by herbsocietyofamerica | Dec 27, 2021 | Other Culinary, Other History & Traditions, Other Research & Education
Pop open the champagne, and let’s celebrate some of our food traditions and superstitions surrounding the New Year. Our friends from the South begin their New Year with black-eyed peas for good luck and prosperity, along with greens and cornbread. Superstition has it...
by herbsocietyofamerica | Dec 20, 2021 | Other History & Traditions, Other Research & Education, Pollinators
I was sitting here at my desk trying to think of what I could say about the Winter Solstice that I have never said before. Then I started to think about the last two years. As the COVID virus forces us, once again, to reconsider the way that we celebrate with each...
by herbsocietyofamerica | Dec 13, 2021 | Fragrance, Other History & Traditions, Other Research & Education
The name comes from the French, pomme d’ambre, pomme for apple, referring to the round shape of the early scent balls. Ambre is derived from ambergris, a substance washed up on beaches from the sperm whale which was the chief fixative for fragrances in Renaissance...
by herbsocietyofamerica | Nov 29, 2021 | Ethnobotany, Other Research & Education
“I may here observe, that the disease of cancer is not confined to civilized nations. It is known among our Indians. I am informed that the Cheerake cure it with a plant which is thought to be the Hydrastis Canadensis, one of our fine native dies [dyes].” ...
by herbsocietyofamerica | Nov 22, 2021 | Holidays & Celebrations, Other Research & Education
When I think of herbs for Christmas, I always think of the Simon and Garfunkel “Scarborough Fair” song: “Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.” Sure, there is peppermint and plenty of spices, but these herbs seem to be the most...
