leaves are high in soluble fiber—like…
