Herbal Encyclopedia

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

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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