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).
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a wonderful medicinal plant that grows plentifully all over Canada. Although you may have encountered it on a nature walk and noticed the sting that gives its name, if you cook or dry it the sting disappears (just wear gloves when foraging!).
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.