Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) may not be one of the most prized culinary herbs, but its exceptional medicinal properties, and high protein content, makes it a very popular herb with herbalists. In the edible plant world it ranks just behind soya beans for protein content. And it has no equal as a remedy for skin problems, […]
Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
In the 12th century the great physician and philosopher Maimonides prescribed herbal baths and chicken soup as remedies for the common cold. More than 800 years later, the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that Maimonides was right. Researchers found that chicken soup was a mild antibiotic, decongestant and throat soother. Chinese healers to this […]
Insalata Caprese – Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Tomato and Mozzarella salad is one of the first recipes we make every year when the basil starts overflowing with abundance and the first tomatoes ripens on the vines. It’s also the recipe we probably make most during the course of the growing season. Insalata Caprese (salad in the style of Capri or Tomato and […]
Using Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Like The Pro’s
Botanical name: Petroselinum crispum Pharmacopeial name: Petroselini herba/radix Parts Used: Taproot, leaf, seed Wrongly relegated to a garnish alone by many herbalists and cooks, parsley actually has a wonderfully savoury and herbaceous flavour, making it a fabulous culinary and healing foundation. Parsley is perhaps the most underestimated herb in Nature’s Apothecary. Culinary Uses Parsley is […]
Flapjacks with Poor Man’s Caviar
This black olive caviar recipe from Tuscany comes from Paola Gavin’s Mediterranean Vegetarian Cooking. Black olive caviar is often nicknamed ‘poor man’s caviar’. It consists of a mixture of pureed black olives, artichoke bottoms, capers and chilli, served on crostini or slices of toast. Sometimes half a small courgette is substituted for the artichoke bottom. […]
The Best Herbal Tonics for Each Body System
Natural healing seeks to nourish the body in a way that supports its own disease-fighting mechanisms. By nourishing your tissues and energy herbal tonics help combat disease, increase immunity and enhance the quality of your life. Herbal tonics are a great way to venture into the fascinating world of herbal remedies, to try something new and […]
The Family Herbalist’s First Aid Kit
This section will help you select herbal preparations and essential oils for minor burns, cuts, abrasions, insect stings, sprains and strains. Serious injuries, however, need urgent medical attention. Orthodox medicine is extremely good at treating such injuries. Use your common sense and get help when needed. The Basic First Aid Kit Apart from the basic […]