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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.
Jasmine: known as "Queen of the Night", jasmine is planted around courtyards, verandas and windows for its intoxicating evening perfume ...
Common Names: Jasmine, Jessamin
Botanical Name: Jasminum officinale
Family: Oleaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen vine, but can be trained as a shrub
Parts Used: Flowers
Flowering: Summer or spring, usually six months after planting.
Juniper Berries: excellent remedy for cystitis. Also used externally as oil to ease painful muscles and joints...
Common Names: Juniper, Gin Berry
Botanical Name: Juniperus communis
Family: Cupressaceae
Plant Type: Hardy, evergreen shrubby tree
Parts Used: Leaves, twigs, and berries
Lavender: this versatile, well-known herb has calming and relaxing qualities suitable for use in the body's many systems ...
Common Names: Lavender, Elf Leaf
Botanical Name: Lavendula augustifolia
Family: Laminaceae
Plant Type: Hardy perennial
Parts Used: Flowers and leaves
Flowering: June - September
Lemon Balm: is particularly good for indigestion when it has been caused by anxiety and tension ...
Common Names: Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Hardy perennial
Parts Used: Leaves
Flowering: All summer
Lemon Verbena: one of the herbs that crosses the divide between food and medicine, it is most often used as a tea or tissane ...
Common Names: Lemon Verbena
Botanical Name: Aloysia triphylla
Family: Verbenaceae
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Parts Used: Leaves
Flowering: August
Licorice Root: helps balance and regulate all body functions and stimulates immune cells to attack invading pathogens ...
Common Names: Licorice, Sweet Root
Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Family: Fabaceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Parts Used: Roots
Flowering: July - September
Lovage: A herb of ancient medical repute, used mainly for digestive complaints, edema, skin problems, menstrual irregularities and fever ...
Common Names: Lovage, Love Root, Sea Parsley
Botanical Name: Levisticum officinale
Family: Apiaceae
Plant Type: Hardy perennial
Parts Used: Leaves, roots, stems, and seeds
Flowering: June or July
Marjoram: is a versatile herb that has a soothing, warming, fortifying effect; it aids digestive and menstrual problems and eases nervous and respiratory complaints ...
Common Names: Marjoram, Pot Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram
Botanical Name: Origanum majorana
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Tender perennial or annual, depending on location
Parts Used: Leaves, stalks, and flowers
Flowering: July
Marshmallow: is rich in mucilage which acts to soothe and protect tissues in the body ...
Common Names: Mallow, Marsh Mallow, althea
Botanical Name: Althaea officinalis
Family: Malvaceae
Plant Type: Hardy perennial
Parts Used: Roots, leaves, and flowers
Flowering: July
Mugwort: is a valuable digestive tonic; its bitterness stimulates the appetite and helps in the breakdown of fats ...
Common Names: Mugwort, Artemis Herb, Artemisia, Sailors Tobacco
Botanical Name: Artemisia vulgaris
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves, roots
Flowering: August, September
Mullein: is a good children's remedy. It is mild tasting, gently sedative, and eases hard, sore coughs or sore throats ...
Common Names: Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Clot, Doffel, Feltwort
Botanical Name: Verbascum thapus
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Plant Type: Hardy biennial
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers
Flowering: June to September
Mustard: due to the ability of the seeds to stimulate circulation, they were used to treat coldness of the body and added to love potions ...
Common Names: Mustard
Botanical Name: Brassica nigra (Black Mustard), Brassica alba (Mustard)
Family: Brassicaceae
Plant Type: Hardy annual
Parts Used: Leaves and seeds
Flowering: Spring