Elderberry

Nature’s Powerful Cold-and-Flu-Sympton Supressor The European or black elder (Sambucus nigra) is a deciduous tree belonging to the honeysuckle family. It grows to about 30 feet in height and is found throughout Europe and Central Asia. A smaller tree, the North American elder (Sambucus canadensis), flourishes across most of Canada and the northern... [Read more]

Dandelion

Bothersome Weed or Useful Digestive Aid? Dandelion greens are popular in some parts of the country as an ingredient in soups and salads. They provide a very rich source of vitamin A, containing a significantly higher content than broccoli or Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, kale, and collards. In addition, the roasted root of dandelion-and its extract-makes... [Read more]

Rosemary

A Mint By Any Other Name Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) makes its appearance as a strongly aromatic, needle-like foliage with small lavender-blue flowers that bloom in clusters in the late spring and early summer. The plant normally grows about one to two feet tall, but can reach as high as six feet. In warmer climates, rosemary plants serve as hedges... [Read more]

Herbs That Pack an Anticancer Punch

Several commonly used culinary herbs have been identified by the National Cancer Institute as possessing compounds that protect us against cancer. These “defensive” herbs include those belonging to the onion, ginger, mint, and parsley families, as well as flax. Use them regularly to flavor soups, stews, sauces, dips, salad dressings, entrées,... [Read more]

Cactus Prickly Pear

Helps Normalize Blood Sugar Parts of the prickly pear cactus have been used in various ways throughout the world. The Aztecs extracted the milky juice from the plant and mixed it with honey and egg yolk to provide an ointment to treat burns. The Chinese dressed abscesses with the fleshy pad of the plant. The Indians used the fruit for food and also... [Read more]