Here at Mountain Rose Herbs, we’re frequently asked about various definitions in herbalism. Such as “what’s the difference between an essential oil and an infused oil?”

We thought you'd appreciate a simple guide to herbal terminology. Here are 10 definitions for your learning pleasure! Please let us know if there are any other definitions you’d like to see here! We'd love to add to this list in the future.

Elderberry is traditionally used to support a healthy immune system*, so I'm always searching for ways to integrate it into my meals. And one of my recent New Year's resolutions was to speed up my morning routine. Just imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon this recipe that combines my quest for a daily dose of elderberry with my need to buy back time in my day.

Adoration for cacao can be traced back to ancient cultures in Mesoamerica. Bitter beverages made from the crushed seeds of this voluptuous fruit were enjoyed with a belief that these pods had magical properties. Mildly stimulating with a pronounced twinkle of euphoria, cacao was reserved for sacred rituals and royalty.

Herbal syrups are a time-honored way to administer not-so-pleasant-tasting herbs to the young ones and picky eaters in your life. Tasty on their own by the spoonful, they also add an herbal boost to your favorite culinary recipes and libations. Try them in teas, desserts, bubbly beverages, cocktails, DIY root beers, or atop ice cream.

This sweet, syrupy liquid often comes with a negative connotation, but not all vegetable glycerine is the same. It’s true that most vegetable glycerine on the market is a by-product of the soap-making and biodiesel industries, but safe, high quality glycerine does exist. Here at Mountain Rose Herbs, we carry pure organic vegetable glycerine and find it to be a wonderfully versatile ingredient for herbal preparations.

Wonderful hot or cold, rooibos tea pairs well with many other herbs and spices. Try making some of these delicious combos at home for a real afternoon treat!

Ashwagandha is to Ayurveda what Ginseng is to Traditional Chinese Medicine. It’s a cornerstone root used through the ages as a part of daily life. A root so treasured that its popularity has spread globally and its use is common.

The first time I cooked spaghetti squash I was heartbroken. I had recently broken up with gluten and was trying desperately to fill the hole in my stomach left by pasta. And while my marinara game was on point that day, the spaghetti squash only added to my heartbreak. Thankfully a dear friend challenged me to think outside the Italian Seasoning box and these smoky Southwestern-inspired spaghetti squash bowls were born.

I’d been told I just had to try the house-made sweet vermouth at a trendy Italian spot on a recent trip to California. Not one to ignore a recommendation from a friend with trustworthy taste buds, I obliged. He was right! The icy glass of the slightly bitter, oh-so-refreshing herbal aperitif was a total, delightful, surprise.

This little butternut squash galette is the perfect seasonal accompaniment for a winter lunch or an intimate dinner gathering. Made with local butternut squash and infused with savory herbs like thyme, sage and garlic, not only does this recipe make your house smell amazing, but it's a delicious dip into the bounty that this time of year brings. Adding hemp seeds and parmesan cheese creates an extra umami pop, and the hint of lemon zest is a subtle reminder of summer’s gifts.

Infusing herbs into butter only takes a few minutes and is a tasty way to add an extra punch of flavor to your food. Herbal infused butters, also called compound butters, are decadent on steamed vegetables, warm dinner rolls, baked potatoes, pasta dishes, or incorporated into sautés and sauces. Here are a couple of my favorite recipes!