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Herbs
While many herbs are used for their flavour and medicinal properties, like drugs, any plant with the potential for healing when used appropriately also has the potential for harm when used irresponsibly. Although the most popular medicinal herbs are reasonably safe for most people, most of the time, and when taken in their recommended amounts, many medicinal herbs contain pharmacologically active compounds that have drug effects on the body. All drugs have the potential to cause allergic reactions, side effects, and interactions with other herbs and drugs. Anyone who uses herbs should do so cautiously, responsibly and be well informed on the herb they choose.
Agrimony: astringent and tonic properties, making it a valuable remedy for the treatment of childhood diarrhea and urinary incontinence...
Common Names: Agrimony, Cocklebur, Sticklewort, Church Steeples
Botanical Name: Agrimonia eupatoria
Family: Roseaceae
Plant Type: Hardy perennial
Parts Used: Dried shoots, flowers, and leaves
Flowering: July - August
Aloe vera: soothes, heals and moisturizes the skin and inhibits itching and scarring. Taken internally, it provides essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C and E ...
Common Names: Aloe, Burn Plant
Botanical: Aloe vera
Family: Liliaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen succulent perennial
Parts Used: Gel from the leaves
Angelica: should always be remembered in epidemics, as it is said to resist poisons by defending and comforting the blood, heart and spirits ...
Common Names: Angelica, Archangel, Masterwort
Botanical Name: Angelica archangelica
Family: Umbelliferae / Apiaceae
Plant Type: Three-year hardy biennial
Parts Used: The entire plant
Flowering: July
Anise: is an essential flavoring agent in many European liqueurs, most notably Pernod and ouzo ...
Common Names: Anise, Aniseed
Botanical Name: Pimpinella anisum
Family: Umbelliferae / Apiaceae
Plant Type: Annual
Parts Used: Seeds and leaves
Flowering: Summer
Basil: is both calming and cheering to the spirits. It is an ideal herb to use in the winter when your spirits are low ...
Common Names: Common Basil, Sweet Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Tender annual
Parts Used: Leaves
Bay: contains compounds called parthenolides, which help relieve migraines ...
Common Names: Bay, Sweet Bay, Bay Laurel
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
Family: Lauraceae
Plant Type: Hardy evergreen tree.
Parts Used: Leaves
Flowering: March to June
Bearberry: is a powerful urinary antiseptic, effective against infections of the kidney, bladder and urethra. It kills infective organisms, and also soothes inflammation, and tones and strengthens the tissues in these organs ...
Common Names: Uva-Ursi, Bearberry, Mountain Cranberry
Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Family: Heath (Ericacea)
Plant Type: Perennial ground cover
Parts Used: Leaves and berries
Bee Balm: as the name suggests, this plant is much-loved by bees and is often grown near their hives. The leaves keep their fragrance for a long time, and can be used in potpourris or sachets ...
Common Names: Bee Balm, Bergamot, Oswego tea
Botanical Name: Monarda didyma
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Perennial, Biennial or Annual, depending on variety.
Parts Used: Leaves
Flowering: June to July
Blackberry: is an astringent, especially for the gastrointestinal tract. It allays excessive fluid loss from diarrhea, and when medical intervention is not available may save lives ...
Common Names: Bramble, cloudberry, dewberry, goutberry, thimbleberry
Botanical Name: Rubus villosus
Family: Rosaceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Parts Used: Root, rhizomes, leaves, fruit
Flowering: June to September
Black Cohosh: best known these days as the "menopause plant," black cohosh has become increasingly popular as a dietary supplement for reducing symptoms related with menopause, including hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances...
Common Names: Black Cohosh, black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort
Botanical Name: Cimicifuga racemosa
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Parts Used: Roots, rhizome
Borage: benefits the adrenal glands, helping to restore function after the use of steroids. Also helps boost the immune system ...
Common Names: Borage, Bugloss, Starflower
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Family: Boraginaceae
Plant Type: Hardy annual
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, stems, seeds
Flowering: Repeatedly from Spring thru to Autumn
Burdock: is a classic remedy for skin conditions which result in dry, scaly skin and cutaneous eruptions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, boils, carbuncles, sties) as well as being helpful in relieving rheumatism and gout...
Common Names: Burdock, beggar's buttons, cockleburr, clothburr
Botanical Name: Arctium lappa
Family: Compostatae
Plant Type: Biennial