Herbal Encyclopedia

Crataegus species, a.k.a. Mayhaw and Thornapple. Hawthorn loves the heart. It lowers high blood pressure and raises low blood pressure. Hawthorn,...

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

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

Learn about Wormwood. It’s believed that the Knights Templar spread the plant in their crusades, which could explain why it...

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

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

When you need a good hug, reach for Motherwort. In the line-up of heart-healing herbs, Motherwort is one of The...

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

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

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

Usnea (Usnea hirta and others) is a common, charismatic lichen found in Cascadia as well as many other forests across...

Melaleuca alternifolia a.k.a.: Tea Tree, Ti Tree, Narrow-leafed Paperbark Tea Tree is a gift from Australia. It grows as a...

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

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

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

Lilac shrubs have always been one of my favorite signs of spring. Growing up in Eastern Oregon we wouldn’t see...

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

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

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

Fragaria vesca, a. k. a. Wild Strawberry, Woodland Strawberry Nothing says summer like a ripening field of strawberries. The tingly...

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

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

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

Sambuccus nigra, a. k. a. Black Elderberry, Blue Elderberry Elder was called the “country people’s medicine chest.”  Elder keeps viruses...