Whys and Wherefors of the Medicinal Herb Garden at a Glance
Terms you need to know
- Infusion – Use flowers and leafy parts of plants. Make like tea.
- Decoction – Use for roots, barks, twigs and berries. Heat the herb in cold water and simmer for up to one hour, until the volume has been reduced by 1/3.
- Tincture – Any part of the plant may be used. Steep herb in 25% mixture of alcohol and water. Seal and store in jar for two weeks. Strain and press mixture through a wine press. Keep in dark glass bottle up to two years. (Make tincture from single herb. Tinctures can be combined.) Cider vinegar can be substituted for alcohol. Tinctures can be taken undiluted, or with water, added to compresses or tea, or put into the bath. They can be used to make ointments by mixing with beeswax or cocoa butter.
- Syrup – Honey or unrefined sugar is added to heated infusion or decoction. Store in dark glass bottle with cork stopper.
- Compresses and poultices – These help the body to absorb herbal compounds through the skin. For a compress, soak a clean piece of linen, gauze or cotton in a hot decoction or infusion. Apply it as hot as possible to the affected area and change it when it has cooled. To make a poultice, wrap the herbs themselves in thin gauze, or apply them to the skin directly.
Herbs in Wood County Historical Society Medicinal Garden 1996
Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)
- Use aerial parts
- Decoction for gout and other pains in the limb such as rheumatism Diuretic and stimulant tonic Recommended for coughs and asthma Stewing herb (before days of refrigeration)
- Caution: Long term use may cause liver damage. Do not exceed stated dose.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Pot marigold
- Soothing, healing and antiseptic
- Made into an ointment for leg ulcers, varicose veins, bedsores and bruises.
- Used as an infusion to aid digestion and bile production in the liver.
- Made into a healing mouthwash for gums after tooth extraction.
- Used in many skin preparations and in aromatherapy.
- Soothes inflammations, chilblains, cracked nipples from breast feeding (non-toxic to baby) Antifungal – can cure thrush
- Juice from stems said to be effective against warts, corns and calluses Edible, colorful addition to salads.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
- Florets made into a decoction for eyewash for tired and weak eyes.
- A diuretic, astringent and tonic.
- Used as an infusion added to tea for digestive and gastric disorders.
- External use for wounds and skin ulcers.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Used as a coloring agent with other medicines.
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
- Use aerial parts as an infusion to ease digestion and heartburn.
- Destroy intentional worms
- Antispasmodic drug in Classical times
- Antidote for bite of a mad dog
- Can cause irregular heartbeat if overused internally
- Stimulating expectorant, bitter, soothing tonic for the mucous membranes
- Relaxes the bronchi and eases congestion
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
- Infusion used as a nerve tonic for depressions, insomnia, sore throat, digestive, menstruation, dry skin, insect bites, soothe eyes
Butterfly weed (Asciepias tuberosa)
- Infusion from roots used for asthma, as an expectorant, bronchitis and as a diuretic. Potentially toxic.
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
- Whole plant made into infusion used as a tea for ten days after giving birth to help the uterus contract
- Tincture used to regulate monthly cycle.
- Leaf used for compresses in healing of wounds and reducing inflammation Avoid during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant
Coreopsis (Coreopsis tincture)
Hollyhock (Althea rosea)
- Flowers in an infusion for coughs, asthma, inflammation of the mucous membranes, Chronic gastritis and for constipation.
- Use in soothing herbal compresses and in bath preparations for skin disorders and cuts and bruises.
Hepatica (Hepatica nobilis)
- Leaves a strong diuretic, astringent. Used in infusion or decoction to treat kidney, gall bladder and liver disorders.
- Infusion for coughs and bronchitis, also gargles Can be toxic.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
- Oil from seeds used in capsules for premenstrual tensions, menopausal discomfort and psoriasis.
- Relieves high blood pressure.
- Said to be of help with MS
- Helps dry eyes and brittle nails
- Eases alcohol poisoning (hang over)
- Used effectively to calm hyperactive children
Southern Wood (Artemesia abrotanus)
- Leaf infusion as a tea for a tonic.
- Uterine stimulant
- Infusion serves as a disinfectant and antiseptic Caution: Avoid during pregnancy.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) or (angustifolia)
- Upper foliage used to cure rheumatism, bee stings and snake bite
- Roots used in tinctures or powders.
- Used for recurring kidney infections, common mucus and colds.
- Used to stimulate the immune system
- Has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
- Used in AIDS therapy.
- Cautions: High doses can cause nausea and dizziness.
Tansy (Tanacetus vulgare)
- Apply flowers externally to swellings, bruises and varicose veins.
- Tea applied externally to soothe bruises and help scabies, soothe rheumatic joints
- Taken internally to expel worms (round and thread)
- May cause kidney and brain damage.
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium)
- Infusion from leaves – reduce migraine, mild sedative, a tonic to the appetite and to relieve mild muscles spasms.
- Taken after childbirth to encourage uterine cleansing.
- Tincture used at onset of migraines
- Leaves eaten as a prophylactic against migraines.
- Mixed with wine is an anti-depressant.
- Caution: Mouth ulcers a side effect of eating fresh leaves. Try sauteing leaves first. Should be avoided by patients taking blood-thinning drugs.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) all-heal, set-well
- Root as a sedative and for epilepsy in Middle Ages.
- Used for insomnia, nervous tension, headaches and numerous heart ailments
- “Nature’s tranquilizer.”
- Avoid large doses and continued use over two or three weeks.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) (coccineus), (argenteus)
- Infuse leaf as a tea for a digestive tonic for hangovers.
- Used as an infusion for convulsive coughs, colds and sore throats.
- Expectorant.
- Used as a powerful antiseptic and preservative.
- Tea eases flatulence.
- Externally used in baths for rheumatic pains and is used in lineaments
- Caution: Avoid during pregnancy, a uterine stimulant.
- Irritating to mucous membranes, always dilute well.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) (Galium aparine – Cleavers)
(Information below seems to apply to the G. aparine)
- Bruised fresh leaves can be applied to wounds.
- Infuse to make a relaxing tea to relieve stomach pains and insomnia.
- Used to relieve kidney stones and prostrate disorders.
- Effective diuretic and lymphatic cleanser.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- External uses include: deodorant, complexion aid, dandruff control
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) (E. cannabium, E. purpureum) Joe Pye Weed, Gravelroot
- Roots used as infusion to induce perspiration.
- Used for flu and colds, rheumatism, gout, diarrhea and impotence.
- Poultice for inflammations
- Diuretic to rid body of kidney and gall stones
- Ease menstrual pains, childbirth
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum)
- Roots and rtiizomes diuretic.
- Chippewa Indians used a decoction for coughs
- Externally used in compasses or bath preparation for treating rheumatism, bruises, eczema and other skin disorders.
- All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) Knotted marjoram
- Tea as a digestive aid
- Infuse as a tea for colds, headaches, coughs, nervous headaches and irritability.
Safflower (Carthanus tictorius)
- Seed – lowers blood cholesterol
- Flowers – infuse as tea for digestive problems, to regulate menstrual flow, induce perspiration, cleanse the system and cure a cold.
Yarrow (Achilla millefolium)
- Leaf to aid toothache.
- Infuse as a tea for digestive problems, cleanse the system and cure a cold.
- Make decoction for wounds, chaffed skin and rashes.
- Use as a mouthwash for inflamed gums.
- Externally crush flowers to stop bleeding of a minor wound.
- Infusion to reduce high blood pressure.
- Extended use of yarrow leaves makes the skin sensitive to light.
Flax (Linum usitatissimum)
- Seeds for a laxative
- Seed decoction for coughs and urinary infections Use as a poultice for boils and inflammations.
- Linseed oil from seeds with slippery elm powder a good poultice for burns
- 100 grams of seeds can cause poisoning.
- Use internally with caution.
Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) Bouncing Bet, fuller’s herb
- Decoction is made from rhizome
- Used externally and internally for skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, boils and acne.
- Used for gout and rheumatism = has antiinflammatory property.
- Said to increase flow of bile.
- (Traditional use for cleansing cloth)
- Caution: strong purgative and mildly poisonous in large doses.
Marshmallow (Malva fastigiata) (Althea officianalis) ??
- Leaves and roots
- Decoction from roots for gastritis, ulcers, coughs and cystitis.
- Pulverized roots used warm as a healing and drawing poultice for rashes, boils, skin ulcers.
- Decoction of leaves and flowers used as emollient, expectorant.
Myrtle (Myrtus commonis)
- Leaf infusion for a powerful antiseptic and astringents.
- As a tea for psoriasis and eczema.
- Apply compress to bruises and hemorrhoids.
Hardy aster (Aster novae-angliae) New England aster
- Roots used medically for diarrhea and fever.
Cranebill (Geranium maculatum)
- Treatment of diarrhea.
- High tannin makes it a good astringent.
- (Research is lacking)
Catmint (Nepeta cataria) catnip
- Infuse to relieve colds and fevers – induces sleep and perspiration.
- Used for childhood diseases such as measles.
- Used for restlessness and colic in child.
- Tea for headaches and upset stomachs countering colic, flatulence and diarrhea.
- Externally as a poultice for bruises.
Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum)
- Whole plant is strong decoction for cheese making
- Leaves and flowers used to stuff mattresses, also a dye plant.
- Sleep pillows
- Flowering stems used as a diuretic, has antispasmodic properties.
- Externally used in compresses to treat slow healing wounds, and skin rashes.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Leaves – important for strengthening and regulating the contraction of the heart muscles.
- Used in orthodox medicine since 18th century to treat heart disease.
- Highly toxic can cause paralysis and sudden death.
Garlic (Alium sativum)
- Garlic cloves as used medicinally for colds, coughs, to aid digestion, for high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis.
- Cloves used on wounds to prevent septic poisoning and gangrene.
- Has been used to control diarrhea, pulmonary TB, diptheria, typhoid and hepatitis.
- It is effective again fungal infection and trichomonas.
- Can be used to expel worms.
- Can lower blood sugar levels, indicating its use in controlling mild diabetes.
- A preventative against stroke.
- Garlic’s folk reputation for treating cancer has scientific support in killing tumor cells in rats.
Blood Root (Sanguinaria canadensis)
- Harsh stimulating expectorant.
- Possibly has antibacterial and anti-cancer activity.
- Used by North American Indians to made body paint.
- Caution: can be poisonous – Classified as unsafe.
Wild Ginger (Asarum candense)
- Used as a stimulant for colds and stomach spasms.
Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
- Aerial parts used as tea or infusion as anti-inflammatory, liver stimulant, diuretic, cleansing.
- Caution: avoid during pregnancy
Rue (Ruta graveolens) Herb of grace
- Leaves used as tea or infusion as antispasmodic and antitussive.
- Promotes menstrual flow, lowers blood pressure, circulatory tonic.
- Used in treatment of strained eyes and headaches and nervous headaches.
- The tea expels worms.
- As ointment good for gouty, rheumatic pains and for sprained or bruised tendons as well as chilblains.
- Strengthens fraigile blood vessels and varicose veins.
- Caution: avoid during pregnancy.
- Can cause photsensativity and rash.
- Large doses may be poisonous.
Mints (Mentha piperita) (M. arvensis, M. spicata)
- Leaves are used for infusions, tinctures, compresses,and inhalations.
- Essential oil can us used as a wash, inhalation and for massage.
- Acts variously as antipasmodic, digestive tonic, prevents vomiting, carminative, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, promotes sweating but also cooling internally, promotes bile flow, analgesic.
- It is antibacterial.
- Various species have different properties with M. piperita (pepperment) being preferred in the west.
- Caution: Avoid prologed use as inhalant.
- Never give any form of mint to young babies.
- Can reduce milk flow while breastfeeding.
Sweet violet (Viola odorata and V. Tricolor)
- Aerial parts used to make syrups, mouthwashes, infusions, tinctures, poutices, creams and washes.
- V. odorata: anti-inflammatory, stimulating expectorant, diuretic, anti-tumor remedy
- V. tricolor: expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antirbematic, laxative, stabilized capillary membranes.
