Valerian root is a trailing plant with delicate, aromatic flowers and feathery foliage. The root of the plant is also highly aromatic, although it’s reminiscent of well-worn sneakers when fresh.

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb in the mint family that belongs in every kitchen cupboard and home apothecary. The dried leaf adds a woody, slightly peppery flavor with a lemony finish...

Most of us think of sage as the “Thanksgiving herb” because it is featured in just about every savory stuffing recipe there is. But sage leaf offers so much more. The herb...

Rosemary is a member of the mint family as much at home growing near the forest or sea as it is residing in your pantry. The flavor of whole rosemary blossoms when added...

Nettle thrives in woodlands and shady areas throughout Europe and eastern North America. It is also called stinging nettle because the leaves are lined with stinging hairs that inject histamine into...

Mullein is a wayside pasture plant easily recognized by its large, gray-green, hairy leaves and tall flower spikes, rising from the ground almost like a stalk of corn. The flowers were...

Milk thistle is a pasture plant found throughout Europe and the Pacific Northwest of the US, although it is indigenous to the Mediterranean. Like other thistles, the plant protects itself with...

The roots of the plant have long been harvested as a vegetable and were well known to the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. Although the Egyptians first produced a sweet...

Licorice root has been used by various cultures for thousands of years. Pieces of the root were discovered in King Tutankhamun's burial tomb, presumably so that the young pharaoh could enjoy...

Use to make floral water, facial toners, soap, shampoo, lotions, creams and other personal care products. Lavender flowers add color and textural interest to floral displays and potpourri. Add to...

Use lemongrass infusions in homemade soaps, lotions and other personal care products. Add to tea and coffee blends. Lemongrass is also used as flavoring for Asian soups and is made...

Use to make infusions to produce floral water (hydrosols) for soap, shampoo, lotions and other products for hair and skin. Use in floral displays, potpourri and in linen and drawer...

Infuse in oil or tincture for use in topical salves, balms, ointments and liniments. Use to add warm, spicy flavor to soups, stews, sauces and teas.

Use in place of fresh garlic in cooked foods, salad dressings and culinary oils and vinegars.

Add to smoothies and cooked cereals and baked goods. Ground flax seed can also be combined with other flours or used as a gluten-free substitute. Do not take more than...

Use "neat" in poultices or infuse in oil for use in toiletries and cosmetics. Add to curries, stews, sauces or combine with other spices to make custom seasoning blends. Fenugreek...