Two species of Verbascum (V) that I’m familiar with are V thapsus and V olympicum. Far as I know they are interchangeable in herbal preparations. The entire plant may be used and GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe), except seeds which contain toxic substances to fish and mammals. The roots are reported to be most helpful…

Roasted Unsalted Sunflower Seeds are an important part of my Super Smoothies. Did you know they are classified as a Super Food? The study I will link you to below indicates they have anti inflammatory properties and a host of other healthful benefits. They help keep me feeling full longer than without them being added…

Prunella vulgaris, commonly called Heal-All or Self-Heal is a perennial herb in the mint family. It prefers a rich, damp, well draining soil but can be found in nature in almost any meadow or field, along ditches and low areas. The flowering top is mostly used in herbal preparations but the whole plant can be…

As you can see in the photo, I tried to grow my own Moringa, starting it indoors during late winter in hopes of setting out in the yard when temperatures warmed up a bit, to grow as an annual crop for leaf production. Started out great, grew great indoors under grow lights, flopped when set…

American Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis ‘Burton’ in her third year, full bloom. This particular variety has an interesting story. Normally I wouldn’t even consider taking cuttings from a wild growing plant without first having seen the ripe berries. My friend who sent photos of the mother plant in flower, William Walker, said it made the biggest…

You either love or hate Taraxacum officinale, the Common Dandelion. The whole plant is medicinal and edible. Its long taproot breaks up hard, compact soils and brings deep nutrients to the surface where other plants can benefit. As an early flowering plant, it’s an important food source for bees and other pollinators when few other…

Chufa, Cyperus esculentus var. sativus was one of humanity’s earliest foods, originating in Egypt and spreading throughout southern Europe and the middle east. Chufa is also commonly known as tiger nut or earth almond. It is a sedge that forms clusters of small propagative tubers. Closely related to the invasive Yellow Nut Sedge but with…

I tried growing and harvesting my own Chamomile and found it to be very tedious and time consuming to harvest the tiny flowers. It’s better for me with my busy life to buy it in bulk from Starwest Botanicals. Chamomile works well for me and my purpose. It’s calming on my nerves and has anti…

There are interesting Aronia studies out there about Aronia berry and leaf nutrition. It seems nobody even considers the leaves of this plant for the therapeutic potential, as far as Aronia farming is concerned. It’s all about the Super Berries! Well, if I have anything to do with Aronia leaves receiving the recognition they deserve,…

Elderberry Way is the three year journey that has brought us to this moment in time, an outward expression of a new inward condition, an improved life. Come along as we share with you what may also be your way to a better, more healthy lifestyle, the Elderberry Way! Charlie Little Back to Top