Sub-Total: $0.00
Medicinal Action
Social Bonding
Social bonding involves the formation of trust, empathy, and emotional closeness between individuals, which is essential for emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. Strong social bonds can lead to improved mental health, reduced stress, and a greater sense of purpose and support. Social interactions and the sharing of experiences release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which plays a crucial role in bonding and reducing anxiety.
Herbs that support emotional well-being and promote a relaxed, open state conducive to social bonding include lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), which can reduce social anxiety and promote calmness, and damiana (Turnera diffusa), traditionally used to enhance mood and foster a sense of openness. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve the quality of interactions and make it easier to connect with others on a deeper level.
Practices that encourage social bonding include group activities, shared rituals, communication, and acts of kindness. Spending time in community settings or engaging in group hobbies can facilitate the development of meaningful relationships that improve overall well-being.
Monographs with the (Social Bonding) function
Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus)
Historical Use:
Mullein has a long history of use in European folk medicine and among many Native American nations as a soothing herb for the lungs. The leaves and flowers were commonly brewed as a tea or smoked to ease coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. The plant’s soft, velvety leaves were applied as poultices to calm inflammation and promote healing of burns, wounds, and skin irritations. Mullein flowers were traditionally infused into oil to relieve earaches and reduce pain and swelling in the ear.
Current Uses:
Mullein remains a popular respiratory remedy. Its expectorant and demulcent properties help thin and move mucus, making coughs more productive and easing breathing during colds, bronchitis, and other congestive conditions. Teas, tinctures, and syrups are frequently used to soothe sore throats and support overall lung health.
Externally, mullein is applied in infused oils, poultices, and compresses to calm irritation, reduce inflammation, and assist with wound healing. Mullein flower oil continues to be a staple in ear drop preparations to ease ear discomfort and support a healthy inflammatory response.
Beyond respiratory and topical uses, mullein is sometimes used to soothe irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract and gently support elimination when there is dryness or inflammation.
Learn More:
Want to explore more about energetics, history and more? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.
$1.50
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
Uses
Historical Use:
Nettle has a long tradition of use across Europe and Asia as a strengthening spring tonic, valued for its ability to “cleanse the blood” and restore vitality after the winter months. Fresh nettles were sometimes used for urtication — intentionally brushed on the skin — to stimulate circulation and relieve joint pain or stiffness.
Current Uses:
Nettle leaf is now widely recognized as a nutrient-rich herb, abundant in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. The leaf is taken as tea, infusion, or food to replenish nutrients, support general health, and gently build strength. Its anti-inflammatory actions make it a key ally for easing arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness. Many herbalists recommend nettle leaf for reducing seasonal allergies and supporting clear, healthy breathing, likely due to its influence on histamine pathways.
Nettle leaf is also used to encourage healthy kidney and urinary function and is considered mildly diuretic, supporting the removal of excess fluids. Externally and internally, nettle leaf has been used to support healthy skin and hair, helping reduce dandruff, strengthen hair, and soothe skin conditions such as eczema.
Nettle root is distinct in its action, most notably used to support urinary flow and prostate health in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also considered mildly astringent and has been traditionally used to address excessive bleeding.
Nettle seed is prized as a nutritive tonic, rich in fatty acids and micronutrients. Contemporary herbalists use nettle seed as a rejuvenative herb, sometimes referred to as an adaptogen, to support energy, endurance, and overall vitality.
Learn More:
Want to explore more about energetics, history and more? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.
$5.10
Comfrey Root (Symphytum officinale)
Traditional Uses:
Comfrey has been widely used for centuries as a healing herb, particularly in folk medicine. Traditionally, it was known as “boneset” or “knitbone” due to its ability to promote the healing of fractures and broken bones. The herb was applied externally in the form of poultices, compresses, and salves to treat bruises, sprains, wounds, and joint injuries. The leaves and roots were used to reduce inflammation and swelling and speed up the healing of soft tissues.
Wound Healing: Comfrey’s traditional use for wounds and ulcers was due to its content of allantoin, a compound that stimulates cell regeneration and tissue repair.
Internal Use (Historical): In the past, comfrey was also consumed as a tea or decoction to treat respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and internal bleeding. However, internal use of comfrey is now discouraged due to concerns over pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver.
Current Uses:
Today, comfrey remains highly regarded for its external use in treating bruises, sprains, strains, and inflammation of muscles and joints. Modern herbalists recommend comfrey as an ingredient in ointments and creams to aid in the healing of skin conditions, minor wounds, burns, and fractures. Its ability to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation has kept it relevant in natural remedies, though strict regulations now limit its internal use due to its hepatotoxic potential.
Topical Applications: Comfrey is commonly used in herbal salves, balms, and lotions for musculoskeletal pain, as well as in arthritis and rheumatic treatments. The herb helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, making it a popular remedy for athletes and those recovering from injuries.
Learn More:
Want to explore more about Comfrey’s energetics and history? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.
$3.30
Hops Flower (Humulus lupulus)
Sedative and Relaxant: Traditionally, hops have been used for their calming effects on the nervous system. In European folk medicine, hops were used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. People often stuffed pillows with hops to induce sleep and ease nervous tension.
Digestive Aid: Hops have long been recognized for their bitter properties, which stimulate digestive secretions. They were commonly used to treat indigestion, loss of appetite, and digestive discomfort in traditional herbal medicine.
Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory: Hops were also used for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional healers applied hops externally to treat skin infections and inflammation and internally to reduce fevers and combat infections.
Current Uses:
Sleep Aid: In modern herbalism, hops are a popular remedy for insomnia and anxiety. They are often combined with other sedative herbs, such as valerian or passionflower, in supplements or teas to promote restful sleep.
Nervous System Support: Hops are frequently used to alleviate nervous tension, stress, and mild anxiety. They are incorporated into tinctures, capsules, or teas designed to calm the mind and relax the body.
Digestive Health: Due to their bitter compounds, hops continue to be used as a digestive stimulant, helping to enhance appetite and alleviate indigestion.
Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial: Hops possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and are still used in modern herbal medicine to treat skin conditions, infections, and inflammation both internally and externally.
Brewing: Hops are famously used in the brewing industry to flavor and preserve beer. Their bitter resins and aromatic oils give beer its distinctive flavor and help prevent bacterial growth during the fermentation process.
Learn More:
Want to explore more about Hops’ energetics and history? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.
$8.90