Spearmint has been a popular herb in both culinary and medicinal uses for centuries, being prevalent in early medieval times and probably long before. Originating in the Mediterranean, it soon became widespread. It’s name in Spanish, yerba buena, which means “good herb”, points to its popularity and use for many things. Spearmint has been found in English gardens since at least the 9th century, and was brought over to the Americas on the first voyages.
Jamaican dogwood has been used by bush doctors as a traditional remedy for nerve pain, migraines, insomnia, and nervous tension. It was also used as an external wash for any skin compliant. To cure a headache, crushed leaves are tied around the head so one can inhale the essence.
This week, we'll be exploring the properties of the Gotu Kola. The Latin name for this plant is Centella asiatica . It's other names include: Brahma-Manduki, Indian Pennywort, Indian Water Navelwort, Marsh Penny, Thick-Leaved Pennywort, Tsubo-kusa, Tungchian, and White Rot . In India, Gotu Kola is regarded as one of the most spiritual of all herbs and is regarded as one of the most important rejuvenating herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine.. Growing in some areas of the Himalayas, gotu kola is used by yogis to improve meditation. They use it in helping to develop the energy center at the top of the head, traditionally known as the crown chakra, and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the...
Herb of the Week - California poppy This week, let's take a look at the California poppy. The Latin name for this plant is Eschscholzia californica. Its other aliases include: TheGolden Poppy; California Sunlight; Cup of Gold; Copa de Oro; and Khishkhash Kalifornia. The California poppy was first identified by Adelbert von Chamisso. He named it's genus after Johann Fredrich von Eschsholtz, who was his friend and colleague on Otto von Kotzebue's scientific expedition to California aboard the Russian ship Rurik in the mid-1810s. California poppy is the state flower of California, and is native to California. Its natural habitat extends to Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Throughout history, people have admired...
"Black Seed" (Nigella Sativa) has been known to Unani-tibb (Graeco-Arabic traditional) medicinal practice for it's effectiveness as a curative for a variety of illnesses for well over a thousand years, and numerous modern medical studies have shown it's principle constituent (Thymoquinone) to be an effective antioxidant, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory agent, to name but a few properties. The following sites can give you a more detailed understanding.
Nigella Sativa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigella_sativa
Black Seeds
http://www.missionislam.com/health/blackseed.html
Midnight Garden Apothecary offers Nigella Sativa seeds, and we also offer Black Seed extractions in alcohol, glycerin, and traditional honey infusion using the "prophetic method" of Unani-tibb practice.