Holistic Health at Home: Bach Flower Essences

Humans have utilized plants for healing for centuries. In fact, until the 20th century, pharmaceutical preparations originated from medicinal plants and other natural substances. Medicinal plants use the physical energy of the plant in the form of an active chemical constituent. Alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, and bitter principles are just a few of the constituents found […]

The Healing Power of Basil

Portland radio personality Mike Darcy recently interviewed me about the health benefits of basil for his show In the Garden! Basil has been prolific in Portland, Oregon, gardens this year. Hopefully you were able to harvest your basil or perhaps you’re still looking around your garden and thinking, What am I going to do with […]

Holistic Nutrition: Eat this Herb – Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) has a wonderful reputation as a “cure-all.” Used every day, it acts in a preventive role, even protecting the body from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. Roast whole garlic cloves in the oven for an appetizer. The sharp taste entirely vanishes and the roasted garlic has a wonderful mellow flavor that […]

Holistic Nutrition: Eat this Herb – Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is sweet flavored with a warm, clove-like taste. Use it whole, chopped, or shred the leaves. For best flavor, use fresh leaves or add towards the end of cooking. Plus, basil can help the digestive process, too!

DIY Herbal Teas for Health

 Herbal teas, as well as being delicious to drink, can help tone, soothe, and balance the body with regular use. But, be sure to distinguish herbal teas from black tea. Tannin or black tea is from the plant Camellia sinensis, a medicinal herb that soothes and relaxes, but if taken too frequently the body becomes […]

Holistic Nutrition: Eat this Herb – Cayenne

With its intense heat and a name that literally means “to bite,” you might not expect cayenne (Capsicum annuum) to have potent pain-relieving properties. Plus, cayenne is high in vitamins C and A, and helps stimulate healthy digestion, assimilation, and elimination.

Holistic Nutrition: Eat this Herb – Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) smells great when cooking and is said to help relieve headaches (which can come in handy during the holidays!). Its piquant flavor is somewhat reminiscent of pine. Use springs or strip rosemary from the stem and add to vinegars, meat dishes, or breads.

Natural Garden Pest Control

Garden pests chomping on your fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies can be a real bummer. But, what can you do, right? Plenty! Good news: There are several natural products you can try to help stop pests from eating through your garden without the use of chemical pesticides.

What do I do with my wildcrafted nettles?

Wow – what a great lunchtime lecture yesterday, Health and Culinary Benefits of Nettle, with expert ACHS instructor Scott Stuart! We were thrilled to fill the American College Apothecary Shoppe with more than thirty community members eager to learn more about the herbal, health, and culinary benefits of nettle (Urtica urens). Did you know that […]