CALENDULA

Calendula-Calendula

Also known as:  marigold, marybud, bull's eye

Parts used:  flowers, leaves

Meridians/Organs affected:  liver, heart, lungs, skin

Properties:  anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, vulnerary, astringent, antispasmodic, stimulant, diaphoretic, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, emmenogogue, alterative, tonic, sudorific, styptic

Calendula has a long history.  It is a member of the Compositae family.  It is a well-known annual that can get up to two feet tall.  It is a native of southern Europe but is has been naturalized in North America and Asia as well.

Calendula has light green leaves and daisy-like flowers that vary from yellow to bright orange.  It blooms the first of the month (hence the Latin name "calends" or "the first") from May until the first frost.  Typically it is only the petals that are used for medicine although the leaves are also used in some cases.  The petals should be separated from the green stem and then hand-plucked off and onto newspaper to dry.  The petals should be dried in the shade as they are sun sensitive and once dried they should be stored in a dark jar and out of the sunlight.

The history of calendula is full of poetry.  William Bell Scott (1811-1890) wrote about them in his "Witches' Ballad"; John Keats wrote of them in "I Stood Tiptoe upon a Little Hill" (1817) and it was mentioned by Josselyn in 1672.  A lot of folklore also is attached to this plant.  The French believed that if you stared at the flowers of the calendula a few minutes every day that your eyesight would improve.  Garlands of the flowers were put on door handles to keep away evil and infectious disease.  It is also believed that is one cut the flowers when the sun was highest in the sky they would fortify the heart.  In medieval England, it was believed that the Virgin Mary wore the golden blossoms so the term "Mary's Golde" (marigold) came into being.  Calendula was first brought to this country by the early colonists who believed the gold flowers would protect them from witchcraft.

The colonists also used calendula to make teas for measles, fevers, jaundice, toothaches, and as a heart tonic.  The leaves would be used in soups and salads.  In WWI, this flower was used for its hemostatic capabilities and early physicians would use it in ointments for skin infections.  In fact, even now it is well known for its ability to heal skin conditions.  It is a cousin to arnica and seems to have similar abilities.  Calendula poultices were used to heal small pox scars, broken capillaries, varicose veins and burns.  Dried calendula infusions are great for itchy eyes due to hay fever and to tone the skin.  A strong tea was used topically for shingles.

In "The Country Farme" (1699), Stevens wrote that "A conserve made of the flowers and sugar, taken in the morning fasting, cureth the trembling of the harte, and is also given in the time of plague and pestilence."

The sap from the stem was used for corns, callouses and warts.  The tea was used as a gargle for sore throats and to get rid of thrush, it was also taken internally for ulcers and gastritis and to stimulate bile flow.

In more modern times calendula has been found to be effective against auto-immune diseases including HIV and AIDS as well as cancer.  It has the ability to not only fight infection but to stop new infections from forming.  It has been used for swelling of the lymph nodes, for joint and muscles aches and pains and for damaged stomach lining.  It also is used for hemorrhoids, leg ulcers, eczema, etc.

One of the earliest used of this herb was as a dye for foods and fabrics.  It is still used for these today.  Also called 'poor man's saffron', calendula is used to color butters, cheeses, rice and other dishes.

Calendula should not be used by pregnant women due to its ability to stimulate menstruation.

As is customary with my posts I am including some links below for your benefit.  May you find them helpful and informative.  Use them as you seem fit.

http://www.amazon.com/Boiron-Calendula-Cream-2-5-oz/dp/B000WRZOW0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387669413&sr=8-1&keywords=calendula

http://www.amazon.com/Wise-Ways-Herbals-Calendula-Oil/dp/B000RMVIR0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1387669455&sr=8-3&keywords=calendula

http://www.amazon.com/Starwest-Botanicals-Organic-Calendula-Flowers/dp/B0016AZGM0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1387669455&sr=8-5&keywords=calendula

http://www.amazon.com/MJs-Herbals-Calendula-Salve--Concentrate/dp/B0033MG6UK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1387669455&sr=8-8&keywords=calendula

http://www.amazon.com/Weleda-Calendula-Diaper-Care-2-8-Ounce/dp/B000V3MFUY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1387669455&sr=8-7&keywords=calendula

http://www.amazon.com/Rinas-Garden-Calendula-Flowers-Marigold/dp/B0014CAKM6/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1387669455&sr=8-9&keywords=calendula

http://www.amazon.com/Herb-Pharm-Calendula-Extract-Supplement/dp/B00142FQXE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1387669455&sr=8-13&keywords=calendula

OREGANO

Oregano-Origanum Vulgare, Origanum Heracleoticum, Origanum Majorana, Origanum Syriacum

Also known as:  common wild oregano, greek oregano, ezov (Syrian variety), dwarf oregano, sweet marjoram, etc.

Parts used:  leaves, flowers

Meridians/Organs affected:  respiratory, digestive, skin, nervous system

Properties:  digestive, carminative, tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic, antifungal, diuretic, relaxant, antioxidant, antiseptic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, diaphoretic, emmenogogue, rubefacient, expectorant, sudorific

Oregano is a member of the Marjoram family.  In fact, the two plants are often mistaken for one another; however, the milder marjoram is used specifically for culinary aspects whereas oregano has many medicinal uses aside from its culinary ones.  Origanum Vulgare is considered to be the wild oregano and the most used for medicinal purposes although other oreganos can also be used. 

Wild Oregano is native to the Mediterranean, where it is a perennial and quite hardy.  It can get up to two feet tall, has dull grayish-green leaves that are ovate shaped.  Wild oregano will ALWAYS have white flowers which sets it apart from other varieties whose flowers are often purple or pink.  It blooms from July to August.

Oregano comes from the Greek words 'oros' and 'ganos' meaning 'mountain joy' after its most popular habitat.  It grows wild all over Europe, especially in Greece and Italy where it is commonly referred to as 'rigani'.

It is believed that the flavor of goat's meat in Greece tastes so good because the goats often forage on oregano growing wild in the mountains.  Another belief is that if oregano was found growing on someone's grave that the person buried there was happy.  (Don't ask me where they come up with this stuff...LOL).

Oregano actually originated in Spain (oregano is Spanish for marjoram) but it 'escaped' to nearby countries and is now grown all over the world.  The Greeks used it originally to improve blood flow and to assist in the digestive processes.  It is still used today in Greece as a tea to aid digestion (they call it 'dittany' of oregano) as it helps with colic and to relieve gas.  Theophrastus, Hippocrates, Pliny, Aristotle and Dioscorides often used oregano as an antiseptic for burns, wounds, ulcers and for the respiratory system.  Dr. Cazin (1837-wrote a treatise on common plants) talked of using oregano oil for aches and pains in a hot bath.  Dr. Leclerc said it was an effective stimulant and digestive agent as well as a wonderful plant for the lungs.  The Greeks used it as an antidote for convulsions, narcotic poisoning and for dropsy.  Culpeper wrote of oregano, "It strengthens the stomach and head much; there is scarcely a better herb growing for relieving a sour stomach, loss of appetite, cough, consumption of the lungs, it cleanses the body of cholera....and helps the bites of venomous beasts.  It provoked urine and the terms in women, helps the dropsy, scurvy, scabs, itch, and yellow jaundice.  The juice dropped into the ears helps deafness, pain, and noise in them."

As it is both a tonic and a stimulant, oregano also has been found useful for such conditions as asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis.  The oils was used for toothaches and the tea was used to bring on a fever to help with measles and nervous headaches.

The flowering tops also produce a dye that turns wool purple and linen a reddish-brown color.  The oil is gathered from the flowers which make a dark yellow to pale brown colored oil, and smells spicy and hot.

Oregano is the most important antiseptic oil in aromatherapy.  It has the highest amount of phenol of all the aromatic plants known which makes it the strongest antibacterial plant we have.  It has proven effective for eczema, psoriasis, mycosis (parasitic fungus), shingles, neuralgia, sciatica, lumbago, rheumatic conditions, stings and bites, abscesses and boils, and a host of other complaints.

As a culinary agent oregano goes well with tomatoes, cheese, vegetables, fish, beans and meat dishes.  It has a wonderful flavor but too much can be overwhelming so less is more. 

Pregnant women should avoid using oregano as it stimulates the uterus and promotes menstruation.

As is customary with my posts I have included some links below for your benefit.  Use them as you see suitable. 

http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Organic-Certified-75-Ounce-Container/dp/B000WS3APW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387666242&sr=8-1&keywords=oregano

http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Oregano-Enteric-Softgels/dp/B0013OXFBI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387667604&sr=8-2&keywords=oregano

http://www.amazon.com/Starwest-Botanicals-Organic-Oregano-1-pound/dp/B003AYEHSE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1387667604&sr=8-5&keywords=oregano

http://www.amazon.com/Oregano-Italian-Great-Garden-Seeds/dp/B00523LTYG/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1387667604&sr=8-11&keywords=oregano

http://www.amazon.com/North-American-Herb-Spice-0-45-Ounce/dp/B00012NJ4G/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1387667790&sr=8-5&keywords=oregano+oil

http://www.amazon.com/Greek-Oregano-Plant--Live-Plants/dp/B00BXP13MA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387667854&sr=8-1&keywords=oregano+plants

LOMATIUM

Lomatium-Lomatium Dissectum, Lomatium Cous, Lomatium Triternatum

Also known as:  desert parsley, biscuit root

Parts used:  roots, leaves, stems

Meridians/Organs affected:  immune system, respiratory. hepatic, cardiac

Properties:  antiviral, immune stimulant, vulnerary, antimicrobial expectorant, antibacterial

Lomatium is a member of the parsley family.  There are more than seventy species of lomatium in the western states alone.  These plants frequently hybridize, so sometimes identification can be difficult and scary as it closely resembles poison hemlock.  One cannot afford to mistake this plant for its poisonous cousin.  Generally, hemlock needs moist soil or it will dies, whereas lomatium usually grows in dry, rocky soil.  If the soil is dry, rocky and void of most plant life the odds are that lomatium will be found there.  Lomatium can also be found in moist soil but when in doubt, stick to the dry areas to harvest lomatium where hemlock doesn't grow. 

Lomatium has hollow stems and parsley-looking compound leaves that on some species divide into linear segments.  The largest species of lomatium can get almost four feet tall.  The flowers bloom on umbrella shaped terminals and vary from white to yellow to pink to purple to even black.  It blooms from April to July.  The roots are best dug in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant.  Dig it with care to minimize any damage as it will "bleed" a yellow sap when cut.  The roots should be cleaned and cut as soon as possible and tinctured or infused in oil.

Lomatium has been used by the Native Americans for a very very long time.  The Blackfeet Indians refer to it as 'Big Medicine' for its ability to help chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis and pneumonia.  They would also use it for colds and flu.  Other Native American tribes would call it 'Bear Medicine' as when the plant comes up in the spring the small shoots resemble furry, brown paws.  Bear medicine plants were used by the Indians for heart, lung and liver complaints.  The roots were often used to make tea for any kind of respiratory condition as it would help to expel phlegm from the bronchials.  Some long distance runners also chewed the seeds to prevent side-aches when running.

As its other name implies (biscuit root), lomatium was also considered a food staple by many Indian tribes.  The root was dried and ground into a flour or meal for bread, biscuits, mush, cakes, etc.  Large, flat cakes were often taken with them on long journeys. Lomatium cous (biscuit root) was the most used variety for that purpose as it has a flavor similar to rice.  The root was also roasted or boiled.  Other varieties of lomatium have more of a balsam flavor.  The leaves can and were used much like parsley in soups, stews, salads, meat dishes and more. 

Some people have had rashes break out on their skin when using this herb.  This is usually due to the person using too much.  Lomatium is definitely a plant where less is more.  If the person stops using lomatium the rash generally goes away in a few days.

As is customary with my posts I am including some links below for you perusal.  Use them as you deem necessary.  Happy and healthy living!

http://www.amazon.com/PLANETARY-Lomatium-Spectrum-Nutritional-Supplement/dp/B003DLBI4U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1387596081&sr=8-3&keywords=lomatium

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Lomatium-Root-Ounces/dp/B0001TS6JC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1387596163&sr=8-7&keywords=lomatium

http://www.amazon.com/Lomatium-Root-900mg-Capsules-Renevitol/dp/B00G2QQEUG/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1387596163&sr=8-12&keywords=lomatium

http://www.amazon.com/Herbal-Antivirals-Remedies-Resistant-Infections/dp/1612121608/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1387596163&sr=8-11&keywords=lomatium

http://www.amazon.com/Lomatium-Root-C-S-16oz/dp/B008G2O186/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1387596345&sr=8-20&keywords=lomatium

http://www.amazon.com/Lomatium-Osha-Throat-Spray-Pack/dp/B00HA8QV8K/ref=sr_1_39?ie=UTF8&qid=1387596397&sr=8-39&keywords=lomatium

http://www.amazon.com/Lomatium-Root-Pieces-Wildcrafted-SWB201774-81/dp/B00ACWYDX6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1387596511&sr=8-4&keywords=lomatium+root

HUCKLEBERRY

Huckleberry-Vaccinum Myrtillus, Vaccinum Ashei, Vaccinum Augustifolium, Vaccinum Corymbosum, Vaccinum Cespitosum

Also known as:  bilberry, blueberry, whortleberry, hurtleberry, wimberry

Parts used:  leaves, berries

Meridians/Organs affected:  liver, ocular, pancreas, urinary, intestinal

Properties:  astringent, diuretic, antibacterial, disinfectant, refrigerant

Hucklebrry, better known as bilberry in the alternative world, is a member of the Heath family.  There are over 60 varieties of this species just in the western states alone.  They are usually divided into three sub-groups:  1)those that are found in swamps and/or bogs, 2)those that are found in well drained soil and 3)those that are tiny and often red but so small they are hard to gather in appreciable amounts.

Huckleberry has alternate, deciduous, broad lance-shaped leaves with small pink urn-shaped flowers that appear where the leaves axil.  The berries have flattened ends and are either red or blue with blue being the more well-known.  It is bush-like or shrub-like in nature, some of which get up to 3 feet tall.  Picking these berries is labor-intensive and backbreaking but a labor of love nonetheless.  (Most people who have found huckleberry bushes guard them well as they are so tasty and amazing no one wants to share.)

Huckleberries can be found from the Artic Circle to the Rockies.  They bloom from May to July and the leaves are best gathered before the plant blooms.  The berries of all species are edible whether raw or cooked but vary in flavor.

Huckleberry has a rather amazing past.  It has long been used for food throughout Europe and the Europeans even had special days set aside for the gathering of the berries.  The Brits of northern England call it bilberry, the Scots call it blueberry and it is referred to as whortleberry in southeastern England and wimberry in Shropshire, England.  (Personally I think the Brits need to choose one name and stick with it...LOL)

In Britain, when huckleberries would come on some people would make a social gathering out of the entire affair.  Whole villages and communities would take along picnics with their pails and many times it turned into a drunken fest when many unwed coupled stole away for  'personal' time.  In other places though, this was considered a time to be taken seriously and entire weeks were spent making pies, jams, wines, syrups, etc. to sell to passersby or to keep as medicinal fare for themselves.

The French have a metal comb called a "peigne", which is used to harvest these small berries.  The fruit that was 'combed' from the bush was then sold to jam factories or dye shops.  In medieval times, it became quite popular to use the berries for dyes in painting.  Mrs. Grieve (1931), who was well known to British herbalist in her day, used the berries for gastroenteritis, diarrhea, dysentery, bed wetting, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, etc.  The leaves were used for hypoglycemia, diabetes, urinary tract infections and for ulcers, including those found on the tonsils or in the mouth.

During WWII, British pilots who flew night raids were given huckleberry sandwiches before flying as it was believed that the berries would improve one's night vision.  To some that may sound like hoopla; however, there have been several studies done on huckleberries in this regard and some of the statistics in these studies are nothing short of miraculous.  The berries have been found to increase circulation to the eyes and help with a number of eye-related diseases.  They have been found not only to improve one's eyesight and visual acuity at night but to increase the blood supply to the eyes by 75%.  The berries also have been found to improve nearsightedness after five months of regularly taking them and to improve visual acuity by 83% after only 15 days.  In fact, 80% of the people tested that were taking the huckleberries for the first time improved on their visual exams and night vision tests within three minutes of taking them.  Other advantages/improvements were:  reduced cataract formation, help with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.  Huckleberries appear to be a powerhouse of medicine.

Huckleberries contain anthocyanins.  These are flavonoids that are amazing antioxidants.  They have been in the spotlight recently for their ability to help heal a number of conditions.  Studies have shown that they can help ease the aging process, reduce inflammation and increase insulin production.  Anthocyanins also protect blood vessels and seem to have anti-carcinogenic abilities as well.  These particular flavonoid compounds are also found in blackberries, hawthorn berries, elderberries, cherries, etc.  They are what give them their blue or red color and are found in particularly large amounts in huckleberries.  Huckleberries also are used throughout Europe before surgical procedures as they strengthen capillary walls and prevent hemorrhaging or excessive bleeding.  This also helps to lower the blood pressure, improve blood circulation, helps reduce clotting, etc. 

The huckleberry is completely safe for everyone to use which makes it nice for the elderly, small children and pregnant women.  The leaves are high in tannins though so if using them for tea, remember to use milk with it (milk binds with the tannins and voids them out).  Even then-you may take the tea for about 3 weeks or so and then give your body a break for a week at least before starting to use it once more.

As is customary with my posts I am including some links below for your perusal.  Please use them as you feel necessary and enjoy these yummy berries!

http://www.amazon.com/Seed-Savers-Exchange-Open-Pollinated-Huckleberry/dp/B007TFXB1Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1387594446&sr=8-8&keywords=huckleberries

http://www.amazon.com/Freshly-Frozen-Wild-Huckleberries--Gallon/dp/B0001KZ8YC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1387594469&sr=8-7&keywords=huckleberries

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Huckleberry-Pie-Filling-16oz/dp/B0000EJXL2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1387594469&sr=8-6&keywords=huckleberries

http://www.amazon.com/Taste-the-Wilderness-Wild-Huckleberry/dp/B0000TLEEW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1387594469&sr=8-9&keywords=huckleberries

http://www.amazon.com/Taste-the-Wilderness-Huckleberry-Syrup/dp/B0000E6GZY/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1387594469&sr=8-11&keywords=huckleberries

http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Lotion-Winter-Huckleberry-lotion/dp/B00477Z5DY/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1387594632&sr=8-23&keywords=huckleberries

http://www.amazon.com/Seeds-Things-Garden-Huckleberry-Bush/dp/B004RQADCS/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1387594697&sr=8-21&keywords=huckleberries

ARROWLEAF BALSAMROOT

Arrowleaf Balsamroot-Balsamrrhiza Sagittata

Also known as:  balsamroot, arrowhead, duck potato, swan potato, katniss, wapatoo

Parts used:  roots, root bark, leaves, seeds, sap

Meridians/Organs affected:  immune system, respiratory, skin

Properties:  antifungal, antibacterial, immune stimulant, expectorant, antiseptic, diaphoretic, antimicrobial

There are twenty some odd species of this plant, all with similar qualities and minor differences.

It is a member of the Sunflower family and indeed, the flowers look like small versions of sunflowers.  The flowers are two to four inches in diameter and are a bright yellow hue.  The leaves are shaped much like an arrowhead and can get up to a foot long; they protrude directly from the root on petioles.  The entire plant is covered with small hairs that give it a silvery-gray appearance and a somewhat sticky texture.  Arrowleaf Balsamroot is often mistaken for Mule's Ears, also known as Wyethia, as they have similar flowers, but the leaves are different and the Mule's Ears plant lacks the signature hairs of balsam root.

Balsamroot is a tap-rooted perennial that takes ALOT of sweat and effort to free from the ground.  The root can get up to 30 pounds and even when freed from the ground, the work isn't done.  The outer root bark must be cleaned and then stripped from the inner bark.  The bruised bark exudes a sticky sap similar to pine.

Balsamroot grows on rocky hillsides, edges of ponds, streams or marshy ground, and in open meadows.  It blooms from April to July although in some places you can still see the blooms as late as September.  It can be found from British Columbia, Canada, to the Dakotas and as far south as Mexico.

The root is best gathered in early spring before the plant blooms or in the fall after the leaves have died back.  The young leaves were often gathered very early in the spring and boiled or steamed.  Some people would even eat them raw although there is some debate as to whether they taste good in that state.  The peeled roots have also been eaten raw but are very bitter due to the pine-like sap it contains.  The tuberous root is said to have a sweet taste when cooked but needs to be steamed or roasted for several hours to get to that point.  The dried, cooked roots were often stored for later use (and re-lubricated at that point).  The small seeds were also dried and roasted and pounded into flour.  This would be mixed with grease or fat and made into small cakes, or added to breads, granola and/or muffins.  In some cultures it is still used in this manner.

 

The root is the part used most for medicinal purposes.  However, the leaves were used in poultices for burns and the sap was used by Native Americans for minor wounds, stings, bites and as a topical anesthetic.  The roots were boiled to make a tea for rheumatism, tuberculosis, whooping cough, headaches, venereal disease, to increase the flow of urine, purge the bowel and to stimulate childbirth.  The root was also used topically in poultices for wounds, bruises, blisters, sores and any kind of fungal outbreak or skin infection.  Some native tribes also burned the root as incense in ceremonies.

 

Arrowleaf Balsamroot can be nauseating in large amounts and irritating to the kidneys is used for long periods of time so it is best used in small amounts for brief periods of time.  As it does stimulate childbirth it should not be used by pregnant women until it is time to give birth. 

 

 

As is customary with my posts I am including some links below for your benefit.  Use them as you see fit! 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Arrowleaf-Balsamroot-Balsamorhiza-sagittata-Wildflower/dp/B003ADF6S0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387591412&sr=8-1&keywords=arrowleaf+balsamroot

 

http://www.amazon.com/Arrowleaf-Balsamroot-Flowers-Stick-Wallmonkeys/dp/B00GZ156WK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387591412&sr=8-2&keywords=arrowleaf+balsamroot

 

http://www.amazon.com/48x72-Scott-Smith-Arrowleaf-Balsamroot/dp/B00GJTRFTU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1387591412&sr=8-5&keywords=arrowleaf+balsamroot

 





PARSLEY

Parsley-Petroselinum Sativum

Also known as:  garden parsley, rock parsley, common parsley, march

Parts used:  leaves, roots, seeds

Meridians/Organs affected:  lung, stomach, bladder, liver

Properties:  diuretic, carminative, aperient, expectorant, emmenogogue (the seeds), sedative, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, stimulant

Parsley is one of those herbs often passed over for some that are far more pungent or aromatic.  Usually found on a plate next to a steak or a piece of fish and often left behind after the other has been consumed.  This is not an herb to just look at or decorate a plate, it has much to offer.

Native to Sardinia, Turkey, Lebanon and Algeria it is now grown all over the world.  It is a bright green hairless plant that grows in moist, well drained soils in full sun and usually in temperate climates.  It is poisonous to most birds but other animals seem to do exceedingly well with the plant, especially rabbits who love it.  It is a biennial but most people grow it as an annual.  In the first year it develops a host of green leaves with long stems.  It will have developed white roots of varying thicknesses.  The second year it has greenish yellow flowers that develop on umbels or clusters.  The seeds are grayish brown and are best gathered after the second years flowers have gone.  The leaves can be gathered the first year and thereafter during the summer months.  The root is best gathered after the leaves have died back in the fall. 

Pliny spoke often of this plant and considered it one of the most important medicinal herbs of his time.  The Greeks had many stories in which parsley was included.  They believed that Hercules wore parsley as his garland and so it was woven into the garlands of winning athletes.  Greek warriors would often feed their horses parsley before races or battle believing it would give them more speed and they would put wreaths of parsley all over when having banquets to absorb the fumes of alcohol and to prevent the men from becoming too inebriated.  They would also use it to absorb the odor of garlic, onions and other more pungent herbs.  On the other hand, they also believed that a person who was dying was 'in need of parsley' as it was believed that parsley sprung up on the graves of fallen heroes. 

The Romans used parsley to freshen breath and to aid with digestion.  The bodies of the dead in both Greek and Roman cultures were often sprinkled with parsley to deodorize the decaying corpse.  In medieval times it was used to help with anything from kidneys or liver complaints to bronchial disorders.  The German herbalist, Hildegard of Bingen, used compresses of parsley for arthritis and used a boiled parsley wine concoction for heart and chest pains.  Nicholas Culpeper, a seventeenth century English herbalist, recommended it for regulating menstruation, dissolving kidney stones and to help expel gas from the system.  By the late 1800's parsley was recognized by the US as a diuretic, a laxative and as an alternative to quinine in the treatment of malaria.  Gerard said that parsley was just the thing to, 'take away stoppings and provoke urine....to waste away winde, and are good for such as have dropsie, to draw down the menses, bring away the after birth; they be recommended also against the cough....and are also good to be put into clysters against the stone or torments of the guts.'

Parsley is high in vitamin C, containing more per volume than oranges.  It is also a good source of iron, chlorophyll, boron, fluorine, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.  It is considered a nutritive plant as well as a medicinal one. 

Parsley seed tea is still widely used in Germany today to help in the treatment of hypertension due to its diuretic actions.  A study on parsley in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that this often overlooked herb actually inhibits the secretion of histamine (the chemical that triggers allergies or allergic reactions in people).  This may be beneficial to those who suffer with allergies, hay fever, asthma and a host of other issues.  Parsley also contains a chemical known as psoralen.  This chemical has recently come under the spotlight as a possible treatment for one form of cancer known as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.  In recent research it has been found to have the ability to prevent and kill certain types of cancer cells from reproducing.  It has amazing immuno-stimulant capabilities.  As such it should make this herb a popular one for such things as HIV, AIDS, hypothyroidism, goiter, rheumatism and a host of other complaints.  The leaves and root are particularly beneficial for urinary tract infections where it seems to work much like an antibiotic.  The root itself has been used for centuries to dissolve and expel stones and gravel as well as parasites and worms.  All parts of this plant have been shown beneficial against bronchial and lung congestion as well as digestive issues (such as gas and indigestion).

Parsley oil (made from the root, leaves and seeds) has been used throughout the centuries for many maladies such as cystitis, dysmenorrhea, tonsillitis, rheumatism, broken capillaries, varicose veins, psoriasis, sore breasts, bruises, etc.  It is a powerful oil and not to be used by pregnant women (parsley in general should not be used by pregnant women as it stimulate the uterus) or those with kidney disease (although Dr. Christopher would say otherwise).  The oil has also been found to regenerate liver tissue in rats, so apparently it is also a cell proliferant.  Not bad for an overlooked garden herb.

Dr. Christopher said that if used properly that parsley would remove gall stones and that it is, "a specific for the adrenal glands, is powerfully therapeutic for the optic nerves, the brain nerves and the whole sympathetic nervous system....it is a remarkable remedy for expelling watery poisons, excess mucus, flatulence, for reducing swollen and enlarged glands, etc."  It can also be substituted for celery in many recipes and it goes well with practically everything from soups, salads, fish, meats, vegetables and more. 

As is customary with my posts I am including some links below for your perusal.  Use them as you deem necessary.  Happy and healthy living!

http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Organic-Parsley-Certified-Container/dp/B000WS1DT2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387494987&sr=8-1&keywords=parsley

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Parsley-Capsules-100-Count/dp/B00016AHR4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387498137&sr=8-2&keywords=parsley

http://www.amazon.com/Nutramedix-NutraMedix-Parsley-Detox-30/dp/B001EXRG3G/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1387498137&sr=8-7&keywords=parsley

http://www.amazon.com/Parsley-Italian-Certified-Organic-Seeds/dp/B0012YEK7M/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1387498137&sr=8-9&keywords=parsley

http://www.amazon.com/Alvita-Bags-Parsley-Caffeine-1-625/dp/B001GCTTR6/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1387498137&sr=8-11&keywords=parsley

http://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Parsley-Flakes-Certified-Organic/dp/B001VNP7L2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1387498137&sr=8-3&keywords=parsley

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint-Mentha Piperita

Also known as:  Mint, Brandy mint, Balm mint, Lamb mint, Curled mint

Parts used:  leaves, flowers, oil

Meridians/Organs affected:  digestive, respiratory

Properties:  stimulant, general tonic, antispasmodic, digestive, carminative, cholagogue, hepatic, emmenogogue, febrifuge, antiseptic, expectorant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, aromatic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antibacterial

There are roughly 25 different species of mint.  Peppermint is one of the official mints as is spearmint and wild mint.  Mint does have a tendency to cross breed with others of its species and so new milder versions seem to pop up all over the place every year.  Peppermint is a native of Europe but has been here in the usa for quite some time.  It has square smooth stems that get up to 3 feet tall with sharply toothed leaves and white flowers that bloom from July to September.  The main difference between peppermint and most other varieties is that peppermint blooms are on spikes whereas most other mints bloom in whorls where the leaves axil.  It can be found growing in moist soil, along streams, near wooded areas, etc.  As it does spread rather tenaciously, it is best to grow it with other plants that tend to keep it tethered back such as Chinese rhubarb or hostas.  The leaves and stems are best gathered before the plant blooms between 11 a.m. and noon from April to June.  The flowers can be gathered between August and September from 11 a.m. to noon.

Peppermint belongs to the Labiatae or Mint family.  The true mints will have 'Mentha' in their Latin names.  Mintho and 'mentha' was part of Greek mythology.  She was a beautiful nymph that Pluto, god of the underworld, fell in love with.  The story goes that Persephone, Pluto's first interest and abductee whom he had taken at one point to rule over his dominion, became jealous of this new love interest he had and she changed Mentha into a plant which is now known as 'mint'.

This plant has been used for centuries as a culinary and a medicinal herb.  Theophrastus spoke of it often and used it to great lengths as did many as an aromatic and to freshen the breath.  It has been used in baths, sachets, potpourris as a it does freshen the air and does disinfect.  Many churches and temples used it as a strewing herb so it would take care of odors many travelers would bring in with them.  It was also used by many in cooking as it has a pleasant flavor and a cooling effect on the body.  The leaves were often chewed raw or placed in salads, cooked in soups, stews and was used in sauces for meats, sweet dishes and in jellies, beverages, candies, syrups, gums, etc.  Even the commercial world has picked up on its pleasant flavor and its more medicinal qualities as well.  As such you will find it in mouthwashes, toothpastes, joint creams, soaps, commercial tea blends, etc.

Culpeper had mint listed for 40 different ailments.  Gerard would mix it with a bit of salt for wasp stings and dog bites.  Pliny said that the smell of it speeds up the mind and the taste increases the appetite.  Parkinson wrote that whether it is used externally or internally it strengthens the body and comforts the stomach.  The active component of mint known as 'menthol' has been known to relieve spasms in the intestinal tract and to dispel or alleviate gas.  It helps to calm the stomach, help with bile production and thus aids digestion, helps with fevers, coughs, colds, congestion, kidney issues and headaches.  In many cultures (Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Chinese) to ease toothaches, tendonitis, diarrhea, bowel issues, colic, hysteria, rheumatism and arthritis.  It has also been used to relieve morning sickness and motion sickness.  Peppermint extracts and oil have also been shown to be useful against some strains of bacteria and viruses such as herpes simplex, influenza A, staph, candida, strep and pseudomonas acrginosa.  The Ojibwa Indians also use it as a blood purifying herb.

While peppermint is a native of Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean, it has been cultivated in the united states since the late 1700's and the usa is the largest producer of mint today.  It takes 1000 pounds of mint to produce 1 pound of oil.

Peppermint oil has enjoyed many uses over the centuries-proving it to be worthwhile to keep in the garden.  It works primarily on the nervous system as it helps with fatigue and drowsiness.  As it is also cooling and stimulating it works to relax tense muscles, ease cramps, reduce inflammation, sunburn and muscle aches and pains.  The oil is not supposed to be ingested as it can cause heartburn and in large amounts can be fatal.  However, the tea can be drunk freely and it can be used externally as a wash as often as is needed.  The oil in the herb can also stimulate menstrual cycles so should be avoided by pregnant women. 

As is customary with my posts I have included some links below for your perusal.  May it help to expand your horizons and use mint in a new and unusual way!

http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Peppermint-Oil-ounce/dp/B00028MKRQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387494093&sr=8-2&keywords=peppermint

http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Peppermint-Ginger-Fennel-Softgels/dp/B001F0R7QE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1387494093&sr=8-5&keywords=peppermint

http://www.amazon.com/Davidsons-Tea-Organic-Peppermint-16-Ounce/dp/B000SAPXN6/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1387494093&sr=8-10&keywords=peppermint

http://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Fabulously-Peppermint-Rosemary/dp/B001R2S8HM/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1387494093&sr=8-16&keywords=peppermint

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bronners-Magic-Soaps-Pure-Castile/dp/B00120VWJ0/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1387494093&sr=8-11&keywords=peppermint

http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Organic-Peppermint-Certified-Container/dp/B003UKC2UI/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1387494093&sr=8-14&keywords=peppermint