Herbs

These are herbs we commonly stocked.

Please note, this is for educational purposes only, and this should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a knowledgable practitioner, especially if you take medication or are pregnant or nursing, before using herbs.

When you’re trying to research herbs on the internet, it can be hard to find good quality information. Here’s a few things we recommend:

  • If you can, use reference books! Check our Resources page for some herbal reference book PDFs.
  • Find out the latin name of the herb so you can be sure which plant you’re talking about. (Ex: google “Ashwagandha latin name” and you’ll come up with Withania somnifera)
  • Once you have the latin name, search for things written by herbalists, for herbalists. One good way to do this is by searching for “Materia Medica” + the herb’s latin name. A materia medica is kind of like a formal plant bio, similar to a job resume for a person.
  • Herbalists who work with clients are generally a good source of herbal information.
  • Check multiple sources about the same herb. It’s normal to find contradictory information.
  • Be clear about what kind of information you’re looking for – are you wanting to find out dosage? spiritual or cultural usages? safety info?

Herbs We Use Often

Milky Oats (Avena sativa)

deeply restorative for a frazzled, overworked nervous system. Best used as alcohol based tincture or decoction. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

long term support (4-8 weeks of daily use needed) to restore a wired and tired nervous system. not safe in pregnancy or with thyroid conditions, especially hyperthyroid. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

supportive for mild anxiety and depression, for busy bee energy that has a hard time resting, for brain fog, for upset stomach worsened by stress. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day. Delicious as tea.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

supports menstrual regularity, PMS, anxiety, and heart palpitations. not safe in pregnancy. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

calming and sedating, great for deep sleep. antispasmodic for menstrual cramps. 1/10 people find it stimulating, so make sure to try it during the day before using it as a sleep herb. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day. Before bed, 1/4 tsp of tincture every 30 mins for 90 mins before sleep.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, and worry. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

astringent, drying herb for thin runny mucus (seasonal allergies anyone?). not safe in pregnancy. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

Lavender (Lavendula spp.)

popular nervous system support, helps to calm anxiety, restlessness, headaches, and encouraging sleep. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day (lavender on it’s own can be very strong, usually used as a small part of an herbal formula)

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

astringent, drying herb for thin runny mucus (seasonal allergies anyone?). not safe in pregnancy. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

Boneset (Eupatoria perfoliatum)

bitter antiviral herb, a great herb if you have a fever. not safe for kids under 10 or during pregnancy. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day. This is a short term, acute illness herb – taking it for a week or so is great. Not safe to take longterm.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

delicious, uplifting herb. also very antifungal. (I’m sorry, we don’t know the dosage or safety info)

Elecampane (Inula helenium)

stimulates digestive function, relieves bloating and gas. gets mucus out of the lungs, not safe in pregnancy. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

uplifting herb for chronic stress, overwork, low energy, and low mood. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

CBD (Cannabis sativa)

pain relieving and antiinflammatory. best used topically in an oil or smoked

Anise Hyssop

calming, grounding herb for grief, heartbreak, and stomach aches. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day

Chamomile

supportive for anxiety and depression, digestive issues, for upset stomach worsened by stress. Occasionally people who have intense seasonal allergies will be mildly allergic to chamomile. Generally safe for kids and elders. Dosage is 5g / day, 2-3mL of tincture, 3x / day