Siskiyou Mountain Herbs

10/03/2025

Given new clinical research suggesting calming and sleep-promoting effects for Aloysia citriodora (lemon verbena), a new study aimed to assess its behavioural, cognitive, psychological and physiological effects in children exhibiting symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the sub-clinical level.

This exploratory study followed a randomised, double blind, parallel group design, wherein 120 healthy participants aged 8 to 17 years received either 15 mg/kg of lemon verbena extract (LVE) or a matched placebo for 56 days.

Participants who received LVE reported greater subjective fatigue, defined as reduced energy levels according to the Profile of Mood States subscale, without impairment in cognitive performance (p=0.001), compared to placebo. The authors interpreted this as a “calming/de-energising” effect.

Parent-rated Conners-3 H/I (hyperactivity/impulsivity) showed a near-significant advantage for LVE (p=0.052). At Day 56 (exploratory pairwise), parent assessed H/I was significantly lower for LVE (p=0.045); child self-reports showed a similar trend (p=0.080).

Main limitations of the trial were that it was underpowered (not enough participants) and had a baseline imbalance: the LVE group had worse mood/behaviour at baseline. Also, the chosen population only exhibited sub-clinical symptoms (not diagnosed ADHD).

No details were provided as to how the lemon verbena dry extract correlated to original starting herb, but it was probably around a 5:1 concentrate. So, the dose for a 30 Kg child would be equivalent to around 2.5 g of leaf.

For more information see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40251851/

09/23/2025

The new batch of healing salve smells great! Contains calendula, white sage, St. Johns wort, lavender, plantain, in organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, organic lavender essential oil, and beeswax. Will paint labels tomorrow, should be in the farm store Wednesday, and at Cave Junction Farmers Market Friday.

09/20/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CacPhGk8k/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a metabolite naturally produced from glucobrassicin after the consumption of cabbage family vegetables. It has attracted scientific interest for its potential health benefits, particularly in hormone regulation and cancer prevention. DIM influences oestrogen metabolism by promoting the conversion of oestradiol into less potent metabolites, which may reduce oestrogen dominance-related conditions. But it also has antimicrobial properties.

In a novel finding, scientists have recently discovered that DIM can cut plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth by 90%. The human mouth provides an ideal environment for bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, a key contributor to tooth decay. After eating, S. mutans thrives in the warm, sugary conditions inside the mouth, forming a sticky biofilm on the teeth. This biofilm leads to plaque buildup, erodes enamel and causes cavities.

The study found that DIM was able to attenuate S. mutans biofilm formation by 92%. Also, treatment with DIM lowered extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production and decreased its durability significantly under acidic conditions. EPS is the protective, gel-like matrix secreted by bacteria that surrounds the cells in a biofilm. These anti-biofilm and anti-virulence properties of DIM against S. mutans bacteria in an "oral setting" provide clear evidence for its usefulness in reducing biofilm formation, and potentially for caries prevention.

“The molecule, which was found to have low toxicity, could be added to toothpastes and mouthwashes to greatly improve dental hygiene,” says lead author Prof. Ariel Kushmaro.

In the meantime, I guess we can chew on the tablets!

We might also wonder if DIM can exert antibiofilm properties elsewhere in the body, such as in the gut and bladder. In other test tube studies, DIM consistently prevented biofilm initiation and weakened EPS matrix production across Gram-negative, Gram-positive and fungal pathogens at low- to mid-micromolar concentrations. It was less effective against established/mature biofilms, but did show antibiotic synergy.

If you want to generate significant amounts of DIM in your digestive system (from the stomach downwards), bloodstream and ultimately urine, you will need to eat your Brassica vegetables raw and chew them well. Anyone for coleslaw?

Unfortunately, you can’t generate DIM in your mouth by chewing on cabbage; we need our stomach acid for that.

For more information see: https://scitechdaily.com/natural-molecule-wipes-out-90-of-cavity-causing-plaque/
and
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37370336/

06/11/2025

I have fresh herbs, ready to hand harvest, available locally only. I can deliver to them Cave Junction farmers market in Kerby on Friday afternoons, or you can come out to Frog Farm.  Flowering motherwort, yarrow, echinacea leaf and flower, arnica leaf and flower, blue vervain, rosemary, thyme, hawthorn leaf and flower, mediterranean Bay leaf, and a few more apothecary roses. Soon will have linden flower. Available by the ounce, call or text 541-415-1822. 

05/10/2025

05/01/2025

A fun thing happened a few weeks ago: I got invited to join Rosalee de la Forêt on her Herbs with Rosalee podcast!

It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that we focussed on thyme — the garden medicine that got me started in herbalism.

It's really true that plant people are the best. Check out the podcast (audio or video) and you'll see what I mean.

Thanks to Rosalee and her whole team!

https://drornaizakson.com/thymes-unsurprising-medicinal-might/

04/29/2025

Send a message to learn more

04/17/2025

12/23/2024

Made new batches of calendula cream, Rosa Mosqueta lotion, baby powder, winter tea blend, cough and cold tea and more… stop by 9-5, or order through our square site.

10/19/2024

I have 8 boxes full of gift/trade tinctures in my stock bottles at the Howl/barter fair, bring bottles!! 

10/16/2024

Come on by Frog Farm, we have pastries, eggs, goats milk, apple cider, holy basil pesto, jams and jellies… So much more 

10/11/2024

SAVE THE DATE! Do you have any garden produce to share- potatoes, carrots, onion, squash, grains/flour, or meat...? Contact me or drop donations marked "for Local Food Dinner" at Frog Farm. Can't wait to get together in person for my favorite feast of the year!