Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies_ How to Create a Customized Herb Garden to Support Your Health & Well-Being ( PDFDrive )

TTTTTTPTLTATNTTTTSTTTTTT Lady’s Mantle Rose Raspberry Leaf Red Clover Black Cohosh 240 Heart and Love

Lady’s Mantle Rose The subtle beauty of lady’s mantle graces Roses bring in feminine energy with red-pink many formal gardens. The ornamental color and floral aroma, then tighten and tone dew-catching leaves outshine summer’s chartreuse with gentle astringency, complementing lady’s blooms. It’s gorgeous for edging beds and provid- mantle and raspberry leaf. Add the blossoms to tea ing mounds of silvery-green contrast. Popular in to gladden the heart, promote healing after trauma, Ireland and surrounded by lore, it thrives in dreary and support self-love and self-care. Let this thorny climates and moist, slightly shady pockets of the shrub sprawl as a hedge along a border or wall, or garden. True to its lineage, lady’s mantle offers seek better-behaved heirloom specimens for the classic gentle rose-family astringent properties. It garden. See page 296 for more information and addi- tightens and tones the uterus and may help relieve tional uses. prolapse and excessive nonpathogenic leukorrhea Best in: tea, glycerite, hydrosol, infused w­ ater, selt- (discharge). It tastes similar to green tea. See page zer, elixir, cordial, honey 278 for more information. Best in: tea Raspberry Leaf Red Clover Black Cohosh Scraggly wild raspberry This pretty cover crop Black cohosh modu- really takes over with its wildflower earns a spot lates estrogen levels and persistent underground root on the edges of your garden or pituitary-gonad communica- runners, so wildcraft it or plant lawn. Harvest the purple flower tion, and also relaxes tension it outside your garden on the heads (including the attached and inflammation in the uterus. edge of the forest or a building. leaves), and process fresh or It relieves hot flashes and Yet another rose-family astrin- dry promptly in the dehydra- night sweats, eases menstrual gent (“YARFA”), raspberry leaf tor for a pleasant tea. Rich in cramps and contractions, and claims fame as the most popular, minerals and a source of plant alleviates cycle-related depres- safe women’s tea herb. Science estrogens, turn to red clover sion. Although many other less supports its ability to strengthen to nourish the body, modu- garden-friendly herbs support the uterine muscles, and it pro- late estrogen function, ease women’s hormones (particu- vides calcium, iron, and vitamin perimenopausal symptoms, and larly vitex, shatavari, fenugreek, C — important nutrients for strengthen the bones. Its effects and dong quai), this woodland women. Low doses are safe and on breast cancer are mixed. See wildflower lends itself well to recommended during the last page 295 for more, including the temperate garden. It prefers trimesters of pregnancy to pre- additional uses. decent soil in partial shade to pare for a swift birth. Harvest Best in: tea, tincture, vinegar full sun. Dig 3- to 5-year-old leaves from the first-year canes. roots. See page 252 for more. See page 294 for more. Best in: tincture Best in: tea The Woman’s Garden 241



TTTTTTRTECTTIPTTETSTTTTTT Lady Tea THI S SUB TLE A ND DEL ICIOUS TE A leaves a puckery-astringent feel on the tongue (similar to green tea) and has a delicate rose aroma. Enjoy it daily as a tonic or as desired as a beverage tea. The studies are mixed on whether red clover increases or decreases breast cancer risk. Feel free to omit it. The other herbs tone reproductive tissues (in women and men) and cause no hormonal effects at all. It makes an elegant iced tea. 2 parts raspberry leaves Suggested tools: French press, infuser teapot, or mug 2 parts lady’s mantle leaves with infuser 1 part red clover blossoms 1/2 part rosebuds or petals Steep 2 tablespoons of the blend (or approximately Honey to taste (optional) 1 heaping ­teaspoon per part of herb) in 16 ounces of Optional additions: fennel or linden not-quite-boiling water for 15 minutes or longer. Strain, sweeten, and enjoy 1–2 cups daily hot or iced. More Recipe Ideas for Women’s Health Cramp bark: Excellent as a tincture or tea for symptomatic relief of menstrual cramps. Page 261 Nutri-lady tea: Combine nettle, oatstraw, red clover blossoms, and/or raspberry leaf — all nutri- tives with an affinity for women’s health — with flavorful herbs like mint, holy basil, or lemongrass as a daily beverage tonic tea or super infusion (page 35) for uterine health, bone strength, and overall well-being. Black cohosh: You’ll want to let it grow for 3 to 5 years before you dig up the roots. But what you get will be vastly superior to what’s available on the market. Fresh roots offer twice the strength of dried, so you can get away with half the dose. Also, much of the black cohosh on the market is unethically wildcrafted and/or adulterated with liver-toxic Chinese cohosh species. You know it’s great quality when you make your own, and black cohosh is easy to grow. This is a versatile herb. Use 5–10 drops a few times a day for a range of hormonal and nonhormonal uses. See page 38 for fresh plant tincture instructions and page 252 for more about black cohosh’s uses. Other herbs to try: Many more women’s herbs help balance hormones, but most are difficult to grow or process in their usable parts. That said, Southwest-loving vitex berries grow easily as a shrubby tree in warmer climates; fenugreek seeds act as a phytoestrogen and blood sugar balancer but may be difficult to harvest in abundance; Indian shatavari root survives in Zones 8 and warmer. Angelica roots are easy to grow and help relax uterine cramps, but its relative Chinese dong quai requires special processing to make it active. White peony root decreases inflammation and balances proges- terone and testosterone levels. The Mexican herb damiana can be grown in a container in full sun, brought in during winter. The Woman’s Garden 243



PART TH REE Healing Garden Herbs

See pages 17–18 for sun and Simple Bitter for Your Ails Flower Vegetable water icon keys The Arabs, Greeks, and Romans Enjoy globe artichoke flower buds as cultivated artichoke and cardoon for a vegetable. Cut them before they Artichoke food and medicine for millennia, and bloom, and steam for approximately from those populations it spread to an hour. I love them with a sprinkle Cynara scolymus the world. The leaves act as a simple of salt, but most people dip them in bitter (see page 134) to promote butter or lemon butter. Both globe Daisy Family (Asteraceae) digestion and liver detoxification, artichoke and cardoon leaves can be much like the more famous gentian used medicinally, but globe artichoke Body Systems: Digestive, root, yet far easier and more sustain- is preferred as a vegetable. Well- Detoxification, Metabolic, able to grow and harvest in abun- cooked stems are delicious. Inulin Cardiovascular dance. We use bitters to increase fiber in the bud and stem feed ben- gastric juice and enzyme production, eficial gut bacteria. annual Zones 4–7, ease many cases of reflux and heart- perennial Zones 8–11 burn, improve peristalsis (the muscle Safe for Most People action that moves food through Known for its safety, artichoke is A Mediterranean Focal Point the GI tract), encourage the liver to among our better-tolerated bitters. This formidable Mediterranean detoxify more efficiently, improve bile As with other bitters, it may aggravate native thrives in well-prepared heav- production and excretion, increase a hyperacidic gut and hypoglycemia, ily mulched, compost-rich, mildly our ability to digest fats, indirectly and should not be used in an acute acidic soil with plenty of room to move the bowels, reduce blood ulcer or bowel obstruction. Large grow. One plant can reach 4 to sugar, regulate appetite, control sugar doses may cause nausea. Watch for 6 feet in height and width! It can cravings, and more. Human stud- the sharp spines on the bud bracts — be challenging in cooler climates; ies support its benefits in dyspepsia, trim them off with scissors if you start it indoors. In subtropical cli- gastric motility, cholesterol, hyper- like — and remove the hairy “choke” mates, it will produce for several tension, and appetite control. As a from the center of the bud before years. Cardoon (C. cardunculus) has flower essence (page 68), artichoke you eat it. similar properties. increases your understanding of and empathy for individual humans and humanity as a whole. Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Artichoke Harvest the leaves at any time. Use fresh or dried. The bitter- ness — and potency — mellows with cooking. Take it with meals in a small dose — sip, spray — it works better if you taste it. It’s too bitter as tea, but enjoy a splash of a bitter blend (with aromatic carminatives and a hint of sweetness) in seltzer. Parts Used: leaves Tincture or Vinegar: 1/2–2 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula with meals • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Cordial, Oxymel, Elixir, or Glycerite: 1 teaspoon to 1 ounce Recipes: Bitters Spray, page 141; Heart Tonic Tincture Blend, page 237 Enjoy unopened artichoke buds as a vegetable, but turn to the bitter leaves for stronger medicine. Give it space in the garden. 246 H e a l i n g Ga r den H er bs

Ashwagandha without competition from nearby or almond), ghee, or other warm, plants. fatty substance based on the belief Withania somnifera that this would better send ashwa- The Strength of a Stallion gandha to the fat-lined nervous sys- Nightshade Family (Solanaceae) According to ancient wisdom, taking tem. It’s a great addition to “golden ashwagandha regularly for a year will milk,” which is traditionally made with Body Systems: Nervous/Adrenal, give you the strength of a stallion for turmeric, honey, hot milk, and a pinch Mood, Inflammation/Pain, the next 10 years. This includes deep of black pepper. I add a pinch each Immune, Reproductive, Thyroid, energy, physical strength, calm mind, cardamom and nutmeg and some- Cognition/Brain better sleep, perky and stable mood, times blend in egg and vanilla extract cognitive prowess, more muscle, (eggnog!). tender perennial, nourished nerves, less pain, reduced Zones 8–11 cancer risk, healthy immune and A Very Safe Nightshade respiratory systems, stronger thyroid Ashwagandha is extremely safe, An Ayurvedic Panacea function, improved libido, enhanced but avoid it if you react to other Ayurvedic practitioners revere ash- hormones and fertility, and more. nightshade-family plants like toma- wagandha as one of the most effec- Ashwagandha is one of my favorite toes and potatoes. To avoid overstim- tive, multipurpose, safe medicinal herbs for myself and clients. You ulating the thyroid, seek an herbalist’s plants for vitality. Start seeds indoors often see results within a few days, or naturopathic doctor’s guidance if (easy to germinate) and/or plant with further improvement over time. you have hyperthyroid disease or are seedlings outdoors after the threat on thyroid medications and want to of frost. Treat it like an annual in cool Fancy, Fatty Formulation use herbs (always keep your medical climates and grow it like tomatoes: Ayurvedic practitioners often stir the doctor in the loop, too). ashwagandha loves heat, sun, and powder into hot milk (cow, coconut, well-drained soil (rich to sandy) Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Ashwagandha Dig up the root in the fall before frost in its first year in cool climates or, in warmer zones, the second fall when the berries are ripe red-orange. Clean and dry. (Some herbalists tincture it fresh, but I prefer dried.) Parts Used: roots Tea: 1/4–1 heaping teaspoon powdered or 1 table- spoon cut/sifted roots per cup, simmered 10+ minutes, 1–3 times daily Tincture: 2–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Powder/Capsules: 1–6 g per day in capsules or mixed into hot milk, ghee, honey, spices Recipes: with Chai Base, page 78; Stress Support Tincture Blend, page 107, Mellow Me Glycerite, page 125. Also feel free to add it to Aches and Pains Tincture, page 220 Ashwagandha’s name means “smells like horse” because of the strong scent of the roots. Don’t dry ashwagandha near other herbs as it can flavor them. H e ali n g G arden H er bs 247

Bacopa a marshy area or water feature, plant for memory and cognitive issues such it on the edge, but be aware that it as speed of free recall and shifts of Bacopa monnieri may spread and become invasive. It attention, and for improving perfor- has a succulent appearance similar to mance and learning in school-aged Plantain Family (Plantaginaceae) purslane with small white flowers and children with attention deficit hyper- a hanging vinelike growth pattern. activity disorder (ADHD). Consider Body Systems: Cognition/Brain, It’s sometimes categorized within it in blends for brain trauma. It may Nervous the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) plant mildly boost thyroid function as well; family. studies show it increases levels of the annual (perennial, thyroid hormone T4 but not T3. As a Zones 8–11) Ancient Ayurvedic Calming flower essence bacopa ignites joie de Brain Tonic vivre — pleasure and joy in your life! A Creeping Water Plant Ayurvedic texts primarily refer to Aquarium supply stores commonly bacopa as brahmi, a name sometimes Safe for Children and Adults sell Bacopa genus plants, but only applied to gotu kola, which shares Extremely safe for children and adults, this species has the reputation as a some attributes and works well though it is extremely bitter and may supreme brain, memory, and nerve alongside bacopa. Bacopa is among be better balanced with warming car- tonic in the Indian healing system our most esteemed memory and minative herbs like ginger, cardamom, of Ayurveda. Bacopa likes it wet cognition tonics and also acts as a nutmeg, or holy basil. Take with food if and warm and can be grown in the calming (but not sedating) nervine. it upsets the stomach. Though it is not water or in soil that stays consistently Therefore, it helps provide calm focus likely to interact with medications, use damp. It’s a native wildflower growing and is useful in stress, anxiety, and cautiously alongside calcium channel in sludgy, sometimes questionable- mood issues as well as in cognitive blockers, anticonvulsants, thyroid, and quality sites in California and the Gulf formulas as a nerve tonic and protec- mood medications. Coast. Mine thrives in a medium pot tive, healing remedy. Several pre- in a moist, partly shade spot with liminary human studies support the timed irrigation twice a day. You can ancient uses of this plant, particularly let it sit in a dish of water. If you have Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Bacopa Harvest happy aerial parts regardless of flowering. Use fresh or dried. Its bitter flavor makes it unpalatable in tea and cordials, though you could try a small amount with tastier herbs. Parts Used: leaves/aerial parts Tincture: 1–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 per- cent alcohol • Add 10 percent glycerine to stabilize tannins and improve shelf life Capsules/Powder: 500–1,000 mg crude herb daily Juice: 2–3 teaspoons per day Recipes: Stress Support Tincture Blend, page 107; Brain-Boosting Tincture Blend, page 112 This water-loving creeper can be added to water features and aquariums or grown in a well-hydrated pot. 248 H e a l i n g Ga r den H er bs

Bee Balm property, or let it duke it out with Warming Digestive and More other garden brutes. Don’t stress Carminative bee balm increases Monarda spp. about powdery mildew — it’s part of digestive function and helps fight growing bee balm. Use any bee balm pathogens in the digestive tract as Mint Family (Lamiaceae) species with strong oregano-thyme well as vaginal yeast infections (skip flavor. I prefer the potent M. fistulosa the honey). Use it as a soak or com- Body Systems: Immune, (lavender blooms) and M. punctata press for fungus and mildly infected Respiratory, Digestive, Nervous/ (spotted), though M. didyma (scarlet, wounds. In rare cases, people experi- Adrenal, Skin, Antimicrobial magenta varieties) sure is pretty. ence a profound calming nervine effect. Try it as an herbal Earl Grey perennial, Antimicrobial Punch bergamot tea stand-in. As a flower Zones 4–9 Rich in carvacrol (which gives oreg- essence (page 68), M. fistulosa helps ano its bite) and thymol (that distinc- cool down people who tend to get A Pollinator Plant tive Listerine/thyme flavor), bee balm hotheaded easily, saying and doing with Power hits two home runs for antimicrobial, things they might regret later. M. Most gardeners plant bee balm — carminative, and expectorant activ- didyma brings joy to life, helping you also called wild bergamont and ity. Honey mellows its bite, making let go of inhibitions that prevent you Oswego tea — in their gardens bee balm tea a delightful, warming from having fun. unaware of its culinary and medicinal treat on dreary days and at the first uses. They love the gorgeous red, sign of infection. Use it for thick and As Safe as Oregano magenta, and purple blooms and its stuck mucus. It helps fight germs Bee balm is incredibly safe and can ability to attract bees, butterflies, and promote expulsion of mucus be used as an oregano/thyme-like hummingbirds, and hummingbird and dry congestion. As you consume seasoning. Its warming, drying activity moths. Yet Monarda makes a fine bee balm, oregano, and/or thyme, (so perfect for cold-damp respiratory substitute for oregano and thyme, your body excretes the essential states) makes it less appropriate for and it’s easier to harvest in abun- oils via the lungs, which targets and people who are already in hot-dry dance. It prefers full to dappled disinfects the area. Monarda also states. It acts as an emmenagogue, so sunlight in rich, semimoist soil. It can addresses sore throat pain and infec- avoid it during pregnancy. be a “garden brute,” spreading vigor- tion, makes a superb infused honey ously via underground root runners (also nice for coughs!), and can be and by seed. Plant in its own bed, on used as a steam. the less-maintained edges of your Bee balm brings stunning beauty to the Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Bee Balm garden along with its oregano/thyme-like medicinal action. Harvest bee balm before or just as it flowers, before the powdery mildew sets in (which happens quickly postflower). Excellent fresh or dried. Parts Used: aerial parts, leaves, flowers Tea: 1 heaping teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–3 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Honey, Vinegar, Oxymel, Glycerite: 1 teaspoon as needed Food: leaves (quite a punch!) and individual flowers (sweet) fresh or dried for thyme/oregano flavor and color Topical: soak, bath, compress, oil, liniment , vinegar Recipes: Floral Ice Cubes, page 96; Bee Balm Honey, page 170; Bee Balm–Mint Tea, page 171 He ali n g G ard en H er bs 249

Betony pain, Pedicularis being more impres- Lore and History sive but also less easily cultivated and This is a plant full of lore, planted and Stachys officinalis only abundant wild in pockets of the carried for protection against evil, country. negative spirits, and posttraumatic Mint Family (Lamiaceae) stress disorder. These uses date back Always the Bridesmaid to ancient Greek healers, the medi- Body Systems: Digestive, Betony is a virtual panacea in the eval saint Hildegard von Bingen, and Nervous, Pain, Musculoskeletal, garden, yet with so much competi- other precursors of modern herbal- Respiratory, Liver Detoxification tion from other herbs that do similar ists. As a flower essence (page 68) things, it’s easily overlooked. It shares and a medicinal herb, betony helps perennial, many of the benefits of fellow mint- ground and center energy, ease anxi- Zones 4–8 family herbs: digestive aid, calming ety, and restore the body. nervine, focus enhancer, respiratory Pretty Medicinal Herb tonic, and antidepressant. Perhaps Safe for Most People Betony catches the eye in the garden it’s best known as an antispasmodic Little modern safety data exists, but with its robust mound of oval, scal- anti-inflammatory with an affinity betony has a long history in Europe loped leaves and tall purple flowering for headaches and muscle tension. with a reputation for a high degree spikes that attract winged pollinators. It tastes predominantly bitter (and is of safety. It gets bigger each year, divides easily, indeed a mild digestive bitter, page and occasionally self-seeds. Be aware 134) but is not so terrible tasting. that another plant is also called “bet- Blending it with mint, holy basil, or ony” and “wood betony,” Pedicularis other tasty herbs will brighten its fla- spp. Totally unrelated, both look vor in tea. somewhat similar and are used for Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Betony Harvest the leaves anytime; flowers when they’re newly open and happy — mixing the two is preferred. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: aerial/leaves and flowers Tea: 1 heaping teaspoon dried herb/cup, infu- sion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–3 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Glycerite, Oxymel, Syrup: 1 teaspoon as needed Recipes: consider adding it to Stress Support Tincture Blend, page 107; Good Mood Tincture, page 119; sleep tinctures, page 131; Bitters Spray, page 141 The Italian phrase “Sell your coat and buy betony” refers to the panacea-like benefits of this beautiful, easy-to-grow herb. 250 He a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Black Birch catkins and is among the first trees A Tasty Beverage whose leaves turn yellow in fall. Older Birch beer soda and twig tea both Betula lenta yellow birch has metallic gold, shiny, taste quite nice. I take some twigs, peeling bark. The two species are break them up into pieces, and shove Birch Family (Betulaceae) nearly indistinguishable when young. them into a thermos with white pine or hemlock tree needles — a deli- Body Systems: Musculoskeletal, Herbal Aspirin cious tea to sip while trekking in the Pain, Inflammation, Sweet black and yellow birch bark snow! Tap older trees for sap as you Detoxification contain an aspirin-like methyl salicy- would maple. Use the spring leaves late. Unlike bitter salicin (the plant of most birch species as a tea for mild perennial, constituent from which aspirin is detoxification via the kidneys. As a Zones 3–7 synthesized), methyl salicylate tastes flower essence (page 68), birch helps and smells sweet, wintergreeny. Use us be more flexible. Fast-Growing Tree it solo or in formula for acute pain of Birches grow quickly in recently varying types including headaches Occasional Use Only logged or cleared land. Black birch and muscle aches. Try it internally While the birch leaf tea is relatively and its close relative yellow birch and/or topically. I prefer to use it safe, the methyl salicylate in the (B. alleghaniensis) are unique among alongside other pain herbs with vary- birch bark and wintergreen leaves the birches for their wintergreeny ing mechanisms for the greatest relief can be liver toxic in high or long-term aroma (scratch and sniff a branch) and, due to the potential toxicity, I doses. These essential oils are highly and pain-relieving properties. Young keep the birch dose low (about concentrated and potentially toxic trees work well; for older trees, you’ll 5 percent of the formula) for occa- (1 drop equals approximately 81 mg need to remove the outer bark. sional use only. Use wintergreen leaf of aspirin, and less than a teaspoon They’re easy to forage in their range (Gaultheria procumbens) identically. can kill a child). Use birch bark and and can be cultivated. They eventu- wintergreen remedies cautiously, tak- ally grow into very large trees. Black ing occasional low doses. birch has attractive dark bark and Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Birch Harvest young branches with a diam- eter of up to 1 inch, shaving off the bark and chopping up twigs. Best fresh; serviceable dried. Harvest and dry leaves in spring shortly after they unfurl while still bright green. Parts Used: bark, twigs, (different uses) leaves Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infu- sion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture or Glycerite: 5–20 drops, as needed • Fresh bark 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Topical: oil (alcohol-intermediary), salve, cream, liniment, soak/bath Break a twig or scratch a young black birch branch to release the sweet medicinal wintergreeny aroma. He ali n g G ard en H er bs 251

Black Cohosh Estrogen Balance relieve menopausal depression in Black cohosh’s reputation as a “wom- studies, and it works well for women Actaea racemosa en’s herb” that offers the estrogen with PMS depression who get worse support needed to allay hot flashes with the herb vitex. Black cohosh also Baneberry Family (Actaea) and night sweats during perimeno- reduces systemic inflammation and pause is well deserved. While no herb rheumatism, making it useful in rheu- Body Systems: Endocrine, works all the time, this one works well matoid and osteoarthritis. As a flower Reproductive, Inflammation, for most women. It doesn’t work as essence (page 68), black cohosh Mood a phytoestrogen but instead seems helps you stand up for yourself, con- to improve brain-ovary hormone front abusive relationships, break perennial, communication to regulate estrogen, bad cycles, and lift the dark moods Zones 3–8 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), associated with emotionally toxic and luteinizing hormone (LH). It environments. At-Risk Woodland Flower eases uterine tension, contractions, Black cohosh (formerly called and inflammation, making it useful Ensure Quality Cimicifuga racemosa) is easy to for shrinking fibroids (70 percent True black cohosh and the standard- grow. Due to overharvesting — it’s decrease in fibroid size in 3 months, ized extract Remifemin are safe; on the United Plant Savers’ “at risk” better than medications) and in however, commercial black cohosh list — and adulteration issues in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; is associated in several cases of liver commercial preparations, this plant increasing fertility and improving toxicity around the world — rela- deserves a spot in your garden. Just hormone levels), endometriosis, and tively rare considering its widespread be patient because you’ll need to wait menstrual cramps. Studies also sup- use and likely related to intentional at least 3 years to harvest the roots. port its ability to protect bones after adulteration with liver-toxic Chinese This is not a dainty wildflower. Black menopause and act as an antiprolif- species. Due to its complex effects cohosh is not picky about sunlight erative in breast cancer. Hormonal on hormones, I would avoid using it or watering, but it does like rich soil shifts can take at least 3 months to for men, children, during pregnancy, and commands both vertical and kick in. or while nursing unless you’re taking horizontal space, surpassing 5 feet in it under professional guidance. Even height when in bloom and widening Lift Dark Moods and Ease Pain though studies suggest it decreases each year. Grow it along with fellow Black cohosh lifts the black cloud of breast cancer risk, most people avoid woodland wildflowers goldenseal, depression. Consider it for hormonal it as its estrogenic effects are not well bloodroot, trillium, Solomon’s seal, mood issues. In combination with understood. and wild ginger. St. John’s wort, it’s been shown to Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Black Cohosh After 3 to 5 years of growth, use a sharp-pointed shovel and a lot of jump- ing to lop off one-third of the root crown and/or dig it all up and replant a few leftover rhizomes. Fresh roots have double the strength of dried. Not so tasty — a good candidate for tinctures and capsules. Use low doses. Parts Used: roots Tincture: 5–20 drops, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (double-strength) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Capsules/Powder: 50–100 mg crude herb daily Topical: Feel free to add the tincture to liniment-oil rubs and creams for pain When black cohosh’s tall fairy wand-like flowers appear, you might be surprised by their mothball fragrance! 252 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Blue Vervain Eventually it was forgotten and is with being “hangry” or having low now experiencing a resurgence of blood sugar), and helps support the Verbena hastata appreciation, particularly for its abil- immune system during oncoming or ity to quickly release both emotional acute infections, primarily as a fever- Verbena Family (Verbenaceae) and physical tension. Matthew Wood thwarting diaphoretic. This makes talks about it for type A control freak, it useful in a variety of formulas for Body Systems: Mood, workaholic list-makers who get a mood issues and chronic infections Musculoskeletal, Nervous, stiff neck and headaches easily, and like Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr Endocrine, Metabolic, Immune, I can attest to this both personally virus, as well as for maintaining blood Detoxification and clinically. The bitter flavor helps sugar stability, providing endocrine ground people with “wind” or “vata” support via liver and mood activity, perennial, energetic patterns, who exhibit ten- and alleviating PMS, sugar cravings, Zones 3–7 sion and quivering and are prone to and sluggish digestion. According extremes and ever-changing symp- to Michael Moore, other Verbena Prairies and Waterways toms including emotional lability. and Glandularia species can be used This wildflower adapts well in the Blue vervain helps create balance. As relatively interchangeably — some of garden, the clusters of electric a flower essence (page 68), blue ver- which are quite showy and thrive in purple-blue flowers catch your eye vain also helps release emotional and hot, arid climates. throughout its bloom cycle. It pre- physical tension. fers slightly moist spots and rich soil. Safe but Bitter Water regularly in dry, sunny spots Metabolic, Liver, Immune Blue vervain is safe for most people, or the stress can welcome pests and If you read about blue vervain including children; however, it’s disease. When happy, it reaches in herbals, you might wonder if incredibly bitter, which makes it 5 feet high and self-seeds readily. everyone’s talking about the same unpalatable in tea and nauseating in plant — its uses vary so widely! Blue large doses. Often, just a few drops of Tension Release vervain is a bitter liver and diges- the tincture will work its magic. If you Early American herb doctors relied tive tonic, eases metabolic wobbles want larger doses and are prone to on this New World native regu- (i.e., emotional lability associated low blood sugar, take it with food. larly for a wide range of conditions. Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Blue Vervain Harvest the top one-third to two-thirds of blue vervain when it’s in bloom and happy. Use fresh or dried. It blends well with a range of herbs depending on what you’re using it for. Other forms can be used if you don’t mind its bitterness. Parts Used: aerial parts, preferably in flower Tincture: 3–60 drops (2 ml), 1–3 times daily, as needed, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Recipes: Flower Essences for Pain, page 221 Blue vervain’s erect growth pattern reminds us of the tense type A person it helps the most. H e ali n g G arden H er bs 253

Burdock field. The interchangeable A. minus Special Inulin Fiber looks similar, just smaller. Burdock contains ample amounts Arctium lappa of inulin, common in daisy-family Liver and Lymph Tonic roots. This complex fiber helps feed Daisy Family (Asteraceae) Burdock makes friends with other beneficial bacteria to boost the weedy, bitter root medicines like microbiome. Burdock also offers Body Systems: Lymph, Liver, dandelion, yellow dock, and chicory. sodium-leaching diuretic properties, Detoxification, Nutritive, It has similar benefits for the liver, which may help manage hyperten- Digestion, Gut, Colon mildly improving detoxification as sion (though hypertension can be well as digestion and elimination. difficult to address solely with herbs, biennial, Burdock tastes milder, slightly sweet, and it’s deadly if left uncontrolled). Zones 3–7 though. It’s one of our safest, gen- tlest, yet still quite effective bitter Safe for Most People Big Leaves, Sweet Root detoxifying herbs for a wide range of Of all the bitter, detox herbs, burdock Even if you’re not familiar with bur- people. Burdock also supports lymph tends to be the most well tolerated dock, you’ve likely pulled its round, detoxification and, to a lesser extent, by the broadest range of people. That hooked seed heads (literally the kidney detoxification, which makes it said, inulin falls into the category of inspiration for Velcro) from your a really nice well-rounded alterative a “FODMAP,” a group of plants with clothes. This biennial produces large for whole body detoxification sup- complex starches that ferment in the leaves, sometimes confused with port. It is particularly useful in skin guts of people with small intestinal rhubarb. In the second year, it puts issues and as a supportive remedy bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and cer- forth tall flowering stalks with purple for allergies. Seeds have some- tain forms of dysbiosis — for them, flowers that look like those of the what similar properties but are too inulin may cause horrendous gas, thistle plant (yet the burdock plant tedious to harvest and process. As a pain, bloating, diarrhea, and worsen- itself isn’t prickly like a thistle). It flower essence (page 68), burdock ing of symptoms. If this is you, get prefers moist, rich soil in full sun or helps cleanse the body to clear the your gut in gear before reintroducing partial shade, often on the edge of a consciousness. burdock. forest, meadow, woodland path, or Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Burdock Dig up roots (not easy!) in fall of the first year or spring of the second. That is, before the plant puts up a flower stalk. Use fresh or dried. Tastes pleasant. Parts Used: roots Tea: 1 heaping teaspoon dried herb/cup, decoction, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Syrup, Vinegar, Oxymel, Glycerite: 1 teaspoon or more as needed Capsules/Powder: 500–2,000 mg (about 1/2 teaspoon) crude herb daily Food: Peel and slice the fresh root to sauté, add to soup, broth, or ferment with veggies Recipes: with Chai Base, page 78; Nutri-Broth, page 80; Multimineral Vinegar, page 86; Mineral-Rich “Coffee” Syrup, page 87; Bitters Spray, page 141; Gut-Healing Broth, page 153; Bitter Brew Coffee Substitute, page 158 Fresh, cultivated burdock is available in natural food stores with other weird roots and sold as “gobo” in Asian markets. Wild roots will be stronger but a bugger to dig up. 254 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Calendula to keep the plant producing. Self- and sprinkle them into food — the seeding can be haphazard. Sow new flavor is quite bland and inoffensive Calendula officinalis seeds in fall or early spring, or trans- in small quantities. plant plugs. Take care to water and Daisy Family (Asteraceae) prevent young plants from drying up Lymph, kindness on hot days. Calendula improves lymphatic detox- Body Systems: Skin, Lymph, ification, making it a worthy compo- Detoxification, Gut, Antimicrobial, Carotenoids, Vulnerary nent in general detox blends and for Inflammation Calendula’s two big claims to fame general immune support during and are its nutrition content — the flow- post infection to clear “battle debris.” annual ers boast one hundred times the As a flower essence (page 68), calen- (may self-seed) carotenoids of a sweet potato by dula helps you be more compassion- weight — and its ability to soothe ate in your communication so that Ornamental Medicinal and heal inflamed, irritated tissue. you can choose kind, wise words Calendula is among our most eye- Calendula preparations are equally rather than coming off as abrupt or catching commonly cultivated useful when applied topically on sharp and hurting others’ feelings. medicinal herbs. The blooms begin itchy, rashy skin conditions (think: to appear in midsummer and run eczema, allergic reactions, diaper Flower Food through late autumn, winding down rash, and other forms of dermatitis as Calendula is generally quite safe after the first frost. Good soil is key well as hemorrhoids and dry skin) and in modest to large quantities as for robust calendula, full sun and when taken internally to heal the gut a functional food and medicine. periodic watering with good drainage lining. It has mild antimicrobial prop- Occasionally people with daisy-family helps. I put tomato cages around my erties as well. For color and nutrition, flower allergies react to calendula, calendula because it tends to flop add the petals to simmering broth especially if you use the whole flower and take over a garden plot. Regularly (hence its moniker “pot marigold”) head rather than the petals only. harvest and deadhead the flowers These gorgeous blooms brighten Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Calendula up your garden for months. Look for varieties like Alpha, Resina, Pinch or snip off the entire flower head (including the green bits, called the invo- and Erfurter Orangefarbige lucre). Use fresh or dried. For food applications, pull off and use the petals. Dry in for vibrant color and potency. the dehydrator and ensure the middles are thoroughly dried before storing or they’ll Farmers feed it to chickens and rot and mold in the jar. The flower middle and involucre taste bitter and have an cows to enrich the eggs and milk unpleasant texture in food, but they offer more potent medicinal properties. with carotenoids. Parts Used: flower heads, petals Tea: 1/4–1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily, or sprinkled in tea blends Tincture: 1–3 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Food: Toss fresh or dried petals in soup broth, eggs, baked goods, salads, and any- where a splash of color would be welcome Topical: oil (preferably alcohol-intermediary plus heat), salve, cream, bath, soak, spray, liniment Recipes: Nutri-Tea, page 79; Nutri-Broth, page 80; Infused Seltzer, Soda, and Water, page 97; Gut-Healing Tummy Tea, Take Two, page 152; Gut Healing Broth, page 153; Nettle-Peppermint-Marshmallow Tea, page 183; Calendula Oil, page 192; Calendula-Comfrey Cream, page 193; Super Skin Salve, page 198 He ali n g G arden H er bs 255

California Sleep and Pain respiratory system where it can be Poppy California poppy offers nonaddictive, profoundly effective for coughs, mild, yet effective opioid-like con- especially serious coughs that don’t Eschscholzia californica stituents that help relieve insomnia respond to the usual cough rem- and pain by calming nerves. As an edies. As a flower essence (page 68), Poppy Family (Papaveraceae) insomnia remedy, it promotes healthy California poppy helps ground peo- sleep cycles and eases the swirl of ple in their spiritual awareness and Body Systems: Nerve, Mood/ thoughts that keep some people connection, reducing their attrac- Sleep, Pain, Respiratory awake. Also consider when pain is a tion to flashy cultlike mentalities or factor in insomnia. It works well for a escapism. annual range of types of pain and can be for- mulated with other herbs with differ- Safe for Children A Low-Fuss Beauty ent constituents for broad-spectrum California poppy is one of our saf- As you might assume, a plant that pain relief. California poppy contains est poppies and is not addictive. grows freely across California and the alkaloids that relax, sedate, and ease Nonetheless, to err on the side of Southwest does not need to be pam- pain, somewhat like opioids though caution, I would avoid it if someone pered in the garden, but it does prefer California poppy does not actually already has a history of opioid, pain- warm, sunny spots without too much contain true opioids. It’s nowhere killer, or heroin addiction. It may or competition from other plants. In my near as strong as other poppy-family may not show a false positive on drug Zone 4 to 5, it does best in front of pain relievers like opium poppy tests. As with any sedative or sleep the fence and near warm brick paths. (which is highly addictive and illegal herb, start with low doses and work Direct sow seeds in late fall (best) or to process for medicine), prickly up, especially if you’re using it during early spring, or plant young plugs — it poppy, and corydalis. the day, to determine your individual does not like being moved. Mexican response to the herb. It may cause poppy (Eschscholzia californica ssp. Banish Brats increased sedation if combined mexicana) is interchangeable. For mood, it helps quell bratty with sedative, mood, or painkilling behavior in children and adults. medications. Once again, start low to Its relaxing effects also act on the gauge your response. Harvesting, Preparing, and Using California Poppy Harvest the whole plant including the translucent orange roots (the strongest part) while it is simulta- neously in flower and seed. Best fresh and tinctured (especially in blends), but you can play around with other formats. Parts Used: whole plant in flower and seeds Tincture: 1–5 ml, before bed or 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol Recipes: Sleep Tinctures, page 131 California’s state flower follows the sun throughout the day, opening and closing as it rises and sets, helping us to reset our own sleep cycles. 256 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Catnip that its relatives, including catmint diaphoretic, encouraging a healthy (another Nepeta species), don’t fever response to help fight and Nepeta cataria necessarily have the same medicinal resolve infections more quickly properties. (another popular use for children) — Mint Family (Lamiaceae) use it as a hot tea with fellow Chamomile Stand-In pleasant-tasting diaphoretics pep- Body Systems: Digestive, In humans, catnip is best known as a permint, elderflower, and/or ginger. Immune, Skin, Nervous, Mood remedy for children and particularly As a topical herb, catnip essential as a mild bitter, carminative herb that oil — and, to a lesser extent, crude perennial, improves digestive juices and func- plant preparations — repel insects. Zones 3–7 tion while easing colic, flatulence, bloating, and intestinal cramps and A Popular Children’s Herb Look What the Cat pain. For this use, it works similarly to Considered highly safe, catnip is a Dragged In chamomile yet it’s easier to harvest in popular children’s herb, though it True to its reputation, catnip may abundance and is better tolerated by also works for adults. To dose for a attract the unwanted attention of a wide variety of people (those who child, divide the adult dose by weight. your cats, who could easily destroy are allergic to chamomile’s daisy- So, assuming an adult dose for your plant in a day. However, catnip family flowers). For digestion, you 150 pounds, a 50-pound child would plants grown from seed tend to be can use it as a tea, tincture, cordial, get one-third the adult dose, and a less tempting to felines than trans- or glycerite. As with other herbs with 25-pound child would get one-sixth plants. This herbaceous medicinal skunky scents like valerian and cramp the adult dose. Do not use during likes good soil but can be persnickety bark, catnip helps relax muscles and pregnancy due to its emmenagogue about where it’s grown. It may die off calm the nervous system. effect. High doses may cause nausea yet also self-seed, then thrive and and vomiting. take over in its new spot. If happy, it Fevers and Bugs could get weedy but is not difficult Catnip also offers a shimmer of its to remove. Children and adults will cousin peppermint’s properties. enjoy “petting” catnip — it’s soft, Like peppermint, catnip acts as a though it smells a bit skunky. Note Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Catnip Harvest any time of year — it has a long season. Use fresh or dried. Blends well with better-tasting mint-family herbs. Parts Used: aerial parts, mainly leaves Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 10–60 drops (2 ml), 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Glycerite, syrup, oxymel: 1/2–1 teaspoon Recipes: Lemon Balm–Catnip Glycerite, page 140; Chamomile-Mint Tea, page 147; Herbal Insect Repellent, page 204 Catnip may attract neighborhood cats and get them high, but it relaxes rather than stimulates people. He ali n g G arden H er bs 257

Cayenne indoors before frost. Any hot pepper irritation. Capsaicin depletes sub- species can be used interchangeably. stance P, a neurotransmitter that Capsicum annuum sends pain signals to the brain, which Hot, Hot, Hot dampens the pain response. Apply Nightshade Family (Solanaceae) Energetically, this plant is HOT. Use regularly for arthritis, injury, and her- small amounts to synergize a blend. pes zoster (shingles) infection pain Body Systems: Pain, Nerve, In a lab study, 1 part cayenne com- relief. As a flower essence (page 68), Cardiovascular, Immune, bined with 25 parts green tea had it ignites your spark and life force — Respiratory one hundred times the cancer-killing without burning your tongue. ability of either ingredient individually. annual It boosts circulation and digestion, Cautions which helps move other plants in a This is a potent plant. Even a single Fierce Fruits from formula into the body. Cayenne acts drop of tincture diluted in a glass of Hot Climates as a heart tonic, thins and moves the water can be incredibly hot. Evidence Cayenne, habaneros, and other hot blood (yet stops bleeding and heals suggests that cayenne could cure peppers were among the first New wounds as a poultice), and decreases ulcers or increase ulcer pain, reflux, World plants that explorers who inflammation. Early American herbal- and gastric irritation — listen to your came to the Americas introduced to ists Samuel Thompson and Dr. John body. In a handful of case reports, Europe and other parts of the world, Christopher popularized cayenne to cayenne induced heart attacks in where they quickly became impor- avert heart attacks (see cautions) and otherwise healthy men taking large tant elements of many culinary and bring back spark and vitality. People doses. If you use cayenne, start with medicinal traditions. In cold climates, who eat hot peppers and spicier food a small amount and taste it as you start plants indoors and stick to small generally live longer with less heart take it. Use caution combining it with peppers that ripen quickly. Hot, dry disease. Eating large amounts of medications and toxic botanicals conditions intensify their heat: dark cayenne (1/3 ounce — again, see cau- due to the potential for synergistic or terra-cotta pots, minimal irriga- tions) with meals may improve weight effects. When working with cayenne, tion, or placement next to stone loss by boosting metabolism and ther- use gloves and be mindful to not steps or a wall that radiates heat in mogenesis while reducing appetite. touch your eyes, or other sensitive full sun. Heat level depends on the spots. Topicals could burn the skin. plant’s genetics as well as growing Your Nerves on Cayenne The antidote: cold, fatty liquids like conditions. Harvest or bring peppers Cayenne’s hot constituent capsaicin whole milk work best (not water, topically relieves pain and nerve especially not hot water). The hotter the pepper, the stronger its Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Cayenne medicinal activity. Harvest mid- or late summer when the fruits are ripe and hot. To mellow heat, remove seeds and membrane. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: whole pepper, seeds Tea: 1 pinch, or to comfort level, preferably in blends Tincture: 1 drop or less, or to comfort level, diluted • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Powder: 1 pinch, or to comfort level Food: Enjoy liberally to taste in all manner of foods Topical: oil (any method), salve, cream, liniment, powder poultice Recipes: Quick Dill Pickles, page 147; Fire Cider, page 236; Fire Cider– Maple-Mustard Dressing, page 237; Thai Curry Fire Cider, page 237; Thai Curry Paste, page 237 258 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Chamomile has gone through several Latin name who act like fussy babies. It’s also fan- changes, including Matricaria recutita tastic where emotional tension brings Matricaria chamomilla and Chamomilla recutita. Direct sow digestive discomfort. seeds or plugs in well-drained soil Daisy Family (Asteraceae) and harvest or deadhead regularly Anti-inflammatory to keep it producing more flowers. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and Body Systems: Digestion, Allow some seeds to self-sow for the calming effects also help with skin Gut, Skin, Antimicrobial, next year. irritation, making it popular in skin Inflammation, Nervous, Mood care as a toner, bath, or cream. For Calm Colic, Babies this, it also offers vulnerary healing annual Chamomile gently calms the nerves; and light antiseptic properties. As a (may self-seed) improves digestive juices; functions flower essence (page 68), chamo- as a mild bitter and carminative; mile soothes the solar plexus belly Adored Worldwide decreases gastric inflammation; eases area, quelling anxiety and digestive You’ll find German chamomile tea on spasms, pain, gas, and colic; and distress. the shelf in almost every country in discourages pathogenic gut bacteria. the world. Although many different These properties make it a superb, Safe for Most People types of chamomile exist and can be well-rounded herb for digestion and Chamomile has a fantastic safety used somewhat interchangeably — the gastrointestinal tract for both record for all ages; however, some including the perennial Roman babies and adults. Its calming effects people with daisy-family allergies chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, also quell anxiety, teething pain, may react to chamomile. (For those formerly Anthemis nobilis) and petal- insomnia, and fussy behavior. In fact, folks, catnip offers similar nerve- less pineapple weed (Matricaria chamomile is specifically indicated digestive benefits, page 257.) discoidea) — German remains the not just for babies but also for adults most popular. German chamomile Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Chamomile Pinch or snip off the flower heads when they’re newly open and happy. Get in the mood to enjoy your gar- den time because it’s going to take a while to harvest a decent amount. Use fresh or dried. Blueberry rakes speed the process. Almost always used as a tea. Parts Used: flower heads Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture or Glycerite: 2–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Topical: oil (any method), cream, soak, bath, tea spritz/toner, hydrosol Recipes: Floral Ice Cubes, page 96; Chamomile-Mint Tea, page 147 We harvest only the small flower heads of chamomile, which means you’ll need a lot of plants and time to harvest a sufficient amount. That’s why good chamomile costs so much. He ali n g G arden H er bs 259

Comfrey Soothing, Speedy Healer symptomatic (e.g., pain) and organic For wounds and bone breaks, allan- and functional (e.g., brain injury) Symphytum officinale toin and other compounds in com- levels. In spite its controversy, you’ll frey rapidly get the body back on the fall in love with comfrey’s subtle Borage Family (Boraginaceae) mend and increase connective tissue beauty and nourishing, soothing, integrity — sometimes too quickly. healing vibe. Body Systems: Skin, Gut, It can seal infection into deep or Bones, Inflammation, Pain, infected wounds and may encourage Rare but Real Liver Risk Musculoskeletal scar tissue as wounds heal (though it Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alka- helps resolve old scars). Don’t use it loids (PAs), which have cumulative perennial, on bone breaks until they’re properly toxicity and can ultimately cause Zones 4–8 set. Internal use remains controver- fatal veno-occlusive liver disease. sial due to potential toxicity. Short- Several studies confirm this. A hand- Choose Your Spot Wisely term, comfrey rapidly heals ulcers ful of PA-related human deaths have Comfrey grows readily and rapidly and other gastrointestinal lining occurred with high doses and very almost anywhere, getting larger each wounds. Comfrey is soothing, slimy, reasonable whole herb doses. You’ll year. It loves rich, semimoist soil. and mineral-rich, historically used get more PAs in the roots, less in Those roots travel deep, break off not only for gut healing but also for leaves, and the least in older leaves. easily, and new plants can sprout respiratory irritations, strong bones, But the exact amounts vary widely from remaining root bits — don’t and general nutrition, but our current plant to plant (regardless of spe- even think about rototilling it! So, knowledge of its potential toxicity cies), as does individual sensitivity plan carefully where you want to makes it inappropriate for internal to PAs. If you use comfrey internally, plant it, because once it’s estab- use, especially long term. stick to low to moderate doses (e.g., lished, it’s almost impossible to 1/2 teaspoon of older dried leaves in remove. As its leaves decay, it’s a Topical Pain Relief tea) for no more than 1 or 2 weeks. fantastic natural fertilizer and gar- Topical comfrey relieves pain from Decoctions and oil infusions extract den amendment. Plant it around a variety of sources, including fewer PAs than infusions and alcohol. fruit trees or cultivate a stand to sprains, back issues, osteoarthritis, Liver toxicity is unlikely with local chop and add to leaf mulch, com- and bruises. As a flower essence topical use or flower essence. Also post piles, and make compost tea (page 68), comfrey provides deep see the previous cautions on using fertilizer. Use Russian comfrey healing on all levels, including the comfrey on wounds. (S. × uplandicum) similarly. Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Comfrey Harvest happy leaves anytime in summer, opting for older ones if you plan to use them internally. Dig up roots in spring or fall. Use fresh or dried. Allantoin extracts best in hot water. Parts Used: leaves, roots Tea, Tincture, Food: Not generally recommended due to toxicity. Illegal to sell for internal use Topical: oil (any method, preferably dried leaf), double-extraction liniment (preferably root), salve, cream Recipes: Calendula-Comfrey Cream, page 193; First Aid Simple: Comfrey Oil, page 199; Aches and Pains, Strains and Sprains Tincture/Liniment, page 220; Flower Essences for Pain, page 221 Comfrey’s profound wound- and bone-healing properties come with controversy, but it’s a useful garden amendment. 260 H e a l i n g G ar den H er bs

Cramp Bark bioregional herbalists, particularly the and early labor/miscarriage contrac- closely related high bush cranberry tions. It is unlikely to interfere with Viburnum opulus (V. trilobum), black haw (V. prunifo- healthy labor. lium). and maple-leafed viburnum Adoxa Family (Adoxaceae) (V. acerifolium). It’s prone to insects Tension Release and disease, but you can still use it for Cramp bark’s muscle-relaxing prop- Body Systems: Pain, medicine. erties may also help with asthma, Musculoskeletal, Reproductive coughing, gastrointestinal pain, and Cramp Bark for . . . Cramps blood pressure. The cranberry-like perennial, True to its name, cramp bark is one berries are conisidered edible by Zones 2–7 of our most reliable symptomatic some, mildly toxic and vomit induc- herbs for menstrual cramps and may ing by others. No one (including the An Ornamental also help alleviate other forms of birds) would call them delicious. As a Wildflower Shrub musculoskeletal and smooth muscle flower essence (page 68), cramp bark Shrubby cramp bark dots riversides tension, spasms, and pain. It contains helps you feel better appreciated. across central, northern, and eastern skunky, relaxing compounds similar United States and Canada. Yet it does to valerian, but cramp bark shouldn’t Safe for Teens and Adults fine without regular watering and will make you sleepy. It’s most effective While generally very safe even in bloom more in the sun. It has garden- and fast-acting as a tincture — 2 ml acute large doses, cramp bark con- worthy attractive white flowers in a every 15 minutes until the pain tains small amounts of aspirin-like saucerlike shape that turn into trans- subsides — but you can also use compounds, so use caution or avoid lucent tart-astringent red berries in it in other forms, including topical it if you are allergic. It may also thin the fall. Formerly categorized in the compresses or a bath. It really shines the blood, interact with blood thin- honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), for menstrual cramps, though, and ning medication, and reduce blood Viburnum species grow across is believed to have a uterine decon- pressure. an even wider range (except the gestant property that may also help. Southwest) and tend to be used Midwives use it to reduce cramping similarly by Native Americans and Pruning allows you to sculpt an attractive landscape tree while Harvesting, Preparing, and Using providing you with medicinal bark. Cramp Bark Prune branches (preferably in spring or fall), removing bark from larger branches and chopping up smaller twigs. Use fresh or dried. Dried cramp bark and cramp bark tincture lose potency within a year or two. Parts Used: bark, twigs Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, decoction, 1 cup as needed Tincture: 2 ml, every 15 minutes as needed • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol • Add 10 percent glycerine to stabilize tannins and improve shelf life Topical: compress, bath, liniment Recipes: Cramp Bark Tincture with Glycerine, page 214; Sore Muscle Bath, page 214 He ali n g G arden H er bs 261

Dandelion to eradicate if you come to regret Antihistamine Diuretic planting it. Forage chicory from clean The fresh roots — particularly as a Taraxacum officinale places. For regular leaf crops in the tincture or alcohol slurry added to garden, consider planting Italian hot water by the teaspoon — may Daisy Family (Asteraceae) dandelion, a better-behaved cultivar function as an antihistamine for of chicory with long, dandelion-like allergic reactions. Preliminary studies Body Systems: Liver, Kidney/ leaves. Milder leafy green chicory suggest dandelion roots act as a safe Urinary, Detoxification, Nutritive, cultivars, usually grown in the dark, chemotherapy agent for cancer. As Immune include endive, frisée, escarole, potassium-rich diuretics, the leaves and radicchio. and roots help manage hypertension. perennial, Rich in carotenoids, the flowers taste Zones 3–9 Bitter Nutritious Detox somewhat sweet and can be used The leaves and roots abound with topically for skin care and muscle Lawn Weed Extraordinaire minerals and a bitter but not entirely tension. As a flower essence (page Millions of Americans spray their unpleasant flavor. The leaves pair 68), dandelion releases tension to lawn with toxic chemicals each sum- well with strong flavors like garlic, help you find joy. Chicory gives con- mer to kill off the hated dandelion, lemon, vinegar, and olive oil. The fidence and independence to needy, yet herbalists seek it out and even chocolaty roots taste nice in tea clingy people and animals. cultivate it on our properties. If you’re and, when roasted, resemble coffee. willing, let it thrive in your lawn and Both the leaves and roots encour- Safe for Most People wild spaces of your yard. It prefers the age detoxification via the liver and Generally quite safe, but the diuretic fertile, calcium-rich soil of cow pas- kidneys, with the roots favoring the effect can be too much for some (the tures and organic farm fields but will liver and the leaves, the kidneys. French call it pissenlit, or “piss the grow (less robustly) in poorer soil. The leaves act as a volume diuretic bed”). Daisy-family allergies are pos- while the roots are subtler, sodium- sible but rare. Do not harvest from You can use young leaves and leaching diuretic. As bitters (page contaminated soil. Use caution with roots of dandelion’s close cousin 134), all parts stimulate digestion. medications contraindicated with chicory similarly. Scraggly chicory Add it to hypoglycemic, skin, and diuretics or potassium. (Cichorium intybus), with its pretty hormone balancing blends for its blue morning blooms, likes dry, sunny, liver/bitter benefits. compacted soil (median strips, abandoned lots) and won’t be easy Common weed and bane of those perfect- Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Dandelion lawn people, dandelion ranks among herbalists’ most beloved plants. Snip the young greens, preferably before it blooms (they get increas- ingly bitter after that). Dig roots in spring or fall. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: leaves, roots, flowers Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Capsules/Powder: 500–2,000 mg crude herb daily Food: Fresh and cooked leaves, pesto, flower petals for color Topical: flower oil, salve, cream Recipes: with Chai Base, Page 78; Multimineral Vinegar, page 86; Mineral-Rich “Coffee” Syrup, page 87; Dandelion-Violet Weed Pesto, page 88; Bitters Spray, page 141; Bitter Brew Coffee Substitute, page 158 262 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Dill bring the caterpillar over to some and ease nausea — a reason for those Queen Anne’s lace, golden alexander, pregnancy cravings! Small amounts of Anethum graveolens or other abundant parsley-family dill weed (mild) or seed (stronger) in food alternative. food lend an herbaceous, tangy, salty Parsley Family (Apiaceae) flavor. I make my own ranch dip mix Digestive Carminative to stir into yogurt for veggies. Grind Body Systems: Digestive As with most parsley-family culinary together 12 parts dry buttermilk herbs (particularly seeds), dill is a powder, 3 parts parsley, 2 parts garlic annual, fantastic, safe carminative herb that powder, 2 parts onion powder, 1 part Zones 2–11 improves digestive function while dried dill weed, 1 part dried minced also easing gas, bloating, and intesti- onion, 3/4 part salt, 1/4 part black pep- Butterfly Food nal spasms. Dill and its close relative per. Then stir 1 tablespoon into 1 This culinary staple has ferny foliage fennel favor sensitive stomachs in cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream. and gets tall quickly, producing yellow particular, which is why we pair dill As a flower essence (page 68), dill flowers that go to seed then die. Dill is (and pickles) with rich, fatty and calms the solar plexus (the part of one of the easiest herbs to direct sow protein-dense foods like egg salad, the stomach just below the ribs) from seed, preferring a sunny garden tuna salad, potato chips, burgers, and and eases agitation from sensory bed with moderate moisture. Remove meaty sandwiches. It provides flavor overload. mulch, rough up the soil, sprinkle contrast and helps you better digest the seeds, then gently rake them in your meal. Use other parsley-family Safe for Most People and tamp the soil down. Wait until culinary seeds the same way, choos- Dill is quite safe, even for babies, in the seedlings are well established as ing your favorite flavor — dill, fennel the modest doses in which it’s typi- young plants to mulch around them. (page 267), anise, cumin, caraway, cally used. In larger doses, dill can be If you see a brightly colored “mon- lovage, angelica, coriander . . . diuretic, another feature common to arch” caterpillar munching on your the parsley family. dill (or parsley, fennel, carrot) leaves, Antinausea it’s actually the swallowtail. They can Among the culinary seeds, dill or fen- do some serious munching! Let them nel tend to best settle the stomach be or cut the branch it’s chewing and Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Dill Snip off fresh greens as you need them. Harvest seed heads as the plant is dying back but before it turns completely brown. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: aerial parts, seeds (strongest) Tincture: 10–30 drops, 1–3 times daily as needed • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Food: nibble, add to all manner of foods, pickles, pickle juice Recipes: Quick Dill Pickles, page 147, Ranch Dip Mix, above Plant dill and fennel in different areas of the garden. They can interbreed and self-seed new plants that taste like a blend of fennel and dill. He ali n g G ard en H er bs 263

Echinacea watering. Considered a very easy Antimicrobial Alterative plant to grow for almost anyone, Echinacea acts as an alterative lymph Echinacea spp. this one challenges me personally: mover, historically used as a “blood my subterranean rodent population cleanser” for skin conditions, sepsis, Daisy Family (Asteraceae) likes to eat the roots. If you decide to and general detoxification. Its numb- try E. angustifolia, place it in poorer, ing, antimicrobial activity makes it Body Systems: Immune, Lymph, somewhat dry soil. useful on wounds, bites, and sore Detoxification, Skin, Respiratory, throats. As a flower essence (page Antimicrobial Immune and Lymph Stimulant 68), echinacea helps with fundamen- Echinacea has a range of uses related tal healing and the restoration of vital perennial, to fighting infections and improving force, particularly after illness, abuse, Zones 3–9 lymph detoxification. Take high doses or trauma. regularly at the first sign of infection Showy Medicinal Wildflower to thwart a cold or flu (better com- Usually Safe Echinacea radiates with beauty bined with ginger) and to help man- Echinacea (unnervingly, but harm- when its pink-purple flowers are in age bacterial infections and prevent lessly) numbs the tongue and bloom, catching the eye of people sepsis. Many different compounds increases salivation. While generally and pollinators. Although the wild, and actions aid infection response. safe for children and adults, people overharvested E. angustifolia root Echinacea boosts white blood cells with daisy-family flower allergies may may be more potent, the more and macrophage activity, clears “bat- react to it, particularly if using the robust-looking E. purpurea can tle debris” via the lymph, and inhibits flowers. As an immune stimulant, it be used similarly and takes much the enzyme hyaluronidase that some occasionally triggers autoimmune dis- better to cultivation. Popular for pathogens (and venom) use to break ease flare-ups. landscaping, it likes nice soil and into and infect cells. full sun but does not need regular Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Echinacea Harvest roots in fall of the third or fourth year. Leave some bro- ken taproots or a section of the root crown in place for future growth. Harvest aerial parts when the plant is in flower. Fresh works best. Feel free to combine root and aerial preparations. Parts Used: root (strongest), aerial parts in flower Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily or more. Tincture: 3–5 ml, frequently (6–12 times/day) at the onset of illness • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (or substitute glycerite or vinegar) Capsules/Powder: 500–1,000 mg crude herb 6–12 times/day at onset Topical: liniment Recipes: Echinacea Tincture, page 169 The original “snake oil salesman,” Dr. Meyer, demonstrated echinacea’s potency by getting bit by venomous snakes onstage, then curing himself with the herb. 264 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Elder up, and ripe berries also fall easily with mild anti-inflammatory, antihis- off the stem. Wild American black tamine action. Sambucus nigra (S. canadensis) and blue (S. cerulea) elder are now considered subspecies Topical Arnica Substitute Adoxa Family (Adoxaceae) of European black elder (S. nigra) and Topically, elder leaves — which are used interchangeably, but avoid the toxic internally — can be applied Body Systems: Immune, toxic red elder (S. racemosa). and used like arnica for bumps and Respiratory, Antiviral, bruises. As a flower essence (page Musculoskeletal Top Antiviral Medicine 68), elder brings renewal, joy, and Elderberries stop oncoming viral revitalization. perennial, infections in their tracks by block- Zones 3–9 ing viruses out of cells, limiting their Safe When Properly ability to replicate, spread, and dam- Prepared Robust Flowering Shrub age the body. Elder also activates Elderflowers and elderberries are In the wild, this robust shrub thrives the immune system for swift action extremely safe — even for children — in damp, rich soil along drainage against germs. Take the berries when when cooked or dried, preferably in ditches and waterways, preferring you know you’re likely to be exposed formulas where the berry’s seeds are the edge between open and wooded to more germs (traveling, parties, strained (tea, syrups). Fresh elder and areas, yet it’s content in a garden when you’re run down or around oth- its seeds can be horribly nauseating landscape with less moisture. It may ers who are sick) or at the first sign of and may also contain small amounts take a few years to begin producing infection (tickle of a sore throat, achy of potentially toxic cyanide-like com- flowers and fruit, which will be more flu feeling, exhaustion). Hot elder- pounds. Avoid internal use of the prolific in full sun. The huge flat- flower tea encourages a healthy fever leaves and stems as well as all parts of topped clusters of white flowers in response to more quickly resolve red elder, which are even more nau- early summer will help you find the infections and break the fever, and seating and toxic. shrub in the wild. Berries ripen in late flower extracts also ease allergies summer or early fall. Act quickly — the birds swoop in to gobble them Not just a mythical wand in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, this Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Elder shrub has been shrouded in lore for centuries, associated with fairies, protection, birth, death, and the spirit realm. Clip off clusters of freshly opened flowers or ripe berries, which you can remove later with a fork. It’s okay if a few tiny stems remain. Use dried (my preference) or cooked only — not fresh. Parts Used: berries, flowers Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–3 ml daily or every few hours in an acute infection • Dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Syrup, Glycerite, Oxymel: 1/2–1 teaspoon daily or every few hours in an acute infection Food: jam, cordial Topical: leaf oil, ointment, salve, compress Recipes: Darcey Blue’s Elderberry Syrup, page 168; Elder–Rose Hip Oxymel (and tea variation), page 169 H e ali n g G ard en H er bs 265

Elecampane robust leaves and branching stalks of reputation as a warming bitter (most yellow blossoms. It prefers damp, rich bitters, like artichoke leaf, are con- Inula helenium loamy soil yet tolerates garden beds sidered energetically cold). It also without irrigation. contains inulin, a starch that feeds Daisy Family (Asteraceae) beneficial bacteria. Elecampane can Warming, Lung Opener be added to animal feed as an anti- Body Systems: Respiratory, Elecampane has a potent, complex microbial and deworming agent. As Immune, Digestive, Antimicrobial flavor with bitter, aromatic/perfumey, a flower essence (page 68), elecam- balsam, and pungent notes. In the pane helps facilitate the transition perennial, respiratory system, it moves mucus, into spiritual growth spurts. Zones 4–9 warms and opens the lungs, and fights infections, particularly in cold, Safe yet Potent Woodland Sunflower stagnant, congested states. Perfect This is not a plant for high doses, Elecampane is among the many for cough syrup. which may cause nausea, yet it wild sunflower relatives, but it has is quite safe in low to moderate the distinction of producing unique Bitter, Antimicrobial amounts. People with gastric irrita- aromatic medicinal roots. In the Although best known as a lung herb, tion or who are already hot and dry first year, the scrappy rosette with elecampane also makes a superb may not be a good fit for elecam- its large, flat leaves could easily be digestive bitter, stimulating digestion pane unless it is formulated with mistaken for a docklike weed. It looks while fighting chronic dysbiosis and cool, moist herbs like mullein or completely different in its blooming intestinal infections. It has a unique marshmallow. years, reaching 4 to 7 feet tall with Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Elecampane Harvest roots in its second or third year in spring or fall with a garden fork. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: roots Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–3 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Syrup, Glycerine, Oxymel, Vinegar: 1/2–1 teaspoon as needed Recipes: Bitters Spray, page 141; Darcey Blue’s Elderberry Syrup, page 168. Also try it in cough syrup This tall sunflower relative produces potent large bitter, pungent, balsam-y roots relatively quickly. In its first year, the basal rosette looks like a weed. 266 H e al i n g G a r den H er bs

Fennel Carminative Digestif or snip them into salads; mix fennel All parts stimulate healthy digestive into a salad dressing for beets or into Foeniculum vulgare function and ease spasms, cramps, goat cheese; use it to flavor teas; bloating, and gas, but the seeds have infuse the seeds into seltzer, soda, or Parsley Family (Apiaceae) the strongest antispasmodic activ- a Sambuca-like cordial; or add them ity. Fennel shares similar properties to Italian stews, meat sauces, sau- Body Systems: Digestion, with parsley-family culinary herbs, sage, and meatballs. Bronze fennel Gut, Respiratory including anise, dill, chervil, coriander, fronds make beautiful colors — light cumin, lovage, and angelica. All these purple seltzer, violet glycerite, and perennial, carminatives balance digestive bit- magenta-red vinegar. As a flower Zones 4–9 ters in a formula, improve the flavor, essence (page 68), fennel helps you and provide complementary actions become more decisive and focused, Go for the Bronze for digestive function and upsets. including in group work. All types of fennel can be uses simi- In acute episodes of flatulence and larly. Bronze fennel (F. vulgare var. intestinal cramps, fennel seeds are Safe for Most People purpureum) offers a sweeter Good & my go-to, useful for colicky babies Very safe for all ages in low to moder- Plenty candy flavor and fun color, but and adults. ate doses — whether you add fennel no bulb. Plant this someplace in your to food, chew on a few seeds, or brew garden bed where it won’t have too Soothing and Delicious a cup of fennel tea. Large thera- much competition and where it will Fennel has an affinity for the lungs peutic doses of the seeds may not thrive and provide color and texture. and is perfect for soothing and easing be appropriate for infants or during It can reach several feet tall when spasms and flavoring and enhancing pregnancy or nursing; it contains mild it blooms. When I lived in Bisbee, a formula for coughs and respira- phytoestrogens. Arizona, during herb school, huge tory irritation. And, of course, fennel stands of wild fennel grew through- is delicious in food and drink — out the town, wafting a sweet aroma whether you stuff the fronds into fish through the air at night. Spanish explorers planted bronze fennel Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Fennel along the King’s Highway, also known as El Camino Real, in California, where it now Trim fronds and dig bulbs to use fresh when they’re lush. Gather green, grows as a weed. plump seed heads to use fresh or dry. Parts Used: seeds (strongest), fronds, bulb Tea: 1/2–1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 5–30 drops (1 ml), 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Glycerite, Vinegar, Oxymel, Honey, Syrup: 1 teaspoon as needed Cordial: 1 ounce sipped as a medicinal treat Seeds: Nibble a few fresh or dried, as needed Food: Crush or grind seeds to add to recipes. Use fronds and bulb in seltzer, soda, infused water (see culinary tips above) Recipes: Floral Ice Cubes, page 96; Infused Seltzer, Soda, and Water, page 97; Bitters Spray, page 141; Fennel and Korean Mint Seltzer, page 146; Sweet Fennel Liquor, page 146; Bronze Fennel Vinegar, page 146; Fennel Seed Chews, page 146; Gut-Healing Tummy Tea, Take One, page 152; Soothing Lung Tea, page 176; Allergy Tincture Blend, page 182; Lady Tea, page 243 He ali n g G ard en H er bs 267

Garlic compost in spring. Harvest when the Food and More stalks turn yellow in summer. Other Of course, garlic is also a delicious Allium sativum Allium species including onions, shal- food crop! Garlic bulbs sometimes lots, chives, and walking onions have turn vinegar teal blue while magenta Amaryllis Family (Amaryllidaceae) similar, milder medicinal properties. chive blossoms lend a pink hue. You can also make sprays for your Body Systems: Immune, A Pungent Mover garden to fend off pests and vermin. Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Garlic’s strong aroma and flavor gen- Eating garlic regularly may ward off Skin, Digestive, Antimicrobial, erally indicate its potency. It helps biting insects, ticks, parasites — our Metabolic thin the blood and boost circulation; modern-day vampires. As a flower decreases cardiovascular inflam- essence (page 68), garlic cleanses perennial, mation; improves digestion, libido, and strengthens the vital force, ban- Zones 4–9 and sexual function; stimulates the ishing fear and parasites. immune system; acts as an expecto- Feed Your Medicine rant, moving and clearing mucus from Stinky and Strong Garlic’s a heavy feeder that prefers the respiratory tract; fights a wide Garlic breath is no myth — therapeu- well-prepared beds with plenty of range of pathogens not only locally tic doses make not only your breath organic matter, good drainage, mulch, in pretty much every system (e.g., but also your whole body stink. A and minimal pressure from weeds gut, skin, lungs) but also systemically; FODMAP, it may cause gas and or other plants. Get seed garlic from lowers blood sugar; and feeds good bloating in people with SIBO, IBS, local organic growers, opting for big, bacteria in the gut. As an antimi- and dysbiosis. The juices can irritate healthy bulbs and cloves. Hard-neck crobial, consider it as part of a Lyme sensitive tissue, including sensitive varieties generally store better and or pneumonia treatment protocol. stomachs and when applied topically are more potent medicinally. Plant Other Allium species — onions, shal- (ear oil, vaginal suppository). The use the individual cloves point-side-up lots, chives, leeks — have similar but of garlic in animals is controversial; in late fall (crack the skin a bit, but milder action. it may cause hemolytic anemia, par- not the clove itself) and mulch well. ticularly in large doses. Pull back mulch and top-dress with Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Garlic Pull up bulbs in summer when the tops turn yellow. Use immediately or cure it for storage: spread out or hang to dry out of direct sunlight with good airflow until the tops turn brown. Chop and let sit 10 to 15 minutes before proceeding with your recipe. Parts Used: bulbs/cloves Tincture: 1–3 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol Honey, Syrup, Vinegar, Oxymel: 1–3 teaspoons as needed Capsules/Powder: 500–2,000 mg crude herb daily Food: use liberally fresh (stronger) or dried, minced/puréed in pesto and hummus. Also enjoy the milder aerial scapes Topical: oil, compress, poultice, soak (may irritate) Recipes: Dandelion-Violet Weed Pesto, page 88; Fire Cider, page 236; Heart Tonic Tincture Blend, page 237; Fire Cider-Maple-Mustard Dressing, page 237; Thai Curry Fire Cider, page 237. Also try it in broth Get the most out of garlic by chopping it 10 to 15 minutes before you eat it or add it to a recipe. 268 H e al i n g G a r den H er bs

Goldenrod in North America, with multiple spe- out. It’s now a regular ingredient in cies present. It’s tricky to key out, but my allergy, sinus, and lung formulas. Solidago spp. most species appear interchangeable. Goldenrod also acts as a diuretic and The most common medicinal species kidney tonic, particularly as a tea. Daisy Family (Asteraceae) are Canada goldenrod (S. canadensis) and anise-scented (S. odora, “at risk” And Much More Body Systems: Respiratory, in some areas). Europeans use S. Look into goldenrod’s rich history Immune, Kidney/Urinary, virgaurea. across the world, particularly among Detoxification Native Americans and Europeans, Water-Mover Antihistamine and you’ll learn its many uses: a perennial, Considering how prolific and use- carminative for digestion, gas, and Zones 3–9 ful this plant is, it’s amazing how bloating; a mild antimicrobial for overlooked goldenrod tends to be in respiratory and urinary infections; Golden Fields and Meadows herbal medicine. Think of goldenrod an anti-inflammatory; a diuretic for You’ll recognize goldenrod in late as a “water mover” — improving hypertension formulas; a rich source summer — its yellow clusters of flow- the flow of water in and out of the of bioflavonoids for blood vessel ers erupt across fields and meadows body — both as a diuretic and for health; and more. As a flower essence and along woodland edges just when mucus congestion. It contains mild (page 68), goldenrod helps people allergy season hits. Inconspicuous toning, astringent, antihistamine find their “spine,” or resolve against ragweed hides among the goldenrod, properties for mucosal lining that fear and others’ influence. blooming at the same time, causing ease allergies and acute respiratory the bulk of those allergies. Goldenrod complaints, including hay fever, sinus Safe for Most People spreads quickly by underground root congestion, and sinusitis, and is help- Goldenrod’s pretty safe, but as a runners and seed, and its tall stature ful as an adjunct in asthma. During diuretic, it might be inappropriate crowds out more sensitive plants. a monthlong “cold from hell” that before bedtime and should be used It’s easily foraged and can be culti- ended with a painful sinus infection, with caution alongside pharmaceu- vated in less-maintained edges of I threw everything at it to no avail and ticals contraindicated with diuretics the property alongside fellow weedy was surprised when goldenrod and such as blood pressure medications. brutes like bee balm and wild rasp- bee balm tinctures finally moved it berry. Goldenrod grows everywhere An eye-catching weed, goldenrod is often wrongly accused of Harvesting, Preparing, and Using causing allergies, yet may actually help relieve them. Goldenrod Trim the top one-third to two-thirds of the plant’s leaves and flowers, just as the blooms are about to open. For tea, use while in bud or just before it blooms to avoid the flowers turning into puffballs (if they do, you can still use it). Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: aerial/leaves and flowers Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Vinegar, Oxymel: 1 teaspoon as needed Recipes: Floral Ice Cubes, page 96; Allergy Tincture Blend, page 182 H e ali n g G arden H er bs 269

Goldenseal in commerce, it’s increasingly scarce the efficacy of the roots. As a bitter in the wild and often unsustain- (page 134), goldenseal and other Hydrastis canadensis ably wild harvested for the industry. berberines stimulate digestive juices Though slow-growing, it propagates and improve gastric function, but Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae) easily from young roots. It thrives in they have the additional benefit as dry shade gardens or in the forest antimicrobials that are particularly Body Systems: Immune, among its friends wild ginger, ginseng, well suited to fight intestinal infec- Digestive, Skin, Blood Sugar, trillium, bloodroot, black cohosh, vio- tions, chronic diarrhea, dysbiosis, and Antimicrobial let, and Solomon’s seal. Other herbs small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (see page 271) can be used similarly. (SIBO). As a flower essence (page perennial, 68), goldenseal helps clear out the Zones 3–8 Bitter Antimicrobial old to make room for the new. Berberine At-Risk Woodland Goldenseal contains berberine, Not Exactly Antibiotic Wildflower a bitter-tasting, somewhat acrid, Goldenseal fights infections only This shy northeastern woodland bright yellow alkaloid. Berberine is on contact — in the digestive tract wildflower has become the mascot most prevalent in the roots, which when consumed, nasal passages in for the United Plant Savers, a non- are the most common part used a nasal spray or wash, on the throat profit dedicated to medicinal plant for medicine. However, the leaves as a spray, and topically on the skin. conservation and sustainability. Even contain some berberine as well as It works particularly well in this way though goldenseal is the most com- additional constituents that improve for a variety of bacterial and fungal monly available berberine-rich herb Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Goldenseal Harvest roots in fall from mature plants (at least 5 years old). Use fresh or dried. Goldenseal is stronger and more precious than other berberines; you can blend it with others. Parts Used: roots (strongest), aerial parts Tea: 1/8–1/2 teaspoon dried herb/half cup, decocted, 1/4–1/2 cup 1–3 times daily Tincture: 0.5–2 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula (up to 10 ml for acute care) • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Capsules/Powder: 500–1,000 mg crude herb, 1–3 times daily Topical: oil (preferably alcohol-intermediary, using leaf), salve, liniment Recipes: Bitters Spray, page 141; Allergy Tincture Blend, page 182. Also blend with echinacea as a throat or topical spray Welcome the sensitive wildflower goldenseal into shady woodland gardens or seek out its more abundant analogs barberry and Oregon grape root. 270 H e al i n g G a r d en H er bs

infections. Contrary to its use in viral discharge and buildup, helpful in too drying and generally inappropri- infections with echinacea, golden- acute allergies. ate long term (more than 2 weeks). seal really isn’t useful as an antiviral Do not use it in pregnancy. Never or systemic antibiotic. Systemically, Strong Medicine wildcraft goldenseal. Berberine the goldenseal does tighten and Goldenseal is generally safe in high improves the efficacy of antibiot- tone mucous membranes and has doses short term or low doses as part ics but may also interact with some an antihistamine-like action, dry- of a long-term formula if needed. pharmaceuticals by altering liver ing up “catarrh” or excessive mucus High doses as a single herb may be clearance. Other Berberine-Rich Plants Many plants contain berber- favorite algerita (Mahonia trifoliolata) in Texas, and yel- ine and can be used relatively low root (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) in the south/cen- interchangeably with golden- tral/eastern United States, with several others growing seal. Collectively, I refer to all throughout the world. berberine-rich herbs as “ber- berines.” These substitute How to use berberines. See the goldenseal profile for herbs are useful considering more on how to use these berberine-rich herbs. They goldenseal’s threatened sta- are a bit milder (that’s not necessarily a bad thing) but tus in the wild and its slow- otherwise similar, more sustainable, and easier to har- growing nature. Barberry vest in large quantities. Going back to the bitter proper- (Berberis spp.) and Oregon ties, berberine-rich herbs also lower blood sugar and grape root (Mahonia spp., encourage liver detoxification, bile excretion, fat diges- sometimes categorized as tion, and healthy skin (particularly for acne) as “blood a Berberis species) are more cleansing” alteratives. Because of their gentler nature, prolific and common. barberry and Oregon grape root are even more appro- priate for this than goldenseal. Barberry. This invasive shrub is widely cultivated in landscapes across most of North America. Covered in tiny barbs (not so fun during harvesttime), it produces attractive berries that persist through winter. The roots — especially the root bark — as well as the inner bark of aerial parts are richest in berberine, though the leaves can also be used. It’s been well studied by Middle Eastern scientists. Oregon grape root. As its name suggests, this plant grows prolifically throughout Oregon and the rest of the West Coast; it’s also cultivated as landscape shrub. It has hollylike leaves with thorny tips and fruits that resemble grapes when ripe. Although often prolific, be mindful when wildcrafting, because some species may be threatened. You can use the roots and leaves for medicine. Additional berberine-rich plants. These include tiny goldthread (Coptis spp.), herbal medic Sam Coffman’s He ali n g G arden H er bs 271

Gotu Kola The inconspicuous flowers put out Edible Greens seed with low germination rates. This is also an edible green raw, Centella asiatica cooked, and juiced with a bland Brain and Healing Tonic seaweedy or watercress-like flavor. Parsley Family (Apiaceae) Gotu kola has many benefits across Though not exciting tasting on its various body systems. Key uses own, gotu kola blends well with mint, Body Systems: Nervous/Adrenal, include as a nervine, calm energy holy basil, spinach, garlic, or onions. Heart, Skin, Cognition/Brain adaptogen, brain tonic, vulnerary, and Add powdered gotu kola to smooth- circulation enhancer. Consider it for ies, nut butter–honey balls, and tender perennial, gut healing, memory enhancement, other foods. Zones 8–11 ADHD, anxiety, protection and heal- ing from nerve injury, and circulatory Safe for Most People Soggy, Rich Soil issues like varicose veins and vascular Gotu kola is very safe and foodlike This leafy Indian herb prefers to insufficiency. Use water, oil, or alco- for children and adults. It may inhibit grow as a creeping ground cover in hol extracts topically for wounds, conception and should not be used extremely rich, soggy soil in warm hemorrhoids, scars, and gum health. during pregnancy. Market quality is dappled sunlight. Heat brings out High doses and long-term use work poor; plants are often contaminated more adaptogenic constituents, but best; it can take a few months for with fecal bacteria. Reports of can- gotu kola tolerates cooler temps, effects to build. As a flower essence cer are unfounded. Reports of liver containers, full sun, and the indoors. (page 68), it helps you remember and damage are based on its presence in Grow it in nearly 100 percent com- understand who you are and what adulterated weight-loss products in post and water daily, being attentive you are meant to do in the world. Argentina. Research suggests anti- to hanging pots. It sends out runners cancer activity. that root in water or soil at the nodes. Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Gotu Kola Trim back tendrils and older leaves to the ground node, leaving at least one-third of the leaves intact. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: leaves/aerial parts Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily. Add to super infusions as well as simmering broths. Tincture: 2–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Capsules/Powder: 500–5,000 mg (up to 1 teaspoon) crude herb daily Food: nibble a few leaves, up to 1 cup packed as a leafy green, smoothie, juiced Topical: liniment, oil (preferably alcohol-intermediary), salve, cream, bath Recipes: Brain-Boosting Tincture, page 112, Minty Memory Tea, page 113, Super Skin Salve variation, page 198, Heart Tonic Tincture Blend, page 237 I grow gotu kola in pots and hanging planters to keep it out of reach of hungry woodchucks and to allow me to bring this Indian herb indoors for winter. 272 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Hawthorn fruitful it will be. It is prone to dis- heart failure. Its effect on cholesterol eases of fellow rose-family fruit is subtle but beneficial. Commercial Crataegus spp. trees — see Michael Phillips’s The hawthorn solid extract works well, but Holistic Orchard for tips. homemade forms are also useful. Rose Family (Rosaceae) Supreme Heart Tonic Heart’s Reach Body Systems: Heart, No other herb has more of an affinity Hawthorn also works on the emo- Cardiovascular, Nervous, Mood for the human heart and cardiovas- tional heart, gladdening and lifting the cular system than hawthorn, which spirits, easing grief, heartache, and tree, works via a variety of mechanisms as trauma. Because it improves circula- Zones 3–9 a daily tonic with foodlike safety. It tion, it has tangential benefits as a can take several weeks, even months, supportive herb in cognitive health Long-Term Rewards for the effects to build. Hawthorn and for managing diabetes, inflam- It takes several years for a young strengthens the heart’s pumping abil- mation, stroke, and other conditions. hawthorn to become fruitful, but ity, helps protect against and repair As a flower essence (page 68), this plant this lovely tree if you know damage, and is often used in heart plant opens the heart and helps it heal you’ll be there for a while and attack prevention and long-term emotionally, physically, and spiritually. have an interest in heart health. postattack care. It improves the Depending on pruning and the quality of blood vessel lining, reduc- Foodlike Safety species, you can grow it as a grace- ing inflammation, fighting oxidative Hawthorn is among our safest herbs, ful specimen tree or a shrubby stress with antioxidant constituents, but remember that it is not strong, hedge of thorns, food, and medi- and dilating blood vessels to reduce fast, and druglike, so it’s less useful cine. Crataegus means “strong.” blood pressure with ACE-inhibitor- in acute conditions. It may increase Established trees withstand harsh like action. It gradually eases palpita- the effects of a few medications, conditions and hardscrabble loca- tions, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and particularly certain blood pressure tions, living to be hundreds of years angina, and it’s been researched most medications. old. It prefers well-drained, slightly for its role in managing congestive acidic soil. The more sun, the more With its thorny branches, delicate apple Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Hawthorn blossom–like flowers, and deep red berries, this small tree evokes emotion, lore, and Pinch off buds, newly opened flowers, and young leaves in early spring, deep medicine when incorporated into the and the berries in fall (remove individually or prune branches off to landscape. process at a table). Watch for the long, sharp thorns; consider wearing thick gloves. Use fresh or dried. Dry berries in the dehydrator and ensure they’re completely hard and dried before storing. Parts Used: berries, leaves, flowers (often combined) Tea: 1 heaping teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 3–5 ml, 2–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Oxymel, Glycerite, Syrup, Electuary: 1 teaspoon, 2–3 times daily Capsules/Powder: 1,000–5,000 mg (up to 1 teaspoon) crude herb daily Food: berry jam, jelly, cordial, powder in smoothies, honey–nut butter balls Recipes: Hawthorn Tincture, page 230; Peaceful Heart Tea, page 231; Heart Tonic Tincture Blend, page 237. Also consider adding to the Elder–Rose Hip Oxymel, page 169 H e ali n g G ard en H er bs 273

Holy Basil variety, it’s probably kapoor, which Great Protector may also self-seed. Some types are Holy basil is associated with the Ocimum sanctum perennial in warm zones or if brought Hindu god Vishnu and is used for indoors. Also called sacred basil and medicinal protection in Ayurveda. Mint Family (Lamiaceae) O. tenuifolium. Kapoor tulsi produces It fortifies the immune system to nonstop flowers, which you can trim fight infection, increases digestive Body Systems: Nervous/ regularly (to use for tea, water, medi- function and juices, and protects Adrenal, Mood, Blood Sugar, cine) to encourage growth. against ulcers and radiation. It may Cognition/Brain, Inflammation, stimulate anticancer activity and Pain, Immune, Digestive, Calm-Energy Zen fights both oxidative stress and Cardiovascular, Antimicrobial Inhaling and consuming this aro- inflammation with its antioxidant and matic herb reminds me of doing anti-inflammatory properties. Holy annual yoga, meditating, or surrounding basil could take a spot in almost every myself with incense. The intense, garden in this book — it’s that kind of Heat-Loving Aromatic sweet flavor hints of clove, mint, and plant. As a flower essence (page 68), Holy basil (also called tulsi) jumps basil. As an adaptogen and nervine, holy basil brings sacred sensuality. for joy when everything else in your holy basil both calms and energizes garden bows in submission to hot-as- the spirit, quells anxiety and grief, Safe for Most People Hades midsummer temps and begins and brings clarity and focus to the Holy basil is safe for adults and rapidly producing useful medicine, mind. As a cortisol modulator, it not children and rarely interacts with provided you’re watering it enough in only eases stress but also reduces medications. Some may find its good, well-drained garden soil. This blood sugar, bad cholesterol, tri- digestive effects too stimulating. If plant comes from India, and several glycerides, and sugar cravings. As an you’re prone to hypoglycemia, take it varieties (even a few species) are anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor, with meals or lightly sweetened with used somewhat interchangeably. it helps fight many chronic diseases honey. A few people paradoxically “Kapoor” or “temperate” tulsi thrives and eases pain, especially when com- feel anxious with holy basil or simply and produces best in temperate bined with other anti-inflammatory don’t like it. gardens. If your seed catalog offers herbs like turmeric, ginger, rosemary, one type and does not specify the and ashwagandha. Pots of holy basil adorn Hindu temples, Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Holy Basil creating sacred space and bringing prayers to heaven with its Zen-like aroma. Regularly trim the top one-half to two-thirds of the flowers and leaves, which will keep the plant happy, producing more vital growth. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: aerial in flower Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–3 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Honey, Oxymel, Glycerite, Syrup: 1 teaspoon as need (heavenly!) Capsules/Powder: 500–2,000 mg crude herb daily Also: cordial, infused water, seltzer/soda, hydrosol Recipes: Yummy Teas, page 94; Infused Seltzer, Soda, and Water, page 97; Holy Rose Water, page 107; Stress Support Tincture Blend, page 107; Brain-Boosting Tincture Blend, page 112; Holy Basil Beverages, page 124; Mellow Me Glycerite, page 125 274 H ea l i n g G a r d en H erbs

Horehound wrinkled, silvery herbaceous foliage in children, which he found helped adds nice texture to the garden lay- reduce trips to the hospital during Marrubium vulgare out. Rosemary, thyme, and lavender cold and flu season. Store-bought prefer similar conditions. horehound tends to be rubbish. Mint Family (Lamiaceae) Moves Mucus, Congestion Other Uses Body Systems: Respiratory, Horehound tops the charts of herbs It’s quite bitter and can be used Immune, Digestive sold in the mainstream market to stimulate digestion. As a flower because it’s a common ingredient essence (page 68), horehound helps perennial, in many brands of cough syrup and you more clearly express yourself and Zones 3–8 drops, including Ricola. Most famous has an affinity for the throat. for clearing wet coughs, horehound A Plant for Dry Places is stellar whenever mucus secretions Generally Safe but SO Bitter We use horehound for damp, stag- are too thick, stagnant, or drippy. I Children and adults can use hore- nant health conditions, yet it pre- love this plant for postnasal drip and hound safely as needed, but it is con- fers dry, sunny spots in the garden. mucus-y allergies and often combine traindicated in pregnancy and with I would brush by horehound that it with the antihistamine herb golden- some cardiac conditions and drugs. was growing along the roadside on rod. It thins mucus so you can move It’s terribly bitter tasting! This makes it my morning walks in herb school in and expectorate it. Michael Moore nauseating in moderate to large doses, Arizona. Here in my Northeast gar- used horehound capsules alongside and it may lower blood sugar — take it den, I’ve finally found dry, semisandy echinacea tincture and passionflower sweetened or with food. spots where it doesn’t get too water- tea as a synergistic trio for asthma logged in winter and spring. Its fuzzy, Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Horehound Harvest leafy growth when it’s happy, prefer- ably in spring or fall. Use fresh or dried. Have I mentioned it’s bitter? Most people prefer tincture or capsules for this reason. Parts Used: aerial/leaves Tincture: 1–2 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Syrup, Honey, Glycerite, Cough Drop: 1/2–1 teaspoon or 1 cough drop as needed Capsules/Powder: 250–1,000 mg crude herb daily Recipes: Horehound Cough Syrup, page 177; Allergy Tincture Blend, page 182 This silvery wildflower of sunny, dry places moves mucus like no other. He ali n g G arden H er bs 275

Horsetail Silica Strength Kidneys to Compost Rich in minerals in general, horsetail Horsetail tonifies the kidneys and Equisetum arvense earns bonus points for its silica con- acts as a diuretic. According to tent. Horsetail blows oatstraw out of organic orchardist Michael Phillips, Horsetail Family (Equisetaceae) the water with three times the silica fermented horsetail “compost tea” content. Silica helps maintain the sprayed on plants fights fungal patho- Body Systems: Skin, Bones, strength and flexibility of connective gens, strengthens plants, and pro- Nutritive, Musculoskeletal, tissues, including bones, hair, skin, motes beneficial microbes. (Nettle Inflammation, Connective Tissue, and nails, as well as their constituents and comfrey leaf are nice additions in Pain, Gut, Kidney/Urinary keratin and elastin. For a supportive your compost tea, too. It smells like treatment for bone breaks and osteo- rotten eggs when it’s ready.) perennial, porosis, blend it with other mineral- Zones 2–9 rich herbs like oatstraw and nettle. A Few Cautions Horsetail is underrated for its bene- Horsetail’s avoidable dangers stem Love or Hate It fits in wound healing, gut repair, joint from a few concerns. First, it accumu- Once this Jurassic-era weed settles in health, and arthritis relief. In a study lates toxins, particularly nitrogenous the garden, it’s difficult to eradicate; of patients taking medications for ones, in contaminated soil and water- however, it serves many purposes rheumatoid arthritis, adding horsetail sheds. Avoid areas downstream from and does little harm in semiunkempt brought treatment to 80 percent effi- big farms, factories, and chemical beds on the edges of your property. cacy versus just 17 percent without plants. Also, the fresh plant contains an A plant of watersheds, ensure water the herb. In another study, horsetail enzyme called thiaminase that reduces and soil quality before harvesting. ointment applied for 10 days post- vitamin B1, which is why it’s toxic to Other plants gladly grow alongside delivery reduced pain (to one-sixth grazing animals. Drying or tincturing horsetail, including nettle and elder. of what the placebo group felt) and should denature the enzymes, and, Other species of Equisetum likely improved healing of episiotomy given the small quantities of horsetail have similar properties. The more wounds (4.4 times better than in the we consume, the risk of toxicity is neg- ornamental, formidable scouring placebo group). ligible. If you grind dried horsetail, use a rush (E. hyemale) — popular in Asian mask in a well-ventilated area to avoid gardens — may be less soluble in tea, dangerous silicosis. though it can still be used. Horsetail prefers damp, rich soil along Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Horsetail riverbeds and in gardens where it can get weedy. Harvest the green “tails” in springtime when bright green and upright. The plant breaks easily at the joints, making it simple to process. Silica is best extracted as tea, but the (silica-free) tincture also works. Use dried, cooked, or tinctured. Parts Used: aerial sterile green growth Tea: 1 heaping teaspoon dried herb/cup, decoction or long infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 5–60 drops, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Capsules/Powder: 500–1,000 mg crude herb daily Food: broth (strain before eating) Topical: oil, ointment, salve, cream, glycerite, vinegar, liniment Recipes: Nutri-Tea, page 79; Nutri-Broth, page 80; Gut Healing Broth, page 153; Aches and Pains, Strains and Sprains Tincture/Liniment, page 220 276 He a l i n g G ar d en H er bs

Korean Mint with scalloped leaves) but are easy infused water — combining Korean and Anise to pull out or move. They reach 4 to mint with vanilla extract evokes a Hyssop 5 feet in their second and third years. posh, sugar-free root beer flavor. Use Both produce gorgeous, long-lasting it to flavor medicinal blends. Agastache rugosa and purple spikes in mid/late summer. A. foeniculum Korean mint is hard to find — I’m Underrated Medicinal on a mission to get more people It’s easy to overlook Agastache’s rich Mint Family (Lamiaceae) growing it! medicinal value. Michael Moore recommends the antioxidant, anti- Body Systems: Immune, Incredibly Delicious inflammatory mint-family herbs, Respiratory, Digestive, Most famous as tea, Agastache gives rich in rosmarinic acid, for general Inflammation, Nervous, Mood, a sweet, bright fennel-mint flavor well-being and cooling on a hot Antimicrobial fresh or dried and holds its flavor day. In traditional Korean medicine, well in storage. The dried leaves Korean mint relieves summer damp- perennial, stand in nicely for fennel seeds in ness without being overly drying, acts Zones 4–10 Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. as a carminative and mild digestive Freshly snipped, the leaves blend well (a cross between mint and fennel’s Lovely Self-Seeding Blooms in salads, surprising guests with their medicine), eases nausea and vomit- Korean mint and anise hyssop are pleasant flavor (think: Italian sau- ing, settles the stomach, and can nearly indistinguishable and com- sage and meatballs, fresh Thai spring be added to formulas for respira- pletely interchangeable. I prefer rolls, seafood, and other dishes that tory infections and the stomach flu. Korean mint, which I inherited from benefit from fennel-like flavor). The Larken Bunce uses anise hyssop as the previous owner of my home, for herb-infused honey tastes divine in a mild nervine and for people who its softer fennel-honey flavor even tea, marinade, and salad dressing or feel like they have a lump (“plum though anise hyssop is more widely drizzled into seltzer and enjoyed by pit”) stuck in their throat. As a flower available. These short-lived peren- the spoonful. For a delicious Asian essence (page 68), these plants bring nials tolerate a range of conditions, fusion dipping sauce/dressing, mix sweetness back to life. but they do best in decent, moder- 1 tablespoon each Korean mint honey ately moist (not necessarily regularly and chive blossom vinegar with 1 tea- Quite Safe watered) soil. They self-seed ram- spoon toasted sesame oil. The flowers No known contraindications. Some pantly (look for purple-green babies add color appeal to dried tea blends people don’t like the licorice-like and can be used fresh in seltzer and flavor. These are two of the most beautiful and Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Korean Mint delicious herb species you can grow. Sure, they’re medicinal, but I savor them for the Harvest aerial parts before or once the plant has flowered. It has a long joy they bring to life, drink, and food. season. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: aerial/leaves and flowers Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Glycerine, Oxymel, Honey, Syrup: 1 teaspoon as desired Food: Fresh or dried as a culinary herb, chopped in cheese, seafood, salad, dressings, marinades, dipping sauce, flower sprigs in water, seltzer, soda, and cordials Recipes: Floral Ice Cubes, page 96; Infused Seltzer, Soda, and Water, page 97; Bitters Spray, page 141; Fennel and Korean Mint Seltzer, page 146; Sweet Fennel Liquor, page 146; Gut-Healing Tummy Tea, Take One, page 152; Asian Fusion Dipping Sauce, above He ali n g G ard en H er bs 277

Lady’s Mantle but doesn’t compete well when Of Myth and Beauty crammed in with other plants. Much lore surrounds the dewdrops Alchemilla vulgaris, A. mollis that cling to its leaves — alche- Rose-Family Astringent mists believed that the collected Rose Family (Rosaceae) Lady’s mantle is what Michael Moore dew would help them find the would call a YARFA (yet another Philosopher’s Stone. Drinking or Body Systems: Reproductive, rose-family astringent) gentle enough applying the dew to the skin was said Gut, Skin for regular use. As with its fellow to attract love and bestow everlast- cousins rose petal and red raspberry ing beauty. As a flower essence (page perennial, leaf, lady’s mantle is helpful for uterine 68), lady’s mantle helps ground and Zones 3–8 issues — tightening and toning boggy connect your heart to the green or prolapsed tissues and drying exces- world and heal female reproductive DewDrop Foliage sive secretions, bleeding, or discharge. trauma or disease. Lady’s mantle’s chartreuse early- Also consider adding it to blends for summer flowers have subtle beauty, healing ongoing intestinal problems Safe for Most People but the silvery green leaves really (e.g., leaky gut, chronic diarrhea), and Lady’s mantle is quite safe but not catch your eye when grown en as a background herb in beverages. generally recommended during preg- masse — crinkled umbrellas with Most often used as tea, it has a light, nancy (use raspberry leaves instead). scalloped leaves that catch the tannic flavor similar to green or white It is quite astringent and drying, so morning dew and so soft to the tea (without the caffeine). It blends large amounts could irritate sensitive touch. Lady’s mantle does best in nicely with light, subtle flavorful herbs stomachs and people who are already a spot that feels like Ireland. Not like rose petals, Korean mint, lemon- too dry or constipated. too hot, dry, or sunny. It forms a grass, lemon verbena, and linden, or lovely mound or edge to the garden with a wedge of lemon. Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Lady’s Mantle Harvest individual leaves with or without flowers before it blooms or just as blooms open — the flowers go by very quickly. Use dried. Parts Used: leaves, flowers Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Recipes: Lady Tea, page 243; more tea tips above The Irish hold lady’s mantle in high esteem, and it does best in a landscape similar to Ireland’s with dreary, cool, moist, shady spots where the dewdrops cling magically to its graceful leaves. 278 He a l i n g G ar d en H er bs

Lavender soil. Lavender tends to rot out in A Multitude of Uses your standard pampered, watered, Oh, the many ways you can use lav- Lavandula angustifolia mulched garden bed. ender! This is a supreme skin herb for almost anything you can think of — Mint Family (Lamiaceae) Potent Nerve Tonic bug repellent, bug bite care, irritated Lavender essential oil has the most skin, sensitive skin, rashes, acne, dry Body Systems: Nervous, research and traditional use — skin, oily skin, aging skin, infections, Mood, Pain, Skin, Digestive, inhaled to relieve stress and aid sleep burns, poison ivy. Lavender’s anti- Antimicrobial or topically applied to repel insects oxidant and antimicrobial properties and heal irritated skin, wounds, and also help preserve formulas. As a perennial, burns. But you’d need 16 pillow-sized flower essence (page 68), lavender Zones 5–8 pounds of lavender buds and fancy calms the spirit and the mind — one distillation equipment to make the of my favorites for client formulas! Mediterranean Hillside essential oil at home. Less concen- A fragrant hedge of silvery lavender trated homemade lavender prepara- Safe for Most People dotted with those tiny buds imme- tions also work well, and even in this Lavender is a strong plant that diately evokes calm and connection less potent (yet more complex) state, doesn’t agree with everyone. Don’t to the plant world. Lavender has lavender is still plenty strong in small ingest it while pregnant. The flavor become the poster plant for medici- doses. Lavender has moving, car- can be too soapy for some. Studies nal herbs, aromatherapy, self-care, minative, dispersive, pain-relieving, found lavender essential oil (which is relaxation, and the French hillsides. sedative-antidepressant properties. far more concentrated than home- When planting lavender, seek seed- Try it for anxiety, tension headaches, made preparations) has phytoes- lings and root divisions from variet- and nervous indigestion, solo or in trogenic and antiandrogenic effects, ies known to thrive in your region, blends. implicated in breast development then find a sunny, warm spot with in boys. somewhat dry, sandy, well-drained Lavender can be finicky to grow. Much like Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Lavender horehound, thyme, and rosemary, it prefers dry, sunny, sandy spots without a lot of Cut stems to dry and process to remove the buds, ideally before competition. the buds open. For aromatic remedies, you can include leaves and stems. Use fresh or dried. You just need a bit — use it as a synergist in blends. Homemade liniment, infused oil, and/or hydrosol can be substituted for the essential oil. Parts Used: buds, flowers Tea: 1/2 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 0.5–1 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Glycerite, Syrup, Honey, Oxymel: 1/4–1/2 teaspoon as needed Food: Add a few buds to sugar, shortbread, chocolate, and in herbs de Provence blends Topical: oil (preferably alcohol-intermediary), salve, cream, hydro- sol, liniment, soak/bath, compress, glycerite, essential oil Recipes: Calendula-Comfrey Cream, page 193; Super Skin Salve, page 198; First Aid Simple: Lavender Essential Oil or Hydrosol/ Liniment, page 199; Herbal Insect Repellent, page 204 He ali n g G ard en H er bs 279

Lemon Balm apple mint. It propagates well from antiviral — particularly antiherpes — root division. action when applied topically. Try Melissa officinalis a squirt of tincture internally and Uplifting Calming Nervine dabbed on the area at the first tingle Mint Family (Lamiaceae) Lemon balm could be featured in of a cold sore, or blend the tinc- almost every garden in this book, it’s ture with St. John’s wort oil to apply Body Systems: Nervous, so useful! It supports the nervous topically. It improves calm focus and Mood, Digestive, Immune, system — calming anxiety and aiding cognitive abilities, increasing levels of Cardiovascular, Skin, Antiviral, sleep without oversedating. The lem- the important neurotransmitter ace- Metabolic, Cognitive ony aromatics lift the spirit, ease mild tylcholine. As a flower essence (page to moderate depression (especially in 68), lemon balm relaxes and restores, perennial, combination with St. John’s wort or especially during headaches or after Zones 4–9 holy basil), gladden the heart, and quell being stretched too thin. heart palpitations. Consider an eve- Pampered Mediterranean ning cup of lemon balm and holy basil Safe for Most People Our oldest written herbals extol the tea for insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, Lemon balm is one of the safest virtues of lemon balm, including and hypervigilance. Lemon balm is a herbs. Sensitive folks might find it Dioscorides’s De Materia Medica and popular, safe children’s herb, too. a tad too drying or stimulating for Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine. Lemon digestion (stomach upset, nausea), balm hails from the Mediterranean Digestion, Memory or hypoglycemic — especially if taken but thrives in moist, well-drained rich Lemon balm’s aromatic, carmina- as a strong tea on an empty stomach. soil and dappled sunlight. It spreads tive, and mild bitter properties A little honey, a shorter steep, the by underground root runners and ease digestive distress and improve addition of other herbs, or taking it occasionally self-seeds. It may get digestive function and also improve with food helps. Lemon balm loses its rambunctious in its favorite spots, blood sugar and heart health. The potency quickly once dried. but it’s not as bad as spearmint and essential oil and tannins have direct Lemon balm easily tops my list of Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Lemon Balm favorite garden herbs. You can’t help but rub and inhale the spirit-lifting lemon Harvest aerial parts, preferably before it flowers, several times throughout aroma of its leaves as you walk by. the season. Use fresh (best) or freshly dried. Great in blends. Parts Used: aerial/leaves Tea: 1–2 teaspoons dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol Glycerite, Honey, Syrup, Vinegar: 1 teaspoon as needed Capsules/Powder: 500–3,000 mg crude herb daily Food: Add fresh to pesto, infused water, cordials, smoothies, or cake Topical: liniment, oil (freshly dried), cream, bath/soak, poultice/compress Recipes: Nutri-Tea, page 79; Dandelion-Violet Weed Pesto, page 88; Yummy Teas, page 94; Stress Support Tincture Blend, page 107; Brain- Boosting Tincture Blend, page 112; Minty Memory Tea, page 113; Happy Tea, page 118; Lemon-St. John’s Wort Pick-Me-Up, page 118; Good Mood Tincture, page 119; Holy Basil Beverages, page 124; Mellow Me Glycerite, page 125; Sleep Tea, page 130; Lemon Balm–Catnip Glycerite, page 140; Bitters Spray, page 141; Peaceful Heart Tea, page 231 280 H e a l i n g G ar den H er bs

Lemon in winter. Lemon verbena will look reduced airborne bacteria, including Verbena and dead. You’ll have more success over- methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Lemongrass wintering lemongrass. aureus (MRSA), by 89 percent! Aloysia citrodora and Cymbopogon Bright, Uplifting Flavor For the Love of Food citratus Compared to perennial lemony herbs These herbs bring joy when you rub like lemon balm and lemon thyme, their leaves (especially lemon ver- Verbena Family (Verbenaceae) and lemon verbena and lemongrass offer bena’s) or smell and taste them. Fresh Grass Family (Poaceae) far superior aroma, flavor, and shelf or fresh-frozen lemongrass stalks are life. They’re still best fresh, but fresh delicious simmered in soups, infused Body Systems: Mood, Nervous, lemongrass stalks freeze very well, into seltzer, and in cordials. Chop and Digestion, Gut, Antimicrobial and the dried chopped tops will hold purée them into homemade fire cider their lemon flavor for at least a year. or Thai Curry Paste (pages 236, 237). perennial, Lemongrass hints of Thai cuisine, Fresh and freshly dried lemon ver- Zones 8–11 zinger tea, and Froot Loops. Lemon bena sprigs are a delightful addition verbena evokes lemon cake, espe- to tea — especially green, white, or Tropical Lemony Goodness cially if you combine it with vanilla, lady’s mantle or with vanilla. Pack the These tender perennials will perish in and lasts 6 to 12 months when dried. fresh leaves in sugar, infuse them in cold winters, but they provide tropi- Both lemongrass and lemon verbena honey, or place them on the bottom cal lemony goodness throughout the are most prominently used for their of a pan before you pour in vanilla or summer. Just one or two seedlings will delicious flavor and aroma; however, yellow cake batter. easily stock your pantry and freezer any lemon-scented herb uplifts and by fall. Grow them in warm, sunny calms the spirits. These two have Quite Safe plush garden beds or large well- modest stimulating and antimicrobial These are perfectly safe plants in the tended containers with rich, moist soil properties for the digestive and respi- quantities in which they’re typically and not too much competition from ratory systems when taken internally consumed. Sensitive stomachs might other plants. Harvest throughout as well as for the skin when applied find them too stimulating to digestion the season, cutting everything down topically. Their essential oils are far (aggravating nausea, reflux) in large before the first frost unless you plan more potent. In one study, diffusing quantities or if overbrewed. Fresh to bring it indoors. They go dormant lemongrass and geranium essential lemongrass’s sharp edges grip clothes oils in the air of a hospital burn unit and slice fingers like papercuts. I treat these delicious tropical tender Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Lemon Verbena perennials as annuals, but you can also pot and Lemongrass them to overwinter (in dormancy) indoors. Trim lemon verbena down, leaving a few sets of leaves — new stems will grow at each leaf in the whorl where you cut. For lemongrass, trim the tops back as desired or cut the largest stalks at the base as you need them (no more than half the plant), then cut it all at the end of the season. Use fresh (best) or dried. Leave lemon verbena leaves whole and cut dried lemon- grass tops into small pieces with sharp scissors. Parts Used: leaves, stalks Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Honey, Glycerite, Syrup: 1/2–1 teaspoon as desired Food: seltzer, soda, cordial, curry, poached fish, desserts, soup Recipes: Yummy Teas, page 94; Infused Seltzer, Soda, and Water, page 97; Happy Tea, page 118; Thai Curry Fire Cider, page 237; Thai Curry Paste, page 237 He ali n g G arden H er bs 281

Linden lovely and aromatic and require little signatures to remind you of their car- maintenance. They prefer rich, moist diovascular benefits. Tilia spp. soil but will tolerate much less favor- able soil conditions. Tilleul in Aromatherapy Mallow Family (Malvaceae) The French adore the aroma of Calm and Gladden the Heart linden, also called tilleul, for soaps Body Systems: Nerve, Heart, Europeans enjoy sipping linden tea and perfumery — it’s divine, though Mood after a meal to calm and uplift the most of the commercial products spirit, gladden the heart, and aid you’ll find are synthetic knockoffs. tree, digestion. It’s a great nightcap or Energetically, linden is intensely Zones 3–7 cocktail alternative (that said, it does aromatic, mildly carminative, gently make a great cordial, sweetened with cooling, and lightly astringent and Flowering Ornamental Tree honey, sipped straight or with selt- mucilaginous. Yet, drunk hot, it acts If you have the time to plant and zer). The light flavor is reminiscent as a diaphoretic to help break a fever. wait for a tree to grow, consider lin- of honey and amaretto. A sensual Foragers eat young leaves as a salad den. Various species are used inter- evening cup brings relaxed joy to din- green. As a flower essence (page 68), changeably, but littleleaf T. cordata ner guests. Linden has the reputation linden calms emotional turmoil and has a nice compact structure, silver as a heart tonic and mild hypotensive anxiety, releases tension, and helps T. tomentosa is popular for its foliage for blood pressure and though little rewire us so that we can let go of old but will get bigger, and you can forage research has been done, the relaxing patterns to embrace the new. the wild basswood T. americana — it aromatics and diuretic effect likely will eventually get too tall to reach play a role. The irregularly heart- Safe for Most People unless you prune it carefully. Linden shaped leaves serve as a doctrine of Very safe. Some might find it trees are popular along city streets, too floral. parks, and yards because they’re Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Linden When the blooms open, pinch off the flower and bract (the unusual “leaf” attached to the flower). The heart-shaped leaves can also be used but aren’t quite as potent. Use fresh or freshly dried, mainly in tea. Parts Used: flowers with bracts Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily. Great iced, too. Tincture: 1–3 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol • Add 10 percent glycerine to stabilize tannins and improve shelf life Honey, Syrup, Glycerite: 1 teaspoon as desired Cordial: 1 ounce as a treat, use honey as a sweetener Food: foraged young leaves and ripe fruit seeds Recipes: Peaceful Heart Tea, page 231; Linden- Honey Cordial, page 231 Graceful linden trees line American and European city streets and grow near woodland creeks. The blooms fill the air with a honey- vanilla-cherry aroma that intoxicates bees and humans alike. 282 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Marshmallow mouth, and relieves dehydration marshmallows from the root (not better than water. Add a splash of quite the modern confection). Althaea officinalis juice and pinch of salt for a home- Forager John Kallas uses mallow’s made electrolyte drink. In stronger immature seed head “peas” as a Mallow Family (Malvaceae) infusions — particularly overnight thickener for gumbo and to make root and powder infusions in cold “egg whites.” As a flower essence Body Systems: Digestive, Gut, water — the consistency can begin (page 68), marshmallow softens our Skin, Respiratory, Kidney/Urinary to resemble snot. Not very palatable, feelings toward one another, fostering but immensely soothing and healing friendliness. perennial, for dry, inflamed, irritated gastroin- Zones 5–8 testinal lining or skin. Mallows fabu- Safe but Starchy lously soothe and heal reflux, ulcers, Mallows are supersafe and foodlike, Soft Leaves, pretty Flowers gastritis, gastroparesis, and leaky but the mucilage — particularly from Marshmallow can reach 5 feet or gut. These soothing properties also marshmallow root powder — may higher in bloom, with stalks of delicate translate to the lungs (supportive in bother people with candidiasis, pale pink flowers. Use the root and/ tea and cough syrup blends), sore dysbiosis, and small intestinal bacte- or leaves for medicine. Mallow (Malva throats, and irritated kidney-urinary rial overgrowth (SIBO), potentially spp.) leaves and flowers can be used conditions. Marshmallow doesn’t “feeding” pathogenic bacteria or interchangeably and can grow in fight infections, so combine it with yeasts. Leaf and flower infusions are Zones 3 to 10, including the orna- antimicrobial herbs and spices if one usually fine. If you feel worse (e.g., mental high mallow (M. sylvestris) and is present. Mucilage, the slimy starch, experience gassiness, reflux, flare- musk mallow (M. moschata). provides food for good gut flora. ups) when you take root prepara- tions, back off, switch to the leaf, or Soothing Slime Special Starches stop taking them. Mucilaginous herbs turn into mucus- Marshmallow root contains a gentle like slime in water, our purpose for immune stimulant compound using mallows. In teas, this lends called xylan. And, yes, you can make a velvety mouthfeel, eases dry This tall, flowering herb is Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Marshmallow soothing, slimy, and soft. Harvest happy leaves and freshly opened flowers to dry for tea in summer. Dig up the marshmallow roots in spring or fall — large plants may be ready within the first season. Best dried. Mucilage loves water and repels alcohol. Cold infusions extract purer mucilage. Parts Used: roots, leaves, flowers Tea: 1 heaping teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily. Long infusions and long cold infusions work best Syrup, Glycerite, Decoction Tincture: 1 teaspoon as needed, best simmered or cold infused for several hours or overnight. No more than 30 percent alcohol as a preservative Powder: Up to 1 teaspoon crude root powder in water, oatmeal, or smoothies Food: Mild edible leafy green, fresh flowers decorate food and infused water; “peas,” leaves, and roots thicken Topical: bath/soak (best), glycerite, decoction liniment Recipes: with Chai Base, page 78; Nutri-Tea, page 79; Gut-Healing Tummy Tea, Take One, page 152; Gut-Healing Broth, page 153; Soothing Lung Tea, page 176; Nettle-Peppermint-Marshmallow Tea, page 183 He ali n g G ard en H er bs 283

Meadowsweet Gentle Pain Relief types of pain including headaches Meadowsweet, along with white wil- and arthritis, but remember that it’s Filipendula ulmaria low, inspired the creation of aspirin. generally slower acting and milder It contains small amounts of aspirin- (though far safer) than willow and Rose Family (Rosaceae) like constituents called salicylates, NSAID drugs like aspirin and ibupro- including salicin and methyl salicy- fen. As a flower essence (page 68), Body Systems: Pain, late. Compared to fellow “herbal meadowsweet helps you feel whole, Inflammation, Gut, aspirins” like willow, meadowsweet safe, and connected with the earth. Musculoskeletal is much gentler on the stomach and less apt to promote ulcers and bleed- Safe for Most perennial, ing. In fact, meadowsweet flowers Meadowsweet’s our safest “herbal Zones 3–9 contain mucilaginous and soothing aspirin,” but use caution if you’re properties that help heal the gut, and allergic to aspirin, and avoid using Queen of the Meadow it is often incorporated into heal- it for children’s fevers, in cases of Meadowsweet grows wild in mead- ing tea blends for ulcers, leaky gut, kidney or liver disease or bleeding ows, drainage ditches, and swampy reflux, and gastritis to soothe pain disorders, or with medications con- spaces, and in the garden. It prefers and inflammation. It also lacks the traindicated with NSAIDs, including rich, consistently moist soil and full “chewing on aspirin” bitter flavor and blood thinners. Using leaves without sun. Don’t confuse this meadow- has only a hint of the sweet winter- flowers produces a more tannin- sweet with the abundant wild Spiraea green flavor found in much larger rich, astringent, bitter tea that’s a tad species. Though closely related to amounts in wintergreen and black harder on the stomach. Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea species birch. Meadowsweet eases pain and lack their cousin’s wintergreeny flavor tension in sore muscles — make a and don’t have the same benefits. jug of strong meadowsweet tea to Harvest before the Japanese beetles add to the bath. Consider it for other descend. Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Meadowsweet Harvest meadowsweet tops (leaves and flowers) just as the flow- ers come out, and be quick — they go by within days. Typically used dried. Parts Used: aerial leaves and flowers Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol • Add 10 percent glycerine to stabilize tannins and improve shelf life Food: Add finely chopped leaves to fruit salad or a sprig to infused water for flavor Topical: bath/soak Recipes: Gut-Healing Tummy Tea, Take Two, page 152; Sore Muscle Bath, page 214 True to its name, meadowsweet tastes sweet, reminiscent of wintergreen, watermelon, and cherry, making a delightful tea. 284 H e a l i n g G a r d en H er bs

Mimosa seed. Wildcraft where it’s overabun- David Winston and Michael Tierra dant. The leaves close at night and a are gradually raising awareness of Albizia julibrissin little when you touch them. As girly its usefulness. The bark is more as the pink blossoms appear, the potent — fresh or freshly dried — Legume Family (Fabaceae) fiber-opticlike filaments are not actu- though the delightful aromatic flow- ally petals but a slew of stamens, the ers can be used similarly. As a flower Body Systems: Mood, Nerve male reproductive part of the plant. essence (page 68), mimosa improves your intuition, understanding, and tree, Calm and Happy sensitivity. Zones 6–9 True to its “collective happiness” name, mimosa may be the most Safe As Far as We Know Invasive but Useful broadly effective, fast-acting herb Mimosa has a long history of use in The mimosa tree — also called albizia to lift the spirits, ease depression, China and appears to be safe. Little and silk tree — doesn’t get enough and calm anxiety. Research on it is modern data exists to determine credit in Western herbal medicine slim — highly preliminary lab and whether it’s safe alongside medica- even though it grows easily (some- animal studies confirm antianxiety tions, including antidepressants and times too easily) across most of the effects — but it has a long history sedatives, so use caution. United States. It’s a fantastic mood- of use in traditional Chinese medi- elevating plant. Check its status in cine. Landscapers introduced it to your region and avoid planting it if it’s America long ago, and herbalists invasive. It sprouts vigorously from Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Mimosa Prune and process the bark (page 25), preferably in spring or fall. Harvest flow- ers just as they open, taking care to dry them quickly and store carefully to keep them from turning brown. Use fresh or freshly dried. Parts Used: bark (strongest), flowers Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture, Glycerite: 1–5 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or (freshly) dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Recipes: Happy Tea, page 118; Good Mood Tincture, page 119 This stunning “tree of collective happiness” from Asia grows quickly into a graceful medium-sized tree with fragrant powder-puff pink blossoms. H e ali n g G ard en H er bs 285

Mint mint (M. suaveolens) offer milder Flavor Punch medicine and earthy flavor. Most Aside from all their medicinal uses, Mentha spp. cultures have a favored mint, includ- we love mint for its flavor. Delicious ing my grandfather’s mint from Italy on its own or improving the flavor of Mint Family (Lamiaceae) or herb grower Lior Sadeh’s beloved less-tasty herbs in blends. Mints also “nana” spearmint from Israel. lift the spirits and improve cognitive Body Systems: Digestive, function whether they’re inhaled or Gut, Respiratory, Pain, Menthol consumed. Preliminary studies on Musculoskeletal, Mood, Nervous/ Mint essential oils take center stage, spearmint tea found that it helped Adrenal, Cognition/Brain particularly the abundant men- block excessive androgen produc- thol in peppermint and chocolate tion to lessen facial hair as well as perennial, mint. Menthol releases spasms, gas, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Zones 5–9 pain, bloating, and muscle tension. in women. As a flower essence (page Peppermint essential oil capsules 68), peppermint invigorates the mind Love-Hate Herb reduced pain by 70 percent in chil- and spirit while spearmint aids gentle Mint’s so delicious, and abundant — dren with irritable bowel syndrome. detoxification. sometimes too abundant. The root It also eases coughs and expecto- runners run rampant, getting messy rates mucus. As a steam or air spray, Usually Safe, Watch Reflux and pushing out sensitive plants. Try it clears the sinuses and relieves Peppermint can aggravate reflux and growing it in a large pot with good sinus headaches. Apply topically heartburn because it kicks up diges- soil and moisture. Or plant it out of to nix itches and ease headaches, tive juices while relaxing the lower the way where it can run amok or get back, foot, and neck pain. All mints esophageal sphincter. Yet it relieves mowed back. Peppermint (M. x piper- increase digestion. reflux for some — you’ll know quickly ita) and its variety chocolate mint are which camp you’re in. Go easy when rich in menthol and most medicinal, using it for gastritis. but spearmint (M. spicata) and apple Herbalists love mint, gardeners often Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Mint hate it. You’ve got to grow some, but put thought into how and where you want to Harvest leafy growth anytime. Use fresh or dried. Peppermint tincture is plant it. strong — just use a little bit. 286 H e al i n g G a r den H er bs Parts Used: aerial/leaves Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily Tincture: 1–5 drops, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol Glycerite, Syrup, Honey, Oxymel: 1 teaspoon as needed Capsules/Powder: 500–2,000 mg crude herb daily Food: with chocolate, lamb, jelly, fruit salad. Fresh in cocktails, cordials, seltzer, infused water. In various types of ethnic cuisine Topical: liniment, bath/soak, compress, diluted essential oil, hydrosol Recipes: Nutri-Tea, page 79; Yummy Teas, page 94; Floral Ice Cubes, page 96; Infused Seltzer, Soda, and Water, page 97; Brain-Boosting Tincture Blend, page 112; Minty Memory Tea, page 113; Sleep Tea, page 130; Chamomile-Mint Tea, page 147; Bee Balm-Mint Tea, page 171; Soothing Lung Tea, page 176; Nettle-Peppermint-Marshmallow Tea, page 183; Plantain-Yarrow Bite Rub, page 205

Motherwort nicely. In anxiety and panic, it fos- cardiac-mood conditions. Consider ters courage, grounding the nerves it for panic attacks that feel like heart Leonurus cardiaca and quelling overreactions within 10 attacks, anxiety that you feel in the to 15 minutes. Taken daily, it takes heart (tightening, palpitations, racing Mint Family (Lamiaceae) the edge off worry, frustration, and heartbeat), as well as mild cardiac emotional rampages that occur conditions with a nervous compo- Body Systems: Nervous, Mood, when you’re faced with never-ending nent. For example, when hyperten- Reproductive, Cardiovascular demands, a lack of appreciation, sion, angina, or palpitations are mild and other people’s messes. This is and stress related, combining well perennial, particularly common for mothers — with more overt heart tonics like Zones 3–8 Rosemary Gladstar says motherwort hawthorn. It also works well along- is for “mothers and people who side lemon balm and bugleweed to Mischievous Self-Seeder need a little mothering” — though quell hyperthyroid disease including Motherwort self-seeds rampantly certainly its usefulness ranges across Graves’ disease (this dangerous con- and has a tendency to pop up unex- a broader audience. As a flower dition also requires a doctor’s super- pectedly in the garden where you did essence (page 68) and a tincture, vision). For the reproductive system, not plant it. Meanwhile it might not motherwort helps you develop motherwort is a mild phytoestrogen thrive where you did want it to grow. healthy boundaries so you can tend that helps cool hot flashes and mood That said, it’s easy to grow (and pull to your own care while still being swings in perimenopause and PMS. out), preferring good soil and moder- warm and loving with others. I use it ate moisture. Mine does best in par- in formula for people with depression Safe but Bitter tial shade, but with the right soil, it’s and those who have lost their spark While generally safe, even for chil- happy in full sun. for life — it blends well with other dren, motherwort’s strong bitter herbs in the Energy and Relaxation flavor makes it undesirable in tea and Lion-Hearted Mood Care chapter (page 99). It does not potentially nauseating in large doses. Motherwort’s bitter, grounding appear to interact with antidepres- Don’t use while pregnant due to its energy provides excellent anxiety sant and antianxiety medications. emmenagogue effect. In spite of its and panic attack relief. (I also love use in hyperthyroid disease, it’s gen- kava, but unless you live in Hawaii, Branching Out erally fine in hypothyroid conditions. it’s not a backyard herb.) The Latin Motherwort also provides name translates to “lion hearted,” “lion-hearted” care by bridging which sums up motherwort’s uses Motherwort looks scraggly, but when you get close up to its beautiful Harvesting, Preparing, and Using flowers, you’ll feel its fierce, loving energy that takes the edge off anxiety Motherwort and frustration. Harvest aerial parts as it begins to bloom (it goes by quickly!), though you can also harvest it prebloom to add to another in-bloom batch. Vastly superior fresh. Best tinctured. Parts Used: aerial/leaves and flowers Tincture: 1–3 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol Glycerite, Syrup, Vinegar, Oxymel: 2–5 ml as needed Recipes: Good Mood Tincture, page 119 He ali n g G ard en H er bs 287

Mullein which make the tedious flower har- people to their honesty and integrity, vest somewhat easier. helping them make wise choices dur- Verbascum thapsus ing moral dilemmas. Supreme Lung Tonic Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae) Mullein moistens and opens irritated Root Medicine lungs, soothing inflammation in the Mullein root improves the integrity Body Systems: Respiratory, respiratory tract. There’s hardly a and “proper stretch” of connective Immune, Musculoskeletal, respiratory condition that wouldn’t tissue including tendons, ligaments, Connective Tissue, Kidney/ benefit from mullein leaf: use it to joints, the bladder, and the pelvic Urinary/Bladder, Prostate address everything from coughs, floor. Consider it internally and exter- asthma, and irritation from things you nally for tendonitis, arthritis, back biennial, shouldn’t have inhaled to bronchi- pain, and dislocations — especially Zones 3–9 tis, pneumonia, allergies, and chest with Solomon’s seal and horsetail. It’s colds. Mullein flower oil ear drops specific for pelvic floor weakness and A Commanding Presence (often combined with St. John’s wort, incontinence (so is physical therapy), When in bloom, mullein is one of the calendula, and possibly garlic) ease as well as benign prostatic hyper- easiest herbs to identify and attracts the pain of earaches, and the flow- plasia (BPH), potentially combined attention with its tall yellow flowering ers can also be used as a respiratory with horsetail, saw palmetto, and/or spike. It grows wild in fields and along tonic. I don’t condone smoking herbs corn silk. roadsides and will plant itself in your as a habit, but inhaling a smudge garden and walkways, moving year to of mullein leaf quickly stops cough Safe, Correctly Identified year. Buy seeds to sprinkle and intro- spasms. Place a leaf in your shoes Mullein is extremely safe. Some duce or save a few dead seed heads to relieve sore feet, a trick I learned people find the hairs irritating; strain to shake around the yard during fall from Julie Bruton-Seal. The leaves well through a coffee filter, fine- cleanup. Similar-looking species also make serviceable toilet paper on woven cloth, or tea bag. Do not can be used interchangeably. Greek camping trips, provided you don’t get confuse mullein with the deadly fox- mullein (V. olympicum) and dense- a skin rash from its hairs. As a flower glove plant. They look similar before flowered (V. densiflorum) both sport essence (page 68), mullein connects they flower. candelabra-style inflorescences, In spite of its weed status, mullein’s silvery Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Mullein rosette of leaves and tall flowering stalk look lovely in the garden landscape. Harvest different parts — leaf, flowers, root — of this biennial herb in different stages of its life cycle. Snip happy leaves any time. Dig up roots before it sets a flower stalk, preferably in spring or fall. Bigger plants have bigger roots. Pinch off new flowers. Use fresh or dried. Parts Used: leaves, flowers, root Tea: 1 teaspoon dried leaves herb/cup, infusion, 1–3 cups daily. Strain hairs well. Tincture: 2–5 ml leaf/flower or 0.5–2 ml root, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Glycerite, Syrup: 1/2–1 teaspoon as needed, solo or in formula Topical: flower oil ear drops, root liniment, leaf poultice Recipes: Soothing Lung Tea, page 176; Allergy Tincture Blend, page 182; Aches and Pains, Strains and Springs Tincture/Liniment, page 220 288 H e al i n g G a r den H er bs

Nettle Vital Green Minerals and pelvic floor. Use them in formula Once dried, cooked, or frozen, nettle with saw palmetto and pumpkin Urtica dioica loses its sting and transforms into a seeds for benign prostatic hyperplasia superfood green. It’s one of the most (BPH) in men. Blend the root with Nettle Family (Urticaceae) mineral-dense plants on the planet, horsetail, saw palmetto, mullein root, conveniently devoid of antinutrients and/or yellow pond lily root tinctures Body Systems: Nutritive, Bones, like oxalic acid. Per ounce, nettle to strengthen the bladder and pelvic Reproductive, Kidney/Urinary, supplies approximately 100 percent floor in cases of incontinence. Try Detoxification, Respiratory of your recommended daily intake seeds as food for nervous-adrenal of calcium and 60 percent of the and kidney support. Whacking sore perennial, magnesium you need, as well as some joints with the fresh plant (stings!) Zones 5–9 potassium, iron, and silica and a good relieves arthritis pain temporarily dose of green-power chlorophyll with (once the hives go away) by boost- Nuisance or Beloved? amazingly better bioavailability than ing the body’s anti-inflammatory Stinging nettle may be the bane of dairy and most wild greens. Nettle response. As a flower essence (page gardeners and hikers when it hits makes a good base for simmered 68), it creates healthy boundaries them with fire ant–like venom from herbal chai spices, broths, and flavor- and protects us in toxic situations its stinging hairs. Yet it’s a beloved ful infusions with peppermint, lem- and relationships. tonic and a nutritious foodlike ongrass, or holy basil. medicinal herb. Nettles spread via Safer than Spinach root runners and seed in damp, rich Additional Perks Treat nettle as food, even in large soil and dappled sunlight on stream- A notable antihistamine, nettle is doses. That said, it doesn’t agree with banks, pastures, and compost piles. often used as a fresh leaf tincture for everyone. Some find the diuretic Wildcraft or cultivate it in moist, acute and chronic allergies or sipped effect too drying or the spinachy flavor rich soil in an out-of-the-way spot. in a dried leaf tea for long-term sup- too vegetal (try oatstraw, marshmal- Caterpillars love to munch on nettles port. Its gentle astringency and min- low leaf, or violet leaf instead). Idio­ in summer — more reason to harvest eral content address heavy menstrual syncratic negative responses happen leaves early. The leaves (but not the bleeding. As a diuretic kidney tonic, periodically. Stick to spring nettle roots) of other Urtica species can be it flushes wastes, including uric acid, greens; leaves harvested after net- used relatively interchangeably. out of the kidneys, helping with gout. tle flowers may irritate the kidneys. The roots tone the prostate, bladder, Nettle’s name comes from the medical Harvesting, Preparing, and Using Nettle term for hives (“urticaria”), which is what it will inflict on your skin if you let its fresh Harvest carefully or wear thick gloves and long sleeves and pants to avoid syringelike hairs zap you. getting stung. Gather tops in spring before they flower. Dig roots in fall. Parts Used: Leaves, roots, seeds (different uses) Tea: 1 teaspoon to 1/4 ounce of leaves per cup, steeped or simmered 15 minutes to several hours, 1–4 cups per day. Tincture: 0.5–2 ml, 1–3 times daily, solo or in formula • Fresh leaves or roots 1:2 in 95 percent alcohol • Dried roots 1:5 in 50–60 percent alcohol Powder/Capsules: up to 30 g (1 ounce) powdered leaves in food, including smoothies and honey–nut butter balls Recipes: Chai Base, page 78; Nettle-Oat Super Infusion, page 78; Nutri- Tea, page 79; Nutri-Broth, page 80; Multimineral Vinegar, page 86; Mineral- Rich “Coffee” Syrup, page 87; Nutri-Detox Tea, page 159; Allergy Tincture Blend, page 182; Nettle-Peppermint-Marshmallow Tea, page 183 H e ali n g G arden H er bs 289