Monthly Archives: December 2012

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Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Name:  Nutmeg

Latin:  Myristica fragrans

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Interestingly enough, this plant actually provides two spices.  Nutmeg comes from the interior, mace from the exterior.  Nutmeg is useful against digestive upset – particularly diarrhea, gas, and vomiting.  It is a potent antimicrobial.  There is evidence that it may also be anti-rheumatic.  Used sparingly, as an oil, it can assist in the relief of sciatica, neuralgia, and rheumatism.  When the scent is inhaled, it can also assist with respiratory infections.  One of the tricks with nutmeg is that one can be reused several times before it is exhausted.

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Directions & Warnings:  Nutmeg should be used sparingly, both as a spice and a medicinal.  Toxic overdose levels can be achieved using 2 whole pods.

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Horsetail (Equsetum arvense)

Name:  Horsetail

Latin:  Equsetum arvense

Other Common Names:  Shavegrass

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:  Calcium, Silica

Used for:  Healing for stomach and ulcers.  Will strengthen hair, fingernails, and teeth.  Has a high silica content which assists in the usage of calcium in the body.  The silica content will also help to strengthen and heal connective tissue.  Horsetail is also mildly diuretic, and will help to clear mucous from the urinary tract, thus decreasing the severity and intensity of infections.

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Directions & Warnings:

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Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Name:  Passionflower

Latin:  Passiflora incarnata

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Used for:  Is a good herb to use to ease the effects of stress.  Can help to calm anxiety and ease nervous tension.  Good herb to include in preparations for headaches, if stress is a factor, and can also assist with asthma.  Used as an alternative to sedatives for both people and animals.  Passionflower is one of the herbal pain-killers, although not in the pharmaceutical drug sense.  Rather than deaden nerve endings, it soothes and nourishes the nerves and muscle tissue.  Can also be used as an antispasmodic.

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Directions & Warnings:  Preparations involving passionflower should be tested for the first time at a point when tiredness will not be an issue.  For some people it is a fairly potent sedative.

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Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Name:  Lobelia

Latin:  Lobelia inflata

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

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Used for:  The tincture of this herb is a wonderful anti-spasmodic.  Generally works within 5-15 minutes when a few drops are put under the tongue.  Lobelia is also a powerful relaxant.  If used regularly during waking hours, you may wish to mix it with a more stimulating herb such as cayenne, peppermint, ginseng, or ginger.  Lobelia is also a nerve sedative.  It both nourishes and strengthens the nervous system, and through this action can help with pain.

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Directions & Warnings:  Smokers may require more Lobelia to get results, as there is a potential cross-tolerance between Lobelia and nicotine.  Due to the potent relaxation this herb can provoke, it is also not recommended for regular use by diabetics.

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Cranberries

Name:  Cranberries

Latin:

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Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Good for gastrointestinal health, as they improve blood vessel function, inhibit kidney stones, and can be helpful for kidney and bladder infections.  They also have a lot of antioxidants, making them a good addition to an anticancer or heart health diet.  They also have tannins that help to keep bacteria from sticking to cells.

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Directions & Warnings:  They freeze quite well, so get extra to stock up.

Other Uses for:

Growing:

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Agrimony (Agrimonia Eupatoria)

Name:  Agrimony

Latin:  Agrimonia Eupatoria

Other Common Names:

Family:  Rose

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Flowering tops can be brewed into a tea to assist with spleen, liver, or kidney stress.  It can also be used to ease indigestion or the pain of gallstones.  Salve or oil is said to relieve varicose veins.

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Directions & Warnings:

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Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegiodes)

Name:  Pennyroyal

Latin:  Hedeoma pulegiodes

Other Common Names:

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Parts Used:

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Used for:  Good as a poultice for burns.  Works on uterine muscles to promote contractions, and is a good tonic for menstrual problems.  It is a powerful emmenagogue, however, and should not be taken while pregnant or trying to become pregnant.  The oil can be helpful for headaches, if the scent is inhaled.

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Directions & Warnings:  Not for use during pregnancy or while attempting to become pregnant.

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Brigham Tea (Ephedra Nervadensis)

Name:  Brigham Tea

Latin:  Ephedra Nervadensis

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Vitamins/Minerals:  Vitamin C

Used for:  Historically used to combat scurvy, and is quite rich in Vitamin C.  The plant can be used either dried or fresh.  Brigham Tea is also useful for blood purification and sinus congestion, and is a good spring tonic.  It does, however, contain ephedrine, so keep an eye on your reactions.

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Directions & Warnings:  Not for use during pregnancy, or by children.