Botanical Name: Sisymbrium irio Family: Brassicaceae Common Names: Wild Mustard, London Rocket Southwest Habitat: Between 1,000’ and 7,500’ – the growing season depends on the elevation. While not native to North America, it is widespread and commonly found in disturbed soil. This is a plant found along trails during Sonoran winter hikes, under juniper trees… Continue >>>
I am pleased to share an article by Arthur Haines that helps clarify some of the misconceptions around the Paleo Diet. Arthur has some of the very best thinking on diet, health, wild foods and our ancestors from various traditional cultures. The article originally appeared here. This is an Exist Anew guest post by Arthur… Continue >>>
Whether foraging for greens or wildcrafting herbs, knowing the few toxic plants in one’s environment is essential. Poison hemlock is a potentially deadly plant that is frequently encountered in the forests and meadows of northern Arizona. This article and collection of photos is meant to help you identify this plant in your outdoor explorations and… Continue >>>
Botanical Name: Rumex hymenosepalus Family: Polygonaceae Common Names: Red Dock, Desert Rhubarb, Wild Rhubarb Part Used for Medicine: Tubers Habitat in Which it is Found/ Harvesting Season/ Special Considerations: It is found in sandy areas between 3,000’ and 6,000’. Common in the Verde Valley and the many sandy areas around Page, Arizona. The farthest north… Continue >>>
Botanical Name: Chenopodium album Family: Chenopodiaceae Spinach, beets, chard and quinoa are also in this family Common Names: Goosefoot, Lambsquarters Primary Characteristics for Field ID: The leaves are in the shape of a goose’s foot which helps with the field ID for a non-botanist. Part Used for Medicine: Fresh leaves and fresh tips Habitat in… Continue >>>
Brassicaceae – Mustard This family is characterized by flowers that have four petals and are shaped like a crucifix, hence the previous family name of Cruciferae. These plants are often edible and tend to have a spicy, hot energy and flavor although some of the domesticated varieties have been bred for a mild flavor. Besides… Continue >>>
Botany Books Whether one is foraging for food or wild crafting medicinal herbs, the primary botanical reference for our region is “Botany in a Day” by Thomas J. Elpel. It is extremely well written and user friendly. Several of the following internet sites build off the foundation of this book. It should be the #1… Continue >>>
Botanical Name: Urtica dioica Family: Urticaceae Common Names: Nettles, stinging nettles Southwest Habitat: Nettles like rich, black, damp soil in partial shade. It is most likely found in riparian areas, near seeps or in shady areas where deciduous trees have had the opportunity to help build the soil. It is not at all common in… Continue >>>
Book & Internet Resources for Herbal Field Study in Arizona and the Colorado Plateau Field Guides for the Southwest The focus of these books is plant identification rather than herbal usage. In general, books arranged by plant families and that use pen and ink drawings are considered more academic and geared to more experienced botanists. Books… Continue >>>
These are images of some of the medicinal plants encountered in the Sedona area during our plant walks and especially as part of the Foundations of Herbal Medicine course. Three Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata) is a common member of the Pinon – Juniper zone. Its leaves are astringent due to the tannic acid. The berries… Continue >>>
Latest Courses
This trip is an optional field study opportunity for students enrolled in the Family Herbalist Program. Other herbal friends may be joining us. Photos from previous trips can be seen on Facebook here. Students are responsible for food, lodging (camping, Air B&B, hotel) and transportation. The dates for the 2024 program are July 14-17. Day… Continue >>>
Registration for the 2025 program opens September 1, 2024. Choosing the path of herbal medicine can be a life-changing event. It was for me in 1990 when I made the decision to begin studying and using herbal medicine as a primary form of personal healthcare. It was in the mid 1990s when I was accepted… Continue >>>
Educational Resources
This trip is an optional field study opportunity for students enrolled in the Family Herbalist Program. Other herbal friends may be joining us. Photos from previous trips can be seen on Facebook here. Students are responsible for food, lodging (camping, Air B&B, hotel) and transportation. The dates for the 2024 program are July 14-17. Day… Continue >>>
Registration for the 2025 program opens September 1, 2024. Choosing the path of herbal medicine can be a life-changing event. It was for me in 1990 when I made the decision to begin studying and using herbal medicine as a primary form of personal healthcare. It was in the mid 1990s when I was accepted… Continue >>>
This 3 weekend class offers topics for continuing education to herbalists who already have working knowledge of: Herbal Energetics – Materia Medica – Herbal Pharmacy – Wildcrafting & Botany and other foundation areas in using healing plants. The course is primarily offered to people who have previously completed the Family Herbalist Program or the Foundations… Continue >>>
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