“Balm of Gilead” is referenced in the Bible; this reference is to another plant of a different family, Commiphora gileadensis, which has similar medicinal properties. In fact, the name “Balm of Gilead” has been used to describe many different species, all having similar medicinal uses. Such plants have been used to relieve pain and treat wounds like cuts and bruises since biblical times. The Native Americans have used Populus balsamifera to treat skin and lung ailments, among other things, for hundreds of years.
Licorice, whichever variety it is derived from, is used in the same medicinal ways; the Latin names will be used when noting any differences.Its other names include: licorice root, liquorice, sweet root, and Gan Zao. It is important to note the difference between licorice and licorice flavoring; the latter is most often flavored with anise, which has the characteristic licorice flavor, and is not to be confused with licorice herb for medicinal use.
This week, we'll be taking a look into the world of Lavender. The Latin name for Lavender is Lavandula angustifolia. It's other names include: Alhucema, Common Lavender, English Lavender, French Lavender, Garden Lavender, Huile Essentielle de Lavande, Lavanda, Lavande, Lavande à Feuilles Étroites, Lavande Anglaise, Lavande Commune, Lavande Fine, Lavande Officinale, Lavande Vraie, Lavandula, Lavandula angustifolia, True Lavender. Lavender has an ancient relationship with the peoples of the world. Documentation of its use goes back over 2,500 years when Egyptians used it in mummification, and in perfumes. Romans used lavender for cooking, incense, and to scent the waters in their baths. It is actually from the Romans that lavender gets its name,...
This week, we'll be looking into the attributes of the Cinnamon. The Latin name for the cinnamon tree is Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It's other names include: Batavia Cassia, Batavia Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum, Dalchini, Écorce de Cannelle, Laurus cinnamomum, Madagascar Cinnamon, Padang-Cassia, Panang Cinnamon, Saigon Cassia, Saigon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka Cinnamon, Thwak, Tvak . It is the specificity the bark of the cinnamon tree that comprises the herb we know as cinnamon. Cinnamon's history reaches back to Egypt where it was being imported as early as 2000 BC. The Hebrew Bible makes a specific mention of cinnamon several times starting with Moses when he is commanded to use...