Herbal Blog

Welcome to Patrizia’s Herbal Blog, sharing the love of all things herbal. Information about herbs, and health.

This blog is intended for educational purposes only and it’s not meant to replace professional healthcare advice.

SWEET VIOLET

Viola odorata | Family: Violaceae Cultivation Sweet Violet can be propagated by separating new stolons from the mother plant or by taking cuttings from runners. It prefers a sunny, open position during winter, with some shade in summer, and grows well beneath...

Red Clover

Red Clover - Trifolium pratense Family: Fabaceae (Pea family) Parts Used: Top flowering parts (leaves and flowers)Taste & Energetics: Sweet, salty; cooling. Properties: Alterative, antispasmodic, nutritive, lymphaticCommon...

Burdock

Burdock Root |Arctium lappa | Family Asteraceae. Deep cleanser | Blood purifier | Liver & Skin ally Autumn is root time, and for many herbalists, burdock is the favourite root. It is the archetypal alterative a deep-cleansing herb that supports elimination, liver...

Elderflower

Elderflower | Sambucus nigra | Family: Adoxaceae (formerly known as the Honeysuckle or Moschatel family) Elderflower, the creamy white blossom of the elder tree, has long been cherished in herbal medicine for its fragrant aroma and remarkable healing powers. Revered...

Jiaogulan

Jiaogulan | Gynostemma pentaphyllum | Immortality Herb Have you ever come across a herb that seems to do a little bit of everything—calm your nerves, boost your energy, support your heart, and even help with longevity? Meet Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum),...

Dandelion

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Parts used: Root, Leaf, FlowerFamily: AsteraceaeEnergetics: Cool and dry | Bitter tonic | Mildly relaxing | Vital stimulant A Resilient and Nourishing Herbal Ally Dandelion is one of the most familiar and widespread...

Teasel

Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum, D. sativus, D. sylvestris) Restore What Is Broken Botany & Identification Teasel belongs to the genus Dipsacus, family Caprifoliaceae (formerly Dipsacaceae). It is a biennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, naturalized in other...

Rosemary

(Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) A resinous, aromatic, woody shrub from the Mint family (Lamiaceae), rosemary features narrow, fragrant leaves and abundant pale blue to violet flowers. Native to Mediterranean Europe, it is easy to grow from...

Sticky Hop Bush

Dodonaea viscosa | Family: Sapindaceae This hardy shrub, native to Australia, is notable for its vibrant seed capsules and has various traditional uses. Distribution Found across all Australian states and territories, Dodonaea viscosa has seven recognized subspecies,...

Field Scabious | Devil’s Bit

Scabiosa spp. | Family: Caprifoliaceae Scabiosa atropurpurea, a species that grows wild in many parts of South Australia, a hardy perennial that thrives in various regions. This plant produces conspicuous and attractive blooms in the summer, making it a common sight...
Boneset

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum | Family: Asteraceae Having grown and utilized Boneset for numerous years, I highly recommend it as a must-have remedy for the flu season. Its efficacy in alleviating body aches caused by viruses, especially those accompanied by neurological...

Umckaloabo

Umckaloabo

Pelargonium sidoides | South African Geranium | Family: Geraniaceae Traditional Uses: Indigenous people of South Africa traditionally used Pelargonium sidoides roots for various ailments, including diarrhea, colic, gastritis, tuberculosis, cough, hepatic disorders,...

Solomon Seal

Solomon Seal

Polygonatum spp. Solomon's Seal, a prized herb renowned for its efficacy in treating musculoskeletal injuries, holds a special place in my herbal clinic. Having cultivated it for years, I've not only ensured a reliable supply for my practice but also shared its...

Mullein

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus. Family: Scrophularia Originating from Europe and Western Asia, Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has been introduced to America and Australia, where it has successfully naturalised across the globe. In Australia, this hardy biennial thrives in open, drier...

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane mushroom stands out among the many health-boosting fungi, renowned for its versatility in the kitchen and centuries-long traditional use. Its unique appearance, resembling creamy dangly threads, hides a subtle seafood-like flavour when fresh. Today, it’s...

Black Horehound

Black Horehound

Ballota Nigra - Black Horehound, is a native European herb that has found its way to various corners of the world. This perennial plant thrives in temperate regions, boasting both medicinal and ecological significance. Originally from Europe, Iran, and Macaronesia,...

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