HNS-Society Articles | The Practical Herbalist

Triterpenoid Saponins in Gotu Kola – How it Works

Posted by Candace Hunter | Chemistry, Herb of the Month |

What do wound healing, neuropathy, improved circulation, and long-life have in common? They’re all...

Gotu Kola, Centella asiatica: Memory, Anxiety, Circulation

Posted by Candace Hunter | Herb of the Month, Herbal Encyclopedia |

Gotu Kola is one of India’s tasty and powerful herbs we here in the West have repeatedly...

Dreaming a New Life: Good Sleep to Support Your Goals

Posted by Candace Hunter | Practical Herbalism |

Join the Herbal Nerd Society Today to Read the Full Article Today. Click the link above to...

Lilac Myth, Magic, Folklore, and History

Posted by Candace Hunter | Magical Herbs, Practical Herbalism |

As it turns out, we were not alone in appreciating the medicine of lilac in the spring. Humans have been partaking of lilac flowers and medicine for centuries. Greek mythology claims a divine heritage for lilac, aka Syringa vulgaris. According to legend, the nymph Syringa turned into the lilac we know today

Drawing Magic from Herbal Folk Remedies

Posted by Candace Hunter | Magical Herbs, Practical Herbalism |

A bit of Elderflower under your pillow brings good dreams. Blow a wish on a Dandelion seed head...

Learn About Herbs Through Animals and Insects

Posted by Candace Hunter | Magical Herbs, Practical Herbalism |

We humans are not the only ones who rely on plants for food and medicine. All the animals and insects of the world are herbalists, too! They look to The Plants for food, shelter, medicine, and so much more.The magical thing about being an herbalist today is that we can learn about the plants from other herbalists, including all our cousins, the animals and insects who share this planet with us. There are two primary ways to approach it.

Wild Observation: How to Connect with Herbal Magic and The Plants

Posted by Candace Hunter | Magical Herbs, Practical Herbalism |

If you want to truly partner with The Plants, it helps to drop in on them in their own homes, too. Wild Observation opens the door to a much deeper understanding of the strengths, wisdom, magic, and medicine of the Herbs.

Magical Properties of Herbs Through Botany

Posted by Candace Hunter | Magical Herbs, Practical Herbalism |

Take your connection to The Plants to the next level; Get to know the magical qualities of a plant’s medicine through the lens of botany. We’ll talk about how to apply botanical knowledge of a plant to your own magical workings.

Herbal Energetics as a Magical Language for Healing

Posted by Candace Hunter | Energetics, Magical Herbs |

Many modern herbalists who also practice magic recognize energetics as a half-way language that connects a plant’s healing properties with the more ephemeral realms, helping us describe the potential of a specific plant to help in certain situations that manifest beyond the human body.

See Herbal Medical Uses as Magical Properties: Practical Magic for Herbalists

Posted by Candace Hunter | Magical Herbs, Practical Herbalism |

Even if the language of science and modern medicine is not your native language, it makes a lot of sense to get to know your new plant-partner through the structure that language provides. Medical and chemical properties of herbs are easy to find. The question to ask is, How?

Get to Know That Herb Better: Practical Magic for Herbalists

Posted by Candace Hunter | Magical Herbs, Practical Herbalism |

Herbalists talk about developing a relationship with the plants they use. Relationship is a lovely way to describe how we gather information and get to know herbs, as it really is a lot like getting to know a new friend.

Cough & Sore Throat: Natural Home Remedies for Lungs & Throat

Posted by Candace Hunter | Medicine Making, Practical Herbalism |

There’s nothing worse than a lingering cough after a cold, flu, or virus…except maybe the cough and sore throat that comes with active symptoms. I know I’m not alone in that, or in my appreciation for the power of herbal medicines to help the cough do its job and then settle down quickly while easing all the other symptoms upsetting my lower respiratory tract. It’s amazing how much better herbs can speed the body’s progress toward health and how well they ease the journey, too!