Name: Violet
Latin:
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: As a tea, it can fight depression. As an infusion, it can assist with a sore throat. As an ointment, can be useful for joint pain.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Myrrh
Latin: Commiphora Myrrha
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Myrrh is an antiseptic, which makes it useful for wounds and sores. It is particularly good for problems with tea and gums, when added to toothpaste, or used as a mouthwash or gargle.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Osha
Latin: Ligusticum porterii
Other Common Names: Singer’s Root, Rattlesnake Root, Bear Medicine
Family:
Parts Used: Root
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: This root, in tincture form, has the capacity to stop anaphylactic shock and other allergic reactions, as well as ameliorate the effect of some venoms. However, osha root is over-harvested, and comparatively rare, so should be used with respect to those factors. I have quite a few allergy issues, due to what appears to be a growing sensitivity to many of the chemicals used in perfumes and soaps and… So far osha has been an amazingly fast-acting solution to my throat starting to constrict and itch. It has also allowed a woman I know to actually interact with cats, which she has always loved, but was allergic to.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Over-harvested and rare plant. Use with respect, and try to find cultivated supplies, rather than wild-crafted.
Name: Honeysuckle
Latin:
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Immune system booster. A strong tea made from the flowers has been scientifically established to be antiseptic, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial. It has been shown to have a particularly strong action against staph infections, including the antibiotic resistant strains, and is used to this purpose in Germany and Japan. Due to the broad range of things it fights, and its effects on the immune system, honeysuckle can be used to ward off colds and flus.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Chickweed
Latin: Stellaria Media
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc, Chlorophyll, Protein, Vitamin A
Used for: Chickweed has been used for centuries to improve complexion. It is a vitamin rich plant, and many skin issues are caused by lack of specific nutrients. It also refreshes and strengthens the lymphatic system, making this a very important herb in preparations for infections. Like dandelion, it is also a safe diuretic, due to its potassium content.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Cleavers
Latin:
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: A tea made from this is a folklore cure for acne, if given time. It can also assist with lessening scar tissue as boils, blemishes, or other skin infections heal. Cleavers is also a mild diuretic, and can be used to assist with urinary tract infections and pain. It also has use as a lymphatic cleanser.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Ginseng
Latin: Panax quinquefolium
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Senility, longevity, energy, and memory. Strengthens the endocrine glands, which assists in the metabolism of vitamins and minerals. Used in conjunction with Sarsparilla to regulate male hormones. Can also strengthen your immune system. Supports the health and vitality of the nervous system. Can be used as a gentle stimulant during times of stress.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: This herb should be used with care, as it does have a very intense action.
This was definitely tasty, but it involved quite a bit more ginger flavour than I typically present to my household. In fact, given that the recipe was called “Miso Tofu” the fact that the Ginger flavour, if represented in text on the net would have had to have been a neon all caps animated gif with all of the other flavours in dark gray italics over a black background behind it…. There are two sets of measurements listed. One was what the recipe called for, which I changed a bit making it, the second is what I am planning to use next time I make this. We all ended adding a little bit of tamari to it, which helped to gentle the GINGER, but I would prefer to bring the miso and garlic a bit more to the forefront next time it is cooked.
However, making this finally taught me how to deal with tofu to end up with a firm fried version… and it also taught me that I despise grating ginger by hand.
1 14 oz package of tofu, drained and pressed
2 T red miso (3)
5 tsp grated ginger (3)
2 T rice vinegar (3)
4 cloves garlic (6)
1 T + 1 tsp peanut oil
1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 head (2 lbs) bok choy (We only used one)
1 T black sesame seeds.
Press tofu. (Wrap in several layers of paper towels, place on one cutting board, put another on top, and then something heavy on top of that. The recipe suggested a heavy jar, which did not seem to be doing the job, so we used our cast iron griddle. Replace paper towels a few times, until it seems to be pressed out.) Cut tofu into 1/2 inch chunks. Puree miso, ginger, vinegar, and 1/2 of the garlic. Heat wok until water sizzles and evaporates. Add 1 T oil and tofu. Fry until golden. Sprinkle with cornstarch and fry until darkened. Transfer to a plate. Add 1 tsp oil and rest of garlic, and fry 30 seconds. Add bok choy and fry until tender. Return tofu, add half puree (we just put it all in at this point, as half looked far too dry), and cook until heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds and rest of miso on the side.
Name: Lemon Balm
Latin:
Other Common Names: Melissa
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Can be used for improving memory and focus. Can also help to relieve depression. It is also anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and can be used to clear infections and congestion. Good for assisting with nerves, both pain and anxiety. It also tastes lovely, which means it makes a wonderful mixer for teas involving any of it’s attributes. Classified as a nerve tonic, meaning that it rehabilitates and strengthens the nervous system over time.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Cayenne
Latin: Capsicum
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Cayenne is one of the “miracle herbs,” falling into the same category of niftiness as garlic and turmeric. It is good for your digestion, and quite an assist to the circulatory system as well. It helps to regulate your heart and blood pressure. Used in conjunction with ginger, it can help to clear your sinuses and bronchial tubes; garlic increases the effects on blood pressure. It helps to mitigate shock, and can help with clotting (internally). It can also be used as a liniment for headaches and muscle aches. It is also an intensifier when used with other herbs and spices, making them more effective. Cayenne can also stimulate salivation, which can help with dry mouth. It also increases metabolism, making it a good thing to include in foods when working on weight loss. And rolling on through the myriad effects of cayenne, it is a healthier stimulant than caffeine, doing so through nutrition and a systemic revitalization rather than agitation. The way in which it acts as a stimulant can also help with the emotional responses to stress.
Use in tandem with: Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric
Directions & Warnings: