Kava: Traditional significance and modern clinical interest
The use of Kava is of therapeutic interest but, some adverse effects may be present if its consumption is not done under knowledgeable supervision.
Marco Pepe and Samantha McReavy /
October 8, 2019
Believing in Dryads: A new way of Understanding plants, neurotransmitters and the senses
If you do not believe in Dryads (figure 1) and Elves (figure 2) as spirits that live in plants, you may want to reconsider. Many people believe that plants do not feel as animals do but new research is proving this wrong.
Dr. Victoria Roshchina /
October 8, 2019
When to harvest? The art and science behind picking for optimum medicinal potential
Where and how to grow medicinal plants requires a keen eye, patience and plenty of experience
Heather Beach and Spencer McGregor /
October 8, 2019
Labrador Tea is an Arctic wonder
The value and meaning behind one of the Arctic’s precious medicinals
Heather Anderson, Kelson Miron and Keltie Morris /
October 8, 2019
The Soul
Shubham Talwar shares with his vision about the transcendence of the Soul and its brief embodiment in the many worlds of humans and trees.
Shubham Talwar /
October 8, 2019
My love of plants
Susan Gosling expresses the inspiration she receives from nature and her enchanting garden.
Susan Gosling /
October 8, 2019
Greetings from the Editor
Welcome to Spiritual Botany Issue Three - Plant Neuromodulators
Praveen Saxena /
September 24, 2018
The Spiritual Value of Pine Trees
Reflections on the historical and sacred value of white pine
Verena Kulak /
September 24, 2018
Melatonin in Plants and Human Diet
Despite melatonin's widespread occurrence in plants as well as the foods we consume daily, its role in the human diet is only beginning to be understood.
Lauren Erland /
September 24, 2018
Plants Are All Chemists
“Plants are all chemists, tirelessly assembling the molecules of the world” - Gary Snyder
Christina Turi /
September 24, 2018
Gingko
Ginkgo biloba, also called the maidenhair tree, is branded as a “living fossil”, as it is the only surviving member of the Ginkgo genus. Traditionally, G. biloba was used to treat asthma and senility. More commonly, the nut is used for culinary practices and is often used as an addition to a meal as a side dish or garnish for a dessert
Jacqueline Nguyen, Kyeesha Ocampo, Alicia Rosati /
September 24, 2018
Let Me Be A Tree
Shubham Talwar discusses his connection with nature through poetry
Shubham Talwar /
September 24, 2018
The Mycelium Solution to Health
As a city dweller, taking a walk through the rich biosphere of an old growth forest can feel like being transported to another world. The abundance of life in these ecosystems are evident. The embrace of mother nature seems to cancel out the noise and demands of modern life, recharging us from everyday stressors. Through these experiences it becomes apparent that ecosystems rich in biodiversity are invaluable to not only the health of the planet, but also to our wellbeing....
Sarah Pravato and Monica Lindop /
September 24, 2018
Greetings from the Editor
Welcome to Spiritual Botany Issue Two - Medicinal Plant Conservation
Praveen K. Saxena /
July 14, 2017
Bodhi Beads in China
Bodhi beads were used by Buddhists as a prayer tool for counting the number of prayers chanted while reciting mantras. Nowadays, buyers in China use Bodhi beads as ornaments, collectibles or high-grade gifts. As a result of the market hype, the price of Bodhi beads has risen quite quickly, especially for beads that have been traditionally collected by people for many years.
Li Fei-fei /
July 14, 2017
We Have Lots of Work to Do!
The herbal industry is growing at a rate much faster than the slow growing forest botanicals. Susan Leopold, executive director for the United Plant Savers, shares her thoughts on medicinal plant conservation.
Susan Leopold /
July 14, 2017
Tulsi: A Strong Candidate for Controlled Environment Cultivation?
Plant tissue culture is a technique used to grow plants under sterile and controlled environmental conditions. Using this technology, sustainable mass production of high quality medicinal plants can be achieved, which in turn can reduce pressures created by wild harvesting.
Mukund Shukla /
July 14, 2017
Construction of the Bruce Trail
Serving as trail director, Philip Gosling was instrumental in building the Bruce Trail (the oldest and longest marked hiking trail in Canada) in the early 1960’s. Here he discusses how one trip into the woods led to a life long commitment to protect the environment.
Philip Gosling /
July 14, 2017
Notes from the Congo (Brazzaville)
Réka Komáromi, a freelance ethnobotanist based in Berlin, Germany recounts her time spent with a traditional practitioner from Sounda Village, Congo (Brazzaville).
Reka Komaromi /
July 14, 2017