Tag: traditional medicine
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Heal All
It’s More Than a Wildflower Often overlooked as just another little purple flower growing along roadsides and in meadows, self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) has earned its common name honestly. For centuries, herbalists around the world have valued this humble member of the mint family for its impressive traditional uses. Sometimes called Heal-All, this resilient plant has…
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FARMacy, Not Pharmacy
Why We Believe Health Begins Long Before We Ever Need Medicine If you’ve spent any time here on the homestead, you’ve probably heard me say, “We believe in the FARMacy before the pharmacy.” It’s a phrase that sometimes catches people off guard. Some assume it means we don’t trust doctors or that we’ve sworn off…
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Chamomile
It’s More Than a Cup of Tea Chamomile has been treasured for centuries as one of the world’s most beloved calming herbs. Known scientifically as Matricaria chamomilla, this cheerful member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) has been used in kitchens, herbal medicine cabinets, and gardens for generations. While most people recognize chamomile as a relaxing…
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Yarrow
It’s more than a roadside wildflower For centuries, yarrow has been treasured as one of nature’s most versatile healing herbs. Known scientifically as Achillea millefolium, yarrow belongs to the Asteraceae family and has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Its delicate clusters of white flowers may appear unassuming, but this resilient plant…
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Dandelion
It’s more than a common weed Often overlooked and quickly pulled from gardens, dandelion has quietly held a place in traditional wellness practices for centuries. Known scientifically as Taraxacum officinale, this bright yellow plant belongs to the Asteraceae family—the same family as daisies. Despite its humble reputation, dandelion has long been valued as a nourishing…
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St. John’s Wort
It’s more than a wildflower For centuries, Saint John’s Wort has been valued for its powerful effects on emotional and physical well-being. Known scientifically as Hypericum perforatum, this bright yellow flowering plant belongs to the Hypericaceae family. Often found growing in sunny fields and along roadsides, it has earned a reputation as one of nature’s…
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Lemon Balm
It is a gentle herb for relaxation and digestive support Lemon balm is a fragrant herb celebrated for its fresh citrus scent and calming nature. Known botanically as Melissa officinalis, it belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. For generations, lemon balm has been used as a comforting herbal remedy for relaxation, sleep support, and digestive…
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Feverfew
An ancient herb with modern appeal Discovering Feverfew Feverfew has been used in traditional herbal practices for centuries and is best known for its association with migraine prevention and pain relief. Scientifically known as Tanacetum parthenium, feverfew belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its small white flowers and rich herbal history have made it a…
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Lavender
It’s more than a pleasant fragrance For centuries, lavender has been cherished for its soothing aroma and versatile wellness benefits. Known scientifically as Lavandula angustifolia, lavender belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its beautiful purple flowers are not only visually appealing but have also earned a reputation as one of nature’s most calming herbs. Edible…
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Tinctures & Infused Oils
I try to use as many of the herbs on the property as possible. Often, this can look like making tinctures and infused oils. Tinctures are shelf-stable herbal preparations that I make using alcohol. Infused oils are exactly what they sound like, I soak herbs in oil, typically olive oil but you can also use…
