Herbal Encyclopedia

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

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

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,...

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...

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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...