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Valerian
Common Name: valerian, garden heliotrope, garden valerian, vandal root Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis, derived from the Latin word valere, meaning “to be well” or “to be strong” Family: Valerianaceae Habitat: Native to Europe and Western Asia but grows easily in much of North America. Grows well in partial to full sun, prefers rich soil and moist conditions and can grow up to 5’ tall. White flowers in an umbel, bloom through summer and easily self sows. Lanceolate leaves are opposite and pinnately compound on a reddish stem. Leaves are larger on the lower ends of the stem and get smaller as you move up. Flowers have a sweet fragrance, but…
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Nettle
by Lex Barnard Latin name: Urtica dioica Family: Urticaceae Habitat: Perennial herb often found in damp, nutrient-rich soil along bodies of water in relatively well shaded areas or places with access to full sun. It can also be found in disturbed areas and is often thought of as a “weed” due to its ability to spread quite far. This is due to the fact that nettles spread via rhizome as well as via seed. The leaves are saw-toothed, heart-shaped, and alternate on its stalk. There are stinging hairs that cover the stem and leaves. It can grow 3-5 feet tall and in zones 2-9.
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Garlic
by Shay DeGrandis Common Names: Garlic, Ail, Ajo, Camphor of the Poor, Da Suan (TCM), Nectar of the Gods, Poor Man’s Treacle, Rason/Lasunam (Ayurveda), Stinking Rose Latin Name: Allium sativum Family: Alliaceae (previously listed as Amarylidaceae and Liliaceae) Habitat: With approximately 500 species native throughout the Northern Hemisphere, almost all cultures across the world have grown and utilized some type of garlic. Most garlic is currently cultivated in China and India while some is imported from South America. California is the largest grower in the U.S.
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Emily Ruff & The Sacred Science
In late March 2023, after wrapping up hosting the 12th Annual Florida Herbal Conference, our founder Emily Ruff headed off to work with The Sacred Science team on their upcoming project focusing on bringing healing home to our kitchens. One of the recipes she featured for the team’s newest docuseries was Fire Cider! As many who’ve attended a Roots of Herbalism class with us know, this is one of our favorite remedies and we are thrilled Emily will be showcased sharing it with the world! Emily shared with us some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from her shoot, and gave us permission to share them here with you! As we get more…
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Guava
The Florida School of Holistic Living's plant of the month for August 2022. Latin name: Psidium guajava.
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Grief Care 2022
We know there are no words, nor is there any deed that can replace a life or remove the pain after loss. All we can do now is come together in love and support. It is our hope that resources for self-care and love may provide some comfort, if not today, but one day. Please accept and share the resources in this email with anyone who is in need. We, the Florida School of Holistic Living, are offering the following class for free: Additional Resources At this time we have the following information and resources available to share. More will come soon and we will update this page, as well…
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ABC Presents 2022 Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder Award to Emily Ruff
On April 5, 2022, The American Botanical Council (ABC) announced its 2022 Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder Award to be our very own Emily Ruff. According to their announcement, recipients are, "individuals who have played a significant...
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Ramgoat Dashalong
Latin Name: Turnera ulmifolia Common Name: Yellow Alder, Yellow Elder, Ramgoat Dashalong, West Indian Holly, Sage Rose Family: Passifloraceae Habitat: T. ulmifolia is a small woody shrub native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean basin that can also be found in many tropical parts of the world. It grows in partial sun/shade. However, the plant will branch more and stay fuller when in full sun. Open woods and disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields, are some of T. ulmifolia’s favorite places to grow.
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Moringa
Common Names Wonder Tree, The Divine Tree, The Miracle Tree, Drumstick tree, West Indian Ben, Bridal Veil, Muringa/Muringai (Tamil), Jacinto (Spanish), Sahijan, Munaga (Hindi), Shigru, Shobhanjana (Ayurvedic). Benzolive Tree, or Ben Oil Tree
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Community Graduate – Tamara Niedermann
Favorite lesson My favorite lesson learned through my time with the Holistic Living School is that this education isn’t just about learning which herbs to use for what, or how to make a tincture or tea, or how to build an herbal business. It’s also about learning about and celebrating your lineage and the people who came before you. It’s about connecting to your ancestors, remembering a practice that’s been forgotten, and becoming more yourself in the process. Journey into herbalism I started learning about herbs as a way to support the people I was serving in my doula practice. I’ve been a doula for five years and I saw…
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