Showing posts with label Herbal Medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Herbal Medicine. Show all posts

6.13.2011

Angelica . . .


Angelica archangelica Family: Apiaceae


Angelica is a striking addition to the garden growing to 3.3 ft the first year and 8.25 ft the year when it blooms. The blossoms look like fireworks! It is considered a biennial/perennial. The first year it produces leaves, the second year blossoms. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine.

Angelica, which is related to carrots, dill and fennel, contains chemicals which have been shown to be effective against various bacteria, fungal infections and viral infections according to Wikipedia. Chewing on angelica or drinking tea brewed from it may heighten the immune system. Parts used stems, seeds, and root.

Harvest the leaves before the plant flowers. Angelica tea can be made by adding one cup of boiling water to one teaspoon of dried angelica root or 3 teaspoons of crushed fresh leaves. Steep for at least 10 minutes. The seeds can be used as a substitute for juniper berries.

Pregnant women should not use angelica. People consuming angelica should avoid excess sun exposure since angelica can increase the sensitivity of skin to sunlight.

The seed heads can be used in dried arrangements.

A limited number of seedlings available in pots @ $4. For pick up only. No shipping.

5.15.2011

Be an Herbal Ninja!

Another great webinar from John at LearningHerbs.com!

1.23.2010

The sun is shining brightly . . .

There is heat in the sun as it crosses my hands on the keyboard and it feels wonderful. The seed and plant catalogs continue to arrive. Spring will be here in a blink of an eye. Hope I am ready!

This year there will be a concentration on learning more about the plants here, what parts to use, best growing conditions and what purposes the plants can be put to.

Echinacea will be the first 'under the magnifier' for me. Last month when I felt a cold coming on I used a tincture I made two years age using the Herbal Medicine Making Kit from Learning Herbs. I felt better by morning. I have used the echinacea tincture twice more. I have not been sick yet. Was it the echinacea tincture? Or not. All I know is I have not been stricken so far.
There are so many variables and as a gardener of a small plot of land there will be no high priced, scientific testing. Only ardent observations, testing and careful use of the preparations.

As I have been gathering information, I came across this thought provoking blog post by Kiva Rose on
The Medicine Woman's Roots called The Core Nature of Plants.

10.20.2009

As the growing season slows . . .


there are plant materials waiting to be tried! Lemon balm, spearmint, lemon verbena, aloe vera, sage, basil, and several more. Will there be enough time to learn the secrets of these plants?

The jars of infused oils for lotions, massage oils and healing salves plus herbal tinctures to restore health when needed threaten to take over the kitchen.


If you are interested in learning how to use the plants from your garden, start with this free
herbal course from Learning Herbs



If you need herbs to work with, Mountain Rose has a large selection plus lots of helpful information.

Looking for a simple kit to get started? Or to give as a gift to a budding herbalist?

Winter will be over before I know it!

12.28.2008

Gathering plant materials . . .

As we discuss in the Weeds or Healing Herbs class, it is very important you know how to identify the plants you want to use in your healing salves and on your dinner table. Having a good collection of reference books is essential.

Forager's Harvest: A practical guide to all aspects of edible wild plants: finding and identifying them, their seasons of harvest, and their methods of collection and preparation. Each plant is discussed in great detail and accompanied by excellent color photographs. Includes an index, illustrated glossary, bibliography, and harvest calendar. The perfect guide for all experience levels.

Other references: