News & Articles

Cilantro, Mimics and Memes

Cilantro, loved by some and loathed by others, owes its divisive reputation to genetics and cultural influences. Discover how genetics shape cilantro preferences, the rise of mimics like rau răm and culantro, and why this humble herb inspires passionate debates.

But Really, Why on Earth Do We Eat Chiles Anyway?

From fiery Oaxacan markets to the unique pain-processing pathways of capsaicin, hot peppers offer a fascinating mix of culture, biology, and culinary adventure. Conrad Richter delves into the allure of chiles, their genetic quirks, medicinal benefits, and why humans embrace the pain of spicy food. Is it nutrition, antifungal properties, or the thrill of "benign masochism" that keeps us coming back?

Mother Herb: An Interview with Waltraut Richter

An interview with Richters co-founder, Waltraut Richter, explores how her passion for herbs and desire to share their benefits led to founding Richters Herbs, a pioneer in North America's herb industry.

Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors

Herbs are rewarding to grow indoors, providing flavour, fragrance, and beauty year-round. This guide covers the best herbs for indoor cultivation, light and soil needs, pest control, and tips for thriving plants.

Celebrating Dill: Herb of the Year 2010

Dill is more than a kitchen staple—it’s a plant steeped in history, culture, and health benefits. From soothing colicky babies to enhancing digestion, dill has been cherished for centuries across the globe. Its dual personality as both dillweed (herb) and dill seeds (spice) makes it a versatile ingredient in dishes like pickles, soups, and sauces.

Gourmet Herb Garden Can Be Grown on Doorstep

Growing herbs has transformed from a niche hobby to a gardening staple. This guide explores the rise of fresh herbs, tips for growing them, and must-have varieties for your kitchen garden.

Popular Herbs Grow Happily Indoors

Herbs thrive in Canadian gardens and can be grown indoors year-round with proper light and care. This guide covers planting tips, maintenance, and a selection of popular herbs for indoor cultivation.

Sowing the Seeds of Herbal Happiness

Learn how to grow fresh herbs in your garden with this expert guide. Discover the best herbs for Toronto gardens, from seeds to plants, and start your herbal journey today.

Fall is the Time to Harvest Roots to Make Home Remedies

Fall is the perfect time to harvest medicinal roots like ginseng, valerian, and comfrey, as they reach peak potency. This guide explores their benefits, growing tips, and preparation for home remedies.

Ground Cover Herbs from Seed

Herbal ground covers offer unique, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional lawns. This guide highlights options like wild thyme, yarrow, and chamomile, detailing their growth, uses, and seeding tips for lush, aromatic landscapes.

Fall Is Not the Time to Be Timid in the Herb Garden

Demystify fall herb planting with beginner-friendly tips for harvesting, drying, and growing favorites like basil, rosemary, and garlic. Get ready to prep your garden for next year’s success!

The Many-Splendored Scents of Herbs

Discover the fascinating science behind the diverse scents and flavors of herbs. Learn how natural genetic variation and essential oil chemistry create unique aromas like lemon verbena, orange thyme, and more. Uncover how observant gardeners—and plant breeders—can find or develop new scented herb varieties, all without GMOs.

A Darwinian Knot Disease: Genes and Henna

Henna, prized for its vibrant hues, has been used for hair, skin, and rituals for centuries. Its antiseptic properties made it vital in ancient medicine, despite its lethal effects on some with G6PD deficiency. Thriving in hot, dry climates, henna's leaves produce the dye compound lawsone, blending cultural significance with natural resilience.

Commercial Calendula Cultivation

Discover calendula's versatile uses, from medicinal and cosmetic applications to edible flowers and oilseed production. Learn about top-performing varieties, site preparation, planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting techniques to optimize flower and seed yields. Explore how this hardy annual can thrive in diverse climates and unlock opportunities for growers worldwide.

The 50th Anniversary of Richters Catalogue!

Richters Herbs began in the 1960s with Waltraut and Otto Richter growing European herbs alongside flowers. A 1969 Toronto Star article inspired their first catalog in 1970. Under their son Conrad’s leadership, Richters became a trusted source for diverse herbs, fueled by customer passion.

Introduction to Cryptolepis: Nature’s Antibiotic Herb

Cryptolepis, a potent antibiotic herb from West Africa, is traditionally used to treat malaria and fevers. This video explores its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, its use for Lyme disease, and recent research findings.

Introduction to Cryptolepis: Nature’s Antibiotic Root

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, a West African climbing vine, has long been used for fevers, particularly malaria. Its active compound, cryptolepine, demonstrates potent antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties, including effectiveness against Lyme disease and resistant bacteria like MRSA. Interest in cryptolepis continues to grow globally for its promising medicinal potential.

Seven Herbs to Grow from Seed

Spring Brings Out the Gardener in Everyone

Richters Herbs, specializing in herbs for 50+ years, sees rising demand for antiviral herbs like elderberry and garlic amid COVID-19. Owner Conrad Richter notes a shift from culinary to health focus. Offering 500 varieties, Richters ensures top-quality, flavorful plants.

Creating a Sanctuary of At Risk Plants

As herbal medicine goes mainstream, the demand for wild medicinal herbs strains their supply. Registered Herbalist Penelope Beaudrow explains how you can help by growing endangered herbs in your own sanctuary.

Herbal Anti-Inflammatories and Analgesics

Chronic use of over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can lead to serious health issues. In this video, naturopathic doctor Tiffany Wyse explores herbal alternatives for pain and inflammation.

Growing Excite-mint for Everything Herbal at Richters Herbs

Richters Herbs in Goodwood, Ontario, specializes in a vast array of culinary, medicinal, and aromatic herbs, offering seeds, plants, and educational seminars. Founded in the 1960s, they now grow over 600 varieties, blending traditional and scientific knowledge to inspire gardeners and herbalists.

West African Popping Sorghum

In Dagbamete, West Africa, people pop sorghum seeds for a healthy snack with no fat or cholesterol. Rich in proteins and vitamins, sorghum is also used for porridge, flour, and beer. Grow your own popping sorghum with seeds from Richters.

Women, Herbs and Health

Discover the healing power of herbs for women's health. Clinical Herbalist Carmen Lynde explores plant medicine and how herbs like vervain, holy basil, and motherwort support fertility, hormone balance, and more.

Potager Gardening

Potager, a French term for ornamental kitchen gardens, blends edible plants with decorative flowers and herbs. Learn how to create a beautiful, functional garden that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.