Herb Highlights: Elderberry
Herb Highlights: Elderberry Introduction Elderberry species grow throughout the Northern hemisphere as well as in South America, Australia, New Zealand, and many islands in the South Pacific.1 The species common in dietary supplements is Sambucus nigra. It also goes by black elderberry or European elderberry.2 Uses and popularity Both the berries and the flowers of […]
Chinese herbal organoleptic workshop
Chinese herbal organoleptic workshop The Lilium Initiative will be holding an organoleptic workshop for farmers and those that work with Chinese herbs. In order to support the event, Yellow Emperor donated $3,000. The donation will cover video production of the workshop and sponsor farmer attendance. The organoleptic workshop will have Peg Shaffer, from Chinese Herb […]
Historical Herbalist: Hildegard of Bingen
Historical Herbalist: Hildegard of Bingen Introduction Hildegard’s Herbalism In her late 50s, Hildegard wrote in her book Liber Subtilatum that the natural world exists in harmony with humans. Likewise, according to Hildegard, while humans care for nature, nature cares for humans.1 In fact, Liber Subtilatum was one of 9 books that she wrote throughout her life. Notably, […]
Herb Highlights: Licorice
Herb Highlights: Licorice Introduction Many people think of candy when they hear the word “licorice.” Despite that, the flavor that most folks associate with candy comes from anise seed not licorice root.1 Now, licorice root is common in herbal teas and dietary supplements. What’s the difference? Licorice is grown throughout Europe and the Middle East. […]
Historical Herbalist: Artemisia II
Historical Herbalist: Artemisia II Introduction Many herbalists are familiar with the Artemisia genus. For example, this genus includes the herb made famous by absinthe: Wormwood. 1 Furthermore, the namesake of the Artemisia genus is Artemisia II, Queen of Caria, who reigned with her brother-husband, King Mausolus in the mid-3rd century BCE.2 In fact, these siblings […]
Chinese Herbs, US grown
Chinese Herbs, US grown We here at Yellow Emperor take our supply chain seriously. It is also important to us that we decrease our CO2 emissions by sourcing locally. However, when it comes to Chinese herbs, there seems to be no way around sourcing from across the Pacific. Simply put, not many US farms grow […]
Historical Herbalist: Dioscorides
Historical Herbalists: Dioscorides Introduction Pendanius Dioscorides, a Greek physician from the first century, is known for his contributions to pharmacology through his publication De Materia Medica.1 As a matter of fact, Dioscorides, originally from the region now known as Turkey, served as a surgeon in the Roman army under Nero.2 De Materia Medica De Materia […]
Herbal Highlights: St. John’s Wort
Herb Highlights: St. John’s Wort Introduction What’s in a name? According to legend, the name St. John’s Wort comes from the Christian figure John the Baptist.1 Consequently, these bright yellow flowers typically bloom around the summer solstice which is close to June 24th, St. John’s celebrated birthday. Despite the bright yellow nature of the flower, […]
Herb Highlights: Valerian
Herb Highlights: Valerian Introduction What is that smell? Many of those who work with herbs know the smell of dried Valerian root. It is quite pungent, like the smell of a wet dog. The smell comes from the plant’s valeric acid.1 Despite this, the odor is not linked to any of the effects of Valerian. […]
Historical Herbalist: Hippocrates
Historical Herbalists: Hippocrates Introduction Holistic Humorism In Hippocrates’ lifetime, illness came from gods or superstitious beliefs.1 In fact, people viewed the body as a collection of separate parts.4 Hippocrates challenged these ideas and used a holistic approach to understand and treat illness. The idea of humors goes back to Ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine.5 So the […]