ORGANIC ACIDS

BIOACTIVE PEPTIDES

KEFIRAN

CONTRAINDICATIONS & PRECAUTIONS

REFERENCES

1. Prado MR, Blandón LM, Vandenberghe LPS, et al. Milk kefir: composition, microbial cultures, biological activities, and related products. Front Microbiol. 2015;6:1177.
2. Bourrie BCT, Willing BP, Cotter PD. The microbiota and health promoting characteristics of the fermented beverage kefir. Front Microbiol. 2016;7:647.
3. Leite AMO, Miguel MAL, Peixoto RS, et al. Microbiological, technological and therapeutic properties of kefir: a natural probiotic beverage. Braz J Microbiol. 2013;44(2):341-349.
4. Rosa DD, Dias MMS, Grześkowiak ŁM, Reis SA, Conceição LL, Peluzio MDCG. Milk kefir: nutritional, microbiological and health benefits. Nutr Res Rev. 2017;30(1):82-96.
5. Farnworth ER. Kefir – a complex probiotic. Food Sci Technol Bull Funct Foods. 2005;2(1):1-17.
6. Fiorda FA, de Melo Pereira GV, Thomaz-Soccol V, Rakshit SK, Pagnoncelli MGB, Soccol CR. Microbiological, biochemical, and functional aspects of sugary kefir fermentation. Food Microbiol. 2017;66:86-95.

Every bag supports small-scale growers and the renewal of our soil, our communities, and our connection to the earth.

Historically revered across Mediterranean and European folk medicine as a blessed protective herb, Cnicus benedictus was taken as a bitter tonic for loss of appetite, sluggish digestion, flatulence, and “stagnant humors.” It also appeared in vulnerary washes for minor wounds and as a general alterative bitter to “cleanse and strengthen.” 

Current Uses

• Loss of appetite (temporary); pre-meal bitter to stimulate digestive secretions. 

• Symptomatic relief of mild dyspepsia (bloating, fullness, gas) and mild GI spasm. 

• Bitter carminative in simple dyspeptic states; supportive of bile flow. 

• Topical vulnerary (herb preparations) for minor cuts/abrasions (recognized in Canadian monograph). 

• Traditionally cited as a galactagogue in North American practice (variable evidence; product-specific in Canada).

*To learn more about this plant’s traditional and modern uses, energetics, and potential contraindications, visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb by name. There, you’ll find detailed notes on safe use and preparation methods.

Every bag supports small-scale growers and the renewal of our soil, our communities, and our connection to the earth.

Linden has been used in European herbal medicine for centuries as a calming and heart-supportive herb. Traditional preparations of the flowers were employed to ease nervous tension, anxiety, and insomnia, and to support emotional balance during periods of grief or stress. It was also used as a mild diaphoretic to reduce fever, as a gentle antispasmodic for digestive and muscular tension, and as a soothing agent for dry or irritated respiratory conditions.

Current Uses

Contemporary clinical and traditional applications recognize linden for its broad-acting nervine and circulatory support.

• Anxiolytic / Nervine: Calms the nervous system, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.

• Cardiovascular Support: May assist in reducing blood pressure and improving vascular tone through mild vasodilation and relaxation.

• Digestive Aid: Eases functional digestive symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and indigestion associated with stress.

• Respiratory Support: Provides demulcent and antitussive effects for dry, spasmodic coughs and upper respiratory irritation.

• Diaphoretic: Encourages gentle perspiration to aid in the management of fevers and detoxification.

• Antioxidant Action: Rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds that protect against oxidative stress and support microcirculatory health.

*To learn more about this plant’s traditional and modern uses, energetics, and potential contraindications, visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb by name. There, you’ll find detailed notes on safe use and preparation methods.

Every bag supports small-scale growers and the renewal of our soil, our communities, and our connection to the earth.

For centuries, Lemon Balm has been celebrated in European and Mediterranean herbal traditions as a calming and uplifting herb for the spirit. It was prized by Greek and Roman physicians for easing melancholy and nervous tension, and by medieval monastic herbalists for promoting restful sleep and gentle digestion. Its aromatic, lemony leaves were steeped in teas and tinctures to soothe anxiety, relieve indigestion, and comfort the heart in times of emotional strain.

Current Uses:

• Anxiety & Mood Support: Helps reduce stress and anxiety while gently uplifting the mood and promoting mental clarity.

• Digestive Health: Soothes upset stomach, gas, and bloating—especially when symptoms stem from emotional tension.

• Sleep Aid: Encourages relaxation and supports restorative sleep; often combined with valerian or lavender for synergistic calm.

• Cognitive Support: Improves focus and concentration while easing overstimulation.

• Antiviral Action (Topical): Research suggests that Lemon Balm’s antiviral effects—particularly against the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1)—are most pronounced in fresh-plant preparations or high-quality extracts, where volatile oils and polyphenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid are best preserved. Topical applications made from fresh or recently dried leaves have shown efficacy in reducing the duration and discomfort of cold sores.

*To learn more about this plant’s traditional and modern uses, energetics, and potential contraindications, visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb by name. There, you’ll find detailed notes on safe use and preparation methods.

Every bag supports small-scale growers and the renewal of our soil, our communities, and our connection to the earth.

Native to the southeastern United States, Passionflower has long been used by Indigenous peoples as a calming and pain-relieving herb. European herbalists later adopted it for nervous tension, restlessness, and sleeplessness. Its gentle sedative qualities made it a favorite in traditional formulas for hysteria, anxiety, and circular thoughts, helping to quiet the mind and soothe the spirit.

Current Uses

• Nervous System Support: Calms nervous tension and promotes relaxation without grogginess.

• Sleep Aid: Helps ease the transition to sleep, especially for those with racing thoughts.

• Anxiety Relief: Supports emotional balance during stress and overstimulation.

• Muscle Relaxant: Eases muscle tightness and spasms associated with nervous tension.

• Menstrual & PMS Support: Reduces discomfort associated with hormonal or emotional stress.

*To learn more about this plant’s traditional and modern uses, energetics, and potential contraindications, visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb by name. There, you’ll find detailed notes on safe use and preparation methods.

• Respiratory health: Thyme is widely used today to help ease coughs, congestion, and bronchitis due to its expectorant and antimicrobial properties.
• Antimicrobial: The thymol content in thyme makes it a powerful antibacterial and antifungal herb, often used to treat infections both internally and externally.
• Immune support: Thyme is frequently included in immune-boosting teas and tinctures to help the body fight off colds, flus, and viral infections.
• Digestive aid: Thyme’s carminative properties make it helpful for soothing gas, bloating, and indigestion, while stimulating the digestive process.
• Topical use: Thyme oil is used in skincare for its antibacterial and antifungal effects, making it effective for treating acne, wounds, and fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

*To learn more about this plant’s traditional and modern uses, energetics, and potential contraindications, visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb by name. There, you’ll find detailed notes on safe use and preparation methods.

Every bag supports small-scale U.S. growers and the renewal of our soil, communities, and connection to the earth.

For centuries, Elder has been cherished in European, Indigenous, and folk medicine traditions as a sacred tree of protection and healing. The flowers were commonly used to promote sweating during fevers, ease congestion, and calm inflammation in the respiratory tract. The berries were prized as a nourishing winter remedy to ward off seasonal illnesses, strengthen vitality, and support longevity. Both parts were seen as guardians of balance—helping the body release what it no longer needs while replenishing strength and resilience.

Current Uses

Today, Elder remains one of the most beloved herbs for immune and seasonal wellness.

• Immune Support: Promotes immune function and helps prevent or shorten colds, flu, and viral infections.

• Antiviral: Inhibits viral replication and reduces the severity and duration of symptoms.

• Anti-inflammatory: Helps calm inflammation in mucous membranes and joints.

• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports overall vitality.

• Respiratory Health: Eases coughs, sinus pressure, and congestion by promoting clear breathing.

*To learn more about this plant’s traditional and modern uses, energetics, and potential contraindications, visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb by name. There, you’ll find detailed notes on safe use and preparation methods.

Historically, feverfew has been employed since ancient Greek and Roman times for fevers, headaches, menstrual pain, rheumatic conditions, and minor digestive spasms. Its bitter and aromatic nature made it suited for “hot inflammations” and the remedy of the nervous, vascular, and alimentary tracts. 

Current Uses:

• migraine headache prevention and reduction in frequency/severity 

• relief of tension headaches, vascular spasm and nervous-system cramping 

• support for mild digestive upsets, gas and bloating via its bitter carminative action 

• anti-inflammatory adjunct for musculoskeletal tension and period cramps

*To learn more about this plant’s traditional and modern uses, energetics, and potential contraindications, visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb by name. There, you’ll find detailed notes on safe use and preparation methods.