Archives

Common Name: American Persimmon Scientific Name: Diospyros Virginiana

The American persimmon is an odd fruit. It is utterly disgusting and nasty until it has been hard hit by frost, and then it becomes luscious and sweet. Apart from factoring into the Native American and Colonial diet, the plant contains compounds that are highly active on the cardiovascular system and was formerly used to stop bleeding in its tracks and to treat vein problems.

Common Name: American Spikenard Scientific Name: Aralia Racemose

A member of the ginseng family, this plant was previously used to increase stamina and strength in the elderly, the ill, and those in need of a boost of vim and vigor.

Common Name: Angelica Scientific Name: Angelica sp

The Angelica family, both the Chinese and the European, have been used since the begining of time to insure strong, vibrant health. And, in particular, to stimulate resistance to infectious disease ripping through your village....so powerful a pestilence preventer it was said to be angel sent.

Common Name: Apple Scientific Name: Malus Communis

An apple a day will keep the doctor away. Enough said.

Common Name: Apricot Scientific Name: Prunus Armeniaca

Some fruits pack a bigger health punch than others, and, apricots go into the really, really health boost file! An ancient fruit, the apricot has factored into stay well regimens from the earliest day. And, so tasty!

Common Name: Arborvitae Scientific Name: Thuja Occidentalis

Common Name: Artichoke Scientific Name: Scolymus Cynara

The artichoke is a popular food in Europe, and one that is gaining ground in America. Probably a good thing because artichokes contain compounds that stimulate the liver and may even offer the liver protection from dangerous chemicals in our enviroment.

Common Name: Arugula Scientific Name: Eruca Sativa

Arrugula is now seen as a fancy green to be added to salads, but, in days gone by, it was seen as much more. The seed was used to stimulate strong vital health, and the leaves were used in health inducing diet regimens. Contemporary research reveals arrugula contains a collection of health building phytochemicals, and, its tasty greens leaves are something we should all eat regularly.

Common Name: Ashagwanda Scientific Name: Withania Somnifera

One could say that Ashagwanda is one of India's greatest contributions to the staying welll arsenal. It is used in patients unable to mount a recovery and in the elderly whose vitality is escaping them. If one wants to recover from an illness, and as rapidly as possible, this is a tonic to know.

Common Name: Asian Plum Scientific Name: Prunus Mume

Ok, this is one weird looking herbal medicine. The raw plum is dehydrated in salt, dried in the sun, and ends up looking more like wild animal droppings than anything else. But, lurking in that unattractive shape, is a powerful medicine and one that the Japanese have sworn by for ages.