Agrimony (also known as Liverwort) is a native of Europe where it was used extensively as part of their herbal traditions.
Alfalfa has a deep root system highly conducive to absorbing minerals from the soil, resulting in a plant rich in vitamins and minerals, fiber and protein.
Cape Aloes (also known bitter aloes) is a palm-like succulent plant that is native to the Cape Region of South Africa. The yellow latex or sap located inside the leaf is drained and then dried to produce the powdered herb.
Angelica Root is derived from a biennial plant in the same family as celery, parsely, chervil, fennel, anise and caraway. Used as a vegetable and as a dietary supplement, Angelica Root is most commonly used as a flavoring agent due to its pleasant, aromatic perfume.
These small, reddish-brown seeds from the annatto tree are used to impart a rich yellow color and mild, distinctive flavor to foods such as rice and sauces.
Arnica - a member of the aster family, is a tall woodland flower, native to Central Europe and the western United States. It is in the same family as the sunflower. Its dried yellow flowers are used in oils, creams, infusions and tinctures. Arnica is generally used to help relieve muscle pain and bruising.
Ashwagandha root is an herb similar to ginseng (and sometimes called Indian ginseng), used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is known as a vitality tonic and adaptogen.
Astragalus root is derived from a perennial plant that grows in northern China and Mongolia. The herb is a staple of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), where it has been used for centuries to boost the immune system and treat a variety of ailments.
Barberry is a tall shrub native to North America where it was employed by natives for its tonic effects believed to cleanse the liver and purify the blood.
Bayberry, also known as wax myrtle, is a common shrub in the marshlands of the eastern United States. In addition to its use in candle making, it is also commonly employed as a fragrance in potpourris. The root bark, when steeped into a tea, is astringent and cleansing.
Benzoin gum is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of trees in the genus Styrax. It is commonly employed in perfumes and incense as a fixative.
Bilberries, Vaccinium myrtillus, are very similar to their American cousins blueberries and huckleberries-- and like all members of the Vaccinium species, they're high in antioxidants due to the rich blue-red pigments responsible for their unmistakable color.
The bilberry bush is marked by small leathery leaves, similar to that of the myrtle bush, and clusters of deep purple berries. The leaves are often steeped in water to release their tannins and provide a delicious cup of antioxidant rich tea.
Birch Bark, well known for its uses in building and tanning by Native Americans, has also been employed as a poultice and steeped into tea for its cleansing properties.
Black Cohosh is delightful perennial native to eastern North America and it grows readily in a variety of woodland areas. Preparations containing the root remain one of the most popular natural remedies for women's health in the world.
Black Walnut Hulls are the powdered outside covering of the nut of the North American black walnut tree. They can be used to produce a brown dye for clothing, rugs and baskets.
Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed that grows abundantly along sheltered shores of cool ocean waters around the world and is easily recognized by the tiny gas-filled vesicles that appear in pairs along its midvein.
Blessed Thistle is a thistle-like herb native to the Mediterranean region. The herb is often used in bitter, tonic drinks.
Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, is a perennial flowering woodland plant native to eastern North America. This plant gets its name from the deep red sap that exudes from a fresh wound to the rhizome.
Blue Cohosh--a member of the Berberaceae family which includes barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root--is native to eastern North America and has long been prized as beneficial to women's health.
Boldo is a slow-growing, shrubby evergreen tree native to western South America, where the native peoples employ it as both a spice and an after- dinner tea.
Boneset Herb - Eupatorium perfoliatum
Boneset is a perennial daisy native to the Northern Hemisphere. Although poisonous to humans and livestock, it has been used in folk medicine to support recovery from a variety of ailments.
Buckthorn, also known as Frangula, is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Northwest Asia and Northern Africa. Proper aging of the bark is required to allow its primary active constituent, anthrone, to oxidize. Buckthorn, also known as Frangula, is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Northwest Asia and Northern Africa. Proper aging of the bark is required to allow its primary active constituent, anthrone, to oxidize and prevent intestinal cramping when taken as a tea.
Burdock is nature's purification tonic. The young, fresh taproots are popular in Japan as a sweet, crunchy nutritious vegetable called gobo. Burdock is well-known for its ability to cleanse the body and is also used in topical skin preparations such as salves, compresses and ointments.
Calamus is a perennial wetland plant found growing in marshes and muddy stream banks throughout most of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America. It served as the basis for the original Calamine lotion and is used primarily to ease skin irritations of all kinds.
Calendula - Calendula officinalis
Calendula, commonly known as marigold, is an annual flower native to the northern Mediterranean countries. Lotions, salves and creams prepared from the golden yellow to orange-red flowers, are used to soothe cuts, scrapes, burns and bruises.
Cascara Sagrada is a deciduous tree found throughout the northern United States. The bark is harvested in quills and aged for at least one year to allow the anthrone constituents to oxidize, which prevents intestinal cramping when drunk as a tea.
Cat's Claw is a woody vine that grows in the tropical jungles of Central and South America. Traditionally used by indigenous Peruvian peoples for a variety of conditions, it wasn’t brought to the U.S. and Europe until the 1990’s.
Well-loved by cats and prized by traditional European and American herbalists, this member of the mint family makes a pleasant herbal tea that is soothing to the tummy and is often used with children.
Cedar Tips consist of the youngest branchlets of the coniferous North American tree known as arborvitae, which is Latin for tree of life. Cedar tips are a colorful, fresh addition to potpourris and sachets.
Cedar, Red - Juniperus virginiana
Red Cedar, also known as Easter Red Cedar and Juniperous virginiana, is native to eastern North America. The fragrant, rosy colored inner bark is often used in sachets and potpourris.
German Chamomile is an annual flower native to Europe and Asia and it has been successfully introduced to temperate regions throughout the world. This herb is used as a soothing tea, in shampoos and conditioners for light colored hair, in skin care creams and lotions and relaxing bath blends.
Roman Chamomile, also known as English chamomile is a perennial flower native to Europe and naturalized in North America. It's used in cosmetics as a rinse for blonde hair, and is a popular aromatherapy oil.
Chaparral is an aromatic flowering bush found in the deserts of western North America and parts of Mexico. It is also known as creosote bush because it contains a sticky, resinous gum with a strong, distinctive aroma.
Chaste Tree Berries, also known as Monk's Pepper, are native to the Mediterranean region. Preparations of the berries are commonly used in male and female tonics.
Chestnut Leaf, commonly known as Horse Chestnut, is a deciduous tree native to Asia. Its leaves are odorless and astringent, and are traditionally prepared as a tea.
Chia Seed - Salvia hispanica
Chia seeds have more omega-3 than any other natural source, and are loaded with antioxidants, calcium, protein, fiber, and vitamins: including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, and zinc.
Chickweed is a low growing annual native to Europe that is common fare for chickens, hence the name. It is often prepared as a soothing ointment or skin cream.
Chicory is the long, thin taproot of a perennial plant closely related to endive. Native to Europe, it is naturalized throughout the U.S. It can be eaten fresh as a vegetable, and dried it makes a satisfying tea.
A hardy perennial best known for its association with coffee, it produces a more 'roasted' flavor, with no caffeine. Some coffees offer blends with up to 30% chicory, which cuts down on the caffeine content.
Cleavers is an annual plant native to North America, Europe and Asia. Preparations of the herb are used externally to soothe skin irritations such as burns, scrapes and bug bites.
Collinsonia, also known as Stone Root, is a perennial herb in the mint family with recognizable knotty, rough, very hard roots. The root is often steeped into a soothing, cleansing tea.
Coltsfoot, also know as coughwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, though common throughout North and South America, where it was introduced by early settlers as a medicinal plant.
Comfrey leaves have tiny surface hairs which make them hard to dry quickly without spoiling. Allantoin, a consitituent in comfrey, makes the leaves a useful emollient in lotions, creams, and hair rinses.
The long, pervasive roots are more potent than the leaves but have higher levels of a constituent toxic to the liver. Use only on unbroken skin.
Cornsilks are the fine, silky hairs that run the length of an ear of corn. Often steeped in water to make a tea, try it with a little molasses to sweeten.
Cramp Bark, also known as Highbush Cranberry, is native to Europe, Asia and Africa, though it's grown worldwide as an ornamental shrub. The bark, often prepared as a tea, has a strong aroma and a bitter flavor.
Damiana Leaf - Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca
Damiana is a flowering shrub with aromatic leaves. A native of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, it has long been used to make lover's tea.
Dandelion is native to all temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Though viewed as a nuisance weed by many, the fresh leaves are a tasty and nutritious addition to salads.
The root of the common dandelion, long prized by herbalists for its cleansing action, is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Almost every herbal tradition has noted it as a useful tonic for the liver and gallbladder.
Dong Quai, also known as female ginseng, is native to China where it has traditionally been used as a tonic for the female organs.
Dragon's blood is a bright red resin of several different species, the most well known of which is Daemomorops draco. It has been used as a colorant for centuries in everything from varnish to incense.
Echinacea - Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea, commonly referred to as "coneflower" is a genus of nine different herbacious plants native to North America. The two primary species used in herbal preparations are E. Angustifolia and E. Purpurea, which are often used interchangeably.
Elder Flowers are an umbrella-like mass prior to harvest, when the flowers are removed from the stem. The flowers, like the berries, contain bioflavonoids. They are used in skin salves and ointments and to make a soothing gargle. A popular winter tea is made using equal parts of elder flowers, peppermint and yarrow flowers.
Elecampane is a perennial herb common in Great Britian, and native to Central and Southern Europe where it was used in making flavored wines, aromatic bitters and liqueurs.
Eleuthero Root - Eleutherococcus senticosus
Eleuthero, also known as Siberian Ginseng, is a woody shrub native to Northeastern Asia. Like true ginseng, it is an adaptogen and has been the subject of a great deal of on-going research in Russia and Korea.
Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree native to Australia. The leaves contain eucalyptol, a common flavoring ingredient in commercial mouthwash, cough drops and vaporizer fluids.
Eyebright, Euphrasia officinalis is a semiparasitic plant with roots that attach to some grasses. Eyebright herb is often used in a poultice.
Gentian grows in mountainous regions throughout the world and takes 7-10 growing seasons to mature. Use of this herb has been documented for over two thousand years, primarily in digestive bitters and teas.
The ginkgo tree is an old species with fossils dating its existence back more than 270 million years ago. The leaves and nuts have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with leaf preparations being popular throughout the western world today.
American Ginseng is a member of the ivy family and native to eastern North America. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed to increase "yin" energy and as an adaptogen. The most sought after product is commercially produced and bears the seal of the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, ensuring it's authenticity.
American Ginseng is a member of the ivy family and native to eastern North America. Valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed to increase "yin" energy and as an adaptogen. The most sought after product is commercially produced and bears the seal of the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, ensuring it's authenticity.
Goji - Lycium barbarum
Goldenseal - Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal is a perennial herb that is native to southern Canada and the northen United States. It has been over-harvested in many regions and is listed in various states as threatened or endangered. We sell only cultivated goldenseal.
Gota kola, also known as Asiatic pennywort, is a small annual herb native to parts of Asia and northern Australia. A mild adaptogen, preparations of the dry herb are popular throughout the world. In its native land, however, it is eaten raw as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Guar gum is the ground endosperm of the guar bean, an annual legume native to India and Pakistan. It's primary use is as an emulsifier and thickening agent; it has 8 times the thickening power of cornstarch.
Guarana, Paullinia cupana, is a climbing plant native to the Amazon Basin. It features large leaves and clusters of white flowers, but it's the fruit that is prized. Each fruit contains a single seed that contains as much as five times the caffeine as a coffee bean.
Gum Arabic, also know as gum acacia, comes from the sap of several species of African Acacia trees. A water soluble gum, it is used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier in foods.
Hawthorn Berries, also referred to as haws, have been used since the 19th century to tonify the heart. In addition the deep red berries are loaded with antioxidants.
Hawthorn is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the rose family, native to Europe, Asia and North America. They feature brownish-white flowers, rose-like leaves, and deep red berries. A preparation of the leaves and flowers is a popular tonic.
Henna is a flowering shrub native to regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. The plant produces a red-orange pigment molecule that readily bonds with proteins, making it a popular dye for skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool.
Hibiscus, also known as rosemallow, is a flowering plant belonging to the same family as cocoa and cotton. The flowers are popular as an herbal tea, especially in Caribbean and Latin American countries. They are often combined with other herbs or fruit juices and they impart a cheery red color and tart flavor.
Hop flowers are the yellowish green female flower bracts of a tall vine in the hemp family. Our hops are harvested from the unfertilized female flowers and are suitable for use in brewing beer and as a dietary supplement.
Horehound is a perennial herbaceous plant found throughout Europe. It is common to find the herb in small patches in cottage gardens, where it is harvested for use in flavoring tea and candy. It is also brewed into horehound ale.
Horsetail Herb (Shavegrass) - Equisetum arvense L., Equisetum hyemale L. or arvense L.
Horsetail is also known as scouring rush, shavegrass, bottlebrush or pewter wort. Because of its large quantity of silica, it was used to clean metal. Our horsetail consists of the sterile, aerial parts harvested in the summer months between June and August.
Hydrangea is a flowering shrub native to the United States and Asia. The root is traditionally used as a tea, though it is also available in capsule and extract forms and is useful in toning the liver and kidneys.
Hyssop Herb - Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop is an herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean and Asia. It is an ingredient in eau de Cologne, the liquors Chartreuse and absinthe, and in herbal remedies.
A member of the rose family, lady's mantle is a perennial herb found throughout North America, Europe and Asia. It is used in skin creams to soften and clean the skin. The herb has been historically associated with female health, hence the name lady's mantle.
Lavandin is a hybrid plant, the result of a natural cross-pollination of true lavender and spike lavender. The flowers have a woody, spicy-green, floral aroma with a hint of camphor. The color is a deeper blue than the grey-blue of true lavender. Lavandin is a popular substitute for true lavender in potpourris and herbal crafts.
Lavender contains a sweet-smelling essential oil that is the most popular aromatherapy oil in the world. Soothing, calming and balancing, lavender is used in all types of personal care and aromatherapy products. Note that while lavender flowers are often mixed with lavandin (or in some cases lavandin is sold as lavender), these are true lavender flowers, tested with gas chromatography to insure 100 percent purity.
Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. Its subtle lemon flavor with minty undertones makes it a popular and tasty and relaxing tea.
Lemon verbena is a very fragrant flowering shrub native to South America. An herbal tea prepared from the leaves has been traditionally employed to soothe and calm the stomach.
Lemongrass - Cymbopogon citratus
Lemongrass has a fresh, light, lemony flavor and scent that is a staple in many ethnic cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Caribbean. Citral, the ingredient in lemongrass that imparts its lemony scent, is also a key component of lemon peel. Lemongrass also makes a very pleasant herbal tea.
Licorice is the root of a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. Along with its popularity as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, it has also been used to make coughs more productive and as a vitalizing herbal tonic.
Life Everlasting, also known as strawflower or Helichrysum, is a member of the sunflower family. Native to Africa, Europe and Asia, it is used as a bitter tonic and the yellow flowers are used in herbal crafts such as potpourris and wreaths.
Linden flowers include this plant's small yellowish flower and oblong flower bracts, which look like leaves. They are called lime flowers in Europe, where they are popularly used as a soothing herbal tea
Lovage Root - Levisticum officinale
Lovage is a flowering plant native to Europe and naturalized throughout the United States. The root has a spicy,somewhat sweet flavor and its main constituent, quercetin, has been found in studies to be the one of the most active of the flavonoids.
Lungwort is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It contains allantoin, the same constituent in comfrey that makes it valuable for use in salves and ointments for damaged skin.
Yes, marshmallows originally were made using this herb, but today’s confectionary is not related to the original medicinal preparation. Marshmallow root is know for its soothing, emollient mucilage and is used in teas, syrups, poultices, ointments and lozenges.
Meadowsweet, also known as queen of the meadow, is native to Europe and Asia, and today is naturalized throughout North America. It acquired some fame in the late 1800's when the German drug company, Bayer, synthesized acetylsalicylic acid, based on the structure of the naturally occuring salicylic acid found in meadowsweet--and named its new product, aspirin, after the plant's old botanical name, Spirea.
Milk thistle is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, though it is commercially propagated in North America. Preparations of the herb are found in liver tonics and herbal bitters.
Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic vine that grows attached to and within the branches of a host tree. There are several species, with the European species held in highest regard by herbalists.
Motherwort is literally mother’s herb, a name the plant acquired because of its historical use by anxious mothers. The plant is large, easy to grow, and quite striking -- but prickly. The leaves are most often used in herbal teas.
Related to wormwood, mugwort is a bushy plant with gray-green, very bitter-tasting leaves. One of its more interesting uses is in sleep pillows, where its inclusion is said to encourage vivid dreaming. Mugwort is also used in skin preparations and poultices.
Muira Puama, also known as Potency Wood, is a small Brazilian tree found across the Amazon river basin where it has a long history of use in Brazilian folk medicine.
Mullein Leaf, sometimes referred to as Great Mullein or Common Mullein, is native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia. The leaf has been used since ancient times to provide relief from skin, throat and ear complaints, however the seeds are considered toxic.
Myrrh Gum - Commiphora myrrha
Myrrh is the dried sap of the Commiphora Myrrha tree, native to Yemen, Somalia and Ethiopia. It is used extensively in aromatherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayervedic medicine.
Oakmoss is a type of lichen used extensively in the perfume industry. It grows in temperate forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere. As the name implies, it grows primarily on the branches of oak trees.
Oatstraw is harvested when the seed of the oat grass is at the milky stage, before it is fully ripe. The herb is nutritive and soothing to itchy, flakey skin and is used in baths, lotions and skin washes. It also makes a comforting herbal tea.
Olive trees are small evergreens native to the Mediterranean from which olives, olive oil and olive leaves are obtained. Olive leaf was the first botanical cited in the Bible as a natural healer, "The fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."
Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub related to the barberry. It is commonly employed as an alternative to Goldenseal, due in part to their similar berberine content.
Orris Root - Iris germanica var. florentina
Orris, also known Bearded Iris, is a perennial plant native to Europe. Though once an herbal medicine, it is now primarily employed as a fixative and base note in perfumery, and as an ingredient in several brands of gin.
Osha Root - Ligusticum porteri
Osha Root, also known as Bear Root or Colorado Cough Root, is the root of a perennial plant native to the higher elevation ranges of the Rocky Mountains. It is used in teas, tinctures, steams and saunas.
Papaya is a small tree-like plant native to the tropical regions of the Americas. A tea prepared with the leaves has been used to ease stomach upset for centuries.
Parsley is a bright green herb native to Iran, though it can be found in culinary gardens throughout the Middle East, Europe and the United States. A tea steeped from the root is a popular breath freshener.
Partridge Berry is an herbaceous woody shrub native to North America. It was a popular uterine tonic among Native American women who often used it in preparation for child birth.
Passion Flower, also known as Maypop, is a climbing vine native to the Southern United States, where it has enjoyed a long history of use by Native Americans. Commonly taken as a tea, it has calming and soothing properties.
Patchouli is a bushy herb in the mint family. It is native to tropical Asia, though now it is cultivated in most tropical regions throughout the world. The scent has been used for centuries in perfumes, which remains one of its staples uses today.
Pau d'Arco is the inner bark of a tropical tree native to Central and South America. The tea brewed from this species is commonly referred to as Lapacho or Taheebo and contains lapachol, quercetin and flavonoids.
Pennyroyal is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe and Asia. Like the other mints, it helps soothe digestion and is often added to dog bedding and patio sprays to deter infestations of pests.
Peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe, it is now widely cultivated throughout the world. Sometimes referred to as "the world's oldest medicine" it has been used for centuries to settle tummy upset and freshen breath.
Plantain Leaf - Plantago major or lanceolata
Plantain, also known as Greater Plantain or Common Plantain, is a small herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. It is often found growing near stinging nettles, where an extraction of the juice from its leaves brings quick relief to the pain inflicted by the nettle.
Prickly Ash - Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Prickly Ash is a spiny tree or shrub native to the southeastern United States. It's sometimes referred to as "toothache tree" or "tingle tongue" due to the numbing sensation produced by chewing on the leaves or bark.
Psyllium - Plantago ovata
Psyllium, also known as blonde psyllium, is a low growing herb native to Iran, Pakistan and India. It is the main ingredient in the commercial dietary supplements "Metamucil" and "Citrucel".
Red Raspberry, also known as European Raspberry, is a perennial native to Europe and Asia. Though most recognized for it's delicious fruits, a tea prepared from the leaves has been employed by midwives for centuries to ease menstrual complaints and labor.
Red Clover is a perennial native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It's most recognizable use is as a fodder crop, however its phytoestrogen content has made it a popular supplement for women.
Native to North America, Red Root became known as New Jersey Tea during the Revolutionary War, due to its popularity as a substitute for tea. Prior to that, it was employed by Native Americans for complaints associated with mucus membranes.
Rhubarb is a perennial native to Asia where it was widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to ease constipation.
Rheum palmatum, also known as Turkey rhubarb, Chinese rhubarb and East Indian rhubarb, is a perennial plant with similar purgative effects as Cascara sagrada and buckthorn. The U.S. National Institutes of Health's Medline lists it as one of the ingredients in the historic Essiac tea formula.
Rosehips, or Rose Haws, are the fruit of wild roses, also known as the "dog rose". Their high Vitamin C and antioxidant content make them a popular addition to a variety of herbal tea blends.
Rosehips, or Rose Haws, are the fruit of wild roses, also known as the "dog rose". Their high Vitamin C and antioxidant content make them a popular addition to a variety of herbal tea blends.
Roses - Rosa centifolia, Rosa gallica
Prized for it's delicate beauty and intoxicating fragrance, rose buds and petals are a staple of potpouri blends and sachets.
Safflower, also referred to as False Saffron and Azafran, is a thistle-like annual with a red-yellow composite flower head. A tea made from the petals is popular for easing digestive upset and has an overall soothing and relaxing effect.
White Sage, also called incense sage is native to the Southwest U.S. where is was used as a traditional remedy by Native Americans. Branches of white sage are burned as an incense, for purification and in sweat baths. This sage is not used as a spice.
Saint John's Wort, so-called because it is traditionally harvested on St. John's Day, is a striking perennial herb indigenous to Europe. It is one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the United States with its primary use being to balance the mood.
Sarsaparilla - Hemidesmus indicus, Smilax ornata
Sarsaparilla refers to two seperate genus of plants, one native to South Asia (primarily India), the other native to Central and South America. Primarilly used as a flavoring for beverages, it is traditionally used in cordials and tonics as a blood purifier and detox agent.
Sassafras is a sturdy tree found in the bayous of Louisiana. When the tree is young, its leaves are shaped like "mittens," sometimes with two "thumbs." The leaf is primarily used to thicken and to season.
Sassafras is a tree that grows natively in North America. It has fruit and small yellow flowers that bloom. The bark was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.
Saw palmetto is a small, palm-like plant found in swampy areas, and along the Atlantic coast of the United States. The fruit is a dark purple-to-black berry rich in fatty acids and phytosterols. It is used to promote prostate health.
The first recorded use of schisandra berries is found in China's earliest text of herbal medicine, where it was used as a general tonic due to its effects and reputation as an adaptogen.
Skullcap is an herb that grows uncultivated in the marshy lands of Canada, the northern and eastern parts of the United States, and southeast Asia. In China, the plant roots are known as huang quin, and employed to ease several conditions.
Senna Leaf - Cassia angustifolia, Senna alexandrina
Senna is native to tropical Africa and cultivated in Egypt, the Sudan and elsewhere. People in northern Africa and southwestern Asia have used senna to support healthy bowel function for centuries.
Senna Pods - Cassia angustifolia
Senna pods are a milder version of the leaves due to their lack of resinous compounds believed to induce griping. Because of this, it is often preferred over the leaves. It too has been used for centuries to support healthy bowel function.
Sheep sorrel, which grows wild, is much smaller than either French or garden sorrel, and is often tinged a deep red hue. Also called sour-grass, because of its sharp taste. One of its main uses is in the herbal tea, Essiac.
Shepherd's purse gets its name from the shape of the herb's fruit, which resembles purses Europeans once hung from their belts. Shepherd's purse can be found almost anywhere in the world. It has long beleived to be an astringent agent.
Slippery Elm is a small tree native to North America. The bark is harvested from the tree in the early spring and the outer bark is scraped off, leaving the mucilage-rich inner bark. The soothing mucilage is used in ointments, poultices, throat lozenges and skin care products.
Solomon's Seal is a flowering plant native to Northern Europe and Siberia, and a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 years. It's commonly used to moisten dry throats from colds, and to ease stomach spasms.
A parent of peppermint and one of the oldest mints cultivated, spearmint is used to flavor all types of foods, such as jellies, jams, candies, sauces, desserts and fruit dishes. It is also used to flavor and fragrance toothpaste, mouthwash, lozenges and chewing gum. Spearmint makes a refreshing herbal tea and is delicious iced or hot.
Stevia, also known as sweetleaf or sugarleaf, is a member of the sunflower family and native to South and Central America. It is 300 times as sweet as sugar and widely utilized as a sugar substitute.
Suma Root - Pfaffia paniculata
Suma root is a perennial vine native to tropical forests of South America. It has similar adaptogenic properties as plants in the Panax family, giving rise to its other common name of "Brazilian Ginseng".
White oak bark, one of the strongest natural astringent herbs available, has been used by Native American cultures for hundreds of years, to treat wounds and intestinal problems. White oak bark is also rich in tannin, and is used by tanners for tanning leather.
Several species of willow are used to produce willow bark herb, Salix alba, S. Fragilis, S. daphnoides and S. purpurea. All contain adequate levels of the important constituent, salicin, to allow their use as the herb. Salicin was isolated and synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid in the 1850's and eventually marketed as aspirin in the late 1890's by Frederich Bayer & Co.
The wild cherry tree is native to the Eastern and Central U.S. and is a valuable lumber tree. The bark has a faint almond-like aroma when placed in water, and a bitter, aromatic flavor.
Wild yam, also known as rheumatism root, colic root and yuma, is a low creeping perennial that grows wild in the eastern half of North America. It is not related to sweet potatoes or yams.
This smooth grey bark comes from a shrub with several crooked branching trunks from one root, 4 to 6 inches in diameter, 10 to 12 feet in height. Extracts from its bark and leaves are used in aftershave lotions and skin lotions.
Also known as hazel nut, snapping hazel, spotted alder, and tobacco wood-- Native Americans used witch hazel leaves and bark as a poultice . This herb is a widely known all-around astringent, its uses ranging from facial care to soothing aching feet.
When dried, woodruff has the scent of new-mown hay. Because of their enduring fragrance, its powdered leaves are used in potpourri. The dried herb may be kept with linen to repel insects.
Wormwood is one of the most bitter herbs known, and provides the bitter flavor in vermouth. It was the famous ingredient in absinthe until it was banned for causing absinthism or wormwood poisoning.
Yarrow Herb - Achillea millefolium
In Europe, yarrow is the "herb's herb" because it stimulates growth, and improves essential oil and mineral content of herbs or plants it grows with. Yarrow is blended in formulas to enhance effects of other herbs. It is best known for its astringent properties.
The familiar yellow roots of the the yellowdock plant were used in cultures around the world, primarily as spring and blood tonic. A Eurasian plant, it was brought to the U.S. as an important medicinal plant by early colonists and is now considered in many places a noxious weed.
Yerba maté is prized as a delicious, gently energizing herbal tea. The flavor of the natural leaf is herbaceous and somewhat like green tea. We also offer roasted leaves for a richer-bodied tea.
Sometimes referred to as Mountain Balm, this herb was widely prized by Native Americans for its ability to ward off negativity and provide protection. The leaves were often carried by individuals to boost their spiritual strength.
Yucca, also known as soap root contains saponins which have a foaming, cleansing action in the presence of water. Yucca was used by Native Americans in the desert southwest in shampoos, soaps and laundry detergent. Yucca has also been used as a natural foaming agent in root beer and other beverages.
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