Monthly Archives: February 2014

Fire Cider Controversy


Originally posted on Ottawa Herb Society:
There has been quite alot of information buzzing around since one company patented the term Fire Cider. Here is Rosemary Gladstar’s most recent response. Official Statement from Rosemary Gladstar ———————————— Dear Friends, The saga…

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Artemisia of the Week: CALIFORNIA SAGEBRUSH


Species: Artemisia californica Common names: California sagebrush, Coastal sagebrush, California sagewort, California mugwort History/Folklore: Native to California, California Sagebrush is a shrub that can attain a height of 5-8 feet whose leaves have a strong sage like aroma. It provides … Continue reading

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Herb of the Week: WHITE WILLOW


Species: Salix alba Common names: White Willow History/Folklore:The use of Willow bark has been noted as far back as 400 BC (the time of Hippocrates). To help reduce fever and inflammation, patients were advised to chew on the bark of … Continue reading

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Visions of Spring


Here in Western Massachusetts we have over a foot of fresh snow on the ground and we are feeling that spring is so far away. We thought a pictorial stroll thought our gardens in spring would help. Please enjoy! Witch … Continue reading

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Artemisia of the Week: ROMAN WORMWOOD


Species: Artemisia pontica Common names: Petite Wormwood, Small Absinthe History/Folklore: Believed to have been brought to the Americas in the 17th century, Roman Wormwood was favored in the making of Vermouth because its taste was less bitter that A. Absinthium. … Continue reading

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Herb of the Week: Apothecary’s Rose


Species: Rosa gallica var. officinalis Common names: The Apothecary’s Rose, Rose of Lancaster, Provins Rose History/Folklore: Rosa gallica was beloved to have originated in Persia and was brought to Europe by the Crusaders. There is mention of monks growing and … Continue reading

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Artemisia of the Week- Mugwort


Species: Artemisia vulgaris Common names: Mugwort, Common Mugwort, Motherwort, Old Woman (Aldy Fraw), Felon Herb History/Folklore: Believed to be the first of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by Odin as an antidote for poison and to heal … Continue reading

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Herb of the Week: Self Heal


Species: Prunella vulgaris Common names: Prunella, All-Heal, Hook-Heal, Touch and Heal, Brunella, Heart of the Earth, Blue Curls History/Folklore: Self-heal’s use has been noted in Chinese medicine as early as 206 BC. It has been used quite commonly in Europe … Continue reading

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