Name: Juniper
Latin: Juniper communis
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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.
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Name: Eyebright
Latin: Euphrasia officinalis
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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.
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Name: Mullein
Latin: Verbascum thapsus
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Parts Used: Leaves, Flowers
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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.
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Name: Eucalyptus
Latin: Eucalyptus Globulus
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Parts Used: Leaf
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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.
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Directions & Warnings: Eucalyptus is very useful, but you must be careful with the dosages, as it can be incredibly toxic when overdone.
Name: Cinnamon
Latin: Cassia
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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.
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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.
Name: Plantain
Latin: Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata
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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.
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Name: Sage
Latin: Salvia officinalis
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Family: Mint
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Used for: Anti-bacterial, both internally and externally usable. It is also a gentle stimulant, adding energy to the system without overstressing it.
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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.
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Growing: Perennial. It likes full sunlight and good drainage.
Name: Cardamom
Latin: Eelettaria cardamomum
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Parts Used: Seeds
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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.
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Name: Ginger
Latin: Zingiber officinale
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Parts Used: Rot
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Used for: This is a wonderful herb for nausea. I have persistent food issues due to chemical allergies and the after-effects of an old illness, and most of the time one variant or another of Ginger tea will settle my stomach enough for me to eat. It is used to settle the stomach and as an antacid because it blocks the breakdown of pepsinogen into the compound that causes a particular sort of ulcer and stomach irritation. 3 to 4 T added to bath water can help with detoxification. Taken as a tea before or during a meal, it will help to mitigate gas. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory capabilities, when used as a tea or eaten. It can also function as a healthier stimulant than caffeine.
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Name: Blessed Thistle
Latin: Cnicus Benedictus
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Used for: This herb is good for most urinary, pulmonary, and liver disorders. It can also be used to enrich and increase milk in nursing mothers. As a tonic, just prior to puberty, it can be used to help ease initial cramping. Also tonifies the stomach and the digestive system generally.
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Directions & Warnings: Large doses can cause nausea, so use care with amounts.