Joseph’s Herbal Blog
Meadowsweet, Queen of the Meadow
The Queen of the Meadow, Meadowsweet, Filipedula ulmaria, is in full flower in Midlothian. It’s always a pleasure to see the fizzy white flowers appear along stream beds and the damp edges of meadows, like an exuberant foam. The almond smell and palpable happiness of the myriad insects buzzing about the flowers just makes a body feel good.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from sweetened tea. A specific symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts - referred to as a mother, a SCOBY, or erroneously a mushroom - feeds on the sweetened tea and produces organic acids, B vitamins, some vitamin C, anti-oxidants, carbon dioxide, and sometimes alcohol, amongst many other compounds.
The Herbology of Absinthe
It’s festival time in Edinburgh again, the place is full of tourists, artists and performers. There is comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, music, magic, circuses, literature, cultural displays, street acts spitting fire whilst riding unicycles backwards. The ‘Burgh’s population doubles with visitors from the four corners and general revelry abounds. And who doesn’t love a chat about disreputable substances? So let’s talk Absinthe.
Rosmarinus
“There’s Rosemary, that’s for remembrance,” says Ophelia. And right she is. Rosemary does improve memory, increasing blood flow to the head, and helping to sharpen and focus the mind. Sniff too much, though, and it tends to overexcite and scatter your thoughts.
St John’s Wort
Famously typecast as a herbal antidepressant, this antiviral and pain-relieving nerve tonic has just come into flower. It’s an easy one to identify with it’s small stature, delicate leaves, and bright yellow, exuberant, slightly giddy-looking flowers.
First of the Summer Wine
As a herbalist, this is an exciting time of the year. The Nettles are green and furry and fresh, the raspy Cleavers abundant, Plantain is new and tender, Elderflowers are and Hawthorn buds are forming, Coltsfoot is up, Dandelions are everywhere; Goutweed, Pilewort, Whitlow Grass, Hedge Garlic, Tri-Corner Leek, Wild Garlic, and Yarrow, are all to be found in profusion. Come real spring and early summer, there is lots for a medicine maker to do.
Darling Herbs of May
The wheel of the years turn in my Children’s Clinic, away from coughs, colds and winter eczema; and towards allergies, hay fever, and hot summer rashes. Fortunately, antidotes to such seasonal maladies are blooming all around. These common native plants are easy to identify, safe and gentle, and easy to use.
Home Herbalism: Medicinal Foods for Colds, Flus and Frightful Coughs
Today, let’s talk food. Most people have ginger, chilli, garlic, sage and thyme in their cupboards, and a great many have horseradish too - either prepared in the jar or in root form kickin’ it with the potatoes and onions.
Home Herbalism: Seven Useful Herbs for Colds, Flus and Frightful Coughs
In this edition of Home Herbalism, Joseph takes you through the seven essential herbs for treating colds, flus and coughs - herbs you probably already have in the house - plus some recipes for teas to try next time you’re feeling under the weather.
Home Herbalism: Elderberry for Colds, Flus and Frightful Coughs
In this edition of Home Herbalism, Joseph discusses the magnificent medicinal properties of the beloved elderberry, a natural remedy for colds, flus and coughs. Enjoy a delicious swig of Joseph’s elderberry syrup that you can make at home.