Recent Articles in The Essential Herbal

Herbed Turkey Recipe or How I Broke Out of my Left Brained Cooking Mode
Nov 14, 2009

OK, admit it. Every year, it's the same old turkey. I know it's a tradition, but if you're looking for something a little different and wonderful, read on!

An Herbal Halloween (and pumpkin stuffing recipe)
Oct 21, 2009

Jack O’ Lanterns, black cats, witches riding their brooms across a moonlit sky, bats? Many traditions that we use to celebrate the autumn holiday come from superstitions and the medieval use of herbs and charms to ward off evil spirits used for centuries...

Soothing Soaks for Winter Ills and Chills,
Oct 5, 2009

Hydrotherapy is the practice of using water to improve health. Hot springs, sitz baths, saunas, steams, and sweats are all forms of this ancient art. Water treatments are also used to break up congestion, improve circulation, release stress, soothe skin disorders and relieve pain...

Stress – what will help me today?
Sep 8, 2009

There isn't a season of the year that isn't glorious, and they each come with their own set of awards and trials.  For me, probably Autumn is a little more stressful than the others...

Stevia: Controversy Never Tasted so Sweet
Aug 7, 2009

You know the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Everyone claims the South American herb Stevia is sweet, tastes great, has no calories, and no negative side affects. Too good to be true?

Suburban Herbie: Rosa Rugosa & Rose Jelly Recipe
Jul 5, 2009

During the hot days of summer vacation, the roads of Port Jefferson and its surrounding areas fill with swarms of teenagers heading to the local beaches. Happy chicks and cool dudes laugh loudly as they ride in open-top cars, music booming...

Rosemary!
Jun 7, 2009

An ancient herb rich in legend and history, precious symbol of love and friendship, rosemary is considered the herb of Christmas, weddings, and also funerals.  Rosemary is traditionally associated with "remembrance"...

Eating Lamb’s Quarters
May 1, 2009

Most wild foods aficionados will tell you to use Lamb's Quarter as you would normally use spinach, and that is very true.  We toss it into eggs, throw it in soups, chop it into sauces, and add it to yard salads.  It is extremely versatile...

Making Household Soap
Apr 4, 2009

Soap and spring are natural partners in spring cleaning.  At our house, we have two lemon trees and three kinds of wonderfully unruly mint...

Free Issue of The Essential Herbal Magazine!
Mar 22, 2009

Download a free issue of the Essential Herbal Magazine. Also, pass it on to your friends! This issue features an interview with John, herbs for winter health, garden info, soup recipes, making potpourri, a puzzle and more!

The Floral Clock
Mar 7, 2009

Garden planning time is upon us. Speaking of time, have you considered making a clock with flowers? Telling time with flowers goes back to the first century and Pliny who devised a “Horologe of Flora”. 

Essential Oils and Hydrosols
Feb 5, 2009

Essential Oils can be produced with steam distillation, solvents, or pressed. Learn the uses of essential oils and hydrosols as well as some recipes using hydrosols...

Gifts from the Sea
Jan 2, 2009

Seaweed is an excellent source of calcium, iodine, essential for thyroid health, folic acid and magnesium, which protect the cardiovascular system, and a host of other nutrients...