Echinacea is a decorative perennial herb that is commonly used in flower gardens and borders. At the flower heads grow tall above the plant itself, you can plant it behind lower growing herbs and flowers. The common color varieties are purple, and more rarely seen are white, pink, peach, yellow, and orange. For medicinal purposes, you want to plant Echinacea purpurea (seen in image) or Echinacea angustifolia.

Echinacea is often seen in herbal teas, energy supplements, or as a standalone supplement. You may know that it is heavily used and most commonly available during the cold and flu season because it strengthens the immune system. What you may not know is why and what benefit it would have to you as a medicinal treatment and in your daily supplement routine. Here are a few of those benefits and what you should consider about this supplement for your new healthy lifestyle routine. Continue reading →

There are some highly unusual and powerful herbs and plants that you may want to consider planting in your wellness garden. While these plants can be a potent force in healing, some can be extremely dangerous if not used properly, and some need to be mixed by an herbalist or someone who knows how to calculate doses. Continue reading →

There is a misconception that inflammation is something only people with muscle and joint injuries face. The truth is, you can have minor inflammation and resulting pain from changing your workout routine, adding strength training, or simply from being sick with a bad cold or flu. Inflammation is also common during pregnancy as well.

You may be wondering what you can do for inflammation that is natural and effective. Here are some herbs that can help and how you can prepare them for use.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb that is readily available in powder forms at most grocery stores in the spice isle. You may feel that this herb is simply for cooking, but it can help reduce inflammation caused by fibromyalgia, over exertion, and joint or muscle issues. Continue reading →