Herb Blurb
There are two types of chamomile used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this article. What chamomile is used…
The acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) palm tree, native to tropical Central and South America, produces a reddish-purple berry that is related to the blueberry and cranberry. The acai berry’s name, which comes from a language of the native people of the region, means “fruit that cries.” What acai is used for…
All types of tea (green, black and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed to produce green tea. What green tea is used for Green tea and green tea extracts, such as its component EGCG, have been used to prevent and…
Purslane is my favorite garden weed! This herb is quite unique. Purslane is a succulent herb and contains alpha-linolenic acid, one of the highly sought after omega-3 fatty acids. Some common names include green purslane, pigweed and garden purslane. Purslane grows close to the ground with a round, smooth, reddish…
Nettle is a one to four foot tall perennial plant with heart-shaped, finely toothed leaves. The stem of the nettle plant is covered with stinging hairs that will irritate and burn your skin if you rub up against it or grab it. Don’t let this deter you from using the…
Parsley (Petroselinum) may be best known as a garnish on dinner plates. However, parsley is packed full of nutrition, probably much more nutritive than the food it is lending the color to! Chefs, home cooks and scientists are all discovering parsley’s under-appreciated qualities. There are two common varieties: the flat…
Aloe is a succulent plant of the lily family (Liliaceae) that is indigenous to East and South Africa. It has been introduced across the warmer parts of the world and grows readily in the southern part of the U.S. There are quite a few varieties each offering varying amounts of…
Red raspberry is a member of the rose family and is cultivated across the United States. Some common names include Western Thimbleberry, Black Raspberry and Red Raspberry. Most species have similar medicinal value. The berries, leaves and root bark can all be used therapeutically. Red raspberry leaves are a rich…
Mullein has many nicknames, including torches, candlewick plant, velvet dock and, my favorite, camper’s toilet paper. The names describe how the plant looks. Mullein is a tall stately plant. Once you recognize it in an uncut field or roadside you won’t forget it. Mullein is a biennial plant, so the…
Hydrangea is one of my favorite medicinal herbs. I have many testimonials of dissolved calcifications by way of its soapy action. This herb seems to have an affinity for the urinary system but I have also seen benefits for the gallbladder and prostate. Hydrangea is an aquatic plant of the…
Salvia officinalis, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia lavandulifolia Sage has been used for centuries as a spice and seasoning in cooking and as a remedy for hoarseness, coughs, and sore mouths and throats. In ancient times it even was thought to extend life. Historically, sage was used as a fertility drug in…
Mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat seizures, headaches and other conditions. Mistletoe is used mainly in Europe as a treatment for cancer. European mistletoe is different from American mistletoe, which is used as a holiday decoration. How mistletoe is used The leafy shoots and berries…
Aloe Vera is a succulent in the garlic family. It has been utilized for thousands of years for relief from burns and bites, and as an elixir for a variety of ailments. This traditional herbal medicine is composed of 99 percent water and over 200 different active elements that support…
The previous issue of Herb Blurb focused on the selection and the use of herbs according to the Ayurvedic tradition. Basic principles of herbal selection according to the general categories of human constitutions (Doshas), and corresponding plant and human tissues were discussed. In this issue, yet another dimension of the…
