He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum), also known as Fo-Ti, Ho Shou Wu, and Jiaoteng, is a popular tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with interesting folklore. In western herbalism, we use…
Plant wisdom is the foundation of The Alchemist’s Kitchen, and we believe that by learning about botanical medicine, you can become your own healer. Learn about different potent herbs from our herbalists and teachers so you can ground yourself, sleep better, and stress less.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America for both men and women. Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity and excessive drinking are all poor lifestyle choices that cause individuals…
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a delight to the senses; its purple flowers, fragrant scent, and sweet-yet-spicy anise/licorice flavor make this herb a treat to know and to grow. Anise Hyssop is…
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa), an herb at the center of a sordid history, deep controversy, and huge fanfare. An herb that’s been used for healing purposes, for recreational purposes, and to promote a…
Mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) is an unmistakable beauty, with its frond leaves, otherworldly pink flowers, and long seed pods. Each element appears to dance weightlessly on the breeze. When Mimosa is in…
Herbalism 101 Herbalism is as ancient as life itself. It predates recorded history, oral history, and even humxn beings. What is herbalism? Broadly, herbalism is the practice of taking plants to bring…
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is one of those powerful, essential herbs that inspires fierce devotion in so many herbalists and herb enthusiasts. Those of us who love it agree; this herb works its…
Though Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) is less common in today’s apothecaries, it was one of Old World Europe’s most revered herbs. There are colloquialisms about it’s value and virtues from a variety…
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is one of the most striking early spring flowers, with its bright blooms and signature white-spotted foliage. A shade and moisture-loving plant, Lungwort is a beautiful addition to any…
Ahh, Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)—the purple, perfumed harbingers of spring! Here in the northeastern U.S., Lilacs are among the first shrubs to bloom, filling the air with their delicate scent for a few…
Christine Buckley is a community herbalist, writer, visual artist, and professional cook. She is motivated to gently help people reconnect with themselves, each other, plants and the planet. Her book Plant Magic:…
To find Oregano (Origanum vulgare), most of us needn’t look further than our kitchen cupboard or the local pizza joint. Oregano’s spicy, pungent flavor is ubiquitous in modern day Italian and Greek…
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) is one of those abundant, versatile, and beautifully effective herbs that should be in every herbalist’s repertoire. Here in the northeastern U.S. and around much of the globe,…
If you’ve never tasted a Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) fruit you must not live in the tropics, and you, like most of us, have been missing out. Mangosteen is a Southeast Asian tree…
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) has received many recent accolades by the health and wellness community, in which it has been touted as a nutritive, medicinal powerhouse and hyped as a panacea “superfood.” While…
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