Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) has been used by both men and women as an herbal aphrodisiac since the ancient Mayan civilization (Balch and Bell, 2012).  Scientific evidence that supports damiana’s so-called aphrodisiac properties is lacking; these properties have not been demonstrated in humans. However, studies evaluating damiana’s efficacy in male rats has indicated an improved sexual … Read more

German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – is also known as ‘Wild Chamomile’. It is one of the nine sacred herbs of the ‘Lacnunga’ (a miscellaneous collection of almost 200 mainly herbal remedies, charms, and prayers found only in a mostly 10th-11th century manuscript in the British Library). Latin Name: Matricaria chamomilla syn. Chamomilla chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria recutita, Matricaria suaveolens. … Read more

Wildcrafting (Foraging) for the C21st

While wildcrafted ingredients can’t be “certified organic” under current guidelines, the process basically ensures that ingredients are inherently organic. “Wildcrafted plants are indigenous, and organic in the sense of being pure and untouched by toxins or pollutants,” said Brandy Monique, founder of the small-batch FIG+YARROW beauty line http://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/beauty-dictionary-wildcrafting/ Country Lane and Ancient Hedgerow Lamium Purpureum – Purple Dead-Nettle … Read more

Vervain – The Herb of Enchantment

Verbena Officinalis – commons.wikimedia.org Other Names: Common Vervain, Common Verbena, Herb of Grace, Herbe Sacrée, Herba Veneris,  Holy Herb, Herb of Enchantment, Druids Herb, Wizards Herb, Simpler’s Joy, Tears of Isis. Rank Scientific Name and Common Name Kingdom Plantae – Plants Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons Subclass … Read more

‘The Handbook of Contemporary Animism’ – Book of the Month – January 2018

“Animism, where every particle in the universe is alive, is implicit in all our work for future survival.    I am grateful for the new animism, because it counts for something. Its importance cannot be overstated. It is a beginning, even without the history and aboriginal connection to this land. It says the human is … Read more

Wise Woman’s Power Plant – Mugwort

Mugwort Mugwort; or to give it it’s proper name Artemisia vulgaris LINN, is rightly justified in being known as the ‘Wise-Woman’s Power Plant’. Said to be named after the Hellenic goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, the moon, virginity and protector of young girls; Artemis.That Mugwort is steeped in so much folklore regarding its healing properties should be of no … Read more

It’s Only Words

It’s only words!! As far as ‘bromides’ go in the English language, that has to be one of the worst ones. Most people will have come across the term ‘bromide’ in relation to the chemical compound potassium bromide; a sedative preparation. The term ‘bromide’ is also applied to words trying to achieve the same effect, … Read more

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