Tag Archives: health

Wild Cherry for Gout and Coughs

I remember spending hours during the summer as a child eating black cherries off a tree in our yard. It wasn’t until years later that I learned of the medicinal and nutritive benefits of this plant that is also known as wild cherry. The juice from the berries is a popular folk remedy for goutContinue reading “Wild Cherry for Gout and Coughs”

Keep Calm with Skullcap

Skullcap is one of the relaxing herbs that are native to the Southeastern United States. These herbs are known as nervines, and they both calm and tone the nervous system. Because of this calming effect, skullcap is used for mild cases of anxiety. Its active components have also been shown to bind serotonin receptors inContinue reading “Keep Calm with Skullcap”

Willow Bark: Herbal Aspirin?

Many people consider willow bark to be an herbal aspirin substitute. This is true for many of its actions, but there are some differences that are important to know about. The main commonality is that willow bark has analgesic and inflammation modulating effects that make it useful for pain. Willow bark is used for headachesContinue reading “Willow Bark: Herbal Aspirin?”

Soothe Your Nerves with Passionflower

Passionflower is a relaxing herb that is native to Arkansas and other southeastern states. It is a close relative of passion fruit, but that species doesn’t have the calming action of passionflower. Even though the plant is named passionflower, we actually use the leaves of this vine before it flowers. One of the most commonContinue reading “Soothe Your Nerves with Passionflower”

Knowing When to Use Goldenseal

Goldenseal is probably one of the best-known herbs, but its fame has contributed to overharvesting, and it is now considered to be an at risk plant. Therefore, it is important to know what conditions goldenseal works best for and when to choose another herb. For instance, one of goldenseal’s active components, berberine, is responsible forContinue reading “Knowing When to Use Goldenseal”