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Materia Medica: Camphor Basil or Kilimanjaro Basil
Camphor basil or Kilimanjaro Basil (Ocimum kilimandscharicum) is a heat-hardy, perennial basil. It has a rich flavor and aroma, and attracts pollinators. Unlike many annual basils, this plant will grow incredibly tall and fast. It is an anti-inflammatory herb that can be used in food or prepared as tea. Kilimanjaro Basil grows long flowers spikes with small white to pale pink flowers and oval, pubescent leaves with a strong camphor fragrance. The leaves of Ocimum kilimandscharicum are acrid, thermogenic, aromatic, anti-bacterial, insecticidal, antiviral, appetizing, ophthalmic and deodorant. The plant loves rich, well drained soil in an always sunny spot.
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No Florida Bear Hunt in 2016!
We are elated to hear the news that this year the Florida Bear hunt has been called off this past Wednesday evening. We’re humbled and proud of our community that rose together to have their voices heard in honor of our black bears. Craig Pittman of the Tampa Bay Times writes..”..in a surprise move, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-3 late Wednesday to hold off on having a second bear hunt later this year. The vote marks a major change from last year, when the wildlife commissioners voted 6-1 to go ahead with Florida’s first bear hunt in 21 years, which was held in October despite strong…
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Materia Medica: Black Cohosh
In this week’s blog post we take a visit to Rosemary Gladstar’s Sage Mountain Herbal Center in Vermont from Summer 2015 and visit one of our northern plant allies, Black Cohosh (Cimcifuga racemosa) More info on Black Cohosh can be found at this Materia Medica monograph from David Hoffmann. How have you used Black Cohosh? Let us know in the comments below.
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Herbal Holiday Gifts
The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s a great time to get busy in the kitchen apothecary! Herbal holiday gifts are a great way to share personalized presents with loved ones that will support their health through the holidays and beyond. One of my favorite herbal holiday gifts to make are sleep pillows. Sleep pillows smell divine and are fun to blend and package. So many of my friends have trouble sleeping, I know that I’m giving a gift that will be used and bring benefit. SLEEP PILLOWS from Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health 1 part dried chamomile 1 part dried hops 1 part dried lavender 1 part…
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Ursus Issues – Or Why The 2015 Florida Bear Hunt Is So, So Wrong
On June 24th, 2015 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a state wide hunt from October 24-30th to kill Florida’s black bears. The reasons stated for the approval were “population control” and “to reduce human/ bear confrontations”. More than 175,000 people reached out to the commission in opposition to the hunt. About 250 people indicated support of the hunt. These 250 supporters of the cruel hunt primarily consisted of trophy hunters and weapon and gun interest groups. Many reputable organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and The Center for Biological Diversity publicly stated their concern about the hunt and presented multiple scientific studies showing that…
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Dental Herbalism: Four Natural Remedies for a Healthy Mouth
Oral health is ultimately linked to our overall health and well-being. The new guide to herbal dental care, Dental Herbalism(Healing Arts Press, 2014) by herbalist Leslie Alexander and dental hygienist Linda Straub-Bruce, details 41 safe and effective herbs to improve oral health. This excerpt from chapter 11, “An Herbal Materia Medica for the Mouth,” outlines four herbal remedies for dental health: Homemade Toothbrushes, Tooth Powder, Scrubs, and Mouthwash. Turn to these safe and effective ancient herbal remedies for modern-day dental care. This excerpt first appeared in Mother Earth News. Join Leslie Alexander in Orlando at the Florida School of Holistic Living April 1 for “Kitchen Herbs for the Mouth,” a…
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Materia Medica: Spanish Needle
Spanish needle is a ubiquitous weed and potent plant medicine. If you live in the South, you likely have it in your yard! It’s a food, medicine, and amazing pollinator food. Learn more about the video above, and share with us the comments how YOU use Spanish needle!
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Materia Medica: Goldenrod
Goldenrod is beginning to bloom in parts of Central Florida. Watch this week’s video to learn more about this local plant ally. How do YOU use Goldenrod? Share with us in the comments below!
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Materia Medica: Camphor
Learn more about the ubiquitous Central Florida invasive tree, Camphor, in this week’s Materia Medica video. How do YOU use Camphor? Let us know in the comments below!
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Materia Medica: Passionflower
Visit the video above to learn more about one of our favorite Florida plant allies, Passiflora incarnata.
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