To Add_Misc
Bachelor's Button (Centaurea cyanus)
Parts used: flowers (collect when just opened)
Can use fresh or dried herb in food.
Digestive stimulant, indigestion, and reducing inflammation
Can use cool infusion as eye bath for tired eyes.
Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis)
Parts used: leaves (gathered before flowering)
Used as a soothing wound herb (for minor burns and injuries). Used for gout (crush leaves, soak in cold water and make into poultice). Internally, can be used as a mild laxative, can improve appetite and cleanse the liver and be used for bladder inflammations.
Bistort (Polygonum bistorta)
Parts used: roots (collected in fall); leaves (gathered in spring/early summer before flowering)
Can use fresh or dried herb in food/beverages.
Used to stop bleeding (both internal and external), diarrhea, hemorrhoids, nosebleeds.
Contracts blood vessels and tissues. Can be used to harden spongy gums and correct loosening of teeth.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Parts used: aerial parts
Mild sedative (suitable for children as well), encourages sweating so can be good for fevers. Pain reliever, good for colic and gastric pains, increases urination. Some studies show it can help with some nervous conditions, bedwetting in children, bladder & urinary disorders.
Caraway
Good for gas/bloating
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect before fruiting)
Can be used dried or fresh in tea and food.
Used for skin problems, tonsillitis, benign breast lumps, cysts, swollen lymph glands, and glandular fever. In creams, used for psoriasis.
When used fresh, can be helpful for urinary disorders and fluid-retention issues associated with heart disease.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Parts used: flowers (gathered in spring), leaves (gathered in summer)
Use only short-term
Also known as Kuan Dong Hua
Coughs, asthma, bronchitis,
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Parts used: root (collected in fall), or leaves (collected during early flowering)
Accelerates healing.
Used internally to help with arthritis, ulcers
Used externally to help heal wounds, bruises,(avoid using on open wounds, or make sure area is sterilized before applying, as healing can occur quickly and trap infection leading to abscesses).
Helps to heal pulled ligaments, sprains & broken bones.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Parts used: leaves (collect just before flowering)
Used for diarrhea and blood in the stool (juice in wine).
Used for coughs in children and whooping cough (boil in wine with a little honey).
Ointments made with fresh leaves can be used for cuts, sores, ezcema.
Infusion of fresh leaves can be helpful for internal bleeding.
Cumin
gas, cramping & bloating
Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Parts used: aerial parts (gathered during flowering)
Use fresh leaves or make infusion, root
Good used in ointments and poultices for bruises. Drinking the infusion can help with lumbago, stiff neck and other aches & pains; as well as respiratory issues and liver disorders. Use decoction from root for skin problems. Chew fresh leaves for canker sores. Leaves can be used in cough remedies.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca)
Parts used: leaves
Aphrodisiac, energy tonic, combats fatigue.
strengthens male hormones, used for impotence, loss of libido, premature ejaculation.
used for painful or delayed periods
used in convalescence and encourages the appetite.
mood enhancing. encourages urinations (good for cystitis and other urinary tract problems)
used with saw palmetto for male sexual problems
used with oats and vervain for depression
used with raspberry leaf and st john's wort for menstrual discomfort and irregularity
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): good for digestive upsets,
can be used internally or externally in creams or rubs for rheumatism, arthritis, muscle & joint pain
Parts used: root tubers
Can stimulate uterus - avoid if pregnant.
Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Parts used: root, flowers
Coughs, chest problems, dropsy, menstrual disorders, digestive upsets, sciatica, rhinitis, influenza/flu,
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect when flowering)
Avoid during pregnancy. Excessive use can cause skin irritations, dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness.
Fresh sap can be applied to warts (apply only to wart, can irritate surrounding skin).
Seeds can be used to improve eyesight.
Internally, can be used for liver issues, gall bladder issues, hepatitis, jaundice. Increases urination. Can be used for skin conditions related to liver issues.
Guarana (Paullinia cupana)
Part used: seeds
Known as an energy elixir. Also used for hunger, fatigue, fevers, headaches and muscle cramps. Is still a popular everyday drink in Brazil. Believed to stimulate the nervous system, improve concentration, and speed recovery after illness. It can also encourage urination in cystitis and other urinary tract disorders. Can be used as a painkiller for menstrual problems and to relieve the discomfort of extreme heat. Has a caffeinelike compound which metabolizes slower, so it give a gentler, more sustained stimulation in comparison to coffee. Can be helpful in chronic fatique syndrome and SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Avoid in cases of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Gurmari (Gymnema sylvestre): good for digestive problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss, poultice used for snake bites and wounds. Avoid in pregnancy. Parts used: leaves, root
Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Parts used: whole plant (including roots) gathered during flowering
Can use fresh or dried herb in food.
Wound healing, insect bites, good for the blood, diabetes, diarrhea, canker sores (gargle/mouthwash), sore throats or eye bath for conjunctivitis (boil & cool to make sure it's sterilized). Fresh leaf poultice can be used for bruises and skin issues.
Effective as an insect repellent.
He shou wu (Polygonum multiflorum)
Parts used: root, stems
A Taoist longevity tonic. Blood & heart tonic that also helps kidney and liver energy (so can be helpful for aging issues such as deafness, tinnitus and greying hair). Can calm the nerves and improves blood circulation. Good for menopause. Can help with heart issues and to reduce cholesterol levels. Also used to clear abscesses and boils.
Avoid if you have diarrhea.
Tincture: up to 1 tsp 3 times daily
capsules - up to 600mg daily
Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect while flowering); roots (collect in fall)
High doses can cause nausea.
Used as laxative and to stimulate bile in liver issues and poor digestion. Wound herb. Helpful for colds and chills, reducing fevers and easing coughs. Has shown to have anti-tumor properties. Used for arthritis, skin disorders. Poultices used for skin sores, ulcers and infected wounds. Rheumatic pains.
Combine with elderflowers and yarrow to ease colds & chills. Root decoctions used for coughs and laxatives.
Hing/Asafoetida
Gas, bloating, indigestion
Indigestion: artichoke, bachelor's button, bitter orange,
Insomnia: California poppy,
Ispaghula (Plantago spp)
Part used: seeds, seed husks
Encourages bowel movements and lubricates the bowels. Can also help soothe diarrhea and is sometimes recommended for IBS. Creates a feeling of fullness, so can also be used as a slimming aid. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, soothing and softening for the skin, so externally the seeds can be used in poultices for wounds & skin infections.
Jack-by-the-hedge (Alliaria petiolata)
Parts used: leaves (collected during flowering)
Also called garlic mustard.
Can be used fresh or dried in food.
Poultices used for skin sores, cuts, burns or applied hot for arthritis pain (can be taken internally for arthritis as well). Increases urination. Good for digestive problems, increases urination, tea is good for colds/chills.
Lemon grass
gas, bloating, depression
Marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect while flowering)
Leaves used in ointments for skin wounds. (even better if mixed with rose oil).
Can also ease muscle spasms. Can help with cramps when taken internally (tea).
Also used for gout and vertigo.
Menopause: he shou wu,
Menstrual:
To regulate menstruation: spikenard,
For heavy periods: hawthorn
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Parts used: leaves
Can be used fresh or dried in food.
Don't use essential oil?
Arthritis, repels insects, mild sedative, can help regulate menstruation and menopause
Paratudo (Pfaffia paniculato) Also known as Brazilian genseng or "Suma".
Part used: root
Considered a cure-all by some. Antitumor, aphrodisiac, wound herb, diabetes, cancer.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, arrthritis, gout, regulate cholesterol levels, arteriosclerosis, menopausal issues (some even say a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy).
Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
Parts used: inner bark, heartwood
Important anti-cancer and anti-microbial remedy. Used to treat asthma, dibetes, bronchitis, cancer, rabies, stomach ulcers, syphilis and various infections. Yeast infections. Leukemia and stomach cancer. Breast & prostate cancers. Candida. Effective for colds, flu and fevers. ulcers, rheumatism, high blood pressure, skin infections, urinary inflammations and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Peruvian Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa, and Uncaria guianensis)
Parts used: inner bark, roots, leaves
UT more specific for cancer of female urinary tract and digestive problems. UT better for gynecological problems (including use as post childbirth tonic) and to help with side-effects of chemo.
Aids, genital herpes, chronic fatigue, asthma, diabetes and circulatory problems.
Arthritis, gastritis/digestive problems, STD's, cirrhosis of the liver.
Cancer preventative, immune stimulant and general tonic.
Is a traditional contraceptive, so avoid if trying to conceive or pregnant.
*Need to decoct for at least 45 minutes to extract active components*
Pilewort (Ranunculus ficaria)
Parts used: dried leaves, dried root (do not use fresh herb!!)
Hemmorrhoids, can help with hemorrhages and severe bruising (internal and external). Perineal tears after childbirth.
Ringworm: passionflower decoction
Rose-Bay Willow Herb (Epilobium angustifolium)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect before and during flowering); root (collect in fall)
Can use leaves as tea; young shoots can be cooked and eaten as vegetable.
Good for stomach upsets, gastroenteritis, diarrhea in children. Use a gargle for sore throat and canker sores. Compress soaked in infusion can be used to stop bleeding and healing wounds. Used in ointments for eczema (especially for children).
Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris)
Parts used: whole plant (collect while flowering); also flower heads
Good for internal and external bleeding and inflammations of the mouth & throat.
Heavy periods, blood in the urin from cystitis. Increases urination. Flowers used for liver and gall bladder issues. headaches, high blood pressure. Hyperactive children.
Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Parts used: aerial parts
A common garden weed
Can use fresh or dried herb in food.
Do not use while pregnant (until labor, and then under supervision)
Used for menstrual irregularities, including heavy periods. Tea used in childbirth to encourage contractions and ease labor pains. Can help with chronic diarrhea, colitis, to stop internal and external bleeding, urinary tract issues (will increase urination), cystitis (especially severe cases with blood in urine), wound healer, and malarial fevers.
Seeds are said to improve eyesight.
Tarragon
safe & effective remedy for worms/parasites, indigestion, acidity, gas & bloating
Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
Parts used: whole plant, collect just before flowering
Used for liver disorders, jaundice, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, digestive issues, gall bladder problems.
Used for eczema and scrofula. A mild laxative. Increases urination.
Externally can be used for hemorrhoids or in ointments for wounds, sores and rashes.
UTI:
White Deadnettle (Lamium album)
Parts used: whole plant (collect while flowering)
NOT the same as stinging nettle
Can add fresh or dried herb in food.
Menstrual & urinary disorders, cystitis and prostatitis, and can speed recovery from surgery for enlarged prostate. Increases urination, cramps, heavy periods, douche for vaginal discharges. Regulates bowels, so can be used both for diarrhea and constipation. Cream/ointment for cuts, piles and burns.
Witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana): externally (rubs or steam baths) used for pain, backache, sore muscles, bruises, sprains, nosebleeds, cuts, spots/blemishes, varicose veins, hemorrhoids.
steam can be used to treat eye injuries,
Internally, tea of leaves is effective on diarrhea, colitis, excessive menstruation & hemmorrhage.
Parts used: bark, leaves
Wood Avens (geum urbanum)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect while flowering); roots (collect in fall)
Can use fresh/dried herb in food.
Stimulates digestion, diarrhea, improves appetite in convalescence. Reduces inflammations, wound herb, gargling infusion for sore throats & gum disease. Reduces fevers, and combined with yarrow and/or elder for common cold.
Yucca (Yucca filimentosa)
Parts used: root, leaves
Extracts used for cataracts, leaves used for washing (like soap). Leaves used internally for liver and gall bladder problems. Used for gynecological and menopausal issues, improves gut flora, some studies have shown it can shrink tumors. Live plants can be used to sterilize air and eliminate odors. Cautions: can cause vomiting and nausea if taken in excess.
Parts used: flowers (collect when just opened)
Can use fresh or dried herb in food.
Digestive stimulant, indigestion, and reducing inflammation
Can use cool infusion as eye bath for tired eyes.
Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis)
Parts used: leaves (gathered before flowering)
Used as a soothing wound herb (for minor burns and injuries). Used for gout (crush leaves, soak in cold water and make into poultice). Internally, can be used as a mild laxative, can improve appetite and cleanse the liver and be used for bladder inflammations.
Bistort (Polygonum bistorta)
Parts used: roots (collected in fall); leaves (gathered in spring/early summer before flowering)
Can use fresh or dried herb in food/beverages.
Used to stop bleeding (both internal and external), diarrhea, hemorrhoids, nosebleeds.
Contracts blood vessels and tissues. Can be used to harden spongy gums and correct loosening of teeth.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Parts used: aerial parts
Mild sedative (suitable for children as well), encourages sweating so can be good for fevers. Pain reliever, good for colic and gastric pains, increases urination. Some studies show it can help with some nervous conditions, bedwetting in children, bladder & urinary disorders.
Caraway
Good for gas/bloating
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect before fruiting)
Can be used dried or fresh in tea and food.
Used for skin problems, tonsillitis, benign breast lumps, cysts, swollen lymph glands, and glandular fever. In creams, used for psoriasis.
When used fresh, can be helpful for urinary disorders and fluid-retention issues associated with heart disease.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Parts used: flowers (gathered in spring), leaves (gathered in summer)
Use only short-term
Also known as Kuan Dong Hua
Coughs, asthma, bronchitis,
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Parts used: root (collected in fall), or leaves (collected during early flowering)
Accelerates healing.
Used internally to help with arthritis, ulcers
Used externally to help heal wounds, bruises,(avoid using on open wounds, or make sure area is sterilized before applying, as healing can occur quickly and trap infection leading to abscesses).
Helps to heal pulled ligaments, sprains & broken bones.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Parts used: leaves (collect just before flowering)
Used for diarrhea and blood in the stool (juice in wine).
Used for coughs in children and whooping cough (boil in wine with a little honey).
Ointments made with fresh leaves can be used for cuts, sores, ezcema.
Infusion of fresh leaves can be helpful for internal bleeding.
Cumin
gas, cramping & bloating
Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Parts used: aerial parts (gathered during flowering)
Use fresh leaves or make infusion, root
Good used in ointments and poultices for bruises. Drinking the infusion can help with lumbago, stiff neck and other aches & pains; as well as respiratory issues and liver disorders. Use decoction from root for skin problems. Chew fresh leaves for canker sores. Leaves can be used in cough remedies.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca)
Parts used: leaves
Aphrodisiac, energy tonic, combats fatigue.
strengthens male hormones, used for impotence, loss of libido, premature ejaculation.
used for painful or delayed periods
used in convalescence and encourages the appetite.
mood enhancing. encourages urinations (good for cystitis and other urinary tract problems)
used with saw palmetto for male sexual problems
used with oats and vervain for depression
used with raspberry leaf and st john's wort for menstrual discomfort and irregularity
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): good for digestive upsets,
can be used internally or externally in creams or rubs for rheumatism, arthritis, muscle & joint pain
Parts used: root tubers
Can stimulate uterus - avoid if pregnant.
Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Parts used: root, flowers
Coughs, chest problems, dropsy, menstrual disorders, digestive upsets, sciatica, rhinitis, influenza/flu,
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect when flowering)
Avoid during pregnancy. Excessive use can cause skin irritations, dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness.
Fresh sap can be applied to warts (apply only to wart, can irritate surrounding skin).
Seeds can be used to improve eyesight.
Internally, can be used for liver issues, gall bladder issues, hepatitis, jaundice. Increases urination. Can be used for skin conditions related to liver issues.
Guarana (Paullinia cupana)
Part used: seeds
Known as an energy elixir. Also used for hunger, fatigue, fevers, headaches and muscle cramps. Is still a popular everyday drink in Brazil. Believed to stimulate the nervous system, improve concentration, and speed recovery after illness. It can also encourage urination in cystitis and other urinary tract disorders. Can be used as a painkiller for menstrual problems and to relieve the discomfort of extreme heat. Has a caffeinelike compound which metabolizes slower, so it give a gentler, more sustained stimulation in comparison to coffee. Can be helpful in chronic fatique syndrome and SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Avoid in cases of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Gurmari (Gymnema sylvestre): good for digestive problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss, poultice used for snake bites and wounds. Avoid in pregnancy. Parts used: leaves, root
Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
Parts used: whole plant (including roots) gathered during flowering
Can use fresh or dried herb in food.
Wound healing, insect bites, good for the blood, diabetes, diarrhea, canker sores (gargle/mouthwash), sore throats or eye bath for conjunctivitis (boil & cool to make sure it's sterilized). Fresh leaf poultice can be used for bruises and skin issues.
Effective as an insect repellent.
He shou wu (Polygonum multiflorum)
Parts used: root, stems
A Taoist longevity tonic. Blood & heart tonic that also helps kidney and liver energy (so can be helpful for aging issues such as deafness, tinnitus and greying hair). Can calm the nerves and improves blood circulation. Good for menopause. Can help with heart issues and to reduce cholesterol levels. Also used to clear abscesses and boils.
Avoid if you have diarrhea.
Tincture: up to 1 tsp 3 times daily
capsules - up to 600mg daily
Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect while flowering); roots (collect in fall)
High doses can cause nausea.
Used as laxative and to stimulate bile in liver issues and poor digestion. Wound herb. Helpful for colds and chills, reducing fevers and easing coughs. Has shown to have anti-tumor properties. Used for arthritis, skin disorders. Poultices used for skin sores, ulcers and infected wounds. Rheumatic pains.
Combine with elderflowers and yarrow to ease colds & chills. Root decoctions used for coughs and laxatives.
Hing/Asafoetida
Gas, bloating, indigestion
Indigestion: artichoke, bachelor's button, bitter orange,
Insomnia: California poppy,
Ispaghula (Plantago spp)
Part used: seeds, seed husks
Encourages bowel movements and lubricates the bowels. Can also help soothe diarrhea and is sometimes recommended for IBS. Creates a feeling of fullness, so can also be used as a slimming aid. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, soothing and softening for the skin, so externally the seeds can be used in poultices for wounds & skin infections.
Jack-by-the-hedge (Alliaria petiolata)
Parts used: leaves (collected during flowering)
Also called garlic mustard.
Can be used fresh or dried in food.
Poultices used for skin sores, cuts, burns or applied hot for arthritis pain (can be taken internally for arthritis as well). Increases urination. Good for digestive problems, increases urination, tea is good for colds/chills.
Lemon grass
gas, bloating, depression
Marsh woundwort (Stachys palustris)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect while flowering)
Leaves used in ointments for skin wounds. (even better if mixed with rose oil).
Can also ease muscle spasms. Can help with cramps when taken internally (tea).
Also used for gout and vertigo.
Menopause: he shou wu,
- Menopausal Palpitations: hawthorn and motherwort.
Menstrual:
To regulate menstruation: spikenard,
For heavy periods: hawthorn
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Parts used: leaves
Can be used fresh or dried in food.
Don't use essential oil?
Arthritis, repels insects, mild sedative, can help regulate menstruation and menopause
Paratudo (Pfaffia paniculato) Also known as Brazilian genseng or "Suma".
Part used: root
Considered a cure-all by some. Antitumor, aphrodisiac, wound herb, diabetes, cancer.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, arrthritis, gout, regulate cholesterol levels, arteriosclerosis, menopausal issues (some even say a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy).
Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
Parts used: inner bark, heartwood
Important anti-cancer and anti-microbial remedy. Used to treat asthma, dibetes, bronchitis, cancer, rabies, stomach ulcers, syphilis and various infections. Yeast infections. Leukemia and stomach cancer. Breast & prostate cancers. Candida. Effective for colds, flu and fevers. ulcers, rheumatism, high blood pressure, skin infections, urinary inflammations and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Peruvian Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa, and Uncaria guianensis)
Parts used: inner bark, roots, leaves
UT more specific for cancer of female urinary tract and digestive problems. UT better for gynecological problems (including use as post childbirth tonic) and to help with side-effects of chemo.
Aids, genital herpes, chronic fatigue, asthma, diabetes and circulatory problems.
Arthritis, gastritis/digestive problems, STD's, cirrhosis of the liver.
Cancer preventative, immune stimulant and general tonic.
Is a traditional contraceptive, so avoid if trying to conceive or pregnant.
*Need to decoct for at least 45 minutes to extract active components*
Pilewort (Ranunculus ficaria)
Parts used: dried leaves, dried root (do not use fresh herb!!)
Hemmorrhoids, can help with hemorrhages and severe bruising (internal and external). Perineal tears after childbirth.
Ringworm: passionflower decoction
Rose-Bay Willow Herb (Epilobium angustifolium)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect before and during flowering); root (collect in fall)
Can use leaves as tea; young shoots can be cooked and eaten as vegetable.
Good for stomach upsets, gastroenteritis, diarrhea in children. Use a gargle for sore throat and canker sores. Compress soaked in infusion can be used to stop bleeding and healing wounds. Used in ointments for eczema (especially for children).
Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris)
Parts used: whole plant (collect while flowering); also flower heads
Good for internal and external bleeding and inflammations of the mouth & throat.
Heavy periods, blood in the urin from cystitis. Increases urination. Flowers used for liver and gall bladder issues. headaches, high blood pressure. Hyperactive children.
Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Parts used: aerial parts
A common garden weed
Can use fresh or dried herb in food.
Do not use while pregnant (until labor, and then under supervision)
Used for menstrual irregularities, including heavy periods. Tea used in childbirth to encourage contractions and ease labor pains. Can help with chronic diarrhea, colitis, to stop internal and external bleeding, urinary tract issues (will increase urination), cystitis (especially severe cases with blood in urine), wound healer, and malarial fevers.
Seeds are said to improve eyesight.
Tarragon
safe & effective remedy for worms/parasites, indigestion, acidity, gas & bloating
Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
Parts used: whole plant, collect just before flowering
Used for liver disorders, jaundice, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, digestive issues, gall bladder problems.
Used for eczema and scrofula. A mild laxative. Increases urination.
Externally can be used for hemorrhoids or in ointments for wounds, sores and rashes.
UTI:
- Pour cold water over 1 teaspoon coarsely powdered Bearberry/Uva Ursi leaves and let stand for 12-24 hours to make a tea.
White Deadnettle (Lamium album)
Parts used: whole plant (collect while flowering)
NOT the same as stinging nettle
Can add fresh or dried herb in food.
Menstrual & urinary disorders, cystitis and prostatitis, and can speed recovery from surgery for enlarged prostate. Increases urination, cramps, heavy periods, douche for vaginal discharges. Regulates bowels, so can be used both for diarrhea and constipation. Cream/ointment for cuts, piles and burns.
Witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana): externally (rubs or steam baths) used for pain, backache, sore muscles, bruises, sprains, nosebleeds, cuts, spots/blemishes, varicose veins, hemorrhoids.
steam can be used to treat eye injuries,
Internally, tea of leaves is effective on diarrhea, colitis, excessive menstruation & hemmorrhage.
Parts used: bark, leaves
Wood Avens (geum urbanum)
Parts used: aerial parts (collect while flowering); roots (collect in fall)
Can use fresh/dried herb in food.
Stimulates digestion, diarrhea, improves appetite in convalescence. Reduces inflammations, wound herb, gargling infusion for sore throats & gum disease. Reduces fevers, and combined with yarrow and/or elder for common cold.
Yucca (Yucca filimentosa)
Parts used: root, leaves
Extracts used for cataracts, leaves used for washing (like soap). Leaves used internally for liver and gall bladder problems. Used for gynecological and menopausal issues, improves gut flora, some studies have shown it can shrink tumors. Live plants can be used to sterilize air and eliminate odors. Cautions: can cause vomiting and nausea if taken in excess.