Herbal Wander

Pine (Pinus strobus)

Pine (Pinus strobus) Family: Pinaceae Genus: Pinus Largest conifer family in species diversity 250 recognized species in the world including pines, larches, spruces, firs, and hemlock Parts Used: bark, needles (leaves), pine resin, pollen, seeds Energetics: warming, drying Taste: pungent, bitter, sour Plant Properties: stimulating diuretic, stimulating expectorant, stimulating diaphoretic, modulates inflammation, nutrient-dense food, vulnerary,…

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum) Family: Amaryllidaceae Genus: Allium Energetics: warming, drying Taste: pungent Plant Properties: circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant, antimicrobial, carminative, immune modulating, vermifuge (parasites) Plant Uses: Hypertension, fungal & bacterial infections, colds, influenza, bronchial congestion, small intestinal bacteria growth, digestion, asthma, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance Garlic has been approved by the Commission E as…

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage (Salvia officinalis) Family: Lamiaceae (mint) Genus: Salvia Common names include garden sage, common sage, culinary sage Comes from the Latin word salvere meaning “to feel well and healthy, health, heal” Energetics: warming, drying Taste: pungent, bitter Plant Properties: aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, antiseptic, blood moving Plant Uses: Sore throat, excessive sweating, infections, stagnant digestion,…

Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa The name, Chokeberry, might suggest you should leave this plant alone but in fact there’s no need! I happily stumbled upon this plump little berry in mid August and glad I did. The dark purple, almost black clusters of fruit hang on a stout deciduous shrub. Showy white flowers bloom in…

Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

Indian Pipe Monotropa uniflora While taking a stroll in the rich dense woods of New Hampshire we came across several clusters of these pale plants. Their appearance and story of survival are so unique I felt compelled to share. First, Indian Pipe also known as Ghost Pipe, is indeed a plant and not a fungus….

Basil Flower Tea

Basil Flower Tea Basil, oh basil, how I love you! This year the garden is filled with Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, and Holy Basil (Tulsi), however there are so many other wonderful varieties. During midsummer the plants begin to flower, and as beautiful as they are these flowery stalks need to be pinched off. The…

Livin’ Lawn

Livin’ Lawn This summer I’ve chatted more about lawns than I ever thought I would. It may have something to do with being a homeowner or maybe being in my thirties or maybe because I think my lawn is pretty cool, who knows? To give you a little recap here is a post taken from…

Nasturtium Pesto

Okay so most people are familiar with pesto – the unique combination of basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and some salt. Oddly enough I’ve never made pesto with basil! (I have nothing against basil, in fact I find it quite medicinal and delicious). However, when you discover that a variety of leafy…

Save the Corn Silk!

The corn is plentiful in New England late summer early fall, as are the barbecues, friendly gatherings, and warm summer nights. It’s almost as if corn and gatherings go hand in hand. Sometimes you even need to construct a small army just to prepare it! The kids love to get involved with shucking the corn,…