Category: Herbs

Spikenard About the Plant: Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi). [Common Names; nard, nardin, and muskroot]This plant is on the critical endangered species list. Spikenard is a fascinating herb that grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. It belongs to the honeysuckle family and has small, pink, bell-shaped flowers. The rhizomes (underground stems) of the plant are the… Continue reading Herb of the Month: Spikenard

Bay Laurel About the Plant: Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). [Common Names; bay tree, bay laurel, sweet bay, true laurel, Grecian laurel, laurel. Bay leaves are not only a common ingredient in many cuisines but also a powerful herb with a long history of use in various traditions. Bay leaves have been associated with wisdom, protection,… Continue reading Herb of the Month: Bay Laurel

Blessed Thistle About the Plant: Blessed Thistle Cnicus benedictus[Common Names; St. Benedict’s thistle, blessed thistle, holy thistle,  spotted thistle. Blessed Thistle is an annual plant growing to 60 cm tall, with leathery, hairy leaves up to 30 cm long and 8 cm broad, with small spines on the margins. The flowers are yellow, produced in a dense flowerhead (capitulum) 3–4 cm diameter, surrounded by numerous spiny basal bracts. Blessed… Continue reading Herb of the Month: Blessed Thistle

Calendula About the Plant: Calendula Calendula officinalis [Common Names;pot marigold, Common marigold, Ruddles, Mary’s gold, Scotch marigold, Garden marigold, Gold bloom, Holligold, Marigold, Mary Bud, Poet’s marigold Calendula is a member of the aster family, native to Europe and Asia, but widely cultivated around the world. It has bright yellow or orange flowers that bloom… Continue reading Herb of the Month: Calendula

Aster About the Plant: Aster Asteraceae [Common Names; starved aster, Calico aster, white woodland aster, New England Aster, Heart-leaved Aster, Purple-stemmed Aster. Aster is a genus of flowering plants that has about 23,600 species. Aster alpinus is the only species of Aster (sensu stricto) that is native to North America; it is found in mountains across the Northern… Continue reading Herb of the Month: Aster