This week, we'll be looking into the medicinal attributes of the common dandelion. The Latin name for this plant is Taraxacum officinale. Its other names include: Blowball, Cankerwort, Cochet, Common Dandelion, Couronne de Moine, Lion's Teeth, Lion's Tooth, Priest's Crown, Swine Snout, Wild Endive. Most people today look at the dandelion and see a weed, but in truth it is a wonderful medicinal herb mankind has been using for thousands of years to treat specific ailments. Native Americans have been using dandelion for centuries. In the past dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems, while the heads were used in both medicinal and culinary world. Native Americans would boil...
This week, we'll be looking into the medicinal attributes of common chamomile. The Latin name for this plant is Anthemis nobilis. Its other names include: True Chamomile, Noble Chamomile, Manzanilla, Maythen, Roman Chamomile, English Chamomile, Garden Chamomile, Ground Apple, Low Chamomile, and Whig Plant. Chamomile became popular in the Middle Ages in English gardens for its distinct scent of apples, which is where it gets the names of chamomile (from the Greek kamai-melon or ground-apple) and Manzanilla (“a little apple” in Spanish). It was specifically used as part of green paths so it could be walked on to release the scent. It was also known as the ‘Plant’s Physician’ because it contributes...
This week, we'll be taking a look into the world of Lavender. The Latin name for Lavender is Lavandula angustifolia. It's other names include: Alhucema, Common Lavender, English Lavender, French Lavender, Garden Lavender, Huile Essentielle de Lavande, Lavanda, Lavande, Lavande à Feuilles Étroites, Lavande Anglaise, Lavande Commune, Lavande Fine, Lavande Officinale, Lavande Vraie, Lavandula, Lavandula angustifolia, True Lavender. Lavender has an ancient relationship with the peoples of the world. Documentation of its use goes back over 2,500 years when Egyptians used it in mummification, and in perfumes. Romans used lavender for cooking, incense, and to scent the waters in their baths. It is actually from the Romans that lavender gets its name,...
This week, we'll be looking at the properties of the catnip plant. The Latin name for this plant is Nepeta cataria. It's other names include: Cataire, Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Chataire, Field Balm, Herbe à Chat, Herbe aux Chats, Hierba Gatera, Menta de Gato, Menthe des Chats. Catnip is an ancient herb that has a long standing relationship with both mankind, and catkind. Growing native in Europe and Asia, it was used by Roman cooks and doctors. Records from England and France show that catnip was used as a hot drink before black tea became popular. European settlers brought catnip to the United States in the 1600's, introducing it to the Native Americans....
This week, we'll be exploring the properties of the bacopa. The Latin name for this plant is Bacopa monnieri. It's other names include: Andri, Bacopa, Herb of Grace, Herpestis Herb, Indian Pennywort, Jalanimba, Nira-Brahmi, Thyme-Leave Gratiola, Water Hyssop. The history of the bacopa herb starts in India around 500 C.E when India scholars would use bacopa for better comprehension, improved memory, and as an antioxidant support for the brain. For centuries bacopa has been used to promote learning ability. Resent research shows that while bacopa promotes restful, consistent sleeping patterns in the long run, it has no immediate sedating effect. It calms the senses, without causing drowsiness when used consistently. It reduces...