Mentha pulegium

Also, Known As:

• Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal (botanical name Mentha pulegium) belongs to the mint species and is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Although this herb is native to Europe and the western regions of Asia, pennyroyal has now been naturalized in North and South America. Several species and a wide variety of pennyroyal, such as apple mint, pineapple mint, orange mint, are found across the globe. This variety of plant flourishes well in proper sunlit areas and partial shade. This variety of plant requires moist, deep and sandy soils for robust development. In addition, pennyroyal plants also need fertile soil and regular watering. Unless the roots of this variety of plants are not restricted by underground fencing, they breed rapidly.

Pennyroyal, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, is an aromatic perennial plant that develops from bulbs or tubers. The stems of this plant are found in an assortment of…

Traditionally, the days around the Vernal Equinox (mid to late March) and the month(s) after it was seen as a time of intense, rushing energy: days get longer and the sunlight more intense, the first signs of green growth emerge, and wildlife stirs again. Herbalists still consider this a time when the more inward, ‘congealing’ energies of Winter begin to transition into the more outward, ‘expansive’ energies of Summer—and when a little attention paid to the process can improve vitality, strengthen digestion and immunity, and keep us in tune with the changing seasons.

There are specific herbal allies that have gained a deserved reputation for aiding in this transition, and each has its own peculiar “virtues” and affinities. All, however, rely somewhat on two basic strategies: either enhancing digestive and eliminative function or bolstering the power of the body’s immune and hormonal systems. Some do both! And generally, it was (and still is) considered a good idea to start with…

Also, Known As:

• Alkanet
• Bugloss
• Common Alkanet

The plant known commonly as alkanet is a biennial herb familiar to all herbalists. The herb is characterized by coarse and hairy stems as well as leaves that arise out of a cluster of basal leaves. The plant is about 1- 3 feet tall when fully developed. The plant is also characterized by possessing lower leaves that are stalked; these can grow up to eight inches in length. Leaves in the upper part of the plant are narrow, they can be oblong or lance-like in shape, these upper leaves can reach about six inches in length with a width an inch. Alkanet bears very dainty and purplish blue flowers, these flowers bloom from late May up to October, the flowers are tubular in shape, they can be about one-fourth of an inch across and are replaced by a minute and nut-like fruits of…