Our Plant Allies

Ashwagandha
Astragalus root
Calendula
Caraway
Cardamom
Chamomile
Cinnamon
Cramp Bark
Dandelion Root
Echinacea
Elderberry
Frankincense

Ginger
Hibiscus
Lavender
Lions Mane
Mallow
Malva
Nettle
Nigella
Oat
Olive Leaf
Passionflower
Raspberry Leaf

Reishi
Rose
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Skullcap
Thyme
Turmeric
Vervain

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

Common Name: Ashwagandha, winter cherry, withania, Indian ginseng

Arabic name: جذرالاشواغاندا

Family: Solanaceae

Parts Used: Root

Actions: Adaptogen, Sedative, Tonic, Immunomodulant, Nervine

Taste: Bitter, Pungent, Sweet

Energy: Drying, Warming

Native To: India, Africa

Geographic Distribution: India, Nepal, Pakistan, several Mediterranean countries, Middle East, Africa

Botanical Description: Ashwagandha is a shrub that grows to about 2.5-5 feet high with a central stem. The leaves are ovate and alternate. Branches extend radially and are covered in fine hairs. The flowers are green on the outside and yellow inside. The ripe fruits are smooth, orange-red berries and are inside calyxes (papery coverings). The roots are long and brown.

History and folklore: Ashwagandha translates to "that which has the smell of a horse, as it gives the vitality and sexual energy of a horse" This name alludes to the root's strong odor as well as its use to restore strength and vitality and to improve and enhance sexual drive. In the ayurvedic tradition, Ashwagandha is most commonly taken as a powder mixed into milk, especially before bedtime.

Uses: Rather than working like an aphrodisiac, the root is believed to work gradually over time to lower stress levels that may inhibit the sex drive. Ashwagandha may also support fertility. Its nervine and adaptogenic actions make it a good choice for those with anxiety, stress, insomnia and lack of energy.

Safety: It should be used with caution by those taking thyroid hormones and should not be taken by those with hyperthyroid disease. It may be useful for hypothyroidism, but should be taken under the care of a qualified health practitioner.

Some cultures use Ashwagandha as a tonic during pregnancy, but other cultures use it as an abortifacient. This effect may depend on amounts, parts used, and preparation. Those interested in using Ashwagandha during pregnancy are advised to consult with an herbalist who has experience working with this herb during pregnancy. Avoid in cases of hemochromatosis and hyperthyroidism or if taking thyroid hormones.

Astragalus root

Astragalus mongholicus

Common Name: Astragalus, milk vetch

Arabic name: جذرالقتاد

TCM Name: Huang qi

Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Parts Used: Root

Actions: Adaptogen, Anti-diabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Cardioprotective, Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycemic, Immunomodulant, Neuroprotective, Restorative, Tonic

Taste: Slightly sweet

Energy: Warming

Native To: China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia

Geographic Distribution: Temperate regions throughout the world

Botanical Description: Astragalus is an herbaceous perennial that grows from 1-2 feet tall and has multiple stems. The pinnately compound bright green leaves are comprised of 12-18 pairs of pointed leaflets. Yellow pea-like flowers arranged in long clusters bloom in summer. The tough and fibrous roots are brown with a yellow core.

History and folklore: Astragalus has been used for at least 2,000 years in Chinese medicine. It was recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), one of the first books on Chinese medicine. The Chinese Pinyin name is huang qi, which means "yellow leader", referring both to its colour and its important status in Chinese medicine. Astragalus is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs of Chinese medicine and is an important tonic herb for maintaining vitality (qi) and strengthening resistance (immunity). Astragalus is used in broth, soups, decoctions, and infusions, and is commonly added when cooking rice, but as it is too fibrous to chew, it is removed prior to serving. Herbalists commonly add two to four root slices to a pot of soup.

Uses: Due to its slow-acting, building nature, it is best when consumed long term, for at least 3-6 months. Chinese herbalists use it for those suffering from frequent colds and flus, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating. As a Spleen qi tonic, Astragalus strengthens digestion and dries excess dampness in the spleen, which can manifest in issues such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the body or limbs, and a tongue coating that is thick and greasy. As a general qi tonic, Astragalus is valued as a restorative for reducing fatigue. Astragalus promotes long-term strengthening of the immune system and protects against infection. Herbalist Guido Masé suggests taking Astragalus regularly in the fall and winter to strengthen immunity and keep colds, flu and bronchitis at bay. Due to its immune-modulation activity, Astragalus has been useful for bolstering against allergies and related headaches as well as for general states of autoimmune hyperreactivity. Astragalus is an adaptogen and increases the body’s ability to resist and cope with stress. Astragalus root has also traditionally been used in China for diabetes and is currently the most frequently used antidiabetic herb. Its hypoglycemic action is used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In traditional use, Astragalus is valued for its hepatoprotective effect, which means it protects the liver against toxic substances and viruses and supports liver health. For those experiencing chronic immune suppression, Astragalus may improve wound resolution and support the regeneration of tissue such as skin, bones, or other connective tissues. It is considered to be cardioprotective and is used for mild congestive heart failure and angina.

Safety: Astragalus mongholicus is considered safe, and no toxicity has been shown for daily use of the herb. Astragalus may be incompatible with immunosuppressive drugs and is contraindicated for patients with late-stage Lyme disease, as it may exacerbate the autoimmune response.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

Common Name: Calendula, bride of the sun, bull flower, butterwort, common marigold, drunkard, English marigold, field marigold, garden marigold, golding, gold bloom, golds, gowlan, hen and chickens, holligold, husbandman’s dial, mally gowl, marigold, marybud, marygold, mary’s gold, poet’s marigold, poor man’s saffron, pot marigold, prophetic marigold, ringflower, ruddes, ruddles, Scotch marigold, Scottish marigold, summer’s bride, sunflower, throughout-the-months

Arabic name: اذريون

TCM Name: Jin zhan ju

Family: Asteraceae/Compositae

Parts Used: Flower

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Astringent, Cholagogue, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Hepatic, Immune tonic, Lymphatic, Vulnerary

Taste: Bitter (mild), Sweet, Pungent, Salty

Energy: Warming, Drying, Neutral

Native To: Calendula’s primary origin is uncertain but has been suggested as North Africa, Southern Europe, and/or the Mediterranean

Geographic Distribution: Calendula is widely cultivated and has naturalized in temperate climates throughout the world.

Botanical Description: Calendula is a short-lived perennial that is often grown as an annual. The plant has a sticky texture due to its resin content. Calendula reaches up to 24 inches in height, its stalk supporting many branching stems and oblong leaves that are 3-6 inches long. Calendula has sunny yellow and orange flowers that open in the morning when the sun rises and close as it sets. The orange or yellow flower heads are 1-3 inches across and have a central cluster of tubular flowers surrounded by several rows of ray florets.

History and folklore: The name Calendula is a diminutive Latin form of calends (or kalends), meaning "the first day of each month" in the ancient Roman calendar, presumably because the flower was noted as blooming at that time or throughout each month. Today in Italy the plant is commonly known as Fiore d’ogni mese and in France as Fleur de tous les mois, meaning "flower of every month". From the 12th to the 17th centuries, Calendula also appears to possess a reputation as a mood enhancer. Some editions of De Viribus Herbarum, an herbal poem by Macer Floridus (thought to be a pseudonym of the 12th-century French physician Odo de Meung), suggest Calendula for cheerfulness, and propose that just gazing at the flower could draw away evil humors from the head. In the early 17th century, herbalist and botanist John Parkinson recorded that Calendula was of great use among pot herbs, used in food as well as in syrup or a conserve made from fresh flowers, as a "comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality, gathered near thereunto". Contemporary herbalist Matthew Wood also records an indication for heavy depression.

Uses: Calendula’s anti-inflammatory and astringent actions combined with its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties make it a great choice for a wide variety of skin issues. Calendula’s anti-inflammatory action goes a bit deeper than its indication for external skin and wound issues, however. According to research, the herb may also address inflammation related to bone and joint diseases. Calendula is known as "herbal sunshine" and is suited for places where "the sun doesn't shine", such as the glands under the neck, axilla, the breasts, groin and so forth. It is in fact commonly used as a lymphagogue: it cleanses the lymphatic system by moving the fluid, removing toxins from the lymph, and decongesting swollen lymph nodes. While much remains to be understood about Calendula’s diverse applications, Calendula’s gentle nature makes it a perfect ally for our skin.

Safety: There are a few safety concerns with calendula. It should not be used during pregnancy, as it has traditionally been used as an emmenagogue and is classed as a uterine stimulant. Calendula is a possible allergen for those sensitive to the Asteraceae plant family. While not yet studied in human trials, the herb may have potential for enhancing hypnotic or anxiolytic drugs and it has been shown, only in animal studies thus far, to increase sedative and hypotensive effects; therefore, it may potentially interact with drugs or agents with these actions as well as those with hypoglycemic or cholesterol-lowering actions. Another concern with Calendula relates to its prominent use as a vulnerary; herbalists report that wounds must be fully clean before application because they have observed that the herb rapidly repairs tissue.

Caraway

Carum carvi

Common Name: Caraway, Persian cumin, meridian fennel

Arabic name: كراويه

Ayurvedic name: Jiraa

TCM Name: Jin zhan ju

Family: Apiaceae

Parts Used: Fruit (commonly called seed)

Actions: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Bitter, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Galactagogue

Taste: Pungent, slightly bitter

Energy: Warming

Native To: Extends from Spain, but not Portugal, and across Eurasia to western China and most of Russia.

Geographic Distribution: Caraway has been introduced to North America, including the northern United States, some midwestern states, and a handful of southern states, as well as much of Canada. Caraway has also been introduced to Greenland, North Africa, and parts of Europe in which it is not native, including Great Britain, Iceland, and Ireland. It can be found growing in fields, meadows and along roadsides.

Botanical Description: Caraway is a biennial herb (Britannica, 2020) that grows to about 70 in (178 cm) tall. Caraway is in flower during the summer months, with the seeds ripening in late summer. Caraway has compound umbels of small, white-to-pinkish flowers. What are commonly termed caraway "seeds" are actually the whole dried fruits of the plant, called mericarps. The fruit is light to dark brown, 0.2 in (0.5 cm) long.

History and folklore: Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides named caraway Carum based on the ancient district of Caria in which it was grown; the Romans referred to caraway as carvi, hence the Latin name Carum carvi. Caraway has a long history of use as a culinary seasoning. In fact, it is believed that caraway may have been consumed and cultivated in Europe longer than any other spice. Caraway seeds have been found fossilized in ancient European areas, dating back about 8,000 years. There is documentation of caraway cultivation dating back to the Middle Ages from Sicily to Scandinavia. Caraway was used in ancient Greek recipes and was indicated by Dioscorides for various health benefits. Today, caraway continues to have diverse culinary uses and is often used in sauerkraut, breads, cakes, salad, pickles, meats, and certain cheeses and liqueurs; caraway pudding is a special dessert enjoyed during Ramadan. Caraway is the main ingredient in "Meghli", a pudding served to breastfeeding women in Lebanon and Syria to promote milk production.

Uses: Caraway is most commonly used for digestive support. Along with increasing digestive secretions, Caraway is considered to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The antispasmodic and carminative properties of caraway make it helpful for stimulating function of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, while simultaneously relaxing spasms. In Ayurveda, Caraway is considered to decrease kapha and vata, and increase pitta dosha. Caraway is often taken before meals alongside other carminative herbs, such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), to strengthen sluggish digestion, increase thoroughness of digestion, and reduce gas. In the ayurvedic tradition, caraway is regarded as having synergistic effects when used in combination with other plants, as it is believed to improve the absorption of herbs. Due to its ability to improve digestion and soothe stomach upset, Caraway is a popular weight loss aid in the Middle East; this current use aligns with descriptions of use in the traditional Persian-Islamic text, the Makhazan Al-Advieh. Herbalist Matthew Wood mentions that caraway has an affinity for digestion of fatty foods and lipid metabolism due to its volatile oil and fixed oil content.

Safety: No clinical safety data regarding Carum carvi exists, yet due to its long history of use as a food it is generally regarded as safe. There have been cases of cross-allergy to plants in the Apiaceae family, so caution is advised for individuals with known sensitivities or allergies to coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), or other plants in this family. There is some evidence based on animal studies that Caraway may modify glucose regulation, so those with diabetes are advised to consult with their healthcare provider before using this herb and monitor blood sugar levels closely.

Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

Common Name: Cardamom

Arabic name: حب الهال

Ayurvedic name: Ela (Sanskrit), Elaichi (Hindi)

Family: Zingiberaceae

Parts Used: Seeds, seed pod

Actions: Antibacterial, Anti-nausea, Anti-catarrhal, Anti-fungal, Antioxidant, Aromatic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Circulatory Stimulant, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant

Taste: Pungent, Sweet

Energy: Cool, Light, Dry, Hot, Warm

Native To: Southern India, Burma, Sri Lanka

Geographic Distribution: India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico

Botanical Description: An herbaceous perennial reaching 2-5 meters tall, cardamom has clumps of bundled leaves that emerge from underground rhizomes, which are the true stems. The irregular flowers feature a single white petal-like labellum (about 1.8 cm long) with pink streaks on the central lip. The ovary matures into an ellipsoid, fleshy capsule that begins green, then turns golden yellow when fully ripe and contains about 15-30 seeds.

History and folklore: Cardamom has a long history of use. It is referred to in a clay tablet in ancient Sumeria, around 2000 BC. Described in 3rd century BCE Ayurvedic literature and in ancient Greek and Roman medical texts, and was celebrated throughout The Arabian Nights, which was compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. Cardamom was known as khair buwwa by ancient Persian physician Ibn Sina, and noted it as beneficial for stomach and ‘cold’ liver.

Uses: By promoting downward movement in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, cardamom may be helpful for digestive complaints with an upward-moving motion, such as burping, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting or morning sickness. It also has been compounded in antispasmodic formulas for gut cramping, spasms or irritable bowel problems. Cardamom may benefit those experiencing nausea that contributes to a lack of appetite. Herbalists appreciate cardamom’s ability to soothe nervous digestive problems stemming from a lack of secretion caused by excess sympathetic stress, as Cardamom supports the parasympathetic state. A gentle herb with a delightful flavour, cardamom can be supportive for children’s digestion and can help to ease stomach aches. Cardamom may also have antimicrobial action against Helicobacter pylori, and has been utilized as a mild-moderate antibacterial and antiviral in the digestive tract. With the reputation for "opening the body’s energy or prana" flow, as well as classical Vedic depictions as a vajikarana, loosely translated as "aphrodisiac" but also referring to deep vitality, cardamom has been renowned for its ability to allow energy to move freely through the body to be harnessed.

Safety: No drug-herb interactions are reported. Both Western and Ayurvedic practitioners recommend avoiding intake when a person shows strong signs of heat. If consumed in excess, Cardamom may overstimulate upper gastrointestinal secretions. Avoid use beyond mild culinary applications in those with blocked bile ducts, due to Cardamom’s cholagogue activity. There have been case reports of contact and systemic contact-type dermatitis reactions to Cardamom, confirmed by patch testing.

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Common Name: Chamomile, camomile, German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, manzanilla, scented mayweed, sweet false chamomile, true chamomile, wild chamomile

Arabic name: بابونج

Family: Asteraceae

Parts Used: Flower head

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Bitter, Carminative, Nervine, Sedative, Vulnerary

Taste: Bitter, Sweet

Energy: Cooling, Drying

Native To: Southern and Eastern Europe

Geographic Distribution: Asia, Australia, Europe, India, New Zealand, North America, and South America

Botanical Description: German chamomile is an herbaceous annual with delicate, feathery, mild aromatic leaves in fine filiform segments growing from a smooth, branching stem that typically grows between 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in height. The composite aromatic flowers measure between 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm), arise from the apices on each individual stalk as a single flower, and feature white ray petals surrounding a yellow disk of tubular florets in the centre. The main characteristic to tell German chamomile apart from similar-looking species is the hollow conical receptacle, which can be seen by splitting the flower head through the middle. Interestingly, its essential oil is blue.

History and folklore: The name Chamomile is derived from the Greek khamaimēlon meaning "ground apple," alluding to the apple-like scent of the plant. The Latin genus name Matricaria comes from "matrix", meaning uterus, which is derived from mater, the word for mother. Historically, people in several European countries referred to Chamomile as "mother herb", because of its application during childbirth and postnatal care. Chamomile was also known as "maiden flower", believed to refer to the Greek physician Dioscorides who suggested the herb, amongst other indications, for menstrual health. Chamomile has been used since at least the 1st century CE for digestive problems, but its use predates written history, Chamomile, along with yarrow (Achillea millefolium), was found in scrapings from 50,000-year-old Neanderthal teeth discovered in northern Spain. Culpeper (1643/1850) writes that in ancient Egypt, the herb was dedicated to the sun. Chamomile comforts all parts of the body that need warmth, he writes, and bathing in a chamomile bath eases pains and aches and reduces swellings.

Uses: Chamomile may appear wispy and gentle, but it is a powerful nervine and potent anti-inflammatory and one of the most versatile plants in the herbal apothecary, whether in clinical practice or in the home. Chamomile is used for minor gastrointestinal complaints including bloating and spasms. Chamomile is also suggested to soothe colds, minor ulcers, and inflammations of the mouth and throat, and topically applied to ease irritations and minor inflammations of the skin, such as sunburn and superficial wounds. Herbalists value the aromatic herb for its sedative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as its calming and soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile’s antispasmodic action is also employed for menstrual cramps and its soothing effects as a nervine may also ease other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as nervousness. As an anti-inflammatory herb, Chamomile can be used topically for skin irritations such as rashes, abrasions, and insect bites and stings.

Safety: Chamomile is generally considered safe when taken within the suggested dose and is a gentle herb suitable for children, and during pregnancy and lactation; however, safety studies are limited and several contraindications need to be taken into consideration. Chamomile can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Common Name: Ceylon cinnamon, cinnamon

Arabic name: عود القرفة

TCM name: Cassia

Ayurvedic name: Tvak

Family: Lauraceae

Parts Used: Bark

Actions: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Astringent, Carminative, Circulatory Stimulant

Taste: Aromatic, Sweet, Pungent

Energy: Warming, Drying

Native To: Sri Lanka, Southern India

Geographic Distribution: Sri Lanka, southern India, Southeast Asia, Central America, Madagascar, and Africa

Botanical Description: Cinnamon was not cultivated until 1776. The plant originally grew in tropical forests on the island of Sri Lanka in a wild state. However, the bulk of the bark gathered today comes from cultivated plants. The plant is a tropical evergreen tree that grows to 26-59 feet (8-18 meters); the pruned shrub has soft reddish, aromatic brown bark, and clusters of yellow flowers. Today the plant is widely cultivated in the tropics.

History and folklore: Cinnamon bark has been used for several thousand years in traditional Eastern and Western herbalism. Traditionally used for warming in energetically cold conditions and for digestive complaints, cinnamon has been used in Egypt from 2000 BCE and parts of Europe from 500 BCE.

Uses: Herbalists employ cinnamon’s astringent (toning) action to control excess menstrual flow and postpartum bleeding. However, more research is recommended to study the efficacy of cinnamon on reducing menstrual bleeding. Cinnamon is also used as a circulatory stimulant to encourage peripheral blood flow to the hands and feet. As a digestive stimulant and carminative, cinnamon bark is also used for bloating, dyspepsia, nausea, flatulent colic, and spastic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, cinnamon is employed for head and skin infections and to ease depression.

Safety: Cinnamon may provoke allergic or sensitization reactions of the skin or mucous membranes. Avoid larger doses during pregnancy except under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner; its safety during lactation has not been determined.

Cramp Bark

Viburnum opulus

Common Name: Cramp bark, guelder rose, king’s crown, red elder, rose elder, water elder, highbush cranberry, cranberry tree, European cranberry bush, snowball tree, whitsun rose, dog rowan tree, silver bells, whitsun bosses, gaitre berries, black haw

Arabic name: لحاء الرباطية درهمية الأزهار

Family: Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)

Parts Used: Bark

Actions: Anti-abortive, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Nervine, Sedative, Tonic

Taste: Bitter, Acrid

Energy: Cooling, Drying

Native To: Europe, Northern Africa, Northern Asia

Geographic Distribution: Cramp bark grows throughout Europe, as well as in Northern Africa and Northern Asia. It has naturalized in North America

Botanical Description: Cramp bark is a deciduous shrub that grows from 3 to 12 feet tall and up to 15 feet wide. It has palmate, three-lobed leaves that are coarsely toothed. In late spring, it bears attractive white flowers that can grow in umbels up to five inches wide. In August, cramp bark’s bright red fruit hangs in heavy, translucent clusters. Though edible, the fruits are bitter, so much so, that the birds often leave them uneaten throughout the whole of winter.

History and folklore: Medicinally, the Iroquois used the berries for liver and blood conditions, while records show the Micmac, Penobscot, and Malecite people used the bark for swollen glands, and related conditions, including the mumps.

Uses: Cramp bark contains valerianic acid, which is a powerful parasympathetic relaxant known to soothe smooth muscle cramps. It’s list of uses is impressively long. Cramp bark has been used to address nervous tension and the acute spasms associated with bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough. It is also considered useful for heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and for controlling an irregular pulse, as well as for intestinal cramping, enteritis, colitis, and dysentery. Cramp bark can soothe cystitis, enuresis, and the spasmodic stricture of urinary tract infections and is a boon for women suffering with menstrual cramps and with the pains during or after labour. Cramp bark is used to soothe lower back pain and can be used for arthritic joints made rigid from constant contracting. Topically, cramp bark lotion can be used to relax muscles and restore blood flow to injured joints and the surrounding tissues and thus is used as an alternative to ibuprofen and other oral anti-inflammatories.

Safety: Cramp bark may cause gastroenteritis and hypotension. Individuals with blood disorders, those taking blood thinners, people with a history of kidney stones, or those allergic to aspirin should not use cramp bark. During pregnancy, cramp bark should only be used under supervision of a trained practitioner.

Dandelion root

Taraxacum officinale

Common Name: Dandelion, blowball, cankerwort, Irish daisy, monk’s head, priest’s crown, swine snout, wild endive, witch gowan, and yellow gowan

Arabic name: الهندباء

TCM name: Pu gong ying

Ayurvedic name: Simhadanti

Family: Asteraceae

Parts Used: Entire plant

Actions: Diuretic, Cholagogue, Bitter, Tonic, Hepatic, Alterative, Aperient, Nutritive

Taste: Bitter, slightly sweet, slightly salty leaf

Energy: Cooling, Drying

Native To: Eurasia

Geographic Distribution: North America, South America, Europe, southern Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and India

Botanical Description: Perennial with basal leaves that are spatulate to lanceolate, and deeply toothed. The stalks are hollow and leak a milky latex when broken. Each stalk holds one flower. What look like tiny petals on the yellow flower head are actually individual flowers themselves called florets. Roots are thick and unbranched.

History and folklore: The name dandelion is derived from Old French, dent-de-lion, translating as "tooth of a lion" or "lion’s teeth". Since the plant’s arrival in North America, dandelion has been an important food and herb for many Indigenous peoples of North America. For the Anishinabeg, dandelion historically served as an important source of nutrients at winter’s end when food was scarce. The Anishinabeg have also traditionally used the plant as a blood purifier for addressing skin issues. Karuk herbalist Josephine Peters mentions using dandelion for anaemia and as a diuretic for kidney and bladder issues; she also notes topical uses that include applying the fresh sap to warts and applying a wash made with the whole plant for impetigo. The Lumbee have traditionally employed dandelion leaf tea for jaundice, constipation, and kidney infections, and have also made a wine with the blossoms to boost the appetite. Dandelion has also been utilized among the Cherokee for gout and rheumatism, and as a diuretic and liver tonic. While these uses certainly attest to dandelion’s versatility, this is by no means an exhaustive list, as many Indigenous peoples have used and continue to use the plant for a wide variety of applications.

Uses: Dandelion leaf is an effective diuretic through its stimulating effect on the kidneys, encouraging proper elimination of uric acid, thus clearing out metabolic wastes. This is helpful in the case of water retention, urinary and prostate infections, gout, arthritis, and rheumatism. Dandelion’s high potassium and other mineral content offsets the resultant potassium and mineral loss through the urine. Thus, dandelion is a safe diuretic to use even in the case of water retention associated with cardiac conditions. Dandelion is an excellent mild bitter tonic to offset the sweet tastes typical for the Western diet. Bitter herbs help to stimulate appetite and activate digestion and metabolism by stimulating secretion of bile, gastric enzymes, and pancreatic enzymes. As a choleretic, dandelion root increases the amount of bile produced by the liver and gallbladder, aiding the digestion of fats. Due to its gentle improvement of bile flow, dandelion acts as a mild laxative. Herbalists celebrate dandelion as a supreme liver tonic as it excels at clearing excess heat (inflammation), clearing stagnation (congestion), and supporting detoxification of metabolic wastes. It is also considered an alterative, supporting the liver in removing metabolic wastes from the blood, which helps clear eruptive skin conditions like eczema. As Ellingwood described, dandelion "encourages the eliminative changes carried on by the liver". This includes elimination of hormones, thus providing hormonal balance during menstruation and easing the skin eruptions caused by hormonal fluctuations. The white, milky sap in the stem of dandelion is a natural latex that effectively dissolves warts when applied topically. Those with a latex allergy should proceed cautiously and do a skin patch test first.

Safety: In general, dandelion is a safe tonic herb. Dandelion is in the Asteraceae family and may rarely cause reactions in people very sensitive to other asters (ragweed, etc). Those with gallbladder or kidney issues should ask their doctor before taking dandelion. Those on blood thinners or diuretics should avoid dandelion. Dandelion is contraindicated in the case of acute gastric inflammation as it stimulates stomach acid.

Echinacea

Echinacea angustifolia

Common Name: Echinacea, coneflower, purple coneflower, purple Kansas coneflower, comb flower, Missouri snakeroot

Arabic name: قنفذية

Family: Asteraceae

Parts Used: Roots, flower heads, leaves

Actions: Alterative, Immune Stimulant, Immunomodulant, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antiviral, Sialagogue

Taste: Acrid

Energy: Cooling

Native To: North America

Geographic Distribution: North America, Europe

Botanical Description: A perennial that grows up to four feet in height. Most echinacea grows from a taproot. Stems are unbranched and straight. Leaves are typically hairy and alternate. Petals are usually purple arranged around a bristle-y cone-shaped seed head.

History and folklore: Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos or "prickly, spiny" or "sea urchin" in reference to its bristly, comb-like seed head. Echinacea angustifolia is an immune stimulant and modulator traditionally used by North American plains people for at least 400 years for symptoms in the throat and mucus membranes, topically for snake and insect bites as well as burns and skin afflictions (using a mashed paste of the entire plant), dental cavities, venereal disease, gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders, and even arthritis.

Uses: Echinacea is an excellent ally for infections and low immunity. It is an Immune Stimulant, Immunomodulant Analgesic, Antibacterial and Antiviral. The herb’s immune stimulation derives from three mechanisms:

Activates cells that destroy foreign substances such as bacteria and repairs tissues.
Increases respiratory activity.
Increases mobility of white blood cells, which protect against infections.

The topical Echinacea application is highly effective in healing skin conditions including burns, eczema, inflammation, herpes simplex, and varicose veins.

Safety: An allergic reaction may be possible in people with allergies to Asteraceae family plants.

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Common Name: Elder, black elder, blue elderberry, bore tree, bourtree, common elder, elderberry, elkhorn, sweet elder

Arabic name: خمان أسود

TCM name: Jie gu mu

Family: Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)

Parts Used: Flower (dried), berry (cooked)

Actions: Diuretic, Antiviral, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Immune Stimulant

Taste: Slightly sweet

Energy: Cooling, Pungent

Native To: Europe and parts of Asia and Africa

Geographic Distribution: Asia, Africa, Europe, North America

Botanical Description: Elder tree grows from 10 to 30 feet tall with compound leaves comprised of 5-11 serrated oblong leaflets and extra leaflet on top. The leaves grow opposite each other along the stem, which is hollow and has a pithy core. The flowers are white arranged in flat panicles. The fruit are flat or slightly rounded branching clusters of glossy dark purple or black berries that appear in late autumn.

History and folklore: Elder is referred to time and again as “the medicine chest for the country people”, alluding to its wide-ranging medicinal actions and ready availability. Elder’s botanical name Sambucus is from the Greek musical instrument the sambuke, made from the hollow stems of elder wood, and nigra refers to its black berries. In the 4th century B.C.E., Hippocrates recommended elderberry for a wide variety of complaints. Elder has been revered as a magical and sacred plant throughout history in many cultures, and has been used to ward off evil influences, carried for good luck, and protect the home. Ancient legends from different parts of the world say that a wise woman (nymph) named Elda Mor (Hylde-Moer) lives in the elder tree to watch over it and offer healing to us, and when you seek elder’s help for healing, you must show respect for her powers and honor her. Offering gratitude for a plant’s gift of healing is always recommended as a way to connect with the plant and receive its support.

Uses: Elderberries are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidant flavanoid compounds, and iron. Elderflower and elderberry are both exceptional allies during colds, flu, and respiratory infections due to their diaphoretic and antiviral actions. Taken as a hot tea (or tincture), elderflowers move energy and qi outward by stimulating circulation and promoting sweating, removing toxins from the body and reducing fever after its work of killing pathogens is done. Elderflower is also anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal and expectorant, and helps in cases of colds, sinusitis and sinus allergies to reduce inflammation of sinus tissue and allow for the movement of congestion. Elderberry is also effective for coughs and congestion associated with lower respiratory viral infections, promoting expectoration of mucus associated with bronchial infections. Elderflowers and elderberries are anti-inflammatory. The flowers and berries contain anthocyanins (pigments which impart the blue and purple color) which reduce the buildup of uric acid in the joints, so are used to reduce inflammation associated with rheumatism, gout, and arthritis. Fresh elder leaves are used externally as a poultice or an oil infusion for bruises, sprains, and wounds due to their vulnerary (tissue healing) and astringent (toning) actions. Elderflowers are also a relaxing nervine, supporting the nervous system in times of stress. The relaxing nature is also soothing to nerves, anxiety, and depression.

Safety: Elder bark, leaves, roots, seeds, and unripe berries contain alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides, which may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as well as depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems. This reaction occurs only if these plant parts are used fresh, as cooking or drying reduces the cyanogenic glycoside content. The elderflowers are considered safe even for small children, and the ripe fresh berries are considered safe unless consumed in high quantities or by someone sensitive to the compounds in the plant; however, cooking or drying them is the safest approach. Due to its diuretic effects, use caution if taking with drugs that increase urination.

Frankincense

Boswellia spp

Common Name: Frankincense, boswellia

Arabic name: اللبان

TCM name: Ru Xiang

Ayurvedic name: Shallaki, Semul, Simul

Family: Burseraceae

Parts Used: Resin

Actions: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Stimulant, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Stomachic, Parasiticide, Diuretic, Antiseptic, Hemostatic, Anti-fungal, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial

Taste: Spicy, Pungent, Bitter

Energy: Warming

Native To: India, Southern Arabia, Africa

Geographic Distribution: India, Burma, and Shri Lanka and many other Eastern Himalayan Countries. It has naturalized to many tropical parts of Asia, Africa, and the Arabian peninsula. Most of the world’s supply comes from Somalia, Eritrea and Yemen, countries plagued by conflict in recent years, which has negatively affected their frankincense production. But peaceful Oman produces the world’s finest – and most expensive – frankincense.

Botanical Description: Leaves of this tree are deciduous and alternate towards the end of branches. Grows up to 18 metres in height. Leaflets are paired in about 10 sets with one terminal leaflet. They are oblong, obtuse, serrated, and pubescent. Flowers have 5 white to pale pink colored petals.

History and folklore: Used for 6,000 years as a perfume and panacea, frankincense is a very well-known Biblical herb. From the Hellenistic period onward, these resins and their lucrative westward trade became the principal reference point for Arabia in the Mediterranean world. Historically, frankincense use as an incense was far reaching. It was used in many ceremonies with other resins and is included in the Jewish compound of the four ‘sweet scents.’ It was an offering used in Babylon during the feast of Bel as well as in ancient Persia and Assyria. Traditions such as this continue today in Western India. Romans did not confine their use of this incense to ritual but also used it in the home as well. The burned remnants of this resin have also been used for makeup, being used by Egyptian women, who painted their eyelids with various resins mixed with charred frankincense.

Uses: In the Ayurvedic tradition, the resin of frankincense has anti-inflammatory effects believed to support rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, joint pain, skeletal muscle pain, and back pain. The resin supports the lungs, for bronchitis and asthma, and the digestion, for diarrhoea and dysentery. Flowers have also been used for haemorrhoids and the roots contain stimulant, tonic, and aphrodisiac properties. In the nervous system the resin acts as an analgesic, mental tonic, stimulator, cardiotonic, and eye tonic. It regulates stool colour, improves digestion, is an anti-diarrhoeal, a stomachic, carminative, and anthelmintic. In the urogenital system it is a diuretic and improves menstruation. It is antipyretic and increases perspiration. Olibanum is antiseptic, wound cleaning and supports connective tissue growth and the essential oil has antifungal properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Boswellia is considered to have four main energies. It is pungent for dispersing, bitter for purging, warm for promoting circulation of qi, and aromatic for moving. Frankincense supports traumatic injury by alleviating pain from stagnant blood and qi through increased circulation and removing the blood stagnation. Externally, frankincense will alleviate pain and promote wound healing. With myrrh it is commonly a gum disease mouthwash.

Safety: Should not be used by pregnant women.

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Common Name: Ginger

Arabic name: زنجبيل

TCM name: Sheng jiang

Ayurvedic name: Adrak

Family: Zingiberaceae

Parts Used: Rhizome

Actions: Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Circulatory Stimulant, Radioprotective

Taste: Spicy

Energy: Warming

Native To: South Asia

Geographic Distribution: South Asia, East Africa, the Caribbean, India, Europe

Botanical Description: A reedy, leafy stemmed perennial that grows up to 2 feet, ginger shoots up a tall stem in the spring and has lanceolate leaves. The flower stalk grows from the root and at the tip, develops an oblong and scalloped spike from which white or yellow flowers blossom.

History and folklore: Medicinal uses are detailed extensively in early Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian medical texts as well as ancient Roman, Greek, and Arabic traditions.

Uses: Ginger is a warming herb with a fiery nature. By stimulating circulation and energy, it enhances the "fire" in the body that supports digestion, heart health, immunity, and reproductive system vigor and balance. Its warming nature is especially good for cold, damp, and stagnant conditions.

A cup of ginger tea will warm a body chilled by weather or the flu, and its diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) ability can also cool an overheated or feverish body. By relaxing the muscles surrounding the arteries and then stimulating arterial circulation, ginger delivers warmth to the body’s extremities, either warming cold hands and feet or promoting sweating that helps cool the body. Combined with the antimicrobial properties and ability to thin mucous and support expectoration, this temperature modulation ability makes ginger an effective ally for supporting those with colds and flu. Ginger’s volatile oils stimulate the immune system to fight bacterial and viral infections. Ginger’s antiviral actions include stimulating macrophage activity, preventing viruses from attaching to cell walls, and acting as a virucide. Ginger is perhaps best known as an anti-spasmodic that alleviates nausea, motion sickness, and morning sickness. This effect is attributed to the relaxing nature of its aromatic oils. Ginger is also a carminative and digestive aid. By warming the stomach, it improves digestion, bile secretion, fat digestion, and movement of food through the digestive tract, reducing stagnation, irritation and gas. The warming, stimulating, and anti-spasmodic nature of ginger is also helpful for menstrual cramps and painful ovulation, promoting menstruation.

Safety: Ginger may interact with certain medications like Warfarin, and medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. Ginger may increase risk of bleeding. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners caution women who are pregnant not to use more than 2 grams of dried ginger a day.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Common Name: Hibiscus, roselle, Sudanese tea, red tea, Jamaica sorrel

Arabic name: كركدية

Family: Malvaceae

Parts Used: Calyces

Actions: Astringent, Balances hormones, Antibacterial, Anti-catarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Cardiotonic, Hepatic, Hypocholesterolemic, Immune Stimulant, Reproductive tonic

Taste: Astringent, Sour

Energy: Cooling, Drying

Native To: North Africa, Southeast Asia

Geographic Distribution: Tropical and subtropical regions throughout world

Botanical Description: Hibiscus sabdariffa has large flowers that can be a variety of colors (typically ranging from yellow to white to pink) with a reddish-purple center. The flowers are up to 4 inches in diameter. The calyx, which is the outermost whorl of the flower, consists of dark red sepals that become fleshy and fruit-like after the flower is done blooming. The calyx protects a light green to brown ovoid fruit as it develops and matures. The erect shrub is up to 8 feet tall and has 3-7 lobed palmate leaves arranging alternately on the branching reddish stems. Hibiscus grows from a long taproot.

History and folklore: The luscious calyces are harvested and used fresh or dried to make tea, tincture, glycerite, syrup, infused honey, or jams. Hibiscus tea is a beloved drink in many cultures throughout the world, often prepared sweetened and with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, lemon juice, or mint. It is called Sorrel in the Carribbean, Agua de Jamaica in Latin America, Karkade in north Africa, Italy, and Russia, Arhul ka phool in India, and sour tea in Iran. Traditionally, hibiscus calyces have been used throughout the world as the aforementioned beverages as "refrigerants" to cool the body; in Egypt as a diuretic and for cardiac and nerve diseases; in North Africa for coughs and sore throats; in Europe for colds and upper respiratory tract congestion, sleeplessness and as a laxative and diuretic; and in Iran for hypertension.

Uses: Hibiscus is high in vitamin C. It contains plant acids (oxalic, malic, hibiscic, and citric) responsible for the tart flavor, anthocyanins, mucilaginous polysaccharides, anti-inflammatory polyphenols, flavonoids, and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. It is rich in antioxidants. The sour, astringent, cooling nature of hibiscus help to cool and regulate the body’s temperature as well as tone and cool irritated tissue and mucus membranes throughout the digestive tract and genitourinary system. This is particularly indicated in the case of overheated states and inflammation in the body, such as irritation in the liver, stomach, bladder, urinary tract, uterus, or colon. Hibiscus is also clearing, helping to move stuck mucus and energy throughout the digestive system, lungs, circulatory system, and reproductive system. Due to its high vitamin C and antioxidant content, hibiscus helps strengthen the immune system and acts as an immunostimulant to help fight off colds and infections. Its antioxidants keep our cells healthy, while its ability to help stuck mucus to flow helps alleviate congestion in the respiratory system. Hibiscus is purported to support cardiovascular health, reducing and maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Hibiscus is an ally for the urinary system, as well. Hibiscus is a great plant for prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to its antibacterial activity and for treatment of bladder infections. Due to its diuretic action, hibiscus is helpful for prevention of uric acid buildup. Hibiscus is an ally for the reproductive system as well. It is balancing to hormones, its astringent nature is useful for regulating menstrual flow and checking excessive bleeding, and its antispasmodic action helps relieve menstrual cramps. On an energetic level, hibiscus is a very sensual, pleasureful plant, its diuretic properties encouraging movement and release in the sacral region while its pleasureful nature helps one open to intimate connection and receiving.

Safety: Hibiscus sabdariffa is considered safe. Extremely high doses of the extract could be toxic to the liver. Hibiscus should be avoided during pregnancy as there are some reports of it stimulating menstruation.

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Common Name: Lavender

Arabic name: خزامى

TCM name: Xun Yi Cao

Family: Lamiaceae

Parts Used: Flowers

Actions: Nervine, Anxiolytic, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Circulatory Stimulant, Antibacterial, Antidepressant

Taste: Bitter (mild)

Energy: Drying, Cooling

Native To: Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and parts of northern Africa, northeast India, and southeast Asia

Geographic Distribution: Mediterranean, Europe, United States, Australia

Botanical Description: Perennial shrub with up to 3 feet tall spikes holding whorls of blue to violet small flowers. Leaves are small and diverse, ranging from simple to pinnate to pinnate-toothed, to multiple pinnate, and dissected. Leaves are typically covered in fine hairs.

History and folklore: The name lavender comes from the Latin word lavare, "to wash", originating from the Romans who used lavender to scent their baths. Lavender has long been used for cleansing purposes, and was strewn about households to ward off plague and tucked into cupboards and drawers to repel insects.

Uses: Lavender’s volatile oils are antibacterial and are effective against staph, enterococcus, streptococcus, and pneumonia. Lavender's strong scent is repellent to flies, mosquitos, and moths, and it effectively kills lice and parasites. Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, lavender is useful for disinfecting cuts, wounds, and sores while it soothes pain and aids healing. It also soothes the itch and pain of insect bites. As a burn treatment, lavender essential oil reduces the severity and scarring of the burn and speeds healing. Lavender really shines as a nervine tonic for treatment of nervous system complaints such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and headache. In an anxious or stressful situation, inhaling the scent of lavender or drinking its tea can calm and relax the anxious mind, bringing perspective and enabling the clearer thinking necessary to ease the situation. Several scientific studies suggest lavender alleviates anxiety and depression. By relaxing tension, lavender also may bring relief to headache sufferers. Rubbing lavender essential oil mixed with a carrier oil on the temples often brings quick relief.

Lavender is a gentle tonic for strengthening the nervous system in the case of nervous debility or exhaustion. The sweet spirit of lavender uplifts and balances emotions, eases mild depression and restores strength and vitality. It’s like a mother’s hand on your back, gentle and loving yet strong and supportive. As such, it can also be an ally during grieving. Lavender acts as a mild sedative to resolve insomnia.

Safety: Some sensitivity reactions and have occurred with the essential oil.

Lions mane

Hericium erinaceus

Common Name: Lion’s mane, Bear’s head, Monkey’s head, Comb tooth, Bearded tooth mushroom, Satyr's beard, Bearded hedgehog mushroom, Pom-pom mushroom, Bearded tooth fungus

TCM name: Hóu tóu gū

Family: Hericiaceae

Parts Used: Fruiting bodies, mycelium

Actions: Antibiotic, Anticarcinogenic, Antidepressant, Antifatigue, Antihypertensive, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidative, Antisenescence, Anxiolytic, Cardioprotective, Cognitive support, Hepatoprotective, Immunomodulant, Neuroregenerative, Nephroprotective, Neuroprotective

Taste: Bland, slightly sweet, slightly savory

Energy: Sweet, neutral

Native To: North America, Europe, China, and Japan

Geographic Distribution: China, Japan, Europe, North America, Australia

Botanical Description: Hericium erinaceus is a pale white to light beige toothed fungi that naturally grows on dying wood in forests and tends to grow in a single clump of dangling spines that form round mushroom bodies. Lion's mane has no stipe, commonly called a stalk, and no distinct cap, and it always grows on wood. The spore print of Hericium erinaceus is white. The spines of lion’s mane hang evenly in a continuous clump rather than off of a branched structure. The globose clumps of spines will typically be between 3-12 inches broad and tall.

History and folklore: The Japanese name for Hericium erinaceus, yamabushitake, means "those who sleep in the mountains". The name relates to a garment which is both billowy and light in color which is worn by hermit monks of the Shugendo sect of ascetic Buddhism. In China, the name shishigashira means "lion’s head". The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) name hóu tóu means "baby monkey", perhaps for its furry exterior and arboreal habitat. The French culinary name is ponpon du blanc, for the light color and shape, which resembles the decorative pom-pom.

Uses: In terms of the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and philosophy it is said that Hóu tóu gū strengthens the stomach, regulates Qi, tonifies the spleen, promotes digestion, calms the shen, and strengthens the brain.

The most fundamental traditional herbal use for lion’s mane is for gastrointestinal (GI) support. In Chinese medicine it is highly regarded as both a safe and nutritive food and is indicated for stomach ailments. Traditional use suggests that lion’s mane has the potential to repair and protect gastrointestinal tissue, particularly the stomach in the case of ulcers. In China the mycelium is used to make pills which are used for these purposes. Additionally, some Native American tribes have a history of using lion’s mane as a styptic to stop bleeding of minor cuts and wounds.

In traditional use, this mushroom has also been revered as a longevity tonic for the mind. Lion’s mane’s reputation has to do with preserving normal cognition and possibly promoting better mood in adults, particularly those who are middle-aged and older.

There has been additional research on the specific mechanisms by which lion’s mane may have unique activity on the nervous system. Lion’s mane extracts as well as the isolated constituents hericenones and erinacines are said to increase nerve growth factor (NGF), which is associated with nerve repair and growth in the brain.

Safety: No known safety issues.

Malva

Malva sylvestris

Common Name: Mallow, high mallow, common mallow, Alcea rosea, hollyhock

Family: Malvaceae

Parts Used: Leaves, root, flowers

Actions: Antibacterial, mild astringent, anthelmintic, demulcent, diuretic, laxative, emollient, expectorant, inflammation modulating

Taste: Sweet, salty

Energy: Neutral to cooling depending on constitution

Native To: Macaronesia, Europe, Central Asia, West Himalaya

Geographic Distribution: present throughout the world

Botanical Description: The Common or Blue Mallow is a robust plant 3 or 4 feet high, growing freely in field, hedgerows and on waste ground. Its stem is round, thick and strong, the leaves stalked, roundish, five to seven lobed, downy, with stellate hairs and the veins prominent on the underside. The flowers are showy, bright mauve-purple, with dark veins. When they first expand in June, the plant is handsome, but as the summer advances, the leaves lose their deep green colour and the stems assume a ragged appearance.

History and folklore: Mallow has enjoyed a prominent role in many cultures throughout history, with the Chinese and the Romans being just two examples. The Chinese were making cups of reddish mallow tea as far back as 5000 years ago. Meanwhile, the Romans mixed mallow with oil, salt, honey and wine to make “omnimorbium”, an all-purpose remedy. Among the varieties of Mallow used in traditional medicine, the Sylvestris type emerges for its multiple benefits as archaeological studies in Syria have proven the consumption of this plant for medicinal purposes already 3000 years ago.

Uses: Mallow has been called the ‘softest’ plant because it has anti-inflammatory, slightly laxative and soothing properties. Mallows are mildly astringent, which means they help to tone the mucosal membranes and the skin. It also has a vulnerary action with an ability to staunch mild bleeding. Combined with its soothing, emollient and moisturizing properties, you can see why it is useful for people who have patterns of heat and inflammation in their digestive tract. This includes ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and enteritis, as well as Crohn's disease. It can also support people recover from leaky gut syndrome, commonly caused by prolonged use of non steroidal anti inflammatories such as aspirin.

Respiratory infections: The herb is a powerful demulcent for coughs, colds, sore throats, asthma and chest troubles.

Sore throats: Mallow can help soothe sore throats, especially those that are hot and dry and in need of moisture and cooling. The flowers are commonly made into a syrup for this purpose.

Immune system: Another less known affinity of mallow is its support for the immune system because of its actions on the mucous membranes.

Safety: In large doses, mallow can be laxative and purgative. While it can take a while to get to grips with the concepts of energetics, it is important to remember that mallow is not ideal to give to people with cold/wet/damp conditions.

Nettle

Urtica dioica

Common Name: Nettle, common nettle, stinging nettle

Arabic name: قُرَّاص

Family: Urticaceae

Parts Used: Leaves, stalks, rhizomes, seeds

Actions: Alterative, Antihistamine, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Diuretic, Nutritive

Taste: Astringent, Salty

Energy: Cooling, Drying

Native To: Europe, Asia

Geographic Distribution: Temperate regions throughout world

Botanical Description: Nettle grows from 2-6 feet tall on a square, fibrous stem with deep grooves running along its length. The dark green leaves are ovate and sharply toothed with a heart-shaped base and a pointy tip. They are located in opposite pairs and become progressively smaller toward the top of the stem. The leaves and stems are covered with tiny, hollow hairs tipped with silica. Nettle spreads by rhizomes, so each plant can have multiple stems and thus nettle typically grows in dense colonies. The tiny, inconspicuous green flowers droop in bunches from the leaf axils (Foster, 1993; Thayer, 2006).

Uses: Nettle has been used as food, medicine, and fiber for thousands of years. The stalks and leaves, seeds, or rhizomes are (carefully) harvested and used to make tea, infusion and tincture. The spring-gathered stalks and leaves can be eaten as a cooked green like spinach or juiced, while the dried seeds can be eaten directly. Nettle’s nourishing and herbal action is attributed to its rich vitamin, mineral, amino acid, and chlorophyll content, as well as formic acid. It contains abundant calcium, magnesium, silica, iron and vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as several other minerals. The high mineral and chlorophyll content gives the nettle a salty, swampy taste slightly reminiscent of seaweed. Energetically, nettle is cooling and drying and is astringent due to its tannin content.

It is a quintessential nourishing herbal tonic, and can be drunk or eaten daily. Nettle nourishes, supports, and energizes the whole body, and is richly nourishing to the blood. Nettle is a deeply nourishing tonic for the adrenals and kidneys. In addition to nourishment, nettle is also an alterative, meaning it purifies the blood and assists the body in nutrient and protein assimilation, neutralization of acid, and elimination of waste. Nettle helps to detoxify the body and is used as a spring tonic after a long winter of eating root vegetables, cooked grains, and/or heavy meats. For these purposes, either drink nettle as a nourishing infusion, steam or sauté the tops of spring nettles and use them as you would any green leafy vegetables, or juice the leaves and stalks to make a green juice.

Nettle has the added benefit of helping to maintain even blood sugar levels; research indicates that nettle contains both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic constituents.

Nettle is suggested for use during pregnancy and the post-partum period including lactation, and not just for its nutritive qualities. As a galactagogue, nettle increases the quality and quantity of breast milk. As a hemostatic (due to its high level of vitamin K) and an astringent, nettle can help ease uterine bleeding and hemorrhage after childbirth. It is also used to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding or excessive bleeding anywhere in the body.

Safety: Nettle is considered nutritive and safe, although some allergic reactions have been reported. Nettle stings may cause discomfort, of course. Internal use may decrease the efficacy of anticoagulant drugs. Nettle leaf may modify glucose regulation and should only be taken by diabetics under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Nigella

Nigella sativa

Common Name: Black cumin, Fennel Flower, Nutmeg Flower, Black seed, Black Caraway, Roman Coriander, Damascena, Devil in-the-bush, Wild Onion Seed

Arabic name: حبة البركة

Family: Ranunculaceae

Parts Used: Flowers, seeds

Actions: Antibacterial, antifungal, antihistaminic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxytocic, antiparasitic, antiviral, diuretic, hematological, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, immunopotentiating

Taste: Spicy

Energy: Warming

Native To: Southern Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia, cultivated in many countries in the world like Middle Eastern Mediterranean region, South Europe, India, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia

Geographic Distribution: The genus likely originated in parts of the eastern Mediterranean, northeastern Africa, and southwestern Asian regions. Nigella sativa is found growing wild in regions of northern Africa, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. The species is also cultivated on a commercial scale in northern Africa (Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan), eastern Africa (Ethiopia), western Asia (Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Yemen), and southern Asia (India, Iran, Pakistan).

Botanical Description: Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant that grows at 20-90 cm tall, with finely divided leaves; the flowers are white, yellow, pink, pale blue or pale purple color, with 5-10 petals. The fruit is a large and inflated capsule consists of 3-7 united follicles, each containing several seeds. Seeds are small dicotyledonous, trigonus, angular, tubercular, black externally and white inside, odor slightly aromatic and taste bitter.

History and folklore: Nigella sativa has been widely used as a spice and flavoring agent in variety of food preparations such as in bread, yogurt, pickles, sauces, and salads. Black seed or black cumin (English), Habbatul Barakah (Arabic), Tikur azmud (Amharic), has long been used in traditional remedy in the Arabian countries, Far East Asia, Europe, and Africa. Nigella sativa has also been described as the miraculous plant and considered by earliest herbal specialists as "The herb from heaven". The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had described the curative powers of the black seed as "Hold on to use this black seed, as it has a remedy for every illness except death". Avicenna, a well-known physician of the 10th century famous for his book "The Canon of Medicine", has recommended use of Nigella seeds for enhancement of body’s energy and also support during recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness. Nigella sativa is also mentioned for its curative property in the Holy Bible and is also labeled as Melanthion by Hippocrates and Dioscorides.

Nigella sativa is still widely used in Asian and Arabic systems of medicine. As such, quality standards monographs providing specifications and test methods for Nigella sativa seed have been published in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India, and in the Unani Pharmacopoeia of India.

Uses: The medicinal use of black cumin seeds in various traditional herbal systems is known for a wide range of ailments which include different airway disorders, for pain such as chronic headache and back pain, diabetes, paralysis, infection, inflammation, hypertension, and digestive tract related problems administered in different kind of preparations. It has also been used topically where it is applied directly to the blisters, nasal abscesses, orchitis, eczema, and swollen joints.
In vivo and in vitro studies have shown nigella seed powder and oil to have antibacterial, antifungal, antihistaminic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxytocic, antiparasitic, antiviral, diuretic, hematological, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, immunopotentiating, wound-healing, and respiratory-stimulant properties.

Safety: The minor and/or negligible toxicological effects and wider therapeutic margin of Nigella sativa and its active constituents, thymoquinone, as evidenced by various scientific studies, support its safe use for the long-term traditional food and medicinal purposes.

Avoid during pregnancy.