Oat straw is the dried green stem and leaf of the oat plant, harvested before the grain fully matures. It is different from oatmeal, oat bran, and milky oat tops, though all come from the same generous plant. Oat Straw…
Rhodiola is a hardy mountain plant that grows in cold northern and alpine regions. Its root has been used in traditional systems of herbalism, especially in Russia, Scandinavia, Central Asia, and parts of Europe, where it earned a reputation as…
Milky oat refers to the fresh, immature seed of the oat plant harvested during the brief “milky” stage, when the seed releases a white, latex-like fluid when squeezed. This is different from oatmeal grain and slightly different from oat straw,…
Meadowsweet is a fragrant flowering herb that grows in damp meadows, riverbanks, and moist woodland edges. Its creamy-white flower clusters smell sweet and almond-like, which makes its old common name, “queen of the meadow,” feel very well earned. Meadowsweet (Filipendula…
Coriander is a bright, aromatic herb used both as fresh leaves and dried seeds. In the United States, the fresh leaves are usually called cilantro, while the dried seeds are called coriander. Same plant, different personality. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cilantro…
Cayenne is the hot red pepper made from pungent Capsicum fruits. It is used around the world as a culinary spice and has a long history in herbal traditions as a warming, stimulating herb. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum / Capsicum frutescens)…
Flaxseed is the small, glossy seed of the flax plant, a crop that has been used for thousands of years for both food and fiber. In herbal and nutritional traditions, flaxseed is best known for its rich mucilage, plant-based omega-3…
Elderflower is the creamy-white flower of the elder shrub, traditionally gathered in late spring when the blossoms are fragrant, airy, and just dramatic enough to make herbalists stop mid-walk. Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) Traditional Uses of Elderflower Respiratory Comfort: Elderflower has…
Dandelion leaf is the familiar green part of the dandelion plant, often unfairly accused of being “just a weed.” Herbalists, however, have long appreciated it as a useful spring green, bitter tonic, and mineral-rich leaf for everyday wellness. Dandelion Leaf…
Black pepper is one of the world’s most familiar spices, but herbalists see more than a table seasoning. Made from the dried unripe fruits of Piper nigrum, black pepper has traditionally been used to warm digestion, support appetite, encourage circulation…
