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The Herb Nobody Forgets: Why Yu Xing Cao Keeps Showing Up in Lyme Disease, Bartonella, and Chinese Herbal Discussions Quick Answer: Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia cordata) is one of the most discussed herbs among people researching Lyme disease, Bartonella, respiratory wellness, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has a long history of traditional use, a distinctive fish-like aroma, and a reputation for …

The Great Rabbit Heist: How My Kitchen Herbs Saved the Garden (And Nearly Started a Backyard Spice War) There is a very specific type of heartbreak only gardeners understand. It usually happens early in the morning. Coffee in hand. Morning dew still on the young plants.  Birds chirping.  Sun barely coming up.You walk outside feeling proud, peaceful, and fully convinced you have bec …

How I Managed To Overbrew an Entire Jar of Sun Tea After 30 Years Working With Herbs This would be hilarious if it were not painfully true, but I literally just did this. First beautiful sunny day of the year, and I thought, “I’m going to make the perfect sun-brewed orange spice tea.” Instead, I managed to humble myself with an entire gallon of over-brewed bitterness. Thirty year …

Beyond the Jar: A Beginner's Guide to Storing Chinese Herbs for Peak Potency Introduction As a longtime herbalist, I cannot stress enough how crucial proper storage is to the vitality of your herbs. I will never forget the heartbreak of losing an entire batch of high-quality Gou Teng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) because I carelessly left it sitting in a humid cabinet. Mold completely overtook it withi …