Steven Horne's Newsletter Articles

December 9, 2025

The Sensible Use of Caffeinated Herbs

I find it interesting that people all over the world drink beverages made with caffeinated herbs. The desire to have more energy is pretty universal, and people tend to enjoy the feeling of stimulation these herbs bring. I know that I do. And, all these herbs are natural and appear to have other health benefits when used with moderation and as whole substances. I was raised with the idea that stimulants are bad, but I now believe that there is nothing wrong with herbs that act as mild stimulants,…

December 2, 2025

The Health Benefits and Problems with Coffee

A popular caffeinated beverage, coffee can help boost energy and concentration, but it is best when used wisely. Its bitter qualities can help with digestion and lighter roasts contain antioxidants that can help with free radical damage.

October 14, 2025

Understanding Caffeine & Cellular Adaptation

Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants, but not everyone understands how it affects their body and why it becomes less effective over time. Understanding this will help you use caffeine wisely and give us insight into how to use other herbs effectively.

September 23, 2025

Horseradish

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a plant in the mustard family. I’ve written about mustard family plants before, including mustard seeds and wild spring mustard plants. Like other plants in this family, horseradish contains a significant amount of sulfur compounds. This mineral is the third most abundant mineral in the human body and the fourth most important mineral for plant growth. These sulfur compounds give plants like horseradish their pungent flavor.Protein Digestion and MetabolismOne…

September 18, 2025

Banaba or Crepe Myrtle

I love how I'm always discovering something new with herbalism. While exploring the area in California we're moving to, my wife pointed out some trees with red or pinkish-red blossoms, telling me how much she likes them. So, when we got home we did a little research and figured out that the tree is giant crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa). Coincidentally, the following morning, while writing about a formula for blood sugar regulation, I discovered that one of the ingredients, banaba, is also known…

August 26, 2025

Monkeyflowers

While exploring the outdoors, I've enjoyed encountering various species of monkeyflowers. These monkey-faced flowers are often found growing in moist places near streams and lakes. They are edible and I've snacked on them often. They tend to have a salty flavor as they readily take up sodium chloride from the soil. They may also be slightly bitter. They probably have a mild lymph-moving and alterative effect, even if you won’t find them mentioned as a medicinal plant in herb texts.However, I'm…

August 19, 2025

Mariposa Lilies

One of my favorite spring flowers is the sego lily, the official state flower of Utah. Sego lily, Calochortus nuttallii, is a member of the Calochortus genus in the lily family, which are collectively known as mariposa lilies. When the early Mormon pioneers were struggling to find food, local Native Americans taught them to harvest the bulbs of sego lily which helped save them from starvation.I’ve only eaten the bulbs once. It was on our annual Boy Scout camping trip to Stansbury Island, an…

August 12, 2025

The Noble Bay Leaf

Commonly used as a seasoning, bay leaf can ease lung congestion, aid with digestion, help reduce inflammation. And as an emotional remedy it may help boost self-confidence and courage.

The Sensible Use of Caffeinated Herbs

The Health Benefits and Problems with Coffee

Understanding Caffeine & Cellular Adaptation

Horseradish

Banaba or Crepe Myrtle

Monkeyflowers

Mariposa Lilies

The Noble Bay Leaf

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