Steven Horne's Newsletter Articles

January 8, 2026

Barberry and Healthy Personal Boundaries

Barberry refers to several species in the genus Berberis. All of the herbs in this genus contain berberine, a yellow-colored alkaloid with antimicrobial properties. In this article we're talking about the main species of barberry. The common barberry from the Old World, Berberis vulgaris, the American species, B.canadensis, and Japanese barberry, B. thunbergii.Barberry is illegal to grow in many areas because it is a host for a fungus, Puccinia graminis, which causes stem rust in wheat and related…

December 22, 2025

The Evidence for Berberine

A yellow alkaloid found in traditional infection-fighting herbs, it can help with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, inflammation, heart health, cancer, weight loss, and more.

December 9, 2025

The Sensible Use of Caffeinated Herbs

People all over the world drink beverages made with caffeinated herbs to feel energy and stimulated. Herbs like kola nut, guarana, and yerba mate along with coffee and tea are all examples of stimulating nervines and when used sensibly can be good medicines to use.

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…

Barberry and Healthy Personal Boundaries

The Evidence for Berberine

The Sensible Use of Caffeinated Herbs

The Health Benefits and Problems with Coffee

Understanding Caffeine & Cellular Adaptation

Horseradish

Banaba or Crepe Myrtle

Monkeyflowers

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