Amelia Jeanroy

As the snow starts to recede, I am anxious to see where my spring plants will pop up. I have lived all over the country and violets are one of the wild plants that seem to survive wherever we go. Usually found along the edges of yards and gardens, many people consider them a weed, while I think violets simply need better marketing.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), is known in traditional and modern herbal medicine for its nutritional content and health benefits. Although there is an entire industry devoted to destroying these beautiful and useful plants, their bright cheerful blooms endure. Dandelion has so many uses that anyone with a clean patch available to them should take notice.

parsley often plays a humble backdrop to more flamboyant characters. Yet, this culinary staple, with its bright green leaves and clean, peppery flavor, deserves its moment in the sun. Beyond its role as a garnish, parsley is a versatile and nutritious herb that has been valued for centuries in cuisines and healing traditions around the world.

An herbal stash is only as good as the things you use it for. Let's look at some ideas to get you started.

Navigating through allergy season can be a daunting task for many. The sneezing, watery eyes, and constant itch can drive anyone to distraction. Fortunately, Mother Nature offers a bounty of herbs that can help alleviate these symptoms. Today, let's talk about some herbs for allergy relief like Nettle, Rosemary, Pearly Everlasting, Goldenrod, and a few others that are not only effective but can also thrive in your garden or the wild.

Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a fascinating herb that doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves in the world of herbal remedies. This humble plant, easily recognized by its heart-shaped seed pods resembling a shepherd's pouch, is a powerhouse of benefits waiting to be explored.

Nettle, often overlooked and undervalued, is a treasure trove of health benefits and culinary potential. As a fervent advocate for the wonders of plants, I want to share why nettle has captured my heart

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is not just your average herb. With roots deeply entrenched in the Mediterranean soil, it has journeyed through centuries, from ancient Egypt to Roman baths, and now to our modern kitchens and medicine cabinets. Its rich history is matched only by its complex flavor profile, making it a staple in culinary and herbal traditions around the world.

Yarrow, known scientifically as Achillea millefolium, is a versatile and resilient herb, celebrated for its myriad of uses in traditional herbalism, gardening, and even in folklore.

Creeping Charlie, or Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), is a perennial plant that has woven its way through history, folklore, and the modern garden with equal parts admiration and vexation. Let's take a look at Creeping Charlie, its history, uses, and the beauty it holds within its wandering stems.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) stands out with its vibrant green leaves and a distinct, pungent aroma. Often associated with Italian cuisine, this hardy perennial transcends the culinary realm, weaving its way into the tapestry of herbal medicine with remarkable benefits

Nestled in meadows, lawns, and wild spaces, Heal-all, or Prunella vulgaris, is a perennial herb that's been a staple in traditional medicine across the globe.

Winter Embrace herbal tea blend is perfect to get us through what seems like the longest part of the winter season. Give it a try!

Historically, Catnip was a go-to herb in traditional European medicine. It was used for everything from treating colic in babies to being a kitchen staple. There's an old saying, "If you set it, the cats will eat it; if you sow it, the cats won’t know it." This saying hints at Catnip’s dual nature – both a playful treat for cats and a valuable herb for humans.

Slippery elm is in the family of plants known as Demulcents. This is a useful herb that has its place in your medicine chest, but there are alternatives

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is more than just a pretty face in the plant world. Its citrus-scented leaves have been a staple in the culinary and medicinal herb garden for centuries.

Usnea, also known as Old Man's Beard, it's not just a whimsical addition to the woods but a powerful herbal ally with a rich history in natural medicine.

Meadowsweet. Known scientifically as Filipendula ulmaria, is not just a pretty face in your garden; it's a powerhouse of benefits, right at your fingertips.

Pearly Everlasting, is a perennial herb found in the landscapes of North America. Known for its charming, small, white flowers that resemble pearls, this herb doesn't get the love that some of the more "common" herbs do and I would like to change that.