Zea mays

Zea Mays or Indian corn is easily identifiable around the world. Containing significant amounts of potassium, the various parts of the plant are used for food and medicinal uses. 

The silks are used to aid in wound healing topically. Brewed into a detoxification tea Zea mays aids with healing prostate problems, skin irritation, bedwetting and urinary tract troubles. 

Yarrow

Yarrow is easily identifiable in the fields for this reason it was used through the millennium by soldier's to stop bleeding. Herbal myth says that Achilles' troops used Yarrow to heal after battle. 

The plant is also helpful to stop diarrhea and relieve dysentery. Mothers often use it to calm the colic.  

Xi Shu

Xi Shu is a Chinese herb, also known as Happy Tree. the plant has camptothecin whichis known for cancer-fighting properties. 

Medicinal indications are stomach ailments, liver ailments and colds. 

Witch Hazel

Victorian ladies knew all about Witch Hazel. Used as an astringent, the bush provides the perfect answer to most skin problems including ache and diaper rash. 

Local pharmacies stock witch hazel in the beauty section. It's a clear liquid that is applied directly to the skin. 

Verbena

Verbena is also known as Vervain or Herb of the Cross. The pretty flowers grow on a low growing plant. 

Medicinal indications include colds, flu, cramps, and stress headaches. 

Umbrella

The umbrella plant is more commonly known as Mandrake. 

Native Americans knew the plants were toxic. Medicinal use is cautioned as the mandrake causes loosens the bowels. The most common topical use is for snakebites.  

Tarragon

It's known as Tarragon in the culinary community but it's fiercest name is Dragon's Mugwort. 

Used in recipes that require a licorice or anise flavor, it is related to wormwood. The flavor-full leaves are often among the ingredients for marinades, vinegars and sauces. 

Sage

A sacred plant to the Native Americans, the sage plant is used for a variety of common ailments. 

Traditional use includes smudge ceremony. 

Medicinal indicates use for sore gums, digestive disorders, colds, fevers, asthma, and infertility.

Rose

A rose by any other name is still a rose. 

By the language of the flowers, most people know that Red Roses communicate love. Roses are also used in aromatherapy to raise the mood. Medicinally, rose hips aid in fighting colds and flu by increasing vitamin C. 

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne's Lace marks the plant as an identifier in the wild. These lovely flowers offer seeds in the fall and indicate the location of the root known as a carrot. 

Carrots are found around the world and are a valuable vegetable offering vitamins and minerals. The active ingredient, beta-carotene reduces risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is edible when boiled like spinach. 

Medicinally pleurisy root was used for respiratory ailments, pneumonia, asthma, and whooping cough. The herbal tea induces sweating to move the infection out. 

Don't use this herb if you have a heart condition. 

Oregano

Oregano and Marjoram are the same plant. It's common to see recipes calling for either herb. The word Oregano comes from Greek. 

Medicinally Oregano is used for bronchitis and asthma as well as digestive disorders. 

Quick Pizza Sauce
1/4 cup tomato sauce
2 Tbsp garlic, minced
2 Tbsp onion, diced
4 mushrooms, diced 
2 tsp oregano
Saute in a skillet until hot.
Spread sauce on bread, cover with cheese.  
Toast in a toaster oven or broil in conventional oven. 

Nettles

Nettles is most famous for the astringent properties which are used topically to stop bleeding. It's also used to stop nose bleeds and to control heavy menstrual bleeding. 

Also known as stinging Nettles, the plant offers iron and potassium when brewed as a tea. Nettles is also recommended for ulcers and other digestive disorders. 

A wild weed, it grows typically two feet in height.

Melissa

Melissa is a member of the mint family. It's also known as lemon balm for the lemon scent and bee balm because bees love it. 

Melissa tea or bath infusion gives a calming effect. Internal use soothes the stomach. External use calms the mind and muscles. 

Culinary uses find Melissa in salads as well as herbs in jams, vinegars, and meat-stuffing.

Lavender

A culinary, aromatic and medicinal herb, lavender grows in abundance in the South of Europe. 

A main ingredient in natural perfumes and aromatherapy, Lavender helps alleviate tension headaches, depression and insomnia. 

Lavender Cookies 
1/2 cup butter, melted 
1/2 sugar
1 large egg
1 Tbsp lavender
1 1/2 cups flour 
Topping
1/2 cup colored sugar
1 tsp lavender
Cream butter, sugar together. Blend egg, lavender and flour. Drop teaspoons of dough on cookie sheet. Heat oven to 350. Bake 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with topping.

Kava Kava

Found on tropical islands, Kava Kava is widely used among island people for a variety of treatments of ailments from body system stresses such as gout, tooth aches and asthma. 

Continued usage or overdose leads to numbness and discoloration of skin and nails as well as photo-sensitivity. 

Jasmine

Jasmine, used mostly in aromatherapy is known to clam nerves and help regulate blood pressure. 

Studies are underway to determine if jasmine aids in decreasing risk factors for certain cancers. 

As a tea ingredient, jasmine is often combined with green tea. 

Caution is suggested for people with grass allergies. 

Ipecac

Saving lives around the world, Ipecac clears the system of ailments caused by poisoning, parasites and viruses. In proper dosage it causes vomiting which clears the system and allows for healing. 

Originally an Amazon plant, Ipecac became a household product in the 20th century, administered by mothers when children ate household poisons. Ipecac should be used with the advice of medical professionals. 

Hops

Brewers have used hops in beer making for centuries. Hops is the aroma associated with the brewery vats. 

Hops is also a valuable remedy for inflammation throughout the body as well as headaches. Topical application includes killing bacteria in wounds and alleviating dandruff.  

Ginseng

Ginseng grows on the Asia continent. It's properties are best used by men. 

It is recommended for ailments related to stress, hypertension, ulcers, and depression. Used as a tonic, ginseng helps to balance glandular systems including immune system and sexual functions. 

Feverfew

Fabulous remedy for fevers! But it one of the foremost herbs to help relieve migraines. 

As the name suggests, it works well to regulate temperature through evening the blood flow.  It's on the herbal list for birthing and hot flashes. 

Elder-berry

Elder, Elderberry or Elder flower all come from the same shrub/bush. The flowers are small and delicate stars. 

Most common use is for detoxification. Combinations with Elder aid for flu, arthritis and stomach problems. Elder helps ease hay fever as well as chicken pox. 

Elderberry Wine 
2 lbs elderberries
2 lbs brown sugar
1 tsp allspice
5 cloves
1 Tbsp diced ginger roots
16 cups water 
1 oz toast 
1 Tbsp wine yeast
In a pan, bring six ingredients to a slow boil for 30 minutes. Pour in a glass jar, add yeast & bread. Store in the cellar at 68 degrees or less for 20 days. Strain & store for 2 months. Check for proper fermentation before drinking. 

Dong Quai

Another herb that is very helpful to women is Dong Quai or Chinese Angelica. 

Dong Quai is an ingredient in many recipes that aid the healing of cramps, constipation and menopause. The herb is also credited with boosting the immune system and clearing away colds, flus and infections with an antibiotic effect.

Calendula

Calendula also known as a potted marigold. 

Calendula is a very good herb to have on hand. It's mild but works amazingly fast on skin ailments such as athlete's foot and cracked skin. 
Other ailments that are aided by Calendula are menstrual cramps, thrush, ulcers and measles. 

Blue Cohosh

Known by Native American women from the Algonquin tribe, Blue Cohosh is also known as Squaw root. 

As the name suggests, Blue Cohosh works on women's ailments such as cramps or delayed menstrual cycles. Additionally, the herb aids with arthritis, gout and is very helpful in birthing.