• March 5, 2024

Clary Sage

An estrogenic essential oil to calm the mind and improve the mood, clary sage is a good remedy for indigestion when taken as a tea. It eases gas and bloating and helps with intestinal dysbiosis. It can also be used to regulate sweating.

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  • February 28, 2024

White, Red, European and Tree Peony

This family of garden flowers have benefits for the liver, blood, and female reproductive system. Each variety of peony has slightly different properties so it important to know the best one to use.

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  • February 20, 2024

The Viburnums: Cramp Bark and Black Haw

The viburnums, cramp bark and black haw, are valuable antispasmodics for dysmenorrhea, intestinal cramps, and muscle spasms. They have long been used to treat dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation and have also been used to treat gastrointestinal tract problems like painful intestinal cramps, excess mucus, adult colic, and nervous indigestion.

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  • February 16, 2024

The Do-Good Patrol

While writing about snowball bush (cramp bark), I was reminded of a night-time escapade from my late teens and I was inspired to share the story. It has nothing to do with herbs or natural healing. But, at the same time, it illustrates why those things are important to me. It started when I heard about some kids sneaking around at night, getting up to various mischief. As a teenager it sounded fun to stay up late at night, but the mischief part held no interest for me. So, I came up with an idea…

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  • February 14, 2024

Wild Yam

Best known as a remedy for the female reproductive system, wild yam is a valuable antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory remedy for intestinal pain, gallbladder attacks, and menstrual cramps.

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  • February 6, 2024

Dong Quai

Dong quai has been thought of as the female ginseng since it is so widely used for female reproductive problems in China. It’s primarily considered a blood (xue) tonic in TCM. It also stimulates circulation. 

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  • January 29, 2024

Holy Basil

Holy basil is a nourishing adaptogen that is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine. It is an aromatic herb in the mint family and has many useful immune activities. It can help reduce stress and helps protect the heart and brain.

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  • January 22, 2024

Rhodiola

Rhodiola can help your body resist physical, emotional, environmental, and chemical stress. It is an astringent herb and a nourishing adaptogen that can help relax the body when it is depleted.

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