Materia Medica Archives

Motherwort Materia Medica

There are some plants that feel like they meet you exactly where you are, not asking you to be different, not trying to fix or quiet you, but simply holding you in a steadier rhythm. Motherwort is one of those plants. Often growing in overlooked places, along fences, in disturbed soil, at the edges of […]

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Damiana Materia Medica

There are herbs whose leaves whisper secrets of ancient rainforests, whose aroma feels like a warm breeze carrying both spice and nostalgia. Damiana is one such plant — a small aromatic shrub with fragrant foliage that has been woven into the healing traditions of the Maya, Aztec, and Indigenous peoples of Central and South America […]

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Mugwort Materia Medica

A classic herb in both medicine and magic, mugwort has a long history of use in both herbal medicine as well as more esoteric practices. Mugwort is the herb that becomes Moxa, a traditional preparation used in TCM in very similar ways to acupuncture. The prepared herb is placed on acupuncture points and burned to […]

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Marshmallow Materia Medica

No we aren’t talking about the fluffy white things you add to hot chocolate, though that is a modern adaptation of what was once a traditionally prepared food. We’re talking about the Marshmallow plant Athaea officianlis. Marhsmallow is one of our go-to plants for all manner of health concerns, mainly for it’s ability to help […]

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Elderflower Matieria Medica

Long revered for its immune-supportive and fever-easing properties, elderflower is one of those herbs every household should keep on hand for the cold and flu season. These delicate white blossoms not only adorn the elder tree with beauty but also offer powerful medicine that is safe for both adults and children. While elderberries are famous […]

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Fenugreek Materia Medica

Written by apothecary intern Suzy R. The herb goddess of femininity Wise tales say it will make you curvaceous and voluminous. Belly dancers used to use it to accentuate their curves for dancing. In ancient Egypt they used fenugreek as a uterine stimulant and to ease the pain of childbirth (1) In the Middle East […]

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Calendula: Sunshine in Bloom

When the days feel heavy or your skin needs a little extra love, few herbs offer as much warmth and gentle healing as calendula. Bright as a summer afternoon and soft as velvet petals, calendula (Calendula officinalis) has long been cherished in herbal traditions across the world—for both its beauty and its profound healing gifts. […]

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Mullein Materia Medica

The family name of Mullen was derived from the word scrofula, which is now known to mean Tuberculosis. Mullen was often used in Ireland to treat tuberculosis. It is thought to have traveled to the Americas through the dirt on the ships that came over and is now spread throughout North America in about 5 […]

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Dandelion

The Dandelion plant is native to Eurasia, but is now widespread throughout the world (5). Known for being a weed, today it is often sprayed with pesticides to repress its growth; many people are unaware of its medicinal benefits. The Chinese use the entire Dandelion plant for a liver tonic and a diuretic. They call […]

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Chickweed Materia Medica

The name chickweed originated from its use as a feed to birds especially young chickens. It has been used for centuries as a feed, but also as a tonic to cleanse the liver and kidneys. It was introduced in Eurasia and is now wide spread throughout North America including the alpine strain of chickweed. The […]

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