Excellence in Herbal Education

Myrrrh Gum from Wikipedia

There are about eighty species in the Commiphora genus that grow from India to Greece, but two of the most well-known are guggul (C. mukul) and myrrh (C. myrrha).  Both plants produce a resin that has been used both as a perfume or incense and as a medicine. 

Photo from Wikipedia

St. John's Wort

Although commonly pigeon-holed as an antidepressant, St. John's wort is an amazing remedy for many different nervous system conditions.  It can ease anxiety and mild depression, stimulates repair in injuried nerves and regulates the solar plexus.  With its antiviral and vulneary properties, St. John's wort has been used for flu, herpes, mono and HIV and for healing injuried tissues. It's time to get acquainted with the numerous potential uses of this traditional herbal remedy.

Photo from Wikepeida

Maitake mushrooms are an incredible immune-enhancing herb and a tasty food, too.  Here's some information about my adventures in gathering (and eating) these mushrooms with my friends Dawn and Kalman Markus.

Photo by Stephen Foster

Dandelions are a reminder that weeds can be both beautiful and useful.  This common weed is an aid to digestion, liver function and kidney function, three of the most common root causes of people's health problems. It's even a food that has been used for salads, a coffee substitute and the making of wine. So, let's bless, rather than curse, the sunny, yellow dandelions and appreciate the healing gifts they bring.

Photo from Wikipedia

Psyllium is the most popular mucilaginous herb in use today. It is among the safest and most gentle laxatives and aids especially in cases of chronic constipation. It can help to reduce appetite for weight loss, lower blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. It is a key ingredient in many fiber blends and cleansing products.

Just about everyone is familiar with parsley as a culinary herb.  It is often placed as a garnish on the plate and is used in salads, soups and other recipes. It is a very nutritious herb and a good remedy for the kidneys.

Photo from Wikipedia

A member of the Composite or Asteracease family, burdock iis related to artichokes and thistles. The root was used as a vegetable by Native Americans and is still used as a vegetable in the Orient.  It is used to help the digestive tract, liver and skin. Burdock is also a key ingredient in many traditional anticancer formulas.

Bee pollen is just one of the many healthy products collected by bees. This nutrient-packed food is helpful for athletes because it increases energy levels. Bee pollen also heightens the immune system's awareness and may be helpful for desensitizing people who suffer from pollen allergies.

Gymnema blocks the taste of sugar on the tongue and helps to curb sugar cravings.  It also is helpful for lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Stevia has some healthy benefits. It appears to have a blood-sugar balancing effect. It is widely used in Paraguay as a remedy for diabetes, but it also seems to help with hypoglycemia.