Health Topics

Gingko biloba is the one and only surviving species in the lone genus of Gingkoacea. It is nearly extinct in its native form, with the exception of some found in eastern China. The Gingko you will meet today will have been cultivated. This deciduous, resinous tree can grow up to 120 ft, but perhaps only…

Pinus Montana, commonly known as Mountain Pine, is a towering evergreen native to the subalpine zones of the Pyrenees, Alps, Erzgebirge, Carpathians, northern and central Apennines, and higher Balkan Peninsula mountain ranges. It is considered a wilding conifer and classified as an invasive species in some regions.  Mountain pines are known to form a belt…

Abies Alba, commonly known as Silver Fir, is a towering coniferous tree growing 130–160 ft tall at altitudes of 300–1,700 m (980–5,580 ft). It is native to the mountains of Europe, from the Pyrenees north to Normandy, east to the Alps and the Carpathians, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and south to Italy,…

Quercus pedunculata or Quercus robur, commonly known as English Oak, is a species of flowering plant in the beech and oak family Fagaceae. It is native to most of Europe west of the Caucasus. The tree is widely cultivated in temperate regions and has escaped into the wild into scattered parts of China and North…

Populus nigra, commonly known as Black Poplar, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 100’ tall in sun to part shade. It is in the same family as the Willow. This pioneer tree is fast growing and covers open ground quickly, preferring moist ground. It is a short-lived tree, only living 60-70 years,…

The shrub Hippophae rhamnoides, also known as Sea Buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub native to Mongolia, Russia and Northern Europe. Unless you have traveled to those areas, it is unlikely you would encounter it unless you come across one that has been cultivated. Sea Buckthorn grows in diverse locations: along sea coasts, tolerating salt spray;…

Stocking your pantry and fridge for a natural disaster is one thing, but stocking to prepare for illness in your household is quite different. Whether you are preparing for the current threat of coronavirus or simply the flu and cold season, there are essentials that will reduce the duration of your symptoms and support your…

Sequoia Gigantea is native to California, growing on the wester slope of the Sierra Nevadas, continuing north into Oregon. It grows up to 400 feet tall. In addition to its height, the girth is spectacular, 20-35 feet across in diameter. Its lifespan is up to 4,000 years. After 1840, the Giant Redwood was introduced into other…

As you approach the forest edge, it’s hard to miss spotting the distinctive, thorned tangled of canes and delicate pink blossoms of Dog Rose. The prickly, arching stems commonly form hedgerows between pasture lands or support its climb up and over rock walls or other co-existing shrubs. Dog Rose thrives in all types of soil…

Vaccinium myrtillus is found natively in Northern Europe, the British Isles, Ireland, Iceland and across the Caucasus into northern Asia. It can be found growing in its natural state across heathlands, thriving in acidic and nutrient-poor soils. These small plants grow close to the ground and are under one foot tall (25-30 cm).  For those…

Acer campestre, also known as Field or Hedge Maple, is a fast growing, medium tree maturing to 30-50’. Widespread in its natural state, Field Maple can be found across Europe and as far east as the Caspian Sea. Quite tolerant of most soil types, this tree is best known for its showy autumn color and…

Betula verrucosa, Silver Birch tree, is the one species in which the seeds, sap and bud are each made into Gemmotherapy extracts. Each one of these extracts offer a very specific tonifying action, and all three have an impact on the kidneys.   Let’s begin with the Bud.  The primary action of the extract made from…