Search through 100 medicinal herbs found in the North America.  Discover their traditional and modern uses; their active chemistry and author's notes.

American Yew and English Yew (Taxus brevifolia Nutt and Taxus baccata L.)  

Description: Taxus brevifolia is an evergreen shrub to scanty small tree (to 50 feet).

Bark is papery, reddish-purple to red brown bark, drooping branches, flat leaves (needles), in opposite rows. Flowers are small cones. Fruit are scarlet, berry-like, with fleshy cup around a single seed. Taxus baccata is a popular ornamental from Europe and has escaped to the wild.

Location: Found in foothills, moist shady sites from Northern California, Oregon and Washington through Idaho and Montana north to British Columbia and Alberta.

Food: According to Moerman the Karok and Mendocino tribes ate the red, ripe fruit (see Moerman, Native American Ethnobotany, p. 551). But the seed and all other parts of the plant are toxic. Unless you are guided by an expert avoid eating any part of this plant.

Traditional Uses: Native Americans used the leaves (needles) of baccata as an abortifacient, a cough medicine, tonic, and as steam in Sweat Lodge to treat arthritis. Also in decoction or Sweat Lodge as steam to treat colds. It was used to induce menstruation. Wet needles of American Yew (T. brevifolia) were used as a poultice over wounds. The needles were considered a panacea, a powerful tonic, and were boiled and used over injuries to alleviate pain. Bark decoctions were used to treat stomachache. It was Native Americans who first used this plant to treat cancer.

Modern Uses: Both species can induce abortion. The drug taxine (paclitaxel) is extremely toxic. Taxine from American Yew used to treat cancer. It prevents cell multiplication and may prove an effective therapy for leukemia, cancer of the cervix, ovaries and breasts. Clinical trials continue with the drug.

Chemistry: Diterpenes to include taxine and taxol; and numerous flovonoids.

Notes: Research reports that the cancer fighting chemistry is in both species. Celts dipped arrow tips in yew sap as an arrow poison.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: It takes nearly 3000 trees or 9000 kg of dried inner bark of T. brevifolia to make 1 kg of the drug Taxol. At that rate, considering research demands, all of the Yew trees in America would be destroyed to produce the needed supply of the drug. Taxol today is grown in culture from cloned cells in huge bioreactor tanks, and nary a tree is destroyed. Researchers are attempting to produce the drug from pinene from pine trees.

Description: There are numerous species, this particular one is found in clumps, these plants have arrow shaped, basal leaves, from eight to twelve inches in length. Leaves are rough to the touch. Flowers are yellow and long stalked. Up to twenty-two yellow rays encircle the yellow disc of florets.

Location: Grows on dry, stony slopes in the foothills and higher elevation of the Rockies from Colorado to British Columbia.

Food: Young leaves and shoots are edible, as well as young flower stalks and young stems. They may be steamed or eaten raw. Peeled roots are also eaten, but are bitter unless slow cooked to break down the indigestible polysaccharide (inulin). Roots may be cooked and dried, then reconstituted in simmering water before eating. Seeds are pounded into meal, used as flower, or eaten out of hand.

Traditional Uses: Native Americans used the wet leaves as a wound dressing and a poultice over burns. The sticky sap was used to seal wounds and considered antiseptic. Balsam root when peeled and chewed, although bitter, contains inulin that may stimulate the immune system providing protection from acute sickness, such as colds and flu. The sap is considered antibacterial and anti-fungal. A decoction of the leaves, stems and roots was taken for stomachache, colds. Root was also used for treating gonorrhea and syphilis. In Sweat Lodge, balsam root smoke and steam is reported to relieve headaches. It is considered a Warrior Plant and in smudging ceremonies it is a disinfectant and inhaled for body aches. Chewed root was used as a poultice over sores, wounds and burns.

Modern Uses: Little studied or used in any new modern context. Traditional uses still practiced.

Chemistry: Root has polysaccharide inulin, flavonoids.

Notes: This plant is wide spread in the Bitterroots and other Idaho wilderness areas. In a pinch--should you get lost in these vast mountainous expanses--here is a food that may help you survive. But freeing the root, often deeply and intricately woven into the rock, is an exhausting task.

Arnica (Arnica montana L., A. acaulis Walt; A. cordifolia Hook; A. latifolia Bong.) and other species  (Photo)

Description: Plant grows to 18 inches and has a brownish rhizome. Leaves form a basal rosette. The hairy stem rises from the rosette and has two to six smaller leaves that are ovate to lance shaped and somewhat dentate (toothed). Terminal yellow flowers (at the top of the plant) emerge from the axil of the top pair of leaves. Flowers are from two to three inches in diameter and have a hairy receptacle and hairy calyx. Tiny disk flowers reside inside the corolla and are tubular (as many as 100 of these).

Location: Typically in mountains, along stream banks to ten thousand feet. Also in wet alpine meadows.

Food: Not edible, toxic! Internal consumption causes stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea. High doses may induce cardiac arrest.

Traditional Uses: Volatile oils in flowers used in making perfume. Native Americans used an infusion of the roots externally for back pain. Poultice used on edemas to reduce swelling. There are numerous homeopathic preparations which do not contain toxic levels of chemistry. Considered anthelminthic, antiseptic, astringent, choleretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, tonic...In clinical trials, tested as an analgesic, arnica caused pain and inflammation in wisdom teeth removal. Anti-inflammatory effect contradicted in two trials with opposite results (marathon runners). Typically, used as a topical agent for wound healing. The whole plant in ointment (after extraction) or as a compress has ant microbial and fungicidal action. Folk medicine practice to induce abortions. Colville nation mixed robin's heart and tongue (the bird body parts) with arnica root and ochre as a love potion. This was dried and powdered. The lovelorn person would enter a body of water, face east, described the woman he loved, then paint his face with the arnica mixture.

Modern Uses: Homeopathic doses Commission E approved for treating fevers, colds, skin inflammations; coughs, bronchitis, mouth and pharynx inflammations, rheumatism, colds, injuries and tendencies toward infection (compromised immunity). Medicinal parts include roots and rhizome, dried flowers and leaves collected before flowering. Considered anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and immune stimulating. Because of the toxic nature of the plant, homeopathic doses are used to manage pain, to treat diabetic retinopathy (Zicari et al, Diabetic retinopathy treated with arnica 5CH Microdoses. Invest. Ophthalmol Visual Science,1998) and to treat muscle soreness. The plant extract is used in antidandruff perparations and hair tonics. As an anti-inflammatory research has presented mixed results. Most traditional uses remain unproven.

Chemistry: Root tannins and flavonoid glycosides (may cause fall or rise in blood pressure) also, flower flavones that may stimulate adrenals: astragalin, betuletol, eupafolin, flavonol glucuronides hispidulin, isorhamnetin, luteolin, patuletin, spinacetin, tricin, kaempferol, quercetin, jaceosidin, pectolin-arigenin, zeaxanthin. Also alcohols arnidiol, foradiol. Terpenoids include arnicolides, arnifolin, sesquiterpenes, dihydrohelenalin (analgesic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory). Flowers may contain pseudoguaianolide, helenalinmethacrylate. Amines include choline (cardiotonic), trimethylamine. Courmarins scopoletin, umbeliferone. One volatile oil is thymol

Notes: Arnica species are abundant in the mountain west. Especially from the Little Bighorns, through the Rockies and on into the Northwest. They are numerous in and around the slopes of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. Baker (Cascades of Washington State).

Warning: Flowers may be irritant to skin, cause eczema. Do not use during pregnancy. Do not use if your are sensitive (allergic) to members of the daisy family. Healthcare practitioners are warned not to use Arnica on mucous membranes, open skin wounds or the eyes. Do not use orally except in homeopathic concentrations. May interact with anticoagulants and induce bleeding.

Juniper (Juniper communis L.)  (Photo)

Description: An evergreen tree, or low lying, spreading shrub, often in colonies. It has flat needles in whorls of three, spreading from the branches. Leaves are evergreen, pointy, stiff, somewhat flattened and light green, some say sea-green. Buds are covered with scale-like needles. Berries are blue, hard, and when scraped with a fingernail they emit a tangy smell and impart a tangy flavor—a somewhat creosote like taste. Male flowers are catkin like with numerous stamens in three segmented whorls. Female flowers are green and oval.

Location: Found across the United States. Often found in dune blowouts along the shore of Lake Michigan and throughout eastern and western mountains. It is easily relocated to gardens and yards.

Food: Dried berries are cooked with game and fowl. Try putting them in a pepper mill and grating them into bean soup, stews, on wild game and domestic foul. The berries may be made into tea, simply crush the berry, one or two berries and add to water just off the boil. Juniper berries may be infused into vodka to flavor it. Gin, schnapps and Aquavit are also flavored with juniper berries. And berries are used in grilling marinades. When grated it is added to cold cuts. Try it as a spice on vegetated protein cold cuts, like Wham and Mock chicken, garden burgers. Large amounts of the berry may be toxic, use in small amounts like a spice.

Traditional Uses: Native Americans used juniper branches around Tipis and shelters to fend off rattlesnakes. The diluted essential oil is applied to skin to draw and cleanse deeper skin tissue. It has been used to promote menstruation to reliefe PMS, (Pre Menstrual Syndrome and dysmenorrhea). Traditional practitioners use one teaspoon of berries to one cup of water, boil for three minutes, let steep until cool. A few practitioners add bark and needles to berry tea. The berry is considered antiseptic, diuretic, a tonic, and digestive aid. Strongly antiseptic to urinary tract problems and gallbladder complaints, but contra-indicated for kidney disease.

Modern Uses: The berry is diuretic, extract is in diuretic (Odrinil). Possible indicated for treating heart disease, high blood pressure, and dropsy. The berry extract is used in Europe to treat arthritis and gout. It is Commission E approved for treating dyspepsia. Animal studies the extract in various combinations showed anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity (not proven in humans). It decreased glycemic levels in diabetic rats. In human trials the berry extract combined with nettle and yarrow extracts failed to prevent gingivitis. In one double blind placebo controlled, crossover study of Juniper Oil and Wintergreen oil (30 ml of Kneipp-Rheumabad (Registered)) was added to bath water and reduced pain in trial participants. Mice trials may prove the berry extract in pharmaceutical doses to be anti-inflammatory, at least in the rodents. Juniper oil has been used successfully as a diuretic and may be useful as adjunct therapy for diabetes.

Chemistry: Volatile oil: myrcene, alpha and beta pinene, cineole, sabinene. Also diterpenes, vitamin C, resin, simple carbohydrates, tannins.

Warning: Use sparingly as allergic reactions are possible. Pregnant women should avoid this herb because it may induce uterine contractions. It may increase menstrual bleeding. Do not use if expected kidney infection or kidney disease. Do not use the concentrated and caustic essential oil internally without the help of a licensed holistic health care practitioner

Notes: I occasionally chew on a berry, ripe, soft ones taste best. A half dozen berries added to duck, goose, lamb or goat stew is worth the adventure.

Description: Small evergreen shrub to twelve inches. Glossy green leaves. Flowers in clusters atop a long stem, pink to rose colored about 3/8 inch across. Fruit is round.

Location: Found in forests of the Northwest, in foothills and montane coniferous woods of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Alberta and British Columbia

Food: The plant is used as a flavoring agent for candy and pop. Leaves and roots boiled and eaten. Berries eaten as a digestive.

Traditional Uses: Tea made from aerial parts to treat water retention, kidney and bladder problems. Smoke pained eyes were cleared and cleaned with an infusion from the plant. The herb is astringent used to treat fevers, backaches, stomachaches, coughs, and sore throats. The infusion is used as a wash for wounds, sores, blisters and rashes. Fresh leaves crushed and applied externally to reduce inflammation. Native Americans used the tea to regulate menstruation. Tea is considered expectorant, a dematological aid, urinary aid and orthopedic aid.

Modern Uses: Considered as a treatment for kidney problems. Homeopathically to treat inflammation of urinary tract, mammary glands and prostrate.

Caution: Leaves as a poultice may cause inflammation and dermatitis.

Chemistry: Flavonoids, tannins, Napthoquinones; and hydroquinone glycosides.

Notes: This fragrant flower is found in profusion around the slopes of Mt. Baker in Washington State. It has been over-harvested and becoming a difficult find.

Meadowsweet and Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula ulmaria L.) (Filipendula rubra (Hill) Robins)  (Photo)

Description: Perennial herb to five feet in height. Woody stem when mature, alternate elongated petioled leaves. Ovate, pinnate, double toothed leaves have almond like fragrance. Flowers are numerous.

Location: Found in temperate biomes of all northern temperate latitudes.

Food: Aerial parts, especially flowers, collected, dried. Drug is astringent, antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-ulcer (stomach ulcers). Tones smooth muscle of gut.

Traditional Uses: The root of Filipendula rubra (Queen of the Prairie) was used by Native Americans to treat heart problems. Also a love charm, love medicine.

Modern Uses: Commission E approves the use as supportive therapy for coughs, bronchitis, acute infections such as colds and influenza.

Chemistry: Flavonoids, tannins, salicyclic acid.

Note: Druids revered this herb, it was sacred to them. These ancient people of northern Europe and possibly northern Spain used Filipendula ulmaria, Mentha aquatica, Verbena officinalis. All were used as strewing herbs to ward off evil spirits and promote good health.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) (Photo)

Description: Biennial or perennial to four feet, stem is erect, with few branches. Lanceolate leaves in a basal whorl as well as additional smaller upper leaves. Blue flowers (rarely white or pink) with square tipped rays, and a dandelion-like root.

Location: Roadsides, fields, meadow, waste ground nationwide.

Food: The root is dried, roasted, mixed with coffee beans, then ground to yield Cajun coffee. The flower petals are slightly bitter and add a nice contrast when stirred into cottage cheese (let the blossoms infuse into the cheese overnight in the refrigerator. The slightly bitter flowers are a healthful addition to salads, jump starting the digestion process.

Traditional Uses: The root dried or fresh is decocted in water as a diuretic, dietetic and laxative. Root tea stimulates digestion, improving peristalsis and absorption. Root decoction used externally to treat fever blisters. Cherokee used root infusion as a nervine—a tonic for the nerves.

Modern Uses: Homeopathic use for gall bladder and liver complaints. Root decoction may reduce blood sugar. Root constituents are antibacterial in vitro. Anti-inflammatory activity is being studied. Root drug may slow heart rate and reduce heart thrust. Animal studies showed a cholesterol lowering effect. Commission E approved for stimulating appetite and dyspepsia. In India the root decoction is used to treat headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. Animal studies show chicory extract slows heart rate (see Balbaa, et al., Planta Med 1973;24(2):133).

Chemistry: Chiroric acid, chlorogenic acid, isochlorgenic acid, hydroxycoumarins, the flavonoid hyperoside and several sesquiterpenes.

Notes: This is a must have, attractive garden flower, with edible leaves, edible flowers and a stimulating root. The leaf extraction is not as bitter and evokes a milder response as compared to the root decoction.

Description: Tall shrub-like prairie flower to five feet, striking blue pea like flowers, pea-like leaves. Clusters of large indigo seed pods

Location: Prairie wildflower. Found both east and west of the Mississippi. Garden ornamental.

Food: Not edible.

Traditional Uses: Native Americans used a decoction of the roots as a wash for external skin problems, to wash wounds, bites and stings. Considered an immune stimulating herb used externally on infected wounds or in decoction as a vaginal douche for vaginitis. A poultice of root was applied over venereal disease sores. A cold infusion of the smashed root was made in a bag suspended in water. The resultant extract was a purgative and emetic. The root infusion was used to wash wounds.

CAUTION: Taken orally the root decoction is potent, overdose toxic.

Modern Uses: Root extract considered a fair infection fighter when used in the hands of a skilled medical practitioner. Homeopathic doses safe for consumption. Toxic dose will cause nausea and vomiting. It appears to improve immune defense mechanisms by raising leukocyte counts (see PDR Herbal Medicines, third edition, p. 878-879.) Animal studies showed the polysaccharide fraction stimulates the immune system.

Chemistry: Water decoction of root has polysaccharides including arabinogalactans, quinolizidine alkaloids: cytisine, anagyrine, sparteine isoflavonoids, formonetin. Also cumarin: scopoletine. The ethanol root extract improves phagocytosis in humans.

Dye: My daughter uses the ripe seed pods and seeds in a sun tea infusion to extract a blue dye.

Note: Striking, decorative addition to perennial garden. Flowers and seed pod stalks make attractive and conversational flower arrangements.

Description: Bluish-green poppy, fifteen to forty inches tall, with brilliant yellow-orange flowers. Flowers are solitary, the seed receptacle is cup or bowl shaped containing several chambers filled with tiny poppy seeds. Leaves are few, tapering to a point and feather or fern-like. Seeds may be purchased over-the-counter.

Location: Grows in open areas, roadsides, dry clearing from California to British Columbia and in gardens nationwide.

Food: Native Americans of the Luiseno nation ate young leaves of spring as cooked greens. The leaves first boiled, then fried or roasted and eaten.

Traditional Uses: Aerial parts are harvested, dried and infused as a sleep inducing sedative. It has been used for anxiety, nervousness, an as an antispasmolytic. It has an analgesic effect. Folk use includes treating nocturnal urinating in children. It is considered a warming, diuretic. Native Americans used the milky sap of leaves as an analgesic often to relieve toothaches. Leaves also placed under sleeping children to induce sleep. The white resin from seed pods was rubbed on nursing mother's breast to promote lactation. Several tribes believed the plant to be poisonous and avoided its use.

Modern Uses: Californidine, an alkaloid in the plant, is used as a sleep aid and sedative. These qualities have been proven in animal studies only. Homeopathic preparations are used to treat insomnia.

CAUTION: Not to be used during pregnancy.

Chemisry: Isoquinoline alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides. The drug is sold in liquid extract or tablets.

Notes: An attractive addition to your garden, collected seeds are used in poppy seed recipes.

Burdock, Gobo burdock (Arctium lappa L.) (Photo)

Description: Biennial, first years growth sprouts borad elephant ear like leaves (heart shaped) that grow directly from a deep taproot. Second year leaves are slightly smaller, mature plant is many branched and spreading to seven or eight feet, although often much smaller. Flowers are crimson with inward curving bracts that eventually form the mature seed capsule, which is a burr. This is the plant that deposits burrs on your dog and your trousers. Break open the seed capsule and plant the seeds.

Location: Found in the Northern hemisphere, temperate zone. Found in gardens, along roadsides and just about every place you walk your dog, providing an entertaining burr pulling party.

Food: Harvest roots in autumn or spring of the first year’s growth. Root may be twenty or more inches long. Peel the root, then slice diagonally (julienne) and stir fry, steam or saute. First year's leaves may be peeled, cooked and eaten. Second year flower spike are cut and peeled…Saute or steam.

Traditional Uses: Historically burdock has been used to treat immune system deficiency and skin conditions. Leaf infusion used for chronic skin problems. Root oil is used the same way: Soak the chopped root in olive oil in the refrigerator for one month. Root is considered anti-diabetic internally; it helps regulate blood sugar when lightly cooked. Root tea and eating the root may helps treat acne. Root polysaccharides said to lower blood sugar, but in use probably slows release of glucose from intestine because polysaccharides require more steps in digestion before being reduced to monosaccharides for absorption. Thus the release of glucose is slow, gradual to blood from gut. It is a warming tonic and detoxifier. Said to strengthen the stomach, liver, and lymphatic system.

Modern Uses: According to Japanese studies the root is anti-mutagenic (anti cancer) in animal studies. Chinese use leafy second year branches in infusion to treat rheumatism, arthritis and measles. This medicinal tea is often sweetened with raw cane sugar. Much of the hoopla over this herb has not been proven, clinical trials with humans are absent from the literature.

Tincture of seeds has been used for treating psoriasis (personally it did not help me). Essential oil from the seed reported to encourage hair growth and improve skin condition (not proven). To remove the oil puree seeds in hot olive oil and squeeze oily maceration through cheesecloth.

Chemistry: Roots contain polyphenolic compounds, caffeic acid, arctic acid, polyacetylenes and inulin. Seeds contain tannic acid, arctiin, arctigenin. The root is high in vitamin C, B, E, and has a good potassium to sodium balance, with numerous minerals including sulfur, silica, manganese, iron...The bitter compound is lappatin.

Caution: This herb is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women...Large amounts may have a uterine stimulating effect.

Notes: Wash roots then pound or macerate them in warm water to release polysaccharides (inulin and mucilage). I have eaten copious amounts of the sauteed, stir fried root. Raw root polysaccharides may give gas as they are difficult to digest. The root is called Gobo in Oriental markets and runs as high as $6 a pound. It's free if in your backyard, so put it there. Pull burrs off a dog or your pants, crush them to release seeds, spread seeds on scuffed soil in the November. Plant thickly. Thin and spread seedlings in May.

Veterinarian/Wildlife: Excellent seed dispersal mechanism (said to have lead to the invention of Vel Cro).

Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) (Photo)

Description: A perennial that will grow to three and a half feet. Erect and many branched stems. Leaves are grayish providing the plant with a whitish gray appearance. Leaves one to three inches, are ovate and serrated with a gray underside. Leaf petiole to one and a half inches long. Flower spike has a large cluster of individual flowers attached with short pedicles.

Location: Across the North American border to border, coast to coast: In gardens, along roadsides, and over waste ground. Tolerates well drained, dry areas.

Food: Tea, fresh or dried for following treatments.

Traditional Uses: Aerial parts of the plant in infusion are bitter, astringent and cooling antispasmodic. Catnip leaf and flower teas provide mild sedative effect. It is anti-flatulent and may settle a colicky baby (check with your holistic healthcare professional before using it in this manner). Also used to soothe the digestive tract. And may provide relief from menstrual cramps by mildly stimulating menstruation. Herbal tea promotes sweating thereby lowering fever in acute infections. Like many herbal teas it is a mild diuretic.

Modern Uses: Naturapaths use it to treat colic and upset stomachache in children. According to Andrew Chevallier in the Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, catnip may be tinctured and used as a rub for rheumatic and arthritic joints. The tea is also used to stimulate the gallbladder.

Combinations: Naturopaths combine catnip leaves with elderflowers for treating acute infections. Another combination as a sleep aid is catnip, valerian root and hops. This combination is also used to reduce stress and as a relaxant.

Caution: Not to be used during pregnancy.

Chemistry: iridoids (actinidine), volatile oils: alpha and beta nepetalactone, geraniol, citronellol.

NOTES: A difficult herb to keep in the garden if the neighborhood has stray cats. Best start the plant indoors and transplant it when it is at least a foot tall. Maybe then it will survive the onslaught of drug seeking felines. The iridoid glycoside, actinidine, is believed to be the cat stimulating part of the plant. It is one of my favorite teas and should be prepared from the fresh herb as its physiologically active constituents are volatile and reduced by drying. Typical dosage is three cups per day.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Feline stimulant and intoxicant, but a human calming agent.

Description: Basal whorl of toothed leaves. Yellow flower with numerous rays. Torn leaf and/or flower stem will exude white colored latex.

Location: Common yard bounty. Found in temperate regions worldwide.

Food: One of my favorite vitamin and mineral rich salad greens. Eat it daily, year around. Tear it into small pieces for salad, mix with thyme and fennel, nasturtiums, along with other salad. Thyme and fennel balance the bitterness in the dandelions. Make a mineral rich tea from roots and leaves. Gently simmer chopped fresh roots for a stomach bitters. Cook fresh leaves early in season with olive oil, bacon and lemon juice. Keep in mind, as season progresses leaves become more bitter, but in the evening if you pour copious amount of water on the late summer plants, the morning harvest will be sweeter. Leaves even when bitter are a healthy addition to stir fry. Try cooking dandelion greens with tofu. Also try oyster oil, cayenne, dandelion and beef strips.

Traditional Uses: Dried leaves before flowering and autumn roots are used, as well as the whole fresh plant infused or decocted. The root decoction is a liver cleansing tonic that aids digestion, and helps cleanse the blood. It is a diuretic, traditionally used to treat PMS. It has a mild laxative effect and may relieve inflammation and congestion of gall bladder and liver. Native Americans

applied steamed leaves (poultice) to stomachaches. Greens considered a tonic blood purifier. Root taken to increase lactation. Also root used as mild laxative and for dyspepsia.

Modern Uses: Commission E approved for treating dyspeptic complaints, urinary infections, liver and gallbladder complaints and appetite loss. Root extract may lower cholesterol and blood pressure (hypotensive). Dandelion is one of the most potent diuretics, performance equal to prescription pharmaceutical Furosemide in animal studies. Dandelions are a stimulating tonic and mild laxative with blood glucose regulating capacity. The bitter taste of dandelion is an appetite stimulant and stimulates entire digestive system (cholagogue) improves appetite and may be helpful treating anorexia. It raises HCL in stomach, improving calcium breakdown and absorption. It also spurs bile production.

Cholesterol Lowering Ability: Bile is necessary for fat and cholesterol emulsification, digestion and absorption. But fiber locks up bile thereby preventing emulsification of saturated fat and cholesterol. This causes the liver to make more bile from cholesterol. Dandelion and other bitter high fiber greens can theoretically lower cholesterol in three ways: 1. They stimulate secretion of bile requiring more production of bile from cholesterol. 2. Fiber in the plants locks up bile in the digestive system preventing cholesterol emulsification, thus it cannot be absorbed. 3. Fiber removes bile from body, requiring the liver to break down more cholesterol to make more bile (these factors may help prevent atherosclerosis, reduce stroke, and lower blood pressure).

Chemistry: Leaves high in cancer fighting antioxidants, vitamin C and Beta Carotene. Root contains inulin, gluten, potassium, taraxacin. White latex like exudate is made up of alcohols, (glycerin) caoutchouc, taraxasterols and acetic and other acids. Essential fats linoleic and linolenic in roots, leaves and seeds. Beta sitosterol in flowers as well as flavonoids, lutein, flavoxanthin.

Notes: This plant is easily grown indoors in the window. Eight plants under lights or in a window provide ample amounts of edible leaves for two people. We eat dandelion greens and make root tea year around. Plants can be brought indoors for the winter. Even late season bitter leaves can be chopped and added to salads. Not too much, but enough to give you all the wonders of nutrition this plant affords. Flower petals may be sprinkled over salads, rice dishes, vegetable dishes.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Goldfinch eat the seeds, another great reason to grow this in your lawn. Dried dandelion root and dandelion tea is an integral constituent of my pigeon racing formula.

Description: An erect perennial to two and half feet in height. Purple blossoms are large and solitary with a spreading ray of florets. The bracts are rigid with thorn-like tips. Leaves are large, opposite or alternate, with smooth margins and rough surface. Rhizome (root) when sliced shows a yellowish center flecked with black, covered in a thin bark-like skin.

Location: Grows in eastern and central United States, meadows and prairies, fringes of fields and parks. Will grow in the garden and is beautiful.

Traditional Uses: Root and flowers used as a snake bite treatment. Boiled root to treat sore throats. Used as a wound treatment, and therapy for infections. Root infusion taken for gonorrhea. Masticated root held to a sore tooth to treat infection.

Modern Uses: Commercial preparations of roots, leaves, flowers are used to treat colds, flu, coughs, bronchitis, fever, urinary infections, inflammations of the mouth and pharynx , weakened immune function and wounds and burns.

Echinacea is very useful at the onset of upper respiratory infections. It needs to be started immediately, taken 3 times a day and continued until the person is well. Unlike Astragalus, it is not meant for long-term, routine use, as it boosts immune function by some 32%, and the immune system will not tolerate this long-term and will readjust so that the herb will not help as well when needed again for an acute infection. Echinacea enhances immunity in several ways. Polysaccharide initiated response follows bell curve: steep initial activity, improving immune response up to 32%. Then response peaks, and after four to six days tapers off. Therefore used for acute instead of chronic conditions.

Used internally for skin diseases, fungal infections both Candida and Listeria, slow healing wounds, boils, gangrene, upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, externally for acne and psoriasis (not proven by this sufferer).

Root oil may inhibit leukemia cells in vitro and vivo studies, active chemistry may be (Z)-1,8-pentacecadiene in root oil.

A recent study showed no evidence of Echinacea induced increase in lymphocytes, thus challenging it immune modulating effect. (see Schwartz et. al., Oral administration of freshly pressed juice of Echinacea…Phytomedicine. 2005:12:625-631.)

Chemistry: cichoric acid, akylamides, polysaccarides . Cichoric acid and akylamides are antimicrobial and prolong protective effects after reflex action of polysaccharides wears off. Chemistry exhibits activity similar to steroids and interferon. Also contains: apigenin; arabinogalactan (root); various caffeoyl compounds (see Duke's Database from CRC Press), echinacin, echinacoside, echinacein, echinolone; germacrene; various dicaffeoylquinic acids; isobutylamides; chlorogenic acid; germacrene; humulene; limonene; myrcene; quercetin (leaf); flavonoids high in leaves; alpha pinene; beta-pinene; palmitic-acid; kaempferol, rutin; rutoside; polysaccharide in root: rhamnoarabinogalactan (2) (3)(14). Also,(Z)-1,8-pentacecadiene in root oil (anti-leukemia agent( (16).

Safety: The juice of E. purpurea is well tolerated and appropriate for long term oral use according. One reviewer detected no safety concerns for continued use up to 12 weeks. There were, "no adverse reactions other than aversion to the taste." Test showed improvement in individuals with slight to moderately suppressed immune response. Others found that Echinacea lozenges had no significant effect on marathon runners. Limit therapy to 8 weeks because long term and repeated use may depress immunity.

Efficacy Challenged: A year 2000 study, financed by Procter & Gamble Co. which markets Vicks related cold products, found that Echinacea had "no significant effect on either the occurrence of infection or the severity of illness."

Caution: A study of 412 pregnant Canadian women, 206 of which took Echinacea during pregnancy showed that malformations of babies was equivalent between the control group and the test population Spontaneous abortions were twice as frequent in the Echinacea group, including 13 spontaneous abortions. Consult your physician before using Echinacea while pregnant. The herb is to be avoided by those allergic to the Aster/Daisy family and those with active auto-immune disease.

NOTES: I have prepared and used an alcohol tincture of E. purpurea as a gargle for mouth and tongue ulcers. I have also used it as a prophylactic against colds and the flu. Wild crafting dosage is not well defined, commercial extracts come in solid and liquid standardized form. Solid standardized extract dose is 500 to 900 mg extract per day.

I make a 30% per cent alcohol tincture of the flower heads, leaves and roots: whole live plant when in bloom. Dosage is 10-20 drops (about 15 ml.) three or four times per day. This is actually more than is recommended on standardized whole plant liquid extractions. If you purchase Echinacea extract over the counter follow recommendations on bottle (manufacturers recommendations).

A few years ago, I had a staphlococcus infection (cellulitis) an imbedded cyst in my buttock. My physician suggested that I have it cut out before it burst open and infected other parts of my body. I begged to try the Echinacea floral extraction. The large cyst like infection disappeared in three days and has not returned. I continued the therapy for a total of six days (single 30% alcohol dose 3X per day).

My coneflowers are from the Fernwood Botanic Gardens prairie--one of the last wild stands in Michigan

Kitchen Preparation: roots, leaves and flowers are chopped then tinctured in 100 proof alcohol on a 1 to 1 weight to volume basis of fresh whole plant to Everclear alcohol. I add an ounce of alcohol if I cannot completely cover and saturate fresh plants at a 1:1 ration. Shake and refrigerate entire marc and maceration overnight, pour off through cheesecloth and bottle.

Echinacea may also be tinctured in glycerin, full strength with the live whole plant, flowers, leaves, root 1:1 wt to volume. Use glycerin extraction within three months. Alcohol extraction will keep through the entire winter.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Used in all my pigeon racing formulas as health protecting and cleansing agent after races. Bees and butterflies flit to this flower.

Epazote, Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides) (Photo)

Description: An annual plant that self seeds, with numerous small yellow-green flowers in racemes or round spikes from the leaf axils at the top of the plant. Height to three and a half feet. Leaves are lance shaped and alternate.

Location: Dry, well-drained ground in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the American Southwest, and California, including many gardens nationwide.

Food: A teaspoon or less of the dried leaves is cooked with bean dishes and corn and fish preparations (see warning). Start with only one leaf to a quart pan of beans, or saute fish with a chopped leaf and garlic. Add a leaf to corn dish like you would add a bay leaf to stew.

Traditional Uses: In Mexico and the American Southwest this warming herb, that increases perspiration, is infused in hot bath water to treat acute infections and reduce fever. The leaf tea is considered a vermifuge. Salted leaves have been used to induce abortions. The tea is used to reduce stomach complaints after a meal. It is an antispasmodic, vermifuge used to kill worms: roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Also used to treat amebic dysentery. In Mexico traditional people use it for asthma and excessive mucus due to parasite and or infection. Native Americans poulticed the plant over insect bites and stings and snakebites. The expelled juice from the whole plant is used to wash hemorrhoids.

Modern Uses: In Traditional Chinese Medicine the oil is used for insect and animal bites, as well as rheumatism, eczema and bleeding from the uterus (metrorrhagia). This herb is still used in Central and South America to expel worms when prescription drugs fail. A combined therapy is employed to coaxe the worms to let go and pass from the body.

Warning: Not to be used by pregnant women. Use as a spice, small amounts only. Excessive use can lead to dizziness, convulsions, collapse, vomiting and death. However, in the World Health Organization Chronicle is was reported that 20 grams expels parasites and has little side effects. Definitely more information is needed. Consult with Native Americans and Hispanics who use the plant. Other sources such as Duke and Lewis (see pp.115 reference (6) suggest that toxic dose is near therapeutic dose.

I have used the dried leaf like pepper the dried herb on bean soup and corn soup. Epazote is available at almost every Mexican supermarket. Millions have used it as a spice, yet every piece of literature on the plant warns of its potential toxicity. Use it judiciously.

Chemistry: Oil of plant is fragrance in perfumes, soaps, oils, detergents, creams according to Duke in his Handbook of Medicinal Herbs...Oil: ascaridole a unsaturated terpene peroxide. Also, saponins, d-camphore, ureases, terpinene, geraniol, l-limonene, myrcene, p-cymene.

Notes: I grow this wild herb in my garden in Michigan and shelter it in my basement through the winter. Sprinkled in bean dishes it reduces flatulence and adds a distinctive taste and aromatic odor to beans. When making bean soup with Epazote be certain to use lime juice and mint leaves. It's a primal Native American thing. If you try it be careful. Epazote in overdose is toxic. Use very small amounts (one leaf).

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Oil and tinctured leaf (in alcohol) has been used on pets as a vermifuge (external use only). Leaves have been fed to farm animals to rid them of worms and parasites. Used to repel mosquitoes and oil or decoction in humus or fertilizer to inhibit insect larvae growth.

Description: Biennial that grows to three feet or more with fleshy turnip like root. First year plant is only a basal rosette of leaves, second year is erect plant, conspicuous in the Fall with its large seed filled fruit capsules. Oblong lance shaped leaves, pointed and finely dentate. Fragrant bugle-like shaped yellow flowers, one inch long growing from the leaf axils. Flowers open in evening. Fruit is linear-oblong, four sided, downy about ½ to one inch in length, containing dark gray to black seeds with sharp edges.

Location: Found in gardens, along roadsides, on waste ground, fields, and prairies.

Food: The root is edible (biennial plant: first year root best). New leaves of first or second year edible in salads, stir fry. The leaves are tough and need to be cooked. Seeds can be poured out of seed capsule (seed capsule looks like small dried okra pod). Immature seed capsules may be cooked like okra, but do not taste like okra, nothing like okra .

Traditional Uses: Native Americans used warm root poultice to treat piles. Roots were chewed to increase strength and endurance. Whole plant bruised, soaked and used as a poultice on bruises and sores.

Modern Uses: Seed oil used to treat essential fatty acid deficiency and to lower cholesterol. The cholesterol lowering effect was not effective in a 1986 study but did prove successful in a double blind crossover study conducted in 1996. Seed extract said to dilate coronary arteries and clear arterial obstruction. Used as a holistic treatment for intermittent claudication. Other uses include treatments of atopic eczema and psoriasis (not effective according to this author). Oil may provide relief from Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms (PMS), although one study disputed this claim. Also used as a treatment for recurrent breast cysts. The essential fatty acids and amino acids in the seeds are reportedly good for treating mild depression. EPO has been used successfully with vitamin B6 therapy to treat breast pain (mastalgia).

Evening Primrose oil is considered anticoagulant, demulcent, and a precursor of prostaglandin E which has anti-inflammatory. Although Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) has been recommended in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, it has not proven effective. Other practitioners suggest that flaxseed (omega-3 oils) may better serve the MS patient as alpha-linolenic acid has a better effect and is required for normal myelin composition. However, one study suggested that Evening Primrose Oil had no effects on the clinical course of MS. Adjunct nutritional therapy combining 2.8 grams of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) with tamoxifen experienced quicker response from the prescription drug.

One study showed that with women who had recurrent breast cysts Evening Primrose Oil treatment resulted in a slightly lower rate of recurrence as compared to placebo.

Another study suggests that EPO may reverse neurological damage in diabetic patients. Provided significantly increased serum essential fatty acids in insulin dependent children. Also, decreased PGE2 levels.

EPO therapy may improve liver function in alcoholics.

Arthritis: Use of EPO decreased the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. An alternative with similar results can be achieved with less expensive flaxseed, Perilla seed, or cold water fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, fresh anchovies.

Chemistry: Plant contians coumarins, neochlorogenic acid, ellagic-acid, digallic-acid, kaempferol, quercitin, oenotherin. seed: excellent amino acid profile, phytosterols, significant quantities of essential fatty acids: cis-linoleic acid; Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Alpha-Linoleic-Acid as well as linoleic, beta-linoleic-acid.

Dosage: Check with your holistic health care practitioner or stick to dosage recommendations on the package. For eczema suggested therapy is a standardized GLA content of 8%: six to eight grams for adults; two to four grams for children. For PMS a standardized extract of 3 grams daily is often suggested.

Safety: In large doses may cause headache, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea. Avoid in cases of schizophrenia and epileptogenic drugs: phenothiazines. No long term studies during pregnancy and lactation.

Notes: GLA, a naturally occurring nutrient and is found in breast milk. This widely used nutritional supplement has been marketed for over thirty years. My wife takes evening primrose oil for treating PMS. She feels it helps, my observation is: It helps minimally. I have psoriasis and have found this oil and borage oil expensive and ineffective ways to treat this auto-immune disease. I have more success at less cost using fish oil capsules: Max EPA and DHA 1000mg tablets up to 12 per day, tapering down after 2 weeks to six per day and eventually three per day. This is not a cure but helps to clear my skin, when coupled with sun therapy, seawater bathing and the application of aloe gel. Be certain to keep the skin moist with moisturizers.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Seeds are fine additions to bird feeders, finches, sparrows and numerous other birds will be attracted to the seed laden capsules of the plants.

Foxglove, Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.) (Photo)

Description: Biennial three to five feet. Lance shaped leaves, fuzzy (hairy) in basal rosette. When without flower stalk, the basal rossetted of leaves looks somewhat like mullein leaves or comfrey leaves, rarely dock leaves, but beware the leaves of digitalis are toxic. Thimble shaped flowers on a spike, white to purple…They look like gloves, hence the name. Flowers bloom in summer of second year.

Location: Common mountain wildflower, found along roadsides in Northwest and Eastern mountain states. This is a favorite ornamental in gardens from coast to coast.

Traditional Uses: Foxglove...Powdered leaf contains potent cardiac glycosides perhaps first used by Celtic people in Europe. Overdoes causes nausea, vomiting, slowed pulse, fainting and possibly death. Used externally on wounds and ulcers. Internally in the British Isles to treat tumors, ulcers, headaches and abscesses.

Modern Uses: The plant derived drug is considered obsolete. Better synthetic pure substances are available and used. The plant contains cardiac glycosides that as the model for the now synthesized drugs is used to increase heart thrust and lower venous pressure. It lowers oxygen requirements of the heart and reduces frequency of heartbeat. Used with diuretics to treat congestive heart failure. There is a narrow range between therapy and toxicity.

Chemistry: Cardiac glycosides: digitoxin, gitoxin, gitaloxin, aglycone digitoxigenin...Steroid saponins and anthraquinones.

Caution: Use only after the appropriate diagnosis and under the supervision of a skilled holistic professional.

Notes: Transplants to garden, striking plant, tolerates some shade, prefers sun and well-drained soil.

Lambs quarters, pigweed, goosefoot (Chenopodium album L.)  (Photo)

Description: To five feet in height, with light green (grayish green) leaves with powder like substance beneath, coarsely toothed, with a goosefoot or diamond shape. Small green flowers in clusters growing from top third of plant and many of the branches. Seeds are gray colored.

Location: Across the nation in meadow, along roadsides, gardens, waste ground, edges of cultivated fields.

Food: I add Lamb's quarters leaves to salads, stir-fry, and steamed wontons with quinoa, carrots, burdock root. Roll wontons in quinoa seeds before steaming. Seeds may be ground and used in baking recipes. The herb flavors corn and fish dishes and other Mexican foods. Quinoa may be added to pancakes and waffles, bread, pizza dough. Also great as a cooked cereal, and is best when part of a multi grain cereal. Cook it like rice.

Traditional Uses: Lambs quarters' tea was used for stomachache, scurvy, diarrhea. Also poultice over wounds and bites. In Mexico, the cooked leaves and seed heads are believed to keep the digestive system clean and healthy. Cree used leaves for arthritis, rheumatism--joints and limbs were washed with the decoction. Inuit people believe the leaves when cooked with beans dispel gas. Iroquois used a cold infusion of plant to treat diarrhea. Leaves are high in vitamin C content (used to treat scurvy) and when eaten with seeds the essential amino acid content is complete.

Modern Uses: Traditional uses still employed, but not proven.

Chemistry: Nitrates, essential amino acids, vitamin C, flavonoids, chlorophyll, xanthophyll.

Notes: I grow Lamb’s quarters in my garden. Chenopodium quinoa, an edible primal grain, can be purchased in health food stores and 7^th Day Adventist markets. Eat some seeds and plant some. See my Basic Essentials of Edible Wild Plants for more lamb’s quarters recipes.

Veterinarian/Wildlife: Lamb’s Quarters like Epazote is used as a vermifuge on animals. Put the whole herb in your pet’s doghouse, or in its bedding. Both plants are considered anti-helminthic (anti-worms). Also used as a fumigant against mosquitoes and a soil based larvae inhibitor to be used on lawns.

Milkweed, Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) See Swamp Milkweed; Four Leafed Milkweed  (Photo)

Description: Perennial to four feet with a single stem, leaves opposite, large, elliptical to eight inches in length. Pink flowers in drooping clusters grow from leaf axils. Seed pod is striking, Arabian slipper-like.

Location: Edges of cornfields, waste ground, roadsides, railroad right of ways, meadows, dune lands, desert, my garden. Various species found nationwide.

Food: Asclepias syriaca: Native Americans prepared like asparagus before milky sap appears (use two changes of water). Flower buds are prepared like cooked broccoli when harvested before they open. Flowers buds and seed pods are prepared as follows: Boil water, pour over seed pods, let water and pods steep for five minutes, then pour off water. Repeat, pour a second boil of water over once steeped pods, pour off water, then stirfry in olive oil or butter. Many people use three water baths over pods; and that is recommended for first encounters. Flowers may be dried and stored for winter use in soups, stews. Flowers have been diced, sweetened and made into marmalade. Native Americans ground seeds into flour. CAUTION: Keep in mind I have only eaten syriaca. Other species may be toxic. Do not experiment unless guided by an expert.

Traditional Uses: Native Americans pounded or split the roots to expose their flesh for drying. Dried roots in decoction have a mild cardiac stimulating effect--without the toxic effects of digitalis. Be warned this should be practiced with medical supervision because Asclepias syriaca L. contains toxic cardiac glycosides and requires careful preparation before use. Native Americans believed the plant was a lactagogue because of the milky white sap, as per the "Doctrine of Signatures", or "like treats like." Latex from the leaves was also rubbed on warts, and, reportedly, on cancerous tumors. Native American lore suggests that approximately a fistful, a cup and half, of milkweed was dried and pounded to a pulp then mixed with three dried Arisaema (Jack in the Pulpit) rhizomes. The plants were then put in a skin or gourd and infused into water for 20 or 30 minutes. The infusion of the two plants was swallowed one cup per hour to induce sterility. All varieties were used by First People to treat wounds as a poultice. The white gum was applied over insect stings, bites, and spider envenomations. The root infusion was used for kidney ailments and the dried leaves were infused for stomach problems. Native Americans also used the white sap of the plant to treat poison ivy; ringworm and many other skin problems. The boiled root decoction was also used externally for edema and ringworm and internally for congestive heart failure and kidney disorders. The Eclectics used dried and powdered milkweed root in a tea for asthma and as a mild sedative. According to Duke and Foster in Peterson’s Field Guide to Medicinal Plants, p. 154, the plant is considered "dangerous and contraceptive".

CAUTION: Root decoction may me emetic; may stimulate the heart; and a few people may get allergic reactions from the milky sap.

Modern Uses: Homeopathic preparations are used for treating many ailments to include edema; dropsy; dysmenorrhea (as an emmenagogue). Asclepias curassavica L. from China is used to disperse fever (clears heat); to improve blood circulation and to control bleeding. The entire plant is dried and decocted as a cardiac tonic. Other Chinese formulations are used for tonsillitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, urethritis, externally for wounds. Calotropin from Asclepias inhibits human nasopharyngeal tumors (source did not say whether this effect was in vivo, or in vitro, so take that with a grain of salt). According to Herbalist Michael Moore the dried gum may be chewed in small portions to treat dry cough, as an expectorant, the bitterness stimulates saliva flow, a potential sialogogue (see Acorus calamus root).

Chemistry: Contains a cardiac glycosides (cardiac steroids) cardenolide glycosides called alpha asclepiadin and beta asclepiadin; beta sitosterol. Seed oil is 53% linoleic acid; but just 1% lenolenic acid two essential fatty acids. There is some nicotine in the sprouts as well as asclepiadin, sitosterol, amyrin and tannins.

Resin may be collected from leaves and stems. Cut and collect working your way down from the top of the plant. For example, cut leaf stem or stem near top of plant then scrape off white resin; when this wound drys and skins over cut a bit further down; and collect resin; Collected resin will oxidize and dry in a glass or stainless collecting dish. Stir or turn it occasionally for thorough drying. This process does not kill the plant as long as you leave enough growth for it to survive.

Notes: Seed fiber and seed hair was used as life jacket batting. Fragrant flowers are sweet, a potential source of sugar. I transplanted three varieties of domestic milkweed to my garden s I could watch them parade their striking beauty year around. My daughter uses the milky latex of the leaves and stems to glue paper. The strong, fibrous stems can be made into cordage and the pulp of plant may be chopped, shredded, boiled and prepared into paper.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: The plants are exotic looking in a garden context. They attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. With luck you will soon see Monarch caterpillars crawling over the leaves.

Butterfly milkweed, Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa L.)  (Photo)

Description: A perennial plant of the milkweed family that grows to thirty inches. Flowers are orange, numerous, on panicles at the top of the flower stem. The tuberous root is grooved along its length and has root hairs. Leaves are alternate, hairless, oblong, and deep green. This milkweed does not have the latex found in other species.

Location: Much of North America, in the East north of the Mason Dixon Line and in the Four Corners area of the West and into Canada. Common garden ornamental.

Traditional Uses: This is a premier Native American expectorant medicine. The root was used in decoction for treating pleurisy, bronchitis, antispasmodic, gastritis, influenza, pneumonia, colds and asthma. It was used to reduce fever by causing perspiration. Also used to treat uterine disorders (dysmenorrhea), therefore contraindicated for pregnant women. The external use of the mashed root as a poultice, or the mashed root in infusion was indicated for treating snakebites, bruises, rheumatism, wounds and weeping ulcers. Dried leaf poultice was wrapped around snakebites.

Modern Uses: The medicinal properties of the plant are untested and unproven. It is still used by Native Americans and Herbalists but has not been properly tested in double blind, placebo controlled, randomized studies.

Chemistry: Cardioactive steroids: frugoside, glucofrugoside, coriglaucigenin.

CAUTION: Never to be used during pregnancy. High dose of extraction is emetic.

Notes: Another attractive and fragrant bee, butterfly and hummingbird magnet—put it in your garden. Start from whole plants or rootstock.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L.)   (Photo)

Description: There are numerous varieties all somewhat similar. It is a perennial vine on a woody stem climbing to thirty feet or more. It has longitudinal striated bark when mature. Leaves are alternate, with petioles, serrated with fine hair on both the top and bottom, but underside of leaf is hairier. Leaf blades have bumps called floral nectaries. Flowers are single, striking to five inches in width.

Location: Climbing vine of open areas and the forest edge. Most species tropical or subtropical, will grow in a temperate garden. Worldwide distribution, numerous species, across 7 climactic zones. Often introduced. Found wild in the southeast United States.

Food: As a tea, an infusion with mild sedative properties. Fresh fruit may be eaten raw or juiced or made into a beverage. Mexicans mix with cornmeal or flour and eat it as a gruel. Leaves have been eaten by Native Americans. Typically, leaves are par boiled and pan fried in vegetable oil or animal fat. First

Traditional Uses: Fresh or dried aerial parts or whole dried used in infusion as mild sedative. Also used to treat nervousness and insomnia—a sleep aid. Antispasmodic effect of infusion is a gastrointestinal aid. People used the infusion of crushed root for treating earache. They also pounded root, and applied the mass as a poultice on inflamed contusions, boils and cuts. The root water of the plant was mixed with Lye treated corn and used to wean babies. The tisane was considered a blood purifier for many tribes. Pioneers used the whole plant with epsom salts as a sedative bath. Root tea an aerial parts tea used for treating hemorrhoids.

Modern Uses: As above. In animal studies, infusion was reported as sedative, antispasmodic, and inhibited motility of organisms. Commission E approved for treating nervousness and insomnia. Use as an anti-depressive and for treating hysteria is unproven.

Dosage: One teaspoon of dried, cut and sifted herb infused with 150 ml of water for at least ten minutes. One to five ratio (grams of dried herb to ml water) for treating hemorrhoids. Daily dosage not to exceed 4-8 grams of herb, three times per day.

Chemistry: Flavonoids, volatile oil, traces of cyanogenic glycosides (less than .1%).

Notes: Plant will tolerate some sun. In a temperate zone plant the seeds on the east side of home to provide protection from afternoon sun. Doctrine of Signatures suggests that this sensual looking plant is an aphrodisiac.

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.; P. major; P. maritima L.)  (Photo)

Description: Several varieties are found across the United States. The difference is in the leaves, P. major’s leaves are broad, ovate and P. lanceolata’s leaves arenarrow and lance shaped. And Plantago maritima has are narrower, almost linear, and is found along the West Coast, often submerged during high tide. The green flowers of all three are born on terminal spikes.

Location: These common plants are found on open ground, waste land, edges of fields and roads, lawns. Plantago maritima as mentioned is found in the upper tidal zone.

Food: In the spring, I pluck whole leaves from my garden and yard and chop them into salads or saute them with wild leeks, nettles, dandelions and watercress. Summer and autumn leaves need to be torn from the tough mid leaf vein (rib) before entering into salads.

Traditional Uses: The flowering heads may be stripped off between thumb and forefinger into hot water to form mucilaginous drink for treating constipation. A few folks believe this plant when crushed and applied is a good antidote or treatment of poison ivy. Native Americans chewed the leaves mixing in saliva and Defensin to provide an antiseptic and immune stimulating poultice to be applied to wounds, scrapes, cuts, bruises. It is styptic, stopping blood flow. Simply chew the plantain leaf and fix it in place over the wound. Defensin is a chemical in our mouth that is antibiotic and immune stimulating. Digestive enzymes in our mouth are also weakly anti-microbial. Lotions and ointments used to treat hemorrhoids skin fistulae and ulcers. Tea is diuretic, decongestant, expectorant. May be helpful in diarrhea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, laryngitis and urinary tract bleeding. Acubin increases uric acid excretion by kidneys and may be helpful in treating gout.

Modern Uses: Commission E reports that P. lanceolata extract from the fresh plant may fight colds (4 grams of herb to cup boiling water), may alleviate symptoms of bronchitis and cough, an may reduce fever. It is approved for treating inflammation of pharynx and mouth; and for skin inflammations. Typically, a dose is three to six grams of the fresh whole herb (aerial parts when in bloom) added to a cup of water just off the boil. Let cool, then drink. This beverage may be taken three or four times a day. Also used in respiratory tract infections and is considered antibacterial.

Chemistry: Iridoid: aucubin; flavonoid apigenin; mucilage, tannins, citric acid, oxalic acid, and saponins.

Notes: Humans have chewed the leaves and applied the masticated mass over wounds. Plantago seeds of India and Africa are dried and used as a bulking laxative. Plantago ovata is a constituent of Metamucil.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)  (Photo)

Description: Spreading succulent that sprawls through garden. Thick fleshy and shiny leaves, ovate. Stems many branched. Small inconspicuous flower.

Location: Gardens and waste ground from coast to coast.

Food: Purslane is a common garden plant, an alien creeper, with ovate leaves, thick and succulent. It may be eaten right off the ground, put in salads, chopped into soup. The payoff is Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Native Americans ate the leaves as a raw or cooked vegetable. It was also boiled in soups and with meats. Try it chopped in salads or in salad dressing even turkey stuffing. Native Americans ate raw with meat and green chiles. Can be dried and reconstituted as a winter food.

Traditional Uses: Used as a poultice, a skin lotion. Used whole plant in decoction to treat worms. Juice used to treat earaches. Juice of whole plant considered a tonic. Antidote to unspecified herbal toxins. Infusion of leaf stems used to stem diarrhea. Mashed plant as poultice over burns and bruises. Decoction of whole plant considered an antiseptic wash. Eaten to alleviate stomachache.

Modern Uses: Essential fatty acids may help prevent inflammatory conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Preparation is found in a few commercially available skin lotions.

Chemistry: Omega 3 fatty acids

Preparation: I add the succulent leaves to salads and encourage this plant to grow in my garden. It is a natural and tasty way to get Omega 3 fatty acids into your diet.

Pokeweed, Poke Salad (Phytolacca americana L.)   (Photo)

Description: A smooth skinned plant with purple stems when mature, to ten feet tall, but more typically five feet. Stems are hollow and usually marked with grooves. The root is long and thick. Leaves are ovate-lanceolate, alternate, from five to ten inches in length, with entire margins. When rubbed leaves provide a musty scent. Flowers are on racemes, with a calyx but no corolla. Berries are purplish to black when ripe.

Location: From the Missouri River east to the coast and south to the Gulf. Found on waste ground, fields, roadsides, gardens.

Food: The young shoots of this plant are edible in the spring. The leaves should be boiled in a change of water. Avoid poke once the stem and leaf petioles have started to turn purple. The lectin content rises as the plant matures. Cooking destroys some of the lectins, and digestive juices get others, but...Be careful! Your window of opportunity is short. This is an excellent tasting green. If you are not certain, you can find these greens canned and commercially available. Stems when young and tender may be blanched and pickled. One of my students eats pokeweed rather late into the season, and has reported eating them with the flower buds on. She also confessed to their potent cathartic activity. Seeds, berries and roots are toxic. Cherokee made a drink of crushed ripe berries that were mixed with sour grapes, sweetened, then strained and blended with powdered cornmeal. The leaves contain three times as much Vitamin C as a lemon and are mineral rich.

CAUTION: Berries are toxic and more than ten berries may be harmful to an adult according to FIRST EDITION: Herbal Monograph P.1030-1031 PDR for Herbal Medicine, Medical Economics Company, Montvale, NJ.

Traditional Uses: Native Americans traditionally used the root poultice over rheumatoid joints. Berries were made into tea for rheumatic conditions. Berry tea was also used to treat dysentery. Infusion of root used for eczema, ulcerated wounds, and to reduce swelling. Dried and powdered roots spread over cuts and sores. Plant used as a proven laxative and emetic. Decoction mixed with other plants and taken as a blood purifier and stimulant (see Moerman, p. 397). Infusion of root and branches used in Sweat Lodge to produce steam that is considered antirheumatic. Root was pounded and mixed with grease and applied to bunions.

Modern Uses: The plant parts are reported as purgative and anti-arthritic. Antiviral proteins in leaves have been indicated as a possible treatment for cancer and viral infections. Homeopathic doses are available for rheumatism, inflammations of the mammary glands and respiratory tract, infections and fevers. Root saponins are emetic and the root has demonstrated an immune enhancing effect.

Chemistry: Phytolaccine (alkaloid); triterpene saponins (phytolaccatoxin); lignins: caffeic acid, americanine; histamine, various lectins collected as pokeweed mitogens; cyanidins: phytolaccanin (betanin). Sugars, polysaccharides: saccharose (cyclitol).

Notes: Overdose leads to diarrhea, respiratory distress, hypotension, dizziness, thirst, tachycardia, vomiting and if the dose is high enough acute spasm and death. Berries are particularly toxic to children and the ingestion of just one berry by a child is cause for concern. Given that, berries are used by the food industry as a coloring. Traditional people used the berries as a dye. In Appalachia, the root is brought into root cellars, placed in a trough, covered with dirt, watered to induce growth, and the new edible shoots are eaten.

Pokeberry purge: One controversial therapy I heard of requires taking one berry to start a cleansing process, then take one additional berry each day for twenty or twenty one days (twenty one berries on the last day). I'm not interested. Too risky! Knowing me, I would end up with 21 days of diarrhea or worse? A fruit juice fast is more to my liking.

Description: A perennial with thick rhizome with a basal rosette of leaves. Yellow flowers with five petals and five sepals are on long pedicles (petioles) and grow from the stem nodes. Up to one inch wide but typically smaller. Oval to round fruit that is grooved over the backside. Leaves are paired, glossy, white haired beneath and fresh green on top.

Location: Found on waste ground, roadsides, edges of woods.

Traditional Uses: Native Americans used roots in decoction to treat diarrhea, pain, and to reduce external swellings…Also as a stimulant and tonic. Pulverized and cold infusion of root used for washing sores and as a treatment for gonorrhea.

Modern Uses: Preparations of the whole leaves and flowers are approved by Commission E for internal use to treat diarrhea, mouth and pharynx inflammations, and Premenstrual Syndrome.

Chemistry: Flavonoids including quercitrin; tannins to include ellagitannins; coumarins including scopoletin and umbelliferone.

Notes: I see this plant frequently when hiking but have never used it. In a pinch, I would use the aerial parts in infusion to stem diarrhea, i.e. should I contract the malady in our northern climes where the plant is abundant.

Description: Five sepaled yellow flowers in terminal cymes (clusters). Sepals are marked with numerous glands. Five petaled blossoms have numerous stamens fused into three bundles. Cylindrical seeds are one to three mm long, black or brown, covered with small wart-like markings. Stem is reddish and erect and may grow to four feet. Leaves are ovate, attached at the base and covered by glands. NOTE: Hold the leaves toward the sun and you will see the glands, they appear as small perforations in the leaf.

Location: Roadsides, waste ground, fields, prairies across the United States. Numerous garden varieties.

Traditional Uses: Whole plant decoction to induce abortions by promoting menstruation. Parts used are fresh and dried flowers, buds and leaves. Topical applications rubbed on sores, may have antiviral, antibacterial and wound healing activity. Also, considered anti-inflammatory,

Antibacterial, antiviral, antidiarreal and astringent. Traditionally used for over 2000 years (initially in Greece to drive out evil spirits). Flower infusion or flower tincture used. Said to calm nerves, may relieve insomnia, may boost mood, dispel lethargy, like a nervine, reduces nervous tension internally, tea used as a treatment for PMS premenstrual syndrome treatment. Tea, standardized capsule and tincture also used to, sciatica, anxiety, shingles, fibrositis. Chewed root considered a snakebite remedy. Crushed leaves and flowers stuffed in nose to stem nosebleed.

Modern Uses: To treat mild to moderate depression, several studies in Europe show the benefit of this herb, as a standardized extract of 0.3% hypericin, 300mg, three times a day, comparable in anti-depressant effect to a drug standard of Imipramine. CAUTION: Not to be used to treat severe depression or bi-polar depression. A new study suggests a 5% hyperforin extract of the plant showed a slight increase in cognitive function. Other trials suggest that the drug can combat fatigue, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, help with weight loss and attenuate menopausal symptoms. One study showed it relieved some forms of atopic dermatitis, but was no more effective than placebo for treating major depression. It may work better than Fluoxetine in treating depression (see Fava, et. al.. A double blind randomized trial of St, John’s wort… J. Clinical Psychopharmocology 2005;25(5):441…)

External infusion of flowers and leaves is used as a cooling, astringent, anti-infective agent, wound healing infection fighter, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, promotes healing, antiseptic, analgesic, externally as poultice or wash for infections, healing burns, bruises, sprains, tendonitis, sprains, neuralgia, cramps. In vitro studies show a wide spread anti-microbial activity against: influenza, herpes simplex I and II, retrovirus, polio virus, sindbis virus, murine cytomegalovirus, hepatitis C, and against gram negative and gram positive bacteria. It appears exposure to ultra violet light potentiates anti-microbial activity.

Chemistry: hypericin and pseudohypericin are quinones. They are red pigmented and have antidepressant activity, and are antiviral (in vitro), anti-cancer (in vitro) antidepressant, used in AIDS research. Xanthones: (in flowers) cardiotonic, diuretic, antibacterial, antiviral, MAO inhibitor. Tannins: (leaves and flowers) styptic, anti diarrhea for external and internal bleeding, dry and bind skin. Coumarins: (throughout plant) umbelliferone and scopoletin anti-fungal, antiviral and in vitro anti-tumor. Essential oils: monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes (highest in plant leaves and flowers just at flowering) calming, sedating, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-asthma, for headaches, anti-fungal. Bioflavonoids include: quercitrin, isoquercitrin, rutin, biapegenin. Bioflavonoids as a family and individually are MAO inhibitors and antioxidants. Also contains proanthocyanidin, a vasorelaxant, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-ulcer (specifically amentoflavone is sedative, anti-ulcer). Beta-sitosterol is anti-PMS, anti-menopausal symptoms. Also contains numerous acids: p-coumaric, ferulic, gentisic, chlorogenic, isoferulic. In addition there are carotenoids, umbelliferones, xanthones, Vit C, tannins and amino acids. Carotenoids are implicated for wound healing properties. GABA. a neurotransmitter, may have sedative effects.

Standardized Over the Counter dietary supplement Dosage is one 250 mg standardized capsule of .3 to .5% hypericin once per day.

Safety: Empirical: Millions of Germans have used the herb with no reported deaths as of the date of this writing. Millions more of North Americans are using it now. It is sold as a dietary supplement. Of 3250 German patients in trials 2.4% reported side effects including gastrointestinal irritation, restlessness and mild allergic reactions. It should not used in conjunction with other psychoactive medications. It appears to be synergistic with serotonin reuptake inhibitors thereby increasing serotonin levels. Use of the supplement may lower activity of simultaneously administered drugs including non-sedating antihistamines, oral contraceptives, certain anti-retrovirals, antiepileptics, calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine, some chemotherapeutics macrolide antibiotics and select antifungals.

Caution: Recent evidence suggests the chronic, long term use (abuse) of Saint John's Wort is undesirable and may have negative health consequences.

It has been discovered, for example, that use of the herb lowers the effectiveness of the cancer fighting drug irinotecan. St. John's Wort contains the active compounds hypericin and hyperforin that induce cytochrome P 450 to increase the rate of breakdown (metabolism) of irinotecan causing a 40% decline in the anticancer drug's activity (20).

WARNING: Purchase prepared products after consultation with your healthcare professional. Animal studies show the plant to cause photo dermatitis, a photoallergic reaction. Phototoxicity was demonstrated in humans in doses twice that of typical antidepressant dosage. Once again, consult a physician before using the drug (supplement). Do not use with sleep aids, sleeping pills, seserpine (antagonistic to it), or barbiturates.

Notes: I have used both a decoction and tincture of the whole plant to treat psoriasis with no success. Only use this herb under the care of a holistic healthcare practitioner.

Heal All, Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris L.)  (Photo)

Description: Blue to violet bract of flowers clustered in a whorl at the end of the square stem. Stem, when young, is erect and may fall and creep. Plants are typically six to ten inches in height. Leaves ovate to lance shaped, margins are dentate to entire, and opposite.

Location: Found on waste ground, lawns, edges of fields and margins of woods nationwide.

Food: According to Moerman, Native American Ethonobotany, p. 439, Cherokee cooked and ate small leaves. Thompson First People made a cold infusion of the aerial parts and drank this as a common beverage.

Traditional Uses: Documented use by the Chinese for over 2200 years, Selfheal was used for liver complaints and improving the function of the liver. The whole plant is used in infusion to stimulate the liver and gallbladder and promote healing. It is considered alterative, capable of changing the course of a chronic disease.

Modern Uses: Still used in this country internally to treat excessive menstruation and externally to treat burns, cuts, sores and sore throat. Whole plant is infused and gargled for ulcers of the mouth and throat. The tea is made with one teaspoon of the dried whole aerial parts of the plant to a cup of water as a remedy for diarrhea and unspecified gynecological disorders. Consult with a professional holistic health care professional for specific formulations and applications.

Spiderwort, Widow's Tears, Spider plant (Tradescantia virginiana L.; T. occidentalis; T. pinetorum)   (Photo)

Description: Leaves are long, tough, sword-like, smooth with entire margins. Numerous leaves grow from the base (no stem). Flowers are orchid-like, in drooping terminal clusters, deep blue, they open in the morning and close by afternoon. The plant blooms continuously throughout summer. There are at least four species in North America.

Location: In my garden, along railroad right of ways, roadsides, fields and prairies from coast to coast.

Food: Virginiana and occidentalis are eaten. Tender shoots of spring are eaten raw or cooked. Flowers are edible throughout year, pick in morning before they wilt. Try them in salads, stir fry, or right off the plant. Flowers may be dipped in egg white and coated with powdered sugar.

Traditional Uses: Virginiana root tea was used as a laxative, for female kidney disorders and stomach problems Crushed and smashed aerial parts of plant used as a poultice over insect bites, stings, and to bind wounds. Aerial infusion also used to treat stomachache. Native American and Pioneers used the crushed plant as a poultice to treat cancer. Occidentalis tea was used as a diuretic. This plant infused is said to be an aphrodisiac.

Modern Uses: Flowers have health protecting flavonoids that may lower blood pressure (hypotensive), and are diuretic, and may improve distal circulation. There is little or no modern evidence of the use of this Medieval drug. The mucilaginous consistency of the young shoots, when eaten may help alleviate sinus and bronchial spasms, as well as be soothing to a sore throat (all unproven).

Chemistry: Bioflavonoids, Chlorophyll, anthocyanidins in flower.

Notes: Flowers open in morning, wilt by afternoon, and turn into a jelly-like mass by evening. Hairy stamens of flower have large rows of thin-walled cells in a chainlike pattern. The flowing cytoplasm and nuclei of these cells can be easily seen under a microscope. The tough leaves of this plant can be used for binding wounds, and woven into cordage. The Mixteca tribe of Mexico bound Cortez’s thigh wound with this plant, and are credited for saving his life—too bad (and shame on me). As a garden perennial this plants gives and gives and gives.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Occidentalis and pinetorum were fed to livestock to induce breeding (aphrodisiac). Cold infusion of same plant used to treat "deer infection" and unspecified Native American disease believed to be contracted from animals. Plants are said to be an insect repellents (unproven by this author).

Wild Yam Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa; D. composita Hemsl)  (Photo)

Description: Sprawling, climbing perennial vine with a reddish brown stem that may grow to thirty-five feet. Leaves are typically alternate, broadly ovate, to heart shaped, smooth on top and hairy underneath (pubescent). Flowers are small, greenish-yellow. Male flowers are drooping, female flowers, also drooping and raceme like. The root and rhizome are the parts used, rhizome is pale brown, a twisted tuberous cylinder.

.Location: It grows in my garden, and can be found from Canada to the Southern United States. It withstands tropical, subtropical and temperate conditions.

Food: Used in Chinese medicinal soups. Add about 20 grams of the sliced, dried root available in Chinese supermarkets and Chinese drug stores. Simmer in chicken stock, add vegetables, meat and garlic…Serve. Tubors are bitter and considered toxic, but Chinese uses challenge that contention. Be careful.

Traditional Uses: Meskwaki used the decoction of the root as an analgesic for birthing pain and post partem pain. Dried Wild yam (Dioscorea) root slices are taken with Polygonatum (Solomon seal root) to treat dysmenorrhea (Traditional Chinese Medicine).

Modern Uses: Diosgenin from wild yam(a breakdown component of dioscin) was the model material for the birth control pill. Japanese scientists also developed corticosteroid compounds from the root starter material. DHEA and other hormones and hormone starter materials are fabricated from the phytosterols in the root of wild yam. Traditionally, indigenous people of South America used the root pain of menstruation, labor (ovarian pain). Also used for arthritis, digestive aid and muscle cramping. Has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-arthritis, warming and diuretic properties. Tea has been prescribed by Naturapaths for irritable bowel syndrome. Tincture for arthritis. Root is decocted and taken for chronic fatigue, nocturnal emissions, neurasthenia (similar to chronic fatigue) insomnia, neurosis, and for feelings of inadequacy. Commercially prepared drug is taken for leukorrhea, the whitish viscid discharge from the vagina. Externally as a poultice it is applied to abscesses, boils, and skin sores.

Caution: Not for people with high blood pressure or constipation. Check with your holistic healthcare practitioner. Do not take during pregnancy without a physician’s guidance.

Chemistry: phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, saponins dioscin, polysaccharides, phenolic compound tannin and various alkaloids.

Preparation and dose: Chopped root is made into tea or tinctured in 30-40% alcohol. One teaspoon of chopped root to a cup of boiling water. Take as prescribed by your holistic healthcare practitioner. Tincture: 100 grams of dried chopped root to a half liter of 30-40% alcohol (60-80 proof). See Andrew Chevallier, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, Reader’s Digest Books for more information reference page 291.

Notes: The plant once started in your garden is difficult to eradicate, it will raise its head here there and everywhere. Grow it along a wall or fence, it make an unusually attractive cover.

Description: Shrub-like growth that is spreading, crooked, tangled, tortured and covered with horrible thorns. Plant grows to ten feet. Wood has sweet odor. Dinner plate sized maple-like leaves with seven to nine sharp pointed leaves that are armed underneath with thorns. Club like flower head has white flowers grouped in a compact terminal head. Berries are shiny bright red, and flattened.

Location: Found in seepage sites and along stream banks in Coastal mountains and along West Coast. Also, in moist low lying forested areas and old avalanche tracks. Typically at low altitude, but in Canada it may grow to treeline.

Food: Not often eaten as food, berries considered inedible. According to Moerman (Native american Ethnobotany) spring buds boiled and eaten by Oweekeno tribe.

Traditional Uses: Related to ginseng, the roots, berries, and especially greenish inner bark are used. The plant is one of the most important medicinal plants of West Coast First People and is still used in rituals and medicine. Berries are rubbed into hair to kill lice and put a shine on the hair. Inner bark chewed raw as purgative and emetic or taken with hot water for the same purpose. Inner bark also infused or decocted to treat stomach and bowel cramps. The decoction of fresh or dried inner is used to treat arthritis, stomach ulcers and other unspecified illnesses of the digestive system. Root, leaves and stems are added to hot baths to treat rheumatism, arthritis. The cooked and shredded root bark is used as a poultice for many skin conditions. Stem decoction used for reducing fever. Tea from inner bark used for treating diabetes, a common ailment in Aboriginal people who eat a carbohydrate rich Western diet. Dried root mixed with tobacco and smoked to treat headache. Infusion of crushed stems used as a blood purifier. Stem ashes and oil used on skin ailments. Decoction of inner bark used to treat colds. Traditional use as a abortifacient disproved.

Modern Uses: As mentioned the plant continues to be used by Native Americans in traditional ways. German clinical trials show the plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Animal studies show methanolic extract of roots reduces blood pressure and heart rate (see Circosta et al. Part 2. Cardiovascular activity. J. Ethnopharmocol 1994;72:1532)..

Chemistry: Root rich in polysaccharides, phytosterols, steroidal saponins, harpagoside, harpagide.

Notes: Northwest tribes carved fishing lures from the thorny wood.. They burned Devil’s Club, then mixed the ashes with grease to make a black face paint that was said to give a warrior supernatural power. Bella Coola used the spiny sticks as protective charms. The scraped bark was boiled with grease to make dye. Native Americans hunters sponge a decoction of the plant’s bark over their body to remove human odor.

Description: Evergreen, broadleaf tree growing along the seacoast of the Northwest. Young bark is chartreuse and smooth, whole. Older bark is dark brown to red and peeling. Evergreen leaves are alternate, oval, seven inches long, shiny, dark green above, lighter, whitish green beneath, hairless and leathery. White flowers that are urn shaped to three inches long in large drooping clusters. Fruit is an orange red berry about a ½ inch across, its skin is granular.

Location: Typically found in coastal areas of northern California, Oregon, offshore islands of Washington and British Columbia. Typically dry, sunny areas with a sea exposure.

Food: Vancouver Salish used reddish bark in decoction when cooking to dye edible camas bulbs pink. Berries have been eaten, but little documentation. Berries were cooked before eating. Also, they were stored after steaming, drying and reconstituted in hot water before eating. Berries were smashed and made into a cider like drink. Cider claimed by Miwok as an appetite stimulant and said to resolve upset stomach. Berries are also dried and stored for later use.

Traditional Uses: Saanich and other nations used bark and leaves for treating colds, tuberculosis, to treat stomach problems and as a post partum contraceptive. Decoctions of plant were also used as an emetic (Concow nation), which belays one from imbibing nonchalantly. Leaves were used by Cowichan of Northwest as a burn treatment, dressing. Leaf infusion used to treat stomach ulcers. Also, leaves were eaten off tree for relieving cramps. Chewed leaves said to relieve sore throat (chew, swallow juice, but don't swallow leaves). Leaf infusion used by Skokomish to treat colds and treat ulcers. Bark infusion was used to treat diarrhea. Bark decoction used for washing sores, wounds, impetigo, said to be astringent. Bark decoction also used as a gargle for sore throat according to Pomo and Kashaya. Karok used leaves in puberty ceremony.

Modern Uses: No longer studied.

Chemistry: Undocumented.

Notes: Perhaps my favorite tree of the Northwest. The wood was used to make canoes, and the berries are used as steelhead trout bait. Berries were also dried and used as beads when making bracelets and necklaces.

Veterinarian: Livestock eat flowers, as do many wild animals. Leaves are eaten by cows. Infusion of leaves and bark was used by native Americans to relieve sore muscles in horses.

Angelica (Angelica sinensis; A. atropurpurea; A. archangel L.)   (Photo)

Description: Angelica atropurpurea is a tall biennial to nine feet. It has a thick, erect, purple stem. Large compound leaves are divided into three to five leaflets with hollow petioles. Upper leaves are sheathed as they emerge, sheath remains around the petioles. Greenish-white flowers are in umbrella like clusters.

Location: Found in wet lowlands, along streams and rivers in the northern tier of states, typically east of the Mississippi. 

Food: In Chinese cuisine, Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) root slices may be added to stir fry or soups My favorite eye opener and "lip flapper" is a Yin and Yang Cordial . Preparation: Combine 100 grams of Angelica sinensis root (typically purchased at an Oriental Supermarket or drug store) with 100 grams of whole Ginseng root, add this to a half liter of Peppermint Schnapps. Saponins (phytosterols) including phytoestrogens are drawn from the roots into the schnapps. It takes at least three weeks to get a good tincture. I use the cordial as an aperitif. According to Meuninck folklore, this preparation balancesYin and yang and boosts energy.

Traditional Uses: Sinensis and purpurea are used differently in Oriental and Western traditions and there may be minor chemical differences too. Unless indicated, uses described next are for A. sinensis, which may be purchased from www.herbs.com as seed, or as dried roots from health food stores and Oriental markets. The root is considered a warming tonic. It is the number one female herb in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, and is used to treat menstrual cramps and may improve scanty menstrual flow. As an antispasmodic it is reported helpful in reducing angina. Like other Umbelliferes (family name) angelica has calcium channel blockers, similar to the drugs used to treat angina. According to Chinese practitioners Angelica improves peripheral circulation to distal parts of body as well.

TIP: Other useful arrhythmia foods include celery, garlic, carrots and fennel. These foods may help resolve intestinal colic and may improve digestion.

Native Americans used A. atropurpurea root decoctions to treat rheumatism, chills and fevers, flatulence, and as a gargle for sore throat. Often used in Sweat Lodge for treating arthritis, headaches, frostbite and hypothermia. Externally, the root was smashed and applied as a poultice to relieve pain.

Modern Uses: German holistic health care professionals prescribe three teaspoons of dried herb infused into water to treat heartburn and indigestion. Also used by European professionals for treating colic. Before use, consult with a Naturapathic physician for professional advice.

Chemistry: Angelica sinensis: calcium channel blockers, ligustilide m n-butylidenphthalide, n-butylphthalide, sedanonic acid, safrol, p-cymene, carvacrol. Volatile oil consisting among others of beta-phellandrene. Also, lactones, coumarins and flavonoids as in A. archangelica.

Angelica archangelica: coumarins including angelicin, osthenol, umbelliferone, osthole, archangelicin, bergapten and ostruthol. Flavonoids: phytoestrogens, archangelenone, volatile oil of root includes limonene, borneol, alpha-pinene and lactones.

Notes: Although Angelica has been prescribed for psoriasis I have had no luck with it. The idea is to eat the angelica to get psoralens, which increase your sensitivity to UV light. After spending ten minutes in the sun the UV light/psoralen interaction may stop cell division in the skin. Self-administering psoralens and subsequent exposure to light can be phototoxic and carcinogenic. See Aloe for a benign treatment of this affliction.

Description: A perennial that grows aquatically in bogs. The rhizome is a ½ in thick. Leaves form three leaflets (bean-like) that sheath the stem, leaves are fleshy, ovate from ½ to an inch long, with entire margins. Flowers are found in clusters above long stout stems; they are white, frilly, with long white hairs, overall: reddish-white to purplish pink, numerous on racemes, funnel shaped, each with five petals, the corolla is fused with five tips. Fruit is an buoyant, oval capsule. Herb is strongly bitter and flowers are odiferous.

Location: Located in bogs, marshes, ponds, lake shores, and fens, coast to coast in northern tier of states to Alaska.

Food: In Alaska Aleuts bitter roots are dried ground, thoroughly washed in water, dried again and pounded into flour for making break, cakes, waffles, muffins. Unprepared root is also eaten, but only in desperation—catch my drift?

Traditional Uses: Folk traditions in Europe used the tea to treat fever and digestive problems. Germans and French used the plant to prevent or treat scurvy. Native American used the root infusion to treat constipation, as a tonic and for rheumatism. Decoction of the whole plant including roots to prevent vomiting. Leaf tea taken in ample amounts may induce catharsis, vomiting and to expel worms from the intestine. As a poultice the plant was duly placed to heal wounds. There is evidence they used the leaf and root decoction to increase evidence, much as the plant is still used today.

Modern Uses: The dried herb infusion is Commission E approved for treating dyspepsia and loss of appetite. Chinese practitioners use the herb to treat gout, scabies, ear-ache, fever headache, fever and amenorrhea. The plant is a silagogue and antimicrobial in vitro.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Deer, moose and other ungulates wade bogs and forage on the green rhizomes.

Description: Vaccinium oxycossus is a evergreen dwarf shrub that is low lying and creeps through bogs on slender stems, occasionally rising to five to fifteen inches. The bark is hairy to smooth and brown to black in color. Pink flowers are nodding, with petals sharply bent backwards like Shootingstars. Flowers are either solitary or in couplets, rarely three. Fruit color ranges from pink to red, depending on ripeness. Small berries are juicy and very tart.

Location: Found hidden along the floor of sphagnum bogs, hummocks at low elevations to six or seven thousand feet, including wet alpine meadows. They are widespread in acid bog habitats in the upper tier of states from coast to coast.

Food: You’ve tried it with turkey, now try it in your favorite apple crisp recipe, add black walnuts and invite me over. Cranberries also spark up persimmon pudding.

Traditional Uses: The berries and berry juice were used as therapy for urinary tract infections—reported to acidify urine. Claims suggest it helps remove kidney stones. Also the juice was used to treat bladder infections and to prevent recurrence of urinary stones. It is antiscorbutic (has vitamin C) and prevents scurvy.

Modern Uses: A study showed drinking the juice may prevent adhesion of Escherichia coli to gut lining and bladder lining. Cranberry extract may provide an anti-adhesion activity that inhibits colonization of E. coli on the surface of the urinary tract. A bacterium must attach to a surface in your body to multiply and induce disease. Sixteen ounces of cranberry juice was shown to be 73% effective against urinary tract infections in one study. Cranberry juice also functions as a urine acidifier: With the help of intestinal bacteria it transforms benzoic acid and quinic acid to urinary Hippuric acid. Cranberries and cranberry juice is used to decrease odor and degradation of urine in incontinent patients. In one small study 305 grams of cooked cranberries was effective in decreasing pH from 6.4 to 5.3. In other tests, as much as four liters of juice showed little effect on pH. However, there is evidence that using the juice with antibiotics may help suppress urinary tract infections.

The required amount of cranberries or cranberry extract to treat bladder infections and stones has not been established. Personally, I have taken one ounce of the 100% extract in a five to one water dilution and have effectively reduced the odor of my urine and relieved a urinary tract infection. Of course, this may or may not work for you. Seek consultation from your holistic health care professional.

Chemistry: Fruit extract contains Alpha D-mannopyranoside, vitamin C...Catechin, anthocyanins, flavonol glycosides, triterpenoids, citric, malic and quinic acids. Polyphenolic and flavonoid: Procyanidins, leucocyanin, leucondelphinin, flavonol glucosides.

Notes: There is a couple cranberry bogs in my neighborhood. In October, the berries ripen. I dry them in a food dryer or cook them fresh. And I pop a few on the hoof as I peruse the boardwalk through the bog. They are tart and have many benefits. A popular over-the-counter cranberry cocktail juice contains too much sugar. It is prudent to take cranberry extract in pill form or buy pure 100% cranberry juice concentrate and sweeten very little. Blueberries and bilberries also have anthocyanins that are proven effective against E. coli infections. Cranberries are gathered in the autumn, in late October or early November, about the same time you would pick persimmons.

Description: Perennial iris to about three feet in height with erect stems and sword shaped leaves. Stems typically have a gray-blue tint and are flat. Flower is orchid like (irregular) blue to violet.

Location: Found in damp marshes, fens, bogs, along streams and the edges of lakes. It transplants to the garden and is resplendent.

Food: Not edible.

CAUTION: Overdose of Blue Flag may induce vomiting. Never use this plant during pregnancy. Plant juice is a skin and digestive irritant.

Traditional Uses: The poisonous rhizome was prized by Native Americans as a purgative: emetic, cathartic and diuretic. Decoction of root used to treat sores and wounds. Used internally to treat colds, cholera and earache. Algonquin applied smashed roots to burns and used smashed roots as a poultice for wounds. Chippewa poulticed the root over swellings and sores, and applied the same over scrofulous sores as a result of Tuberculosis. Root decoction also used for arthritis and kidney disorders. Malecite infused iris with bulrush as a gargle for sore throat. Other tribes mixed smashed root with flour and applied it to painful areas. The Omaho tribe would masticate a root hair, dip it in water and let the resultant juice drip into the ear to treat earache. According to Moerman (see Native American Ethnobotany) the plant was a panacea, good for every complaint.

Modern Uses: Naturapaths use homeopathic concentrations from the rhizome and root hairs to increase urination and bile production and as a mild laxative. Blue flag is given in homeopathic doses to treat indigestion and skin problems related to liver and gall bladder disease. The herb stimulates these organs cleansing the body and is said to relieve acne, eczema and other skin disorders related to constipation induced by gall bladder insufficiency. Also, used to treat headaches and respiratory disorders. A few believe it to be a weight loss aid.

Chemistry: Tannins, salicylic and isophthalic acids, oleo resins, triterpenoids, volatile oil irone, trterpenes: iridale; and flavonoids, iris xanthone and magniferin..

Notes: Prior to blooming this wild iris can be confused with edible cattail shoots. Remember cattail stems do not have the gray to blue tint and are rounded instead of flat (see appendix: Meuninck, Basic Essentials of Edible Wild Plants or Herbal Odyssey CD).

Boneset, Thoroughwort (Eupatorium perfoliatum L.)  (Photo)

Description: This perennial herb rises from a hairy horizontal rootstock. Stems and leaves are hairy and rough. Leaves opposite, to seven inches in length, lance shaped, tapering to a point and fused around the stem at the base (indicative). It appears the stem is growing through the leaf. Flowers in a large convex head at the top of the plant. Blossoms are white florets. Fruit is tufted.

Location: Thickets and wetlands, open wet prairies and marshes of eastern United States.

Food: Not edible.

Traditional Uses: Leaf tea was considered and excellent 19th Century break fever remedy for acute infections. Used to treat influenza. Leaf tea was also used to treat colds, malaria, arthritis, painful joints, pneumonia, gout and to induce sweating. Whole aerial parts of plant were applied as a poultice to relieve edema, swellings and tumors. Leaf extract considered to have immune stimulating effect. This Native American cureall was poulticed over bone breaks to help set bones. Taken internally, the infusion of the aerial parts was cathartic and emetic. Infusion also used to treat sore throat. Other uses included: to treat piles, stomach pain, headache, to reduce chills and alleviate urinary problems (See Moerman, Native American Ethnobotany).

Modern Uses: Homeopaths use the micro dose to treat colds, flu and other febrile conditions. The dried and commuted aerial parts of the herb when infused in water are reported to have immunostimulating and are taken to fight colds, infections, flu and other acute infections.

CAUTION: Small doses of herb are laxative and diuretic, whereas larger doses may induce catharsis and vomiting. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids makes this plant potentially dangerous to consume in any form, due to the alkaloids liver destroying capacity. Never to be used without the consultation of a licensed

Chemistry: volatile oils, tannin, resin, wax, flavone glucoside eupatorin. Also, phytosterols: sitosterol, stigmasterol....And sesquiterpene lactones: eupatilin and eupafolin.

Notes: A striking, tall white flower head to add to your garden providing late season beauty.

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Grazing animals have displayed toxicity from eating: symptoms included drooling, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, thirst, loss of muscular control, paralysis and death.

Description: Grows to about two feet from a rhizome. A triangular stem has long sword like leaves arranged in two rows. The entire plant has an intense sweet aroma. Flowers are green cube-like on a club-like spadix. Grows in large colonies.

Location: Found in wetlands, along creeks, marshes, lakes and streams. A particular striking stand is found along the northside of US 12 just east of White Pigeon, Michigan.

Food: Not edible.

Traditional Uses: Sweet flag is considered the number one herb both for medicine and ritual use among Eastern Native American tribes (from a survey of tribal elders). During Sun Dance ceremony, when First People may sing for ten hours or more, they put a piece of Calamus root between cheek and gum to keep their throats moist. The root is a sialagogue, it induces mouth glands secrete juices. Leaf garlands were used by Native Americans as fragrant necklaces and deodorants. Root tea is an appetite stimulant. The aromatic, bitter root was considered a stomach tonic to treat dyspepsia and gastritis. Root chewed for toothache. Considered for centuries to be a fine nervine, sedative, relaxant, the root was traditionally used by pioneers (chewed or in decoction) to treat colds, coughs, fevers, children's colic and congestion. The dried and powdered rhizome was inhales to treat congestion. Considered an antispasmodic,