Tilia platyphyllos (europea and cordata) Family: Tilliaceae (Lime family, not the citrus fruit - the lime trees of Europe) Parts Used: flowers, bracts, leaves Also known as lime tree, common lime and American basswood (wild species). Even though linden has no immune boosting actions, it does have an affect on the body's resistance to infection. I believe this is because of the positive, uplifting properties that affect the mood, which in turn affect the immune system. Just standing under the tree in bloom and inhaling the fragrance uplifts the spirit. Here are some other great benefits of using linden. Actions and Properties
Healing Benefits
Methods of Use
Care and HarvestingLinden trees are popular in landscape gardening and can usually be found in parks, community buildings and gardens. The American basswood species can be found in wooded areas and can grow to 130 feet! To cultivate they are best grown in rich, moist soil.
ResourcesThe Herbal Academy
Linden Tea Benefits by Dr. Axe Backyard Medicine The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra A Handbook of Native American Herbs The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody Pinus variety of species Family: Pinaceae (Pine, Fir, Spruce) Parts Used: leaf (needles), inner bark, sap (resin), green cones, nuts (edible not medicinal). There are about 115 species of the pine family throughout the world. They are commonly referred to as conifers due to the cones, which are the fruits and flowers of a pine tree. Many share these same healing properties although the White Pine (Pinus strobus) is the most studied and used. Properties
Healing Benefits
Methods of Use
Care/HarvestingFound in forests, mountain areas, slopes and in neighborhoods and parks.
CautionThere are a couple species of pine that are not edible - Single-leaf Pinyon (Pinus californiarum) and Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda). Only the inner bark is edible on the Eastern Hemlock. ResourcesArtemisia tridentata Family: Composite/Asteraceae (wormwood and mugwort) Parts Used: Leaves, stems, flowers and seeds. Sagebrush grows all over the Rocky Mountains where I live. This plant is a relative of wormwood and will carry all of the healing benefits of that plant, but with more potency. Actions and Properties
Healing Benefits
Methods of UseBecause of the potency and bitter taste of this herb, it is best to start with a small amount of herb per water when making a tea for drinking. I do about 1 teaspoon per pint of water and that is still pretty potent. Think beyond just an herbal tea when using this plant, a poultice or compress and bath are good ways to use this herb without needing to drink the bitter tea.
Wildcrafting/HarvestingFound in dry, sandy and gravely soils, high valleys, slopes and desert land. Very aromatic. Can be harvested anytime by "pruning" branches. Use immediately in a preparation or dry for future use. CautionArtemisia species stimulate uterine circulation so its best not to take during pregnancy. Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to this plant such as contact dermatitis and hay fever. ResourcesHerbal Roots Zine - Mugwort (family member of Sagebrush with similar properties)
Herbs to Know in the Wild Healings Plants of the Rocky Mountains Herbal Antibiotics Herbal Legacy - Desert Sage Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry)/serotina (Wild Cherry) Family: Rosaceae (includes rose, apple, peach) Parts Used: Inner bark Actions and Properties
UsesThe main use of wild cherry is for coughs as it has a sedative effect on the cough reflex. The cough reflex is useful for a productive cough that is expelling mucus from the lungs. When it turns to an irritating cough that is painful, not expelling any mucus or preventing a person from resting, it is time to use wild cherry bark.
Methods of Use
Care and HarvestingFound scattered in open woods, grasslands, rocky slopes, canyons and clearings. Can also purchase from a nursery and cultivate in the yard.
CautionLeaves and pits are toxic, do not consume. Not for long term use (inner bark), just to treat conditions. Avoid taking if pregnant. Heat will destroy the properties of the bark so only use a cold infusion. ResourcesPortula oleracea Family: Portulacaceae Parts Used: whole plant Herbal Actions and Properties
Uses
Methods of Use
WildcraftingPurslane is a common weed found in disturbed areas, lawns, and gardens. It has succulent leaves with red stems. The plant can be harvested at any time. Pick the leaves as you need them or you can pull up the entire plant. It is best used fresh but can be dried for future use. CautionHairy stemmed spurge looks similar to purslane. The differences would be that spurge has hairy stems, while purslane has smooth. If the stem is broken spurge will have a milky sap, where purslane does not. ResourcesLactuca virosa Family: Asteraceae (Compositae) Daisy Parts Used: Leaves, sap, and seeds. Also known as prickly lettuce, wild opium and compass plant. This common weed can be used as an emergency edible food (not in large quantities though), a pain reliever and the sap is a wonderful natural wart remover. Actions and Properties
Medicinal Uses
Methods of Use
Wild CraftingCan be found in dry, sandy or rocky areas and waysides. Long, deeply lobed, sharply toothed leaves. Abundant with milky sap. Can harvest this plant anytime. I usually "harvest" by weeding my garden. Can be dried for future used or tincture fresh leaves. To collect sap just snap a leaf off or pull the plant up. CautionUse in moderate doses internally. May cause contact dermatitis in some individuals that are more sensitive. Not enough research for pregnant and nursing mothers so best to avoid internal use. ResourcesRosa (many species) Family: Rosaceae includes peach, apple, almond, strawberry. Parts: Petals, flowers and fruits (hips) There are more than 10,000 varieties of cultivated roses. They are not only beautiful to look and fragrant to smell, but as a bonus, they are loaded with healing properties. Herbal Actions and Properties
Medicinal UsesRose Hips
Rose Petals
Methods of Use
In the Garden/Wild CraftingRoses love sunshine! Give them fast draining, moisture retentive soil. These can be planted anytime during the season and any variety. Wild roses are found in dry to moist, open or shaded forest, scrubland, field sides and parks. Make sure any variety you use has not been treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
RecipesResourcesOnions not only add delicious flavor to many dishes, they are very healing and can help break up and expel mucus from the lungs, boost the immune system, strengthen bones and protect the body against harmful bacteria and viruses. Today I will show you a couple of ways to use onions in your home remedies tool box. Onion PoulticeAn onion poultice is an effective way of breaking up mucus in the lungs and then expelling it through coughing or swallowing the mucus, which is then expelled through the digestive tract. This is best used right before bedtime or naptime if dealing with younger ones.
Onion SyrupOnion syrup is a wonderful way to treat sore throat, respiratory conditions, coughs, colds and any time you are feeling a tingle or under the weather. The medicinal properties of the onion are extracted into the medicinal properties of the honey and makes a powerful immune tonic. 1 onion, sliced thinly Raw honey Optional additions: ginger garlic Place the onion slices in a sauce pan and just cover with raw honey. Turn on low heat or if you have a hot cooking oven like mine, the warming burner. Let it sit on low for a couple of hours until the onions have softened, be sure not to let the heat get above 100 degrees. Rosemary just leaves her onions in the syrup but I had to strain them for Little Man to take - you choose. I love Rosemary Gladstar, she has such a sweet, loving personality. Her book Medicinal Herbs A Beginner's Guide, was where I started my herbal journey. I watched this video and made her honey onion cough syrup while I had a child dealing with croup. You can enjoy watching it as well and hearing the stories she tells to go with her herbal wisdom. Onion Pulling Toxins and BacteriaOnions can pull toxins from the air and the body. If you cut and onion in half and place it in the bedroom of a sick person, it will pull harmful germs and bacteria from the sick one right into itself. Be sure to replenish with a new onion each day until the person is feeling better.
You can also place a slice of onion on the bottom of the feet and adhere with a sock. First massage olive oil onto the foot to prevent any irritation. The onion will pull out toxins and harmful pathogens from the pores of the feet right into itself. |
Hi, I’m Annie, a child of God, Mother of Influence and Herbalist. Welcome to my place where I share what I have learned of natural and frugal living, healthy eating and living, gardening, homeschooling, herbal crafting, preparing temporally and spiritually, and love for God and Country.
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January 2023
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