Herbal Encyclopedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As I move through my home, I sway to make my way around the hanging tendrils of the gotu kola...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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