Empowering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living & Microbiomes
Empowering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living & Microbiomes
Articles about herbs, medicinal plants, traditional plant uses, preparations and the ways plants can support the body and terrain. Many of these plants are grown, harvested or studied directly at Living Ground in Ecuador.
Not all medicine grows in our garden. I deeply believe in using what we cultivate and forage here in Ecuador, but some plants are so profoundly restorative to the body’s inner terrain that they are worth bringing in. Slippery elm is one of them. This is not a tropical tree. …
Alfalfa has always struck me as a bridge between the earth and the body, a plant that works as hard beneath the soil as it does within our cells. When I walk through my gardens scattered with alfalfa plants, I see the familiar green leaves and tender stalks that the …
There are certain plants in Ecuador that most people would not even stop to notice. They spring up through gravel roads, weave into the corners of gardens, and quietly line the edges of fields. To the eye that sees only order and crops they are weeds, nuisances to be cut …
We’re quick to toss what we don’t understand. The skins. The peels. The bitter parts. But sometimes what we discard is exactly what we need to heal. Pomegranate is a perfect example. Most people enjoy the juicy seeds, maybe even the juice, and toss the husk into the compost without …
I would look for her when nettle stung. That’s how it started. My childhood knees would brush too close to a nettle patch, leaving a red, tingling fire that made me whimper. Someone would say, “Find the Dock.” And I would. Not because I understood anything about mucilage or tannins …
There is a presence in the garden that does not announce itself loudly. She does not climb or sprawl with wild ambition. She doesn’t need to. Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, grows with quiet purpose, humming with a bright lemony scent that drifts across the garden like laughter on a breeze. …
Stinging nettle, wild nettle, Urtica dioica: whatever you call her, she has a way of making a first impression you won’t forget. Most of us meet nettle the hard way. A bare arm brushes past a patch of green along a trail or fence line, and suddenly your skin is …
Parsley, often underrated as a simple garnish, is a herb with a rich history and a plethora of medicinal benefits that deserve recognition. Its journey from a seed containing the creative essence of earth and sun is a true marvel of nature. As the seed germinates, it initiates a transformation …
Strawberries, with their vibrant red color and luscious taste, are beloved by many worldwide. These juicy fruits are not only a delightful treat but are also packed with nutrients and health benefits, making them a popular choice among fruit lovers and health enthusiasts alike. The cultivated garden strawberry (Fragaria × …
Plantain, often seen as just a common weed, holds a remarkable position in the world of natural medicine. Known scientifically as Plantago, this perennial herb is easily identified by its broad, oval-shaped leaves that feature prominent parallel veins, growing in a basal rosette pattern. The leaves, smooth-textured and dark green, …