Rose Cottage

   Do you know self heal?  This simple, easy to  find and identify  t onic herb in the mint family has a long history of herbal use in many cultures, including Native, Western and traditional Chinese medicine. Its gentle healing properties and general safety are confirmed by recent research.  This  YouTube clip  by Herbal Jedi gives a great overview on how to identify, harvest and use this mint relative, Prunella vulgaris. Our Western Oregon native variety: lanceolata, is easily found in yards and vacant lots. In contrast to  other mints, self heal's taste is neutral, so it's easy to include in salads, add to tea or cook with other greens.  Prunella is classed as a tonic herb or  adaptogen , which helps the body manage stress, and return to homeostasis or 'reset' itself.  Adaptogens can generally be used on a daily basis, and are easily incorporated into a healthy diet. They are often herbs which need to adapt, often growing in...

 In winter, some plants lose their foliage as they tuck- in for winter, whilst others stay green year round.  One of my favorite year round herbs is  - Yomog i, or Japanese mugwort,  学名： Artemisia princeps Years ago, whilst buying another Artemisia, Southernwood, from my  herbalist friend Kate , & she asked if I might be interested in some Yomogi, which a customer at her other market, Kiyoko, brought her, along with a sheet on its uses. Kate told me, 'I certainly don't need 4 clumps!!' so she shared some with me! With Rounder leaves and sweeter flavor than it's European cousin, it also stays green nearly year round! Heres Kiyoko's list of uses:  Fresh YOMOGI juice - 1 Tbsp every morning (promote health) (high blood pressure) Yo Mo GI tea  Yomogi leaf (dry in the shade) (asthma - hip pain) & to repel mosquitos, bees, wasps etc - extract elements from Yomogi (Yomogi & Alcohol)  Growing up in Central Oregon, I love the silvery green and ...