Herb of the Week – Elder

Gardening, Herbalist, Herbs, Organic

ELDER (Sambucus nigra) I think Elder may be becoming my favourite tree herb. I have had the absolute pleasure these past couple of weekends of spending time with Elder, picking her beautiful little black berries and a few flowers for a couple of projects. Both the...

Herb of the Week – Echinacea

Gardening, Herbalist

ECHINACEA (Echinacea spp.) Echinacea is pretty well known as a North American Indigenous herb used for immune support during the cold and ‘flu season. Traditionally it was used for snake bite and according to well-known herbalist Mrs Grieve, it was used for boils,...

Allopathic (Mainstream) or Herbal Medicine?

Gardening, Herbalist, Herbs, Nutrients

When I first started studying herbal medicine and realising what a great thing it is, in my naivety I believed that herbal medicine was the be all and end all. No more would I be taking antibiotics or anything prescribed by my doctor! The side effects of these drugs,...

Kombucha – A Personal Story

Herbalist, Herbs, Nutrients

When I first started drinking Kombucha Tea 30 years ago, I was told it was a great tonic and something to give the kids when they had colds. My neighbour in NZ passed on the instructions and SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) which we knew as Manchurian...

Where are the Nutrients?

Gardening, Herbalist, Herbs, Nutrients

So, I was talking to my friend and I wanted to explain how organic nutritious food satiates you and is good for you. I’m stating the obvious I know; of course nutritious food is good for you because it provides your body with the nutrients it needs to execute some...

Being a Herbalist

Herbalist, Herbs, Nutrients

A little bit of introspection, had me thinking about what it really means to be a herbalist. For me being a herbalist means much more than prescribing bespoke herbal formulas, Australian Bush Flower Essences or diet and lifestyle recommendations. It means really being...