Category Archives: Herbs

Allergies Begone!

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Allergies BegoneAre your eyes itchy? Is your nose stuffy and runny and you feel like your head might just explode from what feels like an endless supply of mucus? Is your throat dry and scratchy? Are you in a fog and lethargic all day long? Could it possibly be all the pollen flying around, coating everything with a lovely yellow glow? Do you want some relief? Perhaps you might want to try some “Allergies Begone!” It has changed my life; it might just do the same for you.

This public service announcement was brought to you by the letter D and number 4. For more information, Debbie@knowyouroots.com

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Spring flower walk in the woods

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Come along with me for another hike in the woods.

skunk cabbage in bloomskunk cabbageI grew up in Hudson Valley and would come across Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) all the time but rarely had the pleasure of seeing them in bloom. The maroon pointy hood, called a spathe, holds and protects the flower when it emerges out of the ground. Although they are known for their odor, I really couldn’t smell them even though there were quite a few along the path.

cut-leaved toothwortI have never noticed Cut-leaved Toothwort (Cardamine concatenate) before and was amazed how they seemed to be everywhere. How did I ever miss them? They get their name from their ivory colored roots as well as being used for toothaches.

MertensiaAnother new flower to me is Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica). Their blossoms are absolutely breathtaking.

Smooth Yellow VioletThe Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola pensylvanica) is always a treat to see in the woods. They differ from the Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens) as their stems are smoothed unlike the Downy Yellow Violet.

Blue Cohoshblue cohosh in bloomIt is amazing that Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is an “at-risk” plant as it is so abundant in the Finger Lakes Region. I love the delicate dark wine colored blossom. It looks almost black. Blue Cohosh is a powerful medicinal herb for women.