Wild Indigo, Echinacea, & Garlic: A Classic BHP Antiseptic Triplet
When we talk about “anti” herbs — antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial — it’s easy to imagine plants acting like tiny soldiers fighting pathogens. But in this post, we’re exploring a classic herbal triplet from the British Herbal Pharmacopeia that reveals something more profound: that herbs rarely just “kill the bug.” Instead, they strengthen, mobilize, and clear […]
Medicine of the Evergreens
Evergreen trees are revered throughout the world for their medicinal properties, rich folklore, and uplifting symbolism. Although you might be familiar with these trees from your walks through the forest or the holiday seasons, this year you can take your knowledge to the next level by learning how to use them medicinally at home and […]
Hyssop: A Biblical Remedy
Hyssop is an ancient herb that is an important part of the Western Materia Medica. This combination of information from ancient sources and the modern scientific model lends a unique perspective on this plant and how you can use it in your herbalism practice. In today’s blog post, you’ll learn: The medicinal properties of Hyssop’s […]
What Does “Tonic” Mean Anyway?
I want to talk about a mysterious, often nebulous word that pervades the halls of herbal medicine … “tonic.” What does “tonic” mean anyway? This is a question that has come up for me over and over throughout my years of studying herbal medicine. I took some time to think it through and make sense […]
Marshmallow: The Great Moistener
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is, in my opinion, one of the most important remedies to get acquainted with, as it’s one of our best demulcent remedies. While Althea derives from the Greek altho, meaning “to cure,” its family, the Malvaceae, is derived from the Greek word malake, meaning “soft.” With these two simple words, you know […]
Energetics, Mutual Aid and the Future of Herbalism, an Interview with Kat Maier
Today, I am excited to share with you my interview with Kathleen Maier. She’s a fantastic herbalist who’s been at it for quite some time, and I was honored to be able to speak with her. Here’s what you can look forward to in this interview: We discuss Kat’s book, Energetic Herbalism, which covers energetics […]
The Archetypal Stimulant and Relaxant: Cayenne and Lobelia
Welcome to the second installment in our Anatomy of a Formula series. In this post, we’ll examine a classic North American herbal duo: the archetypal stimulant, Cayenne (Capsicum annuum), and the archetypal relaxant, Lobelia (Lobelia inflata). If you missed the introductory post, which explored a brief history of formulation in Western herbalism and the strategic […]
Mugwort: The Herb of Dreams
Mugwort is a plant famed for its effects on dreaming, but its medicinal properties and actions do so much more than that. With a distinct effect on the nervous, digestive, hepatobiliary, and reproductive systems, Mugwort navigates, regulates, and balances the highways that connect them all. In today’s plant profile, you’ll discover: Mugwort’s unique flavor profile […]
Elecampane: The Deep Breather
Elecampane has become one of my personal favorite respiratory remedies over the years, not just for its medicinal benefits for many of the common respiratory woes people face today, but as a choice restorative agent. Whether you make it into a tincture or enjoy the syrup, Elecampane is a remedy every herbalist should know. In […]