Some Medicinal Plants

17 Of The Most Underrated Medicinal Plants In The World

| August 6, 2015 

17 Of The Most Underrated Medicinal Plants In The World

by Mae Chan,

Many people are finally becoming acquainted with how plants such as cannabis are effective medicinally. Others are very familiar with the healing abilities of garlic, spinach, ginger and of course echinacea. However, there are so many others whose medicinal potential are rarely if ever mentioned and yet rival and even exceed those mentioned above in many areas.

Medicinal plants contain a wide array of chemical compounds. They have a distinct order to their perfection. Natural selection pressures push these plants to “try out” variations on molecules to enhance the plant’s odds of surviving stressful environments. So, often, one molecule is present in the greatest amount and has the most dramatic effect in a human body — but along with it are variations of that molecule in the same plant.

Human beings and plants have co-evolved for millions of years, so it makes perfect sense that our complex bodies would be adapted to absorb needed, beneficial compounds from many varieties of complex plants and ignore the rest. However, no plant should be ignored when it comes to advancing human health.

1. Dandelion
They’re edible flowering plants which widely grow in South America. Dandelions are used to make recipes and drinks. Flowers, leafs and roots of dandelion are used to make food items for medicinal purposes. The act as a cleaning tonic for blood vessels while effectively increasing the functionality of the liver. They balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They also prevent gallstones and improve the functioning of the pancreas.

2. California Poppy
The brilliant blooms of the California Poppy make this opioid plant an iconic one. The plant is an effective nervine (anxiety reliever) and is safe for use on agitated children. Can be made into a a tea for quick relief of nervousness and tension. A stronger decoction will offer pain relief. (A decoction is made by “stewing” all safe plant parts, including stems and roots if possible, in water for several hours and, ideally, soaking overnight.)

3. Marigold
Marigold is a flowering plant which grows in wide rage of soils. They are used to cook and add color to many summer dishes. This plant can also cure many skin problems and can effectively reduce skin blemishes. It’s one of the best choices for instant relief from fever. It can reduce swelling to any body parts within short periods. Marigold is also one of the best herbs for headaches and tooth aches. Its anti-inflammatory properties help cure allergies, prevent tumors and also optimize the growth of new blood vessels.

4. Tansy
If you’ve decided to backpack through Europe instead of the mountains of Mexico (but why?), you’ll want to know about a few helpful medicinal plants. Tansy is an old-world aster and remedy, used for flavoring beer and stews as well as repelling insects. Rubbing the leaves on the skin provides an effective bug repellent, but tansy can also be used to treat worms. It is said to be poisonous when extracted, but a few leaves are not harmful if ingested.

5. Lady Ferns
Lady ferns are long light green plants native to the northern hemisphere and one of the oldest plants on Earth. They also heal a number of diseases in naturally. It is a recommended herb for fevers and coughs, prevention against worms and defending against asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis. They are also effective for cuts and sunburns.

6. Alfalfa
Alfalfa is fodder for livestock for a reason: it’s incredibly rich in minerals and health-promoting nutrients and compounds. With roots that grow 20 to 30 feet deep, alfalfa is considered the “father of all plants”. (It also contains a high amount of protein for a green.) Alfalfa originally grew in the Mediterranean and Middle East but has now spread to most of Europe and the Americans. It can treat morning sickness, nausea, kidney stones, kidney pain and urinary discomfort. It is a powerful diuretic and has a bit of stimulant power, helping to energize after a bout with illness. It’s a liver and bowel cleanser and long-term can help reduce cholesterol. You can purchase seeds and sprouts, but it’s fine to eat the leaves straight from the earth.

7. Tea Tree
Tea tree is one of the most powerful plants effective against dangerous bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. It effectively prevents insects and can cure insects bites almost instantly. Tea tree oil is one of the best solutions to keep fungus at bay and also prevent against head lice. It gives quick relief from cuts and burns and also is one of the fastest ways to remove dandruff. Tea tree also effective for headaches and colds.

8. Catnip
The cannabis of the cat kingdom. Famous for making cats deliriously crazy, catnip has health properties that are great for humans, too. Catnip can relieve cold symptoms (helpful if you’re on a camping trip and don’t have access to Nyquil). It’s useful in breaking a fever as it promotes sweating. Catnip also helps stop excessive bleeding and swelling when applied rather than ingested. This mint plant (yep, another one) is also reportedly helpful in treating gas, stomach aches, and migraines. Catnip can stimulate uterine contractions, so it should not be consumed by pregnant women. It grows in the Northern Hemisphere.

9. Thyme
Thyme is widely used as an aromatic plant, as well as an edible one. It effectively prevents small insects and provides many many health benefits mainly for lung problems such as shortness in breath. It provides better prevention against foodborne bacterial infections than any medication and keeps blood pressure level. It reduces the risk of colon cancer and is also a remedy for skin problems such as dryness, redness and swelling. It acts as a relaxing herb by calming down the nervous system.

10. Sage
Sage is an incredibly useful herb, widely considered to be perhaps the most valuable herb. It is anti-flammatory, anti-oxidant, and antifungal. In fact, according to a noted resource World’s Healthiest Foods, “Its reputation as a panacea is even represented in its scientific name, Salvia officinalis, derived from the Latin word, salvere, which means ‘to be saved’.” It was used as a preservative for meat before the advent of refrigeration (eminently useful: you never know when you’ll be forced to hunt in the wild). Sage aids digestion, relieves cramps, reduces diarrhea, dries up phlegm, fights colds, reduces inflammation and swelling, acts as a salve for cuts and burns, and kills bacteria. Sage apparently even brings color back to gray hair. A definite concern when lost in the woods.

11. Brucea Javanica
Beyond limited empirical observations, not all medicinal plants have established scientific studies to support their effectiveness. However, in the case of Brucea javanica, it is one of those plants in which scientific investigations have provided enough evidence to prove that it has an impressive efficacy for the treatment of cervical, bladder and pancreatic cancers. Its selective toxicity has also been found to kill 70% of breast cancer cells. Brucea javanica (Brucea javanica (L.) Merr) is one of those plants that needs far more recognition in this catergory for its incredible ability to selectively kill cancer cells.

12. Navajo Tea
Also called greenthread, Plains Tea or Coyote Plant, this plant has been used for centuries by Native Americans to quickly relieve that most brutal and irritating of infections: the UTI (urinary tract infection). Best when made into a tea or decoction.

13. Red Clover
Native to Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia, red clover is now ubiquitous worldwide. The plant’s reddish pink blossoms can be used for coughs and colds, but they are an excellent detoxifier and blood cleanser as well.

14. Sweet Marjoram
Marjoram and oregano are often used interchangeably, but the aromatic sweet marjoram is slightly different. The Greeks called it the “Joy of the Mountain” and it was revered throughout the Mediterranean for its fragrance, flavor and medicinal value. The famous French herbs de provence and Middle Eastern za’atar both use sweet marjoram. Marjoram has many uses (it’s a famous digestive aid) but it is effective as an antifungal, antibacterial and disinfectant treatment in a pinch.

15. Feverfew
Feverfew is a plant that has well-known and documented health properties and medicinal benefits, yet it’s barely ever mentioned in health circles. This anti-inflammatory can treat rheumatism, arthritis and, most famously, migraine headaches and tension headaches. It’s also good for alleviating tension and general anxiety (it is a natural serotonin inhibitor). It also helps to reduce swelling and bruising. Though feverfew is most effective when taken daily, it can be a helpful pain reliever when no Advil is on hand.

16. Sweet Violet
Native to Europe and Asia, sweet violet is cultivated around the world and is a pleasant, delicate purple color. When brewed into a syrup the plant is effective as a treatment for colds, flu and coughs or sore throat. However, when made as a tea, it is wonderfully effective for relieving headaches and muscle and body pain.

17. Winter Savory
Winter savory is your savior against insect bites and stings. One of the most effective natural plant treatments for bug bites is originally from Europe and the Mediterranean but often shows up elsewhere thanks to global trade. In addition to being an antiseptic, it is delicious — used for flavoring meats and stews — and all parts are edible.

About the author:
Mae Chan holds degrees in both physiology and nutritional sciences. She is also blogger and and technology enthusiast with a passion for disseminating information about health.

from:     http://www.bodymindsoulspirit.com/17-of-the-most-underrated-medicinal-plants-in-the-world/

Edible Medicinal Plants

Highly Nutritious and Medicinal Edible Plants That Will Supercharge Your Health

HJ: The list below encompasses some of the most powerful, medicinal and nutritious edible plants on the planet at this time.  As they are medicines, they should be used with care.  The plants clearly labelled to be included in the diet can be used more liberally, however, the more powerfully medicinal plants (which are marked as so), should be treated with respect and intake should be limited.

We recommend using fresh herbs liberally in your cooking and emphasizing the section D plants in your diet regularly as these are the safest and some of the most nutritious of the bunch.  Even then, however, we recommend starting slowly.  It is not that the plants are dangerous, however, they do affect the body powerfully and can cause cleansing at first if that is what your system needs.  This can be uncomfortable if approached with too much vigor and so we recommend easing into it for maximum benefit and increase in happiness without the added cleansing burden.

– Truth

From Esoteric Online

A. Edible Plants and Healing Herbs That Should Be Included in Your Diet & Garden

Basil

Known as one of the purest plants, nicknamed holy basil, its ability to purify the blood of toxins, kill bacteria, or to treat skin disorders is very useful. Some of its other wide capabilities include its anticancer and antiviral properties or using its scent which can act as an insect repellent and to deal with stress. The Ancient Romans used it to treat poisonings, such as stings from scorpions, and to stimulate breast milk production. In India it is also used to treat asthma and diabetes.

Rosemary

This is the great “warming” herb, increasing blood flow and circulation. The carnosic acid in rosemary can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and because it can increase circulation in the brain it is often a plant used for memory.

Cilantro

Its ability to remove toxic heavy metals from the blood and tissues has made it a very great purifier. It is antiflammatory, antibacterial, helps with digestion, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, helps with gas/upset stomachs, helps with nausea, and also contains many nutrients such as iron and magnesium.

Garlic

This “cure all” has not only been known to kill intestinal parasites but has been known to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and immune system boosting properties. Those living during the bubonic plague of old Europe had eaten it to protect themselves. Not only does it prevent infection internally but can be used externally as well. It is a natural pesticide against mosquito larvae and can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure also. If eaten in a large enough quantity it can ward off bites from fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Some interesting qualities it contains are its ability to brighten the face, drive away envy and jealousy from the heart, and to increase the semen.

Alfalfa

To some it is known as the King of plants. Not only is it extremely rich in vitamins, and minerals, it can cure auto-immune disorders, relieve swelling, heal arthritis, lower cholesterol, prevent strokes, cleanse the blood and liver, helps the digestive, urinary, glandular, and skeletal systems, heals arthritis, helps with diabetes, dissolves kidney stones, prevents hair loss, and more. Soak in a bath of alfalfa and it extracts just about everything toxin and infection from the skin.

Sunflower

It was used by the Russian government to help with the Chernobyl disaster because of its ability to remove toxins from the soil. Using its leaves in a tea, it can be used as a diuretic, to reduce fever, and an astringent as well as taken to reduce colds.

Thyme

Similar to basil, it helps with digestive problems and can be also used to treat wounds. It has antifungal and antiviral properties as well. Similar to mint, can be chewed to clean the mouth. In the past it was used to treat depression, and epilepsy. Because of its antispasmodic properties it can relieve coughing.

Garlic Chives

These can cure ingested poisons, help with fatigue, and control excessive bleeding. Both the bulbs and leaves if used as a salve on insect any cut or bite can heal them and keep them infection free. The liver, kidney, or digestive system can also benefit from this if taken when there is a gastro-intestinal issue. Chive Family: Chives can also be used to treat intestinal parasites, enhance the immune system, and it also helps with digestion. It can treat anemia as well. Other parts of the chive family like onions, scallions, and leeks have flavanols which have anti-tumor effects which can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the greatest of healers, sections of it even heals itself once sliced from its mother branch (sealing away its own juices so its gel never dries out). It is known to have large quantities of Ormus compared to any other plant. It has been used to treat wounds and also skin infections. Because of its inflammatory properties it is great for reducing pain, redness in the skin and allergic reactions. It has been known to relieve constipation it is known treat heartburn as well.

Catnip

Famous for cats, it actually has more uses for humans. It can lower fevers through making one sweat, is a mild sedative and helps toothaches if chewed. It is also known as an insect repellent and works 10 times better than DEET.

Peppermint

Peppermint is numbing and can help with arthritis, soothing headaches when placed on temples, skin irritations, aches and pains, nausea, diarrhea and flatulence. It is best known in helping stomach aches by calming the stomach and contributing to digestion. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can relieve chest congestion. Many chew its leaves to have breath and to kill bacteria in the mouth.

Dandelion

Similar to Sunflowers, can detoxify soil and are also a diuretic. It can remove heavy metals from the blood and as a tea it can regulate blood sugar levels. It can be used to treat eczema, arthritis, and also intestinal disorders.  They also contain potassium, which experts say is lost through excessive urination.

Lavender

This flower not only has a tranquil and beautiful scent but it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Its relaxing scent helps treat depression, insomnia, headaches, and other stress-induced ailments.

Celery

This antiflammatory is known to reduce blood pressure and can also treat psoriasis. Its oils can be used for anticonvulsant and sedative means. It is also capable of treating arthritis, urinary disorders, and hypertension.

Echinacea Purple Cone Flower

Best known to prevent sickness, it can help strengthen the immune system by stimulating the production of T-cells. Its anti-viral and anti-fugal abilities make it great for colds and respiratory infections. It can also be used topically on scratches and cuts. Other uses for it include ear infections, gingivitis, canker sores, bronchitis, yeast infections, enlarged lymph glands, sore throat, urinary infections, and more.

Marigold

These flowers are known to ward off pests such as rabbits, deer, and even insects! Can be included in gardens to deter small animals because of  their odor, which some claim disguises the smell of the vegetables in garden. There are also some  anti-inflammatory and antibiotic (bacteria, fungi and viruses) properties. Some known treatments used from this plant are for athletes foot and ringworm.

Witch-hazel

Its bark and leaves can be used to treat eczema if crushed as a liquid, as it is wildly known to treat skin disorders. However it can also be used as an eyewash, to treat bruises, sores, acne, and is also good for diarrhea.

St. John’s Wort

Its blossoms have been known to get rid of depression and lift the spirits, and also to treat other mental disorders. Native Americans have used it to treat wounds, extreme pain, and tubercolosi. It is also a very strong antiviral. If kept in a pot inside or outside it keeps away evil spirits.

Ginger

Native to the tropical rain forests, is very good at boosting the immune system and destroying a cold. The Native Americans used ginger for female gynecological problems, cardiac and even respiratory disorders. Many women used this during pregnancy to quell the nausea or upset stomachs as it can be used against motion sickness and to help digestion by causing circulation to be stimulated by dilating blood vessels. It also has an anti-tumor compound “aristocholic acid”.

B. The Most Amazing Plants

Cedar Tree

Because of its essential oil, it is known an amazing “cure all” that has many different ways of healing. It has been known to be used against hair loss, acne, tuberculosis, bronchitis, arthritis, anxiety, depression, dandruff, stimulating circulation, alzheimer’s disease (or other forms of senility), and many other diseases. It is both calming and purifying, a cerebral stimulant that has been known to enhance awareness, eliminating disorders such as ADHD, and allow its user to think clearly as it can pass into the brain through inhalation and stimulate blood circulation. It is said the palaces of King David and King Solomon were built of cedar. It is 98% sesquiterpenes, which has been said to delete erase misinformation written in the DNA as a result of trauma, abuse, loss, ancestral or generational, and limiting beliefs Other uses include insect repellant if dabbed on skin or even in clothes drawers, if added to soles of feet can boost the immune system.

Gingko Biloba

Best known as a living fossil, it is the oldest living species of tree because of its 200 million year history. It was present in the time of the dinosaurs. It is considered sacred by Buddhist monks who tended them near their temples and in forests. It is resistant to many environmental pollutants and as a tea can be used to treat Alzheimer’s, improve memory, and can be used for poor circulation in the body and the brain. The Chinese have used it to treat asthma and cerebral disorders.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful plant which has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties as well as reducing inflammation in arthritis. It’s been known to prevent breast cancer if either taken internally or applied on the skin. It is also widely used for beauty in Indian cultures due to its ability to heal skin problems such as infections, boils, or discoloration as it can also bleach and remove tans from the skin.

C.  These are Powerful Plants.  Take Caution, and Care. Do Plenty of Research.

Vervain

It has been known to refresh the mind, create prophetic dreams, and also help with difficult decisions if placed underneath a pillow. It is said rubbing it into the skin makes it possible to achieve all the hearts desires or to break curses. It was used to predict the future and also lift spells, being used as a plant of prophecy for thousands of years. Its scent removes worries and is calming for sleep. It was also used in love potions or to rekindle a dying passion.

Thorn Apple

It is said to aid in both prophecy and astral projection however no part of this plant should ever be ingested even in low doses. Smelling its flowers can help in getting an insight to difficult decisions but do not keep its scent in a closed room as it is a mild narcotic. This extremely dangerous plant can induce a state of forgetfulness. Anyone who drinks it while under its influence will not be able to remember what was done. It can also be used as an anesthetic, and any pain can be annihilated if its flowers are used on the ache because of its numbing affect.

White Sage

The great purifier, this plant can flush out the body of every toxin in the blood and flesh. It has anti-bacterial properties and can be used on the skin for many ailments or for problems such as gingivitis. Many use it as an incense to drive away negative energy and to purify a place of evil entities. Its smell creates a meditative environment, and can induce lucid dreaming and heighten spiritual senses. Depending on how you take it (warm or cold) its effects differ, as taken warm it can “open up” systems and increases circulation and flow, while taken cold it can “close up” and still the internal systems. It is great for female gynecological issues, and starts and mediates the menstrual flow.

Belladona

Also known as deadly nightshade, it has been associated with dark spirits. Sumerians used it 5,000 years ago to treat those possessed. The Greeks used it like they used mandrakes. It is associated with beauty and erotic love and used in many love potion. European witches used it as an ointment when attempting to fly on a broom and often applied it when trying to induce any charm or amulet for a darker purpose. Put it underneath a pillow when you fall asleep and it can help prevent a partner from straying (while also giving you erotic dreams).

Chrysanthemum

This plant is famous for bringing longevity in life and is eaten as salads or drinking in tea especially in the Chinese culture. It is used by Koreans to treat depression and vertigo. If you have a fear for heights drinking this will increase ambition and confidence. A rumor is said drinking from a stream that flows between the bushes of this plant can make one immortal.

Hellebore

It is associated with demons and is extremely toxic, if planted outside the home will ward off evil spirits. It was administered to possessed victims as well but also used on tips of arrows to poison people. It blooms in December and is known as the Christmas rose as well even while other plants whither in the snow. It can also cure worms in children. It drives away the feeling of “foreboding” or an unpleasant atmosphere and instead provides a feeling of protection.

Daisy

It is symbolic of innocence and is known as the plant of purity and light, as well as being associated with children. It leaves cam be used to heal stiffness, back ache, pains, and arthritis. It also reduces swelling and bruises. It was used as protection for children who wore it while walking alone so not to be taken away by faeries.

Myrtle

This flower of love as it represents pure virgin love of the young. It has been used by the Greeks and Romans to make love strong if drunken together by lovers as a tea.  It is also used for beauty to keep the skin youthful and fresh. It has a sweet smell and uplifts ay feelings of unhappiness in the heart. Some have used it for babies and are put underneath their mattresses to keep them happy

Violet

Its scent is linked with love, and it can help heal a broken heart if used as an incense or tea. It is used to cure dizziness, and is known as a powerful charm against evil. It can be conducive to meditation especially if focused on purity or love. It was used to treat skin cancers and gypsies currently use it to rid the body of tumors and other purifications.

Narcissus

This Daffodil flower was known to be symbolic of new beginnings and is great for starting new projects or starting a new direction if burning it as incense. It is also capable of numbing pain, and is known to cause lethargy. It is strong enough to induce headaches if the scent of its flowers overcomes a small space. It can be used as an aphrodisiac as well.

The Orange Tree Blossom

Its scent been known to be able to create a meditative state and empty mind as it is symbolic of spiritual innocence and freshness. It is good for indigestion, insomnia, and also making the body relaxed. It is thought to bestow fertility and good fortune.

D. Plants You Should Definitely Eat

Kales: This plant grows in the snow and the heat! It is known to get sweeter when it frosts. Vitamin C, B1, B2, B6, B3 or niacin, Vitamin A, K, E. Minerals are Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Mangenese, Selenium, Calcium, Folate.

Musk Melon: Is drought resistant and can survive in intense heat with little water. Has a lot of vitamin A 100+%, Vitamin C 100+%, Vitamin B, Folica acid, Protein, Potassium. Has a sweet flavor and is a great bulk diet with lots of fiber.

Winter Melon: Very nutritious and grows during the winter season, great for switching out plants out of season. Has protein and a lot of Vitamin C, vitamins A and B and a great bulk item for the diet. They can measure 15 inches in diameter and can weigh in excess of thirty pounds at maturity. They can also keep in a cool place for months. A lot of options when cooking, can be steamed, simmered, braised or parboiled and added to stir-fries or in soups. this rather mild and bland melon with strong spices and herbs. Tastes better if you season.

Silverbeet or Swiss Chard: This plant is capable of growing even in the snow or hot heat. It has high fiber, Vitamins; C, E, A, B6, B1 or thiamine, Potassium, Riboflavin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, Manganese, Folate, and Zinc.

Winter Squash (i.e. Butternut Squash): Grows in the winter time. 450+% Vitamin A, a lot of Vitamin C, Iron, calcium, potassium and protein and beta carotene (found in carrots). Bulk item.

Alfalfa Sprouts: Have Vitamin C, B1, B2, B6, B3 or niacin, Vitamin A, K, E. Minerals are Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Mangenese, Selenium, Calcium.

Spinach: A rich source of protein, minerals, vitamins, pigments and phytonutrients. Health benefits of spinach are due to presence of vitamins, pigments, phytonutrients and minerals like potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium. Spinach is a source of vitamins like folate, niacin, vitamin A, B6, C and traces of the rest of the vitamins. Other important elements, including thiamine and riboflavin, that are used in various reactions in our body are also found in spinach. Spinach is rich in pigments like beta carotene, lutein and xanthene and chlorophyllin etc.

Yellow Crookneck Squash: A lot of protein, vitamin A, C, Calcium, and Iron, Riboflavin, Niacin. Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, manganese, Selenium.

Micro greens: High levels of Vitamin C, B9,K and Vitamin A, and many other nutrients.

Green Peas: Vitamin A, Vitamin c, Iron, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Manganese, phosphorus, but has sugar.

Leeks: Have Vitamin A, vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, B6, Magnesium, Vitamin K, dietary fiber. Have many other things such phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper selenium, niacin.

Lentils: have a lot of protein, calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B9, Iron, but also has zinc. Copper, Magnesium, Selenium .

E. Alternative Plants:

Neem

Neem has been used for treating all sorts of skin problems for centuries. It contains Nimbidol and Gedunin, which have excellent fungicidal properties. The herb proves extremely effective in the treatment of skin disorders, such as warts, scabies, psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. Neem: Neem has been used for treating all sorts of skin problems for centuries. It contains Nimbidol and Gedunin, which have excellent fungicidal properties. The herb proves extremely effective in the treatment of skin disorders, such as warts, scabies, psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff.

Noni

Other people make a tea using the leaves of this plant. The fruit can be used in recipes as a reputed remedy against tuberculosis, arthritis, cancer, rheumatism and the changes of old age. The leaves and bark of the stem can be pounded and strained, resulting in a liquid drunk as a tonic or for urinary disorders, muscle and joint pain. The juice of the fruit is applied to the hair to rid it of head lice.

Kava

Perhaps the most potent of the three calming herbs, kava is a central nervous system depressant famous for its sedative effects in the limbic (emotion) system. Used for centuries throughout Asia and the western Pacific, kava and kava extracts have been scientifically proven to reduce short-term anxiety and tensions related to stress when taken occasionally. Due to its potency as a numbing agent and sedative, high dosages over prolonged periods can cause irritation in the liver and can be generally detrimental to health. Traditional Chinese medicine typically associates the root of the kava plant for safe consumption in small quantities—chewing on the root, for instance, is a common method of relieving tongue and throat pain, as it releases a number of numbing agents. For individuals requiring a quick calming effect, take a dropper of kava tincture up to three times a day, up to three days a week, until the symptoms of stress have been eliminated.

Black cumin

Iis a generalist medicinal plant used for diverse ailments such as cough, pulmonary infections, asthma, influenza, allergy, hypertension and stomach ache. The seeds are considered carminative, stimulant, diuretic and galactogogue. It is often taken with honey. Seed powder or oil is externally applied for eruptions of skin

Comfrey

Comfrey contains allantoin used in ointments for psoriasis and other skin problems. It has been known since Greek and Roman antiquity and used primarily externally as a poultice for surface wounds and to form a cast to hold broken bones immobile while they knit. Comfrey is a corruption of the Latin “con firma” implying that the bone is “made firm”. Comfrey is also highly nutritious — being one of the best sources of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, on the planet.

Lowbush blueberry

The Chippewa Indians used the flowers to treat psychosis. The fruit contains anthocyanosides. These chemical compounds are very powerful antioxidants that are very effective in the prevention of heart disease and cancer.

Hen-and-chicks or Houseleek

The Latin botanical name has an historical reference. Charlemagne (742-814 A.D.) recommended that his subjects plant these hardy prolific plants on the roof of their houses to ward off lightening and fire. The leaves contain tannins and mucilage that are soothing to skin. It is used in the treatment of burns, skin wounds and infections.

Wild Strawberry

America Indians and Europeans found multiple medicinal uses for this plant. The leaves are mildly astringent so that they can be used as a gargle to treat sore throats. The leaves as well as the fruit contain a diuretic.

Wild Indigo

Preparations made from the roots and leaves were used by North American Indians (Mohicans and Penobscots) in poltices to treat bruises, snake bites and superficial lacerations. Such preparations have effective antiseptic properties.

Butterfly Weed or Pleurisy Root

This plant is native to North America. Omaha Indians ate the raw root to treat bronchitis and taught the pioneers to do the same. It is an expectorant; it promotes coughing that raises phlegm. It also contains cardiac glycosides and an estrogen-like substance.

Lovage

Preparations made from the roots or leaves are used to treat edema, indigestion and to prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Common Mallow

Pliny II, 1st Century A.D. wrote that tea made from the seeds and mixed with wine relieved nausea. In 16th century Italy, it was considered a cure-all. American Indians made poultices from the plant and applied them to sores, insect stings and swollen limbs to relieve pain. Taken internally, it may be useful in treating digestive and urinary tract infections because it contains a large amount of mucilage.

Wrinkled Rose

This plant is indigenous to Asia; it gets its common English name, the wrinkled rose, from the appearance of its leaves. It has naturalized itself in the sand dunes of the New England seacoast. In China, the flowers are used to make tea to improve the circulation and to “soothe a restless fetus”. Tea and Jelly made from the rose hips are a very rich source of Vitamin C. The rose hips of this plant have the highest natural concentration of Vitamin C of any other natural source of Vitamin C, including all of the citrus fruits. For the sufferer of scurvy, the Rosa rugosa is a medicinal plant; for the rest of us, it is a nutritional plant.

Black-Eye-Susan

American Indians used root tea to treat parasitic infestations such as pinworm. They used it externally to treat snake bits, superficial wounds and earaches.

– See more at: http://www.thehealersjournal.com/2013/11/10/edible-plants/#sthash.8zR5adiK.dpuf