Herbal and Natural Remedies

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. Melissa, the genus name is from the Latin melisso phyllum, meaning, “honey bee” as it is a favorite flower of bees. . The species name officinalis means, “long been an official herb of the apothecaries.”
Lemon balm also goes by the folk names [...]

You know spring is here when you catch a whiff of Violets (Viola odorata), which are members of the Violaceae (Violet) Family. You may also know them as Heartsease.
In mythology Zeus had a lover named Ione (from which the word viola is derived from). His wife, Hera was jealous and turned her into a white [...]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNHlu-kA1Jc
Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus, P. tuberosus), pronounced HEE-ka-ma, is native to Central America, where it is also known as Yam Bean or Mexican Turnip.  The genus name, Pachyrhizus is derived from the Greek and means “thick root.” The species names erosus means “jagged” and tuberosus, means “tuber.” Our name, jicama, comes from the Nahuatlan Indian xicama, [...]

Nothing warms the body and soul like holding a steaming mug, inhaling its subtle scents as you slowly sip. Why be limited to caffeinated beverages when the herb world can bring flavor, nutrients and health benefits?
Herb tea offers an opportunity during busy days for time out, reflection and even affirmation. One might think, “I’m nourishing [...]

By Brigitte Mars
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential plant oils for healing body, mind and spirit. One of the most ancient methods of aromatherapy was to burn aromatic branches and inhale the smoke. The word perfume is derived from the Latin per fumum, meaning ” through smoke.”
Essential oils, also known as volatile oils are [...]