Joanne Bauman

 Disclaimer: The information provided throughout this site is for educational purposes only and is not to be regarded as a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the guidance […]

 Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)  Some people have said they aren’t sure how to pronounce mullein…it is like mull, as in mulling over mullein. Because mullein is a biennial plant (taking two years to complete its life cycle), leaves and roots can be harvested at the end of the first and beginning of the second year, […]

Tulsi – Holy Basil – Ocimum tenuiflorum  Tulsi Preparations Cautions/Contraindications of Tulsi Tulsi might have an anti-fertility effect on both men and women and thus should not be taken by couples wishing to conceive or by pregnant women. It is slightly blood thinning and should not be taken by those who are currently taking […]

Yarrow – Achillea millefolium  Yarrow tea Add  1-2  tsp dried or fresh yarrow tops to a cup of boiling water, cover to preserve oils, steep for 10-13 minutes, strain and serve. Add honey or a slice of lemon if desired. Gypsy Cold Care Rosemary Gladstar’s tea for boosting immunity and lowering fevers – 1 […]

Tulsi, also known as Holy basil or Tulasi (Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum),  grows abundantly in temperate regions of India through the Southeast Asian tropics.   Tulsi is India’s most sacred and powerful plant both medicinally and spiritually. Its species name, “sanctum”, refers to this sacredness. In Sanskrit, tulsi means “beyond compare.”  Indeed, the leaves smell and […]

My lavender is blooming, so it’s a perfect time for herbal syrup making! I snip my fresh lavender when in full bloom, dry from dew, and before fragrance fades. I like to add the lavender syrup to cocktails, kefir soda, kombucha, tea, blueberry-lavender scones or other bakery items etc.. Making syrup is such a simple […]

Cleavers (galium aparine).  The name (Galium) is derived from gala which is Greek for ‘milk’ (cleavers was used to curdle milk for cheese) and the species name ‘aparine‘ comes from the Greek word apara meaning ‘to seize’.   Also known as Bedstraw because it was used to stuff mattresses. Cleavers is a persistent, sticky plant that […]

Cold/flu season is upon us and having your sore throat lozenges ready is a great idea.  At The Mother Earth News Fair in Topeka last month, I had the pleasure of sharing practical “hands-on” throat lozenge making with a number of participants.  Join in making your own herbal throat pastilles/lozenges, which are tasty, simple to […]

What to Donate: Aid Herbal Medics and Herbalists Assisting With Natural Disasters Many of you right now would like to know how to support the herbal medic teams and herbal people on the ground providing care for those devastated by recent natural disasters. As Herbalists Without Borders (HWB) Community Apothecary Project Coordinator and Kansas Chapter […]

Elder (Sambucus canadensis, s.nigra), known as the “people’s medicine chest”, is one of my favorite allies.  In my backyard “elder forest” they grow as something between a bush and small trees at a height of 10-13 feet.  In June, I use elderflowers in delicious edible and medicinal preparations, but leave plenty of flower umbrels to […]