Herbal Encyclopedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pomegranate has 17 percent more antioxidants than red wine without the disadvantages alcohol possesses. It also tops green tea in...

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

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