Name: Fenugreek
Latin: Trigonella foenum graecum
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used:
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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.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Hawthorn
Latin: Cratageus oxacantha
Other Common Names: Whitethorn, Ladies’ Meat, Quickthorn, Maytree, Mayblossom
Family: Rosaceae
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, and fruit
Vitamins/Minerals: Antioxidants
Used for: Due to the antioxidants found in this herb, the medicinal uses for it are fairly expansive. It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, supports the immune system and the liver. However, hawthorn’s particular strength is in what it does for the heart. It has both a strengthening and a regulatory action, making it useful for a wide variety of heart conditions: aging, weakened, damaged, angina, hypertension, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, arterial spasms, etc… It can also be used to regulate blood pressure, aiding with both high and low. It can help to prevent miscarriage. It can also lessen the chance of strokes. If used as a poultice, it has good drawing out properties. The broad range of benefits and the fact that there is no overdose of it for practical use, when combined with the tasty flavour, makes this one of my favorite ingredients for teas. Historically, hawthorn is an herb thought to increase longevity, and that is quite understandable, given the conditions it fights and the systems it supports.
Use in tandem with: Oatstraw, Rose
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Licorice
Latin: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used: Root
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Licorice acts as a stimulant for the immune system. It also decreases inflammation. It can be used for Laryngitis, and will help to clear the throat of mucous. It can be used as a mild laxative. As it is more soluble in water than milk thistle, it is sometimes more useful as a liver aid. Due to its innate sweetness, it can be useful in combination with bitter herbs, as it lends a natural sweetness beyond that of sugar.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Due to the way in which licorice effects the liver, it should be used with care, or avoided entirely, by dabetics.
Name: Nutmeg
Latin: Myristica fragrans
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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.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Nutmeg should be used sparingly, both as a spice and a medicinal. Toxic overdose levels can be achieved using 2 whole pods.
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:
Name: Ginger
Latin: Zingiber officinale
Other Common Names:
Family:
Parts Used: Rot
Vitamins/Minerals:
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.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings:
Name: Rosemary
Latin: Rosmarinus officinals
Other Common Names:
Family: Mint
Parts Used:
Vitamins/Minerals:
Used for: Anti-bacterial. Circulatory system tonic. Can be used in preparations to improve memory, focus, and concentration. Also a known anti-inflammatory. Can be used as a gentler stimulant than most, without agitating the system or exacerbating stress. If you do not mind a more savory tea, and appreciate the flavour of rosemary, this can also be used to ameliorate some of the nastier medicinal herb flavours.
Use in tandem with:
Uses for Pets:
Directions & Warnings:
Edibility: Use as a spice for meats and garlic. Also makes a nifty tea on its own, or a nice addition to lemon/limeade.
Growing: Rosemary is a naturally drought tolerant plant. One of the easiest ways to kill it outdoors is over watering or overly rich soil. Rosemary actually prefers sandier, well drained soil. However, when in a pot it cannot sprawl its roots out as it prefers. You must keep the soil for a potted rosemary plant moist. If it dries out entirely, there is little chance of salvaging it. It is reported that it also really loves seaweed water.
Name: Arnica
Latin:
Other Common Names: Accident Plant
Family:
Parts Used:
Vitamins & Minerals:
Used for: A lotion containing arnica can be a fairly effective pain reliever, particularly in cases of soft tissue damage. Used to reduce swelling from breaks and sprains, and effective at relieving muscle strain and tension.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: DO NOT use arnica if there is a break in the skin. There are some internal uses, but they should not be attempted unless under the direct care of a herbal practitioner.