The hydrangea plant is an herbaceous, perennial shrub recognized by its beautiful white, snowball-shaped blooms. A popular ornamental, botanical, and horticultural plant, there are over twenty varieties of hydrangea worldwide. The most popular variety, Macrophylla, is a bluish-bloomed flowering plant found in the United States and Asia and appreciated for its aesthetic and health-promoting qualities. (more…)
Hamamelis virginiana, better known as witch hazel, is a tall shrub native to the United States and Canada. It has a long history of use by the Native Americans as a traditional phytotherapy for hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and other circulatory system concerns. Subsequent research has shown that the benefits of this special plant are the result of compounds and antioxidants contained within its leaves and bark. [1] (more…)
Gravel root is a powerful therapeutic plant that's popular in traditional medicine. Generally a mauve- or white-colored flowering perennial, gravel root can primarily be found along the East Coast of North America and Canada. Gravel root can sometimes be found as far south as Florida as it thrives in sunny and damp conditions. Often, the plant is found in wetlands, woodland areas, and meadows. (more…)
A few years ago, my wife and I were on Hawaii's big island and walking through a quaint shopping area when I noticed a small, hole-in-the-wall establishment that served kava. For the uninitiated, kava is a relaxing, non-alcoholic beverage made from the root of the kava plant, it's popular in the Pacific islands. I'd heard of it but hadn't tried it and figured it'd be a good opportunity. I walked up, paid $6 for a coconut shell of liquid that resembled dirty dishwater, and down the hatch it went. It […]
Whether you have a short temper or just can’t seem to optimize your mental clarity, mood swings and emotional distress can be a serious situation to deal with. Thankfully, a number of herbs can assist you in your fight against mood swings and emotional distress. (more…)
