Category Archives: Herbs

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Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Name:  Motherwort

Latin:  Leonurus cardiaca

Other Common Names:  Herzgespan, Agripaume cardiaque, Yi mu cao

Family:  Compositae (Sunflower)

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:  Calcium

Used for:  Good for moderating hot flashes and regulating mood.  Also a very potent aid if you suffer from anxiety.  Motherwort is particularly useful as while it is calming, while not being sedating.  It also regulates and tones the thyroid, blood vessels, liver, heart, and uterus.  It also can ease uterine cramping.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  Unfortunately, motherwort has a distinctly unpleasant flavour, and is hard to utilize in teas or as a fresh green in salads.  The best methods for utilizing this herb are tinctures and syrups.

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Juniper (Juniper communis)

Name:  Juniper

Latin:  Juniper communis

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Juniper helps to dilate the bronchial tubes, it is an antiseptic, and especially useful with urinary problems.  The tea can also be used to ease insect bites and stings.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

Name:  Eyebright

Latin:  Euphrasia officinalis

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Classically used for all kinds of issues with the eyes, and is known to strengthen the eyes and improve the eyesight.  The tea may be used as an eyewash or taken interally.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Name:  Mullein

Latin:  Verbascum thapsus

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:  Leaves, Flowers

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Used primarily for respiratory problems, as a tea.  If made as a milk tea, rather than a water tea, the effectiveness of mullein for non-respiratory problems is increased, and it can be used to treat diarrhea and digestive issues.  Made into a poultice, it can help to ease swollen glands.  The flowers steeped into an ointment can be effective against diaper rash, frostbite, and bruises.  Historically it has also been used to slow or stop internal bleeding, however, if those problems exist, it is likely best to avail yourself of Western medicine.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus)

Name:  Eucalyptus

Latin:  Eucalyptus Globulus

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:  Leaf

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  This is an herb to use with a fair amount of caution, and only in small doses, particularly when taking it internally.  A smattering of flakes will be plenty for a full quart jar of loose tea.  Eucalyptus helps to dilate capillaries for better circulation, which can be useful when dealing with migraines.  A small amount on the tongue can quell nausea.  It is an antiseptic, which means it can be good for wounds, or as a scent or steam to inhale for internal infections.  When diluted with olive oil or vitamin E, the oil can be applied as an ointment.  The oil is also a decent insect repellent.  For coughs, it actually outstrips Robitussin as an expectorant.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  Eucalyptus is very useful, but you must be careful with the dosages, as it can be incredibly toxic when overdone.

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Cinnamon (Cassia)

Name:  Cinnamon

Latin:  Cassia

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Cinnamon works as a warming tonic.  It can help to prevent colds, and warms the hands and feet of those who feel cold all the time.  It has been used, over time, as an appetite enhancer, an antimicrobial, an antispasmodic, an anti-rheumatic, and an anti-fungal.  Cinnamon can ease certain sort of pain – primarily joint, muscle, stomach and tooth.  Cinnamon can also be used to assist with some of the effects of diabetes.  It has a fairly profound effect on blood sugar levels (as I know from all too personal experience.)  This is lovely if you need to drop your sugar, but use caution if you eat sparingly or have not eaten recently.  Cinnamon tea can be made by steeping a stick or a scant tsp in a cup of boiling water for 10+ minutes, and is a good winter tonic.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  As this herb effects blood sugar, if you have not eaten recently, drink the tea while eating a couple of crackers or the equivalent.

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Plantain

Name:  Plantain

Latin:  Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Plantain is a liver strengthener and blood builder.  Holding the hot tea in your mouth can assist with tooth pain caused by infection.  Used as a poultice, it can help a variety of skin conditions, including the rashes caused by stinging nettle, poison ivy/oak, bug bites, and burns.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Name:  Sage

Latin:  Salvia officinalis

Other Common Names:

Family:  Mint

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Anti-bacterial, both internally and externally usable.  It is also a gentle stimulant, adding energy to the system without overstressing it.

Use in tandem with:

Uses for Pets:

Directions & Warnings:

Edibility:  Lovely with poultry specifically, and a wonderful spice for a number of other concoctions.  Makes a nice addition to a variety of teas.  Suggested to lightly flour fry it in olive oil and serve as an appetizer.  So many things to try.

Other uses for:

Growing:  Perennial.  It likes full sunlight and good drainage.

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Cardamom (Eelettaria cardamomum)

Name:  Cardamom

Latin:  Eelettaria cardamomum

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:  Seeds

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Cardamom seeds can be used to freshen the breath, improve digestion, and improve appetite.  They are known to help tonify and condition the stomach, liver, and intestines.  They can relieve coughs, mitigate bronchitis, assist against fevers, and ease inflammation of the mouth and throat.  Cardamom also helps to strengthen the immune system.  It is a useful aid during pregnancy for nausea, as it is a pregnancy-safe digestive aid.  There is evidence that cardamom may also be an anti-viral.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:

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