Herbal Encyclopedia

Fungi are more closely related to us than they are to plants. This means their physiology has distinct therapeutic potential,...

Berberis (or Mahonia) aquafolium (B. repens or nervosa species also used), a.k.a. Oregon Mountain Grape, Holly-leaved Barberry Oregon grape earned its...

Cannabis (C. sativa, C. indica, C. ruderalis) – Cannabis family a.k.a.: marijuana, hemp, ganja, charas, quinbu, koaba, q’neh bosm, kannabos,...

The path of the village herbalist hasn’t always been an easy one. In Iceland, herbalism was illegal to practice until...

Vaccinium mytillus and other species, a.k.a. Wineberry, Dyeberry and Whortleberry With diabetes rates spiraling, bilberry is America’s new best friend. The...

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is one of those troublesome weeds that gives more health benefits than most of us generally credit...

Zingiber officinalis – Ginger family a.k.a.: Race Ginger, Black Ginger, Zingiber, Jamaican Ginger, Jake Root Ginger is a delicious addition...

Malus domestica/sylvestrus a.k.a.: Fruit of the Gods, Fruit of the Underworld, The Silver Bough Although apple is familiar as food...

Pedicularis densiflora (Warrior's Plume) is known for her uses as a powerful skeletal muscle relaxant, as well as her support...

Lavendula species or (L. angustifolia, L. vera, L. officinalis) – Mint family a.k.a.: common lavender, true lavender, English lavender Swooning...

A warm cup of Joe in the morning is not usually sipped with herbal medicine in mind, but no one...

Melissa Officinalis, a. k. a. Sweet Melissa, Balm Like most other members of the Mint Family, lemon balm is durable....

If you’ve ever tried Indian cooking, chances are high you’ve tried Turmeric root (Curcuma longa). In many curries and Indian...

Chaparral, Creosote Bush, La Gobernadora, Hedionillo…the many names of the wonder plant I mostly call Chaparral. Each names refers to...

Rubus idaeus, a.k.a. Red Raspberry Raspberry is a woman’s best friend. The tea soothes menstrual cramps, tones the uterus and...

Achillea millefolium Yarrow is nature’s bandage. Since yarrow grows in every vacant lot, abandoned field and rocky wayside, it’s clear...

Stellaria media, a. k. a. Starwort or Common Chickweed I am always delighted to see chickweed emerging from a layer...

Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae family a.k.a.: Klamath weed, Goat’s weed, Qian Ceng Lou, Fuga Daenomun Most people think of Saint John’s...

Capsicum species or (C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinese, C. frutescens, C. pubesence) – Pepper family a.k.a.: chilli, chille, red...

Modern herbalists turn to Elder during flu and cold season as a powerful preventative and cure. Elderberries are added to...

Reishi mushroom refers to a grouping of Ganoderma species. Ling Zhi, the one most commonly used in TCM practice and...