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 […]

As noted in part 1, we eat only the leaf stems of rhubarb, not leaves, flowers, fruit or roots. Rhubarb leaves are quite poisonous. They contain dangerous concentrations of oxalic acid compounds. In low concentrations, oxalic acid tastes good to people, but the concentration of oxalic acid compounds in rhubarb leaf blades is much higher […]

Various species of rhubarb have been used as medicines. The garden rhubarb we eat is a hybrid of murky origin. Other species are grown as attractive perennials.

What are adaptogens? Adaptogens are herbs that help us adapt to changes and stress caused by physical, biological, emotional, and environmental factors. They can assist in restoring balance within the body and help us defend against both chronic and acute stressors. One of my favorite adaptogens is astragalus. Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus) Astragalus is an adaptogenic […]

You probably know that nutrition significantly influences your health and wellbeing. Modern diets and medicine often forget to include the herbs that can be incredibly powerful and help you in many ways. In this article, we selected the top seven plants and their extract that can be magical for your health and wellness. 1. Schisandra Berries […]

It’s a dark night in autumn. Days are becoming shorter and colder. Harvest time is ending, and pantries are being stocked with fruits and nuts for winter. Inside, beside a warm fire, an old uncle tells ghost stories. Firelight gleams on a bowl of red apples, ready for fortune telling and games. Spiced cider flows, […]

Adaptogens are herbs that help us adapt to changes and stress caused by physical, biological, emotional, and environmental factors. They can assist in restoring balance within the body and help us defend against both chronic and acute stressors. Documentation of the use of adaptogenic herbs exists throughout history. Many were used in traditional Chinese medicine […]

Herbal remedies have been used since the ancient of times, healing all sort of ailments. In today’s modern world, herbs represent the healthy alternatives to medication, sometimes doing wonders for our health. Did you know that chamomile has amazing calming effects? And that lavender can be more than useful when feeling anxious? In this article, […]

Ever since the ancient of times, essential oils have been used to heal the body, mind and soul. Enchanting us with their amazing scent, they bring relief from pain caused by chronic conditions. They lift our spirit when we are feeling down and energize us when we need an additional performance boost. Essential oils can […]

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 […]