LEMON BALM

(Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), not to be confused with bee balm, Monarda species, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. In England it may be known simply as "balm".

leaves

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies. It can be used in fish dishes and is the key ingredient in lemon balm pesto.

leaves

Lemon balm contains eugenol, which kills bacteria and has been shown to calm muscles and numb tissues. It also contains tannins that contribute to its antiviral effects, as well as terpenes that add to its soothing effects.

Traditionally this herb has been used as a sedative, and as an antispasmodic.

plant

It grows to 70–150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear. These attract bees, hence the genus name Mellissa (Greek for 'honey bee'). Its flavour comes from citronellal (24%), geranial (16%), linalyl acetate (12%) and caryophyllene (12%).

Stack and grow herbs kit

Part used: tops.
Properties: diaphoretic, sedative, antitryptic, antispasmodic.
What it affects: nerves and circulation.


Preparation and amount:
Infusion: steep 5-15 min. and take 6 oz. as needed frequently.
Tincture: Drink 30-60 drops (1/2-1 tsp.) as needed.
Fluid extract: Drink 1/2-2 tsp as needed.
Powder: Take 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) as needed.


Purposes:
 Internally, lemon balm is a specific for children and infants when indications of colds, flus, or fever appear. Sweeten the tea with honey and give it hot to feverish children while they covered with warm blankets.Or first put them into a hot balm with copious amount of the tea; and then bundle them under blankets to sweat it out.


Lemon balm is frequently used to cure melancholy and depression- induced sicknesses. It is also good for hysteria, cholera, insomnia,  epilepsy, headache, nervous indigestion, and hepatitis.


Plant Description:
The plant grows up to 2 feet in height, sometimes higher if not maintained. In the spring and summer, clusters of small, light yellow flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem. The leaves are very deeply wrinkled and range from dark green to yellowish green in color, depending on the soil and climate. If you rub your fingers on these leaves, your fingers will smell tart and sweet, like lemons. The leaves are similar in shape to mint leaves, and come from the same plant family.

LADIES SLIPPER
( Cypredium pubescens )


Cypripedium is a genus of 47 species of lady's-slipper orchids native to temperate and colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Showy lady slipper

The inflorescence is racemose. It can carry one to twelve flowers, as in Cypripedium californicum. But most species have one to three flowers. There are three sepals, with, in most species, the two lateral ones more or less fused. The flower has three acute petals with the third a striking slipper-shaped lip, which is lowermost. The sepals and the petals are usually similarly colored, with the lip in a different color.

Yellow Lady's-Slipper

Part used: root (fresh)
Properties: Antispasmodic, nervine, sedative.
What it affects: nerves.


Preparation and amount: 
Infusion: steep 60 min and drink 1 tbsp. every hour.
Decoction: simmer 60 min. and drink 1 tbsp. in 6 oz. water 3-4 x a day.
Tincture: drink 5-30 drops 3 times a day.
Fluid extract: take 1/4 tsp 3 times a day.
Powder: Take 2-10 #0 capsules (5-60 grains) 3 times a day.

Purposes:
Internally, lady's slipper is an excellent nervine and acts as a tonic to an exhausted nervous system. It is said to be the best nervine relied upon for chorea, epilepsy, hysteria, headache, insomnia, and general nervousness. It is good for nervous indigestion. It has no narcotic a9 addictive) properties. Combined with ginger and a small amount of lobelia, it can be used for nervousness associated with fevers. Combined with chamomile or dandelion, it is a useful treatment for stomach or liver problems, including hepatitis. Combined with skullcap, it is used for headaches and hysteria. It is also good for cholera, epilepsy, and nervous exhaustion.

KELP
(Fucus vesiculosus,)


Popular Name(s): Kelp, Seawrack, Kelpware, Black-Tang, Bladder Fucus, Cutweed, Bladderwrack and Sea Weed.


Kelps are large seaweeds (algae) belonging to the brown algae (Phaeophyceae) in the order Laminariales. There are about 30 different genera.


Kelps grow in underwater "forests" (kelp forests) in shallow oceans. The organisms require nutrient-rich water with temperatures between 6 to 14 degree celsius. They are known for their high growth rate — the genera Macrocytis and Nereocytis can grow as fast as half a metre a day, ultimately reaching 30 to 80 m.


Kelp-is actually the richest known source of natural (organic) iodine, which is vital for the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiencies. Iodine is also important to the function of the thyroid gland, and is a key component of thyroid
hormones, which are required for normal development and metabolism.

Close-up of bladder wrack's
eponymous vesicles

Close-up of bladder wrack's eponymous vesicle

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name bladder wrack or bladderwrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack. It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goiter, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency.


Part used: whole plant.
properties: demulcent, nutritive, alternative, diuretic.
What it affects: thyroid, nerves, brain, kidneys, and bladder.


Preparation and amount: 
Infusion: steep 5-15 min. and drink 1-2 cups daily.
Tincture: Drink5-10 drops 1-2 x a day.
Fluid extract: drink 10 drops 1-2 x a day.
Powder: Sprinkle on food. Take 1 tsp 1-2 x a day.
Powder:Take 3-5 #0 capsules (10-30grains)1-2 x a day.


Purposes:
California kelp, Norwegian kelp, Nova Scotia, and European Irish moss are all primarily useful for the trace minerals they contain. (California kelp is not as nutritionally good as the others.)


Internally, this seaweed provides an abundance of natural iodine which is missing from mush of the soil on the continents. In addition to their nutritive value, when eaten, the seaweed absorbs waste from the body fluids binds with poisons, and carries them off. A factor, called sodium alginate, in kelp binds with radioactive strontium 90 in the intestines and carries it out of the body. This is an extremely important discovery.


Warning: 
It is said that, because of their high iodine content, very large quantities of seaweed could produce goiter-like symptoms. But, in reality, the excess trace minerals tend to, rather quickly, be eliminated in the sweat and through the kidneys.

JUNIPER BERRIES
Juniperus communis

A juniper berry is the female seed cone produced by the various species of junipers. It is not a true berry but a cone with unusually fleshy and merged scales, which give it a berry-like appearance. The cones from a handful of species, especially Juniperus communis, are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine, and also give gin its distinguishing flavour. According to one FAO document, juniper berries are the only spice derived from conifers,though tar and inner bark (used as a sweetener in Apache cuisines) from pine trees is sometimes considered a spice as well.

A few dried berries can be
 chewed and taste good

uniper berries, here still attached to a branch,
 are actually modified conifer cones.

Juniperus communis berries vary from four to twelve millimetres in diameter; other species are mostly similar in size, though some are larger, notably J. drupacea (20–28 mm). Unlike the separated and woody scales of a typical pine cone, those in a juniper berry remain fleshy and merge into a unified covering surrounding the seeds. The berries are green when young, and mature to a purple-black colour over about 18 months in most species, including J. communis (shorter, 8–10 months in a few species, and about 24 months in J. drupacea). The mature, dark berries are usually but not exclusively used in cuisine, while gin is flavoured with fully grown but immature green berries.

Mature purple and younger green
 juniper berries can be seen
growing alongside one another
 on the same plant.

Part used: fruit.

Properties: antispasmodic, diuretic, anodyne, aromatic, astringent, carminative, lithotriptic, stimulant.

What it affects: Kidneys and stomach.

Preparation and amount: 

Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. and drink 3 oz. 1-3 time a day. 

Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min and drink 1-2 cups every day.

Tincture: drink 5-20 drops 3 time a day.

Fluid extract: Drink 1/2-1 tsp. 3 x day.

Oil: drink 1-3 drops 2 x a day.

Powder: Take up to 10 #0 capsules (up to 60 grains) daily.

Purposes:

Internally, juniper berries act as a stimulating diuretic and are beneficial in the treatment of urine retention, catarrh of the bladder, gravel, and pains in the lower back. It is also good for bladder discharges and uric acid buildup. Take 1-3 drops of the oil, plus honey, 2 time a day. It is usually taken internally by eating the berries or making a tea from them. The berries eliminate excess water. The tea is good douche for vaginal infections. It is helpful in the treatment of asthma, fluid retention, and prostate disorders. It is also used for diabetes, cystitis, bladder diseases, allergies, arthritis, bed- wetting, hay fever, lumbago, and nephritis.

Juniper berries are used for gastro-intestinal infections and cramps, leukorrhea, gonorrhea, gouty and rheumatic pains. It is an excellent digestive tonic. It helps in case of reduced production of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and in regulating blood sugar levels.

As a spice, the berries are used to enhance flavor, stimulates appetite, and counteract flatulence. The berries can be made into a jam or syrup as an appetizer. A few dried berries can be chewed and taste good.

Externally, juniper oil, derived from the berries, penetrates the skin easily and is good for bone and joint problems. Inhaled in a vapor bath, it is used for bronchitis and infection in the lungs. The berries can be boiled and then spray in a room where sick people have been, to disinfect it. It is said that those who are nursing patients with serious diseases should chew berries, to protect themselves from pathogenic substances with might be inhaled.

Warning:

Large doses of juniper berries can be irritating to the kidneys and urinary passages. It may interfere with the absorption of iron and certain other minerals. It should not be used during pregnancy, nor by persons with kidney disease. It should not be used for a lengthy period of time by those with urinary tract or inflammatory diseases. The pure oil, placed on the skin in large quantities, can cause inflammation and blisters.

Plant Description:

Juniper berry tree

Junipers vary in size and shape from tall trees, 20–40 m tall, to columnar or low spreading shrubs with long trailing branches. They are evergreen with needle-like and/or scale-like leaves. They can be either monoecious or dioecious. The female seed cones are very distinctive, with fleshy, fruit-like coalescing scales which fuse together to form a "berry"-like structure, 4–27 mm long, with 1-12 unwinged, hard-shelled seeds. In some species these "berries" are red-brown or orange but in most they are blue; they are often aromatic and can be used as a spice. The seed maturation time varies between species from 6–18 months after pollination. The male cones are similar to those of other Cupressaceae, with 6-20 scales; most shed their pollen in early spring, but some species pollinate in the autumn.

IRISH MOSS
(hondrus crispus)


hondrus crispus, known under the common name Irish moss, or carrageen moss (Irish carraigín, "little rock"), is a species of red algae which grows abundantly along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America. In its fresh condition the plant is soft and cartilaginous, varying in color from a greenish-yellow, through red, to a dark purple or purplish-brown. 

Irish moss is a low-growing plant that forms small white blossoms. 

The principal constituent of Irish moss is a mucilaginous body, made of the polysaccharide carrageena of which it contains about 55%. The plant also consists of nearly 10% protein and about 15% mineral matter, and is rich in iodine and sulfur. When softened in water it has a sea-like odour, and because of the abundant cell wall polysaccharides it will form a jelly when boiled, containing from 20 to 100 times its weight of water.

Irish moss is a low-growing plant that forms small white blossoms. 

Irish moss is not moss at all. It is in fact seaweed that grows along the rocky coast lines of the Atlantic Ocean. It is especially found in Ireland where it has a long history in Irish folklore as a good luck charm to be taken on long journeys, or to be placed under the rug at home to bring money and prosperity to the household.

Irish moss was also used as stuffing for mattresses and cattle feed, but in the 19th century the people of Ireland underwent a horrific famine and Irish moss became one of the main sources of food and nutrition. More recently, Irish moss is becoming known as a healing and exciting super food.

Part used: whole plant.

Properties: Demulcent, emollient, nutritive.

What it affects:Lungs, kidneys, and skin.

Preparation and amount: 

Infusion: Steep 5-15 min and take 2 oz. 2-3 times a day, up to 2 cups daily.

Tincture: Drink 30-60 drops (1/2- 1 tsp) 2-3 times a day.
Fluid extract: drink 1/2- 1 tsp 2-3 times a day.
Powder: drink 4-6 #0 capsules (20-40 grains) 2-3 times daily.


Purposes: 
Irish moss is a seaweed that grows among submerged rock off the coast of France and Ireland. A significant factor in its healing qualities is its high nutritional mineral content.


Internally, it is remedy for tuberculosis, coughs, bronchitis, and intestinal problems. Because it is very high in mucilage, it is an excellent demulcent for soothing in flamed tissues and is used in all lung and kidney complaints. When making a dedoction, you may wish to sweeten it with licorice root, honey, or an aromatic herb. Irish moss is also used for anemia, thyroid difficulties, goiter, and throat and stomach ulcers.


Externally, used Irish moss in hair rinses for dry hair. It is also used for dry and burning skin diseases, and  surface inflammations. It can be used externally, to soften skin and prevent premature wrinkling.


Note:
Irish moss and other seaweeds (specially Nova Scotia dulse and Norwegian kelp) are rich sources of minerals and the best sources of trace minerals. Include a little every day in your diet.

Plant Description
hondrus crispus is a relatively small red alga, reaching up to a little over than 20 cm in length. It grows from a discoid holdfast and branches four or five times in a dichotomous, fan-like manner. The morphology is highly variable, especially the broadness of the thalli. The branches are 2-15 mm broad, firm in texture and dark reddish brown in colour bleaching to yellowish in sunlight. The gametophytes (see below) often show a blue iridescence and fertile sporophytes show a spotty pattern. Mastocarpus stellatus (Stackhouse) Guiry is a similar species which can be readily distinguished by its strongly channelled and often somewhat twisted thallus. The cystocarpic plants of Mastocarpus show reproductive papillae quite distinctively different from Chondrus. When washed and sun-dried for preservation, it has a yellowish, translucent, horn-like aspect and consistency.


Irish moss is now thought to contain 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body. This includes great amounts calcium, iodine, sulphur, and potassium as well as Vitamins A, D, E, F and K. This is why this most amazing seaweed is thought to be able to cure everything from bladder disorders, bronchitis, halitosis (bad breath), intestinal disorders and glandular problems to swollen joints, lung difficulties, thyroid conditions, tuberculosis, tumors, and ulcers. Recent studies have found that Irish moss does in fact have some great anti-viral properties and can help fight the Influenza B and mumps viruses.

HYSSOP
(Hyssopus officinalis)

Hyssopus can also refer to a genus of Hymenopteran insects of the family Eulophidae.

For the biblical plant usually translated as hyssop, see Ezov.

Hyssop is a name of Greek origin. The Hyssopos of Dioscorides was named from azob (a holy herb), because it was used for cleaning sacred places. It is alluded to in the Scriptures: 'Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean.

Hyssop is known mainly as a cleansing herb. 

Hyssop (Hyssopus) is a genus of about 10-12 species of herbaceous or semi-woody plants in the family Lamiaceae, native from the east Mediterranean to central Asia.

They are aromatic, with erect branched stems up to 60 cm long covered with fine hairs at the tips. The leaves are narrow oblong, 2–5 cm long. 

The small blue flowers are borne on the upper part of the branches during summer. By far the best-known species is the Herb Hyssop (H. officinalis), widely cultivated outside its native area in the Mediterranean.

Note that anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum (also called blue giant hyssop) is a very different plant and not a close relation although both are in the mint  family. Anise hyssop is native to much of north-central and northern North America.

Herb Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Herb Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Herb Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Part usedL: leaves

Properties: diaphoretic, expectorant.cholagogue, stimulant, vulnerary,

What it affects: lungs, sinuses, and circulation.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: steep 5-15 min.1-2 cups daily or frequently.

Tincture: drink1-2 tsp. frequently

Powder: 10 0# capsules frequently.

Purposes:

  Internally, hyssop is used in the treatment of lungs ailments, specially chronic catarrh. It is a valuable expectorant, promoting expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract and thus relieving congestion. It is used for coughs and colds, due to congestion.

Hyssop is used the same as sage, with which it is sometimes combined, to a gargle for a sore throat. It is used for colds, coughs, asthma, sluggish circulation, and weak digestion. It regulates blood pressure, dispels gas, and helps with breast and lung problems, nose and throat infections, mucous congestion in the intestines,asthma, scrofula, dropsy, and jaundice. A warm infusion mixed with equal parts of horehound, is good for asthma and heavy mucous conditions. The infusion of hyssop alone is helpful for gas and to promote sweating, when trying to break fever. A decoction will help relieve inflammations.It is used for epilepsy, gout, and weight problems.

Externally, hyssop is used for the healing of wounds, Poultices from fresh green hyssop help heal cuts. A fomentation made from the leaves will relieve muscular rheumatism and bruises. A decoction can be used as a wash for burns, bruises, skin irritations, and as a gargle for sore throat or chronic catarrh.

Warning:

Do not use extensively for extended periods.


Plant Description

Hyssop belongs to the mint family. Hyssop is an erect perennial herb with slender square stems. Hyssop can reach a height of 60 cm. The small pointed leaves are positioned opposite. Hyssop flowers from summer to autumn. The hyssop flowers are purple-blue in colour, but some cultivars have pink or white flowers. The hyssop flowers produce a strong scent, which attracts bees.The small blue flowers are borne on the upper part of the branches during summer. By far the best-known species is the Herb Hyssop (H. officinalis), widely cultivated outside its native area in the Mediterranean.

HORSETAIL
(Shavegrass, Scouring Rush)--- (Equisetum arvense)


The name "horsetail", often used for the entire group, arose because the branched species somewhat resemble a horse's tail. Similarly, the scientificname Equisetum derives from the Latin equus ("horse") + seta ("bristle").

"Candocks" of the Great Horsetail, showing whorls
of branches and the tiny dark-tipped leaves

"Candocks" of the Great Horsetaill , showing whorls
of branches and the tiny dark-tipped leaves

Water horsetail
The water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile),
also known as the Swamp Horsetail,
is a perennial horsetail that commonly
 grows in dense colonies along freshwater
shorelines or in shallow water, growing in
 ponds, swamps, ditches, and other
 sluggish or still waters with mud bottoms.

Field horsetail

Field horsetail

Part used: Tops

Properties: Astringent,diuretic, lithotriptic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, nutritive, vulnerary.

What it affects: Kidneys, blood heart, and lungs

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: Steep 45 min. and take a mouthful 4 x a day or 1-2 cups daily.

Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. and drink2 oz. 3-4 x a day

Tincture: Drink 5-30 drops 3-4 x a day.

Fluid extract: Drink5 drops 3-4 x a day.

Powder: drink 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 x a day.

Purposes:

Internally, shavegrass is a reliable diuretic and used for all urinary disorders. Drink a decoction of 1 cup 2-3 times a day or 2 tbsp every hour. The early settlers use shavegrass as a diuretic in kidney problems and dropsy. It is specific, not only for urine retention, but for internal bleeding. it stops bleeding by helping to coagulate the blood.  
Shavegrass can be used for skin and eye conditions, and is good for glandular swelling and discharge of pus.It clears fever, release nervous tension, and calms an overactive liver. It strengthens the heart and lungs and removes gravel from the bladder and kidneys. Fractured bones heal more quickly when shavegrass is taken. The Chinese use it as a healing eyewash. It can also be used for bed wetting, gallbladder diseases, skin diseases, edema, and spitting of blood. Used it for muscle cramps and spasms.It is used for bone diseases, including osteoporosis and rickets.


Early settlers used shavegrass to scour their pots and pans, hence its other name. Because it is ridged with silica, it is an outstanding scouring pad. Fine cabinetmakers use it for polishing wood finishes.


Externally, a fomentation can be placed on bleeding wounds, ulcers, and burns.


Note: Early spring shavegrass is the best to use.


Warning: Excessive use of shavegrass will irritate the kidneys and intestines; so only take it infrequently and in small doses for a short time. After 2-3 weeks, do not use it for a week. Then the treatment can be repeated. Continue use interferes with the absorption of thiamine (vitamin B1)


Plant Description:
Horsetail is a very primitive perennial plant with dark-green hollow, jointed or segmented stems 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick with no true leaves. Stems may be singular or have whorls of branches. Only single stems produce the cone-shaped spore producing body at the tip. Horsetails can be standing in water or in wet areas. Horsetail stems contain silicon crystals (i.e. sand) embedded in its tissue. This gritty texture gives it a common name of “scouring rush”.