Cinnamon is one of the oils mentioned several times in the bible and is known as a biblical oil. This was also one of the protective oils used by the infamous "Four Thieves". Cinnamon is a very powerful essential oil with versatility which can be used for just about anything. The only caution with cinnamon is it can be irritating to the skin and membranes due to the high amount of phenols contained in it, so use with caution and dilute well. Cinnamomum zeylanicum Family: La

Cedarwood is one of the biblical essential oils and this particular species is the most closely related to Cedars of Lebanon. It has the rare ability of being a stimulant to the circulatory system while also being a sedative to the nervous system. Cedarwood has a great affinity for the skin, nervous and respiratory systems, it is used for spiritual communication and emotion balancing. Cedrus atlantica Family: Pinaceae (conifer) Actions Antibacterial Antifungal Anti-infecti

Basil has a great effect upon the cardiovascular system, bones and muscles. All beneficial for the liver and gallbladder. Ocimum basilicum Family: Labiatae (mint) Actions Analgesic Antibacterial Anti-infectious Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Antispasmodic Antiviral Decongestant Restorative Stimulant Emmenagogue Digestive tonic Antiseptic Carminative Antibiotic Beauty and Personal Care Improves skin tone Acne Eczema, skin conditions Adds shine to hair Uses Headache, migraine an

Olive oil is one of the ancient foods that truly nourish the body inside and out. “It is symbolic of goodness and purity, and the tree is a symbol of peace and happiness”. Make sure what you purchase is a whole food, if you do not choose a high-quality oil, it becomes harmful, not healing. Look for cold or expeller pressed, extra virgin, it should be in a dark bottle, smell strong and “herby” and when placed in a fridge should turn cloudy or harden slightly. Once you have got

Support and calm the nervous system Nervines support the nervous system, regulate nerve responses, and relieve pain. They generally fall into two groups: nerve tonics, which build and strengthen nerve tissue over time, and nerve sedatives, which calm and relax the nervous system in the moment. Nerve tonics feed, tone, rehabilitate, fortify, and strengthen the nerve tissue. Nerve sedatives work to relax, soothe, and nourish the nervous system to help reduce pain, ease tension,

A subcategory of alteratives Adaptogens enhance the body's ability to deal with emotional, physical, mental, and environmental stress. Rather than affecting one specific area of the body, they have a general effect on the whole system — though they show particular affinity for the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, making them especially useful for stress-related and stress-induced conditions. Through hormone-modulating action, they increase the body's resistance and end

I have learned so much about the power of music from Marlene Peterson at Libraries of Hope: Home of the Well Educated Heart. As a healer, I immediately thought of using music as a modality for healing. Personally my favorite music was always silence, so learning about music through the Well Educated Heart has been very eye opening for me and I have tried to incorporate it more in my life. I have naturally navigated to listening to Enya during chaotic and stressful periods of

Known in many herbals as "Cure-All" because that is what it seems to do. There are about 500 different varieties of yarrow worldwide. The wild variety is the most medicinal. Fun fact about the genus name Achillea, sounds a bit like Achilles because it was named for him, using it in battle to staunch his soldiers’ wounds. Achillea millefolium Family: Asteraceae– daisy Parts used: leaves, flowers What's in a Name - Achillia millefolium Achillea - named for the Greek hero Achi

Valerian has been used for nervous system conditions since the Greeks and Romans. It makes a cheery addition to the garden, even if the blossoms smell a bit like a baby diaper. Valeriana officinalis Family: Valerianaceae – valerian Parts used: root (most potent), blossoms, leaves Actions Antispasmodic Analgesic Antiseptic Carminative Diuretic Nervine Sedative Stimulant Energetics/Body Systems Affected Warming Pungent Nervous Uses Nervous systems disorders Blossoms cleanse, pu

St. John’s wort has long been associated with the nervous system, aiding in sleep, and calming the mind, nerves, and pain signals. It is also a great skin healer, repairing damaged tissue and protecting against infection. Hypericum perforatum Family: Hypericaceae Parts used: bud, flower (most medicinal), leaf Actions Antibacterial Antidepressant Antiseptic Antiviral Anti-Inflammatory Analgesic Antifungal Antioxidant Astringent Nervine Sedative Vulnerary Energetics/Body System

Skullcap is indigenous to North America and is best known for its ability to control nervous irritation. For this purpose, it is used in many nervous system formulas including pain and sleep issues. Scutellaria lateriflora Family: Lamiaceae – mint Parts used: aerial parts, leaves, blossoms Actions Antibacterial Analgesic Antifungal Antiviral Anti-Inflammatory Antispasmodic Antitumor Antioxidant Antimicrobial Decongestant Diuretic Febrifuge Nervine Sedative Energetics/Body Sys

There are more than 10,000 varieties of cultivated roses and thousands of wild varieties. They are not only beautiful to look at and fragrant to smell, but as a bonus, they are loaded with healing properties. Rose is a two for one plant, with petals during the summer and hips in the fall and winter. Rosa, many species Family: Rosaceae - rose, apple Parts used: petals, fruits (hips) Best species for medicinal use. They should have a strong fragrance with no pesticides or chemi

Even before my herbalist days I loved growing lemon balm in my yard because of its strong aromatic lemon scent and beautiful leaves. I love running my hands over the top of the soft leaves and then inhaling the calming aroma. Not only do humans love this plant but bees go crazy over it, so much that the binomial name of Melissa, means bee. Melissa officianlis Family: Lamiaceae - mint Parts used: leaves Actions Antiseptic Antibacterial Anti-Viral Antispasmodic Antioxidant D

Lavender is the most universal of all herbs, it is gentle and safe for children and the elderly and can be used for just about anything. When in doubt of what to use reach for lavender! Lavendula angustifolia Family: Lamiaceae - mint Parts used: blossoms, leaves What's in a Name - Lavendula angustifolia Lavendula stems from the Latin word, lavare which means "to wash". The name is in reference to its traditional use as a cleaner. Angustifolia means "narrow leaved" in referenc

Also known as mayflower for in England it flowers in May, this is the same plant the pilgrim's ship was named for. Well known as one of the best heart supporting plants out there. It is best used as a long-term tonic to be taken every day as a nourishing "food" for the heart. Diet and nutrition play a critical role in heart health as well. Crataegus sp. (over 800 species) Family: Rosaceae - rose Subfamily: Almond - Apple, fleshy fruit, five-pointed star on bottom. There are

Most of the plants in my herbal are Western plants from the area I live. One year I found Gotu Kola at my local nursery and planted it. I loved the brain supporting properties of this Ayurvedic herb so I want to include it here in my herbal. Centella aslatica Family: Apiaceae - carrot, parsley Parts used: leaves Actions Antimicrobial Antidepressant Anti-Inflammatory Anti-Aging Astringent Diuretic Nervine Nutritive Tonic Vulnerary Energetics/Body Systems Affected Cooling Mois

There are two main types of chamomile, although there are many species, the most commonly used is German Chamomile which is true chamomile and has the signature, sweet, apple-like flavor. It is a self-seeding annual unlike its cousin, Roman chamomile, which is a perennial and known also as garden chamomile, it has larger blossoms and a more bitter flavor. True chamomile (German) has mild, gentle, and soothing properties while the garden chamomile (Roman) does not so it shou

Catnip is one of the best children's herbs as it is gentle and safe, yet powerful for upset stomach, colic, and digestive problems. It also helps calm children and babies and aids in a restful sleep. It is great herb choice for pregnancy, nursing, and babies. Nepeta cataria Family: Labiatae - mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antispasmodic, Analgesic Anesthetic Antacid Anti-Inflammatory Anodyne Astringent Bug Repellent Carminative Cholagogue Diaphoretic Emmenagog

Basil is an aromatic garden herb that does not have to be crushed or bruised to release its oils. There are over 150 different varieties of basil, each with its own unique fragrance, look and even medicinal properties. It is fun to plant a variety throughout the garden. Ociumum, sp. Family: Lamiaceae - mint family Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antibacterial Anti-infectious Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Antiseptic Antispasmodic Antiseptic Antiviral Aromatic Carminat