Arthritis Formula for Dogs
I formulated this glycerite blend for a friend’s dog who had crippling arthritis in his hips. He was a retriever and, sadly, hip problems are a genetic problem for this breed. He was still young, only 7 years-old when he began to have his issues. The vet put him on glucosamine, which helped but wasn’t […]
Oats to the Rescue
Oats (Avena sativa) are a pretty mild mannered plant. They’ve been around as a food for thousands of years. They’re easy to grow, delicious to eat, and simple to store. I use them as powerful medicine in the clinic. They blend well with other nerve healing plants. People with digestive issues, unless they have celiac […]
The Grounded Garden – The Shoestring Herbalist
My garden has feet of clay. The place my house resides is on an old riverbed. The house was built in 1913. We have pictures of it with a horse and buggy in front of it – the horse has mud splashed up to his chest. The soil, in the places I haven’t worked it, […]
Minor Blue-Green Dragon Decoction (refined) for Flus and Allergies
Minor Blue Green Dragon Decoction is a well known Kampo medicine blend that treats and prevents influenza, otherwise known as the flu. It’s also effective for treating respiratory allergies like hay fever. This formula is based on the traditional Japanese herbal wisdom we honor deeply. The formula usually has ephedra in it to ease congestion. […]
Education Programs/Herb Schools
We, at the Practical Herbalist, are frequently asked about herbal education programs and herbal studies schools. An herbal education programs should leave the student with a well rounded knowledge of the field while allowing them a chance to specialize in their program of interest. There are many to choice from, but the list below offers […]
Mullein and Me
A few decades ago, I was introduced to mullein (verbascum thapsus) as an ear infection cure. As I was a new mother, I reveled in having a new tool for my medicine chest. I’d been told that mullein infused oil was simple to use. Just warm it and put a few drops in a child’s […]
Herbal Celebrities
In honor of April Fool’s Day, the Practical Herbalist presents…. Herbal Celebrities! Although we love Ginger Rogers, we wanted more names. Below is a list of botanical wonders that have magically merged with famous people both past and present. See how many of them you can decipher. They say laughter is good medicine, so take […]
Herbal Mattress Powder
Spring cleaning is a necessary evil. Blankets need to be aired. Ovens have to be pulled out and wiped under. All that dust in the corners of the closet has to be vacuumed out. It makes our homes and our lives healthier. For all that work, I want to make sure I get a good […]
Flowers for Winter – The Shoestring Herbalist
Every summer, I go crazy with plants. I preserve everything I can get my hands on. Every winter, I look at all the herbs I saved and scratch my head. What army was I planning to heal with all this medicine? I have bags of dried comfrey leaves, bottles of nettle infused vinegar, and plastic […]
Immune Booster Mouth Rinse
Germs live in the mouth. When I’m exposed to illness, I use a mouth rinse to be sure I’m not keeping the respiratory disease incubating in the back of my throat. This is one of the rinses we offer our patients at clinic for both prevention and treatment. This rinse or gargle is well suited […]
A Few of My Favorite Things – The Shoestring Herbalist
I’m a bit of a luddite when it comes to kitchen appliances. I don’t have much patience for electronic devices. Most of them take the same amount of time to clean and maintain as the time they promise to save. I have no interest in hot dog toasters or non-stick doughnut fryers. It’s just extra […]
Salamander Fire Cider Recipe
The Practical Herbalist®’s take on the traditional Fire Cider Recipe. Salamander Fire Cider is a spicy winter blend that tones the digestive system and clears the blood. It’s a carminative blend, which works on the smooth involuntary muscles in the stomach, esophagus, and arteries. This recipe is based on a traditional formula that has been […]