Materia Medica

Angelica archangelica with large umbels and foliage
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) — Garden Angelica, Holy Ghost
A whole-plant guide to Angelica archangelica covering identification, roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds, traditional and culinary uses, modern research, furocoumarin safety, growing, harvesting, folklore, magical correspondences, zodiac and tarot... Read more...
Pimpinella anisum Anise plant with flowers and seeds
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) — Aniseed, Sweet Cumin
A whole-plant guide to true anise (Pimpinella anisum), including identification, leaves, flowers, fruits/aniseed, culinary and traditional uses, modern research, safety, growing, folklore, magical correspondences, zodiac and tarot associations. Read more...
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...
Iceland Moss (Cetraria islandica) — Iceland Lichen, Icelandic Lichen
A guide to Cetraria islandica explaining why Iceland moss is a lichen, its food and throat-soothing traditions, preparation, evidence and source-quality safety. Read more...