Agrimony Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties
Agrimony is not commonly used today, but has its place in traditional herbal medicine. This herb
is safe for use for minor ailments in most healthy people. Like most herb simples, the uses to
which it is put are remarkably varied. The English use it to make a delicious "spring" or "diet"
drink for purifying the blood. It is considered especially useful as a tonic for aiding recovery
from winter colds, fevers, and diarrhea. Agrimony contains tannin and a volatile essential oil.
As Agrimony also possesses an astringent action, it is frequently used in alternative medicine as
an herbal mouthwash and gargle ingredient, and is applied externally in the form of a lotion to
minor sores and ulcers. Agrimony has also been recommended, as a strong decoction, to cure
sores, blemishes, and pimples.
Agrimony is called XIAN HE CAO in Chinese herbal medicine and is used to stop bleeding.
- Dr. Michael Tierrra L.Ac., O.M.D., The Way of Chinese Herbs
Caution: This is an astringent herb, do not use if constipated. Do not use internally during
pregnancy without discussing with your obstetrician.
Habitat and Description
Agrimony can be found growing extensively throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States.
A hardy perennial, its natural habitat is woods and fields, but it takes to cultivation easily.
Agrimonies have one to two foot branchy stems covered with a fine, silky down and terminate in
spikes of yellow flowers. Both the flowers and the notched leaves give off a faint characteristic
lemony scent when crushed. After the flowers fade they give place to tiny clinging "burrs" which
will quickly adhere to your clothing if you brush by an it plant in a hedgerow.
How to grow Agrimony
For garden growing, give Agrimony sun or partial sun and regular watering, a plant from seed or
propagate by root division in spring or fall. Gather the herb in summer while the flowers are in
bloom.
May Apple
May Apple Description and Habitat
May Apple is a perennial native herb found growing in moist soils in rich woods, thickets and pastures
Eastern N. America to Southern Maine to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota. May Apple grows to
about 18 inches high, the stem separates into two large, dark green, long stemmed, palmate, lobed,
leaves. Looking almost like umbrellas to protect the large white flower on a short peduncle, growing right
in-between the leaves, flowers bloom in April to May. May apple flowers turn into crab apple size edible
fruits, gather in early summer when fully ripe. May Apple roots are dark brown, fibrous and jointed, gather
roots after foliage dies back, dry for later herb use.
May Apple Cultivation
May apple is easy using to grow using seedling transplants or seed sown in fall. Prefers rich well drained
soil and partial to deep shade.
May Apple Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties
American Mandrake, or May Apple, is medicinal and edible (fruit), used extensively by Native Americans.
The fully ripe fruit is eaten raw, cooked or made into jams, jellies, marmalades, and pies. It is very
aromatic, and has a sweet peculiar but agreeable flavor. May Apple seeds and rind are not edible, said to
be poisonous. The root and plant contain valuable constituents Quercetin, Kaempferol, Podophyllin,
Isorhamnetin, Gallic-acid, Berberine, Alpha-peltatin, that are being studied for their healing, anticancer
and other properties. The root is used as a medicinal herb, it is antibilious, cathartic, cytostatic,
hydrogogue and purgative, it should only be used by professional Herbalists. It is a most powerful
and useful alternative medicine. A possible treatment for cancer is being tested as it contains podophyllin,
which has an antimiotic effect (it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells).
More Info
The resin of May Apple, which is obtained from the root, is used in the treatment of warts. The whole
plant, apart from the ripe fruit, is highly poisonous in large doses. American Mandrake herb produces
nausea and vomiting, and even inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which has been
known to prove fatal. In moderate doses, it is a drastic purgative with some cholagogue action. Do
not use wile pregnant, nursing or trying to conceive.
May Apple Folklore
May Apple was once called the witches umbrella and thought to be employed by them as a poison,
which may not be untrue! The English version of this plant has much lore told of it, being called Manroot
(mandrake) believed to be alive and its screams when pulled from the ground would render a man
permanently insane.
May Apple Recipe
Jelly or sweet relish: Peel and deseed the ripe fruit and use your favorite jelly making skills with it.
Also good fresh, but use in moderation.
All parts except the fruit are TOXIC!
Angelica Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties
Angelica is used extensively in herbal medicine. The main constituents of Angelica are volatile
oils, valeric acid, angelic acid, angelicin, safrole, scopoletin, and linoleic acid, making it useful
in the treatment of fevers, colds, coughs, flatulent colic and other stomach disorders. A medicinal
infusion made from stems, seeds, and root is carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative,
stomachic and tonic. Angelica is used for obstructed menses and should not be taken in large
quantities by pregnant women.
Angelica is a very good tonic herb for women and children, the elderly or general debility, it is
said to strengthen the heart. Powdered root is said to cause disgust for liquor. It has an
antibacterial action, preventing the growth of various bacteria.
Angelica root contains vitamin B12, Zinc, Thiamin, Sucrose, Riboflavin, Potassium,
Magnesium, Iron, Fructose, Glucose, and many other trace minerals. Externally it is used as a
medicinal gargle for sore throats and mouths and as a medicinal poultice for broken bones,
swellings, itching and rheumatism. An infusion of Angelica root, used as a wash for the face, is
said to prevent acme. A powder made from the dried root is used for athlete’s foot, as well as an
insecticide and pesticide.
Caution Click here to read cautions from Drugs.com
NOTE The fresh root of Angelica is not edible, said to be poisonous. Do not use while pregnant
or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.
Habitat and Description
Angelica is a tall, stout very ornamental and aromatic plant with large white flowers, growing to
a height of 4 to 6 feet or more. It is a biennial or short lived perennial herb native to Eastern N.
America from Newfoundland to Ontario and Minnesota, south to Delaware, Illinois, Iowa and
Tennessee. It is found in rich thickets, bottomlands, moist cool woodlands, stream banks and
shady roadsides. It has a smooth, dark purple, hollow stem 1 to 2 inches round. The leaves are
dark green, divided into three parts, each of which is again divided into three serrated leaflets,
sometimes lobed. The lower leaves are larger sometimes 2 feet wide. Angelica leaves have
flattened, inward curved, stalks with clasping bases or sheathing to form an elongated bowl
which holds water. The root is branched, from 3 to 6 inches long, thick and fleshy with several
small rootlets. Flowers are small and numerous, yellowish or greenish-white and grouped into
large, compound umbels. The flowers bloom in July and are succeeded by pale yellow, oblong
fruits, 1/6 to a 1/4 inch in length when ripe produced in somewhat rounds heads, which
sometimes are 8 to 10 inches in diameter.
How to Grow Angelica
Angelica is fairly easy to grow from seed. They are best planted as soon as
they are gathered, but some will germinate if kept in freezer. Angelica
requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade, though I have seen
Angelica Venenosa growing wild in full sun. Angelica will die after the
second year if allowed to go to seed.
Click here to buy Angelica seed.
History and Folklore
According to one legend, (European-angelica) Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to
cure the plague (hence the name Angelica or Archangel). All parts of the plant were believed
effective against evil spirits and witchcraft. It was held in such esteem that it was called 'The
Root of the Holy Ghost.' In America it was used by the Iroquois and other tribes as Witchcraft
Medicine, an infusion of smashed roots was used as wash to remove ghosts from the house.
Recipes
The young shoots are edible in salad or boiled as a pot herb. It has a sweet taste similar to celery.
Angelica stems are often preserved with sugar for a sweet edible treat. Candied Angelica Recipe
Harvest Angelica stems when young and tender. Root must be carefully dried and preserved for
later herb use.
"Medicinal" herb tea: To 1 tsp. dried Angelica root add 1 cup boiling water steep 15 to 20 min.
take throughout the day and at bedtime.
Trilliums, Birthroot, Beth Root
Prairie
Trillium
(Trillium
recurvatum)
White Trillium
(Trillium
Grandiflorum)
Toad Shade
(Sessile
Trillium)
White Trillium
Photo by Karen
Bergeron
Copyright
2003
Many types of Trilliums appear throughout our area in early spring. The flower symbolizes the early arrival
of robins- ‘wake-robin' is a common name. Perennial native to Eastern N. America and Canada, Maine to
Ontario, south to Georgia and Arkansas. Found growing in rich woods and thickets. Cultivation: Trillium is
fairly easy to grow, it prefers a deep well-drained woodland or humus-rich soil in a shady position that
remains moist in the summer. Transplants from the wild are best, but can be propagated by seed though
it may take 2 years to germinate and another two years to bloom. Trillium is a very ornamental and longlived plant. It is said to be a polymorphic species and is very subject to mutation. Trillium grows from a
short thick root or rhizome. The long stem is tinged with red, round and smooth, unbranched, growing up
to 2 feet high. Atop the stem there is a whorl of 3 broadly ovate, short petiole, wavy-edged and dark green
(sometimes mottled) leaves. This whorl of leaves can reach as much as 10 to 12 inches in diameter . The
flower perches above the leaves on a 2 to 3 inch petiole or small stem, or is sometimes sessile (having no
stem) as with the Toad shade Trillium or the Prairie Trillium, and may be dark red to pink or white or even
both, but always with 3 petals and 3 green sepals, forming a star shape. According to ginsengers, this
group of flowers, as well as Jack in the Pulpit; are good indicators of soil favorable for growing wild
ginseng.
Flowers bloom from April to June. Gather the young edible leaves before flowers appear and the roots in
spring and summer. Dry root for later herb use.
Properties: Trillium is edible and medicinal, it has a long history of use by Native Americans. The young
edible unfolding leaves are an excellent addition to salad tasting somewhat like sunflower seeds. The
leaves can also be cooked as a pot herb. The root is used as an alternative medicine and is antiseptic,
antispasmodic, diuretic, emmenagogue (to promote menstruation), and ophthalmic. The roots, fresh or
dry, may be boiled in milk and used for diarrhea and dysentery. The raw root is grated and applied as a
poultice to the eye in order to reduce swelling, or on aching rheumatic joints. The leaves were boiled in
lard and applied to ulcers as a poultice, and to prevent gangrene. An infusion of the root is used in the
treatment of cramps and a common name for the plant, ‘birthroot', originated from its use to promote
menstruation. A decoction of the root bark can be used as drops in treating earache. Constituents found
in the volatile and fixed oils are, tannic acid, saponin, a glucoside resembling convallamarin, sulphuric
acid and potassium dichromate, gum, resin, and starch.
Folklore: Used to facilitate childbirth, and to treat other female problems by the women of many Native
American tribes. Trillium root was considered to be a sacred female herb and they only spoke of it to their
medicine women.
TRY THESE RECIPES
Medicinal drink: Add 1 tsp. herb
decoction to 1 cup warm milk,
take at bedtime for diarrhea.
Pot herb: Gather young unfolding
leaves boil or fry and season to
taste.
(Toad Shade Trillium)
Photo by Karen Shelton
Copyright 2000
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen
Bergeron
Black Cohosh Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties
Black Cohosh has a long history of use by Native Americans and as an alternative medicine by early
settlers. It was used mainly to treat painful periods and problems associated with the menopause, used in
conjunction with St. John's Wort it has proven to be effective in treating hot flushes and other menopausal
problems. Black Cohosh is believed to be useful for treating a range of other complaints; including tinnitus
and high blood pressure. The fresh flowers have a strong odor and are effective insect repellents.
Black Cohosh contains Acetic-acid, Actein, Ascorbic-acid, Butyric-acid, Cimicifugin, Formononetin, Gallicacid, Isoferulic-acid, Oleic-acid, Palmitic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Tannic-acid. It is a powerful cardiac
stimulant and has a sedative effect on the nervous system. Research has shown that Black Cohosh root
has estrogenic activity and reduces levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, thereby decreasing the ovaries
production of progesterone. Used as an alterative, antidote, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic,
antispasmodic, astringent, birthing aid, cardio-tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue (to promote
menstruation), expectorant, hypnotic, tonic and to treat rheumatism.
CAUTION: Large doses can cause poisoning. Potential Dangers
Habitat
Black Cohosh is a native North American perennial herb, found from southern Canada to
the Appalachian Mountains and as far south as Georgia and Missouri. It grows mostly on
hillsides and in open woods in moist rich soil. Black Cohosh grows to about 8 feet tall and
bears a handsome long plumb of white flowers from June to August. The leaves are pinnate
and compound with irregular tooth leaflets. The rootstock is knotty and scared with old growth. The
rhizome of the root is black and rough, Cohosh is a Native American word for rough, hence Black
Cohosh.
How to Grow Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a hardy perennial in shaded areas to zone 3. Grow in shaded areas, requires watering to
thrive. Sow seed 1/4 inch below soil surface in a flat in the late Summer. Plant in rich, moist ground in
Spring. Easily propagated by division. Black Cohosh prefers humus rich soil, like that found in the woods.
It will self sow its seed and can grow into big patches under the right conditions. Black Cohosh Seed
Folklore and History
Black Cohosh root was used by Native Americans to treat snake bite and as a ceremonial herb to bring
visions. The root was thought by some early American settlers to be the main ingredient in witches brew,
and any female caught with it in her possession was burned as a witch.
Harvest
Gather Black Cohosh rootstock in the fall after the fruit has formed. Wash roots carefully, blot with paper
towel or absorbent cloth. Dry in a well ventilated area away from smoke, pets and pests, preferably on
wire racks.
Herbal Recipes
Black Cohosh Decoction: Add 2 tsp. dried rootstock to 1 pint of water, boil and let cool. Give 2 to 3 tbsp.
up to six times a day.
Black Cohosh Tincture: Soak 2 to 3 oz. powdered rootstock in 8 to 12 oz. Vodka for 3 weeks shaking the
jar 1 or 2 times a day. Strain, give 5 drops 3 to 4 times a day.
Black Walnut
Juglans Nigra
Parts Used – Bark, Leaves,
Fruit Hulls ( Green), Nut (Edible)
Article and Photographs Copyright Karen Shelton,
Karen Bergeron 2001-2007
The graceful Black Walnut is a common
tall hardwood tree in the Eastern United
States. Self seeds easily. It is said that
Black Walnut trees exude a chemical that
prevents some types of other plants from
growing around it.
The wood is used for fine furniture. In
herbal medicine, the leaves have been
used to make a soothing skin and eye
wash, powder from green hulls is antiparasitic, the bark is astringent and was
chewed for toothaches. Use poultice of
green hulls for ringworm. Inner bark used
as a laxative. Do not use internally during
pregnancy.
Black Walnuts are hard to crack, but the
nut is extremely tasty and some
companies buy them in large quantities. If
this plant is common in your area, you
may see newspaper ads offer to buy
them in the fall. The market for Black
Walnuts exceeds a million dollars a year
Bloodroot Herb Use and Medicinal Properties
Bloodroot is used in herbal medicine in very small doses, mainly for bronchial problems and severe
throat infections. The root is used in many pharmaceuticals, mixed with other compounds to treat
heart problems, dental applications (to inhibit plaque), and to treat migraines. Bloodroot paste is used
externally for skin diseases, warts, and tumors. For ringworm apply the fluid extract. Bloodroot is said
to repel insects. The root is used in as an anesthetic, cathartic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant,
diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, stimulant and tonic.
Research is very promising for Bloodroot constituents. One is sanguinarine; it is showing results as an
anesthetic, antibacterial, anti-cholinesterase, anti-edemic, anti-gingivitic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antioxidant, anti-periodontic, anti-plaque, antiseptic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, fungicide,
gastrocontractant, hypertensive, pesticide, respiratory stimulant and more. Another important constituent
is Berberine (also found in Goldenseal, Oregon Grape and Honeysuckle) which is showing promise in
fighting brain tumors and many other cancers. CAUTION Use internally with caution, it contains toxic
opium-like alkaloids and can cause mucous membrane irritation, an over dose can be fatal, do
not use when pregnant or lactating. Bloodroot is not edible.
Click here to visit a site where people who have used Bloodroot for skin growth share their
experiences.
Bloodroot Habitat and Description
Bloodroot is a North American native perennial herb found growing in shaded, moist, rich woodlands
from Quebec south to Florida and west to Kansas. Bloodroot grows to about 6 to 7 inches tall. The pale
green, palmate, lobed, basal leaf is wrapped around the flower as it emerges and opens as the flowers
blooms. The stem of Bloodroot is round, often orange or red when mature, it is topped by a single white
flower with 8 to 12 petals and bright yellow center. The root is a thick, tender, tuber which contains a red
juice that stains the skin readily. Gather root when flowers are in bloom. Dry the roots for later use or
tincture fresh. Bloodroot is endangered and should be cultivated. Do not harvest from the wild.
How to Grow Bloodroot
Cultivate Bloodroot from seed or root cuttings, prefers light, sandy, moist soil, slightly acidic, shady areas.
Bloodroot takes easily to cultivation in shady areas. Plants can be found from ethical cultivators. Again,
do not take Bloodroot plants from the woods.
Buy Bloodroot plants from Easyliving Wildflowers
Herbal Recipes
Dye: Mix 4 tbs. fresh Bloodroot juice in 1 gal. cold water, add 1 tbs. alum as mordant. This preparation
will work on most material to achieve a red to orange hue. Wear gloves when handling bloodroot.
History and Folklore
Bloodroot was used as a medicinal herb extensively by the Indian Medicine Men and Women in some
North American tribes. It was also a ritual skin paint, or war paint, and used as dye by others. The red
juice expressed from the root makes an excellent die for cloth, yarn, and many other materials and can
be used as a wood stain.
Blue Cohosh
Blue Cohosh is an attractive woodland herb that is becoming endangered due to over harvesting. It is
a small plant that rarely grows more than 2 1/2 feet ( .60 m) in height. In Tennessee, it blooms in
early April and is usually found on wooded slopes.
Tincture or tea made from dried Blue Cohosh root is used in herbal medicine as a uterine tonic, and
as an aid in difficult menstruation. Native Americans used Blue Cohosh to induce labor. It should not
be used in pregnancy prior to the ninth month. Use only under advice from a qualified medical
practitioner.
Blue Cohosh is difficult to grow from seed, though root divisions do well in simulated woodland
environment. It needs rich, moist soil and deep shade to thrive.
Blue Lobelia
Lobelia inflata
Other Names: Blue Cardinal Flower, Blue Lobelia,
Great Blue Lobelia, Great Lobelia, High-lobelia, Indian
Tobacco, Lobelia
Habitat
Perennial herb native to Eastern N. America from Maine to S. Dakota, south to Texas and
Missouri. Found growing in moist woods, stream and pond banks, and marshes. A beautiful
garden border plant, cultivation is fairly easy, Lobelia prefers light to medium moist, well drained
soils and partial shade. The stems are erect, sometimes branching, flower stalks. Growing to 3 feet
high they are covered with light blue or purpleish two lipped flowers, the lower lip is divided into
three pointed lobes and the upper lip into two. The lower leaves are large, ovate, alternate, hairy,
and petioled (having a leaf stalk) while the upper leaves, growing on the stalk are smaller and
sessile (having no leaf stalk). Flowers bloom from July to November. Seed capsules are formed
after flowers fade and are two celled, containing many tiny brown seeds. Gather the plant tops
after some of the seed capsules have formed, dry for later use.
Properties
Lobelia siphilitica and Lobelia inflata have basically the same uses. Lobelia was a highly prized
medicinal plant and used extensively by Native Americans. It was considered a panacea, being
used for just about everything that ailed them. Once it was discovered by Europeans and taken back
to England they also used it for many illnesses. Lobelia is still used today as an alternative medicine
in many parts of the world. Medical research has found the plants constituents to be Piperidine
alkaloids including Lobeline, and other carboxylic acids as well as isolobelanine, gum, resin,
chlorophyl, fixed oil, lignin, salts of lime and potassium, with ferric oxide. Lobeline stimulates the
respiratory center of the brain, producing stronger and deeper breathing, making it very useful in
treating many respiratory complaints, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough,
spasmodic croup, and pneumonia. While at the same time isolobelanine, relaxes the respiratory and
neuro-muscular system and acts as a nervine and antispasmodic. It is a most useful systemic
relaxant and a holistic combination of stimulation and relaxation. The seeds contain a much higher
percentage of lobeline than the rest of the plant. The whole plant is used as an analgesic, cathartic,
emetic, expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-asthmatic, stimulant, antispasmodic, narcotic, and sedative.
Used to treat convulsive and inflammatory disorders such as epilepsy, hysterical convulsions,
traumatic injuries, tetanus, sores and abscesses, colds and fevers, diphtheria and tonsilitis. When
chewed it tastes similar to tobacco and produces effects like those of nicotine. It is used in some
antismoking products. Also used for scorpion and snake bites and to induce nausea and vomiting. A
poultice of the root has been applied in treating pleurisy, rheumatism, tennis elbow, whiplash
injuries, boils, ulcers and hard to heal sores.
Caution is advised as an overdose of lobelia may cause dizziness, nausea, hypotension, vomiting,
stupor, tremors, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and death.
Folklore
Used as a Ceremonial (Emetic) in religious ceremonies by some native American tribes. An infusion
of plant was taken to vomit and cure tobacco or whiskey habit or as a love or anti-love medicine. A
decoction of the plant was taken to counteract sickness produced by witchcraft. It was believed by
some native North American Indian tribes that if the finely ground roots were secretly added to the
food of an arguing couple they would love each other again.
Recipe
Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water into l/4 to l/2 teaspoonful of the dried herb and let steep for l0 to
l5 min. Drink three times a day. Tincture: take l/2 ml of the tincture three times a day.
Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata, Verbena simplex
Other Names: American blue vervain, Blue Vervain,
Herb of Grace, Herbe Sacrée, Herba veneris, Simpler's
Joy, Swamp Verbena, Vervain, Wild hyssop, Wild
Vervain
Blue Vervain is a North American native perennial herb,
found growing along roadsides, in open sunny fields, and
waste places throughout the United States and southern
Canada.
Cultivation: Blue Vervain succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained but moisture retentive soil
in a sunny position, sow seed in early spring or root division in spring. Basal cuttings in early
summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem for transplanting. Growing erect from
2-3 feet tall, with square stems and opposite branches. The leaves are opposite, serrate, and
lanceolate with short leaf stalks. The flowers are small and pale-lilac, 5 petaled and arranged on
long numerous spikes in a panicle. Blue Vervain flowers bloom from June to September. Gather
entire plant just before flowers open, dry for later herb use. Gather after flowers fade and dry to
loosen seed for roasting.
Properties
Blue Vervain is edible and medicinal. Vervain had many uses in Native American culture as food
and medicine. The seed are edible when roasted and are ground into a powder and used as a
piñole (an Indian flour).
The leaves and roots of Blue Vervain are a valuable alternative medicine used as an antidiarrheal,
analgesic, anthelmintic, antiperiodic, astringent, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant,
sedative, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. It is useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, pleurisy, scrofula,
gravel, easing pain in the bowels and expelling worms. A very strong infusion is emetic. As a
medicinal poultice it is good in headache and rheumatism. An infusion of the plant is a good
galactagogue (increases breast milk) and used for female obstructions, afterpains and taken as a
female tonic.
The infusion is used to help pass kidney stones and for infections of the bladder. Used as a sudorific
and taken for colds and coughs. Also useful for insomnia and other nervous conditions. Recent
medical research has detected the presents of adenosine, aucubin, beta-carotene, caffeic-acid,
citral, hastatoside, lupeol, ursolic-acid, verbenalin, verbenin, and other chemical constituents in this
plant which prove these uses to be valid. But much more research needs to be done on this herb
and its constituents. It may prove to be useful in treating many cancers and other diseases.
Folklore
Iroquois witchcraft medicine, cold infusion of smashed leaves used to make an obnoxious person
leave. Vervain was considered a cure-all and sacred plant, helping to save those of the medieval
plagues. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a
stone), as the plant was much used for affections of the bladder. Another derivation is given by
some authors from Herba veneris, because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the
Ancients. Priests used it for sacrifices, and hence the name Herba Sacra. The name Verbena was
the classical Roman name for 'altar-plants' in general, it was used in various rites and incantations,
and employed by magicians and sorcerers.
Recipes
Medicinal tea: To 1 tbsp. dry herb add 1 pint boiling water, steep 10 min. take 1 tbsp. up to six times
a day and take ½ teacup (2 oz.) warm before bedtime
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Other Names: Butterfly Milkweed, Chiggerflower, Milkweed, Pleurisy Root, Tuberous Swallowwort,
Orange Swallow-wort, Yanagi-Towata
Photo on right by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2002
Habitat
(Asclepias tuberosa) Perennial herb native to N. America from S. Ontario and New York to
Minnesota, south to Florida and Colorado. Found growing in dry open fields, along roadsides and
grassy places. Cultivation: Butterfly Weed is easy, can be transplanted in fall or grown from seed,
prefers a well-drained light, sandy, humus rich, or peaty soil in a sunny position. The root is spindleshaped, large, branching, white, and fleshy with a knotted crown, it sends up several erect, stout,
round and hairy stems, growing from 1 to 3 feet high. Stems are branched near the top and have
corymbs or umbels of many deep yellow to dark orange, or almost red, flowers. The leaves grow
closely all the way up the stem and are hairy, unserrated, lance shaped, alternate, sessile and dark
green on top, lighter beneath.
Flowers bloom usually from June to September, followed in the fall by seed pods from 4 to 5 inches
long containing the seeds with their long silky hairs or floss. This plant, unlike the other milkweeds,
contains little or no milky juice. The seed pods are edible, cooked when young, harvest them before
the seed floss forms. Harvest flowers in bloom, also edible cooked, said to taste like sweet peas.
Leaves and new buds are edible cooked like spinach. Harvest root in fall and dry for later herb use.
Properties
Butterfly Weed is edible and medicinal. Asclepias tuberosa has a long history of use as a valuable
alternative medicine and is one of the most important of the indigenous American species. The plant
(above ground) is used mainly for food and clothing. The root is medicinal, it is antispasmodic,
carminative, mildly cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, tonic and vasodilator.
Butterfly Weed is used internally in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, chronic rheumatism, and as
an expectorant. It has a specific action on the lungs, making it a valuable medicinal herb in all chest
complaints and in the treatment of many lung diseases.
A warm infusion of the root exerts a mild tonic effect on the system. Caution is advised, as large
doses of Butterfly Weed are emetic and purgative. A medicinal poultice of the roots is used in the
treatment of swellings, bruises, wounds, and skin ulcers. The bark is used to make a quality fiber
and woven into twine or cloth. The seed floss is used for stuffing in pillows and life jackets, candle
wicks, and fibers to make cloth. Research indicates the floss is effective at cleaning up oil spills at
sea.
Folklore
Some Native American legends tell of the roots being used as a body wash for lifting and running
strength. Also used as a drug in chant lotion, and as a ceremonial emetic. A ceremony is connected
with the obtaining and distribution of this highly valued root.
TRY THESE RECIPES
Infusion
To 1 tsp. of the powdered or fresh smashed root add 1 cup of boiling water, steep 10 to 20 min. take
warm at bedtime. In cases of lung congestion take this mixture in ½ cup doses 4 to 6 times a day.
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Other Names: Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Fieldbalm
Recently found in a University Study to be 10 times as
effective as Deet at repelling mosquitoes. Please let us
know your results!
Photo copyright K Bergeron 2002
Catnip Habitat
Catnip is a perennial herb found growing wild throughout North America and
Europe where it is thought to have originated. It is easily cultivated in any garden
soil. A member of the mint family, Catnip has square, erect and branched stems
and grows 2 to 3 feet high. The leaves are heart-shaped, toothed, opposite and
covered with fine downy hairs especially on the under sides giving the whole plant
a grayish green appearance. The small tubular, two-lipped flowers grow in dense
whorls atop each stem and are white to lavender with reddish to purple spots.
Catnip blooms from June to September. The entire plant has a minty fragrance.
Gather the above ground parts of Catnip just after blooms open.
Catnip Medicinal Properties and Herbal Use
Young leaves are edible raw. They have an aromatic mint-like flavor eaten in
salads. As the name (cat-nip) suggests, cats love to nip at it, although watching
them it might better be called (cat-roll) for they seem to roll, rub, and totally crush
the plant into the ground. They discover that the more they crush it the more oil it
releases. Plant constituents include Nepetalic acid, Alpha- & beta- Citral,
Nepetalactone, Limonene, Geraniol, Dipentene, Citronella, Nerol, a terpene, Acetic
acid, Butyric acid, Valeric acid and Tannin. The leaves and flowering tops are
strongly antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, slightly
emmenagogue, refrigerant, sedative, slightly stimulant, stomachic and tonic. Catnip
has a long history of use in alternative medicine, being employed especially in
treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is useful
in reducing fevers. The fresh juice is used as an emmenagogue (to promote
menstruation). Mild catnip tea is used to relieve colic in babies, restlessness and
nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Stronger tea relieves
fevers due to colds and flu as well as calming the stomach and preventing nausea
and diarrhea. The fresh young shoots are good in spring salads and rubbed into
meat for flavor. Applied externally or added to bath it is good for skin irritations.
Catnip oil is great for aroma therapy. A strong infusion can be used to repel fleas
from carpets or the fur of animals. An extract from the leaves (called nepetalactone)
has herbicidal and insect repellant properties.
Catnip Herbal Folklore and History
It was once believed that smoking the leaves would produce a mild hallucinogenic
effect. Although this use has since been dispelled, it may work in some individuals.
It was also believed to deter the (evil-eye) from children given to fits, this because
of its ability to calm an extremely agitated child and diminish nightmares.
Catnip Herb Tea Recipe
To 1 cup of boiling water add 2 tsp. dried herb; steep for 10 min. give warm in cup
doses-½ cup for children 1 tbsp. diluted or in milk for babies.
Mintcream: Add 3 tbsp. to ½ cup heavy cream use in cocoa or coffee.
Chamomile, German
Matricaria chamomile
Chamomile Herbal Use and Medicinal Properties
Internal Use
Chamomile is one of the most widely used flowers for herbal tea. Chamomile Tea is so popular, it
is found in most grocery stores in the tea aisle. It is used as a mild sedative, and is good for
insomnia as well as many other nervous conditions. It is nervine and sedative especially suited to
teething children and those who have been in a highly emotional state over a long period of time.
Except for the small risk of allergy, Chamomile is also one of the safest herbs to use.
Cha
Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine as an anodyne, anti-inflammatory,
antispasmodic, nervine, stomachic, tonic, vasodilatory. The anti-inflammatory properties make it
good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. Additional uses in herbal medicine
include an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, and a very mild
but efficient laxative. Milder tea in large doses is given throughout the day for fevers, sore throats,
the aches and pains due to colds, flu, and allergies. External Use
An infusion of Chamomile flowers is used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. The flowers
are sometimes added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent or made into a salve for use on
hemorrhoids and wounds. The dried herb is made into potpourri and herb pillows, and is burned for
aromatherapy. Applied externally as a wash or compress for skin inflammations, sunburn, burns,
and added to bath for relaxing tired, achy muscles and feet, and softening the skin.
Other Uses
Chamomile tea is used as a liquid feed and plant tonic, effective against a number of plant
diseases. An essential oil from the whole plant is used as a flavoring and in making perfume. The
dried flowers are used as an insect repellent.
Constituents
The chief constituent of Chamaemelum have been identified as esters of angelic and tiglic,
together with amyl and isobutyl alcohol's. It also contains anthemol and a hydrocarbon anthemene.
The flowers contain various volatile oils including proazulenes. Upon steam distillation these
proazulenes produce chamazulene, this is remarkably anti-allergenic and is useful in the treatment
of asthma and hay fever.
Habitat and Description
(Matricaria chamomilla) Wild Chamomile is an annual herb originally from Europe which has
escaped to the wild and is now naturalized on almost every continent. It can now be found growing
along fence rows, roadsides, and in sunny open fields from Southern Canada to Northern U.S.
west to Minnesota. The branched stem is somewhat erect, round, hollow, and grows to about 20
inches tall. The leaves are bipinnate, finely divided, light green and feathery. The flowers are daisylike about 1 inch across and bloom from May to October. The entire plant has a pineapple scent
(apple to some) and planted in the garden is said to help sickly plants to grow. Gather the above
ground parts as soon as flowers bloom, dry for later herb use.
History and Folklore
It is said that the Egyptians dedicated Chamomile to their sun god and valued it over all other herbs
for its healing qualities. Due to its sedative and relaxing properties Chamomile was an ingredient in
some love potions in the middle ages.
Chamomile Herb Recipe Ideas
The flowers are edible and quite tasty in salads or made into a refreshing cold or warm beverage.
Relaxing tea: To 1 cup boiling water add 2 tsp. dried flowers. Steep covered for 10 min.
For Bath: Use ½ to 1 cup fresh or dried herb tied in linen bag. Place in tub with hot water let soak
for 10 min. then add cold water to the temp. you like. Do not add soap to bath, as it will coat your
skin and not allow the Chamomile to penetrate.
Also for colds or when you feel really bad, try the tea while you’re soaking in the bath.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron Copyright 1998-2005
Chickweeds
Stellaria media, Stellaria pubera,
Other Names: Common Chickweeds,
Star Chickweed, Mouse-ear Chickweed
Habitat
Chickweeds are an annual herb,
widespread in temperate zones, arctic
zones, and throughout, probable origin
Eurasia. Chickweeds have established
themselves all over the world, possibly
carried on the clothes and shoes of
explorers. They are as numerous in
species as they are in region. Most are
succulent and have white flowers, and
all with practically the same edible and
medicinal values. They all exhibit a very
interesting trait, (they sleep) termed the
'Sleep of Plants,' every night the leaves
fold over the tender buds and the new
shoots.
The cultivation of this one is not necessary it is abundant and easy to find. Gather fresh edible
plant between May and July, as soon as flowers appear, it can be used fresh or be dried for later
herb use.
Properties
Chickweeds are Medicinal and edible, they are very nutritious, high in vitamins and minerals, can
be added to salads or cooked as a pot herb, tasting somewhat like spinach. The major plant
constituents in Chickweed are Ascorbic-acid, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Coumarins, Genistein,
Gamma-linolenic-acid, Flavonoids, Hentriacontanol, Magnesium, Niacin, Oleic-acid, Potassium,
Riboflavin, Rutin, Selenium, Triterpenoid saponins, Thiamin, and Zinc. The whole plant is used in
alternative medicine as an astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative,
refrigerant, vulnerary. A decoction of the whole plant is taken internally as a post-partum
depurative, emmenagogue, galactogogue and circulatory tonic. It is also used to relieve
constipation, an infusion of the dried herb is used in coughs and hoarseness, and is beneficial in
the treatment of kidney complaints. as an astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic,
expectorant, laxative, refrigerant, vulnerary. A decoction of the whole plant is taken internally as a
post-partum depurative, emmenagogue, galactogogue and circulatory tonic. It is also used to
relieve constipation, an infusion of the dried herb is used in coughs and hoarseness, and is
beneficial in the treatment of kidney complaints. New research indicates it's use as an effective
antihistamine. The decoction is also used externally to treat rheumatic pains, wounds and ulcers.
It can be applied as a medicinal poultice and will relieve any kind of roseola and is effective
wherever there are fragile superficial veins or itching skin conditions.
Folklore
Chickweed water is an old wives' remedy for obesity.
Recipes
Medicinal tea: To 1 tbls. dried herb, 2 if fresh, add 1 cup boiling water steep for 10 min. Take in ½
cup doses 2 to 4 times daily, during a cold or flu.
Cinquefoil
Potentilla simplex
Other Names: Five Fingers, Five-Finger Blossom, Fivefinger grass, Sunkfield, Synkefoyle, Common Cinquefoil,
Creeping Cinquefoil, Oldfield Cinquefoil
Habitat
Cinquefoil is a perennial herb native to Eastern and Central
N. America from Nova Scotia to North Carolina, Alabama,
Minnesota and Missouri. Found growing in dry open woods,
prairie hillsides, roadsides, old fields and waste places.
Cultivation: Cinquefoil is easily grown, prefers full sun but
tolerating shade, in any moderately good well-drained soil.
Sow seed early spring or autumn. The roots are long,
slender rhizomes branched at the top from several crowns,
from which arise the long-stalked leaves and solitary, yellow
flowers that close up at night, and threadlike, creeping
stems. The stem-runners root at intervals and often attain a
length of 5 feet or more, spreading over a wide area. The
name Five-leaf or Five Fingers refers to the leaves being
divided into five leaflets. Each of these is about 1 1/2 inch
long, with scattered hairs on the veins and margin. The
margins of the leaflets serrated. In rich soils the leaflets are
often six or seven. Flowers bloom in late May thru August.
Harvest edible young shoots and leaves before flowers
bloom. Gather entire plant, in bloom, dry for later herb use.
Photo (Above) by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
Properties
Cinquefoil is edible and medicinal, young shoots and leaves are edible in salad or cooked as a pot
herb. The plant contains large amounts of tannins making it very astringent. A medicinal infusion
made from the root is used in alternative medicine as an astringent, antiseptic, and tonic, used as a
mouthwash for "thrash" and taken for dysentery and diarrhoea. A medicinal tonic is used for fevers
and debility. A decoction is odontalgic, used as a gargle for loose teeth, spongy gums and, periodotal
disease. Fresh juice mixed with honey removes hoarseness and relaxes sore throat, is very
medicinal for coughs. A strong decoction is poured over infections, sores, rashes and as a bath
additive it is soothing for reddened or irritated skin. An infusion of the leaves makes an excellent skin
cleansing lotion and is also used cosmetically as a soothing lotion for reddened skin and for babies
delicate skin. Powdered or crushed root stops bleeding. The plant is an ingredient in many antiwrinkle cosmetic preparations for the skin.
Folklore
It was an ingredient in many spells in the Middle Ages, and was particularly used as a magic herb in
love potions. In an old recipe called 'Witches' Ointment' the juice of Five-leaf Grass, smallage and
wolfsbane is mixed with the fat of children dug up from their graves and added to fine wheat flour.
Recipes
A medicinal infusion of 1 oz. of the herb to a pint of boiling water. Take 1 cup a day.
Decoction, 1 1/2 oz. of the root, boiled in a quart of water down to a pint.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron
Cleavers
Galium aparine
Other Names: Goosegrass,
Amor De Hortelano, Barweed,
Catchweed, Cleavers, Cleavers
Goosegrass, Cleever, Clivers,
Eriffe, Everlasting Friendship,
Gia Mara, Goosebill,
Goosegrass, Grateron, Grip
Grass, Hashishat Al Af'A,
Hayriffe, Hayruff, Hedge
Clivers, Hedgeheriff, Kaz
Yogurtotu, Loveman, Mutton
Chops, Robin-run-in-the-Grass,
Scratweed, Sticky-willy,
Stickywilly, Zhu Yang Yang,
Habitat
World-wide native annual, original origin is
debatable, common in Australia, Britain, China,
Europe, France, Iraq, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, US.
Found growing in hedgerows, woods, fields,
among cultivated crops and in waste places.
Cultivation: Cleavers is very easy to cultivate it
prefers a loose moist leafy soil in partial shade,
this plant does not really need any help to
reproduce itself and can be invasive. It provides
food for the larvae of many butterfly species. The
stems and leaves are covered with little hooked
bristles, which attach to passing objects, in this
way it fastens itself to adjacent shrubs, to climb its
way upwards through dense undergrowth into
daylight, often forming matted masses. Leaves
are narrow, lance-shaped and are rough along
the margins and surface, the prickles pointing
backwards, they occur in whorls of 6 to 8 leaves,
around and along the square, delicate, branching
stem which may grow to 6 or more feet in length.
The flowers are white, tiny, 1/16 to 1/8 inch in
diameter and star-like, growing in a stemmed bud
rising from the leaf axils and arranged in clusters
or whorls, six or eight together, blooming
separately, 2 or 3 at a time, so flowers and seeds
are present in each cluster. The seeds are little
round vessels, covered with hooked bristles and
readily clinging, to whatever they touch, ensuring
dispersal of the seeds. Note: Some species
produce only 2 or 3 flowers and seeds to a
cluster. Flowers bloom April thru Sept. Gather the
above ground plant, being careful not to gather
whatever it touches. Dry for later herb use, should
be picked through before drying to ensure herb is
contaminant free.
Properties
Cleavers is edible and medicinal, it has been
used for centuries as an alternative medicine by
indigenous peoples on many continents. It is
edible raw though said to be unpalatable, mainly
used as a pot-herb or as an addition to soups.
Using the plant as a vegetable has a slimming
effect on the body. Cleavers seed is one of the
best coffee substitutes, it merely needs to be
dried and lightly roasted and has much the same
flavor as coffee. Cleavers has a long history of
use as an alternative medicine and is still used
widely by modern herbalists. It is used both
internally and externally in the treatment of a wide
range of ailments. The dried or fresh herb is
alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic,
aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic,
diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary. A valuable
diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems
such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and
as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses
such as cancer. The plant contains organic acids,
flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, glycoside
asperuloside, gallotannic acid and citric acid. It
has a mild laxative effect and stimulates the
lymphatic system and has shown benefit in skin
related problems. The fresh plant or juice is used
as a medicinal poultice for wounds, ulcers and
many other skin problems. An infusion of the herb
has shown of benefit in the treatment of glandular
fever, tonsilitis, hepatitis and cystitis. The infusion
is also used to treat liver, bladder and urinary
problems. The plant contains the valuable
constituent asperuloside, a substance that is
converted into prostaglandins by the body.
Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that
stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels.
Much more scientific research is being done on
the plant it is of great interest to the
pharmaceutical industry.
Folklore
Used as a love medicine by one tribe, the infusion
of plant was used as a bath by women to be
successful in love. Also used as a hair tonic, said
to be good for the hair, making it grow long.
Several Native American Tribes used an infusion
of the plant for gonorrhea. A red dye is obtained
from a decoction of the root, it is said to dye
bones red. It was also believed to remove
freckels. Gerard writes of Clivers as a marvelous
remedy for the bites of snakes, spiders and all
venomous creatures. A thick matt of the stems,
when used as a sieve for filtering milk, was said to
give healing properties to the milk and is still used
in Sweden for that purpose.
Recipe
Medicinal Tea: To 1 pint of boiling water add 3
heaping tbls. of dried or fresh herb, steep 10 min.
Take in mouthful doses throughout the day.
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion Herbal use and Medicinal
Properties
The whole plant is used as a medicinal herb
internally and externally.
External Uses
The fresh juice of Dandelion is applied externally
to fight bacteria and help heal wounds. The plant
has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth
of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci,
meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C.
diphtheriae, proteus. The latex contained in the
plant sap can be used to remove corns and
warts.
Internal Uses
Dandelion is also used for the treatment of the
gall bladder, kidney and urinary disorders,
gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, hypoglycemia,
dyspepsia with constipation, edema associated
with high blood pressure and heart weakness,
chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema
and acne. As a tonic, Dandelion strengthens the
kidneys. An infusion of the root encourages the
steady elimination of toxins from the body.
Dandelion is a powerful diuretic but does not
deplete the body of potassium.
Research is revealing that the many constituents
of Dandelion including Taraxacin, Taraxacoside,
Inulin, Phenolic acids, Sesquiterpene lactones,
Triterpenes, Coumarins, Catortenoids and
Minerals, mainly Potassium and calcium, are
very valuable in curing a number of disorders
and illnesses. Dandelion is traditionally used as
a tonic and blood purifier, for constipation,
inflammatory skin conditions, joint pain, eczema
and liver dysfunction, including liver conditions
such as hepatitis and jaundice.
Other Uses
When placed in a paper bag with unripe fruit, the
flowers and leaves of Dandelion release
ethylene gas ripening the fruit quickly. A liquid
plant food is made from the root and leaves. A
dark red dye is obtained from Dandelion root. A
cosmetic skin lotion made from the appendages
at the base of the leaf blades distilled in water, is
used to clear the skin and is effective in fading
freckles.
Dandelion Habitat and Descripton
Dandelion is a perennial herb thought to be
introduced from Europe and Asia. It is now
naturalized throughout the Northern
Hemisphere. No one is sure exactly how the
dandelion has spread so widely, and there is
some debate on the origin of the plant.
Dandelion is found growing in pastures, lawns,
waste ground, sand, rocks, even cracks in
concrete. From a thick, long, tap root, dark
brown outside, white and milky white inside,
grow long jaggedly toothed leaves, shiny, dark
to light green and growing in the shape of a
rosette close to the ground. A purplish flowerstalks rise straight from the center, it is leafless,
smooth, hollow and bears a single bright golden
yellow, furry looking flower which blooms almost
anytime of the year. When mature the seed in
the flowers heads are round and fuzzy, carried
by the wind to be germinated where ever they
land.
How to Grow Dandelion
Dandelion is a very easily grown plant, it
succeeds in most soils. It becomes quite large
when cultivation, the leaves reaching a foot or
more in length. Dandelion is often cultivated as
an edible salad crop and as a medicinal herb
plant.
History and Folklore
In Derbyshire, the juice of the Dandelion stalk is
applied to remove warts.
Harvest and Use Information
Gather edible leaves and flowers anytime, roots
in spring. Dry for later medicinal herb use.
Dandelion Recipes
Used as medicinal and edible, the Dandelion is
very nutritious, having more vitamins and
minerals than most vegetables, it has a long
history of use as a food in many countries. The
young leaves are less bitter, and flowers are
eaten raw in salads, all leaves also cooked or
boiled as a pot herb, flowers are often dipped in
batter and fried, dried roots are used as a coffee
substitute. Herbal Wine is made from fermented
flowers said by some to be very flavorful and
medicinal.
Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea
augustifolia
Other Names: Purple coneflower,
Black Sampson, Coneflower,
Eastern Purple Coneflower, Indian
head, Kansas Snakeroot, Missouri
Snakeroot, Rudbeckia, Scurvy root
Echinacea Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2006
Echinacea Habitat
Echinacea is a perennial native to North America from Virginia to Ohio and Michigan, south to
Georgia and Louisiana. Its showy flowers can be found in summer, decorating open fields, dry o
woods, prairies and barrens. Echinacea flowers bloom from July to October. Also known as Pur
Coneflower, it is a very ornamental plant, and is often grown in gardens, parks and landscapes.
attracts butterflies to the garden, but watch out for slugs as they seem to love Echinacea.
Echinacea has daisy-like flowers with large rich purple or pink rays surrounding a high brownish
orange cone. The flower heads can reach 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Purple Coneflower stems a
long 2 to 3 feet high, slender but stout, rough and bristly. The leaves are also bristly, dark green
lanceolate, alternate, and long petioled at the base, more sessile near the top of the stem. The
roots are tapering, cylindrical, slightly spiral, and fibrous with as aromatic smell.
How to Grow Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea, or the Purple Coneflower
is easy to grow from seed. Sow outdoors in very
early spring or fall. Echinacea prefers light,
loamy, well-drained soil and a sunny position,
tolerates shade. Gather root and entire plant in
fall or when in bloom, dry for later herb use.
Organic Echinacea Seed from Mountain
Rose Herbs
Echinacea Herb Use and Medicinal
Properties
Echinacea was used extensively by Native
Americans and the early American settlers also
adopted its use. It has been used for years in
alternative medicine to support the immune
system, and to purify the blood, especially
during season changes and during the cold and
flu season. Scientific studies of Echinacea have
confirmed the presents of natural chemicals,
echinacosides, which increase white blood cell
activity. Other valuable constituents include
betaine, echinolone, inulin, humulene,
polysaccharides, two phytosterols and fatty
acids, oleic, cerotic, linolic and palmatic.
Extracts of Echinacea were found to enhance
the cellular immune function of normal
individuals and patients with AIDS and chronic
fatigue syndrome. Unlike antibiotics, which
directly kills bacteria, Echinacea makes our own
immune cells more efficient in attacking
bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including
cancer cells. The root now confirmed by modern
science as adaptogen, alterative, antiinflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac,
depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue.
Echinacea is considered to be a most effective
detoxicant for the urinary tract, circulatory,
lymphatic, and respiratory systems. The roots
and the whole plant are considered particularly
beneficial in the external treatment of psoriasis,
eczema and inflammatory skin conditions,
sores, wounds, burns, and sore throat,
possessing cortisone-like and antibacterial
activity as well as showing skin regenerating
properties. Echinacea also contains chemicals
that are highly insecticidal particularly to
mosquitoes and house flies.
Echinacea Folklore and History
Once used as an antidote to treat snakebites
and other venomous bites by Native Americans.
Believed in old English herbals to cure syphilis
and rabies.
Echinacea Herb Tea Recipe
Infusion: To 1 tbsp. dry herb add 1 cup boiling
water, steep 20 min., drink in mouthful doses
throughout the day, at the beginning of a cold or
for general fatigue.
Ephedra
Ephedra nevadensis
Caution Potentially
Dangerous
Other Names: Brigham Tea,
Mormon tea, American
Ephedra, Nevada Joint-fir,
American Ma Huang,
Mexican tea, Desert
Ephedra, Desert tea
Habitat
Southwestern N. America,
found growing on dry slopes
and hills, sandy plains,
canyons, sandy and rocky
places, deserts. Ephedra
may be found further east in
dry areas where it has
escaped cultivation.
Cultivation requires some
effort, prefers light (sandy)
dry, acid, soil in sunny
position, cannot grow in the
shade and not self-fertile,
both male and female plants
must be grown if seed is
desired. An evergreen shrub
growing 2 to 3 feet high with
no leaves. Stems are green,
smooth, woody, branching,
and very jointed. Small
yellow-green buds appear in
the joints when in bloom.
Gather stems anytime and
dry for later use.
Properties
Used extensively for food
and medicine by Native
Americans of the Southwest,
especially in dry desert
areas. The fruit or buds are
eaten raw and have a very
mild sweet taste. The seed
is roasted and used as
coffee or ground into a meal
for bread. The stems of most
Ephedra species contain the
alkaloid ephedrine which is
very valuable in the
treatment of asthma and
many other respiratory
complaints. The stems are
anti-viral, antidote,
antispasmodic, diaphoretic,
blood purifier, diuretic,
pectoral, febrifuge,
vasodilator, stimulant, and
tonic. The young stems are
best if eaten raw, though
older stems can be used to
make a medicinal tea. The
plant has antiviral effects,
particularly against
influenza. Unlike using the
isolated or synthesized
ephedrine, using the whole
plant in alternative medicine
is much more effective and
rarely gives rise to serious
side-effects. This is true with
most herbs, but especially
with Ephedra, since other
plant constituents can help
buffer or improve the actions
of the main constituents.
Other plant constituents in
Ephedra are Calcium,
Phosphorus, Protein,
Flavone, Saponin, Tannins,
and Volatile oil. Ephedrine
acts quickly to reduce
swellings of the mucous
membranes, dilates the
bronchial vessels and has
antispasmodic properties.
Because of this scientifically
proven action on the
respiratory system it is
known to have saved many
lives, while Ephedra does
not cure asthma it is very
effective in treating the
symptoms and making life
somewhat easier for the
sufferer. Used for centuries
in Chinese medicine Ma
Huang or Chinese Ephedra
is well known and exported
all over the world for use in
pharmaceuticals to treat
asthma, hay fever, allergic
complaints, stimulating the
heart and central nervous
system, and kidney
problems. While the
chemical constituents in the
American Ephedra plant is
said to be less concentrated,
it is still used for the same
medicinal purposes and said
to have fewer side effects.
Caution is advised as an overdose can be
fatal, causing high blood pressure, racing of
the heart, confusion, nervous stupor,
twitching, convolutions and death. Ephedrine
is seen as a performance-boosting herb and is
a forbidden substance in many sporting
events such as athletics. This herb should not
be used by people who are taking monoamine
oxidase inhibitors, or suffering from high
blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma.
Folklore
Ephedra was found buried in a Middle Eastern
neolithic grave, indicating that it was used as a
medicine over 60,000 years ago (TRUE). It is
believed that the roots of the plant have the
opposite effect of the stems, this is unproven. An
infusion of the dried stems has been used in the
treatment of venereal diseases. The pulverized or
boiled stems were also used for delayed or
difficult menstruation or applied externally as a
poultice on syphilitic and other sores by some
native North American Indians. It was also used
as a ceremonial drug to improve the alertness of
the hunter and the wood of the plant is considered
the best charcoal for tattooing.
Evenin
g
Primro
se
Oenothera
Biennis
Other
Names:
Common
Evening
Primrose,
Fever plant,
Great
EveningPrimrose,
King's-cureall, Night
willow-herb,
Scabish,
Scurvish, Tree
primrose
Photo by Karen
Bergeron
Copyright 2001
Description
Evening Primrose is a North American native
biennial plant. The plants are very tall, often 4
to 5 feet or more in height. The stem is erect,
stout, soft-hairy, reddish and branching
forming a shrub. Leaves are alternate, roughhairy, lanceolate, about 3 to 6 inches long and
lemon-scented. The taproot is elongated,
fibrous, yellow on the outside and whitish
within. The flower spikes grow on auxiliary
branches all along the stalk. They are about 21/2 inched in diameter, bright yellow and have
four petals, a cross shaped stigma and a
refluxed calyx (leaves under petals). The
flowers open in the evening and close up
during the day and are strongly scented with a
delicious sweet perfume which attracts
pollinating moths. The fruit is an oblong 1 in.
capsule containing many tiny reddish seeds.
Habitat
Evening Primrose is found east of the
Rockies to the Atlantic. Naturalized in Britain
but found all over the world. It grows by
roadsides, railway banks and waste places
in dry open soils, gravelly places, meadows
and old fields.
Evening Primrose is in bloom from June to
September. The entire plant is edible, gather
edible roots and leaves in spring may be
frozen, gather flowers, buds and young seed
pods in bloom, gather entire plant in fall and
dry for later herb use. Evening Primrose Oil
is made from pressing oil from the tiny
seeds. You can also grind the seeds of
Evening Primrose and use them as you
would flax seed.
Cultivation
Evening primrose is easily cultivated, it prefers
acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) well-drained
soils and requires full sun. Plants will last two
years and are self sowing. Properties
Evening Primrose is edible and medicinal and
has a long history of use as an alternative
medicine . The leaves are cooked and eaten
as greens and the roots are said to be sweet
succulent and delicious when boiled like
potatoes. Flowers are a sweet addition to
salads or as a garnish and young seedpods
are Steamed. This plant was a staple food for
many Native American tribes. Formerly
cultivated for its nutritious edible roots, it is
being increasingly cultivated for the oil
contained in its seeds which contains certain
the essential gamma-linoleinc acid (GLA), a
very valuable fatty acid that is not found in
many plants and has numerous vital functions
in the body. GLA is an essential fatty acid that
the body does not manufacture. This fatty acid
is known to help prevent hardening of the
arteries, heart disease, eczema, cirrhosis,
rheumatoid arthritis, menopause, PMS,
multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure. It
has a positive effect on sex hormone response
including the hormones estrogen and
testosterone, aids in lowering cholesterol
levels, and is important in treating cirrhosis of
the liver. Research also demonstrates that
primrose oil helps relieve pain and
inflammation. The oil also has a positive effect
on the uterine muscles, nervous system and
metabolism. The bark and the leaves are
astringent and sedative. They have proved of
use in the treatment of gastro-intestinal
disorders, whooping cough and asthma. A tea
made from the roots is used in the treatment
of obesity. A finely ground powder made from
the flowering stems is used cosmetically in
face-masks to counteract reddened
skinRecipe
Roasted seeds: Rotate and press dry seed
capsules to release seed, roast in oven for 15
to 20 min. at 350 deg. Use on bread or in
salad, sprinkle over any dish like pepper.
Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
Other Names: Altamisa, Amargosa,
Bachelor's Button, Feverfew, Flirtwort,
Manzanilla, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Wild
Chamomile
Herb Use
and
Medicinal
Properties
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2004
Feverfew is
edible and
medicinal. has
a good
reputation as
alternative
medicine and
extensive
research has
proved it to be
of special
benefit in the
treatment of
certain types
of migraine
headaches
and
rheumatism or
arthritis. The
plant is rich in
sesquiterpene
lactones, the
principal one
being
parthenolide.
Parthenolide
helps prevent
excessive
clumping of
platelets and
inhibits the
release of
certain
chemicals,
including
serotonin and
some
inflammatory
mediators.
Constituents
of Feverfew
are Volatile
oils,
containing
pinene and
several
pinene
derivatives,
bornylacetate
and angelate,
costic acid, bfarnesine and
spiroketalenol
ethers. Other
constituents
include
essential oils,
flavonoid
glycosides,
pinene
derivatives
and costic
acid.
Feverfew
should be
taken
regularly to
receive
maximum
benefit and
protection
from
migraines.
The leaves
and flowering
heads are
antiinflammat
ory,
antispasmodic
, aperient,
bitter,
carminative,
emmenagogu
e, sedative,
stimulant,
stomachic,
vasodilator
and
vermifuge. An
infusion made
from the
whole plant is
used in the
treatment of
arthritis,
colds, fevers,
as a sedative
and to
regulate
menses. Also
used as a foot
bath for
swollen feet.
Applied
externally as
a tincture, the
plant is used
in the
treatment of
bruises.
Chewing
several leaves
a day has
proven to be
effective in
preventing
some
migraine
headaches.
Feverfew’s
sedative
properties
make it useful
in hysterical
complaints,
nervousness,
low spirits,
and is a
general tonic.
Also said to
be good as a
syrup for
coughs,
wheezing and
breathing
difficulties.
The dried
flower buds
are said to
have the
same
properties as
pyrethrum,
and used as
an insecticide.
An essential
oil from the
plant is used
in perfumery.
CAUTION:
Feverfew
should not be
used during
pregnancy
because of
the stimulant
action on the
womb. The
fresh leaves
may cause
mouth ulcers
in sensitive
people.
Habitat
Feverfew is a perennial herb native to southeastern Europe and Asia. Naturalized widely
elsewhere. Found growing on rocky slopes,
walls, waste places and a weed of gardens.
Cultivation: A very easily grown plant, it
succeeds in an ordinary garden soil, plants
can even be grown in walls. Often grown in
the flower garden, feverfew is usually selfsowing. The leaves have a refreshing aromatic
aroma. Growing to 2 1/2 feet the stem is
upright, erect, hairy, finely furrowed and
branching. Strongly aromatic leaves are
alternate, hairless, toothed, light green about 4
inches long, and divided into broad, lobed
segments. The lower leaves are bipinnate with
oval shaped leaflets. Many daisy-like flower
heads (composite) bloom June-August, with
white ray flowers surrounding nearly flat yellow
centers, growing to about 1 inch across.
Gather entire plant in bloom, dry for later use.
Recipe
Infusion: TO 1 oz. of dry herb add a pint of
boiling water, allowed to cool, take in half cup
doses 3 times a day.
The dried flowers and plant are used as a
flavoring in cooking to give food a
deliciously aromatic bitter taste. I
Habitat
Perennial deciduous tree,
native to eastern China.
Ginkgo Biloba is the oldest
species of tree still living on
the earth and can be traced
back more than 300 million
years. For this reason,
ginkgo is often referred to as
"the living fossil." A species
of the family Ginkgoaceae, it
is the only one of the family
known to have survived the
Ice Age. Cultivate with care,
grow in gallon pots for a year
or two before transplanting
seedlings to their permanent
location in the garden or
landscape. Plant one for
your Great, Great, Great,
etc. grandchildren. They
grow as tall as 70 feet and
live (some say) a thousand
years. When male and
female trees are grown
together, the female
produces yellow plum-like
fruits in autumn which when
ripe look (strangely) like little
brains! When these fall to the
ground and are squashed
they give off a truly
disgusting odor (like rancid
butter) but contained within
the fruit is a seed which is
considered a delicacy in
China where it is usually
roasted before being eaten.
The leaves are green to
gold, fan-shaped, petioled,
with many radiating veins
and about 4 to 5 inches
wide. Gather fresh green
leaves in summer, dry for
later use.
Properties
Extracts of the fruit and leaves of the
Ginkgo tree have been used in China for
over 5,000 years. Ginkgo Biloba has been
historically used in alternative medicine for
Heart disease, Kidney disorders,
Alzheimer's, Asthma and as an energy
builder. Recently western researchers have
been studying ginkgo biloba as a treatment
for senility, hardening of the arteries, and
as a treatment for oxygen deprivation. In
over 34 human studies on Ginkgo it
increases the body's production of the
universal energy molecule adenosine
triphosphate, commonly called ATP. This
activity has been shown to boost the brains
energy metabolism of glucose and increase
electrical activity. Scientists also discovered
that ginkgo contains an abundance of
useful compounds including the
antioxidants Vitamin C and carotenoids, but
it is the flavanoid compounds collectively
known as "ginkgolides" that are the most
remarkable. The ginkgo flavonoids act
specifically to dilate the smallest segment
of the circulatory system, the microcapillaries, which has a widespread affect
on the organs, especially the brain.
Researchers have also reported that
Ginkgo extracts effectively increase blood
circulation and increase oxygen levels in
brain tissues. Ginkgo is also a powerful
antioxidant that prevents platelet
aggregation inside arterial walls, keeping
them flexible and decreasing the formation
of arteriosclerositic plaque. It has also been
shown to help restore circulation to areas of
the brain damaged by stroke. Ginkgo has a
positive effect in Dementia cases, fighting
free radicals in the blood system, protecting
against chromosomal damage (proven with
Chernobyl workers). Ischemia-induced
spinal cord injury protection, heart muscle
ischemia and reper-fusion injury protection.
Protection against retinal damage, helping
with tinnitus, headaches, vertigo, hearing
loss, depression, allergies, atherosclerosis,
cardiac arrhythmia, diabetic peripheral
disease, eczema, glaucoma, impotency,
retinitis, to treat asthma, to aid digestion,
and bring back sexual energy as well as
treating early stages of Alzheimer's
disease. The brain is one of the most
metabolically active tissues in the human
body. It uses a great deal of energy which
requires a steady supply of oxygen and
glucose. Unlike most other tissues, the
brain has very little energy reserve which
makes it extremely susceptible to the
effects of poor blood supply. When
circulation is inadequate, the brain cannot
function at its full capacity. The big news for
ginkgo came in October 1997 when the
Journal of the American Medical
Association published the results of a study
that confirmed that ginkgo had a positive
effect in cases of dementia. They used only
patients whose main problem was mental
impairment, whether someone had termed
it Alzheimer’s or not. They used every
control imaginable and rated progress on
three different scales to make sure that
their results were accurate. Researchers
even went so far as to switch everyone
from the placebo to the real medicine and
vice versa in the middle of the study. There
is no doubt about it. Ginkgo stopped the
progress of the disease in most cases, and
many cases reversed the damage. A
Swedish study showed that ginkgo
improved the distance-vision of people who
already showed signs of degeneration in
the retina. The disease macular
degeneration, a leading cause of blindness,
is strongly related to hemorrhages in the
fine blood vessels in the eye, possibly due
to oxidative stress. By strengthening the
tiny blood vessels in the eye, and by acting
as an antioxidant, ginkgo provides a double
whammy against eye diseases. It
eliminates waste material and inhibits the
clumping of blood platelets and prevents
circulating platelets from sticking together,
which contributes to heart problems,
strokes and artery conditions. Ginkgo is an
adaptogen herb, which helps the body with
stressful situations. It is also helpful in the
treatment of allergies, Alzheimer's disease,
anxiety attacks, arthritis, ADD, circulatory
disorders, cancer, coughs, depression,
dizziness, equilibrium problems,
headaches, heart & lung problems,
memory loss, mood swings, muscular
degeneration, tinnitus, toxic shock
syndrome, varicose veins, vascular
impotence & vertigo. Studies have shown
that the length of time a person uses this
plant leaf is very important. With ginkgo,
the effectiveness may not be felt for twelve
weeks. While most people note some
improvement in just two to three weeks,
others take longer to respond. Ginkgo
biloba extracts are relatively considered
safe and free of side effects, though taking
very large doses may lead to diarrhea,
nausea and vomiting, which can be
controlled by reducing the amount
consumed. Those taking blood thinners
should consult with their physician before
taking ginkgo biloba in high doses, due to
their blood thinning tendencies. It is also
advisable to discontinue use prior to
surgery.
Folklore
Ginkgo is strong in legend and lore of
China, and has been lovingly adopted by
most cultures in the temperate regions of
earth. Darwin called it a living fossil, the
only species remaining of a genus which
flourished in the time of the dinosaurs.
Gingko is held or carried to help improve
the memory. A mild tea prior to bedtime will
help to remember dreams during sleep.
Ginseng
Panax Quinquefolium
Other Names: American Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, San, Redberry, five fingers, man root, divi
root, Root of life
Habitat
Perennial herb, native to Eastern N. America found from Maine to Georgia, west to Oklahoma an
Minnesota, growing in rich soils in cool woods. Cultivation: Ginseng requires a deep moist humu
rich soil in a shady position in a woodland, growing well on north-facing slopes and in deep cool
woodland areas. Seeds should be sown in a shady position in a cold frame or greenhouse, and
spend least their first winter there. Plant into their permanent positions in late summer or early
spring. It has a large, thick, fleshy, whitish, root, growing 3 to 4 inches in length, specimens have
been found twice this size. Most roots are spindle shaped with smaller appendages. The stem is
simple and erect, on average about 1 to 2 foot high, bearing three to five large, palmate, leaves
whorl atop the stem, each leaf is long stalked, divided into five finely-toothed, short petiole, leafle
and a single, terminal umbel, with a few small, yellowish or light green flowers which grow on a s
stalk from the center of the whorl of leaves. The fruit is a cluster of bright red berries. Flowers blo
in June and July. Gather the roots in Fall after the berries or seeds have fallen away. Dry for late
herb use. The wild supply is quickly being diminished due to over harvesting for export to china a
other countries, in some areas it is illegal to harvest during certain months of the year.
Properties
Ginseng herb has a long history of use as an
alternative medicine going back over 5,000 years,
and appears on several continents (origin
unknown), it is and was used extensively in
Native American medicine. The root is adaptogen,
cardiotonic, demulcent, panacea, sedative,
sialagogue, stimulant, tonic and stomachic.
Ginseng has been studied over the past 30 years
in many countries, it’s remarkable ability to help
the body adapt to mental and emotional stress,
fatigue, heat, cold, and even hunger is confirmed
and documented! The major constituents in
Ginseng are Triterpenoid saponins, Ginsenosides
(at least 29 have been identified), Acetylenic
compounds, Panaxans, and Sesquiterpenes.
Taken over an extended period it is used to
increase mental and physical performance. It is
medicinal and therapeutic for the whole body. A
very powerful medicinal herb, it both stimulates
and relaxes the nervous system, encourages the
secretion of hormones, improves stamina, lowers
blood sugar and cholesterol levels and increases
resistance to disease. The ginsenosides that
produce these effects are very similar to the
body’s own natural stress hormones. It is used in
the treatment of debility associated with old age
or illness, lack of appetite, insomnia, stress, shock
and chronic illness. Ginseng also increases
immune function, resistance to infection, and
supports liver function. The leaf is emetic and
expectorant. The root is candied and used as a
an edible medicinal kind of candy.Ginseng
stimulates and increases endocrine activity in the
body. Promotes a mild increase in metabolic
activity and relaxes heart and artery movements.
Stimulates the medulla centers and relaxes the
central nervous system.
CAUTION: Don't take Ginseng and Ginseng
mixtures with Coffee as it will accelerate the
caffeine effects on the body and can cause
diarrhea.
Ginseng is said to be highly good for the
metabolism, and promotes general well being. It
has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, but this
seems to be totally based on the fact that it
relaxes the overly tense person a bit. If you suffer
from back pain or TMJ adding this to a tea of
Catnip and slippery elm may help. It is also
presumably useable as an ingredient in a meade
or magewine.
Folklore
The roots are called Jin-chen by the natives of
China, meaning 'like a man,' in reference to their
looking like the human form. The American Indian
name for the plant, garantoquen, has (strangely)
the same meaning and uses, seeing how each
race had no knowledge of the existence of the
other. The American Indians attributed much
magic power to Ginseng. The Seminole Indians
using it as a Love Medicine, rubbed it on the body
and clothes to bring back a divorced wife.
Dosage
This seems to vary, some say 1000 mg. a day,
others more or less! I just break off a small piece
of the dried root (aspirin size) and swallow it with
the daily vitamin.
Goat’
s Rue
Tephrosia
virginiana
Other
Names:
American
Garden
Rue,
Catgut,
Devil's
Shoestring
, Rabbitpea, Horey
turkey
peas,
Virginia
Pea,
Virginia
Tephrosia
Habitat
Perennial herb native to
Eastern N. America from New
Hampshire to Florida, west to
Texas and Manitoba. Found
growing in dry sandy woods,
openings, fields, and
roadsides.
Cultivation
Goat’s Rue is fairly easy to
grow, it is a deep rooted
plant, requiring a moist, deep,
light or medium very welldrained soil in a sunny
position. Goat’s Rue has a
symbiotic relationship with
soil bacteria, these bacteria
form nodules on the roots and
fix nitrogen. Some of this
nitrogen can be used by other
plants growing nearby.
Description
Goat's Rue is 1 to 2 ft. tall, covered with silky
silver hairs. Root is long and tough, stems
erect and branched. Leaves are alternate,
compound (pinnately) and divided into 8-14
pairs of narrow oblong leaflets and one leaflet
at the tip. Flower clusters are terminal
racemes atop the plant. Each of the large
flowers is pea like, 1/2 to 3/4 in. long,
yellowish at the top, and purplish-pink below.
When cultivated there may be 20 to 30 flowers
per raceme and up to 200 flowers per plant.
The flowers have a faint but definite pleasant
aroma and bees visit them often for nectar.
Flowers blooms from May through August.
The root is a source of the natural insecticide
'rotenone', especially effective against flying
insects but relatively harmless to animals.
Cattle do graze on it but the plant is said to be
toxic in large or strong doses. Gather after
flowers bloom, dry for later herb use. Plant is
not edible.
Properties
Goat’s Rue was much used by Native
Americans who considered it to be an
aphrodisiac and most useful in restoring
manhood to those with impotency and as a
female herb to restore a woman’s beauty and
health. The root is used in alternative medicine
as an antirheumatic, anthelmintic, diaphoretic,
diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge,
galactagogue, pectoral, restorative and tonic.
A medicinal herb tea is used to treat
rheumatism, bladder problems, fever, hard
coughs, impotency, to expel intestinal worms,
irregular menstruation and to increase the flow
of breast milk. Goat’s Rue is used cosmetically
in hand and foot bathes. Experimentally, the
root has shown both anticancer and cancercausing activity. research on this herb and its
chemical constituents is ongoing and early
results are proving to show it may be useful in
Diabetes, Alzheimer's and many other
disorders. The root is a source of the
insecticide 'rotenone' found to be especially
effective against flying insects but appears to
be relatively harmless to animals.
Folklore
Used by Indians to poison fish. A medicinal
tea made from the roots is said to make
children muscular and strong. A cold herb tea
was used for male potency. Goat’s Rue
earned the names Devil's Shoestring and
Catgut from its tough rootstocks. A decoction
of the roots has been used as a hair shampoo
to prevent hair loss.
Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal is endangered and should be cultivated, n
harvested from the wild.
Other Names: Yellowroot, Yellow puccoon, Eye balm, Eye
Indian dye, Ground raspberry, Jaundice root
Goldenseal Description and Habitat
Goldenseal is a native North American perennial plant found
growing from Vermont to Minnesota and southward. It is rare
some places due to over harvesting.
Goldenseal is found mostly in shady deep woods and damp
meadows, prefers humus, rich, well drained soil, shade, and
can be cultivated by using seeds or transplanting seedlings.
Goldenseal grows to about 18 inches high, the stem and lea
are hairy and deep green. The large palmate leaves are ser
with five to seven lobes, growing near the stem top in nearly
alternate pairs. Blooming occurs from march to May, atop th
stem appears a solitary, small, greenish-white flower which
appears to be furry. The fruit is red and resembles a raspbe
The root is thick and knotted, bright yellow, and has long thin
root hairs. Gather the roots in mid summer and early fall.
Growing Goldenseal Commercially
Properties
Goldenseal has a long history of use as an alternative
medicine. The plants constituents confirm these uses and
further studies indicate the presents of hydrastine, berberine
and canadine which are showing promise in fighting cancer
other diseases. It is used internally only for short periods of
(3 months or less) as an antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasm
laxative, and astringent. Used as an infusion or weak tea for
upset stomach and disorders of the digestive system, also
makes a great mouthwash for sore gums, pyorrhea, mouth
ulcers, and as gargle for sore throat. Douching with the tea c
help relieve itching and vaginal infections. The powdered roo
may be snuffed or sniffed in the nose for infected sinuses. U
a few drops warm for ear ache and eye wash for sore eyes a
sties. Used externally as a wash or rub in paste form, for
ringworm, athletes foot, infected sores, and skin diseases. A
used to stop bleeding (homeostatic). A yellow dye is obtaine
from the root and the smashed root smeared on the body is
to repel insects.
Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright
2000
CAUTION: Large doses are poisonous and extended internal use or use during pregnancy
not recommended.
Folklore
Goldenseal refers to the root scars from old growth which looks like the old seal or stamp used t
seal envelopes. Some Native American tribes considered goldenseal a sacred herb, and used it
extensively, not only for its healing powers and to stop bleeding, but as a paint or bright yellow d
and applied it to their faces, horses and weapons during ceremonial dances before going to war.
was believed by the early settlers that if they destroyed all the yellowroot the Indians would not
attack because they could not paint themselves.
Recipe
Stomach tea: To 1 pint of boiling water add 1 tsp. powdered root, let stand till cool. Take 1 to 2 ts
up to six times a day. Also used as mouthwash, douche, and ear drops. For eye wash add 1 tsp
boric acid to mixture while hot.
Greek Valerian
Polemonium reptans
Other Names: Abscess Root, Bl
Bells, Jacob's Ladder, Creepin
Jacob's Ladder, False Jacob's Lad
Greek Valerian, Onechte
Jacobsladder, Polemonie Fauss
Sweatroot
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2006
Habitat
A perennial native herb found growing in rich woods, damp ground and along shady river banks
Eastern N. America from New York to Minnesota, south to Kansas and Georgia. Cultivation: Gre
Valerian is easily cultivated from seed or root division, it prefers moist, well drained, sandy soil in
shady position. It has slender, creeping roots, and can multiply very quickly. The stems are multi
as many as 10 to one plant they are branched and grow to 12 inches high. Leaves form a rosette
the base, and grow in alternate pairs on the stem, they are pinnate with six to eight opposite pair
leaflets. The nodding, blue to purple flowers grow in loose, terminal clusters. Greek Valerian flow
bloom from March to May. Gather roots in fall, whole plants in spring. Dry for later herb use. The
flowers are edible, taste good in salad.
Properties
Greek Valerian is used in alternative medicine, the roots are alterative, astringent, diaphoretic,
expectorant and pectoral, and can be taken as an infusion with water or as a medicinal tincture w
alcohol, in the treatment of coughs, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, tuberculosis, feverish and
inflammatory diseases, including abscess and skin conditions. A decoction of the whole plant is
used as a hair rinse. The plant is rarely used in herbalism today.
Folklore
Formerly used internally in the treatment of a wide range of conditions ranging from headaches t
fevers and epilepsy-Culpepper says of it:
'It is under Mercury, and is alexipharmic, sudorific, and cephalic, and useful in malignant
fevers and pestilential distempers; it helps in nervous complaints, headaches, trembling,
palpitations of the heart, vapours, etc. It is good in hysteric cases, and epilepsies have b
cured by the use of this herb.'
Because Greek Valerian has a smell that attracts cats it was believed by witch hunters to be plan
only by witches for the pleasure of their familiars. It was also used for the bites of venomous sna
and insects.
Recipe
Infusion: Add 1 tsp. dried root to 1 cup water steep for 10 min. take in tbls. doses throughout the
day, for coughs, colds, congestion.
Ground Ivy
Glechoma hederacea
Other Names: Alehoof, Cat’s foot, Creeping Charlie,
Gill-over-the-ground, Gillrun, Hay maids, hedge maids
Habitat
Ground ivy is a creeping European perennial
evergreen, naturalized in North America and
found in moist shady areas, along paths,
around hedges, and roadsides from Ontario to
deep south, west to Kansas, and along the
Pacific Coast. Cultivation: it is easily cultivated
through root division and thrives in moist
shady areas. A member of the mint family it is
finely haired all over and has a square
creeping stem which grows from a few inches
up to two feet long. The leaves are heart
shaped, opposite, scalloped, and dark green,
sometimes tinted purple. The main root is thick
and matted it sends out runners as long as 36
inches. Flowers appear in march and are
purplish to blue, two lipped and grow in axillary
whorls of six. Gather leaves, flowers and
stems year round. Can be dried for later
herbal use.
Properties
Medicinal and edible, a light taste very
agreeable in salads. Ground ivy is used in
alternative medicine and is an excellent spring
tonic, it is an appetite stimulant. It contains a
volatile oil which aids in relieving congestion
and inflammation of mucous membranes
associated with colds, flu, and sinusitis. It is
Anti-allergenic, Antibacterial, Anti-flu,
Antihistaminic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant,
Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, CancerPreventive, Expectorant, Immuno-stimulant,
and Sedative. Ground ivy tea or juice is well
tolerated and can be given to small children.
Some of the most valuable plant constituents
are 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene, apigenin, betasitosterol, borneol, caffeic-acid, ferulic-acid,
hyperoside, iodine, luteolin, menthol,
oleanolic-acid, rosmarinic-acid, rutin, ursolicacid. Ground-Ivy is being studied for use in
preventing Leukemia, Bronchitis, Hepatitis,
many kinds of cancer, and HIV. The fresh
juice or a medicinal tea is used to treat
digestive disorders, gastritis, acid indigestion,
and diarrhea. It is also beneficial for liver and
kidney function, said to relieve gravel and
stones. Although results are not conclusive it
is being used as an antidote for lead
poisoning. Added to bath as an emollient to
soften skin and has a sedative effect.
Folklore
Ground ivy has a long history of use in
alternative medicine and as an edible herb,
dating back to the first century A.D. it was long
considered a panacea (cure-all). Known for it’s
hi vitamin C content it is said to be one of the
first herb and edible plants brought to the
North American continent by early settlers.
Recipes
Spring Tonic: Steep 2 tsp. of fresh or dried
herb in 1 cup water for 10 min. flavor with
peppermint or honey to taste take in ½ cup
doses twice a day.
Colds and flu: Express fresh juice with press.
Take in 1 tsp. doses 3 times a day, ½ tsp. for
children. Use 2 or 3 drops in nose twice a day
for sinusitis.
Heal-All
Prunella vulgaris
Other Names: Prunella, All-Heal, Hook-Heal, Self Heal, Slough-Hea
Brunella, Heart of the Earth, Blue Curls, Carpenter-weed, Common
Selfheal, Consolida Minor, Lance Selfheal, Sicklewort, Woundwort, X
Habitat
Heal All is a perennial herb found throughout Europe, Asia, Japan and the U. S., and most
temperate climates. Its origin seems to be European, though it has been documented in other
countries since before any history of travel. Prunella Vulgaris is often found growing in waste
ground, grassland, woodland edges, usually on basic and neutral soils.
Cultivation:
Heal-All thrives in any damp soil in full sun or in light shade. Plants are apt to become troublesom
weeds in turf that is at all damp. Self heal is a good plant for growing in the spring meadow. Sow
seed in very early spring in a flat outdoors, or give a short cold and moist conditioning treatment
before sowing in a warm place.
Prunella Description
Growing from 1 to 2 feet high, with creeping, self-rooting, tough, square, reddish stems branchin
leaf axis. The leaves are lance shaped, serrated and reddish at tip, about an inch long and 1/2 in
broad, grow on short stalks in opposite pairs down the square stem. The flowers grow from a
clublike, somewhat square, whirled cluster, immediately below this club are a pair of stalkless lea
standing out on either side like a collar. Flowers are two lipped and tubular, the top lip is a purple
hood, and the bottom lip is often white, it has three lobes with the middle lobe being larger and
fringed upwardly. Flowers bloom at different times depending on climate and other conditions.
Mostly from June to August. Gather whole plant when flowers bloom, dry for later herb use. Leav
and small flowers are edible.
Properties
Heal-All is edible and medicinal, can be used in salads, soups, stews, or boiled as a pot herb. Us
as an alternative medicine for centuries on just about every continent in the world, and for just ab
every ailment known to man, Heal-All is something of a panacea, it does seem to have some
medicinal uses that are constant. The plants most useful constituents are Betulinic-acid, DCamphor, Delphinidin, Hyperoside, Manganese, Oleanolic-acid, Rosmarinic-acid, Rutin, Ursolicacid, and Tannins. The whole plant is medicinal as alterative, antibacterial, antipyretic, antiseptic
antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, stomachic, styptic, tonic,
vermifuge and vulnerary. A cold water infusion of the freshly chopped or dried and powdered lea
is a very tasty and refreshing beverage, weak infusion of the plant is an excellent medicinal eye
wash for sties and pinkeye. It is taken internally as a medicinal tea in the treatment of fevers,
diarrhoea, sore mouth and throat, internal bleeding, and weaknesses of the liver and heart. Clini
analysis shows it to have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of pseudomonas, Bacillus
typhi, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculi, which supports its use as an alternative medicine interna
and externally as an antibiotic and for hard to heal wounds and diseases. It is showing promise i
research for cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and many other maladies.
Folklore
Once proclaimed to be a Holy herb and thought to be sent by God to cure all ailments of man or
beast, and said to drive away the devil, which lead to the belief that Heal-All was grown in the
Witches garden as a disguise. The root was used to make a tea to drink in ceremonies before go
hunting by one Native American tribe to sharpened the powers of observation.
Recipe
Medicinal tea or infusion: Add 1 oz. dried or fresh herb to a pint of boiling water, steep till cool, ta
in ½ cup doses, sweetened with honey, as a general strengthener.
Sharp Lobed Hepatica
Hepatica acutilobasm
Also Known as Liverwort
Herbally, Hepatica has been used as a liver
remedy, though not used in modern medicine. So
named according to doctrine of signatures.
Grows in moist woods, blooming in early spring.
This picture was taken in mid March. About 6
inches in height.
Jack-in-thePulpit
Arisaema triphyllum
Other Names: Indian
Turnip, Wild turnip,
arum, three-leaved
arum, dragon-turnip,
brown dragon, devil'sear, marsh turnip,
swamp turnip,
meadow turnip, bog
onion, priest's-pintle,
lords-and-ladies.
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000
Habitat
Native perennial
herb found in moist
woods from Canada
to Florida and
westward to Kansas
and Minnesota.
Cultivation: is very
difficult, requires
green house
conditions. The
leaves, one or two,
are long stemmed,
smooth, light green,
trifoliate, and entire,
each leaflet is ovate
from 3 to 6 inches
long and from 1 1/2
to 3 1/2 inches
wide. The root is a
corm, it is shaped
like a turnip.
WARNING: Raw
corms are not
edible and contain
calcium oxalate
which will cause a
burning sensation in
the mouth. The
flowers blooms in
April and May, the
single is either all
green or green with
dark purple stripes,
is an unusual
formation, a sort of
green vase, a
spathe, made from
a single leaf, with a
stalk growing up the
middle of it, and a
leaf-hood folding
gracefully over its
top. Jack-in-thePulpit stands about
1 to 1 1/2 feet tall.
In autumn the rest
of the plant dies
away, leaving only
the berry-covered
stalk. The fruit
ripens in the form of
a bunch of bright,
scarlet, shining
berries. This plant
starts life male.
After 2 years, or
longer in poor soil, it
turns female,
flowers and bears
seed. If the plant
receives a shock, it
may turn back male
again. Gather roots
in early spring and
dry for later herb
use.
Properties
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
root is used in
alternative medicine
and is edible (only
after drying and
cooking), it is acrid,
antiseptic,
diaphoretic,
expectorant, irritant
and stimulant. A
medicinal poultice
of root used for
headaches and
various skin
diseases. Ointment
used for ringworm,
tetterworm and
abscess. The fresh
root contains high
concentrations of
calcium oxalate and
is considered to be
too dangerous and
intensely acrid to
use. Roasting the
root after drying it 6
months removes
the acridity. In this
way Native
Americans peeled
and ground the
roots to powder to
make a bread,
which has a flavor
similar to chocolate.
The roots can be
cut into very thin
slices and allowed
to dry for several
months, after which
they are eaten like
potato chips,
crumbled to make a
cereal or ground
into a cocoaflavored powder for
making biscuits and
cakes. A starch
obtained from the
roots is used as a
stiffener for clothes.
Caution is advised
as ingesting the
fresh root can
cause poisoning
and even death.
Folklore
The root was used as a contraceptive by the
women of some Native American tribes. One
teaspoonful of the dried herb, powdered root
in cold water was said to prevent conception
for a week whilst two teaspoonfuls in hot water
was said to induce permanent sterility.
Japanese
Honeysuc
kle
Lonicera
japonica
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright
2000
Folklore
Saponins in Japanese
honeysuckle are much
more toxic to some
creatures, such as fish, and
hunting tribes have
traditionally put large
Other Names
Chin Yin Hua,
Chin Yin
T'Eng,
Honeysuckle,
Japanese
Honeysuckle,
Jen Tung, Jen
Tung Chiu, Jen
Tung Kao, SuiKazura, Yin
Hua, Hall's
Honeysuckle,
White
honeysuckle,
Chinese
honeysuckle,
Halliana
Habitat
Perennial herb
Native to E.
Asia - China,
Japan, Korea,
now
naturalized in
Britain and the
US from
southern New
York and New
Jersey south to
southern
Florida and
west to
southwestern
Texas. Inland it
is distributed
from
Pennsylvania
and West
Virginia west to
Missouri,
Kansas, and
Oklahoma.
quantities of them in
streams, lakes etc. in order
to stupefy or kill the fish.
Widespread in
the eastern
and southern
United States.
Japanese
honeysuckle is
an important
white-tailed
deer food and
is often
invasive.
Cultivation:
prefers partial
shade to full
sun and moist
soil. Prune
back hard in
winter to
prevent the
build-up of
woody growth,
provide a
trellis. Climbing
Vine, Shrub, it
has a dense
root system
that may
extend laterally
for a distance
of 7 to 10 feet,
and attain
depths of 3 to
4 feet. The
simple,
opposite,
pinnate leaves
are oval to
oblong in
shape and are
semievergreen and
may persist on
vines yearround, up to 3
inches in
length. The
extremely
fragrant, twolipped flowers
are borne in
pairs in the
axils of young
branches and
are produced
throughout the
summer.
Flowers range
from 1 to 2
inches in
length and are
white with a
slight purple or
pink tinge
when young,
changing to
white or yellow
with age, they
are edible. The
fruit is a black,
berrylike drupe
with three to
five oneseeded stones.
(See harvest
times for
various parts
of the plant
below).
Properties
Japanese
honeysuckle is
edible and
medicinal.
High in
Calcium,
Magnesium,
and
Potassium, the
leaves can be
parboiled and
eaten as a
vegetable. The
edible buds
and flowers,
made into a
syrup or
puddings. The
entire plant
has been used
as an
alternative
medicine for
thousands of
years in Asia.
The active
constituents
include
calcium,
elaidic-acid,
hcn, inositol,
linoleic-acid,
lonicerin,
luteolin,
magnesium,
myristic-acid,
potassium,
tannin, and
zink. It is
alterative,
antibacterial,
antiinflammato
ry,
antispasmodic,
depurative,
diuretic,
febrifuge, and
is also used to
reduce blood
pressure. The
stems are
used internally
in the
treatment of
acute
rheumatoid
arthritis,
mumps and
hepatitis. The
stems are
harvested in
the autumn
and winter,
and are dried
for later herb
use. The
stems and
flowers are
used together
a medicinal
infusion in the
treatment of
upper
respiratory
tract infections
(including
pneumonia)
and dysentery.
An infusion of
the flower buds
is used in the
treatment of a
wide range of
ailments
including
syphillitic skin
diseases and
tumors,
bacterial
dysentery,
colds, and
enteritis.
Experimentally
, the flower
extracts have
been shown to
lower blood
cholesterol
levels and are
antibacterial,
antiviral and
tuberculostatic.
Externally, the
flowers are
applied as a
medicinal
wash to skin
inflammations,
infectious
rashes and
sores. The
flowers are
harvested in
early morning
before they
open and are
dried for later
herb use. This
plant has
become a
serious weed
in many areas
of N. America,
it might have
the potential to
be utilized for
proven
medicinal
purposes.
Other uses
include;
Ground cover,
Insecticide,
Basketry, vines
used to make
baskets. The
white-flowers
of cultivar
'Halliana' has a
pronounced
lemon-like
perfume.
Joe Pye
Weed ,
Gravel
Root
Eupatorium
purpureum
Other Names:
Queen of the
Meadow,
Gravel root,
Kidney root,
Purple boneset
Photo by
Karen
Bergeron
Description by
Deb Jackson
Habitat
Joe Pye Weed is a North American native perennial
herb found in moist woods and meadows from
southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas.
Cultivate from seed or root separation, with partial
shade to full sun in
rich alkaline soil. Growing to a height of about 12 ft. it
makes a handsome addition to any garden or as a
privacy border. The sturdy, hollow, purple stems are
covered with whorls of 4 to 8 dark green, lance
shaped, and serrated leaves, up to 1 foot long. Atop
each stem is a rose pink to whitish domed cluster of
flowers, about 1 foot in diameter, blooming in August
and September. The root is woody, thick and purplish
brown with cream colored flesh. Gather leaves
anytime and entire plant in full bloom. Dig roots after
frost.
Properties
The entire plant is used as an alternative medicine
with the roots being the strongest part. Crushed leaves
have an apple scent and are dried then burned to
repel flies. Infuse dried root and flowers for a diuretic
tea
to relieve kidney and urinary problems. Tea is used to
induce sweating and break a high fever. Also useful
for rheumatism, gravel (gallstones), and dropsy (fluid
retention).
Folklore
The plant is named after an American Indian named
Joe Pye, who was said to have cured typhus with it.
Some Native American tribes still consider Joe Pye
Weed to be an aphrodisiac.
Recipes
Root tea: To 1 pint boiling water add 1 oz. dried
rootstock steep for 30
min. take in ½ cup doses 4 or 5 times a day.
Flower tea: To 1 cup boiling water add 1 tsp. dried
flowers steep for 10
min. drink 1 to 3 cups a day.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Other Names: Balm, Balm mint, Blue balm, Dropsy plant,
Garden balm, Sweet balm, Lemon balm, Melissa
common throughout Europe, but mostly
United States. It sometimes grows wild
nd along roadsides. It is a perennial
ivated by seed or root division in rich,
soil. The branched upright stem is
ws to about 3 feet in height. The leaves
growing in opposite pairs they are
e. The whole plant has fine hairs and a
hen crushed. The flowers are yellowored or even bluish, two lipped,
ow in clusters at the joints or some
ranches at the joints. Lemon Balm
out July to August. Gather the leaves
ms as soon as the flowers begin to
edible and medicinal. Fresh leaves can be added to salad or used in egg dishes and can be used to make sauces
and pork. Dried or fresh the whole plant is used to make cool refreshing drinks or warm relaxing teas. Used in
cine the leaves and young flowering shoots are antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic,
nagogue, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic. Balm contains a volatile oil citral and citronella which is strongly
nd aids in calming nerves, relieving menstrual cramps, insomnia, depression, hyperthyroidism, upset stomach, and
Leaf tea is good for fevers, colds, and headache. Fresh crushed leaves are applied to wounds and insect bites. The
he fresh plant, particularly citronella make it a most effective insect repellent when crushed and rubbed on skin or
ch has shown that the plant contains polyphenols, it can help significantly in the treatment of cold sores and combat
lex virus. Added to bath it relieves muscle tension and soothes irritated skin. The oil is often added to skin
d perfumes. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy and is very pleasant used in potpourris.
n help significantly in the treatment of cold sores and combat the herpes simplex virus. Added to bath it relieves
and soothes irritated skin. The oil is often added to skin preparations and perfumes. The essential oil (which is quite
ften adulterated with lemon or lemongrass) is used in aromatherapy and is very pleasant used in potpourris.
Balm was planted by ones front door to drive away evil spirits. It was also used to draw bees to the hive. Avicenna,
Arab herbalist said "it causeth the mind and heart to become merry"
tsp. chopped leaves added to 1 cup boiling water steep 5 to 10 min. strain add honey and, or lemon.
: 2 tbsp. per cup of cold water, let stand for 6 to 8 hours. Strain, add ice peppermint sprig and sweeten to taste.
Mallows
Malvaceae
Althea officinalis -( MarshMallow)
Malva pusilla- (Low Mallow, Cheeses)
Hibiscus palustris- (Swamp rosemallow)
Habitat
Mallows are perennial and annual growing wild along road sides and in waste places throughout
most of North America and in cultivation. Most are native and easily cultivated in well drained soil and
likes full sun to partial shade. In Low mallow the stem is more like a vine but has upright leaves and
flowers. Fruits are round and flat and look like a sliced round cheese, hence the name cheeses or
cheese plant. Low mallow has rounded, 5 to 7 lobed leaves that have rounded or scalloped teeth
along the edge and long leaf stems. The leaves of Marsh mallow are more pointed and heart shaped,
stems are upright and grow to about 4 feet. Both of these plants are covered with a fine down or hair.
Rose mallow is a much larger plant with larger flowers and leaves are slightly to 3 lobes, not covered
with down. The flowers in all are white to light purple or pink (dark purple center in rose mallow) with
five petals and grow from the leaf axils (the point the leaf stalk attaches to the stem). Blooming from
May to November. Low Mallow is gathered while in full bloom the above ground plant (best used
fresh), collect roots of Marsh mallow in fall (used fresh or dried). Gather flowers, leaves and young
buds from Rose mallow in bloom and roots in the fall.
Properties
The flowers are edible and make an attractive addition to a salad. The leaves and roots abound in
mucilage, Okra is also a family member. See more recipes for Marshmallow below. The proven
active constituents in these plants are Asparagine, Althein, Ascorbic-acid, flavonol glycosides
(including gossypin-3-sulfate), Malvin, Pectin, Phenolic-acids, Quercetin, Salicylic-acid, and Sucose.
Mallows are analgesic, antitussive, demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge, highly emollient, slightly laxative
and odontalgic. Mallow or Hibiscus tea is well known in alternative medicine for its use as a
demulcent to soothe throat inflammations and laryngitis, as an expectorant for coughs and bronchitis.
It is used in the treatment of dysentery, lung ailments and urinary ailments. The tea is also taken for
gastritis and enteritis or used as an enema for intestinal inflammations, and is an excellent laxative
for young children. Used externally to wash wounds and sores or made into an emollient salve or
poultice to soothe skin inflammations. The root is used as a toothbrush or pealed and given for
teething children to chew. A decoction of the roots has been used to treat fevers and to reduce blood
pressure. The seeds are also chewed as a nervine, stomachic and to sweeten the breath, also said
to be aphrodisiac. Fragrant flowers are also used in potpourri.
Folklore
Pliny believed that Mallows would cure all the diseases of man. The ancient Celts believed that
placing the disk shaped fruit over a dead (holy) mans eyes would keep evil spirits from entering the
body in an attempt to get into heaven. According to the doctrine of signatures the hairs on the plant
meant that it would help to grow hair.
Recipes
Cough syrup: Place 3 tbsp. fresh crushed herb in ½ cup
cold water, let stand 8 hours. Press and strain, add to
honey and lemon. Take in tbsp. doses as often as needed.
Tea: To 1 cup cold water add 3 tsp. dried herb or root, or ¼
cup fresh herb, let stand 8 hours. Press and drain, warm,
and sweeten to taste.
The root is used dried then ground into a powder, made
into a paste and roasted to make the sweet 'marshmallow'.
When boiled and then fried with onions it is said to make a
palatable dish.
Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright 2000
The water left over from cooking any part of the plant
especially the root, can be used as an egg-white substitute
in making meringues, it is concentrated by boiling until it
has a similar consistency to egg white.
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
2 articles on this page
Dr. Richard Alan Miller, Contributor
Dr. Richard Alan Miller has written works on this subject, here are
some of his comments when I asked him about Mugwort.
(Magical and Ritual Use series - Inner Traditions).
"First, let me say that the chemistries in question have always been
associated with the leaf-part of the plant. Mugwort is a slightly
different species than Wormwood, but of the same genus (and oils).
Mugwort has an irritant which limits the ability for deep sleep.
Hence, it’s use as a “Dream Pillow” ingredient (allowing only low
alphoid activity).
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
From a chemistry point-of-view, there is very little difference in
where this crop is harvested. We farm more than 10 acres in CA,
and that produced in WI is essentially the same. It does like a drier
and hotter climate, but the herb grows in almost every state. It is like
Catnip, with no real cultivar variations.
This irritant, when combined with other specific chemistries, may
also act as a light depressant. This is especially true when
combined with Passion Flower and Lobelia. Tinctured, other fatty
oils become involved, making it a light euphoric or aphrodisiac. For
more detail, see my titles Magical and Ritual
Use of Herbs and Magical and Ritual Use of Aphrodisiacs. --Richard
Alan Miller
DrRam@AOL.com DrRam@Magick.net
Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Other Names
Artemisa, Carline Thistle, Chiu Ts'Ao, Common Mugwort, Douglas Mugwort, Felon herb, Sailor’s tobacco,
Wormwood
Habitat
Perennial herb native to Africa, temperate Asia, and Europe, widely naturalized in most parts of the world.
Found growing on hedgebanks and waysides, uncultivated and waste land. Cultivation is fairly easy
Mugwort prefers slightly alkaline, well-drained loamy soil, in a a sunny position. A tall-growing shrubby
plant, with angular stems, which are and often purplish, growing 3 feet or more in height. The leaves are
smooth and dark green above and covered with a cottony down beneath. They are alternate, pinnately
lobed, and segmented. The small greenish yellow flowers are panicled spikes with a cottony appearance.
Blooming is from July to October. Mugwort is closely related to Common Wormwood (Absinthe). Gather
leaves and stems when in bloom, dry for later herb use.
Properties
Mugwort leaves are edible, young leaves are boiled as a pot herb or used in salad, they aid in digestion
although said to have a bitter taste. Used for centuries as an alternative medicine, it is antibacterial,
anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic,
digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, nervine, purgative, stimulant, stomachic,
and tonic, cleansing toxins from the blood. An infusion of the leaves and flowering tops is used in the
treatment of all matters connected to the digestive system, it increases stomach acid and bile production,
eases gas and bloating, improving digestion, the absorption of nutrients and strengthening the entire
digestive system. It is used in alternative medicine to expel intestinal worms, nervous and spasmodic
affections, asthma, sterility, functional bleeding of the uterus and menstrual complaints, and diseases of
the brain. As a gargle for sore throat, a wash for sores and a poultice for infections, tumors and to stop
bleeding. These actions and uses are now backed by scientific studies on the plants main constituents
volatile oils containing 1,8-cineole, artemisin, azulenes sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, coumarin
derivatives, tannins, thujone and triterpenes. The leaves have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth
of Staphococcus aureus, Bacillus typhi, B. dysenteriae, streptococci, E. coli, B. subtilis, and
pseudomonas. A weak tea made from the infused plant is a good all-purpose insecticide. The fresh or the
dried plant repels insects.
Caution: Should not be used by pregnant women since it can cause a miscarriage.
Folklore
In Native American folklore Mugwort was also a Witchcraft medicine, rubbed the leaves on ones body to
keep ghosts away or wearing a necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown
made from its sprays was worn on St. John's Eve to gain security from evil possession. Mugwort derived
its common name from being used to flavor drinks like beer before the introduction of hops. The Name
Artemisia is from the Goddess Artemis (1st century AD) who inspired the plants genus name.
Recipe
Medicinal tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried herb in ½ cup boiling water, take in mouthful doses throughout the day.
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Other Names
Adam's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket,
Candlewick Plant, Common Mullein,
Flannel Mullein, Flannel Plant, Hag's
Taper, Jupiter's Staff, Molene, Mullein,
Velvet Dock, Velvet Plant, Woolly Mullin
Photos by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2002-2010.
Habitat
Alien, naturalized, biennial herb. Widely
distributed plant, being found all over
Europe and in temperate Asia as far as
the Himalayas, and in North America it is
exceedingly abundant. Great Mullein is
found growing on hedge-banks, by
roadsides and on waste ground, more
especially on gravel, sand or chalk. Sunny
positions in uncultivated fields and
especially on dry soils. Cultivation: Great
Mullein is an easily grown plant, it
succeeds in most well-drained soils,
including dry ones, and prefers a sunny
position. Dislikes shade and wet soils. The
leaves (first season) at the base of the
stem form a rosette of numerous, large, 6
to 15 inches long and up to 5 inches
broad, but become smaller as they
ascend the stem, on which they are
arranged on alternate sides. They are
whitish with a soft, dense mass of hairs on
both sides, which make them feel very
furry and thick. The root is a long taproot
with a fibrous outer cover and fleshy
inside. The flower-spike (second season)
has been known to attain a height of 7 or
8 feet, covered with densely crowded,
sulphur-yellow, flowers about an inch
across with five rounded petals. Blooming
during July and August. Harvest the entire
plant when in bloom and dry for later herb
use.
Properties
Great Mullein has been used as an
alternative medicine for centuries, and in
many countries throughout the world, the
value of Great Mullein as a proven
medicinal herb is now backed by scientific
evidence. Some valuable constituents
contained in Mullein are Coumarin and
Hesperidin, they exhibit many healing
abilities. Research indicates some of the
uses as analgesic, antihistaminic, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant,
antiviral, bacteristat, cardio-depressant,
estrogenic, fungicide, hypnotic, sedative
and pesticide are valid.
An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of a wide range of chest complaints and also to
treat diarrhea and bleeding of the lungs and bowels. The leaves, root, and the flowers are
anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic,
emollient, expectorant, nervine, and vulnerary.
Mullein oil is a very medicinal and valuable destroyer of disease germs. An infusion of the
flowers in olive oil is used as earache drops, or as a local application in the treatment of piles
and other mucous membrane inflammations. This infusion is a strong antibacterial. The oil
being used to treat gum and mouth ulcers is very effective. A decoction of the roots is used to
alleviate toothache and also relieve cramps and convulsions. It is also used in alternative
medicine for the treatment of migraine headaches accompanied with oppression of the ear.
The whole plant possess slightly sedative and narcotic properties. The seeds are considered
toxic. They have been historically used as a narcotic and also contain saponins.
The dried leaves are sometimes smoked to relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus
membranes, and the hacking cough of consumption. They can be employed with equal benefit
when made into cigarettes, for asthma and spasmodic coughs in general. Externally, a
medicinal poultice of the leaves is applied to sunburn, ulcers, tumors and piles.
Other Uses
Dye, Insecticide, Insulation, Lighting, Tinder, Wick. A yellow dye is made from the flowers by
boiling them in water. When used with dilute sulphuric acid they produce a rather permanent
green dye, this becomes brown with the addition of alkalis. An infusion of the flowers is
sometimes used to dye the hair a golden color. The leaves contain rotenone, which is used as
an insecticide. The dried leaves are highly flammable and can be used to ignite a fire quickly ,
or as wick for candles.
Folklore
An old superstition existed that witches used lamps and candles provided with wicks of Mullein
in their incantations, and another of the plant's many names, 'Hag's Taper', refers to this. Both
in Europe and Asia the power of driving away evil spirits was ascribed to the Mullein. Being a
sure safeguard against evil spirits and magic, and from the ancient classics, it was this plant
which Ulysses took to protect himself against the wiles of Circe.
Recipes
Tea: An aromatic tea can be made by boiling 1 tbs. dried leaves or root, in 1 cup water for 5 10 min. A sweeter tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried flowers. Or for children and
the elderly use milk instead of water. Sweeten if desired.
Mullein oil: Use flowers or root. Place in blender or crush, fill jar, cover with olive oil, set in
warm place for 2 weeks. Strain before use.
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
Other Names: Passion Flower, Maypop, Apricot vine,
Passiflore rouge, Passionsblume, Purple Passion-flower,
Passion Vine
Page 1 Passionflower Herb Uses ~ Safety Information ~
Passionflower Description/Habitat ~ How to Grow
Passionflower
Page 2 Passionflower Folklore and History ~ Harvesting
Passionflower ~ Helpful Books and Web Sites ~ Links
to Clinical Studies
There are over 400 species of Passionflower growing throughout the world. This article is about
Passionflower incarnata which is native to the Midwestern and Southeastern United States, and
is the species most commonly used in Alternative Medicine. Passionflower is the official
wildflower of Tennessee.
Passionflower Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties
Properties attributed to Passionflower - inconclusive - anodyne, antispasmodic, anxiolytic,
aphrodisiac, aromatic, narcotic, sedative.
Passionflower herb is used in alternative medicine for anxiety, insomnia, nervous disorders and
seizures. It is more commonly used in Europe than its native home, the United States, where it
can be found growing profusely in fields and on fencerows. Passionflower has been approved by
Germany’s Commission E for the treatment of “nervous unrest". It is now exported to and grown
in many European countries.
Passionflower is said to be useful for back pain due to action on the nerves. Passionflower's
calming properties may also be helpful for ADD and ADHD. However, since it has not been
extensively studied, it is not advisable to use on children without approval of their doctor. See
Links to Clinical Studies on Passionflower to learn more. Passionflower is not considered as
strong in action as Valerian or Kava, but might be a good option for those who can't stand the
taste of the stronger herbs. It also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. I've heard stories...... you'll
have to find out for yourself. I can see where the calming effects would be helpful in that
department.
Why are medical doctors in Europe and Japan more likely to recommend or prescribe
herbs? External links open in new window.
Passionflower is both an edible and medicinal plant. As a tea, It is often blended with Valerian,
Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Skullcap St. John's Wort or other relaxing herbs. On its own in tea, it
has a pleasant, very mild but unusual taste, much like its fragrance, that is hard to describe. The
color of the infusion is a very pale green, lighter in color than most herbal teas. Some people say
the scent as an aphrodisiac fragrance. One of my readers said he thinks it is like green beans,
hmm...... maybe raw sweet peas? I like throwing a handful in my iced tea blends, as it seems to
help with concentration when writing. The taste is not at all overwhelming so it could blend well
with most any herb or iced tea.
Passionflower Herbal Tea Recipe
To 1 tbsp. dried herb (include stems) add 1 cup boiling water
steep for 10 min. drink at bedtime for restlessness and
insomnia, or during the day to calm anxiety.
The flowers can add a tasty and decorative touch to salads, or used to make a syrup. The fruit can
be eaten raw or made into jams, jellies, or wine. Our native Passion flower fruit is most
commonly called Wild Apricot, and is not the tropical Passionflower which yields Purple
Passion Fruit. It is smaller than the Purple Passion Fruit but can be used in recipes that call for
the tropical variety. The seeds may contain a minute amount of cyanide like properties, and one
should not eat them in large amounts - just to be on the safe side.
Passionflower Jam Recipe Passionflower Fruit Wine Recipe Old Field Apricot Drink
Try dried fragrant Passionflower leaves, fruits, buds and flowers in herbal sachets, baths,
and herb pillows, too!
An extract, or tincture, can also be made. The Simpler's Method for making tinctures is to fill a
jar with chopped fresh or ground dried herb and cover with 100 proof vodka. Shake the jar daily
for two weeks, then strain. I prefer to start it at the new moon and strain it when the moon is fulljust because things seem to work better for me when started in a new moon. Store in jar in dark
cabinet and keep some in a dropper bottle for convenient use. The usual dose is 30-45 drops up
to 3 times a day. For advanced information on tinctures and other preparations, read Making
Plant Medicine by Richo Cech.
Passionflower Safety & Interaction Information
Passionflower is on the FDA’s “generally recognized as safe” list; however, it might increase the
action of other sedative medications and herbs. If taking MAO-inhibiting antidepressant
medications, it is best to consult with a physician before using Passion Flower. Safety in young
children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been
established. Passionflower is considered safe for most people when used at recommended
dosage. Overdose may cause dizziness and other symptoms of over sedation. More information
can be found at these pages.
User Reviews & Ratings - PASSIONFLOWER from WebMD
Extensive information on medicinal properties, with warnings and contra-indications from the
University of Maryland Medical Center
Passionflower Description and Habitat
Passionflower is a perennial vine that grows up to 30 ft.
(10m). It grows very quickly and produces edible fruit.
It has deeply three-lobed leaves with finely serrated
edges and large, aromatic, beautifully intricate purple
and white sweet-scented flowers that are from 2 to 3
inches across. All above ground parts of the plant are
aromatic, with a strong sweet fragrance. Passion flowers
bloom from June to September, and possibly later when
it has been cut during the season. They have tendrils
that attach to tall grasses or whatever they can hold of to
climb. The passion fruit, when ripe is yellow-green and
the size of a small hen's egg.
Passionflower is found from Virginia and Kentucky,
south to Florida and Texas. It grows in sandy thickets
and open fields, roadsides, fence rows and waste places.
It has also naturalized out of its native range and can be
found in Southern Illinois and other parts of the
Midwest
Perilla
Perilla frutescens
Other Names: Ao Shiso, Beefsteak plant, Ji Soo, Perilla,
Purple Perilla, Shiso, Wild basil, Wild red basil, Chinese basil,
Purple mint, Rattlesnake weed, Summer coleus
Perilla smells funny, which is no wonder since you will usually find
it in cow pastures. Rub leaves on your skin and clothes on hikes to
repel ticks. Also a good companion plant for tomatoes. Harvest
before seeds form, very invasive if allowed to seed
Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright
2000
Habitat
Annual herb of the mint family native to E. Asia, it is a traditional crop of China, India, Japan, Korea,
Thailand, and other Asian countries. Perilla was brought to the United States in the late 1800s by Asian
immigrants. It has quickly naturalized and become a common weed of pastures and roadsides in the
southeastern United States. Found growing in sunny open fields, roadsides, waste places and open
woodlands. Cultivation is very easy Perilla prefers light to medium moist well-drained and rich soil in full
sun. Perilla is a very attractive plant for the garden and attracts butterflies. It’s deep purple stems and
purple to red tinted leaves last all summer and fall. It is a very aromatic plant, with a strong minty smell.
Growing up to 4 feet tall when in bloom, the stems are square, reddish-purple and branching. The leaves
are large, up to 6 in. in diameter, petioled, opposite, ovate and serrate, edges ruffled or curly, dark green
tinted red to purple (especially on the underside) and hairy. Sometimes the leaves are so large and red
that they remind one of a slice of raw beef, hence the name beefsteak plant. The flower spikes are long,
up to 10 in. and born in the leaf axils. Flowers are small about 1/4-inch long and tubular, pink to lavender
and numerous. After blooming from July to October, they leave their calyx on the spike to cover the seed
pod, shake the dry seed stalks and it rattles like a rattlesnake. That's how the plant got one of its common
names (rattlesnake weed). Perilla is often confused with purple Basil and used for the same purposes.
Gather the edible tender leaves from the plant tops anytime. Gather entire plant in bloom and dry for later
use.
Properties
Perilla is edible and medicinal. The leaves have a very pleasant sweet taste and are used as a spice,
cooked as potherbs or fried, and combined with fish, rice, vegetables and soups. It is also chopped and
combined with gingerroot, then added to stir-fries, tempuras and salads in many Asian countries. The
plant also supplies a nutritious cooking oil from the seed, as well as giving color and flavor to many
pickled dishes. In the United States the essential oil of the plant is used as a food flavoring in candies and
sauces. It is used as a flavoring in dental products and at one time, it was one of the main ingredients in
sarsaparilla. The entire plant is very nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals, and one of the
aldehyde isomers found in Perilla is 2,000 times as sweet as sugar. There are many scientifically proven
medicinal uses for Perilla. It has been used for centuries in Oriental medicine as an antiasthmatic,
antibacterial, antidote, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, aromatic,
carminative, diaphoretic, emollient, expectorant, pectoral, restorative, stomachic and tonic. The plant
constituents confirm these uses in alternative medicine and ongoing studies have revealed that this plant
is useful in curing many cancers as well as various other diseases and disorders. Further research has
isolated such constituents as apigenin, ascorbic-acid, beta-carotene, caffeic-acid, citral, dillapiol, elemicin,
limonene, luteolin, myristicin, perillaldehyde, protocatechuic-acid, quercetin, rosmarinic-acid, and more, to
numerous to mention. It is a pungent, aromatic, warming herb. An infusion of the plant is useful in the
treatment of asthma, colds, cough and lung afflictions, influenza prevention, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain, constipation, food poisoning and allergic reactions (especially from seafood), and to restore health
and balance. The stems are a traditional Chinese remedy for morning sickness and restless fetus in
pregnancy, though some say the herb should be avoided by pregnant women. Perilla seed oil has been
used in paints, varnishes, linoleum, printing ink, lacquers, and for protective waterproof coatings on cloth.
Volatile oils of the plant are also used in aroma therapy and for perfume. The seed heads can be
collected and dried for use in arrangements, potpourris and wreaths. The crushed plant also makes an
effective insecticide.
Folklore
In Asia, centuries ago, ceremonies were conducted before harvesting the plant, it was considered to be
alive and was held as sacred, sent by God as food and medicine to treat all ailments of man. Disrespect
for the plant meant death, anyone caught stepping on the plant would himself be trampled to death!
Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To ¼ cup dry herb add 1 pint of boiling water, allow to steep 10 to 15 min. Drink
throughout the day for colds, flu, sore throat, and congestion. Also can be boiled and the steam inhaled to
clear the sinuses.
Pinkroot, Indian Pink
Spigelia merilandica
Other Names: Indian Pink, Maryland Pink, Pinkroot,
Wormgrass, American Wormgrass, American Wormroot,
Starbloom
Photo by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2000
Caution : Toxic! Useful only to experienced herbalists
familiar with its use.
Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright 2000
Habitat
Southeastern N. American native perennial herb, found in rich
woods from New Jersey to Florida and west to Texas and
Wisconsin, primarily in the Southern States. Indian Pink is fast
disappearing, due to over harvesting. Cultivation: a very
ornamental plant, Indian Pink succeeds in most fertile soils in
semi-shade, transplant root cuttings in rich well drained soil.
The leaves are pointed, stemless, alternate and opposite
growing from 2 to 4 inches long, and up to 3 inches wide. The
showy flowers are tube-shaped, bright scarlet red outside,
opening into a bright yellow 5 pointed star, flowers bloom from
May to July atop a smooth simple erect stem from 6 inches to
2 feet high. The roots are rhizome, knotty and dark-brown
externally, with many thin, long, wiry rootlets attached to it,
marked with scars of the stems of former years, internally the
rhizome is whitish, with a darkbrown pith. Collect rootstock,
after the flowers fade. The root is best used when fresh but
can be harvested in the autumn then dried for herb use.
Properties
Pink Root, was being used medicinally by the Native Americans long before America was even
discovered. Long used as an alternative medicine its proven medicinal constituents are Spigeline, Lignin,
tannin, albumen, and myricin. Some of these are showing promise as antiHIV, anticancer and
anticoronary. Other medicinal properties include antibacterial, antidiarrheic, antioxidant, antiviral,
anthelmintic, and laxative. It is most popular as an anthelmintic and is most potent for tapeworm and for
the round worm. It is a safe and efficient drug, if administered in proper doses and always followed by a
saline aperient, such as magnesium sulphate. Otherwise unpleasant and serious side effects may occur.
Said to be narcotic in large doses, causing increased heart action, dizziness, vertigo, disturbed vision,
muscular spasms, convulsions and possibly death.
Folklore
Used by the Cherokee and other American Indians tribes as a ritual and ceremonial herb to induce
visions and foretell the future. Also used as poison in some suicidal ceremonies.
Plantain
Plantago major
Photo by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2008
Other Names: Common Plantain, Broadleaf Plantain, Great Plantain, Greater Plantain, Ripple Grass, Plantago Asiatica, Wa
Waybroad, Snakeweed, Cuckoo's Bread, Englishman's Foot, White Man's Foot, Che Qian Zi (China), Breitwegerich (Germ
Tanchagem-maior (Portuguese), Llantén común (Spanish), Llantén major (Spanish)
Plantain Habitat
Plantain is a perennial herb, thought to be of Eurasian origin and now naturalized throughout t
Plantain is considered a common and noxious weed by some and a miracle plant by others.
Plantain Cultivation:
Plantain is very easy to cultivate, it succeeds in any soil and prefers a sunny position, some fo
been selected for their ornamental value. It is an important food plant for the caterpillars of ma
of butterflies. Plantain grows from a short, tough rootstock or rhizome, which has a large number of long, straight, yellowish roots,
rosette of large, broadly oval, dark green, leaves. The 4 to 10 inch long smooth, thick, strong and fibrous leaves have 3 to 7 or mo
veins, abruptly contracting into a long, petiole (leaf stalk) which is reddish at the base. The leaf margin is of Plantain is entire, or u
toothed. The flower stalks, are erect, long, slender, densely-flowered spikes. Each tiny flower is brownish and bell-shaped with fo
and purple anthers. Flowers bloom most of the summer. The fruit is a two-celled capsule and containing four to sixteen seeds. Ha
young edible leaves in spring. Gather Plantain after flower spike forms, dry for later herb use.
Plantain Medicinal Properties and Herbal Use
Plantain is edible and medicinal, the young leaves are edible raw in salad or cooked as a pot herb, they are very rich in vitamin B
riboflavin. The herb has a long history of use as an alternative medicine dating back to ancient times. Being used as a panacea (m
for everything) in some cultures, one American Indian name for the plant translates to "life medicine." And recent research indicat
name may not be far from true! The chemical analysis of Plantgo Major reveals the remarkable glycoside Aucubin. Acubin has be
reported in the Journal Of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin. There are many more highly effective constituents in this plant inclu
Ascorbic-acid, Apigenin, Baicalein, Benzoic-acid, Chlorogenic-acid, Citric-acid, Ferulic-acid, Oleanolic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Ur
The leaves and the seed are medicinal used as an antibacterial, antidote, astringent, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, car
demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, laxative, ophthalmic, poultice, refrigerant, and vermifuge. Medical evidence exists t
uses as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension, rheumatism and bloo
control. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, pe
ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay feve
causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in stop smoking preparations. Extracts of the plant have antibac
activity, it is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly stops blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue.
leaves are used as a wet dressing for wounds, skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings and swellings and said to promo
without scars. Poultice of hot leaves is bound onto cuts and wounds to draw out thorns, splinters and inflammation. The root is sa
used as an anti-venom for rattlesnakes bites. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells in the gut, acting as a bulk
and soothing irritated membranes. The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. A distilled water made from the plant m
excellent eye lotion.
Plantain Herbal Folklore and History
Native Americans carried powdered roots of Plantain as protection against snakebites or to ward off snakes. Plantain was called
Englishman's Foot or White Man's Foot as it was said to grow where ever their feet touched the ground - this is referred to in Lon
'Hiawatha.'. Some old European lore states that Plantain is effective for the bites of mad dogs, epilepsy, and leprosy. In the Unite
the plant was called 'Snake Weed,' from a belief in its efficacy in cases of bites from venomous creatures.
Plantain Recipes
"Medicinal" herb tea: For colds and flu use 1 tbls. dry or fresh whole Plantain (seed, root, and leaves) to 1 cup boiling water, steep
strain, sweeten. Drink through the day.
Healing salve: In large non-metallic pan place 1lb. of entire Plantain plant chopped, and 1 cup lard, cover, cook down on low heat
mushy and green. Strain while hot, cool and use for burns, insect bites, rashes, and all sores. Note: used as night cream for wrink
Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Other Names: Poke Salet, American Pokeweed, Cancer-root, Cancer jalap, Inkberr
Pigeon Berry, Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours, Sekerciboyaci, S
Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo, Yyamilin
Caution : Toxic when misused. For experienced herbalists only. Can cause int
vomiting and diarrhea.
Photo by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2010
Habitat
Pokeweed is a common perennial native plant, found in Northern and Central N. Am
from the New England States to Minnesota and south to Florida and Texas, naturali
Britain and other countries. Growing in damp rich soils in clearings, woodland margi
roadsides. Cultivation: Pokeweed is an easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils
sun or partial shade. The stout erect stalk is tall, growing to 10 feet or more, smooth
branching, turning deep red or purple as the berries ripen and the plant matures. Th
conical, large and fleshy, covered with a thin brown bark. Leaves are about 5 inches
and 2 to 3 inches wide, simple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate, and smooth. The flowers
appear from July to September are long-stalked clusters and each has 5 whitish pet
green centers. The fruit is a rich deep purple round berry, containing a rich crimson
Gather young edible shoots in spring, the roots in fall, slice and dry for later use, and
as they ripen.
Properties
Pokeweed is edible (cooked) and medicinal. It has a long history of use by Native Americans and in alternative medicine. The y
shoots are boiled in two changes of water and taste similar to asparagus, berries are cooked and the resulting liquid used to col
canned fruits and vegetables. The root is alterative, anodyne, antiinflammatory, cathartic, expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and pu
It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other complaints involving swollen gland
chronic catarrh, bronchitis and diseases related to a compromised immune system it has potential as an anti-AIDS drug. Some
chemical constituents in the plant are triterpenoid saponins, lectins, antiviral proteins and many phytolaccagenic acids, which ar
completely understood.
New research has revealed that a possible CURE for Childhood Leukemia called (B43-PAP) is found in the common Pokeweed
B43-pokeweed antiviral protein, B43-PAP, PAP is a pokeweed toxin. The B43 carries the weapon--the PAP--to the leukemia ce
been touted as a smart weapon. In one study 15 out of 18 children who had participated had attained remission. The following i
a repot from Parker Hughes Institute: The two parts of this drug are the B43 antibody (or anti-CD19) and the pokeweed antiviral
(PAP) immunotoxin, a natural product in the pokeweed plant. B43 is designed to recognize specific B-cell leukemia cells just as
antibodies attack and recognize germs. When the antibody finds a leukemia cell, it attaches and B43 delivers the other part of th
PAP. Inside the cell, PAP is released by the antibody and inactivates the ribosomes that make the proteins the cell needs to sur
With the cell unable to produce proteins, the specific leukemia cell is killed. More than 100 patients have been treated with B43shown only minimal side effects.
Caution is advised as the whole plant, but especially the berries, is poisonous raw, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
A beautiful red ink and a dye are obtained from the fruit. The rootstock is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute.
Folklore
Some Native American tribes used Pokeweed as a Witchcraft Medicine, believing that it’s ability to totally purge the body by cau
drastic diarrhea and vomiting would also expel bad spirits. Fruit was made into a red dye used in painting horses and various ar
adornment
Rabbit Tobacco, Everlasting
Gnaphalium obtusifolium
Unmistakable by its creamy appearance in the still green background of the early fall meadows. Leaves long, elliptical and silver g
colored. Plant up to one meter high. Unusual fragrance. Can be smoked for respiratory ailments or made into a relaxing tea. A co
tobacco substitute used by young boys in rural areas.
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
Other Names: Meadow Honeysuckle, Meadow Trefoil, Purple Clover, Trefoil,
Wild Clover, Cleaver Grass, Marl Grass, Cow Grass
Habitat
Red Clover is a perennial herb, origin believed to be Britain where it is abund
now a world wide escape, naturalized in nearly every country, even the Arctic
Circle and high up into mountains. Cultivation: Red Clover is an easily grown
plant, from seed or root cuttings, requires little attention. The long root is
rhizome, and sends out runners, producing several stems 1 to 2 feet high,
slightly hairy; leaves ternate, leaflets ovate, slightly toothed, ending in long po
often lighter colored V shape in center, flowers red to purple, fragrant, in den
terminal ovoid or round heads. Blooming from April thought out the summer
months. Harvest flowers and dry for later herb use as it comes into bloom.
Harvest edible leaves for salad before flowers fully bloom.
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2001
Properties
Red Clover is edible and medicinal, the young leaves and new flowers are
harvested, and are used in salads, soups, or as a pot herb. The sprouted see
are edible in salads and have a crisp texture and robust flavor. A delicate sw
and medicinal tea is made from the fresh or dried flowers, it is alterative,
antiscrofulous, antispasmodic, aperient, detergent, diuretic, expectorant,
sedative and tonic. Red Clover has also shown anticancer activity, poultices
the herb have been used as local applications to cancerous growths. Interna
the Red Clover plant is used as an alternative medicine for skin complaints s
as eczema and psoriasis, cancers of the breast, ovaries and lymphatic syste
chronic degenerative diseases, gout, whooping cough and dry coughs. Red
clover is now involved in research for a certain medicinal alkaloid 'slaframine
which is often found in diseased clover, this substance has shown antidiabet
and anti-AIDS activity.
Folklore
In the middle ages the clover was considered a charm warn to ward off evil
spirits and witches. The four leaf clover was said to have even more power
against evil, a five leaf clover was said to be warn by witches to give them ev
powers, and a two leaf clover would give a maiden the power to see her futu
lover.
Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000
Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 tbls. dry flowers or herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep 1
min., sweeten to taste, drink warm for cough and upset stomach.
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Other Names: Ague tree, Saxifrax, Cinnamonwood, Saloop, Smelling-stick
Caution: May be harmful in excessive doses. The FDA has banned it from being sold for internal use.
Habitat
Sassafras is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America From Maine to Ontario, south to Florida and Texas. In the No
shrub growing only to 7 or 8 feet, but in the Southern States it sometimes attains a height of 100 feet. Found growing in thick
woods, forest openings and edges, roadsides and fence rows. Root sprouts grow vigorously and colonize the area around th
tree. The leaves are alternate, simple, with smooth margins and different in shape, some with three lobes and others with on
the side looking like a mitten and some with none, turning yellow to bright red in autumn. The yellow-green fragrant flowers b
clusters in early spring. The fruit is a dark blue berry, about the size of a pea, in a red cup, on a red stalk, in a cluster, ripenin
Aug.-Oct.. All parts of the tree are aromatic. Gather the root bark anytime, dry for later use.
Properties
Sassafras was used extensively for food and medicine by Native Americans long before European settlers arrived. Sassafra
was one of the first exports of the New World. In the southern U.S., the roots were boiled, then combined with molasses, and
to ferment into the first ROOT BEER. The young leaves can be added to salads and have a mild aromatic flavor.
Sassafras tea is made from the root bark, it is refreshing and tonic. The root bark and root pith are used in alternative medicine
alterative, anodyne, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant and vasodilator. An Infusion is used to trea
gastrointestinal complaints, colds, liver and kidney ailments, rheumatism skin eruptions and as a blood purifier. The essential oi
from the root bark is used as an antiseptic and anodyne in dentistry. The production of sassafras oil by distillation of the root and
bark is a small industry in the southeastern section of the country. Now prohibited for use as a flavoring or food additive becaus
said to have carcinogenic properties, though it is less likely to cause cancer than alcohol. A sassafras tree repels mosquitoes an
insects. All parts of the tree contain essential oils and give off a pleasant spicy aroma when crushed.
Folklore
Explorers and settlers associated the pleasant aroma of the tree with healing and protection from evil influences, and extracts o
and roots soon became a panacea elixir sought by Europeans.
Photo Copyright Karen Bergeron Bergeron 2003
Skullcap Habitat
Skullcap is a Native N. American perennial herb, found from New York to West Virginia and southward to South Carolina, Alabam
Missouri. Growing in rich woods, thickets, bluffs and along roadsides in wet ditches. Scutellaria lateriflora, the skullcap that is mos
herbal medicine, prefers a moist shady environment. Other species of skullcap can be found in habitats ranging from deep woods
sunny meadows.
Skullcap Description
The root is a creeping short rhizome, which sends up hairy, square stems, 6 to 18 inches high, branched, or, in small specimens,
simple, with opposite leaves, heart-shaped at the base, 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long, scalloped or toothed edges. The blue to lavende
are in racemes and grow from the leaf axils of the upper plant. They are hooded, tube shaped, and two lipped the upper lip being
and the lower lip having two shallow lobes. Scutellaria lateriflora is a weak stemmed plant that often lops over and forms new root
touches the ground. Other Skullcaps are more upright. Flowers bloom from May to August, gather above ground parts, in the sum
flowers bloom, dry and store for later herb use.
Growing Skullcap
Skullcap is easy in a sunny position and any ordinary garden soil. Sow seed in early spring after danger of frost is past.
Skullcap Herbal Use and Medicinal Properties
Skullcap is a powerful medicinal herb, it is used in alternative medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, slightly astringent
emmenagogue, febrifuge, nervine, sedative and strongly tonic. Some valuable constituents found in the plant are Scutellarin, Cata
Volatile oils, bitter iridoids and Tannins. Scientific studies are proving this to be a valuable plant in many areas for mental disorder
is used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, anxiety, delerium tremens, w
from barbiturates and tranquilisers. A medicinal infusion of the plant is used to promote menstruation, it should not be given to pre
women since it can induce a miscarriage, the infusion is also used in the treatment of throat infections. The infusion is given for n
headaches, neuralgia and in headache arising from incessant coughing, pain, and inducing sleep when necessary, without any u
symptoms following. Skullcap is currently being used as an alternative medicine to treat ADD and a number of nerve disorders.
Cautions - Should be used with some caution since in overdose it causes giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching. Skullcap ha
linked to liver damage, though it is suspected that the source of damage was actually from Germander being substituted for Skull
moderation and avoid if you have liver problems.
Folklore
Well known among the Cherokee and other Native American tribes, as a strong emmenagogue and female medicinal herb. Used
tribes as a ceremonial plant to introduce young girls into womanhood. Once believed of use in the treatment of rabies and schizop
Also used to induce visions.
Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 oz. of the powdered herb add a pint of boiling water, steep 10 min. give in 1/2 teacup doses, every few hour
Laterifolia is the species most often used by herbalists, Its flowers are small and leaves triangular. However, you can use any s
skullcap for herbal teas and tinctures.
All Skullcaps have this unique seed pod and distinctive hooded flowers. Skullcap leaf size a
vary widely amongst the species. Color of flowers range from red-violet to blue-violet often
markings.
Solomon’s Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
Other Names: American Solomon's Seal, King Solomon's Seal, King Solomon's-seal, Small Solomon's Seal, Lady's S
Mary's Seal.
Habitat
Perennial native herb found growing in moist sandy, loamy or rocky woods and thickets, N. America from New Brunswick to Mic
south to Tennessee and Florida. Cultivation: a very hardy plant, it prefers a light soil and a shady situation. Seeds, or transplant
up with plenty of soil. The creeping root, rhizome, or underground stem, is thick and white, twisted and full of knots, with large ci
scars at intervals, these scars give Solomon's Seal it's name. Stems grow to a height of from 18 inches to 2 feet, or even more a
over gracefully. Large, light green, and broad ovate leaves grow alternately on the stem, clasping it at the bases. The flowers ar
succulent and thick, light yellow- green, and hang in little drooping clusters of two to five, growing from the leaf axils. Flowers blo
to June. The fruit is a small berry about the size of a pea, blackish-blue, fruit is not edible, said to be poisonous. Gather roots in
flows fade, dry for later herb use.
Properties
Solomon's Seal is edible and medicinal, the young edible shoots are an excellent vegetable when boiled and eaten like Asparag
root is edible after boiling in three changes of water or sun baked, and is a good source of starch. This herb has a long history o
alternative medicine dating back to the time of Dioscorides and Pliny. The main constituents are saponins (similar to diosgenin),
flavonoids, and vitamins. A medicinal infusion of root or rhizome, is used in alternative medicine as an astringent, demulcent, an
The dried herb is taken as a laxative and restorative, and is good in inflammations of the stomach, indigestion, profuse menstru
lung ailments, general debility, bowels, piles, and chronic dysentery. A medicinal poultice of the fresh roots is said to fade bruise
applied to cuts and sores.
Folklore
Once believed to have aphrodisiac properties, and used in love potions. More than likely due to its ability to stop profuse menstr
Gerard says: 'The roots of Solomon's Seal, stamped while it is fresh and greene and applied, taketh away in one night or two at
most, any bruise, blacke or blew spots gotten by falls or women's wilfulness in stumbling upin their hastie husband's fists, or suc
Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 tsp. dried herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 min. sweeten to taste, take in the morning as laxative.
Spearmint
Mentha spicata
Other Names: Garden Mint, Menthol Mint, Mint, Sage Of Bethlehem, Silver Mint, Spe
Photo by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2000
Habitat
Perennial herb native to Central Europe now naturalized throughout the U.S. and Can
Found growing on roadsides and in waste places, usually in damp soils and sunny pos
Cultivation: Spearmint is easily grown, it succeeds in most soils and situations so long
soil is not too dry. Prefers a sunny position for production of essential oils, but it also
succeeds in partial shade. Division can be easily done at almost any time of the year.
matted creeping root system, sends up erect, square stems to about 2 feet high. The l
are short-stalked, lance-shaped, wrinkled, and bright green, with finely serrate edges.
small flowers are arranged in whorls or rings on spikes in the axils of the upper leaves
pinkish or lilac in color, flowers bloom in late June through August. Gather the above g
plant when first starting to bloom, the stalks should be cut a few inches above the root
dry day, after the dew has disappeared, and before the hot sun has taken any oil from
leaves, and dried for later herb use.
Properties
Spearmint is edible and Medicinal, the leaves and flowers are edible raw or cooked. A
flavor, they are used in salads or added to cooked foods. A medicinal herb tea made f
fresh or dried leaves has a very pleasant and refreshing taste, leaving the mouth and
digestive system feeling clean. Also great for mint jelly, an old favorite.
Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright 2000
The proven medicinal constituents in spearmint are 1,8-cineole, acetic-acid, acetophenone, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, api
arginine, benzaldehyde, benzyl-alcohol, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, borneol, calcium, carvacrol, carvone, caryophyllene, di
ethanol, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, hesperidin, limonene, luteolin, menthol, methionine, niacin, oleanolic-acid, perillyl-alcohol
pulegone, rosmarinic-acid, terpinen-4-ol, thiamin, thymol, tryptophan, ursolic-acid, and many vitamins and minerals. An essen
from the leaves and flowers is used as a flavoring in candy, gum, ice cream, drinks and commercially prepared hygen product
(toothpaste, mouthwash, etc). Spearmint has been used as an alternative medicine for centuries on many different continents.
antiemetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, restorative, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The medicinal herb tea
from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers, bronchitis, chills, cramps, chronic gastritis, common cold, headaches, indige
morning sickness, motion sickness, nasal congestion, nausea, halitosis, painful menstruation, and various minor ailments. Ext
the stems are crushed and used as a medicinal poultice on bruises. The essential oil in the leaves, is a great rub for stiffness,
soreness and rheumatism, the oil also a powerful antiseptic and should not be taken in large doses. Futher research is proving
plant to be of use in many diseases.
Folklore
Both the essential oil and the stems are used in folk remedies for cancer. A poultice prepared from the leaves is said to remed
tumours. The plant repels insects, rats, mice and was formerly used as for strewing (thrown about).
Recipe
Easy Mint Jelly: Steep a handful of mint leaves in one of the various kinds of sweetened gelatin. The jelly should be a delicate
of green and make about a pint of jelly. Some like to strain the liquid through a cheese cloth to remove all particles of mint befo
allowing to set, I kinda like the little green specks.
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Other Names: Spotted St. John's wort, Hypericum, Klamath Weed, Touch-and-heal, Goa
Rosin Rose
Caution
St. John's Wort may interfere with other medications. Consult your physician before use i
are taking any prescription medications. Can cause problems with certain anesthesia, so
your physician before surgery if you take St. John's Wort.
Habitat
St. John's Wort is a perennial herb native to North America and Canada from Nova Scoti
Ontario Quebec south to the United States, eastern states. Found growing in open sunny
partial shady areas, along roadsides in dry, gravelly soils.
Cultivation
St. John's Wort is easy to grow from seed or root division in spring or autumn, in any well
drained but moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in dry soils, prefers sun or semi-shade.
Photos by Karen Bergeron
copyright 2002
Description
A woody branched root system produces many round, erect, stems branching at the leaf
which are covered with dark red dots, stems are solid dark red at base. Growing to a heig
to 3 feet, The leaves are opposite, sessile and smooth edged, oblong to linear, light gree
smooth, covered with small transparent oil glands that look like holes, more visible when
bright light. The cymes of yellow flowers, grow atop each stem. The five petals are dotted
black along the margins, the center or ovary is surround by many stamens, causing it to a
furry, flowers bloom from June to September. The fruit is a three celled capsule containin
small, dark brown seeds. Gather top 6 to 8 inches of plants when flowers are in bloom, d
later use.
St. John's Wort Herbal Use and Medicinal Properties
There are 400 species of St. John's Wort found throughout the world, it has been used as a medicinal for thousands of years,
only recently been studied for its medicinal value. Now proven to have many highly active compounds including rutin, pectin, c
sitosterol, hypericin and pseudohypericin. The flowers and leaves are medicinal as analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, arom
astringent, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, resolvent, sedative, stimulant, vermifuge and vulnerary. Som
compounds of the plant have been shown to have potent anti-retroviral activity without serious side effects and they are being
researched in the treatment of AIDS.Hypericum perforatum is thought to be a mild antidepressant of the class "MAO inhibitor."
mechanism by which St. John's Wort acts as an antidepressant is not fully understood. Early research indicated that this it mild
inhibits the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAO is responsible for the breakdown of two brain chemicals - serotonin and
epinephrine. By inhibiting MAO and increasing nor epinephrine, it may exert a mild anti-depressive action. The antidepressant
mood elevating effects of Hypericum perforatum were originally thought to be due solely to hypericin, but hypericin does not a
alone, it relies on the complex interplay of many constituents such as xanthones and flavonoids for its antidepressant actions.
Hypericum perforatum may also block the receptors that bind serotonin and so maintain normal mood and emotional stability.
Hypericum perforatum is used in treating a wide range of disorders, including pulmonary complaints, bladder problems, diarrh
nervous depression. It is also very effectual in treating bed wetting in children. It has a sedative and pain reducing effect, it is
especially regarded as an herb to use where there are menopausal changes triggering irritability and anxiety. In addition to ne
pain, it will ease fibrosistis, sciatica and rheumatic pain. The oil extract of the plant can be taken for stomach ache, colic, intes
problems, and as an expectorant for the congestion in the lungs. Externally, a medicinal infusion of the flowers in olive oil is ap
wounds, sores, burns, ulcers, swellings, cramps, rheumatism, tumors, caked breasts, and other skin problems. It is also value
treatment of sunburn and as a cosmetic preparation to the skin. Persons with fair skin should avoid exposure to strong sunligh
other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds, while taking St. John's Wort. These individuals may suffer a dermatitis,
burning, and possibly blistering of the skin. The severity of these effects will depend on the amount of the plant consumed and
length of exposure to sunlight.
Folklore
There are many ancient superstitions regarding this plant, its name Hypericum is derived from the Greek and means 'over an
apparition,' a reference to the belief that it smelled so obnoxious to evil spirits that a whiff of it would cause them to fly. The pla
given to have magical powers. In ancient Greece, the herb was used to treat many ailments, including sciatica and poisonous
bites.
Recipes
For depression the usual dose is 300 mg 3 times a day. Timed release capsules are now on the market as well. I find it easier
have to remember to take it once a day. Effects should be felt within a few weeks.
"Medicinal" tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and steep for l0-l5 minutes. This should be
three times a day.
Oil: Fill a pint jar loosely with dried herb, poor olive oil to top, seal tightly and allow to infuse for 4 to 5 weeks, shaking the jar
occasionally
hoto by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000
Sumac
Rhus glabra
Other Names: Dwarf Sumac, Mountain Sumac, Scarlet Sumac, Smooth Sumac, Upland Sumac, White Sh
Vinegar-tree, Red sumac
Habitat
A deciduous shrub native to North America found in all 48 mainland states of USA and in southern Canada
growing in thickets and waste ground, open fields and roadsides. Cultivation is easy, root cuttings are best
taken in December, it prefers well-drained acid soil and full sun. Sumac is a shrub or small tree from 6 to 1
high, with large pinnate leaves, each leaflet is lanceolate, serrate and green on top whitish beneath. In the
leaves turn a bright red. Flowers bloom in June and July they are in dense panicles of greenish-red small fi
petaled flowers. The edible fruit is a large erect cluster of small bright red berries. Gather edible young sho
spring, roots and berries in fall. Dry for later herb use.
s
nsively by Native Americans for food and medicine. Young shoots and roots are peeled and eaten raw. The fruit is also eaten raw, cooked o
onade-like drink. The active constituents in Sumac are being studied for use in many diseases some possible applications are in the treatme
and some cancers. The plant contains Calcium malate, Dihydrofisetin, Fisetin, Iodine, Gallic-acid-methylester, tannic and gallic acids, Selen
cid, and many beneficial minerals. An infusion of the bark or roots is alterative, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, galactogogue, haemostatic, ru
It is used in alternative medicine for the treatment of colds, diarrhea, fevers, general debility, to increase the flow of breast milk, sore mouth
ctal bleeding, inflammation of the bladder and painful urination, retention of urine and dysentery and is applied externally to treat excessive
burns and skin eruptions. The powdered bark is made into a good antiseptic salve. An infusion of the leaves is used for asthma, diarrhea a
s. A poultice of the leaves used to treat skin rashes. The leaves also chewed for sore gums and rubbed on sore lips. An infusion of the berrie
metic, emmenagogue, purgative and refrigerant. It is used in the treatment of late-onset diabetes, constipated bowel complaints, febrile dise
hoea (painful or difficult menstruation). The berries have been chewed as a remedy for bed-wetting. An infusion of the blossoms used as an
ore eyes. The milky latex from the plant is used as a salve on sores. When broken or cut the plant produces a milky substance which forms
ody or gall, containing large quantities of tannic and gallic acid. These galls are used in tanning leather. A medicinal wine can also be prepa
oil extracted from the seeds is used in making candles. Brown, red, and black dye are obtained from the berries, said to be excellent for woo
y some Native American tribes to foretell the weather and the changing of the seasons, for this reason it was held as a sacred plant.
ink: To a handful of berries add 2 cups cold water, let site overnight in cool place, do not heat or liquid will become bitter and astringent. Str
o taste.
y some Native American tribes to foretell the weather and the changing of the seasons, for this reason it was held as a sacred plant.
rries, bark, root and leaves have many uses in traditional medicine. My favorite use of sumac is to take the berries in late summer and soak
water, strain through muslin or cheesecloth to eliminate the rough hairs, sweeten and it makes a delicious citrus tasting drink. Berry cluster
dried arrangements and crafts, they hold their shape and color for years if stored properly. These small trees have stunning red pinnate lea
hey hang on to the berries all winter, until pushed off by new spring buds. All the sumac bushes with red berries are non poisonous. Poison
ng white berries and is a skin irritant of the worst kind.
Sweet Cicely
Osmorhiza longistylis
Other Names: Aniseroot, Longstyle Sweetroot,
American Sweet Cicely, Licorice root, Wild Anise
Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000
Habitat
North America native perennial herb, found growing in
rich woods and thickets Eastern N. America - Nova
Scotia to Ontario, Alabama, Tennessee, Kansas and
Colorado. Cultivation: a very attractive plant succeeds
in any deep moisture-retentive soil in sun or dappled
shade from seed or transplants. The root of Sweet
Cicely is a very aromatic with a strong smell of licorice,
it is thick with long branches, light brown out side and
white fleshy inside, a little fibrous and very strong in
fragrance, with a sweet taste, you begin to smell it as
soon as the ground is broken, almost always you will
find earthworms next to the roots. The stem is
branched it grows from 2 to 3 feet high, it is reddish
and smooth with many lacey light green, leaves and
white flowers in an umbelliferae atop the stem. The
sweet scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both
male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile.
Blooming from April to May. Gather the edible roots,
flowers and leaves in spring, as soon as they bloom.
Dry roots for later herb use.
Properties
Sweet Cicely was used extensively by Native American Indian tribes to treat digestive disorders
and as an antiseptic wash for a range of problems. Sweet Cicely is medicinal and edible, the root
being the strongest for use in alternative medicine it is antiseptic, aromatic, febrifuge, oxytocic,
pectoral, stomachic, carminative, tonic, ophthalmic, and expectorant. Medicinal tea made from the
root is a very good digestive aid and is a gentle stimulant for debilitated stomachs. A weak herb
tea is used to bath sore eyes. A strong infusion has been used to induce labor in a pregnant
woman and to treat fevers, indigestion, flatulence, stomach aches. The crushed root is an
effective antiseptic poultice for the treatment of boils and wounds. A medicinal cough syrup can be
made of the fresh juice and honey, it is very effective and quite tasty, children take it readily. The
leaves and flowers are edible in salad and add a great flavor, or boiled and eaten as a pot herb.
The root is eaten raw or dried and ground for use as spices.
Folklore
A decoction of the herb was used as nostril wash to increase dog's sense of smell. A valuable
tonic for girls from 15 to 18 years of age, according to an old herbal. The aromatic scent is said to
be an aphrodisiac, used as a love medicine.
Recipes
Fennel seed substitute: Cut root into small pieces, dry, grind, and sprinkle on pizza instead of
fennel seed.
"Medicinal" tea: Use fresh or dried root 1 tsp. to a cup of water, bring to boil, steep 10 min.
Trout Lily
Erythronium americanum
Other Names: Adder's tongue, American trout-lily,
Dog's tooth violet, Serpent's Tongue, Yellow Adder'stongue, Yellow fawn-lily, Yellow Snowdrop
Caution! Trout Lily can be strongly emetic in some
people (which means it makes you throw up a lot).
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
Habitat
A North American native perennial found growing in
damp, open woodlands from New Brunswick to Florida
and west to Ontario and Arkansas. Cultivation: a
member of the Lily family Trout Lily is cultivated by
seed or transplanting of the bulb or corm in fall.
Prefers slightly acid well-drained soil, plenty of humus
and requires semi-shade. The root is a deeply buried,
bulb-like corm, light brown, about 1 inch long, and
solid with white starchy flesh. Two or three leaf blades
grow from the base and are about 3 inches tall,
oblong, smooth, dark green, with purplish mottling,
and about 1 inch wide. The slender stem is 3 to 4
inches long and leafless. The flowers of Trout Lily can
be bright white or creamy colored to bright yellow it is
about 3 inches across, lily-like and drupes with the six
petals folded upwards. It blooms in April and May.
Gather edible fresh leaves, bulbs and flowers in spring
and root in summer to fall. Dry root for later medicinal
herb use.
Properties
Edible and medicinal, the whole Trout Lily plant is
used as fresh salad additives, flowers are tasty, or
cooked as a pot herb. Trout Lily is used in alternative
medicine as contraceptive, diuretic, emetic, emollient,
febrifuge, stimulant. Plant constituents include alphmethylene-butyrolactone which has antimutagenic
activity. This chemical prevents cell mutation and may
prove to be a valuable weapon in fighting all cancers.
The leaves and bulb are crushed and used to dress
wounds and reduce swellings, for scrofula and other
skin problems. A medicinal tea made from the root
and leaf is said to reduce fever and fainting, tea also
taken for ulcers, tumors and swollen glands.
Folklore
It is said that the Cherokee Indians would chew the
root and spite it in the water to make fish bite. The
young women of one tribe ate the raw plant in large
quantities to prevent conception, probably due to the
fact they were too busy vomiting!
Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000
Violet
Viola odorata
Other Names: Ordinary violet, Common blue violet, Sweet violet, Garden violet
Habitat
Violets are European perennials. They are now naturalized throughout North America, and can be
found growing in most any soil or situation.
Cultivation
Violets are easily cultivated through root cuttings or seeds. With over 900 species, plant identification
to the exact is an expertise in itself. However all have practically the same medicinal and edible herb
values.
Description
The heart shaped leaves often with scalloped or slightly serrated edges are dark green, smooth or
sometimes downy underneath, and grow in a rosette at the base of the plant. Roots are creeping and
send out runners. Depending on soil and light the flowers may be from deep purple or blue to pinkish
or even yellow whitish. All have 5 petals, which may have a yellow (fur) or beard on the inside of two
of the petals, blooming from March to June. Gather flowers in full bloom, leaves anytime, and
rootstock in fall. Dry root for later use.
Properties
Medicinal and edible, the flowers and leaves of viola are made into a syrup used in alternative medicine
mainly for respiratory ailments associated with congestion, coughing, and sore throat. Flowers are also
edible and used as food additives for instance in salad, made into jelly, and candied for decoration. Large
doses of the root contain an alkaloid called violine which is emetic (causing vomiting). A decoction made
from the root (dry herb) is used as a laxative. Tea made from the entire plant is used to treat digestive
disorders and new research has detected the presence of a glycoside of salicylic acid (natural aspirin)
which substantiates its use for centuries as a medicinal remedy for headache, body pains and as a
sedative. The plants constituents are being studied and show these uses to be valid. Eugenol, Ferulicacid, Kaempferol, Quercetin, Scopoletin, also show promise in the treatment of many kinds of cancer,
arthritis, AIDS, gum disease and more. Used externally the fresh crushed leaves reduce swelling and
soothe irritations. As a bath additive the fresh crushed flowers are soothing to the skin and the aroma is
very relaxing.
Folklore
The Ancient Greeks considered the Violet a symbol of fertility and love, they used it in love potions. Pliny
recommended that a garland of them be worn about the head to ward off headaches and dizzy spells.
Recipes
Syrup: Pour 1 pint of boiling water over 1 cup packed, of fresh crushed flowers and leaves cover and let
stand for 12 hours. Strain and squeeze through cloth, add 2 lb. of sugar and boil for 1 hour or until syrupy.
Store in glass jar. Give 1 tbs. -1 tsp. for children 2 or 3 times a day.
Tea: Steep ¼ cup dried or fresh herb in 1 cup of water for 10 min. stain, flavor to taste. Take in ½ cup
doses twice a day.
Photo by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2000
Wood Sorrel
Oxalis violacea
Other Names: Sheep Sour, Purple Wood Sour, Sour
Clover, Sour Trefoi, Purple Stickwort, Fairy Bells,
Hallelujah, Cuckowes Meat, Three-leaved Grass, Trinity
Grass, Purple Stubwort, Wild Shamrock, Purple
Shamrock, Indian Lemonade, Violet Wood Sorrel
Photo by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2000
Habitat
Perennial native herb, Wood Sorrel is found growing in
grasslands and openings in woodlands, shaded slopes,
gravelly banks and prairies in Eastern N. America, New
York to Wisconsin, south to Florida. Cultivation is fairly
easy, through bulb transplants or seed. Plants do best in
humus-rich soil in shade or dappled sunlight. Growing
from a rose-colored underground bulb are several
flowers clustered atop thin stalks up to 8 inches long.
The half inch wide flowers, blooming as early as April
and May, are usually violet, but may be white, being
bell-shaped, with five delicate petals. Each leaf is
ternate and has three hearth-shaped leaflets, a bright
green above, and purplish to dark red on their under
surface, especially at the base. The leaflets are usually
folded along their middle, and are of a sensitive nature.
As the flowers fade, its stalk bends towards the ground
and conceals the seed capsule under the leaves, till
ripe, when it straightens again. The capsule is elastic
and bursts open when the fruit is ripe, throwing the
seeds out several yards. Gather entire plant in bloom,
use fresh, or dry for later herb use.
Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000
Properties
The leaves, flowers, and bulbs of Wood Sorrel are edible and medicinal. The entire plant is used as an
alternative medicine, it has diuretic, antiscorbutic and refrigerant actions, and a decoction made from its
pleasant acid leaves is given in high fever, both to quench thirst and to allay the fever. Decoctions used to
relieve hemorrhages and urinary disorders, as a blood cleanser, and will strengthen a weak stomach,
produce an appetite, and check vomiting. The juice is used as a gargle and is a remedy for ulcers in the
mouth, it is good to heal wounds and to stanch bleeding. Linen cloths soaked with the juice and applied,
are held to be effective in the reduction of swellings and inflammation. Salts of Lemon, as well as Oxalic
acid, can be obtained from Wood Sorrel: 20 lb. of fresh herb yield about 6 lb. of juice, from which, by
crystallization, between 2 and 3 OZ. of Salts of Lemon can be obtained and used for many medicinal
purposes. For soaking tired, swollen feet, it is said to be better than Epsom salts. Excess internal use
should be guarded against, as the oxalic salts are not suitable to all, especially those of a gouty and
rheumatic tendency, or with high blood pressure. Several native tribes used it to make a kind of refreshing
lemonade drink. The leaves have a pleasantly acid taste, due to the presence of considerable quantities
of binoxalate of potash. Edible as an attractive and tasty garnish for spring salads from time immemorial,
they were also the basis of a green sauce, that was formerly taken largely with fish. 'Greene Sauce,' says
Gerard, 'is good for them that have sicke and feeble stomaches . . . and of all Sauces, Sorrel is the best,
not only in virtue, but also in pleasantness of his taste.'
Folklore
The ternate leaf has been considered to be that with which St. Patrick demonstrated the Trinity to the
ancient Irish, though it is a tiny kind of clover it is now generally accepted as the 'true Shamrock.' Violet
wood sorrel was first described for science in 1753 by the Swedish father of modern biological taxonomy
Carl von Linne (Linnaeus).
Recipes
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 heaping tbsp. fresh or 1 tsp. dry herb add 1 cup liquid, may be infused with water or
boiled in milk. Take warm at bedtime.
Lemonade: Boil fresh plant or dried herb in water, cool with ice, sweeten to taste. Using dried plant, grind
to a fine powder, add sugar, store in air tight container, and you have "lemonade powders without
lemons."
Watercress
Nasturtium officinale
Other Names: Brooklime, Brown Cress, Cress, Cresson,
Nasturtium, Water Cresses, True Watercress, Watercress
Habitat
Watercress is a perennial herb, wide spread, there is some
question as to whether or not True Watercress is native. Found
growing in open running watercourses or near cool shallow
springs, spring holes, spring fed stream margins, and brooks.
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
Photo by Deb Jackson
Cultivation
Watercress is fairly easy to cultivate, it prefers to grow in cool,
flowing, water about 2 to 3 inches deep, in a partially shaded
area. Sow seed spring in a pot emerged to half its depth in water.
Cuttings can be taken at any time in the growing season. Virtually
any part of the plant, put it in a container of water until the roots
are well formed and then plant out in shallow water. A fastgrowing plant, the flowers are a rich source of pollen and so are
very attractive to bees.
Description
Watercress differs from all other mustards by its alternate,
pinnately compound leaves with 3-11 oblong to oval leaflets,
shiny, dark green, rounded at the tip, smooth, without teeth or
with wavy-toothed margins. Creeping or floating stems, succulent
or fleshy, smooth, with fibrous roots, rooting occurs anywhere
along the submerged stem mostly at the nodes. Flowers are white
with 4 petals about 1/6-1/4 inch across, in terminal racemes and
in racemes from the axils of the uppermost leaves. Flowers bloom
from April thru June. Gather edible fresh green leaves anytime.
Avoid plants growing in water that drains from fields where
Copyright 2000
animals, particularly sheep, graze. Due to the risk of it being
infested with the deadly liver fluke parasite. If unsure, cooking the
leaves, will destroy any parasites and render the plant perfectly
safe to eat.
Properties
Watercress is edible, exceptionally rich in vitamins and minerals, and has long been valued as a food and
medicinal plant. A mildly hot mustard flavor, very good fresh in salad or on a sandwich or cooked as a pot
herb. The seed is ground into a powder and used as a mustard. As a medicinal herb Watercress is used
in alternative medicine as an antiscorbutic, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, purgative, hypoglycemic,
odontalgic, stimulant, tonic and stomachic. Culpepper says that the leaves bruised or the juice will free
the face from blotches, spots and blemishes, when applied as a lotion. Other plant constituents such as
Arginine, Aspartic-acid, Beta-carotene, Biotin, Folacin, Glutamic-acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine,
Lysine, Methionine, Pantothenic-acid, Phenylalanine, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, and
Valine, indicate that this plant may be useful for many other conditions. Further research needs to be
done. Considered a cleansing herb, its high content of vitamin C makes it a remedy that is particularly
valuable for chronic illnesses. The plant has been used as a specific in the treatment of tuberculosis. The
freshly pressed juice has been used internally and externally in the treatment of chest and kidney
complaints. A medicinal poultice of the leaves is said to be an effective treatment for healing glandular
tumors or lymphatic swellings and chronic irritations and inflammations of the skin.
Folklore
The ancient Greek general, and the Persian King Xerxes ordered their soldiers to eat it to keep them
healthy. The Greeks additionally believed that "Eating cress makes one witty". Applied externally, it has a
long-standing reputation as an effective hair tonic, helping to promote the growth of thick hair.
Wild Carrot
Daucus carota
Queen Anne's Lace is the wild progenitor of our cultivated carrot.
It still has many of the properties lost in cultivation. If an apple a
day will keep the Doctor away a wild carrot a day might keep
death itself away!
Other Names: Queen-Anne's lace, Bees' Nest, Bird's Nest,
Carrot, Carotte, Carrot, Wild Carrot, Yarkuki, Zanahoria Wild
Carrot, Birds Nest Weed, Devils Plague, Garden Carrot, Bee's
nest plant, Bird's nest root
Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright 2000
Habitat
Biennial herb originally a native of Southern Europe, it has
become naturalized throughout the United States and Canada.
Cultivation
Wild Carrot is easy to grow, it prefers a sunny position and a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil.
Considered an obnoxious weed by some, it can spread very quickly. In its second year, from a taproot
(the carrot) stems grows to a height of two to four feet or more, they are erect and branched, both stems
and leaves are covered with short coarse hairs. The leaves are very finely divided-tri-pinnate, alternate,
and embrace the stem with a sheathing base. The two to four inch "flower" is actually a compound of
terminal umbels, made up of many small white flowers. The central flower of the Umbelliferae is often
purple. A ring of finely-divided and leaf-like bracts grows at the point where the umbel meets the stem.
Blooming from June to August, but often continues to bloom flowers much longer. Its root is small and
spindle shaped, whitish, slender and hard, (tender when young), but soon gets tough, with a strong
aromatic smell. Harvest entire plant in July or when flowers bloom, and dry for later herb use. Collect
edible roots and shoots in spring when tender. Gather seed in fall.
Properties
Wild Carrot is edible and medicinal, root is edible cooked or raw, flower clusters can be french-fried for a
carrot-flavored, quite attractive dish. The aromatic seed is used as a flavoring in stews and soups. Used
for centuries as an alternative medicine.
This long list of chemical constituents and their activities, contained in Wild Carrot is brought to you
courtesy of Dr. James A. Duke and his wonderful website. Acetone, acetyl-choline, alpha-linolenic-acid,
alpha-pinene, alpha-tocopherol, apigenin, arachidonic-acid, arginine, asarone, ascorbic-acid, bergapten,
beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, caffeic-acid, camphor, chlorogenic-acid, chlorophyll, chrysin, citral, citricacid, coumarin, elemicin, esculetin, ethanol, eugenol, falcarinol, ferulic-acid, folacin, formic-acid, fructose,
gamma-linolenic-acid, geraniol, glutamine, glycine, hcn, histidine, kaempferol, lecithin, limonene, linoleicacid, lithium, lupeol, lutein, luteolin, lycopene, magnesium, manganese, methionine, mufa, myrcene,
myricetin, myristicin, niacin, oleic-acid, pantothenic-acid, pectin, phenylalanine, potassium, psoralen,
quercetin, scopoletin, stigmasterol, sucrose, terpinen-4-ol, thiamin, tryptophan, tyrosine, umbelliferone,
xanthotoxin, and a slew of other Vitamins and minerals. These constituents are known to have these
activities, Analgesic, Anti-arthritic, Antidepressant, Anti-psychotic, Anti-schizophrenic, Antidote, Antiinflammatory, Antibacterial, Anticonvulsant, Anti-diabetic, Anti-estrogenic, Anti-flu, Antihistaminic,
Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Anti-epileptic, Anti-anxiety, Anti-stress, Ant-PMS, Anti-hangover,
Antiviral, Cancer-Preventive, Expectorant, Fungistat, Immunostimulant, MAO-Inhibitor, Sedative,
Tranquilizer, Aphrodisiac, Sweetener, Pituitary-Stimulant, and more. Ongoing studies are proving this to
be a very valuable plant, useful in many areas of alternative medicine, a few are Alzheimer's, Crohn's
disease, Parkinson's disease, Infertility, Asthma-preventive, most types of cancer, Diabetes, Leukemia,
HIV, Spina-bifida, Migraine headache, obesity, and much more, even the common cold. Used as a
medicinal herb for thousands of years as an anthelmintic, carminative, contraceptive, deobstruent,
diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, ophthalmic, and stimulant.
A medicinal infusion is used in the treatment of various complaints including digestive disorders, (soothes
the digestive tract), kidney and bladder diseases and in the treatment of dropsy, it supports the liver,
stimulates the flow of urine and the removal of waste by the kidneys. A wonderfully cleansing medicinal
herb, an infusion of the leaves has been used to counter cystitis and kidney stone formation, and to
diminish stones that have already formed. The seeds can be used as a settling carminative agent for the
relief of flatulence and colic.
Wild Carrot leaves contain significant amounts of porphyrins, which stimulate the pituitary gland and lead
to the release of increased levels of sex hormones, and stimulates the uterus. The plant is also used to
encourage delayed menstruation, can induce uterine contractions and so should not be used by pregnant
women. The seed is a traditional 'morning after' contraceptive and there is some evidence to uphold this
belief. An essential oil obtained from the seed has also been used cosmetically in anti-wrinkle creams. A
strong decoction of the seeds and root make a very good insecticide.
Folklore
The name 'Carrot' is Celtic, and means 'red of color,' and Daucus from the Greek dais to burn, signifying
its pungent and stimulating qualities. An Old English superstition is that the small purple flower in the
center of the Wild Carrot was of benefit in curing epilepsy.
Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 OZ. of dried herb add 1 pint of boiling water steep l0-l5 min. drink three times a day.
Wild Geranium, Cranesbill
Geranium maculatum
Found in rich woods
Wild geraniums are not related to the garden varieties
you get at the nursery.
Photo by Karen Bergeron
Next > Wild Ginger
Antiviral Res. 2008 Aug;79(2):114-20. Epub 2008 Apr 7.
In vitro and in vivo anti-hepatitis B virus activities of a plant extract from Geranium
carolinianum L.
Li J, Huang H, Feng M, Zhou W, Shi X, Zhou P.
Department of Biosynthetic Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fudan
University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
Abstract
Natural products provide a large reservoir of potentially active agents with anti-hepatitis B virus
(HBV) activity. We examined the effect of the polyphenolic extract from Geranium
carolinianum L. (PPGC) on HBV replication both in vitro and in vivo. In the human HBVtransfected liver cell line HepG(2) 2.2.15, PPGC effectively suppressed the secretion of the HBV
antigens in a dose-dependent manner with IC(50) values of 46.85 microg/ml for HBsAg and
65.60 microg/ml for HBeAg at day 9. Consistent with the HBV antigen reduction, PPGC (100
microg/ml) also reduced HBV DNA level by 35.9%. In the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV)
infected ducks, after PPGC was dosed intragastricly (i.g.) once a day for 10 days, the plasma
DHBV DNA level was reduced, with an ED(50) value of 47.54 mg/kg. In addition, Southern blot
analysis confirmed the in vivo anti-HBV effect of PPGC in ducks and PPGC also reduced the
plasma and the liver DHBV DNA level in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, significant
improvement of the liver was observed after PPGC treatment, as evaluated by the
histopathological analysis.
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Other Names: Snakeroot, Canadian Wild Ginger, Ginger Root,
Indian Ginger, False Coltsfoot
Caution: Contains Aristolochic Acid, a naturally occurring
toxin that can cause cancer, mutations in human cells, and
end-stage kidney failure. Historical Information only.
Habitat
Wild Ginger is a native North American perennial found growing in
moist rich soils in shady woodlands in Eastern N. America from
New Brunswick to Kansas, south to N. Carolina and Tennessee.
Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady
position.
Cultivation
Wild Ginger can be easily cultivated through seed or transplanted
seedlings. It requires deep shade and likes the dampness of
spring.
Description
The large heart or kidney shaped leaves are hairy, dark green
and deeply indented at the stem they grow in opposite pairs to a
height of about 8 to 10 inches. The small maroon to brown, deep
bowl shaped flowers grow at the base, between the leaf stems, it
is single short stemmed and hairy outside and seems to split open
into three outwardly folded petals, flowers bloom from March to
May. The root is a long rhizome (underground stem), it is light
green and tender or crispy, when crushed it has a strong
antiseptic smell.
Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright 2000
Wild Ginger contains the constituent aristolochic acid. Health
Canada is advising consumers not to use products
containing Aristolochic Acid, a naturally occurring toxin that
can cause cancer, mutations in human cells, and end-stage
kidney failure.
Dried root is burned as incense and is said to repel insects. The
root and rhizome were slowly boiled in a small quantity of water
for a long time and the resulting liquid taken as a contraceptive by
the women of many American Indian tribes. A spray made from
the decoction is a good deodorant and is handy in the first aid kit
as an antiseptic. It is also used as an insecticide. A very strong
decoction is used as a herbicide. Gather roots only (flowers and
stems are not edible, said to be poisonous) in spring to late fall.
Dry for later herb use.
Folklore
One group of early American settlers (witch hunters) called Wild
Ginger (wartchase) and believed witches used it to rid themselves
of warts so they would not be recognized.
Antiseptic salve: Use fresh or dried herb crushed, add to lotion or
salve base, apply under bandage.
Virginia Mountain Mint, Narrow
Leaf Mountain Mint
Hoary Mountain Mint
Short Tooth Mountain Mint
Mountain Mints
Pycnanthemum
Other Names: Wild basil, Wild Mint, Virginia-thyme, Torrey’s Mountain-mint
Caution: Not for use by pregnant women, may be harmful to fetus.
Habitat
Several species in our area. Perennial herb native to Northern America, Canada, Virginia to New
England, north to North Dakota, south to Tennessee, Georgia. Found growing on gravelly shores,
meadows, dry to wet thickets, roadsides, open woods.
Cultivation
Mountain-mint is an easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and
prefers a sunny position.
Description
Plants are up to 5 ft. tall, usually branched on the upper half, growing from slender rhizomes
(underground stems) usually in clusters. The lance to broad -shaped leaves are 1-2 inches long and light
green turning to almost white as plant matures, slightly serrated, but usually smooth. Blooming in late
summer to early fall, flowers are arranged in round, flat, tight clusters at the top of the plant. The 1/2 inch
long flowers are whitish or pale lavender, the lower lip spotted with purple. Gather tops and leaves when
flowers bloom and dry for later herb use.
Properties
Mountain-mint is edible and medicinal, raw or cooked the flower buds and leaves are edible and have a
hot, spicy, mint-like flavor that makes a great spice or seasoning for meat. The fresh or dried leaves are
brewed into a refreshing mint-like medicinal herb tea that is alterative (for that run down feeling),
analgesic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, carminative, emmenagogue and tonic. The medicinal tea is used in
alternative medicine in the treatment of menstrual disorders, indigestion, mouth sores and gum disease,
colic, coughs, colds, chills and fevers.
A strong decoction is medicinal poured over festering wounds. Crushed flowers are placed on tooth ache
and almost instantly kills pain. Very aromatic the herb is used in potpourri or burned as incense. Placed in
a muslin bag it can be used as bath additive, and is said to be very soothing to irritated skin. Will freshen
laundry when used in the dryer. Thrown in a drawer or trunk it will not only freshen clothing and blankets,
but keep moths away. Sprinkle on carpets to freshen the whole house and is said to be a good natural
insecticide, the plant does repel insects and is good for use in the garden. Crushed flowers are rubbed on
clothing to repel insects.
Folklore
This herb was considered powerful medicine and used by medicine men to revive the dead. Several
native American tribes claim that the fresh crushed flowers, when stuffed up the nose of a person near
death will revive them.
Karen's Comments
"An absolutely delightful mint often found on side of woods and in abandoned fields. I use for natural
carpet freshener. Prevention Magazine had an article that said it is good as a natural insecticide. James
Duke says he rubs it on his pants before going out in the woods.
Last summer I got the worst case of chiggers. Put a muslin bag of this stuff in a real hot bath and soaked
in it for half hour, then got out and rubbed myself with vinegar and the itching stopped.
This mint can be grown from roots. I have not done cuttings yet. One of my garden friends fertilized his
and it got huge like a bush about 6 feet tall and I have seen them taller in some places.
My intuition tells me that some day this plant will be used as an antidepressant because it has that kind of
feel to it. To the touch the flowers by rubbing under the chin feel soft as velvet. If you see some of it when
you are out walking I urge you to try it and see if you fall under its spell too :-)" Karen Bergeron 2000
Wild Quinine
Parthenium integrifolium
Note the odd button-like flowers,
with barely visible petals.
Other Names Missouri
snakeroot, Prairie-dock,
American feverfew, Parthenium
Habitat
Wild Quinine is a perennial native of Eastern N. America found growing in prairies, rock outcrops, waste
places and roadsides from Maryland to Minnesota and Georgia, as far west as Wisconsin and Arkansas.
Description
Wild Quinine grows to a height of about three feet and has alternate, long rough, hairy, serrated and
lancolate, leaves that are often over a foot in length at base. Leaves grow smaller and more sessile, as
they ascend up the rough, round, stem, which branches at the flowers top. The flowers bloom from June
to Aug. they are small, white and daisy-like, having 5 tiny white rays or petals and growing in numerous
clusters, appearing to be an unorganized umbelliferae. Wild Quinine has large, swollen, dark brown roots
it grows first vertically and then may expand horizontally. Collect flowering tops and roots, dry for later
herb use. Plant is not edible.
Properties
Wild Quinine is a very valuable medicinal herb. It is used as an antiperiodic, emmenagogue, kidney,
lithontripic, poultice. It has traditionally been used in alternative medicine to treat debility, fatigue,
respiratory infection, gastrointestinal infection, and venereal disease. Wild Quinine is currently being used
with great success by hundreds of herbalists throughout the United States and Europe for diseases such
as lymphatic congestion, colds, ear infections, sore throats, fevers, infections, and Epstein barr virus. The
tops of the plant have a medicinal "quinine-like" bitterness and are used to treat intermittent fevers. This
earned the plant one of its common names, "wild quinine." Parthenium has been studied in scientific
laboratories and clinics across Europe. Findings from these studies indicate that this medicinal herb
stimulates the immune system. This herb also contains the four sesquiterpene esters which include:
echinadiol, epoxyecinadiol, echinaxanthol, and dihydroxynardol. These constituents increase the ability of
the blood cells to digest foreign particles and aid in the stages of healing wounds in living organisms. It
appears to be a liver-stimulating bitter that promotes blood detoxification; thus the common name
"snakeroot." Parthenium has also been shown to both mobilize and activate natural killer cells and other
immune cells. Wild Quinine herb has been commonly sold as (or mixed with) Echinacea purpurea for
more than 50 years. They are both in the sunflower family and their roots bear an uncanny resemblance
to each other. Many people have been using these parthenium products, however, and receiving benefits.
Folklore
European settlers of the Midwestern United States discovered this herb to be used for coughs and sore
throats by the Native Americans. The Catwbas tribe used its fresh leaves as a poultice on burns as well.
Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 tsp. dried root add 8oz. boiling water, steep 10 min. drink warm at bedtime.
Wild Yam
Other Names: Colicroot, Devil's-bones,
Rheumatism Root,
Wilde Yamwurzel
Dioscorea Villosa
Dioscorea batatas
Habitat
Wild Yam is a perennial climbing vine native to Eastern N. America from New England to
Minnesota and Ontario, south to Florida and Texas. Most common in the central and southern
United States Wild Yam is found growing in damp woods and swamps, thickets, roadside fences
and hedges.
Cultivation
Wild Yam is easy from root cuttings taken in the winter or late fall. Tubercles or baby tubers can
be found in the leaf axils in late summer and early autumn. These should be taken when about
pea size and easily fall away from the vine. They should be planted immediately in individual pots
and kept inside till spring. Wild yam prefers sandy to loamy medium, well-drained, moist soils and
requires partial shade.
Wild Yam Description
The plant is a trailing vine climbing over adjacent shrubs and bushes, growing to a length of 15 feet
or more with a smooth, reddish-brown stem and heart-shaped long petioled leaves from 2 to 6
inches long and 1 to 4 inches wide. Leaves have very prominent veins which run lengthwise from
the center top of the heart shape out into a fan pattern. They are usually alternate, but sometimes
grow in twos and fours near the base of the plant. The root runs horizontally beneath the surface of
the ground, it is long, branched, crooked, and woody, forming tubers which are light brown outside
and white fibrous inside. The small, greenish-yellow flowers are produced in drooping clusters about
3 to 6 inches long (male) and in drooping, spike-like heads (female), blooming from June to August.
Gather tubers and roots in fall, dry for later herb use. Not to be stored for longer than 1 year.
Wild Yam Herbal Use and Medicinal Properties
Wild Yam is edible and medicinal, though said to be bland, when cooked with seasoning it is tasty.
Used for centuries as a medicinal herb by the Aztec and Myan peoples for a wide range of ailments
including many female problems and to relieve the pain of child birth. Research indicates that this is
a powerful alternative medicine containing many steroidal saponins, mainly Dioscin which is widely
used to manufacture progesterone and other steroid drugs used as contraceptives and in the
treatment of various disorders of the genitary organs as well as in other diseases such as asthma
and arthritis. Other constituents Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), alkaloids and Tannins make this plant
useful as an antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic and vasodilator. A decoction
of the root is used to alleviate many of the symptoms of menopause and PMS such as hot flashes,
night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. It is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome,
gastritis, gall bladder complaints, spasmodic cramps, painful menstruation, and in small doses is
especially helpful in treating the nausea of pregnant women.
Wild Yam Recipe
Decoction: Place 8oz. chopped root in nonmetallic sauce pan, cover with water and bring to boil,
reduce heat simmer for 20 to 30 min. Strain and store in refrigerator. Take in ½ cup doses twice a
day.
Wood Betony
Pedicularis canadensis
Other Names: Betony, Canadian Lousewort,
Common Lousewort, Lousewort, Wood Betony,
American Lousewort
Habitat
Perennial herb, native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Manitoba, south to northern Mexico
and east to Florida. Growing in moist open woods, thickets, along roadsides and clearings. Cultivation:
Wood Betony is a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), difficult to cultivate, some reports say
that it is a semi- parisic plant. It requires a moist well-drained soil and a partially shaded to sunny area. A
low growing hairy plant 5 to 14 inches tall with up to five erect unbranched stems in a clump. A broad
whorl of tubular, hooded flowers tops each stem, 10-20 flowers form a cluster. Flowers are about an inch
long, may be pale yellow, yellow, red, or even a mixture of the two. Leaves are soft and hairy, alternate,
mostly basal, and from 3 to 5 inches long. Leaf blades are fern-like and pinnately dissected, often tinted
red. Upper leaves are about an inch long. Gather entire plant, as flowers bloom, dry for later herb use.
Properties: Wood Betony is a medicinal and edible herb. It was much used by Native Americans and
prized for it’s medicinal and aphrodisiac qualities. Leaves and stems are cooked as pot herb. The active
constituents in the plant are betaine, betulinic-acid, caffeic-acid, chlorogenic-acid, harpagide, rosmarinicacid, and tannin. As an alternative medicine it is an emmenagogue , anodyne, anti-tumor, aphrodisiac,
blood tonic, cardiac, poultice, stomachic. A medicinal infusion of the roots is used as blood tonic, cardiac
for anemia and heart troubles and to treat stomach aches, ulcers, and bloody diarrhea. A medicinal
poultice of the crushed root is applied to swellings, sore muscles, varicose veins, and tumors. The roots
are finely grated and added to food as an aphrodisiac. A medicinal infusion of the fresh leaves or dried
herb has been used to treat a sore throat, tonsillitis, cough and bronchitis. Infusion also used to treat
headaches, dizziness, urinary, bladder and kidney pain. Wash or dip in a strong decoction is used to rid
animals and people of lice and scabies.
Folklore
Indian Love Medicine, the root was carried by a person who was contemplating making love advances.
One tribe chopped the root and added it to feed to make a pony fat and vicious to all but its owner. Early
Europeans believed that cattle, feeding on lousewort, became covered with lice.
Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 cup water add 1 tbls. dried herb, bring to boil, steep 10 min. strain, sweeten to taste,
drink warm at bed time.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Other Names: Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Soldier's
Woundwort, Knight's Milfoil, Thousand Weed, Nose Bleed,
Carpenter's Weed, Bloodwort, Staunchweed
Habitat
Yarrow is a perennial herb, native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America and most other
countries throughout the world. Yarrow is very common along roadsides and in old fields, pastures,
and meadows in the eastern and central United States and Canada.
Cultivation
Yarrow is easily cultivated, will survive in poor soil. Prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position. A
very good companion plant, it improves the health of plants growing nearby and enhances their
essential oil content thus making them more resistant to insect predations also improves the soil
fertility.
Description
Yarrow grows from 10 to 20 inches high, a single stem, fibrous and rough, the leaves alternate, 3 to 4
inches long and 1 inch broad, larger and rosette at the base, clasping the stem, bipinnatifid, the segments
very finely cut, fern-like, dark-green, giving the leaves a feathery appearance. The flowers are several
bunches of flat-topped panicles consisting of numerous small, white flower heads. Each tiny flower
resembling a daisy. The whole plant is more or less hairy, with white, silky appressed hairs. Flowers
bloom from May to August. Gather stem, leaves and flower heads in bloom, dry for later herb use. Dry
herb edible as a spice or flavoring, strong sage flavor.
Properties
Yarrow is a very valuable medicinal herb, with much scientific evidence of use in alternative medicine as
an antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, stimulant,
and tonics, vasodilator and vulnerary. Yarrow is used against colds, cramps, fevers, kidney disorders,
toothaches, skin irritations, and hemorrhages, and to regulate menses, stimulate the flow of bile, and
purify the blood. Medicinal tea is a good remedy for severe colds and flu, for stomach ulcers,
amenorrhea, abdominal cramps, abscesses, trauma and bleeding, and to reduce inflammation. The main
constituents are volatile oils including linalool, camphor, sabinene, and chamazulene, sesquiterpene
lctones, flavanoids, alkaloids including achilleine, polyacetylenes, triterpenes, salicylic acid, coumarins,
and tannins which prove these uses in alternative medicine to be effective. Extracts of yarrow exhibit
antibiotic activity and may also act as anti-neoplastic drugs. Externally for treating wounds and stopping
the flow of blood. Yarrow oil has been traditionally used in hair shampoos. Some caution is advised ,
large or frequent doses taken over a long period may cause the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight.
Folklore
It was one of the herbs dedicated to the Evil One, in earlier days, being sometimes known as Devil's
Nettle, Devil's Plaything, Bad Man's Plaything, and was used for divination in spells.
Recipe
An aromatic tea: To 1 tsp. dried herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 min. sweeten to taste. Take at
bedtime.