MEDICINAL HERBS

There are thousands of plants in nature that can be used in the kitchen and for wellness. I grow the ones that help remedy issues that my family encounters, muscle pains, stomach ailments, stress. It should be noted that Medicinal herbs can have a different effect on each person. If you are unsure how an herb may effect you, consult a health care professional.

We have several gardens filled with culinary and medicinal herbs. All herbs are cared for without the use of pesticides or chemicals. We use natural remedies for typical plant problems. As part of our integrated pest management program we use companion planting, a technique used to encourage or discourage pests by installing herbs and flowers that either encourage or discourage these pests.

The beauty of an herb garden is that when you harvest, you are helping the plant by encouraging new growth with each cutting. We harvest as early as May and as late as Thanksgiving with the majority of the harvesting happening in July and August. We harvest small bunches of herbs 5 to 10 stems in a bunch. All of our herbs are air dried in the loft of the barn. Nothing hi-tech. A bunch of herbs, a rubber band to hold them together. Strings attached to the beams of the barn to air dry the rubber banded bunches.

It takes two to three weeks of air drying then they are placed in plastic tubs and processed by "hand" through sifting screens for the desired texture for cooking or for tea. Anything not put into a preserved product is stored in a large glass jar.

Below is the list of herbs that we grow or have grown at the farm and in my urban gardens. Read about our culinary herb production here.

 


New plants using soil blocks


Herbal tea blend

Angelica (Dong-Quai)
Used primarily in China for thousands of years on women who suffer abnormal or severe menstrual problems. During menopause, women were often given Angelica to relieve hot flashes and other associated symptoms. Do not take Angelica Root if you are pregnant or nursing. Angelica can cause sensitivity to the sunlight.

Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm has a history of use as a medicinal plant by many Native Americans including the Blackfeet. The Blackfeet Indians recognized this plant's strong antiseptic action, and used poultices of the plant for skin infections and minor wounds. A tea made from the plant was also used to treat mouth and throat infections caused by dental caries and gingivitis. Oswego Tea, made from the leaves of the plant, was a staple in Early American households during colonial times after the settlers lost access to English teas after the Boston Tea Party.

Black Cohosh (Squaw Root)
Black Cohosh is most commonly used to ease the symptoms of PMS and menopause, although it can take several weeks for those benefits to show up. Some women have had success using black cohosh as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Black Cohosh can be used to treat arthritis and other painful rheumatic difficulties. Black cohosh can ease the inflammation and joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and is a good treatment for muscle soreness caused by tension, strain and overwork.

Calendula
Calendula has a long history of use as a wound-healing and skin-soothing botanical. Calendula has estrogenic properties of marigold make it useful for treating menstrual discomfort. Calendula is known to be a digestive aid and has been used for organ detoxification.

Chamomile
A native of Europe, and was brought by early settlers to North America. It is known as a gentle sleep aid, a mild laxative, and also helps a sore stomach. Offered at market periodically. Annual Perennial

Devil's Club
Devil's club is recognized as a most significant plant with over 30 categories of medicinal, spiritual, and technological uses reported. It is used by over twenty five different indigenous groups of western North America. Medicinal uses of various parts of this plant are vastly numerous and include appetite stimulant, birth control, blood purifier, laxative, analgesic, pain relief, respiratory ailments, used to regulate menstruation, and for cramps.

Devil's Club: A Medicine Cabinet for Alaska Tribe at NPR

Dill
The one herb I once grew simply for inclusion in my Herbs de Provence mixture.
I have found that it has other helpful properties. Dill weed is primarily a remedy for digestive problems. Dill can help to reduce the pain of menstruation. It also increases breast milk production. Annual

Feverfew
Feverfew has many uses, but it is most commonly used for the treatment of migraine headaches. Feverfew can help to relieve a fever. Feverfew can be used to reduce pain from arthritis. The fresh leaves of feverfew can cause ulcers in the mouth. Do not take feverfew if you're taking another type of blood-thinner. Pregnant women should not take feverfew. Perennial

Gotu Kola - Indian Pennywort
It is native to India and has been used there to improve the memory. While it's used medicinally in many parts of the world, it's a common additive to Indian cuisine. You'll often find Gotu Kola as an ingredient in salads. Its bittersweet taste adds an interesting flavor. Gotu Kola can be used to improve brain function and memory. It's also used to improve digestion as well as fertility. Gotu Kola can cause sensitivity to sunlight. Annual

Lady's Mantle - Alchemila vulgaris
It helps to treat problems such as heavy bleeding and cramps during menses. It also helps to regulate the female period. Lady's mantle can be used to treat problems with fibroids and endometriosis. It has also been used to help induce childbirth While it works mostly for women's health issues, it also can be useful for diarrhea and to stop minor bleeding elsewhere in the body. Lady's mantle is helpful in reducing fevers. Lady's mantle should not be taken by women who are pregnant. Lady's mantle may cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Perennial

Lavender
Lavender is primarily used to soothe the body and relax the mind. Lavender may be used to help ease mental stress and aid in sleep.lavender can help to releive indigestion. Lavender oil is used in treating minor burns, skin irritations and bug bites. Perennial

Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis Lemon balm is primarily used to relax the body. Lemon balm can be used to treat minor skin irritations and insect bites.. Perennial

Lovage (Kao Ben)
If you're experiencing problems with digestion or menstrual pain, lovage may be just the herb for you. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat many problems. Lovage is primarily used to treat digestive problems. It can be used to treat bronchitis and to reduce menstrual pain and relax the body. Lovage can help to relieve pain from urination and urinary tract infections. Lovage should not be taken by women who are pregnant. Perennial

 


Peppermint
Peppermint is primarily used to treat ailments of the digestive system. The essential oil can be diluted and applied to the chest to work as an inhalant for respiratory ailments. It can also help treat digestive infections. Peppermint can be used to treat pain and sensitivity of the skin. It can also be used to treat migraine headaches and other headaches. Children under 5 should not take peppermint. Perennial

Raspberry Leaf
Has been used in connection with the common cold, sore throats, diarrhea, pregnancy, and postpartum support. In pregnancy it was traditionally used to help ease labor and delivery and in post- partum recovery. Raspberry leaf tea is also helpful for regulating menstrual period and controlling diarrhea.

Raspberry leaf may affect infants and is not recommended for women who are breast-feeding. Diabetics should be careful as it might lower the blood sugar levels drastically.

Rosemary
My favorite herb. Grows like a shrub in more arid climates. Rosemary is thought to help improve memory function. Rosemary can be used to treat skin irritations. Rosemary is known to help ease stress and anxiety. Rosemary can help to lower blood pressure and improve circulation. It also can help to treat headaches. Perennial

Sage
Sage helps to treat irregular menses and well as light menses. It reduces sweating making it useful for treating menopause complaints. It helps to calm anxiety and stress. Sage can be used to treat sore throat and mouth pain when used as a mouthwash or gargle.Do not take during pregnancy or if you're epileptic. Perennial

Skullcap
Is a powerful sedative and nerve tonic. Perennial

Stevia
Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia is an all natural sugar substitute. The leaf of a stevia plant is actually up to twice as sweet as real sugar. And, unlike artificial sweeteners and sugar, stevia has no known negative health effects.

St. Johns Wort
St. John's Wort is primarily used as an anti-depressant. St. John's wort can be used to treat menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, and hot flashes. St. John's wort can be used to battle feelings of anxiety and insomnia. St. John's wort may cause light sensitivity. Perennial

Echinacea purpurea
One of the most popular herbs in America today is the Native American medicinal plant called echinacea. There are three varieties of Echinacea: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia. All three varieties are used to boost the immune system and fight infections, but only the purpurea and pallida varieties have been shown to be effective. Offered at market periodically. Perennial

Thunderbird Hosta
It took a while for me to find the name of this shade herb. I was calling it Thunderbird Hosta but have since found out it is a rare species all it’s own. It looks and behaves like a Hosta but it is not! Painter’s Palette is an herbaceous perennial that grows to 18 inches tall and spreads by means of underground stems. Offered at market periodically. Perennial

 

 

 

 

Books



© 2009-2012 Shagbark Farm Ohio L.L.C
Amy's Aloes and Herbs L.L.C.
All Rights Reserved.