by Marie Temmen Common Name: May Chang Latin Binomial: Litsea cubeba Family: Lauraceae Other Common Names: Exotic verbena, tropical verbena (not related to lemon verbena). Part Used: Litsea cubeba is obtained from the small pepper shaped fruits which resemble peppers. Production Method: Oil is obtained by steam distillation. Countries of Origin: China is […]
herbs
Essential Oil Profile: Carrot Seed
by Jeffrey S. Hoard Common Name: Carrot Latin Binomial:Daucus carota Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Other Common Names: Queen Anne’s Lace, Wild Carrot, Bird’s Nest Part Used: Seed Production Method:The oil is steam distilled from the dried seed. Seeds may or may not be crushed before distillation. Countries of Origin: France, Egypt, Hungary, India, The Netherlands, […]
Essential Oil Profile: Angelica Root
by Jeffrey S. Hoard Common Name: Angelica Latin Binomial: Angelica archangelica L. Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Other Common Names: Angel’s Herb, Root of the Holy Spirit, Garden Angelica,Archangelica officinalis Part Used: Root (An oil is also distilled from the seed – see below.) Production Method: Steam Distillation Countries of Origin: Angelica archangelica is considered to be […]
Turmeric: A superior herb hiding beneath media hype
by Laurel Redmon, M.S., L.Ac. Dipl. C.H. Turmeric rhizome, Curcuma longa, or jiang huang has been enjoying the limelight in recent months. It was the herb-du-jour, in the wake of the Vioxx scandal, along with a bit of research funding and an urban myth that Indian women never contract breast cancer. Media scrutiny […]
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Aromatherapy
by Laurel Redmon Aromatherapy is one of the most exciting and burgeoning modes of herbalism today. It strikes me as a truly global discipline, different parts of the world contributing varied uses and methods of application for essential oils. Arriving at the study of aromatherapy by way of herbalism, I have […]
Jeff’s thoughts on ginseng…
Years ago when I lived in Wisconsin, I frequented a well-known Madison co-op which was conveniently located on my walk home each day. It was a throwback, hippie sort of place complete with dusty old wood floors, a store cat and a collection of questionable vegetables, which were supposed to be organic and somehow better […]
Strategies for Supporting the Immune System
by Ingrid Petres We encounter harmful germs and bacteria on a daily basis. It’s important, as the cold and flu season is upon us, to understand how we can boost our immune systems in order to prevent becoming sick. General lifestyle changes to help maintain a healthy immune system: Wash your hands frequently Buy a […]
Strategies for Respiratory Health During Cold and Flu Season
by Laurel Redmon, M.S., L.Ac. Dipl. Ac.,C.H Flu shots may afford many a sense of security this time of year. Those with a mind toward holistic and preventive health, however, can easily see that many more genuine and effective measures can be taken to protect ourselves, families and loved ones. Frankly, herbal remedies […]
Purchasing and Using Herbs
by Cheryl & Jeff Hoard Knowledge is vital in the successful use of herbs for health and well-being. It is best to consult your health practitioner first before using herbs. It wouldn’t be wise, for instance to take Saw Palmetto Berry (respected by the mainstream medical community) for treating enlarged prostate […]
Plants of the Bible
Plants of biblical times continue to hold great popular interest. Scholars do not always agree upon which plants actually grew in biblical lands. Botany of the bible becomes more difficult to study when so many translations have been made throughout history. What is certain though is the enthusiastic interest we have in learning more about […]