Herbal Medicine

Emotional Healing, Herbal Medicine, Mental Health astrology, authenticity, Depression, dry, energetics, herbal lore, Leo, manifestation, mood, solar, sun, wildcrafting, wound healing

The nature of Hypericum

May 4, 2023

This herb is ubiquitous in South East Australia, (and probably in other parts of the country). It is generally considered a weed. But, if we are on the same page, you would know that nothing is by chance. There is a good a reason why it is so widespread, a reason why we’d do well […]

Herbal Medicine Kaloba, Pelargonium sidoides, South African geranium, South African plants, Stevens' Cure, Umckaloabo

Pelargonium sidoides: traditional knowledge vs scientific evidence

July 4, 2022

Pelargonium sidoides, also known as South African geranium, is one of several species of the genus Geraniaceae that are important traditional medicines in South Africa. The plants of this genus are often referred to by their original Khoi-Khoi name rabas.

Cancer, Herbal Medicine Cancer survival, Folk medicine, Home remedies, Power of love, Resilience

A tale of folk herbalism – a story about Greater Plantain

January 18, 2022

The name may be confusing. Many people know that plantains are like bananas. But this herb is very different. It is a small herbaceous plant with a rosette of leaves. It has a few stems that grow from the centre that are topped by a spike of tiny greenish-brown flowers.

Herbal Medicine, Insomnia, Mental Health insomnia, Lemon Balm, medicinal plants, Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm for insomnia

November 28, 2021

Traditional use Various cultures utilise Lemon Balm as a sedative for anxiety and insomnia and to lift depression.1, 2 It is traditionally known as a herb for mental disorders.3 It also considered to enhance cognitive capacities, as such it has been used for dementia,1 and to relieve various other afflictions including heart conditions, digestive complaints […]

Herbal Medicine, Hormones, Reproductive Health, Women's Health black cohosh, Hormone balance, menopause, Women's reproductive system

Black Cohosh – a misunderstood herb

August 12, 2021

From pain relief to menopausal treatment Black Cohosh is perhaps one of the most misunderstood herbs. Traditionally Black Cohosh was used by Indigenous North American tribes for all manner of pain management and inflammation. This included rheumatic pain, menstrual cramps, pain of childbirth, sore throat and back pain. It was also utilised for cough, insomnia […]

Emotional Healing, Flower Essences, Herbal Medicine, Mental Health Bach fower essences, emotional wellbeing, energetic healing, flower essences, mental health

A flower essence to make you powerful and wise

July 15, 2020

Flower essences are made with different types of flowers, which are material things that are prepared in a away that allow them to work energetically. This is something I experienced directly and very intensely when I was learning about Bach flower essences with a great herbalist and teacher. (If she reads this post, which is […]

Herbal Medicine anxiety, insomnia, kava, piper methysticum

Kava for anxiety and insomnia

July 11, 2020

My first experience with Kava was a very pleasant surprise. Some years ago, when I was in the thick of my naturopathy studies, the stresses of student life and some personal issues were causing me significant anxiety. It got quite severe, to the point where every night when I was lying in bed attempting to […]

Herbal Medicine Depression, Hypericum perforatum, St John's Wort

St. John’s Wort is effective for depression

January 11, 2020

When I was taught about Hypericum perforatum in my naturopathic training, I was told that it is indicated for depression. This is relatively common knowledge. I was also taught that it helps relieve some other conditions associated with the nervous system such as anxiety and insomnia. This was unsurprising. I had tried the herb […]