Lemon Balm by Student Contributor Monique Van Gunten 2015

by wildflowerscho | Nov 26, 2015 | Uncategorized, Herbs, Texas, Bioregional Herbalism

Melissa officinalis Monograph                       by Monique VanGunten 2015 Lemon balm, sunshine herb, apiastrum, bawme, Melissa, smiths bawme, iron-wort, blue Oswego tea, scarlet monarda, bee balm, heart’s...

Chili Pequin, Capsicum annuum

by wildflowerscho | Nov 26, 2015 | Herbs, Uncategorized, Texas, Bioregional Herbalism

Warming Up Winter With Wild Chile PequinIts always such a joy to stumble upon wild chile peppers. They are happy little plants, often neglected and unseen until their berries begin to ripen. Much of our plant folklore warns to be careful of red berries, and true to...

Ragweed, Ambrosia

by wildflowerscho | Nov 26, 2015 | Herbs, Texas, Bioregional Herbalism

Ragweed Medicine. Ambrosia trifida. One of those plants people love to hate, and I love to use! Generally, I harvest the leaves before they go to flower and make a fresh plant tincture out of them. Believe it or not, the tincture is wonderful for opening up the...

Poke, Phytolacca

by wildflowerscho | Nov 26, 2015 | Library, Herbs, Texas, Bioregional Herbalism

Pokeberry, Phytolacca americana,  is a toxic plant whose root is used in drop or low dosage by experienced herbalists as a lymphatic stimulant.   As with all low dose medicinals, the difference between poison and medicine is dosage.  Poke is used in Appalachian and...

Sow Thistle: Sonchus oleraceus

by wildflowerscho | Aug 22, 2014 | Library, Herbs, Texas, Bioregional Herbalism

Sow Thistle, or Sonchus oleraceus,  is a common weed all over Central Texas in the early spring.  It is in the Asteraceae family, related to Dandelion, and Artichoke.  Sonchus is thought of as an “invasive” naturalized weed and likes to take...

Artemisia, Mugwort

by wildflowerscho | Aug 22, 2014 | Herbs, Library, Texas, Bioregional Herbalism

Artemisia is named for the goddess Artemis protectress of all things wild, of women and was thought to bring things back to health.  She is goddess of the hunt, a virgin, twin sister of the god Apollo. The genus encompasses many species several of which are found in...