Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 169 – Willow (part 2)

17 Saturday Nov 2012

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edible willow, field craft, field medicine, home remedies, militia supply, natural anti-infammatory, Salix exigua, Salix fragilis, Salix gooddingii, Salix hastata, Salix hookeriana, Salix lasiolepis, Salix lucida, treat auto immune diseases, treat bleeding wounds, treat chills, treat colds, treat coughs, treat dysentery, treat fevers, treat gout, treat headaches, treat measles, treat ovarian pains, treat rheumatic ailments, treat shellfish poisoning, treat sore throats, treat sores, treat venereal diseases, treatent of sore throats, treatment for diarrhea, treatment of arthritis, treatment of gonorrhea, treatment of venereal diseases

Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants # 162 Poplar (part 1)

30 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

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Alamo, Eastern Cottonwood, edible poplar, field craft, field medicine, militia supply, Native American culture, Native American foods, native american medicine, natural aspirin, poplar, Populus alba, Populus angustifolia, Populus balsamifera, Populus deltoides, Populus fremontii, Populus grandidentata, Populus heterophylla, Populus nigra, Populus tremuloides, preppers plants, Quaking Aspen, treat anorexia, treat back pains, treat burns, treat colds, treat gout, treat hemorrhoids, treat infected wounds, treat kidney disorders, treat liver problems, treat menstrual cramps, treat urinary infections, treat wounds, treatment for bronchitis, treatment for excessive menstrual bleeding, treatment for fevers, treatment for sinusitis, treatment of arthritis, treatment of rheumatism, Western Cottonwood

Medical disclaimer: always check with a physician before consuming wild plants, and make positive identification in the field using a good source such as Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Michael Moore also has a glossary of medical terms in his books, and maps in later editions. )
#162 (part 1)
Common Name: Cottonwood, Alamo, Aspen, Poplar, Quaking Aspen
Latin Name: Populus alba, P. angustifolia, P. balsamifera, P. deltoides, P. fremontii, P. grandidentata, P. heterophylla, P. nigra, P. tremuloides
Family: Salicacea
Range: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POPUL All of North America, this is the main database for USDA.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POAL7 All of the lower 48 states, except Arizona; In Canada; British Columbia, Manitoba to Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (Populus alba)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POAN3 All states west of the Rocky Mountains, except Washington, plus South Dakota, Nebraska and Texas; In Canada; Alberta and Saskatchewan. (Populus angustifolia)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POBA2 Alaska, all states west of the Rocky Mountains, except Arizona and New Mexico, plus N. and S. Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, all states north of the Ohio R., Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York north to Maine; All of Canada. (Populus balsamifera)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PODE3 All states east of the Mississippi, all states west to the Rocky Mountains, plus Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah; In Canada; British Columbia to Quebec. (Populus deltoides)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POFR2 California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. (Populus fremontii)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POGR4 All states north of the Ohio R., all states north of Pennsylvania/New Jersey, plus Kentucky, Tennessee, W. Virginia, Virginia, N. Carolina, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and N. Dakota; In Canada; British Columbia, Manitoba to Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (Populus grandidentata)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POHE4 All states east of the Mississippi R. except W. Virginia, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, plus Missouri to Louisiana; In Canada; Ontario. (Populus heterophylla)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PONI All of the lower 48 states, except Montana and Idaho; In Canada; British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. (Populus nigra)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POTR5 All states in North America, except Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana to S. Carolina; In Canada; all except Nunavut. (Populus tremuloides)
Photos : (Click on Latin name after common name )
Warnings: None on Plants For A Future, except Populus temuloides.
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#162 (a)
Common Name: White Poplar (Populus alba)
Appearance and Habitat: Distributed on both sides of the Cascades in Washington; widely distributed throughout North America. Habitat: Disturbed areas often associated with urban and suburban areas, riparian zones. A perennial that was introduced. (1) Woods and watersides in C. Europe to Asia. Ferequently planted in Britian but not naturalized. A deciduous tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in March. (2)
Edible Uses: Leaves – rich in Vitamin C. Inner bark – dried, ground into a powder and added to flour for making bread. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails (3)
Medicinal Uses :The stem bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and tonic. The bark contains salicylates, from which the proprietary medicine aspirin is derived. It is used internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, lower back pains, urinary complaints, digestive and liver disorders, debility, anorexia, also to reduce fevers and relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. Externally, the bark is used to treat chilblains, haemorrhoids, infected wounds and sprains. The bark is harvested from side branches or coppiced trees and dried for later use. The leaves are used in the treatment of caries of teeth and bones. The twigs are depurative.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php?Genus=Populus&Species=alba
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+alba
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#162 (b)
Common Name: Narrow Leaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia)
Appearance and Habitat: Narrow-leaf cottonwood is a small, deciduous tree, growing 45-60ft, with rather narrow crown and slender twigs. Bark is less deeply furrowed than the broad-leaved cottonwoods. Toothed, yellow-green leaves are narrow and willow-like. Tree with narrow, conical crown of slender, upright branches and with resinous, balsam-scented buds. Discovered in 1805 by Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Northwest, this is the common cottonwood of the northern Rocky Mountains. It is easily distinguishable from related species by the narrow, short-stalked, willowlike leaves. Its root system makes it suitable for erosion control.(1)Streambanks in dry mountains, foothills and dry plains in western N. America – Alberta to Mexico. A deciduous tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 3.(2)
Edible Uses:Inner bark There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread. A ‘honeydew’, produced on the undersides of leaves by aphis, was collected by various native North American Indian tribes and used as a sweetener. The buds have been used as a chewing gum.(3)
Medicinal Uses :A tea made from the inner bark is used in the treatment of scurvy. The bark contains salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The bark is therefore anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers, and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. The woolly fruit is moistened and applied to the gums in order to treat infections. A tea made from the fruits is used in the treatment of toothache.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POAN3
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+angustifolia
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#162 (c)
Common Name: Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera)
Appearance and Habitat: A 20-60 ft tree with dark gray, furrowed bark. Trunk is straight and branches are erect and stout. Dark green leaves are shiny on top; silvery or brown underneath. Catkins appear before the leaves emerge. Cottony seeds are blown about by the wind. Large tree with narrow, open crown of upright branches and fragrant, resinous buds with strong balsam odor. The northernmost New World hardwood, Balsam Poplar extends in scattered groves to Alaskas Arctic Slope. Black Cottonwood, once considered a separate species (P. trichocarpa), is now considered a subspecies of Balsam Poplar. It occupies the more southerly portions of the species range in the West. Balm-of-Gilead Poplar, an ornamental with broad, open crown and larger, heart-shaped leaves, is a clone or hybrid of Balsam Poplar. Balm-of-Gilead, derived from the resinous buds, has been used in home remedies.(1) Deep moist sandy soils of river bottomlands, stream banks, borders of lakes and swamps in northern N. America – Newfoundland to Alaska, south to New England, Iowa and Colorado. A deciduous tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 2.(2)
Edible Uses:Inner bark. It is best used in spring. Mucilaginous. There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread. Catkins – raw or cooked. A bitter flavour.(3)
Medicinal Uses :Balsam poplar has a long history of medicinal use. It was valued by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially to treat skin problems and lung ailments. In modern herbalism it is valued as an expectorant and antiseptic tonic. The leaf buds are antiscorbutic, antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, tonic. The leaf buds are covered with a resinous sap that has a strong turpentine odour and a bitter taste.They are boiled in order to separate the resin and the resin is then dissolved in alcohol. The resin is a folk remedy, used as a salve and wash for sores, rheumatism, wounds etc. It is made into a tea and used as a wash for sprains, inflammation, muscle pains etc. Internally, the tea is used in the treatment of lung ailments and coughs. The buds can also be put in hot water and used as an inhalant to relieve congested nasal passages. The bark is cathartic and tonic. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the bark of most, if not all members of the genus contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The bark is therefore anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers, and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. A tea made from the inner bark is used as an eye wash and in the treatment of scurvy.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POBA2
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+balsamifera
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#162 (d)
Common Name: Eastern Cottonwood, Necklace Poplar (Populus deltoides)
Appearance and Habitat: Eastern cottonwood is a large-canopied tree with upright limbs becoming arching at the tips creating a vase-shape outline. The deciduous tree grows to100 ft. or more with stout branches. Catkins appear before leaf emergence. Large, papery, toothed triangular, medium-green leaves turn yellow in fall. Large tree with a massive trunk often forked into stout branches, and broad, open crown of spreading and slightly drooping branches. Pendulous clusters of flowers without petals in late March and early April. Seeds wind-borne on a tuft of cottony hairs. The common name refers to the abundant cottony seeds; another name, Necklace Poplar, alludes to the resemblance of the long, narrow line of seed capsules to a string of beads. Although short-lived, it is one of the fastest-growing native trees; on favorable sites in the Mississippi Valley, trees average 5 (1.5 m) in height growth annually with as much as 13 (4 m) the first year. Plains Cottonwood (ssp. monilifera [Ait.] Eckenwalder or var. occidentalis Rydb.), a western subspecies or variety, has slightly smaller leaves that are often broader than long and more coarsely toothed.(1) Rich moist spoils, mainly along riverbanks, bottoms and rich woods. N. America – Quebec to Florida, west to Minnesota and Texas. A deciduous tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower from Mar to April, and the seeds ripen from May to June.(2)
Edible Uses:Inner bark. A mucilaginous texture, it is usually harvested in the spring. There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread. Seeds. No more details are given but they are very small and would be exceedingly fiddly to collect and use. Sap – used for food. Buds. No more details are given. The leaves are rich in protein and have a greater amino-acid content than wheat, corn, rice and barley. A concentrate made from them is as nourishing as meat, but can be produced faster and more cheaply. Some people believe that this will become a major food source for humans.(3)
Medicinal Uses :The bark contains salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The bark is therefore anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers, and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of whooping cough and tuberculosis. A decoction of the bark has been used to rid the body of intestinal worms. The bark has been eaten as a treatment for colds. A tea made from the inner bark is used in the treatment of scurvy. The inner bark, combined with black haw bark (Crataegus douglasii) and wild plum bark (Prunus spp) has been used as a female tonic. A poultice of the leaves has been used as a treatment for rheumatism, bruises, sores and boils.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PODE3
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+deltoides
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#162 (e)
Common Name: Fremont Cottonwood, Western Cottonwood, Gila Cottonwood, Alamo (Populus fremontii)
Appearance and Habitat: A fast-growing riparian tree, Fremonts Cottonwood has been known to grow 30ft in one year. It ultimate height is up to 90 ft. Tree with broad, flattened, open crown of large, widely spreading branches. The crown is broad and open with stout branches. Bark is whitish and roughly cracked. The triangular, deciduous leaves are bright green turning yellow in fall. This species, including varieties, is the common cottonwood at low altitudes along the Rio Grande and Colorado River and in the rest of the Southwest, as well as in California. Fremont Cottonwood grows only on wet soil and is an indicator of permanent water and shade. Easily propagated from cuttings, it is extensively planted in its range along irrigation ditches, and although it grows rapidly, it is short-lived. To this day, Hopi Indians of the Southwest carve cottonwood roots into kachina dolls, the representations of supernatural beings, that have become valuable collectors items. Horses gnaw the sweetish bark of this species; beavers also feed on the bark and build dams with the branches. Greenish clumps of parasitic mistletoes are often scattered on the branches. Fremont Cottonwood is named for its discoverer, General John Charles Fremont (1813-90), politician, soldier, and explorer.(1)Banks of streams and other moist places in south-western N. America – California to Texas. It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from Mar to April, and the seeds ripen in April.(2)
Edible Uses:Catkins – raw or cooked. Eaten as a snack. The young green seedpods have been chewed as a gum. Inner bark. There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread.(3)
Medicinal Uses :The inner bark was consumed by various native North American Indian tribes in order to prevent scurvy. The bark of most, if not all members of the genus contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The bark is therefore anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers, and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. An infusion of the bark and leaves has been used to wet a cloth which is then tied around the head as a treatment for headaches. The infusion has also been used as a wash on cuts, bruises, wounds and insect stings. A poultice of the boiled bark and leaves has been used to treat swellings caused by muscle strain.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POFR2
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+fremontii
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#162 (f)
Common Name: Canadian Aspen, Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata)
Appearance and Habitat: Big-tooth aspen is a columnar tree 50-75ft. tall. Toothed leaves are cottony white on the lower surface, especially when the tree is young. The slender trunk’s whitish bark, becomes furrowed at base and darker gray with age. Silvery catkins appear before leaves. Deciduous foliage becomes golden-yellow in fall. Easily distinguishable from Quaking Aspen by the large curved teeth of leaf edges, mentioned in both common and scientific names. Like that species, Bigtooth Aspen is a pioneer tree after fires and logging and on abandoned fields, short-lived and replaced by conifers. The foliage, twig buds, and bark are consumed by wildlife.(1) Rich moist sandy soils near streams and the borders of swamps from sea level to 900 meters in north-eastern N. America – Nova Scotia to Manitoba, south to North Carolina. It is hardy to zone 3. It is in flower in March, and the seeds ripen in April.(2)
Edible Uses:Inner bark – boiled. There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread.(3)
Medicinal Uses :The bark of most, if not all members of the genus contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The bark is therefore anodyne, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge and tonic. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers, and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. An infusion of the bark has been used to ease and lessen menstrual flow.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POGR4
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+grandidentata
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#162 (g)
Common Name: Black Cottonwood, Swamp Cottonwood, Swamp Poplar (Populus heterophylla)
Appearance and Habitat: Most recently discovered Canadian tree (April 2003). Found in Bickford Woods south of Sarnia, Ont.(1)Found mainly on heavy waterlogged clay soils on the edges of swamps and bottom lands in eastern N. America – Connecticut to Goergia, west to Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana and Arkansas.(2)
Edible Uses:None(3)
Medicinal Uses :Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the bark of most, if not all members of the genus contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The bark is therefore anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers, and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POHE4
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+heterophylla
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#162 (h)
Common Name: Black Poplar, Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra)
Appearance and Habitat: Moist ground in woods and by streams in central and southern Europe, including Britain, Mediterranean temperate Asia to the Himalayas. A deciduous tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in June.
Edible Uses: Inner bark – dried, ground then added to flour and used for making bread etc. A famine food, used when all else fails.
Medicinal Uses : The leaf buds are covered with a resinous sap that has a strong turpentine odour and a bitter taste. They also contain salicin, a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The buds are antiscorbutic, antiseptic, balsamic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, salve, stimulant, tonic and vulnerary. They are taken internally in the treatment of bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections, stomach and kidney disorders. They should not be prescribed to patients who are sensitive to aspirin. Externally, the buds are used to treat colds, sinusitis, arthritis, rheumatism, muscular pain and dry skin conditions. They can be put in hot water and used as an inhalant to relieve congested nasal passages. The buds are harvested in the spring before they open and are dried for later use. The stem bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and tonic. The bark contains salicylates, from which the proprietary medicine aspirin is derived. It is used internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, lower back pains, urinary complaints, digestive and liver disorders, debility, anorexia, also to reduce fevers and relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. Externally, the bark is used to treat chilblains, haemorrhoids, infected wounds and sprains. The bark is harvested from side branches or coppiced trees and dried for later use.
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+nigra
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#162 (i)
Common Name: Quaking Aspen, American Aspen, (Populus tremuloides)
Native American Name: Sinnabe(Shoshone)(1)
Appearance and Habitat: A 35-50 ft. deciduous tree, quaking aspen is pyramidal when young, usually developing a long trunk and narrow, rounded crown at maturity. Its small, nearly round, shiny leaves have a flattened petiole which allows them to quiver in the slightest breeze. Smooth, whitish-green bark becomes furrowed at the trunk’s base with age. Silvery catkins appear before leaves. Fall color is bright yellow. The names refer to the leaves, which in the slightest breeze tremble on their flattened leafstalks. The soft smooth bark is sometimes marked by bear claws. A pioneer tree after fires and logging and on abandoned fields, it is short-lived and replaced by conifers. Sometimes planted as an ornamental. Principal uses of the wood include pulpwood, boxes, furniture parts, matches, excelsior, and particle-board. The twigs and foliage are browsed by deer, elk, and moose, also by sheep and goats. Beavers, rabbits, and other mammals eat the bark, foliage, and buds, and grouse and quail feed on the winter buds.(2) A pioneer species of old fields logged or burnt land, it is found in a range of soils from shallow, rocky or clay soils to rich sandy ones. It grows best in rich porous soils with plenty of lime. N. America – Alaska to Newfoundland, south to Mexico.(3)
Warnings: Possible toxic effects due to salicylates (e.g. heartburn, tinnitus). Avoid with ulcers, stomach or peptic ulcers.(4)
Edible Uses:Inner bark – raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a flour. This is normally mixed with other flours for making bread etc and can also be used as a thickener in soups. It is best used in the spring. Sap – can be tapped and used as a drink. It has also been used as a flavouring with wild strawberries. Catkins – raw or cooked. Bitter.(5) The inner bark of cottonwoods and aspens was used for man and horses in hard times. Some Indians preferred it because of its sweetness.(6)
Medicinal Uses :American aspen has a long history of herbal use. It was widely employed medicinally by many native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for its antiseptic and analgesic qualities, using it in the treatment of wounds, skin complaints and respiratory disorders. It is used for the same purposes in modern herbalism. The stem bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, nervine and stimulant. The bark contains salicylates, from which the proprietary medicine aspirin is derived. It is used internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, lower back pains, urinary complaints, digestive and liver disorders, debility, anorexia, also to reduce fevers and relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. Externally, the bark is used to treat chilblains, haemorrhoids, infected wounds and sprains. The bark is harvested from side branches or coppiced trees and dried for later use. An infusion of the inner bark is considered to be a remedy for coughs and an appetite stimulant, it is also used in the treatment of stomach pains, urinary ailments, VD, worms, colds and fevers. The root is poulticed and applied to cuts and wounds. A tea from the root bark is used as a treatment for excessive menstrual bleeding. The leaf buds are used as a salve for colds, coughs and irritated nostrils. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Populus tremuloides American Aspen for haemorrhoids, wounds & burns.(7)
Foot Notes: (1, 6) Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Van Murphy, page 17, Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-96638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POTR5
Foot Notes: ( 3, 4, 5, 7 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+tremuloides

Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 158 Sage (part-1)

11 Tuesday Sep 2012

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Azure Blue Sage, Chia, edible Sage, field craft, field medicine, home remedies, Lanceleaf Sage, militia supply, Native American culture, Native American food, native american medicine, prepper's plant, remove warts, sage ointment for wounds, Sage poultice, Salvia apiana, Salvia ballotiflora, Salvia carduacea, Salvia columbariae, Salvia lyrata, Salvia microphylla, Salvia officinalis, Salvia pratensis, Salvia sclarea, teatment of gunshot wounds, treat colds, treat excessive salivation, treat fevers, treat gunshot wounds, treat insect bites, treat sores, treatment for cancer, treatment for night sweats, White Sage

Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 149(Sup)-150 Gentian/Maidenhair Fern

26 Sunday Aug 2012

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Adiantum capillus-veneris, Adiantum jordanii, Adiantum pedatum, American Columbo, edible fern, Elkweed, fern cough syrup, fern hair rinse, field craft, Frasera caroliniensis, Frasera speciosa, Green Gentian, home remedies, home remedy, Maidenhair Fern, militia supply, plants for preppers, poultice for bee stings, poultice on snake bites, Southern Maidenhair Fern, survivalist supplies, treat and expel worms, treat asthma, treat bleeding wounds, treat bronchitis, treat chest pains, treat colds, treat connective tissues of kidneys, treat connective tissues of lung, treat dandruff, treat diarrhea, treat dysentery, treat fevers, treat headaches, treat laryngitis, treat menstruation problems, treat throat afflictions, treatment of asthma, treatment of diarrhea, treatment of diarrhoea, treatment of dysentery, Venus Hair Fern

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 Onions/Leeks/Garlic (Part 3)

17 Friday Aug 2012

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Allium falcifolium, Allium stellatum, Allium textile, Allium tricoccum, Allium unifolium, Allium validum, Allium vineale, antiasthmatic, Autumn Onion, Crow Garlic, field craft, home remedies, home remedy, militia supply, Native American culture, native american medicine, Oneleaf Onion, Pacific Onion, Prairie Onion, prepper's plant, Ramp, Scytheleaf Onion, Swamp Onion, treat colds, treat earaches, treat high blood pressure, treat high cholesterol, treat shortness of breath, treat stings, treatment of colds, treatment of earaches, treatment to prevent worms, treatment to reduce blood pressure, Wild Garlic, Wild Leek, Wood Leek

Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 – Onions/Leeks/Garlic (part 1)

08 Wednesday Aug 2012

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Allium acuminatum, Allium ampeloprasum, Allium bisceptrum, Allium bolanderi, Allium brevistylum, Allium canadense, Allium cepa, Allium cernuum, Allium douglasii, Bolander's Onion, Douglas' Onion, edible herbs, edible plants, field craft, Garden Onion, home remedies, leek poutice for bites and stings, Meadow Garlic, militia supply, Native American culture, Native American foods, Nodding Onion, preppers plants, prevent scurvy, reduce cholesterol levels, Shortstyle Onion, tapertip onion, treat arteriosclerosis, treat bronchitis, treat candida, treat carbuncles, treat colds, treat earache, treat pleurisy pains, treat respiratory ailments, treat ringworm, treat scurvy, treat vaginitis, treatment for carbuncles, treatment for croup, treatment for scurvy, treatment for worms, treatment of kidney stones, Twincrest Onion, Wild Leek

Medical disclaimer: always check with a physician before consuming wild plants, and make positive identification in the field using a good source such as Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Michael Moore also has a glossary of medical terms in his books, and maps in later editions. )
#147 (part 1)
Common Name: Onion, Leeks and Garlic
Latin Name: Allium acuminatum , A. ampeloprasum, A. bisceptrum, A. bolanderi , A. brevistylum, A. canadense, A. cepa, A. cernuum, A. douglasii
Family: Liliaceae
Range: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALLIU This is the main database. All States except Hawaii, all of Canada except Nunavut.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALAC4 All States west of the Rocky Mountains; In Canada; British Columbia. (Allium acuminatum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALAM All States east of the Mississippi R. and south of the Ohio R. except W. Virginia and Florida, plus Illinois, Ohio, New York, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and California. (Allium ampeloprasum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALBI2 Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. (Allium bisceptrum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALBO Oregon and California. (Allium bolanderi)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALBR2 Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. (Allium brevistylum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALCA3 All States east of the Mississippi R. and along the west bank, plus N. Dakota through Texas and Montana; In Canada; Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. (Allium canadense)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALCE All States north of the Ohio R. plus Pennsylvania and New York north to Maine (except Rhode Island), Kentucky, N. and S. Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Montana, Oregon and California. (Allium cepa)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALCE2 All States east of the Mississippi R., except Florida, New Jersey and states north of New York, all States along the west bank of the Mississippi R. except Louisiana, plus S. Dakota, Nebraska, Texas and all states west of the Rocky Mountains except Nevada and California; In Canada; British Columbia to Saskatchewan and Ontario. (Allium cernuum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALDO Washington, Oregon and Idaho.(Allium douglasii)
Photos: (Click on Latin Name after Common Name.)
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#147(a)
Common Name: Tapertip Onion, Hooker’s Onion (Allium acuminatum)
Native American Name: Aukipi satsi nikim (Blackfoot), Bostick (Washoe) Gunk (Shoshone)(1)
Appearance and Habitat: An umbel of pink or deep pink flowers grows at the top of a leafless stalk. Plant has a strong onion odor. One of the most common of the many western Wild Onions, all of which have edible bulbs, though some are extremely potent or unpalatable. In the early days of the West, Indians saved at least one exploration party from scurvy by alerting the ill explorers to the curative properties of Wild Onion. (2) Amongst dry sunny rocks on hills and plains in Western N. America – Washington to N. California. A bulb growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from May to June. (3)
Warnings: Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible. (4)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. Eaten in spring and early summer. A strong flavour. The bulb is 10 – 15mm wide. Leaves – raw or cooked. Used as a relish. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads. The seed heads can be placed in hot ashes for a few minutes, then the seeds extracted and eaten. (5) These grow along streams in the mountains. They are gathered in May and June and eaten as they are found, both the onions and leaves are eaten after washing in water. (6)
Medicinal Uses :Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system. (7)
Foot Notes: (1, 6) Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Van Murphy, page 33, 68, Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-96638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALAC4
Foot Notes: ( 3, 4, 5, 7 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+acuminatum
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#147(b)
Common Name: Wild Leek, Broadleaf Wild Leek (Allium ampeloprasum)
Appearance and Habitat: It forms a thick, fleshy structure like a large green onion plant without a bulb. It is attractive in appearance with its silvery base and green top. The leaves of some varieties are blue-green, while others are yellow-green. The leaves are flat, in contrast to the round ones of the onion, and are arranged in a fan-like manner. The thick leaf bases and slightly developed bulb are eaten as a cooked vegetable or raw with or without attached leaves. The green leaves may be eaten and have a pungent odor and acrid taste.(1) Rocky places near the coast in S.W. England and Wales, S. Europe to W. Asia. A bulb growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 8-Oct It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen in August.(2)
Warnings: Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible. (3)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. The small bulbs can vary considerably in size from 2 – 6cm, they have a fairly strong leek to garlic flavour and are nice as a flavouring in cooked foods. The bulbs of selected cultivars are very large with a mild garlic flavour. Leaves – raw or cooked. A pleasant mild to strong garlic flavour, they are available from late autumn to the spring though they can become rather tough and fibrous as they get older. Flowers – raw. A similar flavour to the leaves but they have a somewhat dry texture and are best used as a flavouring in cooked foods. The bulbils have a mild garlic flavour and make a nice flavouring in salads and cooked foods. Although produced abundantly, they are quite fiddly to use because they are small. They can also be pickled. (4)
Medicinal Uses :This species has the same medicinal virtues as garlic, but in a much milder and less effective form. These virtues are as follows:- Garlic has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments, particularly ailments such as ringworm, Candida and vaginitis where its fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal properties have proved of benefit. It is also said to have anticancer activity. Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have a very beneficial effect on the body, especially the blood system and the heart. For example, demographic studies suggest that garlic is responsible for the low incidence of arteriosclerosis in areas of Italy and Spain where consumption of the bulb is heavy. The bulb is said to be anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vasodilator. The crushed bulb may be applied as a poultice to ease the pain of bites, stings etc.   (5)
Foot Notes: (1) http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv087
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+ampeloprasum
(Growing Tip: If you grow Leeks in your garden, you can get longer white bulbs if you do what I do. Start them in a trench that is 6″ inches deep, as the plants grow, slowly fill it in to become a mounded row.)
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#147(c)
Common Name: Palmer’s Onion, Twincrest Onion, Two Stemmed Onion (Allium biceptrum)
Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 1–7+, commonly producing either cluster of stalked, basal bulbels or filiform rhizomes to 1 dm, terminated by bulbels, rhizomes generally lost when specimens are collected, ovoid, 1–2 × 0.6–1.8 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, light brown to gray, membranous, obscurely cellular-reticulate, cells rectangular, walls minutely sinuous, vertical, varying to irregular, all sinuous, without fibers; inner coats white to pink, cells obscure, quadrate. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 2–5, basally sheathing, sheaths not extending much above soil surface; blade solid, flat, broadly channeled, 8–30 cm × 1–13 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary or clustered 1–3, erect, solid, terete, 10–30(–40) cm × 1–5 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, loose, 15–40-flowered, globose, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2, 3–4-veined, ovate to lanceolate, ± equal, apex acuminate. Flowers stellate, 7–10 mm; tepals spreading, lilac to white, lanceolate, ± equal, becoming papery in fruit, not carinate, margins entire, apex acuminate, not involute; stamens included; anthers purple; pollen yellow; ovary conspicuously crested; processes 6, central, distinct, flattened, triangular, margins papillose-denticulate; style included, linear, ± equaling stamens; stigma capitate, unlobed; pedicel 10–20 mm, often becoming flexuous and deflexed in fruit. Seed coat shining; cells each with minute, central papilla. 2n = 14, 28. Flowering May–Jul. Meadows and aspen groves, less commonly on open slopes in mountains; 1100–3000 m; Ariz., Calif., Idaho, Nev., N.Mex., Oreg., Utah.(1)Meadows and aspen groves, occasionally on open slopes. Western N. America – Oregon to California. A bulb growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is hardy to zone 8. It is in flower from Jul to August.(2)
Warnings: Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.(3) (I’m going to leave of PFAF warning, unless it changes.)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. They were usually harvested in spring or early summer. The bulbs are 10 – 15mm wide. Leaves – raw or cooked. Used as a relish. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads. The seed heads can be placed in hot ashes for a few minutes, then the seeds extracted and eaten.(4)
Medicinal Uses :The plant juice has been used as an appetite restorer. Although no other specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.(5)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101335
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+bisceptrum
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#147(d)
Common Name: Bolander’s Onion (Allium bolanderi)
Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 1–6+, not basally clustered, replaced annually by new bulbs borne terminally on rhizomes; rhizomes 1–3, inconspicuous, slender, less than 2 cm including renewal bulb; parent bulbs disappearing by anthesis except for still-functional roots and bulb coat, oblique-ovoid to ± oblong, 0.7–1.4 × 0.5–1.2 cm; outer coats not enclosing bulbs, brown to gray-brown, ± obscurely reticulate, membranous, reticulum delicate, cells transversely elongate, V-shaped or ± wavy, forming obscure herringbone pattern, without fibers; inner coats white, cells obscure, quadrate to ± rectangular, often contorted. Leaves persistent, withering from tip at anthesis, 2–3, basally sheathing, sheaths not extending much above soil surface; blade solid, subterete to ± channeled, 9–30 cm × 1–2 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, solid, terete, 10–35 cm × 1–3 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact to loose, 10–20-flowered, hemispheric, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2, 4–6-veined, lanceolate to lance-ovate, ± equal, apex acuminate. Flowers conic to campanulate, 7–14 mm; tepals erect, reddish purple, rarely white, narrowly lanceolate to lance-ovate, ± equal, becoming rigid and carinate in fruit, margins finely denticulate (inner tepal more prominently so), apex acute to obtuse, becoming involute at tip and appearing acuminate; stamens included; anthers yellow; pollen yellow; ovary crested; processes 3, central, 2-lobed, minute, margins entire; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, obscurely 3-lobed, scarcely thickened; pedicel 10–20 mm. Seed coat dull; cells minutely roughened.(1) Heavy soils and openings in brush and woods below 900 meters in South western N. America – California. A bulb growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from Jul to August.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. The bulb is 10 – 25mm wide. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.(3)
Medicinal Uses :Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101336
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+bolanderi
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#147(e)
Common Name: Shortstyle Onion (Allium brevistylum)
Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 2–4, terminating thick, iris-like rhizome, elongate, 2–3 × 0.6–1 cm; outer coats enclosing single bulb, grayish or brownish, membranous, minutely striate, cells in parallel vertical rows, narrow, elongate, not fibrous-reticulate, fibers persistent, parallel, few, coarse; inner coats whitish, cells narrowly vertically elongate. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 2–5, basally sheathing, sheaths not extending much above soil level; blade solid, flat, 10–40 cm × 2–8 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, solid, flattened and narrowly winged distally, 20–60 cm × 1.5–4 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, loose, 7–20-flowered, subhemispheric, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2, 3–5-veined, ovate, ± equal, apex acute. Flowers narrowly urceolate, 10–13 mm; tepals erect, pink, lanceolate, ± equal, withering in fruit, margins entire, apex acuminate, midribs somewhat thickened; stamens included, ca. 1/2 as long as tepals; anthers yellow; pollen light yellow; ovary crestless; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, distinctly 3-lobed; pedicel 8–35 mm, elongating and becoming stout and curved in fruit. Seed coat dull or shining; cells each with minute, central papilla, or obscurely and minutely roughened. 2n = 14. Flowering Jun–Aug. Swampy meadows and along streams, rarely on wooded slopes; 2200–3400 m; Colo., Idaho, Mont., N.Mex., Utah, Wyo.(1) Swampy meadows and stream sides at mediium to high elevations in Western N. America – Rocky Mountains from Montana and Idaho to Utah and Colorado. A bulb growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower from Jul to August.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. The plant has thick iris-like rhizomes. The bulb is up to 3cm long and 1cm wide. Leaves – raw or cooked. The young and succulent leaves are relished by many animals. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.(3)
Medicinal Uses :A poultice of the ground root and stems, or an infusion of them, is used as a wash for carbuncles. Although no other specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101338
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+brevistylum
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#147(f)
Common Name: Meadow Garlic, Canadian Garlic (Allium canadense)
Appearance and Habitat: Meadow garlic or wild garlic’s sparse cluster of grass-like leaves and its 8-12 in. flowering stalk grow from a bulb. From between narrow, grass-like leaves, which originate near its base, rises a stem topped by a dome-like cluster of star-shaped, pink or whitish flowers; plant has strong, onion-like odor. This antive perennial has a brown, fibrous skin on an edible bulb that tastes like onion. (1) Sandy soils in low woods, thickets and meadows in N. America – New Brunswick to Minnesota, south to Florida and Colorado. A bulb growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. It can be used as a vegetable, or as a flavouring in soups and stews, and can also be pickled. The bulb is up to 30mm in diameter, it is crisp, mild and with a pleasant flavour. Used as a leek substitute according to one report, it is a garlic substitute according to others. Leaves – raw or cooked. A delicious mild flavour, they are available from early spring until the autumn. They make a very acceptable salad and can also be used as a greens or as a flavouring in cooked foods. Flowers – raw. A little bit stronger flavour than the leaves, especially as the seeds begin to form, they can be used as a flavouring and garnish on salads. Some forms of this species produce bulbils. These top-setting bulbils make a fine onion flavoured pickle. They are said to have a superior flavour to other pickled onions.(3)
Medicinal Uses :The plant is antiasthmatic, carminative, cathartic, diuretic, expectorant and stimulant. A tincture is used to prevent worms and colic in children, and also as a remedy for croup. Although no other specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.  (4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALCA3
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+canadense
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#147(g)
Common Name: Garden Onion (Allium cepa)
Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 1–3, not rhizomatous, mostly depressed-globose, varying in size from cultivar to cultivar, 5–8 × 3–10 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, yellowish brown, red, or white, membranous, without reticulation; inner coats white to pink, cells obscure to quadrate. Leaves persistent, 4–10, sheathing proximal 1/6–1/4 scape; blade fistulose, usually ± semicircular in cross section, 10–50 cm × 4–20 mm. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, fistulose, inflated below middle, 30–100 cm × 3–20 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact, to 500-flowered, globose, bulbils occasionally found; spathe bracts caducous, 2–3, 3–4-veined, ovate, ± equal, apex acute to acuminate. Flowers stellate to campanulate to urceolate, 3–7 mm; tepals erect to ± spreading, white to pink with greenish midveins, withering in fruit, margins entire, apex obtuse or acute, outer ovate, inner oblong; stamens exserted; anthers white; pollen white; ovary crestless; style linear, ± equaling stamens; stigma capitate, unlobed; pedicel 10–50 mm. Seed coat not known. Flowering Jun–Aug. Disturbed sites adjacent to areas where cultivated; 0–500 m; Ark., Calif., Kans., La., Mont., Oreg., Tex., Wash.; cultivated in Europe, Asia. (1)Not known in the wild. W. Asia – Iran may be the source. An evergreen bulb growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to July.(2)
Warnings: Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible. Hand eczema may occur with frequent handling. May interfere with drug control of blood sugar.(3)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. A very versatile food, the bulb can be 10cm or more in diameter and is widely used in most countries of the world. Eaten raw, it can be sliced up and used in salads, sandwich fillings etc, it can be baked or boiled as a vegetable in its own right and is also commonly used as a flavouring in soups, stews and many other cooked dishes. Some cultivars have been selected for their smaller and often hotter bulbs and these are used for making pickles. Leaves – raw or cooked. There are some cultivars, the spring onions, that have been selected for their leaves and are used in salads whilst still young and actively growing – the bulb is much smaller than in other cultivars and is usually eaten with the leaves. By successional sowing, they can be available at any time of the year. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads. The flowers are somewhat dry and are less pleasant than many other species. The seeds are sprouted and eaten. They have a delicious onion flavour.  (4)
Medicinal Uses :Although rarely used specifically as a medicinal herb, the onion has a wide range of beneficial actions on the body and when eaten (especially raw) on a regular basis will promote the general health of the body. The bulb is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, lithontripic, stomachic and tonic. When used regularly in the diet it offsets tendencies towards angina, arteriosclerosis and heart attack. It is also useful in preventing oral infection and tooth decay. Baked onions can be used as a poultice to remove pus from sores. Fresh onion juice is a very useful first aid treatment for bee and wasp stings, bites, grazes or fungal skin complaints. When warmed the juice can be dropped into the ear to treat earache. It also aids the formation of scar tissue on wounds, thus speeding up the healing process, and has been used as a cosmetic to remove freckles. Bulbs of red cultivars are harvested when mature in the summer and used to make a homeopathic remedy. This is used particularly in the treatment of people whose symptoms include running eyes and nose. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Allium cepa Onion for appetite loss, arteriosclerosis, dyspeptic complaints, fevers & colds, cough/bronchitis, hypertension, tendency to infection, inflammation of mouth and pharynx, common cold. (5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200027457
Foot Notes:(2, 3, 4, 5 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+cepa
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#147(h)
Common Name: Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum)
Appearance and Habitat: Soft, grasslike leaves and a 1-2 ft., leafless flowering stalk rise from a bulb. The stem bends so that the pink flowers, borne in a cluster at the top, nod toward the ground. An umbel of many pink or white flowers at the tip of a long, erect, leafless stalk, bent like a shepherd’s crook; a basal cluster of several long, narrow leaves. All parts of the perennial have a mild, oniony scent. This plant is closely related to the Autumn Wild Onion (A. stellatum) but differs in its unique nodding flower cluster and earlier flowering. One of the rarer Carolinian species because of its restricted habitat. It is principally found on Lake Erie islands, the southern most land in Canada. It is edible and has medicinal uses similar to garlic. (Lamb/Rhynard). Eaten sparingly by Northwest Coast First Nations. They were steamed in pits lined with cedar boughs and covered with lichen and alder boughs. After they were eaten, or dried in strings or on mats or pressed into cakes. EDIBLE PARTS: Leaves, bulbs and bulblets. Field garlic (A. vineale), introduced from Eurasia and northern Africa, is too strong for most tastes. Gather leaves during spring and fall. Gather bulbs in the second year when they are large enough to use like cultivated onions. Flower stem bulblets are collected during the summer. Use as domestic onions, for seasoning or raw in salads. Bulbs can be used raw, boiled, pickled or for seasoning. Their strong taste can be reduced by parboiling and discarding the water. To freeze onions or garlic, one should coarsely chop, blanch two minutes, drain, pat dry and place them into plastic bags. The bulbs can also be dried for use as seasoning. Use flower bulbs to flavor soup or for pickling. Attracts hairstreak butterfly. The city of Chicago gets its name from the Algonquin Indian name for this plant, chigagou.(1) Ledges, gravels, rocky or wooded slopes and crests ascending to higher altitudes. Widely distributed on moist soils in mountainous and cool regions to 3500 meters. N. America – Canada to Mexico. A bulb growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Feb It is in flower from Jun to July.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. Strongly flavoured, it is mainly used as a flavouring. The bulb is about 50mm tall and 15mm wide. Leaves – raw or cooked. A delicious, strong-onion flavour, they are very nice in salads. The leaves are available from spring until the autumn and are one of the most favourite onions we are growing on our Cornish trial grounds. Flowers – raw or cooked. A delicious strong onion flavour, somewhat stronger than the leaves especially if the seeds are starting to set. They make a very decorative and tasty addition to the salad bowl.(3)
Medicinal Uses :The whole plant has mild medicinal activity similar to the action of garlic (Allium sativum). It is used specifically as a poultice on the chest for the treatment of respiratory ailments and the juice has been used in the treatment of kidney stones. The juice of the plant is used in treating colds, croup, sore throats etc. A poultice of the plant is applied externally to various infections such as sore throats, sores, swellings, chest and pleurisy pains.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALCE2
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+cernuum
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#147(i)
Common Name: Douglas’ Onion (Allium douglasii )
Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 1–4, not clustered on stout, primary rhizomes, ovoid, 1.2–3 × 1–2 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, light brown, membranous, lacking cellular reticulation, or cells arranged in only 2–3 rows distal to roots, ± quadrate, without fibers; inner coats white, sometimes pink, cells obscure, quadrate or linear. Leaves usually persistent, green at anthesis, 2, basally sheathing, sheaths not extending much above soil surface; blade solid, flat, falcate, 9–28 cm × (2–)5–15 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, solid, terete, not expanded proximal to inflorescence, (10–)20–30(–40) cm × 1–4 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact, 25–50-flowered, hemispheric to globose, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 3, 4–6-veined, ovate, ± equal, apex acute. Flowers ± stellate, (6–)7–8(–10) mm; tepals spreading, light pink to purple with prominent green midribs, narrowly lanceolate, ± equal, becoming papery in fruit, margins entire, apex acuminate; stamens equaling tepals or exserted; anthers blue-gray; pollen white to light gray; ovary crested; processes 6, 2 per lobe, low, rounded, margins entire; style exserted, linear; stigma capitate, unlobed; pedicel 15–30 mm. Seed coat shining; cells smooth.(1) Low hills in shallow soil that is wet in winter but dry in summer. Western N. America – Washington to Oregon and Idaho. A bulb growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is in flower from Jul to August.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. A mild and sweet flavour, it can be sliced and used in salads or used as a vegetable or flavouring in cooked foods. The bulb is up to 3cm long and 2cm wide. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.  (3)
Medicinal Uses :Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)(http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101354
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)(http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+douglasii

Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Wild Edible and Medical Plants 145 -146 Oregon Grape (part 2)- Pennyroyal

01 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

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Agarita, edible Barberry, edible Oregon Grape, edible Pennyroyal, Hedeoma pulegioides, home remedies, Laredo Mahonia, Mahonia swaseyi, Mahonia trifoliolata, Mentha pulegium, Mexican Barberry, militia supply, Modarella odoratissima, Monardella villosa, Native American culture, native american medicine, prepper plants, repel biting insects, Texas Barberry, treat aerobacter infections, treat amoebic dysentary, treat candida infections, treat chronic liver malfunctions, treat colds, treat E. coli, treat eczema, treat fevers, treat inflamed eyes, treat klebstiella infections, treat lipid free radicals, treat pseudomas infections, treat psoriasis, treat rheumatic conditions, treat shigella infections, treat staph infections, treat staphylococcus aureus, treat stomach aches, treat whooping cough, treatment for amoebic dysentary, treatment for Candida albicans infections, treatment for fevers, treatment for lipid free radicals, treatment for staph infections, treatment for tumors, treatment of flatulence, treatment of stomach aches

Medical disclaimer: always check with a physician before consuming wild plants, and make positive identification in the field using a good source such as Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Michael Moore also has a glossary of medical terms in his books, and maps in later editions. )
#145 (part 2)
Common Name: Oregon Grape, Holly Grape, Creeping Barberry, Yerba de Sangre, Barberry
Latin Name: Mahonia aquifolium, M. bealei, M. fremontii, M. haematocarpa, M. nervosa, M. pinnata, m. repens, M. swaseyi, M. trifoliolata, M. wilcoxii
Family: Berberidaceae
Range: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MAHON All of the lower 48 States except Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa south through Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia, and New England north of New York; In Canada; found in British Columbia, Alberta, Onatrio and Quebec. This is the main database.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MASW Texas. (Mahonia swaseyi)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MATR3 Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. (Mahonia trifoliolata)
Photos: (Click on Latin Name after Common Name.)
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#145(h)
Common Name: Texas Barberry (Mahonia swaseyi )
Appearance and Habitat: Shrubs , evergreen, 1-2 m. Stems ± dimorphic, with elongate primary and short or somewhat elongate axillary shoots. Bark of 2d-year stems purple, glabrous. Bud scales 1.5-4 mm, deciduous. Spines absent. Leaves 5-9-foliolate (basal pair of leaflets sometimes reduced to bristles); petioles 0.1-0.5 cm. Leaflet blades thin or thick and rigid; surfaces abaxially dull, papillose, adaxially dull, somewhat glaucous; terminal leaflet stalked (sessile in a few leaves), blades 1.8-3.5 × 0.7-1.7 cm, 1.3-4.7 times as long as wide; lateral leaflets oblong to elliptic or lanceolate, 1-veined from base, base truncate to obtuse, rarely acute, margins plane or undulate, toothed, each with 3-8 teeth 0.5-2 mm high tipped with spines to 0.6-1.2 × 0.1-0.2 mm, apex rounded to acuminate. Inflorescences racemose, lax, 2-6-flowered, 4-6 cm; bracteoles leathery, apex spinose-acuminate, sometimes with proximal bracteoles as described, distal membranous and acuminate. Flowers: anther filaments with distal pair of recurved lateral teeth. Berries white or red and somewhat glaucous, spheric, 9-16 mm, dry or juicy, hollow. Flowering winter-spring (Feb-Apr). Limestone ridges and canyons; 150-600 m; Tex. (1)Beside rocky streams in Texas. Edemic to the Edwards Plateau in Texas, where it grows on limestone ridges and canyons at elevations of 150 to 600 meters. An evergreen shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Apr to May. (2)
Warnings: None(3)
Edible Uses:Fruit – raw but more usually cooked in preserves. Pleasantly acid, it can also be dried and used as raisins. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds. The fruit, which can be dry or juicy, is up to 15mm in diameter. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. (4)
Medicinal Uses :Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects and is used as a bitter tonic. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn.(5)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500241
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mahonia+swaseyi
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#145(i)
Common Name: Agarita, Laredo Mahonia, Laredo Oregon Grape, Mexican Barberry (Mahonia trifoliolata )
Appearance and Habitat: This 3-6 ft. evergreen shrub, can reach 8 ft. in favorable conditions. The rigid, spreading branches often form thickets. Gray-green to blue-gray, trifoliate, holly-like leaves are alternate, 2–4 inches long, divided into three leaflets which have 3–7 lobes ending in sharp spines. Wood bright yellow. Flowers numerous, yellow, up to 1/2 inch wide with 6 petals and 6 sepals, which are similar, forming a cup shape around the stamens and pistils. Flowers appearing in February and March, their fragrance often filling the air where they are plentiful. Fruit a red berry, edible appearing from May to July.(1)Shrubs , evergreen, 1-3.5 m. Stems ± dimorphic, with elongate primary and short axillary shoots. Bark of 2d-year stems gray or grayish purple, glabrous. Bud scales 2-3 mm, deciduous. Spines absent. Leaves 3-foliolate; petioles 0.8-5.4 cm. Leaflet blades thick and rigid; surfaces abaxially dull, papillose, adaxially dull, ± glaucous; terminal leaflet sessile, blade 2.3-5.8 × 0.9-2 cm, 1.6-3.1 times as long as wide; lateral leaflet blades narrowly lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, 1-veined from base, base acute or acuminate, rarely rounded-acute, margins plane, toothed or lobed, with 1-3 teeth or lobes 3-7 mm high tipped with spines to 1-2 × 0.2-0.3 mm, apex narrowly acute or acuminate. Inflorescences racemose, lax, 1-8-flowered, 0.5-3 cm; bracteoles membranous, apex acuminate. Flowers: anther filaments without distal pair of recurved lateral teeth. Berries red, sometimes glaucous, spheric, 6-11 mm, juicy, solid. Flowering winter-spring (Feb-Apr). Slopes and flats in grassland, shrubland, and sometimes open woodland; 0-2000 m; Ariz., N.Mex., Tex.; Northern Mexico. (2) Dry calcareous soils, slopes and flat grassland, shrubland, and sometimes open woodland at elevations from 0 to 2000 meters. In South-western N. America – Texas, Arizona and Mexico. It is hardy to zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Apr to May. (3)
Warnings: None(4)
Edible Uses:Fruit – raw or cooked. An acid flavour but nice, especially when added to porridges or muesli. A subtle tart flavour, it is pleasant to eat raw. Unfortunately there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds. The fruit is also used to make preserves. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. (5)
Medicinal Uses :Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects and is used as a bitter tonic. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn.(6)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MATR3
Foot Notes: (2)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500243
Foot Notes: ( 3, 4, 5, 6 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mahonia+trifoliolata
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(Now for Michael Moore who covers all of them in the west and ( Mahonia wilcoxii) )
Appearance and Habitat: On all species the leaves as pinnate, on some, such as M. aquifolium, M. pinnata, M. wilcoxii, M. nervosa and M. repens the leaves are broad and ivy like with prickles on the edges. They are also a darker green above, and lighter below. There are usually 7 – 9 pairs of leaves along a thin and tough stem. Mohania wilcoxii is found in southeasten Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. It lives in the Sonora desert. Mahonia repens and M. nervosa are creeping growth plants, who’s stems are seldom more than an inch or two above the ground and spread by thin rootlets forming colonies. M. repens leaves turn red in the fall. All have bright green leaves, with M. nervosa almost looking plastic in appearance. M. fremontii, M. haematocarpa and M. trioliolata are spiney bushes found along dry hillsides in their range. They are covered with sharp edged thin leaves with 3-5 leaves along the stems. Regardless of species they always have yellow flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers mature into dark blue or red berries. The branches, roots and stems all have a yellow center from the presence of berberine, an orange alkaloid. You will find M. pinnata growing along the coastal ranges of California. In the north it hybridizes with M. aquifolium, which grows into Canada. M. repens is quite common in the Great Basin, the Rocky Mountains and south into Mexico then eastward to the Great Lakes. Look for M. trifoliolata along the southern Rio Grande and into Chihuahua in Mexico.
Medicinal Uses : Collect the roots and stems at any time and dry them in a paper bag breaking them as small as possible while still fresh. For tea collect the leaves and dry them in a paper sack. The leaves can be crushed and put in #00 capsules, taken 3 times a day. The leaves can also be made into tea by using 32 parts boiling water to one part plant, taking the water off the heat source once it boils and allow to cool. After cooling return the level of water to 32 parts. Grinding the stems and roots can be a problem, they will damage a blender, so best to grind them in a solidly placed hand grinder. A fresh tincture can also be made of the roots and stems at 1 part plant to 2 parts 50% vodka, or a dry tincture at 1 part dried plant to 5 parts 50% vodka. Both tinctures can be taken at 10 to 60 drops daily. All Mahonia species work well for treating chronic liver malfunctions internally, and externally for treating staph infections. They also inhibit cocci bacteria, like E. coli, aerobacter, klebstiella, proteus, pseudomas and shigella. It is a good treatment for Candida albicans infections as well as amoebic dysentary. This goes, even the drug resistant strains of staphylococcus aureus. It is also an antioxident and will lessen the stress from lipid free radicals which cause chronic autoimmune diseases. Topically it will treat psoriasis as well.
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore, page 179-183, Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press, Copyright 2003, ISBN 0-89013-454-5
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#146
Common Name: Pennyroyal, American Pennyroyal, False Pennyroyal, Dwarf Pennyroyal, Coyote Mint
Latin Name: Hedeoma oblongifolium, Mentha pulegium, Mondarella odoratissma, Mondarella pulegioids, Mondarella villosa
Family: Labiatae
Range: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HEOB Arizona and New Mexico (Hedeoma oblongifolia)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HEPU All States east of the Mississippi R., except Florida, plus all states on the west bank of the Mississippi R., except Louisiana, plus North Dakota to Oklahoma; In Canada; Ontario, Quebec New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (Hedeoma pulegioides)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MEPU Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey; In Canada: Brisish Columbia. (Mentha pulegium)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MOOD Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and California; In Canada; British Columbia. ( Monardella odoratissima)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MOVI2 Oregon and California.
Photos: (Click on Latin Name after Common Name.)
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#146(a)
Common Name: American False Pennyroyal, American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides )
Appearance and Habitat: A native species, with is erect, annual, 4″-16″ tall forb, aromatic; stems square, usually branched. The flowers are pink, 5 parted, and are distinctly-spaced whorls from the leaf axils; blooms July-Sept. The leaves are opposite lance-like to oval, finely hairy, main ones stalked. It’s habitat is upland woods.(1) Dry soils in open woods and fields from S. Quebec to Minnesota and S. Dakota, then south to Tennessee and Arkansas. An annual growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from Jul to September.(2)
Warnings: In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted oil, can be toxic if taken internally. Skin contact wth the pure essential oil can cause dermatitis.(3)
Edible Uses:The leaves have a very strong mint-like aroma and taste, they can be brewed into a refreshing tea that promotes good digestion, or they can be used as a culinary flavouring. An essential oil from the plant is used by the food industry as a flavouring in beverages, ice cream, baked goods etc.(4)
Medicinal Uses :American pennyroyal has a long history of medicinal use by various native North American Indian tribes and has become a traditional household remedy in North America. It is used mainly in the treatment of digestive disorders, colds, whooping cough, painful menstruation and as an aid in childbirth. A tea made from the leaves or flowering stems is carminative, rubefacient, stimulant. It is used to treat colds because it promotes perspiration A tea with brewers yeast can induce an abortion. The plants are harvested when flowering and can be used fresh or dried. The essential oil is distilled from the plants when they are in flower and used medicinally in the same ways as the leaves. Caution is advised since the pure essential oil is very toxic and ingestion can be lethal whilst skin contact can cause dermatitis.(5)
Foot Notes: (1) http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=HEDPUL
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Hedeoma+pulegioides
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#146(b)
Common Name: Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium )
Appearance and Habitat: A perennial, introduced from Europe. Leaves opposite, all cauline, petiolate, densely soft-pubescent, oval, nearly entire, small, with only 2-3 lateral veins. Strongly aromatic, perennial herbs from creeping rhizomes, the square stems prostrate to ascending, pubescent, 2-6 dm. tall. Flowers in compact verticels in the axils of the deflexed upper leaves, which barely surpass the flower clusters, the verticels well separated; calyx pubescent, 2.5-3 mm. long, regular, 5-lobed, the 2 lower lobes narrower, 10-nerved; corolla nearly regular, four-lobed, with a short tube, lilac, 4-7 mm. long; stamens 4, equal, exerted; style 2-parted; ovary 2-celled, superior. Southern and southwestern Washington along the Columbia River; British Columbia south to California; scattered in eastern North America.(1) Moist meadows and sandy soils by steams in Central southern Europe, including Britain, Mediterranean region, Macronesia. It is hardy to zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Aug to October, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. (2)
Warnings: In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted oil, can cause abortions so it shouldn’t be used by pregnant women. Avoid if patient has fits or seizures and those with liver or kidney disease. Oral intake may cause abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion, delirium, auditory and visual hallucinations. (3)
Edible Uses:Leaves – raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods. A spearmint-like flavour, though rather coarser, it is not used very often in Britain. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. For drying, it should be harvested as the plant comes into flower.(4)
Medicinal Uses :Pennyroyal has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Its main value is as a digestive tonic where it increases the secretion of digestive juices and relieves flatulence and colic. Pennyroyal also powerfully stimulates the uterine muscles and encourages menstruation, thus it should not be prescribed for pregnant women since it can procure abortions, this is especially the case if the essential oil is used. The herb is antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative and stimulant. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, minor respiratory infections, digestive disorders, menstrual complaints and various minor ailments. It is occasionally used as a treatment for intestinal worms. Externally, an infusion is used to treat itchiness and formication, inflamed skin disorders such as eczema and rheumatic conditions such as gout. The leaves are harvested in the summer as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses.(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php?Genus=Mentha&Species=pulegium
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mentha+pulegium
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#146(c)
Common Name: Alpine Mountainbalm, Mountain Pennyroyal, Coyote Mint (Modarella odoratissima aka Monarda odoratissima) Native American Name: Guy mohpu (Shoshone)(1)
Appearance and Habitat: Alpine mountainbalm or coyote mint is a variable species with many subspecies across its range. A grayish, aromatic plant with erect, bunched, leafy stems bearing opposite leaves and topped by small, whitish to pale purple or pink flowers in a dense head. In general, its stems form large mats about 1 ft. high. In bloom, these are covered with flower heads, ranging in color from near white to bright blue-purple. The paired leaves are highly fragrant. Coyote Mint has many races in the West, varying in density of foliage hairs, breadth of heads, and relative length of bracts and calyx.(2) Open wet or dry often rocky places at low to moderate elevations in Western N. America – Washington to California. A perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is hardy to zone 8. (3)
Warnings: None (4)
Edible Uses:The fresh or dried aromatic leaves and flower heads are steeped in cold water to make a refreshing mint-like tea. (5)
Medicinal Uses :The plant is carminative and febrifuge. A decoction of the stems and flower heads has been used in the treatment of flatulence and other digestive upsets, colds and fevers. The decoction is also used as an eye wash for sore or inflamed eyes.(6)Shoshone Tribe would make tea from the flowerheads to regulate young girls menstruation.(7)
Foot Notes: (1, 7) Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Van Murphy, page 45, Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-96638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MOOD
Foot Notes: ( 3, 4, 5, 6 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Monardella+odoratissima
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#146(d)
Common Name: Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa)
Appearance and Habitat: M. villosa is found in rocky places below 3,000 feet elevation; from Humboldt County to San Luis Obispo, California.(1) Dry rocky gravelly places below 900 meters in scrub and pine forests in South-western N. America. A perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is hardy to zone 8.(2)
Warnings: None (3)
Edible Uses:The fresh or dried aromatic leaves and flower heads are steeped in cold water (but should not be boiled) to make a refreshing clear tea. It has a sweet spicy aroma and a slightly bitter mint-like flavour. (4)
Medicinal Uses :An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach aches. (5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org/network/ViewProtocols.aspx?ProtocolID=645
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Monardella+villosa
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(Now for Michael Moore who covers all in the west )
Appearance and Habitat: These plants don’t look the same, the more common is Hedeoma in the southwest, a native to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming and Mexico. There it grows in dry arroyos from 3,500 to 8,000 feet. It is a small plant, resembling thyme in appearance. It, like all mints, has opposite leaves and sends out many small stems from the central root, up to six inches in length. It is most visible along middle moutain roads and along canyons. The Monardella odoratissima species is found in California and stretches east to Nevada into the Rocky Mountains. It can be found up to 10,000 feet. They have oval or lance shaped leaves that are dark green on top and lighter below. They are usually under a foot in height with lavender or purple flowers along a square stem which is usually downy in appearance. Monardella lanceolata and M. villosa are rather common in the moist foothills of the coastal mountains. They are often bushy with lanceolate leaves along the stems. Mentha pelegium is found in sporatic patches along the pacific coast mountians fro California to British Columbia. All the species have the same minty scent of Pennyroyal.
Medicinal Uses : Collect the leaved stems and bundle them into less than 1/4 inch bundes and all them to dry. Remember the plants that are perennial should not be damaged to the point that they won’t return the next year. Hedeoma contains the same oils as H. pulegioides and is very similar to the oils found in Monardella, so they are pretty much interchangeable. All should be avoided when pregnant, but work wonders when a period is late. It should also be avoided with chronic uterine problems. It is very useful during child birth as it tends to induce contraction. The tea works great for children suffering from a stomach ache, use 1/2 teaspoon of the dried plant. Both adults (rounded teaspoon of plant) and children when there is nausea or vomiting should try Pennyroyal. After throwing repeat the process. It also works great in the beginning stages of a cold, it will relieve the fever and cause sweating to remove toxins. The leaves and flowers can be rubbed on the skin to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects. The tea is pleasant to the taste.
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore, page 188-191, Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press, Copyright 2003, ISBN 0-89013-454-5

Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 115 – 116 Crabapples – Coral Root

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

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antirheumatic, coral root powerful diaphoretic, coral root tea, crabapple a blood purifier, edible crabapples, home remedies, Malus angustifolia, Malus coronaria, Malus fusca, Malus ioensis, Malus prunifolia, militia supply, Native American culture, Native American foods, native american medicine, natural seditive, prepper's plant, recipes for crabapples, squaw apple, sweet crabapple, treat colds, treat gallstones, treat nervous disorders, treat pneumonia, treat radiation poisoning, treat radiation sickness, treat rheumatism, treat ringworm, treat snow blindness, treatment for black eyes, treatment for lung problems

#115
Common Name: Crab Apple, Squaw Apple, Sweet Crab Apple, Prairie Crab Apple, Oregon Crab Apple, Wild Crab Apple
Latin Name: Malus angustifolia, M. ioensis, M. coronaria, M. fusca, M. sulvestris, Peraphyllum ramosissimum
Family: Rosaceae
Range:http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MAAN3all States east of the Mississippi R. and south of the Ohio R., plus Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey (Malus angustifolia)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MACO5all States east of the Mississippi except, States north of New York, Mississippi and Florida – west of the Mississippi R.-Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Colorado; in Canada – Quebec (Malus coronaria)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MAFUBritish Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California (Malus fusca)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MAIO east of the Mississippi R.- Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky- west of the Mississippi R. Minnesota to Louisiana and North Dakota to Texas (Malus ioensis)

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MAPR New Brunwick, Nova Scotia south to New York, then Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, Illinois and Minnesota (Malus prunifolia)

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MASY2 Utah (Malus Sylvestris)

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PERA4 New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and California (Peraphyllum ramosissimum)

Warnings: All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly in their leaves, but not in their fruits. Hydrogen cyanide is the substance that almonds their charasteristic taste but should only be consumed in very small quantities. Apple seeds do not normally contain very high quantities of hydrogen cyanide but, even so, should not be consumed in large quantities. In small quantities hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be a benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Photos: (Click on latin name after common name)

#115(a)
Common Name: Southern Crab (Malus angustifolia )
Appearance and Habitat: A small tree, 25-30 ft. tall, commonly forming thickets from root sprouts, spreading branches, and broad, open crown. Branches are usually spreading and form a rounded crown. Profuse pink flowers make a beautiful, fragrant show in early spring. Leaves are red when they emerge in early spring and are highlighted against colorful, scaly bark. Yellow-green fruit is not showy by ornamental standards. This is the crab apple that grows at low altitudes in the Southeast, often forming thickets. Quantities of the fruit are consumed by bobwhites, grouse, pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. The hard, heavy wood has been used to make tool handles.(1)Woods ad thickets, especially along river banks in Eastern N. America-Maryland to Florida, west to Texas and Louisiana. A deciduous tree growing to 7 m (23ft). It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Apr to May.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. A fragrant aroma, but the fruit is harsh and acid. The hard sour fruits are often used for making preserves, cider, jellies etc. The fruit is about 25mm in diameter and is slightly pear-shaped. (3)
Medicinal Uses: None (4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MAAN3
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Malus+angustifolia

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#115(b)
Common Name: Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria )
Appearance and Habitat: A 20-30 ft. tree with a short trunk and wide-spreading head. Flowers are white, tinged with rose. Yellow-green fruit is not showy by ornamental standards. The common crabapple of the Ohio Valley, it is sometimes planted as an ornamental. Double-flowered varieties have a greater number of larger and deeper pink flowers. The fruit can be made into preserves and cider.(1)Bottoms, wooded slopes, thickets and clearings in most soil types and moisture levels. Eastern N. America – New York to South Carolina, west to Kansas. A deciduous tree growing to 7 m (23ft) by 7 m (23ft). It is hardy to zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from Oct to November.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. Fairly large, it is up to 5cm in diameter. Harsh and acid, it is mainly used for jellies but can be eaten raw when it is fully ripe. The fruits can be buried in the ground overwinter and will have lost much of their acidity by the spring. The fruit can also be dried and stored for later use. Rich in pectin, so it can be added to pectin-low fruits when making jams or jellies. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation.(3)
Medicinal Uses: An infusion of the bark has been used to ease a difficult birth and also in the treatment of gallstones, piles and as a wash for sore mouths. A cold infusion of the bark has been used as a wash for black eyes, sore eyes and snow blindness. A decoction of the root has been used to treat suppressed menses and so can cause an abortion, especially early in the pregnancy.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MACO5
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Malus+coronaria

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#115(c)
Common Name: Oregon Crabapple (Malus fusca)
Appearance and Habitat: Small tree, often with several trunks and many branches, or a thicket-forming shrub; sometimes spiny. The only western species of crabapple has oblong fruit; the three eastern species have round fruit. The strong wood can be made into superior tool handles. The fruit is used for jellies and preserves and was once eaten by Indians; grouse and other birds consume the crabapples in quantity.(1)Moist woods, stream banks, swamps and bogs in deep rich soils, usually occuring in dense pure thickets in Western N. America – Alaska to California. A deciduous tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. Up to 2cm in diameter. An agreeable sub-acid taste, it can be eaten out of hand or made into jellies, preserves etc. The fruit can be left on the tree until there have been some autumn frosts, this will soften the fruit and make it somewhat less acid. The fruit is rich in pectin so it can be added to pectin-low fruits when making jams or jellies. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation.(3)
Medicinal Uses: Oregon crab was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. In particular, it gained a reputation with some tribes as a heal-all, especially useful for treating any of the internal organs. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The trunk, bark and inner bark are antirheumatic, astringent, blood purifier, cardiac, diuretic, laxative and tonic. A decoction has been used in the treatment of coughs, stomach ulcers, dysentery, diarrhoea, rheumatism and consumption. The shredded bark has been used to treat blood spitting. A poultice of the chewed bark has been applied to wounds. An infusion of the bark is used as an eyewash. a decoction of the bark is used as a wash on cuts, eczema and other skin problems. An infusion of the bark, combined with wild cherry bark (Prunus sp.) has been used as a cure-all tonic. The juice scraped from the peeled trunk has been used as an eye medicine. The soaked leaves have been chewed in the treatment of lung problems.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MAFU

Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Malus+fusca

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#115(d)
Common Name: Prairie Crabapple, Iowa Crabapple(Malus ioensis )

Appearance and Habitat: A miniature apple tree in most respects, prairie crabapple grows to 35 ft. with a dense, irregular form. A sometimes spiny shrub or small tree, with spreading branches and broad, open crown. Exfoliating bark reveals silvery-gray inner bark. The large, white or pink, flowers grow in clusters that cover the tree. A yellow-green, apple-like berry is not ornamental by crabapple standards. If the foliage has escaped premature defoliation from fungus disease, it can develop a deep crimson color in fall. This is the crabapple of the eastern prairie region in the upper Mississippi Valley. A handsome double-flowered variety is grown as an ornamental. Numerous species of birds, including bobwhites and pheasants, and squirrels, rabbits, and other mammals consume the fruit. (1)Open woods, thickets, pastures, along streams etc, with a preference for calcareous soils. Central N. America-Indiana to Minnesota, south to Texas and Louisiana. A deciduous tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)

Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. Up to 4cm in diameter. Harsh and astringent, it is best baked or made into preserves. It makes excellent jellies and cider. (3)
Medicinal Uses: None(4)
Foot Notes: (1)
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MAIO
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Malus+ioensis

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#115(e)
Common Name: Paradise Apple, European Crabapple
(Malus sylvestris )

Appearance and Habitat: Not known in the wild found in Europe. (Utah) A deciduous tree growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). It is hardy to zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April.
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. The fruit can be up to 6cm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses: None

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Malus+pumila+paradisiaca

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#115(f)
Common Name: Squaw Apple, Wild Crabapple
(Peraphyllum ramosissimum )
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. Sour when unripe, the fruits are slightly bitter as they ripen and when fully ripe are sweetish but with a bitter after-taste. Those fruits that have fully ripened and dried on the plant are the sweetest and most desirable. Ripe fruits can also be used in making jellies or prepared like spiced crab apples. Fruits are rarely borne in Britain
Medicinal Uses: None

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Peraphyllum+ramosissimum

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Other Foot Notes on Crabapples: This fruit is common in the United States, temperate Asia, and Europe. Look for it in open woodlands, on the edge of woods, or in fields. The fruit can be cut into thin slices and dried for a food reserve. The U.S. Armed Forces Survival Manual page 147, ISBN 0-89256-200-5, Copyright 1980 by John Boswell

Recipes provided by : The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery, page 433-34, copyright 1994 by Carla Emery, Publisher: Sasquatch Books, ISBN 0-912365-95-1
Sweet Pickled Crab Apples: Wash the crab apples and remove the blossom ends. You will need a peck, about 2 gallons. Make a syrup of 1 quart vinegar, 3 lbs of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, and 1 stick of cinnamon. Boil. Add apples and cook them in this syrup. Remove the apples, putting them in canning jars, pour the syrup over them and seal.

Crab Apple Preserves:Core crab apples with a sharp knife through the blossom end. Use 1 lb of white sugar and 1 cup of water for every pound of fruit. Boil the water to dissolve the sugar. Skim and drop the apples in. Let them gently boil until clear and the skins begin the break. Take the apples out with a perforated skimmer and pack them in jars. Pour the syrup over the and seal.

(Processing times were not mentioned in the recipes, check with your local County Extension Agent)

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#116
Common Name: Coral Root, Summer Coral Root, Autumn Coral Root, Crawley
Latin Name: Corallorhiza maculata, C. odontorhiza
Family: Orchidaceae
Range: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=COMA25all of lower Canada, all States except Hawaii, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida (Corallorhiza maculata)

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=COOD7 all States east of the Mississippi R. on the west bank-Minnesota to Louisiana and North Dakota to Texas. (Corallorhiza odontorhiza)
Photos: (Corallorhiza maculata) (Corallorhiza odontorhiza)Warnings: None Known

#116(a)
Common Name: Summer Coral Root, (C. maculata)
Appearance and Habitat: A mycotrophic Orchid with 10-30 purplish-brown to yellowish bilaterally symmetrical flowers in loose racemes along a yellowish or brownish, leafless floral stalk that has several sheaths toward the base. The specific epithet, maculata, means spotted and is given for the purple spots on the lip of the flower. This northern orchid is the most common and largest coralroot. Clumps of stems often occur in extensive colonies. It lacks chlorophyll and gets its nourishment from fungi in its coral-like underground stem. Several smaller species differ in color and in the nature of the lip. Five species occur in the East, among them: Wisters Coralroot (C. Wisteriana), which flowers from March to May, before any of the others and Late or Autumn Coralroot (C. odontorhiza), with flowers less than 1/5 (5 mm) long, the last to flower, appearing from late August to October.(1)On leaf mold in woods. Moist to dry coniferous and deciduous woods, and conifer plantations, often in florests with little other herbaceous cover at elevations of 0 – 3700 meters. N. America – Nova Scotia to British Columbia, south to Florida, New Mexico and California. A perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from Jun to August.(2)This is an exotic little saprophytic orchid, lacking chlorophyll and having a light-orange to brownish color. The leaves are a few sheathing scales and otherwise is bare stemmed below the flowers. It seldom reaches a foot in height. The flowers are brownish purple with dark flecks and are distinctively orchid. They have a spotted lower lip, two side spurs, two upper petals, and another spur behind the flowers. It is found frequently in small amounts in the west above the ponderosa belt. It is basically parasitic on leaf mold and pine mulch. It can form stands of a dozen plants in one location. It is usually not found at campsites or along well traveled trails.(3)

Edible Uses: None(4)
Medicinal Uses: An infusion of the plant has been used as a lotion in the treatment of ringworm and skin diseases. An infusion of the dried, whole plant bits has been used in the treatment of colds. A decoction of the stalks has been used to ‘build up the blood’ of people suffering from pneumonia. (5)Although it has no Native American name, at Owyhee and Pyramid Lake, Nevada the whole plant is dried and tea is made out of bits for colds. It is said to be of supernatural origins.(6)Only dig one of four visible plants, to keep from plundering a complete watershed. The grey convoluted roots resemble coral growths or mutant brains, that is what you are after, so use a shovel. The roots extend about 6 inches below the mulch. Put the clump in a bag and carry it home to wash and dry. Use only small pieces of the roots making a scant teaspoon and boil in water for ten minutes. It is one of the best treatments for nervous disorders and nervous fevers. It will reduce a fever reliably and has a strong sensible sedative effect. It is an important first aid for high fevers after a childbirth. This is not a home cure, but it will relax the mother until a physician can apply appropriate therapies.(7)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COMA25
Foot Notes: (2, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Corallorhiza+maculata
Foot Notes: (3 , 7) Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore, 1st Edition, page 63, publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press ; copy right 1979 ISBN 0-89013-104-X
Foot Notes: (6) Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Murphey, page 37, Publisher: Meyerbooks Copy right 1990; ISBN 0-916638-15-4

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#116(b)
Common Name: Autumn Coral Root, (C. odontorhiza)
Appearance and Habitat: Rich woods, parasitic on the roots of trees. Dry woodland. Rich deciduous woods, mixed woods, and conifer plantations at elevations of 0-2800 meters. In Eastern N. America – S.W. Maine to Minnesota and southwards. A perennial growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from Jul to October.
Edible Uses: None
Medicinal Uses: The root is diaphoretic, febrifuge and sedative. It is one of the most certain, quick and powerful diaphoretics, but it is a scarce plant and therefore a very expensive medicine to obtain.

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Corallorhiza+odontorhiza

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Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 109-110 Catnip/Wormwood

09 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

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Tags

anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, Artemisa dracunulus, Artemisa fridigia, Artemisia ludoviciana, Artemisia tridentata, Artemisia vulgaris, edible catnip, edible sagebrush, edible Tarragon, herbal poultice, loosen bronchial mucus, Native American culture, Native American food, native american medicine, natural antiseptic, natural nervine, natural sedative, natural tranquilizer, Nepeta cataria, poultice for sprains, sagebrush, treat bronchitis, treat colds, treat flu, treat gout, treat malaria, treat rheumatism, treat toothache, treatment for teething

#109
Common Name: Catnip, Catmint
Latin Name: Nepeta cataria
Family: Labiateae
Range: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=NECA2 all of lower Canada, Alaska, all of the lower 48 States except Florida.

Photos: here

Warnings: Catnip has diuretic properties and may increase amount and frequency of urination. Smoking catnip can produce euphoria and visual hallucinations. Sedation. Women with inflammatory diseases of the pelvis or are pregnant should not use. Care if using and driving or using machines. (1)

Appearance and Habitat: Roadsides and near streams. Hedgerows, borders of fields, dry banks and waste ground, especially on calcareous and gravelly soils. Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, W. and C. Asia to the Himilayas. A perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). It is hardy to zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to November, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. (2) Like most mints, Catnip has square stems and opposing leaves. The average height is 2 to 3 feet, but along steams it may approach 5 feet. The flowers appear at the end of branches and are white, pinkish white with purple markings. The leaves are trianuglar with round serrated edges. The whole plant is downy like felt and if grown in full sun it should have a grayish color. Freshly dried Catnip is strongly minted, but with a rank after smell. If you are buying it for your cat mash some between your fingers if it doesn’t have a smell, don’t buy it. In the west, Catnip is a mountain plant it will be found in pockets above 6,500 feet. It is found through out the west from 6,500 feet . (3)
Edible Uses: Young leaves – raw. A mint-like flavour, they make an aromatic flavouring in salads. Older leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked foods. They can be used fresh or dried to make an aromatic herb tea. The tea should be infused in a closed container in order to preserve the essential oils, boiling is said to spoil it. (4)

Medicinal Uses: Catmint has a long history of use as a household herbal remedy, being employed especially in treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is useful in reducing fevers. The herbs pleasant taste and gentle action makes it suitable for treating colds, flu and fevers in children. It is more effective when used in conjunction with elder flower (Sambucus nigra). The leaves and flowering tops are strongly antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, slightly emmenagogue, refrigerant, sedative, slightly stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The flowering stems are harvested in August when the plant is in full flower, they are dried and stored for use as required. An infusion produces free perspiration, it is considered to be beneficial in the treatment of fevers and colds. It is also very useful in the treatment of restlessness and nervousness, being very useful as a mild nervine for children. A tea made from the leaves can also be used. The infusion is also applied externally to bruises, especially black eyes. (5) When collecting take the whole plant and dry it in a paper sack. Catnip is a tranquilizer and sedative. It won’t help serious insomnia, but the tea from the dried plant is safe enough for children. For infants it can be used as a teething tea. Catnip has a anti-spasmodic and can be used from cramps, but shouldn’t be used by women that are pregnant. (6)
Foot Notes: (1, 2, 4, 5) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Nepeta%20cataria
Foot Notes: (3, 6) Medicinal Plants Of the Mountain West by Michael Moore, 1st Edition, page 52 , publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press ; copy right 1979

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#110
Common Name: Wormwood, Sagebrush, Mugwort

Latin Name: Artmisia spp
Range: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARTEM main data base, all of Canada, all States.

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARDR4 Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia-Ontario, all States west of Mississippi R. except Arkansas and Lousiania, plus found in Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. (Artemisa dracunulus)

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARFR4 Alaska, Northwest Territories, Yukon, British Columbia – Nova Scotia, all States west of the Mississippi R. except California, Oregon, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana; plus found in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania- New Jersey north through Vermont and Massachusetts. (Artemisa fridigia)

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARLU Briish Columbia – New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, all States west of the Mississippi R., on the east bank all States except Alabama, Florida and West Virginia. (Artemisia ludoviciana)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARNO4 all States west of the Rocky Mountians except Washington (Artemisia nova)

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARTR2 all states west of the Rocky Mountains, British Columbia, Alerberta, N.and S. Datoka, Nebraska and Massachusetts. (Artemisia tridentata)

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARVU Newfoundland – British Columbia, all States east of the Mississippi R. except Mississippi, found addionally in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Idaho, Washington, California, Oregon and Alaska. (Artemisia vulgaris)

Photos: (Click on latin name after common name)

Warnings: All listed on PFAF: Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people. On White Sage (A. ludoviciana) it says can cause dermatitis in some people.

#110(a)
Common Name: Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Appearance and Habitat: Hairless, shrub-like; from short rhizome. This is the same plant that yields the cooking herb tarragon. It is a member of the same genus as sagebrush species. Widely distributed; Alaska (rare) and across most of Canada; in the contiguous U.S., from the Pacific coast to the Great Lakes and Texas; also Massachusetts to New Jersey. (1)A perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from Jun to August. By rivers and streams, grassland and arid steppe. (2)
Edible Uses: Leaves – raw or used as a flavouring in soups etc. Tarragon is a commonly used herbal flavouring that is used in many traditional recipes. It is particularly of value because of its beneficial effect upon the digestion and so is often used with oily foods. The leaves can also be harvested in late summer and dried for later use. The aromatic leaves have a very nice flavour that is somewhat liquorice-like. They make an excellent flavouring in salads. The young shoots can also be cooked and used as a potherb. The leaves are used as a flavouring in vinegar. An essential oil from the leaves is used as a flavouring. (3)
Medicinal Uses: Tarragon is a bitter warming aromatic herb that stimulates the digestive system and uterus, lowers fevers and destroys intestinal worms. It is little used in modern herbalism, though it is sometimes employed as an appetizer. The leaves (and an essential oil obtained from them) are antiscorbutic, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypnotic and stomachic. An infusion is used in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, nausea, hiccups etc. The plant is mildly sedative and has been taken to aid sleep. It also has mild emmenagogue properties and can be used to induce a delayed period. A poultice can be used to relieve rheumatism, gout, arthritis and toothache. The plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. This herb should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The root has been used to cure toothache The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat digestive and menstrual problems. (4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARDR4
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia%20dracunculus

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#110(b)
Common Name: Fringed Wormwood, Praire Sagewort, Silver Sage, Praire Sagebrush (Artemisia frigida)
Native American Name: Ninny kaksa miss (Blackfeet), Na ko ha sait (Arapaho), Sawabe (Washoe & Paiute) (1)
Appearance and Habitat: Dry praires, plains and rocks to 3300 meters in N. America – Minnesota to Saskatchewan, Yukon, Texas, and Arizona. A perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 4. (2)This is a low-spreading, semi-evergreen shrub, with numerous stems arising from a woody base to 18 in. The deeply-divided, soft, woolly, gray-green leaves are fine-textured (almost hair-like) and aromatic. The pale yellow flowers and the fruit are rather inconspicuous. Drought tolerant. A good soil stabilizer and ground cover. Important winter feed for Elk, Pronghorn, and deer. Pollen is a cause of hay fever. Edible herb, aromatic. (3)Silver Sage forms small spreading plants usually no taller than 6 to 8 inches. The whole plant is silver-green to gray grows in extended colonies. The flowering stalks are well covered with leaves and rise a foot to 18 inches and have yellow flowers. In winter they are fed upon by wild animals, however in the early summer when the oils are high nothing eats them. Silver Sage is found in all soils, throughout the Great Basin, into the Plains as far east as Minnesota and as far north as the Yukon.(4)
Edible Uses: The leaves are used by the Hopi Indians as a flavouring for sweet corn. (5)
Medicinal Uses: The leaves are stomachic, vermifuge and used in the treatment of women’s complaints. The plant contains camphor, which is stimulant and antispasmodic. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of biliousness, indigestion, coughs and colds whilst the leaves are chewed and the juice swallowed to treat heartburn. A poultice of the chewed leaves is used as a poultice to reduce swellings and the leaves are also placed in the nose to stop nosebleeds. A hot poultice of the leaves has been used to treat toothache. The leaves can be used as a sanitary towel to help reduce skin irritation. They are also drunk as a tea when the woman is menstruating or to treat irregular menstruation. The dried leaves are burnt in a room as a disinfectant. A decoction of the root is used as a stimulant and tonic. (6)Tea from leaves for coughs . (7) It shares many of the same uses as Sagebrush, though not a potent. It is best from children because of the weak nature. Tea made from the leaves is easier to drink than that of Sagebrush. ( 8 )
Foot Notes: (1,7) Indian Uses Of Native Plants by Edith Murphy, pages 38, 51, 54, 71; Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-916638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2, 5, 6) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia%20frigida
Foot Notes: (3) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARFR4
Foot Notes: (4, 8 ) Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West Revised Expanded Edition by Michael Moore, page 267-68, Publisher: New Mexico Press, copyright 2003, ISBN: 978-0-89013-454-2

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#110(c)
Common Name: White Sage, Louisiana Sage, Silver Sage, Louisiana Mugwort (Artemisia ludociniana)
Native American Name: Sissop (Paiute), Kosi wayab (Shoshone)(1)
Appearance and Habitat: This is a stiff, aromatic, silvery-white perennial, 1 1/2-3 ft. tall, which can spread quickly to form large colonies. Shrub-like, white, densely matted with hairs, from rhizome. Small, yellowish flowers are secondary to the silver color of the erect stems and narrow leaves, created by a dense coat of hairs.(2) Prairies, dry open soils and in thin woodlands, found in Western N. America – Michigan to Washington, south to Texas and Mexico. A perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is hardy to zone 5. It is in flower from Aug to October, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October.(3) Silver Sage is a downy, frosted-green or grayish green perennial wormwood. It has deeply cleft leaves that are fuzzy both below and above. They are usually 2 to 3 feet tall, but can grow up to six feet if they are supported by other growth or large rocks. The flowers are the typical wormwood puff balls and are the same color as the plants. The crushed plant has a strong and slightly delicate scent. it can be found growing in sheltered small canyons, in the deepest desert, or along east or west facing mountain slopes to 9,000 feet.(4)
Edible Uses: Leaves and flowering heads are used as a flavouring or garnish for sauces, gravies etc. A herb tea is made from the leaves and flowering heads. Seed. No further details are given but the seed is very small and fiddly to use.(5)
Medicinal Uses: Tea from leaves for stomach troubles. Tea of roots for laxative, inability to urinate and difficulty in childbirth. Crushed leaf as snuff for sinus attacks, nosebleed and headaches. Strong tea as wash for eczema, deodorant and antiperspirant for underarms and feet. (6) The leaves are astringent. They were commonly used by the N. American Indians to induce sweating, curb pain and diarrhoea. A weak tea was used in the treatment of stomach ache and menstrual disorders. Externally, a wash of the leaves was applied to itching, rashes, swellings, boils, sores, etc. The wash was also applied to eczema and as an underarm deodorant. A poultice of the leaves can be applied to spider bites, blisters and burst boils. A snuff of the crushed leaves has been used to treat headaches, the sinuses and nosebleeds.(7) Gather the flowering stems and bundle them, drying them in a paper sack. The primary constituent in A. ludoviciana is ludovinin A and camphor. Estafiate orA. ludoviniana is bitter and strongly aromatic; both make it useful to either stimulate sweating in dry fevers or for indigestion and stomach acidity. It can be taken as either a cold water infusion by placing the herb in cold water and drinking 1-3 ounces of the water (allowing it to sit for several hours before straining), or as a hot tea using a rounded teaspoon per cup of hot water. Of all the native Artemisias, A. ludoviciana is a most effective way to help or inhibit pinworm infections, by using 4 ounces of the cold infusion for a week or two. Using the tea or inhaling the steam or smoke for bronchitis or lung congestion has been important to many Native American Tribes from the Zuni, Navajo, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Crow, and Lakota. The plant has been studied and shown to be a good antimalarial. Studies have also shown it to be strongly antifungal as well as a strong anti- inflammatory. As with all wormwoods, it should be avoided by pregnant women.( 8 )
Foot Notes: (1) Indian Uses Of Native Plants by Edith Murphy, page 46; Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-916638-15-4 Foot Notes: (2, 6) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARLU
Foot Notes: (3 , 5, 7) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia%20ludoviciana
Foot Notes: (4, 8) Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West Revised Expanded Edition by Michael Moore, pages 262-64, Publisher: New Mexico Press, copyright 2003, ISBN: 978-0-89013-454-2

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#110(d)
Common Name: Black Sagebrush (Artemisia nova)
Native American Name: Bahabe ( Smoky Valley Shonshone)(1)
Appearance and Habitat: A low-spreading, silvery shrub, 3-15 in. tall, with three-toothed, wedge-shaped leaves on dark-brown to black twigs. Appearing somewhat darker in appearance than related species because of sparser hairs on vegetation. The greenish-yellow flowers are not showy. Distribution: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.(2)Dry plains and hills from 1500 meters to 2400 meters. An evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in leaf 12-Jan.(3)
Edible Uses: none(4)
Medicinal Uses: The leaves made a tea used by Native American physics. (5) A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of coughs, colds and headaches(6)
Foot Notes: (1, 5) Indian Uses Of Native Plants by Edith Murphy, page 43; Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-916638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2 ) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARNO4
Foot Notes: (3 , 4, 6) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia%20nova

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#110(e)
Common Name: Big Sagebrush, Great Basin Sagebrush, Chamiso Hediondo (Artemisia tridentata)
Native American Name: Sawabe (Paiute) (Shoshone), Sawak (Moapa Paiute)(1)
Appearance and Habitat: Big sagebrush or Great Basin sagebrush is an evergreen shrub, 1 1/2-9 ft. tall, with a gnarled spread somewhat less than its height. It may have a short trunk or be branched from the base. Small, velvety, silvery leaves have a sweet, pungent aroma and, en masse, give a bluish-gray effect. Big Sagebrush is the dominant shrub over vast areas of the Great Basin region. Several subspecies have been identified, all more or less similar to the typical form. Sagebrush is a valuable forage plant for wildlife, particularly during the winter. It is browsed by deer, moose, elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep, especially in late winter and spring. Sage grouse also feed heavily on sagebrush, which also provides nesting sites for a variety of songbirds. Even more nutritious than alfalfa, this shrub consists of 16 percent proteins, 15 percent fats, and 47 percent carbohydrates. Humans have used the plant primarily as firewood—the volatile oils responsible for its pungent aroma are so flammable that they can cause even green plants to burn.

(2) Dry plains and hills on calcareous soils. Found on slightly acid and on alkaline soils. In Western N. America – British Columbia to California and Mexico, east to Nebraska. An evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). It is hardy to zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower in October, and the seeds ripen from Oct to November. (3)Sagebrush is the dominant plant in those areas where it grows. It grows to 3 or 4 feet in most places and along washes, or in sheltered areas to 9 feet. The top of the plant is covered in small 3 toothed gray-green leaves and below are brittle woody branches. The flowers form on spikes, and the spikes length is determined by rainfall. Sagebrush and its varieties, might be the single most abundant shrub in North America. It grows where rainfall is 12 to 18 inches, covering high altitude valleys, dry mountain sides, and even coastal areas. It prefers neutral soil and was considered by early Americans as good places to farm.(4)
Edible Uses: Leaves – cooked. The subspecies A. tridentata vaseyana has a pleasant mint-like aroma whilst some other subspecies are very bitter and pungent. The leaves are used as a condiment and to make a tea. Seed – raw or cooked. Oily. It can be roasted then ground into a powder and mixed with water or eaten raw. The seed is very small and fiddly to use.(5)
Medicinal Uses: Sage brush was widely employed by many native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a wide range of disorders. It is little used in modern herbalism, though it certainly merits further investigation. The plant is antirheumatic, antiseptic, digestive, disinfectant, febrifuge, ophthalmic, poultice and sedative. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of digestive disorders and sore throats. An infusion of the fresh or dried leaves is used to treat pneumonia, bad colds with coughing and bronchitis. It is used both internally and externally in the treatment of rheumatism. The crushed plant is used as a liniment on cuts, sores etc whilst a decoction of the leaves is used as an antiseptic wash for cuts, wounds and sores. A poultice of the steeped leaves is applied to sore eyes. The plant is burnt in the house in order to disinfect it.

(6)Leaves chewed to relieve indigestion. (7) Gather the leaving branches in late summer from large healthy plants. You can place them in a paper sack to dry. As with all varieties of Sagebrush, camphor is the main oil in the leaves. A pinch of the dried leaf in hot water can break a feverish sweat and is useful in the early stages of a viral infection. The leaf ground, mixed with hot water and plastered on the chest for bronchitis, or on wounds as a disinfectant, is very helpful. You can also make a acetum tincture by mixing 1 part dried leaves to 6 parts vinegar and allow it to sit for a week before straining out the leaves. This tincture can be applied on the head, chest, and back to loosen bronchial mucus or apply it to bruises, abrasions and rashes. It makes a nasty tasting tea, equal to chaparral, but a cold mix, with the leaves strained out is useful for impaired digestion with poor gum health, a coated tongue, and bad breath in the morning. If you can handle the tea, that is good, however it can force a gag reaction on continued use, but is useful in the early stages of any viral infection. You can also use the herb as an inhalant by boiling it in water. Inhaling the vapor from the pot is another way to use Sagebrush for pulmonary problems. Slow inhalation is a time-honored treatment for a sore throat. The aromatics are absorbed by the skin into the blood stream and exhaled through the lungs. New Mexico Spanish tradition holds that the same topical treatments are also helpful for rheumatoid arthritis brought on by a cold. As a topical it is also helpful when applied to arthritic joints, sprains, and other joint pain. Overall, the leafs are a good antibacterial and antifungal. Because it has a tendency to increase menstrual flow it is not advised for pregnant women in any form. ( 8 )
Foot Notes: (1, 7) Indian Uses Of Native Plants by Edith Murphy, pages 45, 71; Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-916638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2 )http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARTR2
Foot Notes: (3 , 5, 6)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia%20tridentata
Foot Notes: (4, 8) Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West Revised Expanded Edition by Michael Moore, page 265-67, Publisher: New Mexico Press, copyright 2003, ISBN: 978-0-89013-454-2

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#110(f)
Common Name: California Mugwort, Douglas’ Sagewort
(Artemisia vulgaris var. douglasiana, )
Native American Name: Koe-wiup (Paiute), Pava hobe (Shoshone), Poonkinney (California tribe)(1)

Appearance and Habitat: A stout perennial or herbaceous sub-shrub growing 2-3 ft. high and wide. The simple or branched stems bear aromatic, gray-green leaves. Leaf is lanceolate, flowers are white and bloom from June – Oct. Distribution: California, western Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and northern Idaho. Low waste places, stream banks, foothills to 6,000 feet.

(2)This wormwood is a colonial plant, forming stands of several hundreds of individuals, are connected by underground roots. By late summer it’s stalks are 3 to 7 feet tall. The leaves are lanced shaped, with the lower ones somewhat cleft. They are dark green in color, above, and silvery underneath. In fall the lower leaves become splotchy shades of silvery brown and red. The flowers grow on terminal small branches from the main branch and may be a foot in length. The flowers are typical of wormwoods. The stems are ridged for strength and the taller the plant the more pronounced the ridging. California Mugwort is found from northern Baja, northwards to Oregon (west side of Cascades), nearly all of California and the western edge of Nevada. It shows up in hybrid forms in Washington and Idaho as marginalized plants. It hybrids with ludoviciana in these areas and becomes furry on top of the leaf. The hybrids are rather mixed when it comes to constituents as A. californica is completely different than A. ludoviciana . California Mugwort is common in lower moist valleys, along lower mountain streams, but can occur to 6,000 feet.(3)
Edible Uses: no PFAP report
Medicinal Uses: Packets of steamed plants placed on limbs to reduce rheumatism, and a sweat bath given. Steeped leaves put next to a baby’s skin to reduce a fever. (4)In summer and early fall collect the above ground plant, discarding any leaves that have turned colors. Place the plants in a paper sack to dry, once they are dry remove the leaves but don’t crush them. Saving them whole will preserve the aromatics. The tea is very effective for chronic gastritis, colitis and gastric ulcers. The tea is best taken an hour before dinner and just before bed time. Use cold infusion for the stomach; one part plant to 32 parts water and let it sit together overnight. Sip it throughout the day when in pain. California Mugwort is also an antioxidant for reduction of fat metabolism and because of that it lessens strain on the liver and circulatory systems. The hot tea is an effective diaphoretic for breaking fevers, loosening mucus from the sinuses and lungs. The tea or acetum (vinegar) tincture can also be used as a liniment for sprains and bruises. Steep the leaves in apple cider vinegar for a week using 1 part leaves to 5 parts vinegar. Because the tea is antifungal and antimicrobial, it can be used in many ways as a first aid. The unopened flowers can be used to make a first aid salve. Make an extra strong tincture and mix it with Vaseline or melted bee’s wax.(5)
Foot Notes: (1, 4) Indian Uses Of Native Plants by Edith Murphy, page 40, 43; Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-916638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2 ) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARDO3
Foot Notes: (3 , 5, )Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West Revised Expanded Edition by Michael Moore, pages 259-262, Publisher: New Mexico Press, copyright 2003, ISBN: 978-0-89013-454-2

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reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

~ using what nature provides in plants

Tag Archives: treat colds

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 169 – Willow (part 2)

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants # 162 Poplar (part 1)

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 158 Sage (part-1)

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 149(Sup)-150 Gentian/Maidenhair Fern

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 Onions/Leeks/Garlic (Part 3)

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 – Onions/Leeks/Garlic (part 1)

Wild Edible and Medical Plants 145 -146 Oregon Grape (part 2)- Pennyroyal

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 115 – 116 Crabapples – Coral Root

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 109-110 Catnip/Wormwood

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