I love to harvest rose petals in June.

When they are tinctured in glycerin, they help heal the heart of distress.

Recent findings in the new field of neuro-cardiology indicate that the heart has a complex neural network.

The heart is an "organ of perception ... , a unique brain hooked into the central nervous system." (Stephen Harrod Buhner in "The Secret Teachings of Plants".) This recent scientific understanding parallels the way the heart/mind is viewed in Chinese medicine.

Certain Native American tribes drank Sweet Fern tea throughout the winter to protect against colds and flu. Native Americans generously shared their knowledge about Lomatium with neighboring Nevada residents during the great flu pandemic of World War 1. Those who took Lomatium were reported to have all survived the pandemic.

Like lemon balm and motherwort, pulsatilla is excellent for anxiety and panic.

It is sedative, relaxant, pain relieving, and antispasmodic.

It is recommended for individuals who cannot take too much stimulation. Pulsatilla is also beneficial for those who are emotionally reactive and who weep easily.

There is nothing quite like nettle for energizing our bodies. High in protein, vitamins and minerals, nettle is one of the great nutritive tonics. You can drink nettle tea instead of coffee when experiencing a mid to late afternoon energy slump. I like to combine nettle with holy basil (tulsi) and licorice for a delicious, energizing tea.

Mullein is demulcent, emollient, astringent, expectorant, sedative, and a non­narcotic pain reliever.

As a premier lung tonic, mullein works wonderfully well for harsh, dry coughs, hoarse­ness, sinus congestion and bronchitis. As a soothing expectorant, mullein helps to thin the mucus so that it can more easily be expelled.

Lemon balm is one of the few sour mints. It is cooling and sedating, relieves stress, gladdens the spirit, and is helpful for headaches and stomach upset.

He shou wu combines well with burdock and dandelion roots, chaga mushroom, ginger, licorice and goji berries for a powerful liver cleansing and immune enhancing tea.

It is native to China where it is known to build core energy and support healthy aging.

Ho shou wu improves immunity, strengthens muscles and bones, and reverses hardening of the arteries.

Goldenrod is anti-inflammatory, antifungal, decongestant, diuretic, anthelmintic, diaphoretic and antiseptic.

There is a long history in Europe making Elder flowers and berries into preserves, cordials, wines, teas and syrups. Not only do these taste good when we eat them, they also boost our immune systems and have anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and anti-inflammatory effects.

Both cannabis root and cryptolepsis have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions.

The root of cryptolepsis is harvested from a thin stemmed climbing shrub located pri­marily in West Africa,but also found in Madagscar and parts of Asia and New Guinea.

Cannabis root has been widely applied for pain relief, particularly for gout, arthritis and sciatica. It is also known to reduce fevers, stop bleeding, quell inflammation, and soothe skin problems.

Boneset is indigenous to North America and grows locally, often near water or in moist meadows. The flowers are off-white, and the leaves perforate the stem of the plant, giving it a distinctive appearance. The aerial parts (flowers and leaves) are harvested in the late summer either just before or after blooming.

American Ginseng is one of our few local adaptogens - plants that enhance our abili­ty to deal with stress by strengthening our adrenals and balancing our endocrine system.