Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis

AKA: Mie die xiang, Sea dew

Portrait: Evergreen shrub. Native to the Mediterranean; widely cultivated as a culinary herb. Narrow, dark green leaves are strongly scented of camphor and pine when gently bruised. Pale blue to white flowers bloom during April and May. Leaves are collected during the summer as needed.

Medicinal Element: Flowering tops, leaves

Herbal Properties: Antispasmodic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, stimulant, stomachic

Summary: Rosemary is a time-honored herb greatly valued for its culinary versatility and potent medicinal properties. It stimulates bile secretion from the liver and gallbladder which aids in the digestion of heavy, fatty foods and may decrease the chance of developing gallstones. Noted for its ability to help improve circulation, rosemary is especially beneficial for individuals convalescing from long-term illnesses requiring constant bedrest. An ancient treatment for seizure disorders and vertigo, a weak infusion of rosemary leaves is said to alleviate both migraine and tension headaches. Ointment or salves containing rosemary oil are often used to relieve pain from rheumatism, arthritis, and deep bruises. Avoid medicinal levels of rosemary during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Use this herb in moderation to avoid symptoms of toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use essential oil of rosemary internally. Consult your health-care provider before using rosemary if you have a history of high blood pressure.

copyright 1997-2008. All rights reserved.

Partridge Berry
Mitchella repens

AKA: Checkerberry, Deer berry, Squaw vine, Winter clover

Portrait: Perennial. Native to eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia south to Texas and Florida. Found in forests, usually around the bottoms of trees and stumps. Small, fragrant, funnel-shaped white flowers give rise to scarlet, heavily-seeded berries in late summer.

Medicinal Element: Leaves

Herbal Properties: Astringent, diuretic, tonic

Summary: Partridge berry is a long-standing Native American herb most commonly used to hasten the progress of childbirth. Typically administered in the last weeks of pregnancy and during labor, partridge berry accelerates the rate and efficiency of uterine contractions in an effort to expedite delivery and reduce potential blood loss. Partridge berry strengthens the ovaries and uterus and may be prescribed to relieve pain caused by endometriosis, fibroids, premenstrual syndrome, and heavy periods accompained by cramps and clots. An infusion of this herb is sometimes prescribed to clear urinary tract stones and treat cystitis. An weak decoction of partridge berry may additionally be used as an eyebath for sore eyes or as a wash for minor skin irritations. Do not use this herb in the first 8 months of pregnancy. If considering partridge berry as a childbirth aid, consult both a knowledgeable herbalist and your health care provider for their recommendations.

copyright 1997-2008. All rights reserved.

Lobelia
Lobelia inflata

AKA: Bladderpod, Indian tobacco, Wild tobacco

Portrait: Annual or biennial. Native to Canada and the eastern US but found in much of North America. Grows wild by roadsides, pastures, meadows, and areas with acidic soil. Aerial parts contain a milky, acrid juice. Pale blue flowers that appear from June to November give rise to small, brown seedpods that indicate readiness for harvest.

Medicinal Element: Leaves, stems

Herbal Properties: Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, nervine

Summary: Once considered a panacea for all ailments, lobelia has now fallen out of favor by many modern herbalists in favor of safer and more marketable herbs. Traditionally, lobelia is used in small amounts to relax the bronchial muscles of the chest to relieve symptoms such as chest congestion and paroxysmal coughing associated with asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, and influenza. It possesses constituents that induce nicotine-like actions in the central nervous system – in fact, the extract of lobelia is sometimes used to relieve withdrawal symptoms from smoking cessation. Additionally, some herbalists suggest smoking lobelia as both a cleansing agent for the lungs and as a substitute for cigarettes. A lobelia poultice may be used to soothe insect bites and stings, poison ivy irritations, and deep-tissue injuries (sprains, strains, bruises) accompanied by muscle tension. Fresh lobelia is toxic and must be adequately cured for safe ingestion. Large doses of this herb can be fatal, therefore, only use under the guidance of a knowledgeable and reputable herbalist who is very familiar with the actions of lobelia. Avoid this herb if pregnant or breast-feeding.

copyright 1997-2008. All rights reserved.