Herb Guide

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ALFALFA

Alfalfa is a good source of carotene (Vitamin A). It is useful in reducing fevers. Alfalfa is very beneficial to the blood, acting as a blood purifier. Contains natural fluoride, preventing tooth decay and helps rebuild decayed teeth.

ALOE

One of the great healing agents we have among the herbs. Works wonderfully in cleaning out the colon. Gives regular bowel movement. Aloe works well on any kind of sore on the outside of the body. Excellent remedy for piles and hemorrhoids. The slippery gel from a broken leaf helps soothes dry skin, minor burns, sunburn, frostbite, small scratches, and razor nicks. Recent studies confirm that compounds in the gel relieves pain, and contributes to wound and bite healing. Aloe vera is a member of the lily family and there are more than 360 species, most native to Africa.

ANGELICA ROOT

Angelica is an effective remedy to strengthen the heart. Excellent in diseases of the lungs and heart. Regular users of Angelica Root develop a distaste for alcoholic beverages. Also a good remedy for stomach troubles, heartburn, menstrual disorders, fevers, colds, and gas. A member of the carrot family. Add fresh leaves to salads and the stems can be candied to flavor desserts. Fragrant seeds are used in perfumery. American angelica is also called Chocolate Root, as it was once a substitute for cocoa.

ANISE HYSSOP

Fresh or dried, the leaves of the anise hyssop make a tasty hot or iced tea. Mint family, which have about 30 spices native to North and South America and Asia. Anise hyssop was used as a folk remedy for feveres, colds, and coughs. It is also used to flavor tea, cakes, breads, and meat or poultry. The flower spikes dry well for floral arrangements.

ASTRALAGUS

An important Chinese medicinal herb, used especially for its immune enhancing properties. Tonifies the spleen, especially in cases of fatigue. Boosts and tonifies chi. Cardio tonic; lowers blood pressure and blood sugar; improves circulation. It is said to have a beneficial effect on kidneys, liver, and endocrine system. It has been used by athletes for energy reserves, especially in the arms and legs. Also useful in cold climates for keeping the body warm. Used with Ginseng, it works as a total body energizer - both inside and out.

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BAIKAL SCULLCAP

A Chinese medicinal herb prescribed for fevers, colds, hypertension, insomnia, headaches, hepatitis, shingles, and other ailments. Many of its traditional uses are supported by clinical studies. Very showy blue flowers. Height of 15 inches.

BALSAM FIR

The dried needles of the balsam fir retain their fragrance for years and make pleasant sachets for perfurming drawers and closets. The balsam fir is of the pine family. Resin from the bark is used as an antiseptic in hemorroid preparations and root-canal sealers. Leaf tea is a folk medicine for colds and asthma. Branches of the balsam fir are used to make Christmas wreaths.

BASIL

Basil has a pungent flavor that some people say is a cross between licorice and cloves. It is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, essential to such dishes as pesto, spaghetti sauce, pizza, etc. Basil’s Greek name, basileus, means king. Basil is used as a digestive aid and has a slight sedative action.

BEARBERRY

Also known as Kinnikinnick. A member of the heath family. Evergreen shrubs with small leathery leaves and fruit like tiny apples. Tea is made from the dried leaves and is used for short-term remedy of kidney stones and urinary disorders. Long term use could lead to stomach distress and poisoning. Kinnikinnick is the Indian name for Bearberry, who used it as a substitute for tobacco.

BURDOCK

Roots of this common wild plant are said to have "blood purifying" properties. Useful for skin diseases, including eczema. Recent medical evidence supports folkloric use for tumors. One of four herbs in the Essiac anti-cancer formula. This plant also has culinary value. In many regions of Europe and America, it is used as a vegetable stock as it adds its own mild flavor to soups and salads. The leaves can be sauteed like spinach.

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CAYENNE PEPPER

Red hot chilies two to 4 inches long and ½ inch in diameter. Used in Mexican, Indonesian and Italian dishes. Dried powder adds zest to your foods. Contains capsaicin, which acts as a restorative digestive tonic. Valuable home remedy with stimulant, blood pressure-regulating, digestive and anti-flatulent properties. Ground pods and a little soap in water is a useful insect repellent for the garden.

CHIVES

Chives taste like sweet mild onions and suit just about any flavor. Mince and use as a garnish, or tie whole leaves around steamed carrots or asparagus. Use the flowers as a garnish or in salad and herb vinegar. Insects dislike it and so stay away from not only the chives but also other neighboring plants.

CILANTRO

Cilantro or Coriander leaves are used widely in the cuisine of India, Mexico, the Orient and the Caribbean. For thousands of years it has been appreciated for its culinary and medicinal properties in South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Add cilantro to your salsa to get an authentic flavor.

COMMON YARROW

Common Yarrow is used for colds, fevers, digestive problems, and internal bleeding. A traditional European herb that grows as a wildflower throughout the United States. The fresh flowers or leaves are applied externally to stop bleeding and to soothe sores and bruises. Yarrow tea is taken as a cold remedy. It is also used to stimulate appetite, treat liver disorders, and to cut down on menstrual bleeding. Caution: Internal use is now discouraged. External application may cause dermititis.

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DILL

Fresh dill has a tendency to lose its fragrance during cooking so should be added to the dish towards the end of the cooking process. It is used to flavor many dishes. Dill dispels flatulence, settles the stomach, stimulates the appetite, and relieves colic. It is useful to nursing mothers as it encourages milk flow and relieves breast congestion. Member of the carrot family and is a fast-growing annual.

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ECHINACEA

A highly regarded blood purifier used in the treatment of diseases caused by impurities. Said to increase bodily resistance to infection by strengthening the immune system. The best reason to include Echinacea in your garden is for its singularly beautiful flower, with delicate pastel-purple petals radiating from the prominent red-orange corona, which continues to bloom from July to September.

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FEVERFEW

A medical survey in England indicates that one to four leaves of feverfew infused in a tea or eaten in a sandwich daily reduces the number and severity of migraine attacks in some sufferers. Leaves should be eaten fresh and raw, not more than three per day. It even has pleasant side effects including a sense of well being, lack of tension and relief from arthritis. In July, a single plant will bear as many as 25 delicate yellow and white flowers.

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GARLIC CHIVES

This herb is similar to chives but tastes more like garlic. Put them in dishes where one might traditionally use garlic either fresh or cooked. Chopped leaves can also be used in flavoring. Fresh garlic is a favorite home remedy for colds, fevers, bronchitis, high blood pressure, and diarrhea. Clinical studies have confirmed its medicinal value. Garlic is also a duretic, antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant, and promotes sweating. Raw garlic juices is an effective antiseptic for wounds. Garlic also improves blood curculation and helps to expel worms. Garlic is related to wild North American species, such as Prairie Onion, and was used by the Indians for food and herbal remedies.

GALANGAL

Aromatic rhizomes are havested when dormant and is used as a flavoring in southwest Asian cooking. A member of the Ginger family. Galangal has a spicy, ginger-like flavor. It is also used in flavor liqueurs and medicines.

GERMAN CHAMOMILE

Perfect for making the relaxing Chamomile tea. The most prolific producer of flowers. Its volatile oils are an anti-spasmodic, which can be used for treating indigestion and menstrual cramps. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-infectant useful for treating skin disorders. It soothes colic and calms a hyperactive or distressed child. The daisy like flowers of Chamomile look lovely in any garden.

GOLDEN MARGUERITE

Golden Marguerite is also referred to as Dyer's Chamomile. Simmering the flowers yields a yellow dye for wool, silk, or cotton yarns. Could also be used for hair coloring.

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HORSERADISH

A member of the mustard family and is a hardy perennial. The root is grated and mixed ith vinegar to make the infamous sharp-flavored condiment. Medicinally, the root has been used for bronchitis and coughs, or applied externally (as a poultice) for rheumatism. Fresh juice stimulates digestion and acts as a tonic to the whole system. Caution: Large amounts may irritate digestive system (possibly causing vomitting) and external use may cause skin blisters.

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KOREAN MINT HYSSOP

The leaves of the Korean mint hyssop are used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve the pain of angina. It resembles anise hyssop, but grows larger and has a mintier aroma and taste. The root has been used for coughts and lung ailments.

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LADY'S MANTLE

The leaves and roots from the Lady's Mantle are high in tannin and historically were used as an astringent and styptic to stop bleeding or profuse menstruation. Lady's Mantle is a member of the Rose family. An infusion can be druink to prevent excessive menstrual bleeding, internal bleeding, and diarrhea. Can be used externally as a poultice or for bathing, for it stops bleeding and aids healing of infected wounds and sores.

LEMON BALM

Fresh leaves burst with lemon when squeezed. A truly delightful tea made from the dried leaves is said to stimulate the heart and calm the nerves. Fresh chopped leaves are interesting in salads, soups and stews. Proven effective against herpes.

LEMON VERBENA

Gather the leaves at any season. It retains its fragrance well when dried and is popular for sachets or potpourris. Tea made from fresh or dried leaves taste pleasant and is recommended for colds, headaches, colic, kyspepsia, and fever. Rub the leaves on pets' fur to repel fleas and on yourself to repel mosquitoes. The leaves release an intense lemony fragrance at the slightest touch.

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MILK THISTLE

Its glossy leaves are painted with veins of creamy white which, according to tradition, originated from the milk of the Virgin which once fell upon a plant. It is said to be a tonic herb for the liver. It was once cultivated in Europe as a stock vegetable. After trimming the leaves of their prickly edges, they can be steamed or sautéed.

MUSTARD

Sharp flavored leaves are excellent in salads and sandwiches or cooked. Harvest when young and tender. Repeat sowings for a continuous crop. Taken internally mustard stimulates the appetite and aids digestion. Young mustard greens are delicious stir-fried or steamed.

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ONION

Onion can be used just about any way imaginable, and in just about every cuisine. Onions contain smaller doses of the same compounds that make garlic an effective healing agent. Onions help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure and increase the production of HDL cholesterol, which helps the arteries.

OREGANO

Oregano is related to marjoram and thyme but it is not as sweet as marjoram and has a stronger, more pungent flavor and aroma. Since it is pungent, be cautious with its use. Use in Mediterranean tomato based dishes and Mexican dishes. Use infusions of Oregano leaves to treat indigestion, coughs, headaches, and delayed periods. Oregano flowers in July with inch long shoots of tiny pink flowers.

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PARSLEY

This slightly peppery herb is commonly used as a flavoring or a garnish. It is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. It is a wonderful addition to salads, soups and stews. Parsley goes in almost in any dish. It is said that infusions of parsley are good for bladder infections.

PEARLY EVERLASTING

The dried flowers look decorative in potpourri. Leaf tea is used as a folk medicine for diarrhea, dysentery, colds, coughs, and throat infections. The leaves are applied externally to bruises and sores. Traditional uses have not been scientifically confirmed.

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SAGE

This herb is used for cooking but has also been considered as a medicinal herb.. Made into a tea it has excellent medicinal benefits. The tea is an effective mouthwash for combating mouth ulcers and gum infections. Sage helps dry up the milk flow and is useful in treating Ammenorrhea, and painful periods. Sage is wonderful in the kitchen or aromatic garden. It is a natural insect repellent but will attract bees.

SAVORY

Savory has an aroma and flavor and is somewhat like a cross between thyme and mint. Savory adds a piquant flavor to many dishes—often called the bean herb because of the excellent addition it adds to peas, beans, or lentils. Also excellent in chilled vegetable juices. Summer Savory is said to be effective in treating diarrhea, upset stomach, and sore throat.

ST. JOHNSWORT

An old remedy for insomnia, depression and bedwetting, now touted as a natural alternative to anti-depressant drugs. Recent clinical evidence suggests that the flowering tops are effective in controlling mood and mild depression. Liniment made with tops in vegetable oil is soothing and healing when rubbed on painful joints and muscles. Yellow flowers. St. Johnswort tea is useful for easing menstrual cramps. Cautions: St. Johnswort is rated unsafe by USFDA. Prolonged use may cause photosensitivity.

SWEET FLAG

The fresh or dried leaves traditionally were strewn on floors to deodorize and perfume stuffy rooms. The leaves release a spicy fragrance when crushed. Tea of dried rhizome was formerly used for indigestion, heartburn, colds, and fevers. Native Americans chewed rhizome as a stimulant. The rhizome may be candied or used as a spice. Calamus oil, extracted from the rhizome, is used in perfumery, and in the making of some beers. The leaves and rhizomes are used in potpourri. The leaves and roots are often used in sachets. The leaves can also be cut up and stored in dry foods to prevent weevil infestations.

SWEET MARJORAM

This herb can be used to flavor a variety of vegetables. It is best added toward the end of the cooking time. Try Marjoram tea for headaches. Use it as it a gargle to treat mouth ulcers. It is a diaphoretic, which can be used in the treatment of colds and flu.

SWEET VERNAL GRASS

Sweet vernal grass is odorless when green and releases a spicy vanilla fragrance when cut. Dried leaves remain fragrant for years. The vanilla-llie fragrance comes from the compound call coumarin. Dried leaves are useful for potpourri.

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THYME

Aromatic low growing bush or creeping herbs, ideal for rockeries, borders, or along pathways. Pretty pink or purple blossoms are a favorite of honeybees. Culinary and medicinal value. Fresh Thyme has a pungent minty, light-lemon aroma and is widely used to flavor vegetables, soups, sauces and many other dishes. Thyme has been used to treat sore throats, coughs, and colds. It is an expectorant, diaphoretic, and antibiotic.

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VALERIAN

Excellent sedative action. Widely used to allay pain, nervous unrest, migraine, and insomnia. Valerian should only be used as needed, and in the recommended dosage. Continued use can result in depression, and an overdose can lead to vomiting and dizziness.

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X - Y - Z

YARROW

Yarrow is considered an all around natural remedy without equal. As one of the bitter herbs, it has the reputation as a general fortifier, which helps to build the body’s natural resistance. It improves digestion, circulation, and the functions of the liver, gall bladder, and kidneys. It is valuable for cuts and makes excellent lotions for cleansing and beautifying the skin. Yarrow tea is thought to regulate menstrual periods. It also lessens the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, since it is mildly sedative and an anti-inflammatory. It will grow just about anywhere. Its pink or white flowers make an attractive addition to an herb garden.