With spring cleansing on my mind, I found myself thinking of how much I value myrrh as an incense for purifying the air. It has a unique ability to cleanse a space and inspire new beginnings. Its powerful antiseptic qualities are comforting and extend to the emotional realm. The effects are the same when this…
Herbs can be subtle medicine, gently but inexorably changing the body on a cellular level. Some herbs and herbal formulas are fast-acting for acute conditions, and their effects can be felt right away. But the long-term, systemic changes brought about by herbal medicine are also powerful, and depending on the herb they can happen so…
I’ll paraphrase one of my favorite herbalists, jim mcdonald, when he speaks to the difficulty some folks have in gaining confidence with herbs. He suggests picking one or two herbs to focus on completely– Grow them, eat them, read about them, make medicine with them, etc.; if you really got to know, say, Peppermint and…
Ginger, Zingiber officinale, is a root with a characteristically spicy flavor used in cooking all over the world. Gingerol, one of the identified essential oils in the fresh root has many soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a very useful substance. According to Ayurvedic medicine, which has used ginger root for centuries, the fresh…
The Amazing Benefits of Nettle Leaf Just Don’t Quit Here at Smile Herb Shop we’re big fans of Nettles. Ask any of our herbalists what their favorite thing is about this herb and you’re likely to get lots and lots of answers! Best known these days for dealing with seasonal allergies, Nettles can do so…
This ancient spice is the answer for just about anything Famously referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” turmeric (also known as curcuma longa) is an herb that originated in India and Asia dating back to 2,000 BC., and has since been used for culinary and medicinal purposes.Known for its pepper-like aroma and bright golden…
Stinging Nettles Can one herb really… The answer is yes! And the herb in question is none other than Stinging Nettle, or Urtica dioica. This herb is often seen as a pesky weed, but we know better. Many people turn to Nettles to help them survive allergy season intact. In addition to helping the body regulate its…
The Ginger plant, Zingiber officinale, is native to southeast Asia, and its pungent roots have a long history of culinary and medicinal use. The gnarled, beige rhizomes also grow wild in Africa and Australia, and it is cultivated in many other warm climates of the world. You can easily grow ginger in a pot at…
Turmeric is a native herb of India. It has been used medicinally for over 2,500 years, and recent researchers have been learning more about the health benefits of this amazing plant. Turmeric has long been known as a powerful anti-inflammatory, while recent studies have found that it can aid in the treatment of a wide…