Hyssop is an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family. Measuring 1-2 feet in height, this self-fertile species is native to the Mediterranean. It is widely grown for ornamental, medicinal and culinary purposes. As an ornamental, it makes a great border plant and does well in containers. The flowers, forming in July through September, are attractive to pollinating bees and butterflies. As a medicinal, it is reportedly an efficient expectorant useful for bronchitis and respiratory infectio...

Ilex guayusa is a plant in the holly family that is closely related to yerba mate (ilex paraguensis). Guayusa, pronounced “wayusa,” is native to the upper Amazon region of Ecuador. Guayusa is said to contain the highest levels of caffeine of any plant, but other statistics show that it has about the same caffeine content as a strong coffee variety. Aside from caffeine, guayusa also contains the related alkaloid, theobromine, which is found in chocolate, tea and kola nut....

Ilex guayusa is a plant in the holly family that is closely related to yerba mate (ilex paraguensis). Guayusa, pronounced “wayusa,” is native to the upper Amazon region of Ecuador. Guayusa is said to contain the highest levels of caffeine of any plant, but other statistics show that it has about the same caffeine content as a strong coffee variety. Aside from caffeine, guayusa also contains the related alkaloid, theobromine, which is found in chocolate, tea and kola nut....

Irish moss is actually a species of red algae that is commonly used as a food thickener and filler. Its use as a filler dates back to the potato famine in Ireland, when people used Irish moss to extend their food reserves. Its properties as a thickening agent are due to a mucilaginous substance called, carrageenan. Being rich in mucilage, many people find Irish moss to be an effective laxative. It is a significant source of iodine and sulphur. Irish moss is also used in brewing in order to...

Sceletium Tortuosum is a mesemb succulent native to South Africa, where it was historically chewed by the local people for mood elevation. Sceletium, or kanna , has captured the attention of researchers and is sometimes used today as a natural alternative to chemical antidepressants. Unfortunately, widespread interest in the plant has led to over-harvesting and endangerment. It is a specialty plant that is hard to find in nurseries or garden centers. Despite that, kanna is easy to maintain...

Sceletium Tortuosum is a mesemb succulent native to South Africa, where it was historically chewed by the local people for mood elevation. Sceletium, or kanna , has captured the attention of researchers and is sometimes used today as a natural alternative to chemical antidepressants. Unfortunately, widespread interest in the plant has led to over-harvesting and endangerment. It is a specialty plant that is hard to find in nurseries or garden centers. Despite that, kanna is easy to main...

Sceletium Tortuosum is a mesemb succulent native to South Africa, where it was historically chewed by the local people for mood elevation. Sceletium, or kanna , has captured the attention of researchers and is sometimes used today as a natural alternative to chemical antidepressants. Unfortunately, widespread interest in the plant has led to over-harvesting and endangerment. It is a specialty plant that is hard to find in nurseries or garden centers. Despite that, kanna is easy to maintain...

Kava (Piper Methysticum) is a vine indegenous to the islands of the west Pacific where it is used socially by locals and is a very big part of their everyday lives. The roots of this plant are what is used and the traditional brew is made by squeezing the pulvarized roots through a fine clothe repeatedly in cold water. Today, powedered root and extracts are also used in many parts of the world for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. It has a quick acting and noticeably calming effect on...

Kava (Piper Methysticum) is a vine indegenous to the islands of the west Pacific where it is used socially by locals and is a very big part of their everyday lives. The roots of this plant are what is used and the traditional brew is made by squeezing the pulvarized roots through a fine clothe repeatedly in cold water. Today, powedered root and extracts are also used in many parts of the world for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. It has a quick acting and noticeably calming effect on...

Kava (Piper Methysticum) is a vine indegenous to the islands of the west Pacific where it is used socially by locals and is a very big part of their everyday lives. The roots of this plant are what is used and the traditional brew is made by squeezing the pulvarized roots through a fine clothe repeatedly in cold water. Today, powedered root and extracts are also used in many parts of the world for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. It has a quick acting and noticeably calming effect on...