Trillium erectum

Internal Uses: Bloody Sputum, Catarrh, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhea, Hemorrhage, Nosebleeds, Postpartum Hemorrhage, Threatened Miscarriage, Urinary Bleeding, Uterine Hemorrhage

Latin Name: Trillium erectum

Alternate Names: Beth Root, Birth Root, Wake Robin, Stinking Benjamin, White Trillium

Family: LILIACEAE

Parts Used: Dried root, rhizome.

Properties: Alterative, Antihemorrhagic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Emetic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Parturient, Uterine Tonic.

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It is used for hemorrhaging due to menses, menopause, uterine fibroids or postpartum difficulties.

Topical Uses: Gangrene, Leukorrhea, Nipple Soreness, Varicose Veins, Wounds, Yeast Infection

Topical Applications: Douche for leukorrhea and yeast infections. Poultice or compress for varicosities, gangrene, sore nipples and wounds.

Culinary uses: Native American peoples have cooked the root into food as an aphrodisiac.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Steroidal saponins (diosgenin, trillarin), trilline, essential oil, tannins, resin.

Contraindications: Use only during pregnancy with advice from competent health practitioner. The flowers smell rancid and are pollinated by flies, so avoid planting by open windows. Trillium is herbs for  becoming endangered. It takes seven years to grow just one flower. Do not purchase products made from wild plants.

Comments: The name Trillium is derived from Latin in reference to the ‘three-ness’ of the plant – three leaves, three petals, three sepals and three cells of the ovaries. Smelling the fresh roots was once used to stop nosebleeds.

This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an ‘at risk’ plant, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.

The common name Trillium includes the species Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium) and Trillium ovatum, which are used interchangeably with Trillium erectum.

Sassafras albidum

Internal Uses: Acne, Arthritis, Colds, Dysentery, Eczema, Fever, Flu, Gout, Herpes, Measles, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Shingles, Syphilis

Latin Name: Sassafras albidum

Alternate Names: Cinnamon Wood, Fennel Wood, Ague Tree

Family: LAURACEAE

Parts Used: Root bark, root.

Properties: Alterative, Anodyne, Antigalactagogue, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Aromatic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic.

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Topical Uses: Lice, Muscle Soreness, Parasites, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak

Topical Applications: Liniment for sore muscles. Wash for poison ivy and oak. Eyewash. Essential oil is diluted and applied to head lice and other surface parasitic invasions. Essential oil is also added to soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, gum and perfumes.

Culinary uses: Young leaf tips and flowers are added to salads. Powdered leaves are used in Cajun cooking, in particular to make the Cajun spice blend gumbo filé. Used to flavor root beer and beer.

Energetics: Pungent, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (safrole, asarone, eugenol, pinene, myristicin, thujone, anethole), alkaloids (boldine, norboldine, reticuline), lignans, tannin, resin.

Contraindications: Large doses may have a narcotic effect. Use only occasionally and in moderate doses. Avoid during pregnancy. As it decreases mother’s milk, nursing moms should avoid it unless that is their purpose.

In recent years there has been controversy about the herb’s safrole content, which is said to cause liver cancer in animals. The studies were done with large amounts of safrole on rats, not with the Sassafras bark itself. In human studies, it did not have the same effect. Interestingly enough, Cherokees used Sassafras as a remedy for liver cancers. There are safrole-free Sassafras items available. Keep in mind that the safrole in Sassafras is considered to be one-fourteenth as carcinogenic as the ethanol in beer. Safrole also occurs naturally in many other plants such as Basil, Bay Leaf, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Mace, Star Anise, Sage and Witch Hazel.

Comments: Sassafras was one of the first native American herbs to be exported to Europe. Locations for many early American colonies were situated close to Sassafras groves as it was such a marketable crop. In Appalachian and Ozark folk medicine, Sassafras is considered part of a yearly ‘blood thinning springtime tonic’.

The common name Sassafras includes the species Sassafras officinale, which is used interchangeably with Sassafras albidum.

Sarsaparilla

Internal Uses: Acne, Age Spots, Arthritis, Cancer, Colic, Eczema, Flatulence, Gonorrhea, Gout, Herpes, Hot Flashes, Hypertension, Impotence, Infertility, Leprosy, Leukorrhea, Menopausal Depression, Mercury Toxicity, Ovarian Cysts, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Syphilis

Latin Name: Smilax officinalis

Alternate Names: Dwipautra (Sanskrit), Tu Fu Ling (Chinese)

Family: SMILACACEAE

Parts Used: Root, rhizome.

Properties: Alterative, Antirheumatic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Rejuvenative, Tonic.

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Sarsaparilla has a purifying effect on the genito-urinary tract, helping clear infection. Its alterative properties make it helpful in reducing inflammation from arthritis and rheumatism. Sarsaparilla apears to be an endotoxin binder in the gut, meaning it helps absorb bacterial constituents and carry them out of the body.

It helps the excretion of uric acid and helps cleanse disorders of the genito-urinary system. Sarsaparilla also helps to increase testosterone and progesterone levels in the body. It is said to excite the passions, making men more virile and women more sensuous.

Topical Uses: Arthritis, Herpes

Topical Applications: Wash for herpes. Compress for arthritis.

Culinary uses: Used to flavor soft drinks, especially root beer.

Energetics: Sweet, Neutral.

Chemical Constituents: Saponins (sapogenins, parillin), glycosides, sitosterol, stigmasterin, resin, fat, sugar.

Comments: Jamaican Sarsaparilla is considered the best, with Honduran and Mexican close behind. Look for roots with a rich orangish hue. When Sarsaparilla was first brought from Mexico to Spain in the 1500′s it was exalted as a treatment for venereal diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis. This caused it to be very popular with pirates and cowboys. Cowboys ordering Sarsaparilla may have requested this drink after visiting brothels. However, it was not as effective as the claims touted.

The common name Sarsaparilla includes the species Smilax ornata, Smilax glabra, Smilax regelii, Smilax febrifuga and Smilax aristolachiaefolia, which are used interchangeably with Smilax officinalis.

Rosmarinus officinalis

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Asthma, Debility, Depression, Dyspepsia, Epilepsy, Fatigue, Flatulence, Food Poisoning, Headache, Rheumatism, Stress, Vertigo

Latin Name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Alternate Names: Sea Dew, Our Lady’s Rose, Rosemarine

Family: LAMIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Anodyne, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aromatic, Astringent, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Circulatory Stimulant, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Hypertensive, Nervine, Rejuvenative, Stimulant, Stomach Tonic, Tonic.

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

A study done at Rutgers State University found that Rosemary had preservative qualities more powerful and safer than the common food additives BHA and BHT. It helps prevent food poisoning.

Topical Uses: Balding, Canker Sores, Capillary Weakness, Dandruff, Gingivitis, Gray Hair, Headache, Insect Repellent, Muscle Soreness, Neuralgia, Sciatica, Sore Throat

Topical Applications: Skin toner as a rejuvenative. Important ingredient in Queen of Hungary water, a popular beauty tonic. When used on the skin it helps to strengthen the capillaries. Sachets of dried Rosemary are placed in a pillowcase to stimulate dreams. Bath herbs for acts as a rejuvenative and helps sore muscles. Gargle for sore throat, gum ailments, canker sores and breath freshener. Eyewash. Used in shampoos and conditioners for dandruff, dark hair premature graying and hair loss. It is a potpourri ingredient that repels moths. Essential oil is used in perfume, toothpaste, insect repellants and massage oil, as well as a liniment for neuralgia, sciatica and sore muscles. Add a few drops of Rosemary oil to a freshly washed hairbrush for delightfully aromatic hair.

Culinary uses: Add to vegetables, soups, breads, biscuits and jellies . Used to flavor tofu, eggs, seafood and meat dishes. Cooking with Rosemary aids the digestion of fats and starches.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Warm, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (borneol, camphor, cineole, linalol, verbenol), tannins, flavonoids (apigenin, diosmin, luteolin), rosmarinic acid, rosmaricine, heterosides, triterpene (ursolic acid, oleanic acid), resin.

Contraindications: Avoid excessively large doses which can cause miscarriage, convulsions and — if one really pushes it – death.

Comments: The genus and common name are derived from the Latin ros marinus, meaning ‘dew of the sea’ as the plant grows profusely near the Mediterranean sea coast and sea foam sprays upon it. Rosemary has long been considered a symbol of friendship and loyalty — ‘Rosemary is for remembrance’. Ancient Greek scholars would wear laurels of Rosemary on their heads to help them when taking examinations. In weddings, brides would wear a wreath of Rosemary and carry it in their bridal bouquets so that they would remember their families and their marriage vows. It was also used at funerals and religious ceremonies as protection from evil and to remember the dead. It was often buried with the dead as well. Indeed its antiseptic aroma could help prevent the spread of infection. During the sixteenth century, Europeans carried pouches of Rosemary to ward off the plague. The branches were strewn in legal courts to prevent the spread of typhus. It has been burned in sick rooms and placed in books to deter moths.

Eucalyptus globulus

Internal Uses: Arthritis, Asthma, Catarrh, Colds, Croup, Diphtheria, Dysentery, Fever, Flu, Malaria, Scarlet Fever, Sore Throat, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Whooping Cough, Worms

Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Alternate Names: Blue Gum Eucalyptus, Gum Tree, Fever Tree, Australian Fever Tree

Family: MYRTACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, twigs.

Properties: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Bronchial Dilator, Circulatory Stimulant, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Disinfectant, Expectorant, Febrifuge.

Internal Applications: Tea, Capsules, Lozenges, Syrup.

During the last century, American physicians used Eucalyptus oil to disinfect medical equipment and wounds. Eucalyptin, which provides the spicy aroma, loosens mucus, making it easier to expel. It also has antibacterial properties.

Topical Uses: Arthritis, Boils, Herpes, Infection, Insect Repellent, Joint Stiffness, Sore Throat, Ulcers, Wounds

Topical Applications: Diluted Essential oil used for herpes outbreaks, wounds, sores and boils. Made into topical deodorants, disinfectants and insect repellents. The oil is used in steam baths and vapor inhalations. It is one of the most antiseptic of the essential oils. In Aboriginal medicine, Eucalyptus is used to treat wounds and infections. Gargle and mouthwash for sore throat. Use salve or massage oils as a decongesting chest rub, or for painful arthritic joints, stiff joints and ulcers.

Energetics: Bitter, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Essential Oil (cineol, pinene), flavonoids, tannins, aldehydes, resin.

Contraindications: Excessive doses can cause headache, vertigo, convulsions, and even death.

Comments: Eucalyptus, which can grow to a height of over 250 feet, is one of the largest trees in the world. There are hundreds of species, of which Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum Eucalyptus) is most common. All are native to Australia. The tree is planted in hot, swampy parts of the world to dry swampland and discourage the proliferation of malaria carrying mosquitos. It is also used in sachets and collars to repel fleas.

Vaccinium oxycoccus-cranberry

Internal Uses: Asthma, Cancer, Cystitis, Diabetes, Gallstones, Incontinence, Kidney Stones, Poor Appetite, Urinary Infections

Latin Name: Vaccinium oxycoccus

Alternate Names: Marshwort, Fenne Berry

Family: ERICACEAE

Parts Used: Berries, unsweetened juice.

Properties: Antiscorbutic, Bronchial Dilator, Urinary Antiseptic, Vasodilator.

Internal Applications: Capsules.

Cranberry inhibits the adhesion of bacteria (often E. coli) to the urinary tract, perhaps due to a polymer contained in the plant. This allows the bacteria to be eliminated. The benzoic acid in the berries works as a natural preservative.

Culinary uses: Berries are tart and seldom eaten raw, though eaten in jams, sauces and added to stuffing. Cranberry juice is very popular. Dried cranberries can be used like raisins.

Energetics: Sour, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Flavonoids, anthocyanins (odain), catechin, citric acid, malic acid, ellagic acid, benzoic acid, vitamin C.

Contraindications: Some people may be allergic to Cranberries. Commercial Cranberry juices often contain lots of sugar or artificial sweeteners, which are undesirable.

Comments: Cranberry is native to North America, and includes the species Vaccinium macrocarpon, which is used interchangeably with Vaccinium oxycoccus.

Latin Name: Beta vulgaris rubra

Family: CHENOPODIACEAE

Parts Used: Root.

Properties: Antitumor, Emollient, Nutritive, Rejuvenative.

Internal Applications: Capsules.

Beets help normalize the ph of the body, and they also help build the blood.

Topical Applications: Mixed with yogurt as a facial mask.

Culinary uses: Juice, soup, pickled, salads, baked. Borscht is an iron rich Russian soup made with beets.

Energetics: Neutral, Sweet.

Chemical Constituents: Saponiside, phytosterol, betaine, leucine, tyrosine, betacyanin, beta carotene, manganese, potassium, iron.

Contraindications: Can cause stools and urine to be colored red or pink, though this is not harmful. The beet greens are high in oxalic acid and not recommended for those with kidney stones or arthritis.

Comments: Beets are native to the Mediterranean, but are now grown worldwide. The botanical name Beta is derived from the Greek letter in the alphabet, which the bulbous root is thought to resemble. Vulgaris means common. The actual word Beet is from the French bete, meaning ‘beast’ as ancient cooks were reminded of bleeding animals when cutting up Beets.

Aphrodite is said to have eaten Beets to retain her beauty. In folk magic, if a woman and man eat from the same Beet, they will fall in love. In Africa, Beets are used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.

Beta vulgaris rubra

Pimpinella-Anisum-anise

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bloating, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Colic, Cough, Diarrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Flatulence, Halitosis, Hiccups, Indigestion, Nausea, Whooping Cough

Latin Name: Pimpinella anisum

Alternate Names: Huei-hsiang (Chinese)

Family: APIACEAE

Parts Used: Seeds.

Properties: Antispasmodic, Aperient, Aphrodisiac, Aromatic, Carminative, Digestive Tonic, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Parturient, Stimulant, Stomach Tonic, Tonic.

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Cough syrups, Lozenges

Topical Uses: Lice, Nightmares, Scabies

Topical Applications: Use as cologne. Anise is added to cattle feed as it increases milk production. It is also used as mouse bait and fish lure. Stuff seeds in a sachet or add to sleep pillows to prevent nightmares. In India, Anise water is used as cologne. Used to flavor unpleasant medicines. Also for toothpastes, mouthwashes and soaps. Essential oil is used to prevent and treat lice and scabies.

Culinary uses: Fresh leaf can be used in salads. Improves the taste of other medicines, breads, cakes, cookies, fruit, tomato sauce, and pickles. Eat seeds after a meal to aid digestion. Mustaceum is an after dinner digestive cake flavored with Anise. Alcoholic beverages (Pernod, Raki, Aguardiente, Uzo, Anisette, Kummel, Ojen). It is often the herb used to flavor licorice candy.

Energetics: Sweet, Pungent, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (anethole, estragol, methyl chavicol), furano- coumarins, flavonoid glycosides, fatty acids, phytoestrogens, starch, protein, choline, mucilage.

Comments: The genus name Pimpinella is thought to be derived from the Latin bipinnula, or bipinnate, as the leaves are arranged symmetrically on both sides. It was first cultivated in ancient Egypt and later by the Greeks. The Shakers grew Anise as an important cash crop.

Tilia platyphylla-linden

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Arteriosclerosis, Asthma, Catarrh, Colds, Flu, Headache, Hypertension, Indigestion, Insomnia, Stress

Latin Name: Tilia platyphylla

Alternate Names: Lime Tree, Basswood

Family: TILIACEAE

Parts Used: Blossoms.

Properties: Antispasmodic, Choleretic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hypotensive, Nervine, Sedative, Tonic.

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Linden helps heal blood vessel walls, relaxes the nerves, and relaxes spasms.

Topical Uses: Acne, Burns, Freckles, Mouth Sores, Rash, Wrinkles

Topical Applications: Compress for skin rashes and to heal burns. Facial water to clear acne, freckles and wrinkles. Bath herb for relaxation. Gargle for mouth sores.

Culinary uses: Honey made from the flowers is considered to be one of the best types of honey. Used in liqueurs.

Energetics: Pungent, Sweet, Warm, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (farnesol), flavonoids (herperidin, quercitin, kaempferol, astralagin), mucilage, phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic), tannins, manganese, vitamin C.

Contraindications: Tilea americana, a variety of Linden, should be consumed only in moderation, as large doses may cause nausea.

Comments: The name Linden refers to the linen-like fibers below the plant’s bark that were once used in rope making. This herb is believed to have been sacred to the Germanic peoples. Mythology recounts that a nymph named Philyra was raped by Saturn (who was disguised as a horse). She later gave birth to a centaur named Chiron. The nymph was so devastated that she begged to be taken from the mortal realm. The gods showed her mercy by turning her into a Linden tree. One of the great honey producing trees, it is reputed to intoxicate bees. It provides a very light weight wood that is easy to carve and is used to make pianos and organs. It is also used to make artists’ charcoal.

The common name Linden also includes the species Tilia cordata, Tilia europea, and Tilea americana, which are used interchangeably with Tilea platyphylla.

flax-Linum usitatissimum

Internal Uses: Arthritis, Asthma, Breast Cysts, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Constipation, Convalescence, Cough, Cystitis, Eczema, Gallstones, Hemorrhoids, Pneumonia, Sore Throat, Urinary Burning

Latin Name: Linum usitatissimum

Alternate Names: Linseed, Ume (Sanskrit)

Family: LINACEAE

Parts Used: Seeds.

Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antitussive, Demulcent, Emollient, Expectorant, Laxative, Nutritive.

Internal Applications: Tea, Seeds.

For laxative effect, eat one to two tablespoons of seeds directly. Be sure to consume plenty of fluids to aid this excellent bulk laxative. Use as a tea for emollient properties. Flax helps reduce blood platelet aggregation.

Topical Uses: Boils, Burns, Inflammation, Pleurisy, Psoriasis, Shingles

Topical Applications: Poultice for boils, burns, inflammation, pleurisy, psoriasis and shingles. Used in lotions, hair gel.

Culinary uses: Seeds may be eaten raw or cooked. Add them to cereal, muesli, breads and crackers, or stir them into yogurt, cereal or applesauce.

Energetics: Sweet, Warm, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, linoleic, linoleni and oleic acids, linamarin (a cyanogenic glycoside), mucilage, cyanogenic glycosides, protein, vitamins A, B and E.

Contraindications: Seeds contain a small amount of prussic acid. Avoid using immature, unripe seeds, which may be toxic.

Comments: The species name usitatissimum means ‘most useful’. This truly useful plant has been cultivated for over 7,000 years. In the 8th century, the French king Charlemagne passed a law requiring citizens to consume Flax seeds so that they would be healthy subjects. The fibers of some of the species of this plant are used to make paper, linen and twine. Linen from Flax was used to wrap mummies in ancient Egypt. Mahatma Ghandi said, ‘Whenever Flax seeds become a regular food among the people, there will be better health’.

The common name Flax also includes the species Linum lewisii and Linum perenne, which are used interchangeably with Linum usitatissimum.