Name: Nasturtium
Latin: Tropaeolium majus
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Used for: This plant has antibiotic properties. Tasty in salads.
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Name: White Willow
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Used for: The herb, mixed with vinegar, is said to be effective against warts and corns. During menopause, willowbark has been found to lower incidences of night sweats and hot flashes. Willowbark can also be used to lower fevers. However, the primary usage for willowbark is as a pain reliever. Aspirin was created from a compound found within willowbark, and they have similar actions and effects. There are benefits to using the herb rather than the pill. For one, the other constituents of willowbark make it far gentler on the stomach, and though it takes a bit longer to act than aspirin, the effects are longer lasting, and generally more effective.
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Directions & Warnings: Same as aspirin, although to a far lesser extent.
Name: Feverfew
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Used for: Used for headaches, particularly migraines.
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Directions & Warnings: Not for use during pregnancy, or if wishing to become pregnant. Feverfew is a potent emmenagogue.
Name: Comfrey
Latin: Symphytum officinale
Other Common Names: Knitbone
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Vitamins/Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Vitamin A
Used for: Used as a poultice for burns, sprains, bruises, and wounds. Can make the pain lessen, as well as speed healing. Taken internally it will assist with the speed of knitting broken bones. It can also act as a mild laxative. It contains high amounts of a compound called allantoin, which encourages cell regeneration.
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Directions & Warnings: The FDA is really worried about comfrey, and while I argue most of the ways they approach dealing with herbs (especially when compared to how they deal with Big Pharma), comfrey they are pursuing to an extent that I only suggest it for external use.
Name: Purslane
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Vitamins/Minerals: Omega 3’s, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phenylalanine, tryptophan, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A
Used for: Due to the nutrients contained within purslane, it is one of the best herbs for fighting depression. It is also a potent nutritive, a one cup serving giving you all of your vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. The same nutritive qualities make this excellent for strengthening bones, maintaining healthy nerves, and balancing electrolytes.
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Name: Alfalfa
Latin: Medicago Sativa
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Used for: Alfalfa is a fairly deep rooted plant, and thus picks up trace minerals from the soil. Because of this action, it can be used as a cover crop, and then some of it plowed under to doubly enrich the soil. It contains essential digestive enzymes and amino acids. It is quite rich in vitamins, and can be used as a tonic infusion for regular use, although the taste may be a little “green” for many. It can be used as a blood thinner, and a detox herb. Some athletes use it for increasing endurance and energy. As alfalfa is one of the vitamin rich tonic herbs, it can be used to assist in a variety of conditions, as malnutrition or lacking in specific nutrients can make just about any condition worse. Alfalfa is also a galactagogue, which means that it assists in increasing the production of milk while nursing. It can also be used as a gentle substitute for estrogen after menopause. There are also signs that it helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels.
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Uses for Pets: Arthritis, blood disorders
Directions & Warnings: None known
Name: Horseradish
Latin: Cochlearea armoracia)
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Used for: Horseradish can be used to promote healthy digestion and increase the appetite. It can be applied to wounds, sores, swelling, and tumors as a poultice. Excellent for us during colds and flus, especially if preparing the root is part of the treatment.
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Name: Chaparral
Latin: Larrea divarticata, Larrea mexicana
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Used for: Chaparral is an astringent, and can be used externally for infections of the skin. When paired with Red Clover, it can be used internally as a blood purifier.
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Name: Fenugreek
Latin: Trigonella foenum graecum
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Used for: Good for healing ulcers and sores in the stomach, and also acts as a digestive ease. Can be used as a poultice for inflammation. Can assist with migraines caused by sinus infections by helping to expel the mucous.
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Name: Basil
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Family: Mint
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Used for: Improves concentration, assists with headaches, relieves depression, and can calm anxiety and stress. Some of the strains are anti-inflammatory.
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