herbs

St John's Wort - healing from without and within

St John's Wort - healing from without and within

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a powerful local medicine that can support our healing from without and within. St John’s wort has been found to be as effective as commonly prescribed anti-depressant drugs at improving symptoms of mild and moderate depression, and to carry a lower risk of adverse side effects. The flowers can be extracted in oil and used to help speed the healing of minor wounds (cuts, scrapes, burns, myalgia) and skin irritations (rash, dry skin, eczema).

Seasonal allergies have you in tears?

Seasonal allergies have you in tears?

Seasonal allergies can be an unwelcome gift of Spring. They can disrupt your regular activities, make it harder to sleep, work and play, drain the pleasure from eating a delicious meal, and cause others to cast leery looks your way wondering it if it really is ‘just allergies’. There are many alternatives from foods and dietary supplements, to botanical medicines to homeopathic remedies that may relieve your seasonal suffering, and offer you a chance to experience the joy of stopping to smell the roses.

Featured Herb: Lavender

Featured Herb: Lavender

I love lavender – it is one of my go-to herbs for calm and comfort. It is gentle yet powerful, aromatically delightful and instantly soothing. It calms the mind and supports relaxation. The essential oil is something I always have in the cupboard, great for diffusing alone or in combination with other soothing aromas.

Lavender has been clinically shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression with anxiety, postpartum depression, and disturbed sleep.