Learn about the wonderful world of herbs with our ABCs of Herbs series.
In our ABCs of Herbs series, we want to give you a bit of background about the herbs we use in our blends. This will focus more on what the herb is for, and not about identification.
All information has been learned through the years by me through study and certification.
Damiana Leaf
(Tumera diffusa)
Damiana has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac. It is a known alterative, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant. It promotes calm, and helps to relieve stress, and is a tonic for the nervous system. It supports a healthy hormone balance. It stimulates energy and helps to alleviate fatigue. It's been used as a tea to help overcome shyness, and to boost self-confidence. Naturally contains Vitamin C, has a bitter taste.
Avoid if pregnant, or if urinary tract disease.
Dandelion Leaf /Root
(Taraxacum officinale)
Not just a weed, but a feeder of honey bees and filled with so many benefits, our ancestors knew what they were doing when they brought this plant to the Americas. You can add dandelion leaves to salads, the roots benefit the liver, and the 'milky' liquid in the stems has been known to remove warts (with consistent use) and the flowers benefit eye health. The root is often used to support liver health, aid in digestion, and helps to gently move stagnation. The leaves are known as a spring tonic, though slightly bitter to taste, they are great in aiding digestion and helps to keep things moving. They are a strong diuretic. The leaves are high in potassium, inulin, potassium, and carotenes. We hope you will join the cause, and leave a small part of your yard (the back if you have an HOA) dedicated to their growth in for no other reason than to support the endangered honey bees. Keep it pesticide free please. If your neighbors give you a hassle put a sign in your yard that says "Pardon the weeds, we feed the bees" or something like that. And once you have safe, chemical free zone established (it can take several years for the soil to recover if you have been using pesticides, or weed killer, etc), pick those young dandelion leaves and try some in your salad. Try frying the flowers in batter for a delicious treat that is great for eye health. Generally regarded as a safe herb, Dandelion is in the Asteraceae family, and may sometimes cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to other plants in this family. Dandelion is contraindicated in the case of acute gastric inflammation as it stimulates stomach acid (Holmes, 1997). Germany’s Commission E indicates dandelion is contraindicated when there is obstruction of bile ducts, gall bladder empyema, and ileus; in case of gallstones, use only after consultation with a physician (American Botanical Council, 1999).
Our Blends
Looking for one of our D herbs in a ready made blend? Look no further.