About the Herbal Library

Hyssop is an aromatic perennial herb traditionally used to support respiratory and digestive health. It is commonly valued for its antimicrobial and expectorant properties and is often used in teas and syrups. Hyssop is also a hardy garden plant that attracts pollinators and adds structure and fragrance to herb gardens.

Hyssop is also frequently mentioned in the Bible and has long been associated with purification and cleansing.

Marshmallow is a gentle herb traditionally used to soothe irritated tissues of the digestive and respiratory systems. It is especially valued for its moistening, demulcent properties that help calm dryness and inflammation. Marshmallow is a hardy perennial that grows well in moist soils and is useful in both medicinal and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Borage is a fast-growing annual herb commonly used to support adrenal health and reduce inflammation. It is also valued for its nutrient-rich leaves and seeds and its traditional use in herbal tonics. Borage readily self-sows and is an excellent companion plant, attracting pollinators and improving garden diversity.

Nasturtium is a vibrant annual herb with well-known medicinal and culinary uses. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and commonly used fresh for their peppery flavor, and the plant is valued for its antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties. Although this is the common garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), and not a species labeled officinalis, it is still traditionally used as both a food and a medicine. 

Nasturtium is easy to grow, helps deter certain garden pests, and adds beauty and function to the garden.

Juniper berries are the aromatic cones of the juniper plant and have a long history of traditional medicinal use. They are commonly used to support digestion and urinary health and are known for their antimicrobial properties. 

Note: Only the berries of Juniperus communis are used medicinally; some juniper species are not suitable for internal use, so proper identification is important.

Sometimes called wild bergamot or bee balm, Bergamot is an aromatic, showy perennial with ragged pompom-like lavender, pink, or white flowers. Medicinally, it has antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties, among others, and is used to help colds, flu, nausea, fevers, and cough. Also topically for skin issues.

Goldenseal is a popular medicinal herb which at one point was nearly harvested to extinction. Prized for it's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it's often used to help with upper respiratory infections and other bacterial infections.

You often find Goldenseal combined with echinacea to aid with common colds; and it's infusions are useful as a remedy for psoriasis. 

Black Cohosh is a well known medicinal herb typically used to ease menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. While Black Cohosh does not contain estrogen, it does have an estrogenic action within the body due to a specific hormonal effect within the brain. 

Because of its help with women’s issues traditional Native American healers called it squaw root.

As an added bonus, when planted in the garden, it repels some insects due to its off-putting scent.  

Cleavers is a creeping perennial, weedy herb that is somewhat sticky and is found growing almost everywhere.

It is used to help with enlarged lymph nodes where infection is suspected and works best when combined with other anti-infectives, like echinacea or goldenseal. The cleansing and lymphatic effects make it useful in treatment of chronic skin disorders including eczema, acne, urticaria, and psoriasis as well.

The berries from the Chaste Tree are most well know for use to regulate hormones due to their progestogenic properties, but may also with other gynecological problems and help with difficulty in breastfeeding.

Research also indicates that chaste berry increases melatonin levels aiding with sleep issues.

Meadowsweet, also known as queen of the meadow, is an herb in the rose family. It contains salicylates, compounds that can have anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

It has been used in traditional herbal medicine to alleviate joint pain, arthritis, colds, and stomach ulcers.

Ashwagandha is best known for reducing anxiety and tension, as well as combating chronic stress by reducing cortisol and blood pressure levels.

Research also suggests it may be helpful in reducing inflammation in the body.

Historically used in traditional Chinese medicine, Sweet Annie was used to treat malaria. After extensive research, its key constituent, artemisinin, was shown to have powerful antimalarial activity.

Medicinally it's not only considered antimalarial, but also antiparasitic. Research is currently underway on anti-cancer actions the plant may also contain.

Chickweed is a versatile and valuable herb with a wide range of health benefits. This humble plant is predominantly known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects and skin soothing and moisturizing properties. 

Being rich in vitamins (A, C, and B), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc) and antioxidants (flavonoids and saponins) makes it a terrific addition to a balanced diet as well!

Arnica is a well-known herb traditionally used for bruises, sprains, and muscle soreness. It is commonly applied externally to help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation after injury or overexertion. Arnica is for external use only and should not be applied to broken skin.

(1) Before using or consuming any plants or herbs, always consult with your health practitioner.

(2) Use caution when wild sourcing. Select plants where herbicides have not been used.

(3) These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.