Materia Medica

Elecampane (Inula helenium) — Horseheal, Elf Dock, Scabwort
A guide to Inula helenium covering elecampane root identification, traditional respiratory and digestive use, preparation, research limits, allergy and safety. Read more...
Grindelia (Grindelia squarrosa) — Gumweed, Curlycup Gumweed
A guide to Grindelia squarrosa covering gumweed identification, traditional respiratory use, resinous chemistry, limited research and safety. Read more...
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) — White Horehound, Common Horehound
A guide to Marrubium vulgare covering horehound's traditional cough and bitter use, preparation, limited research, pregnancy cautions and folklore. Read more...
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) — Garden Hyssop, Holy Herb
A guide to Hyssopus officinalis covering culinary and traditional use, respiratory folklore, essential-oil seizure risk, pregnancy cautions and symbolism. Read more...
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) — Common Thyme, Garden Thyme
A guide to Thymus vulgaris covering thyme's culinary and respiratory traditions, cough-product research, essential-oil chemotypes, irritation risk and safety. Read more...
Ipecac (Carapichea ipecacuanha) — Ipecacuanha, Brazilian Root
A safety-first guide to ipecac or ipecacuanha (Carapichea ipecacuanha), covering its emetine and cephaeline alkaloids, historic use as an emetic, why routine ipecac-induced vomiting is no longer recommended, and the risks of cardiac and muscular toxicity. Read more...