Ann Marie

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), or American Skullcap, is a wildflower with blue, purple, or pink bloom. The outer whorl of its flower resembles a cap, helmet, or skull that gave the plant its name. This perennial plant often lines up along…

Borage (Borago officinalis), or starflower, is a fuzzy and herbaceous plant that belongs to the forget-me-not family. It bears beautiful star-shaped blue flowers that bloom from summer to late fall. It is called a bee bush or bee bread due…

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a useful healing plant. As its name suggests, this herb is beneficial in reducing fever. This weedy perennial shrub bears a cluster of white florets with a yellow button-like center. The flowerheads are long-lasting, making them…

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is one of the popular herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is referred to as female ginseng. It has been used for thousands of years as a sacred herbal remedy. Its moniker female ginseng does…

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a flowering shrub represented by its fearsome-looking hook-like fruits that resemble a claw. These claws or pods are notorious hitchhikers that can cling to clothing and animal furs and get transported elsewhere. They are invasive,…

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is an aromatic herb that symbolizes happiness and is believed to ward off evil spirits. Sweet marjoram, or knotted marjoram as it is known, is cultivated particularly for its culinary uses. This bushy and herbaceous plant is…

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a household name in complementary and homeopathic herbal remedies for inducing sleep. This herb has hypnotic, sedative, and anti-spasmodic properties. It is often a common ingredient in sleep aid medicine and mild sedatives. Some companies are…