Herb of the Month – Yarrow- Achillea For a durable garden plant that will bloom enthusiastically in full sun, poor soil, and limited water, yarrow is hard to beat. It has ferny leaves and blooms in pink, red, yellow, and the wild form, white. Perhaps its only negative is its invasive tendencies. Put it in […]
Herb of the Month – Stinging Nettle – Urtica dioica Nettle is a powerhouse of antioxidants, minerals, and phytonutrients. It is used for seasonal allergies, to help balance blood sugar, for healthy skin and hair, as an anti-inflammatory, and a diuretic. The roots have been used for enlarged prostrate. The above-ground plant is a wonderful […]
Herb of the Month – Dandelion That’s right, dandelions. Emerging dandelions are plentiful and tasty right now. Taraxacum officinale, dandelion, happens to be one of the top five most nutritious vegetables, ahead of broccoli and spinach. It contains Vitamin A, calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and trace minerals. Europeans have been eating dandelions for centuries and […]
One of the first plants to peek out from under the snow in spring, this sweet little herb makes a great ground cover for cool, moist, shady places. Chickweed leaves and flowers are a tasty edible plant, full of B complex vitamins, calcium, and vitamins A and C. It is a demulcent herb, great for […]
Astragalus is an adaptogenic, a term used to describe something that helps the body adjust and adapt to stressors. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Astragalus is used for fatigue, immune support, respiratory and circulatory health, as a kidney tonic, and general restorative. The root is the medicinal part. You can […]
Chamomile is an often-overlooked little herb that has been used for centuries for a variety of maladies. There are two common varieties; German Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The dried flowers are the part used. Usually, we think of chamomile as a tea for digestion and it works quite well for this but there […]
Okay, really a grain but herbalists love it! In crazy, stressful times I turn to oats for solace. Oats are nourishing, calming, and fortifying. They contain iron, vitamin B complex, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. High in fiber and protein, a steaming bowl of steel-cut oats makes the perfect warming breakfast. Oats […]
Juniper has been used since ancient times for its cleansing properties. Used to purify temples and protect from witches, today the smoke from juniper branches is used in sweat lodges. It is said to cleanse the air of bad energy and make it easier to commune with the spirits. The berries are highly aromatic and […]
Sage is a savory seasoning for poultry, pork, winter squash, pear and apple dishes, cheeses, stews, and chowders. Antiviral and astringent, sage has long been used as a healing herb. Sage leaf rubbed on unhealthy gums will help tighten and disinfect. Sage tea is a delicious remedy for sore throats, will help with menopausal hot […]
Mint is one of those plants that enable a love/hate relationship. As a cook I love it, as a gardener, mint is usually pushing the boundaries. It is a great groundcover for cool, wet places. There are several different mints available these days. Lemon, lime, chocolate, peppermint, and spearmint to name a few. They all […]
Violets are some of the first flowers of spring and are both edible and medicinal along with being quite lovely with a delightful fragrance. There are many varieties, from pansies to perennial violets to the wild violets that like to infiltrate lawns and moist cool spaces. They will grow in sun to medium shade and […]
April is the month for dandelions. They are plentiful and at their peak flavor right now. Dandelions are one of the top five most nutritious vegetables, ahead of broccoli and spinach. It contains Vitamin A, calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and trace minerals. Europeans have been eating dandelions for centuries and you can find them here […]