by Marie Temmen Common name: Clary Sage Latin binomial: Salvia sclarea Plant family: Labiatae History/folklore: Clary sage has an interesting history that reveals itself in the names which were applied to this plant. Medieval authors called the herb “clear eye” and considered it beneficial in healing visual problems. The name “clary” is derived from […]
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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 […]
What Is Aromatherapy?
The area of Aromatherapy is concerned with the (human) inhalation and bodily application of essential oils. The tools of aromatherapy are essential oils and hydrosols, which are hopefully used to achieve the potential goals of good physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health and balance. Essential oils are obtained by a process called distillation, whereby selected […]
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 […]
Cheryl’s Suggestions for using Carrot Seed Essential Oil
I think combining the scent of our new Carrot Essential Oil and our already fabulous Frankincense Essential Oil is a match made in heaven. Throwing in just a hint of Geranium Essential Oil makes the original combination come alive. Mother nature's balance and perfection is obvious in this combination because these oils are all very […]
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 […]
Natural Approach to Addiction Recovery
By Cheryl Hoard There are so many things to which we can become addicted. As is often the case with a natural approach, the same herbs and essential oils can be helpful for the various difficult moments associated with recovery from all kinds of addictions. Addictions to cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, unhealthy […]
Herbal Information Sheet: Ginseng
by Cheryl Hoard Common Name Ginseng Latin Binomial Panax quinquefolium (American) Panax ginseng (Asian) Family Araliaceae Other Common Names True Ginseng, Five Fingers, Tartar Root, Red Berry, Man’s Health, Ren Shen, Man Root, Finger Root Parts Used Root Uses Ginseng is taken to improve stamina and concentration, for […]
Herbal and Aromatic Aphrodisiacs
By Ingrid Petres Our species evolved using scent to help us survive. We recognized what was food through scent. As a flower lures a bee, an animal emits pheromones to lure a mate to propagate our species. These hormonal emissions, the breath of desire, contain all kinds of tiny chemical constituents. They have […]
Echinacea called ineffective…
by Jeffrey S. Hoard Yesterday I saw the headline, “Popular herbal cold remedy fails to relieve symptoms, study finds” in my morning St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The herb in question turned out to be Echinacea. Knowing empirically that Echinacea does indeed do what we think it does when it is prepared and used properly, I was […]