Herbal Living

Life Cycle Ginseng is a long-lived perennial that grows in USDA zones 3 to 8. Plant Description Ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family and grows in the deciduous forests in the mountains of the eastern United States and Canada. In the United States its range extends from northern Vermont to Georgia and as […]

Life Cycle Lavender is a woody perennial that is hardy to USDA zones 4 to 9. Plant Description Native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean, lavender is an extremely popular member of the Lamiaceae family. It is a short, bushy shrub that has rough woody branches and grows two to three feet tall. The […]

Though this steam recipe calls for dried herbs, it can be prepared with fresh herbs if desired. Ingredients • 2-ounces young eucalyptus leaves, dried • 1-ounce sage leaf, dried • 1-ounce juniper leaf or berry, dried • 1-gallon water Instructions 1. Place herbs in water (in a glass, stainless steel or ceramic-coated pot) and bring […]

Treat your loved ones right this holiday season by choosing a gift that is healthy, and sustainable and supports our favorite herbalists! Our contributors and friends from Mother Earth Living have gotten together to curate this extensive list of gifts and stocking stuffers that is sure to please!   Must Have Books: Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal […]

If you plan to use essential oil in air freshener, potpourri or bath salts for your fellow, Jenny particularly recommends any of these masculine scents. 3 Masculine Scents • One part patchouli to one part lavender • Three parts lemongrass to one part cedar wood • One part patchouli, one part lavender and one part […]

A Sampling of Oklahoma Seminole Medicinal Plants Adapted from Oklahoma Seminoles: Medicine, Magic, and Religion Tawá l-akko, smooth sumac (Rhus glabra). An infusion of the outer skin of the root relieves menstrual backache in women and headache in either sex. ‘mpvkpvki holati tihvs hlakita, spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis). Sap from the stem, when rubbed on the penis, […]

Makes about two cups of spray. Children one year old and older can try this echinacea throat spray to ease sore throat pain. ¼ cup dried, cut and sifted echinacea root ¼ cup dried chopped licorice root 1 tablespoon organic lemon peel 1 tablespoon dried osha root 1 teaspoon dried Oregon grape root 1 teaspoon dried wild […]

I’ve had an unusual amount of headaches lately. Instead of reaching each time for a couple of ibuprofen, which can cause ulcers and increase bleeding in the stomach if taken on a regular basis, I’ve been looking into some natural remedies for headache relief. Aromatherapy for Headaches Peppermint oil: Rubbing a few drops of peppermint oil on your temples has […]

Guest post by Susan Berry from Grit. Just because Summer is gone doesn’t mean you can’t have the taste of Summer fresh herbs this time of year. Fresh herbs are very pricey in the supermarket so why not grow your own indoors this Winter? When Spring comes back, and it always does, simply harden your indoor herb […]

Tea tree oil refers to the essential oil distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australian tree. This powerful botanic oil has an abundance of beneficial properties; it is antiseptic, antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Found in many natural skin- and body-care products, tea tree oil treats a variety of skin conditions from acne to athlete’s foot. It […]