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Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

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Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

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Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 169 Willow (part 3)

28 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Bay Willow, edible willow, field craft, field first aid, field medicine, Gulf Black Willow, home remedies, Laurel Willow, militia supply, nature's sanitary napkins, Salix babylonica, Salix nigra, Salix pentandra, Salix pulchra, Salix scouleriana. Black Willow, Scouler's Willow, Tealeaf Willow, treat arthritis, treat auto-immune disease inflammation, treat bleeding wounds, treat diarrhea, treat dysentary, treat fevers, treat gout, treat hay fever, treat hemorrhages, treat infected wounds, treat inflammated joints, treat jaudice, treat rheumatism, treat skin ulcers, treat wounds, treatment for fever, treatment for headaches, Weeping Willow, Western Pussy Willow, willow poultice

(Blog Masters Note:
I apologize to my readers for the delay in posting. I was a necessary delay for reasons of the heart. I have been dating, and will probably not post until after the holidays. This is a happy time for me. Happy Holidays!!!

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. ) 
(Blog Masters Note: At the bottom I am going to cover Weeping Willow, it has no range listed on usda, but is familiar to us as a nursery plant and we grow it in our yards. I know this year, a drought year, the deer are eating the bottom leaves.
All past posts for Wild Edible And Medicinal Plants  are now located in a drop-down search below comments.)

Common Name: Willow
Latin Name:
Salix spp
Family: Salicaceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=salix Main database for Willow, all of North America.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SANI All states east of the Mississippi R. and along the west bank, plus Nebraska to Texas and Colorado; In Canada; Manitoba to Quebec and New Brunswick. (Salix nigra)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SAPE4 Pennsylavia New Jersey north through New England plus Maryland, Virginia, N. Carolina, all States north of the Ohio River, Minnesota, Iowa, N. and S. Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Alaska; In Candada all lower providences except Labrador. (Salix pentandra)
 http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SAPU15 Alaska; In Canada; Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and British Columbia. (Salix pulchra)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SASC All States west of the Rocky Mountains, plus S. Dakota and Alaska; In Canada; British Columbia to Saskatchewan, Yukon and Northwest Territories (Salix scouleriana)
Photos : (Click on Latin name after common name )

Warnings: No warnings except on Salix pentandra
****************************

#169 (o)
Common Name: Black Willow, Gulf Black Willow ( Salix nigra )
Appearance and Habitat:
A fast-growing tree, 10-60 ft., with an open crown often with several trunks growing out at angles from one root. Found in wet soil along streams and at the margins of ponds and lakes. Leaf blades up to 5 inches long, narrow and tapering to an elongate tip, margins finely serrate. Bright yellow-green twigs bear yellow-green catkins. Flowers inconspicuous, arranged in elongate clusters which appear in March and April; male and female flowers on separate trees. Seeds wind-borne on silky hairs. The bark is deeply furrowed. This is the largest and most important New World willow, with one of the most extensive ranges across the country. In the lower Mississippi Valley it attains commercial timber size, reaching 100-140 (30-42 m) in height and 4 (1.2 m) in diameter. Large trees are valuable in binding soil banks, thus preventing soil erosion and flood damage. Mats and poles made from Black Willow trunks and branches provide further protection of riverbanks and levees. One of the lightest of all eatern hardwoods, it is extremely weak in a structural sense. Yet it has a strength of its own. When nails are driven into it, black willow does not split. Also a shade tree and honey plant.(1) Found on a large variety of soils, as long as they are wet, by steamsides, shores and rich low woods in eastern N. America – Maine to Minnesota, south to Texas. A deciduous tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in May.(2) 
Edible Uses: Inner bark – raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails. Young shoots – raw or cooked. They are not very palatable.(3) 
Medicinal Uses : The bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, sedative, tonic. It has been used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, ovarian pains and nocturnal emissions. The bark of this species is used interchangeably with S. alba. It is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, inflammatory stages of auto-immune diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, feverish illnesses, neuralgia and headache. The bark can be used as a poultice on cuts, wounds, sprains, bruises, swellings etc. The bark is removed during the summer and dried for later use. The leaves are used internally in the treatment of minor feverish illnesses and colic. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried. The fresh bark contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge and as an ingredient of spring tonics. (4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SANI
Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+nigra
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#169 (p)
Common Name: Laurel Willow, Bay Leaved Willow, Bay Willow ( Salix pentandra )
Appearance and Habitat:
Introduced and escaped. A perennial tree to 25 feet, when in bloom it has catkins similar to Salix Serissima, but longer. The leaf is lance-like to oblong, shiny dark green above, lighter green below. It’s habitat is swamps and bogs.(1) Streamsides, marshes, fens, and wet woods, ascending to 450 meteres. Native in N. Britain, planted elsewhere. Europe from Norway south and east to te Pyrennees, Siberia, Caucasus and W. Asia. It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in June.(2)
Warnings: Gastrointestinal bleeding and Kidney damage possible. Avoid concurrent administration with other asprin like drugs. Avoid during pregnany. Drug interactions associated with salicylates applicable.(3)
Edible Uses: Inner bark – raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails. Young shoots – cooked. Not very palatable.(4)
Medicinal Uses : The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge. The bark of this species is used interchangeably with S. alba. It is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, inflammatory stages of auto-immune diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, feverish illnesses, neuralgia and headache. The bark is removed during the summer and dried for later use. The leaves are used internally in the treatment of minor feverish illnesses and colic. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Salix / Willow for diseases accompanied by fever, rheumatic ailments, headaches.(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=SALPEN
Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+pentandra
***********************************
#169 (q)
Common Name: Tealeaf Willow, ( Salix pulchra )
Appearance and Habitat:
Stream banks, lake sides, open woods etc in norther-western N. America. Found in N. Europe, N. Asia and Northern N. America. A deciduous shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is hardy to zone 2 and is not frost tender.
Edible Uses: Inner bark – raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups or can be added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails. Young shoots and leaves – raw or cooked. They are not very palatable. The leaves and shoots can be eaten with oil to make them more palatable. A good source of vitamin C, they are one of the first new leaves to be produced in the spring. The leaves can be added to soups or eaten in mixed salads. Catkins. No more details are given. The dried leaves have been used to make a tea.
Medicinal Uses : An infusion of the leaves and bark has been used as an anaesthetic.The bark and the leaves have been chewed to numb the mouth and throat. They have also been chewed as a treatment for mouth sores and are said to make the mouth smell good. The cottony seed floss has been used to dry moist eyes. The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifugeThe fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+pulchra
********************************
#169 (q)
Common Name: Scouler’s Willow, Western Pussy Willow ( Salix scouleriana)

Appearance and Habitat: Scoulers Willow or Western pussy willow is a tall shrub or tree, growing to 30 ft., with dark green, broadly lance-shaped leaves clustered at the ends of the twigs. Stems are slender with gray-green bark. Silvery-gray, furry catkins appear before leaf emergence. Freshly stripped bark of twigs usually has skunklike odor. This species is sometimes called Fire Willow because it rapidly occupies burned areas, forming blue-green thickets. A pussy willow and one of the earliest flowering species, it is an important browse plant for moose in Alaska and for sheep and cattle elsewhere. It is one of several species sometimes forming diamond willow; these stems with diamond-shaped patterns caused by fungi are in demand for canes, novelties, and furniture posts. It is named for its discoverer, John Scouler (1804-71), the Scottish naturalist and physician.(1) Found on both moist lowland and dry upland areas, growing in a range of habitats from upland bogs and riversides to meadows, roadsides and cleared areas in forests, from sea level to 3000 meters in western N. America – Alaska to California and New Mexico. It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. A deciduous tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a fast rate. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in May.(2)
Edible Uses: None(3)
Medicinal Uses : A poultice of the inner cambium has been used in the treatment of serious cuts. A poultice of the damp inner bark has been applied to the skin over a broken bone. The shredded inner bark has been used as sanitary napkins to ‘heal a woman’s insides’. A poultice of the bark and sap has been used in the treatment of bleeding wounds. A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of dysentery. A decoction of the branches has been taken by women for several months after giving birth in order to increase the blood flow. The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SASC
Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+scouleriana
***********************************
#169 (r)
Common Name: Weeping Willow, ( Salix babylonica )
Appearance and Habitat:
Not known in a truly wild situation. The origins of this species is obscure. A deciduous tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in May.
Edible Uses: Inner bark – raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails. Young shoots and flower buds – cooked. Not very palatable. Older leaves are used to adulterate tea. A source of a manna-like substance.
Medicinal Uses : The leaves and bark are antirheumatic, astringent and tonic. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of abscesses, carbuncle, fever, rheumatism, skin diseases, ulcers etc. An infusion of the bark has been used to treat diarrhoea and fevers. The bark can be used as a poultice. The stem bark is used in the treatment of skin eruptions due to parasites. The root bark is used in a bath for the treatment of parasitic skin diseases. A gum from the stems is used in the treatment of foul sores. The down of the seeds is used in the treatment of fevers, haemorrhages, jaundice, rheumatism etc. The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+babylonica
***********************************
***********************************

(Now for Michael Moore who covers all in the west.)
Appearance and Habitat: Willows close relative is Poplus and is used in primarily the same way. Willows seem to adapt and change throughout the west, mutating from stream to stream. Their bark is easy to peel than that of the Poplars. Willow trees can be found with yellow, gary, black bark, as small trees with brownish wringled bark. They all tend to have lace-shaped thin leaves, that are hairless, and have short stems. They bear catkins in the spring, either before, or after, the leaves appear. They can be mistaken for narrow leaf Cottonwood would if you live in Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico or Colorado. But seeing as how the uses are similar it makes no difference when it comes to using narrow leaf Cottonwood. One major difference is the catkins of the Willow are usually upright where the Cottonwoods tend to droop. The smaller stemmy Willows grow along creeks and streams though our the west, from sea level to 10,000 feet. They are abundant through out the west.
Warnings: Do not take internally with anticoagulant drugs, immunosupressant organ transplants or if allergic to asprin
Medicinal Uses : Collect the bark and twigs, take from the newer branches that they seem to be more potent. Remove the leaves and allow the branch to dry after being cut. Once dried small pieces of stem can be used. Uses are mainly for headache, neuralgia, fevers and hay fever as a tea. But foliage can also be used as a poultice for ulcerated, infected wounds or as an external wash for wounds along with eczema. To make a strong wash, boil the plant in twice it’s volume for at least a half hour. Add some boric acid, at a rate of a tablespoon per pint and use as often as needed. For the tea, for internal use of headaches, fevers, inflammated joints etc. use the bark and take 2 to 4 ounces of tea up to 4 times a day. For the internal tea, combine 32 part water with 1 part bark by weight, bring to a boil and continue to let boil for 10 minutes. Strain out the bark and return the water level to its original volume.
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West 2nd Edition, by Michael Moore, pages 257-259, 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.

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Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants # 169 Willow (Part 1)

07 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Almond Leaved Willow, Bebb Willow, field craft, field medicine, Goat Willow, Gray Willow, home remedies, improve vision, Large Gray Willow, Long-Beaked Willow, militia supply, Missouri River Willow, Peach Leaved Willow, plants that contain aspirin, Salix alba, Salix amygdaloides, Salix bebbiana, Salix caprea, Salix cinerea, Salix commutata, Salix eriocephala, Stiff Willow, treat bleeding wounds, treat colic, treat diarrhea, treat dysentery, treat feverish illness, treat gout, treat headaches, treat inflammation of auto immune disease, treat neuralgia, treat ophthalmia, treat rheumatism, treatment of haemoptysis, treatment of minor feverish illnesses, treatment of nervous insomnia, Undergreen Willow, White Willow, willow poultice

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. ) 
(Blog Masters Note: All past posts for Wild Edible And Medicinal Plants  are now located in a drop-down search below comments.)
#169
Common Name: Willow
Latin Name:
Salix spp
Family: Salicaceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=salix
Main data base on usda, all of North America.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SAAL2 All States east of the Mississippi R., except Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and S. Carolina; On the west bank of the Mississippi all States except, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Oregon. (include found in Alaska); In Canada; Saskatchewan to Quebec, plus Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. (Salix alba)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SAAM2 All States west of the Mississippi R., except Arkansas, Louisiana and California; plus all States north of the Ohio R., plus Kentucky, Pennsylvania and New York; In Canada; British Columbia to Quebec. (Salix amygdaloides)
 http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SABE2> All states west of the Rocky Mountains (including Alaska); all States north of the Ohio R., plus Pennsylanvia / New Jersey north to Maine, plus Maryland, N. and S. Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa; In Canada; all of Canada. (Salix bebbiana)
 http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SACA22 Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut; In Canada; British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia. (Salix caprea)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SACI All States east of the Mississippi R., except Mississippi, Florida, Delaware, New Jersey, Vermont and New Hampshire; plus Louisiana and Utah; In Canada; Ontario and Nova Scotia. (Salix cinerea)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SACO2 Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska; In Canada; British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories. (Salix commutata)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SAER All States east of the Mississippi R. and along the west bank, except Mississippi, N. and S. Carolina; plus North Dakota to Oklahoma including Colorado; In Canada; Saskatchewan to Quebec, plus Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (Salix eriocephala)
Photos : (Click on Latin name after common name )

*********************************
#169 (a)
Common Name: White Willow (Salix alba )
Appearance and Habitat:
Introduced perennial tree to 80′; widely spreading crown; yellowish-brown twigs; grayish-brown, irregularly furrowed bark. The flower is 1 1/2″-2″ long erect catkins. The leaf is lance-like to narrowly oval, 2″-4″ long, underside whitened, edges finely toothed, stalks with distinct glands near the blade. Found on moist ground, lake shores and stream beds.
(1)  By streams and rivers, marshes, woods and wet fens on richer soils in Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, Siberia, Himalayas and Israel. A deciduous tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate.It is hardy to zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen in June.(2)
Warnings: Gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage possible. Avoid concurrent administration with other aspirin like drugs. Avoid during pregnany. Drug interactions associated with salicylates application.
(3)
Edible Uses:Inner bark – raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and added to cereal flour then used in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, especially when fresh, it is used as a famine food when all else fails. Leaves and young shoots – raw or cooked. Not very palatable. They are used only in times of scarcity. The leaves can be used as a tea substitute.
(4)
Medicinal Uses :Justly famous as the original source of salicylic acid (the precursor of aspirin), white willow and several closely related species have been used for thousands of years to relieve joint pain and manage fevers. The bark is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, sedative and tonic. It has been used internally in the treatment of dyspepsia connected with debility of the digestive organs, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, inflammatory stages of auto-immune diseases, feverish illnesses, neuralgia and headache. Its tonic and astringent properties render it useful in convalescence from acute diseases, in treating worms, chronic dysentery and diarrhoea. The fresh bark is very bitter and astringent. It contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge. The bark is harvested in the spring or early autumn from 3 – 6 year old branches and is dried for later use. The leaves are used internally in the treatment of minor feverish illnesses and colic. An infusion of the leaves has a calming effect and is helpful in the treatment of nervous insomnia. When added to the bath water, the infusion is of real benefit in relieving widespread rheumatism. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Salix / Willow for diseases accompanied by fever, rheumatic ailments, headaches.
(5)
Foot Notes: (1) http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=SALALB

Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4, 5) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+alba
*****************************
#169 (b)
Common Name: Peach Leaved Willow, Almond Leaved Willow (Salix amygdaloides )
Appearance and Habitat:
Peach-leaf willow is a medium-sized, multi-trunked tree, 35-50 ft. tall, with fine-textured, slightly weeping branching and orange-yellow twigs. Catkins appear before leaf emergence. The narrow, yellow-green foliage has insignificant fall color. Tree with 1 or sometimes several straight trunks, upright branches, and spreading crown. This is the common willow across the northern plains, where it is important in protecting riverbanks from erosion. Both common and scientific names refer to the leaf shape, which suggests that of Peach.
(1)Along muddy streambanks and in low wet woods bordering rivers to 2100 meters in N. America – British Columbia to New York, south to Texas. A deciduous tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in May.(2)
Warnings: None 
(3)
Edible Uses: None 
(4)
Medicinal Uses :An infusion of the bark shavings has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach ailments. A poultice of the bark has been applied to bleeding cuts. A decoction of the branch tips has been used as a soak for treating cramps in the legs and feet. The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.
(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SAAM2

Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4, 5) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+amygdaloides
***************************
#169 (c)
Common Name: Bebb Willow, Gray Willow, Long-Beaked Willow (Salix bebbiana )
Appearance and Habitat:
A narrow, somewhat columnar-shaped shrub or small tree, 20-30 ft. tall. The single or multiple trunks have maroonish bark. Catkins appear before the silvery-gray foliage emerges. Fall color is insignificant. Bebb Willow is the most important diamond willow, a term applied to several species which sometimes have diamond-shaped patterns on their trunks. These are caused by fungi, usually in shade or poor sites. The contrasting whitish and brownish stems are carved into canes, lamps, posts, furniture, and candleholders. Forms willow thickets as a weed on uplands after forest fires. Named for Michael Schuck Bebb (1833-95), U.S. specialist on willows.
(1)Moist rich soils along streams, lakes and swamps, but also forming dense thickets in open meadows. Found at elevations up to 3000 meters in North America – Newfoundland to Alaska, south to California. A deciduous shrub growing to 7 m (23ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in June.(2)
Warnings: None
(3)
Edible Uses: None
(4)
Medicinal Uses :A poultice of the chewed root inner bark has been applied to a deep cut. The shredded inner bark has been used as sanitary napkins to ‘heal a woman’s insides’. A poultice of the damp inner bark has been applied to the skin over a broken bone. A decoction of the branches has been taken by women for several months after childbirth to increase the blood flow. A poultice of the bark and sap has been applied as a wad to bleeding wounds. The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.
(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SABE2

Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+bebbiana
***************************
#169 (d)
Common Name: Goat Willow (Salix caprea )
Appearance and Habitat:
Woods, scrub and hedges, usually on basic soils, to 840 meters in Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, temperate Aisa and Syria. A deciduous tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Mar to April, and the seeds ripen in May.
Warnings: None
Edible Uses: Inner bark – raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails. Young shoots – raw or cooked. They are not very palatable. The source of an edible manna No further details.
Medicinal Uses : The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers. A distilled water from the flowers is aphrodisiac, cordial and stimulant. It is used externally in the treatment of headaches and ophthalmia. The ashes of the wood are useful in the treatment of haemoptysis. The stems and the leaves are astringent. A gum and the juice of the trees are used to increase visual powers.

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+caprea
************************
#169 (e)
Common Name: Large Gray Willow (Salix cinerea )
Appearance and Habitat:
Introduced, rarely excaped, perennial shrub 7′-20′ tall, peeling bark with long, prominent ridges. The leaf is narrow, pointed at both ends, underside whitened.
(1)   Fens ect in E. England, it is often dominant in carr. Occasionally found in damp woods in other areas of England. Europe, inclucing Britain, from Scandanavia south nad east to France, Siberia and Iran. A deciduous shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). It is hardy to zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Mar to April, and the seeds ripen from May to June.(2)
Warnings: None 
(3)
Edible Uses: None
(4)
Medicinal Uses :The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge. The bark of this species is used interchangeably with S. alba. It is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, inflammatory stages of auto-immune diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, feverish illnesses, neuralgia and headache. The bark is removed during the summer and dried for later use. The leaves are used internally in the treatment of minor feverish illnesses and colic. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried.
(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=SALCIN

Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4, 5) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+cinerea
*******************************
#169 (f)
Common Name: Undergreen Willow (Salix commutata )
Appearance and Habitat:
A perrenial native shrub that blooms June to September. Chiefly in the Olympic and Cascade mountains of Washington; Alaska and Yukon south to Oregon, occasionally east to idaho and Montana.
Found in moist areas, mid to high elevations in the mountains.
(1)Wet places at moderate to rather high elevations in western N. America – Alaska to California. A deciduous shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is hardy to zone 4 and is not frost tender.(2)
Warnings: None 
(3)
Edible Uses:Inner bark – raw or cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then added to cereal flour for use in making bread etc. A very bitter flavour, it is a famine food that is only used when all else fails. Young shoots – raw or cooked. They are not very palatable.
(4)
Medicinal Uses :The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.
(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php?Genus=Salix&Species=commutata

Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+commutata
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#169 (g)
Common Name: Missouri River Willow, Stiff Willow, Missouri Willow (Salix eriocephala )
Appearance and Habitat:
A narrow shrub or small tree to 20 ft. with multiple trunks and dark-gray, scaly bark. Lance-shaped leaves are thick and persistently pubescent beneath. Catkins, which appear before the leaves in early spring, are densely silky.
(1)Sandy to rocky soils, near rivers, creeks and swamps. Sand bars along rivers in eastern and central N. America – Newfoundland to Nebraska, south to Mississippi. A decicuous shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April. (2)
Warnings: None
(3)
Edible Uses: None
(4)
Medicinal Uses :The fresh bark of all members of this genus contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge.
(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SAER

Foot Notes: ( 2, 3, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Salix+eriocephala

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.

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Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 162 Poplar (part2)

07 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Balm of Gilead, Canadian Poplar, Carolina Poplar, field craft, field medicine, Fremont Cottonwood, Grey Poplar, home remedies, militia supply, Populus ×canadensis, Populus ×canescens, Populus ×jackii, Populus balsamifera, Populus fremontii, Populus trmuloides, reduce milk flow in nursing mothers, treat bronchitis, treat bronchorrhea, treat congested nasal passages, treat fevers, treat joint pain, treat muscular pain, treat respiratory problems, treat rheumatism, treat urinary tract inflammations, treatment of fevers

Sorry for lack of plants along the left hand border, it wasn’t my idea. Suddenly, wordpress won’t allow more than 50 ‘recent’ posts along that border, I am trying to correct the problem. In the mean time use Archives or the search engine; I am truly sorry of the inconvenience. It took me completely by surprise when wordpress did this.  In my opinion they ruined the website, that was here to help people.
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 Poplar (part 2)
Latin Name: Populus ×canadensis, P. ×canescens, P. ×jackii
Family: Salicacea
Range:
  http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POPUL Main database, all of North America

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POCA19 California, Utah, Wyoming, N. and S. Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Minnesota to Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Viginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York; In Canada; Ontario and Quebec. (Populus ×canadensis)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POCA14 All states east of the Mississippi R., plus Minnesota, Arkansas and Louisiana; In Canada; Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. (Populus ×canescens)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POJA2 All states north of the Ohio R. and eastward to the coast, plus W. Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, N. and S. Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and all states along the west bank of the Mississippi, except Louisiana; In Canada; all lower Provinces except British Columbia. (Populus ×jackii)
Photos : (Click on Latin name after common name )
Warnings:
None on Plants For A Future
****************************************
#162 (j)
Common Name: Carolina Poplar, Canadian Poplar (Populus ×canadensis)
Appearance and Habitat:
A group of naturally occuring hybrids between P. nigra and P. deltoidea in North America. A deciduous tree growing to 40 m (131ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 4.

Edible Uses: None
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.
 http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+x+canadensis
*********************************
#162 (k)
Common Name: Grey Poplar (Populus ×canescens)
Appearance and Habitat: Probably native in damp woods in S.C. and E. England. Europe, from Britain and France east to S. Russia, south to Italy and Macedonia. A deciduous tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 15 m (49ft). It is hardy to zone 4. It is in flower from Feb to March.
Edible Uses: None
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.
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+x+canescens
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#162 (l)
Common Name: Balm of Gilead (Populus ×jackii)
Appearance and Habitat: Not known in a truly wild situation. The origins of this tree is obscure. A deciduous tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in May.
Edible Uses: None
Medicinal Uses : Balm of Gilead is a common ingredient of cough medicines, its expectorant, antiseptic and analgesic actions making it an excellent remedy for a range of respiratory problems. It has also been used for several thousand years to soothe inflamed or irritated skin. 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, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and tonic. They are taken internally in the treatment of bronchitis, sore throats, dry irritable coughs and other upper respiratory tract infections. 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, grazes, small wounds and dry skin conditions. They can be put in hot water and used as an inhalant to relieve congested nasal passages. Internal use of the plant is believed to reduce milk flow in nursing mothers. The buds are harvested in the spring before they open and are dried for later use. 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.
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Populus+x+jackii
*****************************************


(Now for Michael Moore who covers all Poplars in the west.)

Appearance and Habitat:
The leaves of the Poplars in the west are heart shaped, bright green with long stems, turning a brilliant yellow in the fall. The leaf buds are waxy and scaled in appearance. Before the leaves appear the trees have long catkins. The bark is light and smooth, except in older trees it becomes furrowed. Aspen, however, retains its smooth bark. Both Cottonwoods and Poplars are associated with water, where Aspens are associated with high mountains. Fremont’s Cottonwood grows along live rivers, streams, or around underground springs throughout its range. Aspens grow in areas of mountains that have an elevation of at least from 8,500 ft., but can sometimes be found at 6,000 ft. Aspens inhabit burn areas in the mountains and are replaced by pine and spruce, or subalpine meadows covering an entire hillside. P. balsamifera and P. trichocarpa, the balsam poplars, frequently form hybrids and can be found in nearly all canyons of the west. The grow from Alaska to California, east to Colorado and the Great Lakes region.
Medicinal Uses : The buds should be collected in the spring, the leaves in midsummer and the bark in the fall or early spring. Collect the leaves, cut off the stems, tie in small bundles (less than 1/4 inch) and hang them to dry in the shade. The buds should be dried in cheesecloth, folded and hung in an airy area. Every few days stir the buds to help them dry faster. It is very common for branches to break off in thunderstorms, as long as the leaves are still green, use them for the bark. Make shallow cuts around the diameter of the limb every foot, and diagonal cuts every few inches, then strip off the bark from the inner wood. Run oiled wire through the bark and hang it in the shade to dry. All of the species contains salicin and populin, precusors of aspirin, and are very helpful with any inflammation. Tea from the bark is rather bitter, tea from the leaves can be used in the same manner and is preferred by some people. The drawback is the tea from the leaves is not as strong. To make tea from the bark, combine 1 part dried bark to 32 parts water (by weight) and bring slowly to a boil. Let it continue to boil for 10 minutes, remove from heat, let cool, strain, and return the water to 32 parts. For the leaves follow the same procedure, except put them in the water as it boils and remove from the heat immediately, then strain, return the water level. You can take 2 – 4 ounces of the tea up to 4 times a day (bark) or 5 times a day (leaves). The tea of either has been used in place of quinine for fevers, but not for malaria. Both uses are also helpful with urinary tract inflammations and as a diuretic to increase urine acidity. The fresh or dried plants (after moistening) can be used as a poultice for muscle aches, sprains and swollen joints. The buds are the strongest part of the plant, but the constituents are not very water soluble. You can fill a jar with the fresh buds, then fill with olive oil allow it to sit for a week in a warm location and then strain the buds from the oil. Re- heat the oil over low heat, add some bees wax to make a topical ointment. A tincture of the buds can also be make using 1 part to 2 parts (by weight) 75% vodka for fresh buds or for dried buds 1 part buds to 5 parts alcohol. Take between 15 and 30 drops throughout the day. The bud tincture is excellent to help remove mucus from bronchitis or bronchorrhea. Both the bud tincture and buds drained from the oil make an excellent analgesic for joint and muscle pain.
Other Uses : The dried wood from the fallen branches make an excellent walking stick or cane.
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West 2nd Edition, by Michael Moore, pages 206-207, Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press, Copyright 2003, ISBN 0-89013-454-5

The solution for past posts, other than top 50, are now listed below the comment section in the footer as a drop down list. At least that will give you an idea of where in the archives the post can be found. Not the solution I was hoping for.

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.  

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Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants #159 – 161 Water Cress/ Fleabane/ Syrian Rue

23 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

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African Rue, Daisy Fleabane, Eastern Daisy Fleabane, edible fleabane, Erigeron annuus, Erigeron aphanactis, Erigeron philadelphicus, field craft, field medicine, home remedies, increase pulse strength, militia supply, Nasturtium officinale, Native American culture, native american medicine, Peganum harmala, preppers plants, remove tapeworms, Soma, treat baldness, treat chronic diarrhea, treat depression, treat eczematous, treat encephalitis, treat epilepsy, treat glandular tumors, treat gonorrhea, treat gout, treat headaches, treat hemorrhoids, treat high blood pressure, treat lymphatic swellings, treat menstrual problems, treat psoriasis, treat rheumatism, treat TB, treatment for brain swellings, treatment for dandruff, treatment for depression, treatment of glandular tumours, treatment of rheumatism, treatment of TB

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. ) 
#159
Common Name: Water Cress
Latin Name:
Nasturtium officinale
Family: Brassicaceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=NAOF
All states, except Hawaii and N. Dakota; In Canada; British Columbia to Quebec, plus New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Photos: Here
Appearance and Habitat:
Introduced and naturalized. An erect or spreading, perennial, 4″-18″ tall, emergent aquatic, sometimes evergreen, forming large, tangled wintergreen masses; stems spreading; rooting from the lower nodes. The flower is white, 4-parted, 1/5″ wide, petals 2 times longer than the sepals; inflorescence a cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers from the ends of the shoots; blooms May-Oct. The leaf is pinnately-divided into 3-9 rounded leaflets with the end one longest. Found in sun; streams, springs, cold water; in limy, sedimentary, gravelly soil.(1)  Streams margins, ditches, flushes ect. with moving water, usually in chalk or limestone areas. Europe, including Britain, from Denmark south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia. A perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from Jul to October.(2)
Warnings: Whilst the plant is very wholesome and nutritious, some care should be taken if harvesting it from the wild. Any plants growing in water that drains from fields where animals, particularly sheep, graze should not be used raw. This is due to the risk of it being infested with the liver fluke parasite. Cooking the leaves, however, will destroy any parasites and render the plant perfectly safe to eat. May inhabit the metabolism of paracetamol.(3)
Edible Uses: Leaves – raw or cooked. Water cress is mainly used as a garnish or as an addition to salads, the flavour is strong with a characteristic hotnes. It has a reputation as a spring tonic, and this is its main season of use, though it can be harvested for most of the year and can give 10 pickings annually. Some caution is advised if gathering the plant from the wild, see the notes above on toxicity. The leaves are exceptionally rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron. A nutritional analysis is available. The seed can be sprouted and eaten in salads. A hot mustardy flavour. The seed is ground into a powder and used as a mustard. The pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed – an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 – 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild but bitter mustard.
(4)(Good break down on composition at the website.)
Medicinal Uses : Watercress is very rich in vitamins and minerals, and has long been valued as a food and medicinal plant. Considered a cleansing herb, its high content of vitamin C makes it a remedy that is particularly valuable for chronic illnesses. The leaves are antiscorbutic, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, purgative, hypoglycaemic, odontalgic, stimulant and stomachic. The plant has been used as a specific in the treatment of TB. The freshly pressed juice has been used internally and externally in the treatment of chest and kidney complaints, chronic irritations and inflammations of the skin etc. Applied externally, it has a long-standing reputation as an effective hair tonic, helping to promote the growth of thick hair. A poultice of the leaves is said to be an effective treatment for healing glandular tumours or lymphatic swellings. Some caution is advised, excessive use of the plant can lead to stomach upsets. The leaves can be harvested almost throughout the year and are used fresh.
(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=NASOFF

Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Nasturtium+officinale

********************************************
#160
Common Name: Daisy Fleabane, Rayless Shaggy Fleabane, Philadelphia Fleabane
Latin Name:
Erigeron annuus, E. aphanactis, E. philadelphicus
Family: Asteraceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=eran
 All of the lower 48 States, except Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada and Arizona; In Canada; British Columbia to Quebec, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (Erigeron annuus)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ERAPA2 Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. (Erigeron aphanactis)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=erph All of the lower 48 States, except Utah and Arizona; All of Canada except Nunavut and Labrador. (Erigeron philadelphicus)
Photos : (Click on Latin name after common name )

***********************************
#160 (a)
Common Name: Daisy Fleabane, Eastern Daisy Fleabane, Annual Fleabane (Erigeron annuus)
Appearance and Habitat:
An erect stem covered with spreading hairs bears flower heads with 40 or more tightly packed white to pale pink ray flowers surrounding the central yellow disk flowers.
(1)   An erect native , 2′-4′ tall forb with dense foliage; stems with long spreading hairs. The flower has a head 1/2″ – 3/4″ wide with 80-125 white to pinkish rays up to 1/3″ long, disks yellow and flat; inflorescence of several to many heads; blooms June-Sept. The seeds are dry fluffy pappus. The leaves are described as, basal leaves elliptical and coarsely toothed, stem leaves widely lance-like, usually sharply toothed, and not clasping. It is found in disturbed areas.(2)   Fields and waste places. Prairies and open ground in various soil types in Texas. North America, naturalized in C. Europe. It is hardy to zone 3.(3)
Warnings: None.
(4)
Edible Uses:Young plant – boiled.
(5)
Medicinal Uses :None.(6)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERAN

Foot Notes: (2)http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=ERIANN
Foot Notes: ( 3, 4, 5, 6 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Erigeron+annuus
*****************************
#160 (b)
Common Name: Shaggy Rayless Fleabane (Erigeron aphanactis)
Native American Name:
Ah gwe shuh(Shoshone)
Appearance and Habitat:
No information other than photos.
Edible Uses: Tea from plant
Medicinal Uses : A dwarf yellow aster, used at Owyhee as a cure for gonorrhea. The tea from the whole plant ws used.

Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Van Murphy, page 47, Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-96638-15-4
******************************
#160 (c)
Common Name: Philadelphia Fleabane, Fleabane Daisy, Marsh Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus)
Appearance and Habitat:
The fleabane daisy grows along roadsides and in fields and woodlands. It has more than 150 threadlike, white ray flowers. The center, disk flowers are 5-toothed and yellow, and there are many flower heads to each much-branched stem. The yellow center with the large number of very fine ray flowers is the best identification. They are much finer than those of other daisies or asters. Flower heads are 1/2-3/4 inch across. The geneus name, from Greek eri (early) and geron (old man), presumably refers to the fact that the plant flowers early and has a hoary down suggesting an old mans beard. Robins Plaintain (E. pulchellus) is slightly shorter and has fewer, but larger, lilac or violet flower heads, as well as stem leaves that are sparse and stalkless but do not clasp the stem; it is insect-pollinated and also spreads actively by runners.
(1)  An erect, biennial/perennial, 4″-36″ tall forb usually with long, spreading hairs. The flower head is 1/2′ – 3/4″ wide, 150-400 pink to white rays up to 1/3″ long, disks yellow and flat; inflorescence of usually more than 9 heads per cluster; blooms May-Aug. The fruit from the flowers, dry seed on fluffy pappus. It has basal leaves toothed, narrowly-oblong with a rounded tipped; stem leaves clasping. Found in wet areas, woods, shores, meadows. (2)   Thickets, fields, and woods in low prairies and streambanks, often on calcareous clays; in N. America – Labrador to British Columbia, south to Florida and California. A biennial/perennial growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower from Jul to August.(3)
Warnings: Contact with plant can cause dermatitis in sensitive people.
(4)
Edible Uses: None.
(5)
Medicinal Uses : A tea made from the plant is astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic and emmenagogue. It is used in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, gout, gravel, epilepsy and menstrual problems. A poultice of the plant is used to treat headaches and is also applied to sores. It should not be taken by pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage. A snuff made from the powdered florets is used to make a person with catarrh sneeze.
(6)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERPH

Foot Notes: (2) http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=ERIPHI

Foot Notes: ( 3, 4, 5, 6 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Erigeron+philadelphicus
********************************************
#161
Common Name: Syrian Rue, African Rue, Soma
Latin Name:
Peganum harmala
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Range: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PEHA
Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
Photos : Here
Appearance and Habitat: A native of northern India, Afghanistan and southern Russia that began growing in this country in 1930. Originally found near Fallon, Nevada and Deming, New Mexico; it has now spread to other states. It is found mostly on secondary dirt roads and paved roads. In grows in lower canyons, alluvial flats and grazing lands. In the past there have been eradication efforts because the plant is poisonous to sheep. The plant is bright green, composed of many 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 foot tall basal leaves that are theady in appearance. Through the warmer months it has 5 petaled flowers that grow from the leaf axils. The flowers mature into round hollow capsules which contain many small, angular seeds. Brown capsules are resent products, but turn grey in subsequent years. The root is grey-brown, pithy, with yellow heart-wood and is rather hard to dig up.(1)   Dry steppes, especially where grazing is heavy, and dry waste places. It is often found in saline soils. Europe – Mediterranean and southeastern Europe is its range. A perennial, growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 8. The seeds ripen in September. It cannot grow in the shade.(2)
Warnings: Use with caution. Although the seed is used medicinally and as a condiment, it does contain hallucinogenic and narcotic alkaloids. When taken is excess it causes hallucinations and vomiting.(3)
Edible Uses:Seed – used as a spice and purifying agent. Some caution is advised because the seed has narcotic properties, inducing a sense of euphoria and releasing inhibitions. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.(4)
Medicinal Uses :Alterative. The fruit and seed are digestive, diuretic, hallucinogenic, narcotic and uterine stimulant. They are taken internally in the treatment of stomach complaints, urinary and sexual disorders, epilepsy, menstrual problems, mental and nervous illnesses. The seed has also been used as an anthelmintic in order to rid the body of tapeworms. This remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the guidance of a qualified practitioner since excessive doses cause vomiting and hallucinations. The seeds contain the substance ‘harmine’ which is being used in research into mental disease, encephalitis and inflammation of the brain. Small quantities stimulate the brain and are said to be therapeutic, but in excess harmine depresses the central nervous system. A crude preparation of the seed is more effective than an extract because of the presence of related indoles. Consumption of the seed in quantity induces a sense of euphoria and releases inhibitions. It has been used in the past as a truth drug. The oil obtained from the seed is said to be aphrodisiac. The oil is also said to have galactogogue, ophthalmic, soporific and vermifuge properties. The seed is used externally in the treatment of haemorrhoids and baldness. The whole plant is said to be abortifacient, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue and galactogogue. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of rheumatism. The root has been used as a parasiticide in order to kill body lice. It is also used internally in the treatment of rheumatism and nervous conditions.(5)  The root and seeds remain stable for years and make good medicine, while the foliage is useful for only a year. Recent Russian studies have verified many of the folk remedies. The plant is useful for treating skin conditions such as eczematous, exfoliative dermatitis and psoriasis. They respond well to an external wash of the seed tincture or root tincture or tea. The herb tea is an excellent hair and scalp treatment for dandruff, using it after a shampoo, but tends to make the hair stiff. The seeds in tincture (40 drops), or in a #00 capsule will treat depression and make a good anti-depressant. It won’t help with manic depression however. The seed tincture has cardiovascular effects as well, it increases the force of the pulse and aortal flow, while decreasing the pulse rate. It treats high blood pressure in this fashion. The dry herb can be used as a tea or tincture. For the tea, boil 32 parts water to 1 part dried herb (by weight), remove from the heat source and allow it to sit for up to an hour, strain out the plant and return the water to the original level. For the plant tincture or seed tincture (grind seeds) use part dried plant to 5 parts of 50% vodka, place in a jar and shake daily for a week. For the root tincture, follow the same procedure but use 60% vodka at a rate of 1 part dried root to 5 parts vodka. Ingesting up to a dozen capsules of the seed will cause hallucinations.(6)
Other Uses :A red dye is obtained from the seed. It is widely used in Western Asia, especially as a colouring for carpets. The ripe seed contains 3.8 – 5.8% of the alkaloids harmine, harmaline, harmalol and peganine. Ineffective as a contact poison, they are active in vapour form where they are effective against algae, in higher concentrations to water animals and lethal to moulds, bacteria and intestinal parasites. The seed is used as an incense.(7)
Foot Notes: (1, 6 ) Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West by Michael Moore, pages 120-121, Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press, Copyright 1989, ISBN 0-80913-182-1
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5, 7 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Peganum+harmala

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.

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Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 148 -149 Chicory-Gentian

21 Tuesday Aug 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

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Tags

Cichorium intybus, coffee substitute, Gentiana affinis, Gentiana algida, Gentiana andrewsii, Gentiana calycosa, Gentiana parryi, Gentiana saponaria, Gentianella amarella, Gentianella quinquefolia, Gentianella tenella, Gentianopsis simplex, Gentianopsis thermalis, treament of liver enlargement, treat anorexia, treat duodenal ulcers, treat fevers, treat gastric infections, treat gastric ulcers, treat gout, treat hemorrhages, treat indigestion, treat joint inflammations, treat kidney stones, treat liver enlargement, treat malaria, treat poor appetite, treat rheumatic inflammations, treat rheumatism, treat snakebites, treatment for anorexia, treatment for chronic indigestion, treatment for gastric infections, treatment for gout, treatment for urinary gravel, treatment of jaundice, treatment of liver complaints

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. ) 
#148
Common Name: Chicory
Latin Name:
Cichorium intybus
Family: Asteraceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CIIN
All of the lower 48 States, all of lower Canada.
Photos: Here
Appearance and Habitat: An introduced species. It is erect, perennial, 1′-6′ tall forb with milky juice; stems widely branched; long taproot. The leaf is alternate, entire to pinnately-divided, becoming smaller toward the top. The flower heads are up to 1 1/2″ wide with many blue to white rays, no disk; inflorescence of 1-3 widely spaced heads from upper leaf axils; blooms July-Oct. It is usually found on disturbed sites, roadsides.(1)Grassy meadows and arable land, especially on chalk in Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia. A perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to October, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October.(2)A scruffly looking plant with several 2 to 3 foot stems, with the foliage widely spaced along the stems. It’s range is unpredictable, from below 1,000 feet in Southern California to high grazing pastures at 9,300 feet in Montana. It is found in farming and pasture lands in all of the states.(3)
Warnings: Excessive and continued use may impair function of the retina. Slight potential for sensitization. (4) No toxic protential to Chicory and large quantities can be used.  (5)
Edible Uses:Leaves – raw or cooked. The leaves are rather bitter, especially when the plants are flowering. The leaves are often blanched by excluding light, either by removing all the leaves and then earthing up the new growth, or by covering the plant with a bucket or something similar. Whilst this greatly reduces any bitterness, there is also a corresponding loss of vitamins and minerals. The blanched leaves are often used in winter salads (they are known as chicons) and are also cooked. The unblanched leaves are much less bitter in winter and make an excellent addition to salads at this time of year. A nutritional analysis of the leaves is available. Flowers – raw. An attractive addition to the salad bowl, but rather bitter. Root – cooked like parsnip. The boiled young roots form a very palatable vegetable. The root is said to be an ideal food for diabetics because of its inulin content. Inulin is a starch that cannot be digested by humans, it tends to pass straight through the digestive system and is therefore unlikely to be of use to a diabetic. However, the inulin can be used to make a sweetener that is suitable for diabetics to use. Chicory-root is free of harmful ingredients, and is essentially a concentrated combination of three sugars (pentose, levulose and dextrose) along with taraxarcine (the bitter principle of dandelion). It is especially important as source of levulose. Roots are used in seasoning soups, sauces and gravies, and to impart a rich deep colour. The roasted root is used as a caffeine-free coffee adulterant or substitute. Young roots have a slightly bitter caramel flavour when roasted, roots over 2 years old are much more bitter. (6)  For use as coffee, dry the roots and cut them sideways into small sections, then roast in an oven at 350 degrees, then run through a coffee mill or blender. This should be done before they are in flower. (7)
Medicinal Uses :Chicory has a long history of herbal use and is especially of great value for its tonic affect upon the liver and digestive tract. It is little used in modern herbalism, though it is often used as part of the diet. The root and the leaves are appetizer, cholagogue, depurative, digestive, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, laxative and tonic. The roots are more active medicinally. A decoction of the root has proved to be of benefit in the treatment of jaundice, liver enlargement, gout and rheumatism. A decoction of the freshly harvested plant is used for treating gravel. The root can be used fresh or dried, it is best harvested in the autumn. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can also be dried for later use. The root extracts have experimentally produced a slower and weaker heart rate (pulse). The plant merits research for use in heart irregularities. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies – the keywords for prescribing it are ‘Possessiveness’, ‘Self-love’ and ‘Self-pity’. The latex in the stems is applied to warts in order to destroy them[218]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Cichorium intybus for loss of appetite, dyspepsia. ( 8 )Collect the tap roots in the spring of second year plants. Split the roots once or twice, while fresh, and dry them in a shallow box or on newspaper in the shade. The root is a safe and effective diuretic. It increases urin flow and can be used to treat kidney stones and gravel. To use, boil an ounce of the chopped, dried roots in a quart of water and drink it in several doses during the day. Each dose can be up to 3 to 6 ounces at a rate of 4 times daily. You can also drink two tablespoons of the tincture in water twice a day.(9)
Foot Notes: (1)http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=CICINT
Foot Notes: (2, 4, 6, 8 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Cichorium+intybus
Foot Notes: ( 3, 5, 7, 9 ) Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore, pages 80 – 82, Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press, Copyright 2003, ISBN 0-89013-454-5
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#149
Common Name: Gentian, Blue Gentian, Fringed Gentian, Gall Plant,
Latin Name:
Gentiana affinis, G algida,   G. andrewsii, G. calycosa, G. parryi, G. saponaria, Gentianella amarella, G. quinquefolia, G. tenella, Gentianopis simples, G. thermalis
Family: Gentianaceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GENTI
This is the usda main data base for Gentiana only, all States, except Hawaii; all Canadian Provinces, except Nunavut, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GEAF> All States west of the Rocky Mountains, plus N. and S. Dakota, Minnesota and Texas; In Canada; British Columbia to Manitoba and Northwest Territories. (Gentiana affinis)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GEAL2 Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico; In Canada; Yukon. (Gentiana algida)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GEAN All States north of the Ohio R. and north into New England, except Maine, plus Minnesota to Missouri, North Dakota to Nebraska, Colorado, Kentucky, W. Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; In Canada; Saskatchewan to Quebec. (Gentiana andrewsii)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GECA Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California; In Canada; British Columbia and Alberta. (Gentiana calycosa)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GEPA Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. (Gentiana parryi)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GESA All States east of the Mississippi R., except north of New York and Wisconsin. (Gentiana saponaria)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GEAMH Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona and New Mexico. (Gentianella amarella)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GEQUQ New England south to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, plus Maryland, W. Virginia, Virginia, N. and S. Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee; In Canada; Ontario. (Gentianella quinquefolia)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GEQUO States along both banks of the Mississippi R. (except Louisiana), plus Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia and Nebraska; In Canada; Ontario. (Gentianella quinquefolia)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GETET All States west of the Rocky Mountains, plus Alaska; In Canada; British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario and Quebec. (Gentianella tenella)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GESI3 Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and California. (Gentianopsis simplex)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GETH Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. (Gentianopsis thermalis)
Photos: ( click on link after Common name)

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#149(a)
Common Name: Closed Bottle Gentian, Closed Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

Appearance and Habitat:
Closed bottle gentian is a 1-2 ft. plant with narrow, purplish leaves whorled or opposite below clusters of purple flowers which stay closed. Dark blue, bottle-like, cylindrical flowers, nearly closed at tips, in tight clusters atop stem and sometimes in axils of upper leaves. Robust plants may have two whorls of flowers. When in full bloom, the flower looks like a bud about to open. This is one of our most common perennial gentians and the easiest to grow in a moist wildflower garden. Other bottle gentians include a very similar species, Blind Gentian (G. clausa), in which the bands are not longer than the petals. Narrow-leaved Gentian (G. linearis), which occurs chiefly in the north and in the mountains as far south as West Virginia, has very narrow leaves and open flowers. The flowers of Soapwort Gentian (G. saponaria) are light blue and slightly open at the tip; this midwestern species has soapy juice. Stiff Gentian (Gentianella quinquefolia), an annual, has light blue or lilac, open flowers with bristle-pointed, fringeless lobes and a 4-sided stem; it occurs from southwestern Maine south to Florida and from southern Ontario to Missouri, Louisiana, and southern Tennessee.(1)  Meadows, damp prairies and low thickets in Eastern N. America – Quebec to Manitoba, Georgia and Nebraska. It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from Jul to August.(2)
Warnings: None (3)
Edible Uses: None (4)
Medicinal Uses :The root is said to be an antidote to snakebites. An infusion of the roots has been used as a wash and also taken internally in the treatment of pain and headaches. An infusion of the roots has been used as drops for sore eyes. This N. American species has medicinal properties practically identical with the European gentians. The following notes are based on the general uses of G. lutea which is the most commonly used species in the West. Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system, and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant, stomachic. It is taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties. (5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GEAN
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gentiana+andrewsii
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#149(b)
Common Name: Harvestbells, Soapwort Gentian, (Gentiana saponaria)

Appearance and Habitat: Harvestbells or soapwort gentian, a perennial, grows 8-20 in. tall, having light-green, opposite, lance-shade leaves on slender stems. The blue-violet flowers are bottle-shaped, opening only partly, and occur in terminal or axillary clusters.(1)  Wet soils in woodlands in Eastern N. America – Ontario to Minnesota, Connecticut, Florida and Louisiana. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in flower from Aug to October.(2)
Warnings: None (3)
Edible Uses: None (4)
Medicinal Uses :The root is said to be an antidote to snakebites. This N. American species has medicinal properties practically identical with the European gentians. The following notes are based on the general uses of G. lutea which is the most commonly used species in the West. Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system, and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant, stomachic. It is taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties.  (5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GESA
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gentiana+saponaria
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#149(c)
Common Name: Autumn Dwarf Gentian, Felwort (Gentianella amarella)

Appearance and Habitat:
An annual with lanceolate or oblanccolate leaves. It flowers in June through September and the flower color is blue to violet.(1)  Basic pastures, usually amongst short grass and dunes. Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to France, Hungary and the Caucasus. A biennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from Aug to September, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October.(2)
Warnings: None (3)
Edible Uses:None (4)
Medicinal Uses :This species is one of several that can be used as a source of the medicinal gentian root. Gentian has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant and stomachic. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties. The root is anodyne, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, pectoral, refrigerant, stomachic. A substitute for G. lutea. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies – the keywords for prescribing it are ‘Doubt’, ‘Depression’ and ‘Discouragement”(5)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GEAMH
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4, 5) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gentianella+amarella
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#149(d)
Common Name: Agueweed, Stiff Gentain (Gentianella quinquefolia) and (Gentianella quinquefolia occidentalis)

Appearance and Habitat:
Stiff Gentian (Gentianella quinquefolia), an annual, has light blue or lilac, open flowers with bristle-pointed, fringe-less lobes and a 4-sided stem; it occurs from southwestern Maine south to Florida and from southern Ontario to Missouri, Louisiana, and southern Tennessee. quinquefolia sp quinquefolia
(1)  Little Gentian, reflecting its having been split off from the genus Gentiana because, while very similar, was of a different enough character and measurements to warrant its own genus. Quinquefolia is Latin for 5 leaved. An erect, perennial, 3″ – 16″ tall with purple to white flowers 5/8″ long, tubular-shaped with a small opening at the top, no folds between the petals; inflorescence mostly a tall, dense, branched cluster (cyme) at the ends of the stems and branches; blooms Aug.-Oct. The leaf is stalkless, opposite and lanced shaped. Found on dry prairies, woods, in limy soil. quiquefolia sp occidentalis(2)  Rich woods and moist fields in Eastern N. America – southern Ontario to Tennessee and Florida. It is an annual/biennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. (3)
Warnings: None
(4)
Edible Uses: None
(5)
Medicinal Uses :The root is cathartic, febrifuge, haemostatic, stimulant and stomachic. A tea or tincture of the root is a bitter tonic, used to stimulate the digestion and a poor appetite. An infusion has also been used to treat diarrhoea, sore chest, worms and haemorrhages. A homeopathic remedy is made from the root. It is used in the treatment of intermittent fevers and as a stomachic and tonic.  
(6)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GEQUQ

Foot Notes: (2)http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=GENQUI1sOCC
Foot Notes: ( 3, 4, 5, 6 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gentianella+quinquefolia
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(Now For Michael Moore, who will cover the rest)

Photos : (More photos for Michael Moore ) (Gentiana affinis ) (Gentianopsis simplex )
(Gentianopsis thermalis ) (Gentianella tenella) (Gentiana calycosa) (Gentiana parryi) (Gentiana algida)
Appearance and Habitat:
This plant is very distinctive. It tends to smooth with a waxy appearance, usually less than a foot in height. Leafs are opposite, clasp the stem and bright green in color. In some species the leaves appear to be overlapping scales. The annuals usually form a single stem with thin roots, while the perennials have several stems and a root stock or tuber. The most common color for the flowers is purple-blue. The flowers form funnel shapes, tubular shapes and bell shapes. They sometimes have a single flower or flowers growing out of several leaf axils. Gentians habitat is wet meadows or bogs in the mountains of the west. In Montana watch for them at 6,000 feet and above. While in the New Mexico, watch for them at 8,000 feet and above.
Medicinal Uses : When collecting the perennials, collect the root and allow to dry loosely. When collecting the annuals, take the root and all. Tie them is bundles of 1/2 inch diameter for drying. All Gentians contain a bitter glycoside named gentiopicrin. They usually have several water-insoluble sterols – Gentiopicrin (treat malaria) and gentisic acid (treat rheumatic inflammations). Gentian is also an excellent stomach tonic, especially so for the person with chronic indigestion. Take it 30 minutes before a meal, as either tea or tincture. Use a 1/2 teaspoon, or a bit more, of the root or dried herb, and steep in water. Drinking it when it cools down. For the tincture, use 1 part fresh root with two parts 50% vodka, or for the dried root use 1 part dried root to 5 parts 50% vodka. Take 5 – 20 drops 30 minutes before each meal. For tinctures always let them set for a week, shaking them daily. Gentian can also be used for fevers and joint inflammations. One sign that Gentian will help is if you have a dry mouth, your tongue coated and have puffy gums, try some bitters. If you use too much Gentian at one time it might cause nausea, so don’t over do it.
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore, pages 122-125, 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.

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Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 117 – Juniper

29 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

anticancer compound podophyllotoxin, aromatherapy, blood tonic, home remedies, juniper edible berries, juniper poultice, Juniperus ashei, Juniperus communis, Juniperus deppeana, Juniperus horizontalis, Juniperus monosperma, Juniperus occidentalis, Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus scopulorum, Juniperus silicicola, Juniperus virginiana, militia, militia supply, Native American culture, Native American folklore, Native American foods, native american medicine, natural antiseptic, natural diuretic, plants for survival, poultice for toothaches, prepper plant, repel snakes, stomach tonic, treat bladder problems, treat cold and fevers, treat dandruff, treat headaches, treat kidney ;problems, treat rheumatism, treat urinary tract infections, treatment of coughs, treatment of fevers

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. ) 

(Attention!!  If you are a militia member, Prepper, or survivalist please visit the main webite http://keystoliberty.wordpress.com You are missing a great deal of information on spotting snipers, fuel storage, food storage, gardening, and soon a post on suturing.)

#117
Common Name: Juniper, Cedar, Cedron, Sabina
Latin Name: Juniperus communis, J. monosperma, J. occidentalis, J. osteosperma, J. scopulorum covered by Michael Moore and J. ashei, J. californica, J. communis, J. deppeana, J. horizontalis, J. osteosperma, J. sabina,  J. Scopulorum, J. silicicola, J. tetragona and  J. virginiana, covered by PFAF website.
Family: Cupressaceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUAS 
Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas (Juniperus ashei)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUCA7California, Nevada and Arizona. (Juniperus califorica)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUCO6 all of North America except Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. (Juniperus communis)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUDE2 Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. (Juniperus deppeana and Juniperus tetragona)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUHO2 New England south to New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, N. and S. Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Alaska; all of Canada (Juniperus horizontalis)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUOC California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Nevada. (Juniperus occidentalis)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUOS all States west of the Rocky Mountains except Washington and Oregon. (Juniperus osteosperma)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUMO Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas. (Juniperus monosperma)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUSA5Ontario, Canada. (Juniperus sabina)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUSC2 all States west of the Rocky Mountains except California, plus N and S. Dakota,Nebraska,Oklahoma and Texas; in Canada-Saskatchewan to British Columbia (Juniperus scopulorum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUVIS Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, N. and South Carolina. (Juniperus silicicola)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=JUVI all States east of the Mississippi R. and all States along the west bank of the Mississippi R., plus N. and S. Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and Oregon; in Canada – Quebec and Ontario. (Juniperus virginiana)
Photos: (Click on Latin Name after Common Name.)
Warnings: None Known, except Juniperus silicicola – All parts of the plant might be toxic. Juniperus communis -Although the fruits of this plant is quite often used medicinally and as a flavouring in various foods and drinks, large doses of the fruit can cause retal damage. Juniper should not be used internally in any quantities by pregnant women. Diarrhoea with repeated use. Avoid kidney disease. Do not use internally for more than 6 weeks. Juniperus sabina – The whole plant is poinsonous and can produce abortions. Juniperus virginiana – All parts of the plant might be toxic. PFAP website
#117(a)
Common Name: Ashe’s Juniper, Moutain Cedar, Blueberry Juniper (Juniperus ashei )

Appearance and Habitat: Evergreen tree with trunk often grooved and twisted or branched from base, and with rounded or irregular, open crown; sometimes forming thickets. Ashe junipers large, radiating branches, which start almost at ground level, give the illusion of a multi-trunked tree. Female trees with blue berrylike cones; male with a burnt gold appearance in winter due to pollen. Fragrant, dark-green foliage, blue fruits on females, and shaggy bark are characteristic of this 30 ft. evergreen. Though a fragrant, evergreen, and picturesque tree, Ashe Juniper pollen, like that of many junipers, is very irritating to people with cedar allergies, so where the tree occurs in large concentrations, as in central Texas, it often becomes hated and targeted for removal, with various, sometimes invented, rationalizations given for doing so. Ashe Juniper is native, it has been abundant since the earliest European explorers arrived (and likely longer, given evidence that it has been in Texas since the Pleistocene), and it is an integral part of the native flora. The uniquely rich and well-draining soil that builds up as juniper leaves fall and decompose is ideal for several native plants, some of which tend to occur almost exclusively in association with it, including Cedar Sage (Salvia roemeriana) and Cedar Rosette Grass (Dichanthelium pedicillatum). The beautiful but notoriously difficult to propagate Texas Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis) also seems to germinate best in the soil beneath these trees. Other central Texas plants often seen under or near it are American Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus), White Limestone Honeysuckle (Lonicera albiflora), Lindheimers Garrya (Garrya ovata var. lindheimeri), and Orange Zexmenia (Wedelia texana). Better known is that a rare warbler, the Golden-cheeked Warbler, uses Ashe Juniper bark almost exclusively to build its nests. Many kinds of wildlife eat the sweetish berries, and the durable wood is a local source of fenceposts.(1)Found at lower elevations, growing mainly on limestone hills or in soils underladen with limestone. Southern N. America-Missouri to Texas and south to Mexico. An evergreen tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 7. It is in leaf 12-Jan, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. The cones are about 6 – 8mm in diameter, they are thin-skinned sweet, juicy and resinous.(3)
Medicinal Uses: None
(4)
Foot Notes:
(1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUAS
Foot Notes:
(2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+ashei

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#117(b)
Common Name: California Juniper, Desert White Cedar
(Juniperus californica )
Appearance and Habitat:
A tree-like shrub, 10-15 ft. high, with stout, irregular stems and a broad, erect, open habit. Bark is ashy gray, foliage is bluish-gray and scale-like, and berry-like cones are bluish, turning reddish-brown. Able to withstand heat and drought, this species extends farther down into the semidesert zone than other junipers and is important in erosion control on dry slopes. Indians used to gather the berries to eat fresh and to grind into meal for baking.
(1) Dry rocky or gravelly or sandy soils on dry mountain slopes and hills, 120 – 1200 meters in South-western N. America. An evergreen tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Feb to April, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. A thick, sweet, dry, fibrous and non-resinous flesh. It can also be dried and ground into a powder then used as a flavouring in various dishes or eaten as a mush. The fruit is produced abundantly in the wild, though it is unlikely to be freely produced in Britain. The cones are about 10 – 20mm in diameter
(3)
Medicinal Uses: The scorched twigs have been rubbed on the body in the treatment of fits. The leaves are analgesic, diaphoretic and hypotensive. An infusion has been used in the treatment of high blood pressure, coughs and colds and to bring relief from a hangover (the bark was also used in this case). It has also been taken by pregnant women just prior to childbirth in order to relax the muscles.
(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUCA7
Foot Notes:
(2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx LatinName=Juniperus+californica

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#117(c)
Common Name: Common Juniper
(Juniperus communis)

Appearance and Habitat: Usually a spreading low shrub, sometimes forming broad or prostrate clumps; rarely a small tree with an open irregular crown. Although commonly a tree in Eurasia, Common Juniper is only rarely a small tree in New England and other northeastern States. In the West, it is a low shrub, often at timberline. Including geographic varieties, this species is the most widely distributed native conifer in both North America and the world. Juniper berries are food for wildlife, especially grouse, pheasants, and bobwhites. They are an ingredient in gin, producing the distinctive aroma and tang. (1) Chalk downs in S. England but only where there is least sunshine and most rain, heaths, moors, pine and birch woods in the north of Scotland on acid peat, often dominant on chalk, limestone and slate. Northern temperate zone, incl. Britain, south to the mountains of N. Africa, Himalayas and California. An evergreen shrub growing to 9 m (29ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. It is usually harvested in the autumn when fully ripe and then dried for later use. A soft, mealy, sweet, resinous flesh. The fruit is often used as a flavouring in sauerkraut, stuffings, vegetable pates etc, and is an essential ingredient of gin. The aromatic fruit is used as a pepper substitute according to one report. An essential oil is sometimes distilled from the fruit to be used as a flavouring. Average yields are around 1%. The cones are about 4 – 8mm in diameter and take 2 – 3 years to mature. Some caution is advised when using the fruit, see the notes above on toxicity. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. A tea is made by boiling the leaves and stems. A tea made from the berries has a spicy gin-like flavour.(3)
Medicinal Uses: Juniper fruits are commonly used in herbal medicine, as a household remedy, and also in some commercial preparations. They are especially useful in the treatment of digestive disorders plus kidney and bladder problems. The fully ripe fruits are strongly antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, strongly diuretic, rubefacient, stomachic and tonic. They are used in the treatment of cystitis, digestive problems, chronic arthritis, gout and rheumatic conditions. They can be eaten raw or used in a tea, but some caution is advised since large doses can irritate the urinary passage. Externally, it is applied as a diluted essential oil, having a slightly warming effect upon the skin and is thought to promote the removal of waste products from underlying tissues. It is, therefore, helpful when applied to arthritic joints etc. The fruits should not be used internally by pregnant women since this can cause an abortion. The fruits also increase menstrual bleeding so should not be used by women with heavy periods. When made into an ointment, they are applied to exposed wounds and prevent irritation by flies. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is ‘Toxin elimination’.
(4)
Foot Notes:
(1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUCO6
Foot Notes:
(2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+communis

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#117(d)
Common Name: Allegator Juniper, Checkerboard Juniper
(Juniperus deppeana)

Appearance and Habitat: Alligator juniper forms a broadly-pyramidal or round-topped crown. The distinctive bark is furrowed into checkered plates. Fragrant, dark blue-green, scale-like foliage and copper-colored fruit are other landscape characteristics. This evergreen grows to 48 ft. in height. Alligator Juniper is easily recognized by its distinctive bark. One of the largest junipers, it is used for fuel and fenceposts. New sprouts often appear at the base of cut stumps. The large berries are consumed by birds and mammals. Large trees often have a partially dead crown of grotesque appearance with some branches that die and turn light gray instead of falling; other branches die only in a vertical strip and continue to grow on the other side.(1) Open oak or pine woodlands on dry, arid mountains slopes, 1200 – 1800 meters in South-western N. America – Texas, Arizona and Mexico. An evergreen tree growing to 18 m (59ft 1in) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Feb to March, and the seeds ripen from Oct to November.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. A dry and mealy texture but with a sweet and palatable taste. The fruit can also be dried, ground into a meal and prepared as a mush or cakes. The fruit has a sweetish palatable pulp and is about 15mm in diameter. The cones take 2 years to mature(3)
Medicinal Uses: None
(4)
Foot Notes:
(1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUDE2
Foot Notes:
(2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+deppeana

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#117(e)
Common Name: Creeping Juniper
(Juniperus horizontalis)

Appearance and Habitat: Creeping juniper is a procumbent, mat-like, evergreen shrub, less than 3 ft. tall but up to 20 ft. wide. Long, trailing branches are covered with conspicuously glaucous, soft-textured, blue-green, scale-type foliage. Juvenile foliage is prickly. Dark blue, berry-like cones with a heavy, white bloom, persist through winter.(1) Dry rocky soil, sterile pastures and fields in Northern N. America – Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Washington and Maine. An evergreen shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 3 m (9ft). It is hardy to zone 4. It is in leaf 12-Jan, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)
Edible Uses: The fruits are roasted and used in the preparation of a coffee-like beverage. A tea is made from the young branch tips.(3)
Medicinal Uses: An infusion of the branches, or fleshy cones, has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds and fevers. The cones or branches can also be used as a steam bath. An infusion of the seeds has been used in the treatment of kidney problems
(4)
Foot Notes:
(1)(http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUHO2
Foot Notes: 2, 3, 4)
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+horizontalis

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#117(f)
Common Name: Oneseed Juniper, Cherrystone Juniper
(Juniperus monosperma)

Appearance and Habitat: One-seed juniper is a large shrub or small tree, 6-20 ft., with a gnarled, multi-trunked appearance in the wild. Larger branches usually arise from below ground level. Bark is thin, scaly and ashy. Fragrant foliage is scale-like on mature twigs; needle-like on juvenile shoots and seedlings. Bluish-black to copper-colored fruits occur on the female plants. This abundant juniper is one of the most common small trees in New Mexico. The wood is important for fenceposts and fuel, and Indians used to make mats and cloth from the fibrous bark. Birds and mammals consume the juicy berries, and goats browse the foliage.(1) Dry rocky or sandy soils, 1000 – 2300 meters in South-western N. America – along the Rocky Mountains from Wyoming to Mexico. An evergreen tree growing to 18 m (59ft 1in) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone 4. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. Soft, juicy and pulpy, but with a thin flesh. It can be dried and ground into a powder and then be baked, or can be used as a seasoning in stews etc. The fruits were only used when other foods were in short supply. The cones are about 5 – 8mm in diameter and ripen in their first year. Inner bark – raw or cooked. It was chewed in times of food shortage for the little nourishment it supplied. The gum is chewed as a delicacy. No further details are given.(3)
Medicinal Uses: One-seed juniper was commonly employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes, who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves are febrifuge, laxative and pectoral. An infusion is used in the treatment of stomach complaints, constipation, coughs and colds. An infusion was also used by pregnant women prior to childbirth in order to relax the muscles. A poultice of the heated twigs can be bound over a bruise or sprain in order to reduce the swelling. An infusion of the staminate cones has been used as a stomach tonic and in the treatment of dysentery. The chewed bark has been applied externally to help heal spider bites. It is also highly prized as a dressing on burns. The fruits are strongly diuretic. A gum from the plant has been used as a temporary filling in a decayed toothheadaches
(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUMO
Foot Notes:
(2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+monosperma
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#117(g)
Common Name: Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)

Appearance and Habitat: Western juniper is a 15-50 ft. , evergreen tree with a massive, squat trunk; large, wide-spreading branches; and reddish-brown, shreddy bark. Foliage is gray-green and berries are blue-black at maturity. Younger specimens are more trim and erect than their mature counterparts, with paler green foliage. Western Juniper is common at high altitudes in the Sierra Nevada. Giants reach a trunk diameter of 16 (5 m) and an estimated age of more than 2000 years. This species may develop thick, long roots that entwine rock outcrops, mimicking the shape of the branches.(1)Usually found on thin rocky or sandy soils on desert foothills and lower mountains, also on windswept peaks up to elevations of 3,000 meters where they become low gnarled shrubs. Western N. America – British Columbia to the Sierra Nevada. An evergreen tree growing to 18 m (59ft 1in) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in leaf 12-Jan, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. A thin dry flesh with a resinous flavour. The fruit is sweet and nutritious, it can also be dried or ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flours to be made into a bread.The cones are about 10mm in diameter, they take 2 years to mature(3)
Medicinal Uses: Western juniper was quite widely employed as a medicinal herb by a number of native North American tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, especially those related to the kidneys and the skin. It is rarely, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves are blood tonic and laxative. A decoction is used in the treatment of constipation, coughs and colds. An infusion of the leaves has been taken by pregnant women prior to giving birth in order to relax the muscles. A poultice of the pounded moistened leaves has been applied to the jaw to treat swollen and sore gums and toothaches. The berries are analgesic, blood tonic and diuretic. A decoction is used to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and to induce urination. Externally, the decoction is used as a poultice on rheumatic joints. The young twigs are antiseptic, blood tonic and febrifuge. A decoction is used in the treatment of kidney problems, fevers, stomach aches, smallpox, influenza and haemorrhages. The branches have been used in a sweat bath to ease rheumatism. A poultice of the twigs has been used as a dressing on burns and as a drawing agent on boils or splinters. A decoction has been used as an antiseptic wash on sores. The leaves or young twigs have been burnt and the smoke inhaled to ease the pain of headaches.
(4)
Foot Notes:
(1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUOC
Foot Notes:
(2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+occidentalis

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#117(h)
Common Name: Utah Juniper
(Juniperus osteosperma)

Native American Name: Sammapo (Shoshone), Wapi (Paiute), Paal (Washoe) Bat-they-naw (Arapaho)(1)
Appearance and Habitat: Utah Juniper is a tree-like shrub or bushy, small tree, 10-20 ft. tall. The plant forms rounded clumps or crowns. Branchlets are stiff with thin, ashy, scaly bark. Foliage is scale-like on mature twigs; needle-like on juvenile shoots and seedlings. Fruit is red-brown beneath a bloom when mature. The most common juniper in Arizona, it is conspicuous at the south rim of the Grand Canyon and on higher canyon walls. Utah Juniper grows slowly, becoming craggier and more contorted with age. American Indians used the bark for cordage, sandals, woven bags, thatching, and matting. They also ate the berries fresh or in cakes. Birds and small mammals also consume quantities of juniper berries. Junipers are also called cedars; Cedar Breaks National Monument and nearby Cedar City in southwestern Utah are named for this tree. Scattered tufts of yellowish twigs with whitish berries found on the trees are a parasitic mistletoe, which is characteristic of this tree. (2)Thin, dry rocky or gravelly soils on mountain slopes and high plains in desert regions between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. South-western N. America-California to New Mexico and Wyoming. An evergreen tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in leaf 12-Jan, and the seeds ripen in October.(3)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. A thin flesh, it is sweet but strongly flavoured of resin and has a mealy texture. Used as a flavouring in stews. The fruit can be eaten fresh or it can be dried and ground into a powder then baked into cakes. The cones are about 6 – 18mm in diameter, they take 2 years to mature(4)
Medicinal Uses: Desert juniper was widely employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, especially those connected to the bladder and kidneys and to the skin. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves are antiseptic, blood tonic and laxative. A decoction is used in the treatment of constipation. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to the jaw to treat toothaches and sore and swollen gums. A decoction of the young twigs has been used in the treatment of stomach aches, kidney complaints, haemorrhages, coughs and colds. Fumes from the burning twigs have been inhaled in the treatment of headaches and colds. The branches have been used in a sweat bath to treat rheumatism. A strong decoction has been used as an antiseptic wash on sores. A poultice of the mashed twigs has been used as a dressing on burns and swellings. The seeds are analgesic. They have been eaten in the treatment of headaches. The fruits are analgesic, blood tonic and diuretic. A decoction has been used to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps, to induce urination and to treat kidney complaints, fevers, coughs and colds. Externally, a decoction has been used as a poultice on rheumatic joints.
(5)Native Americans of the west used Juniper berries for the treatment of bladder problems by ingesting them, eaten or placed in tea. They also used it for rheumatism and arthritis by having burning wood down to the coals, laying fresh Juniper boughs on the coals and have the patient lie down on them and steam while drinking tea from the leaves. For birth control they would drink a cup of tea from the berries for three successive days. They used the tea also to end hiccoughs. The Arapaho used J. sibirica needles by placing them on hot rocks or on a stove to help drive smallpox away. The Shoshones had a folk lore about the Coyote, it was said that the Coyote could make pine nuts because he was the smartest of animals, but when all gathered to watch him, they turned out to be Juniper berries.(6)
Other Uses:
The Shoshone and Paiute Tribes used Juniper branches to make their bows.(7)
Foot Notes:
(1, 6, 7)Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Murphey, pages 19, 41, 43, 45-47, 50, 52 , Publisher: Meyerbooks Copy right 1990; ISBN 0-916638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUOS
Foot Notes:
(3 , 4, 5 )http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+osteosperma
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#117(i)
Common Name: Rocky Mountain Juniper, Rocky Mountain Red Cedar (Juniperus scopulorum)
Appearance and Habitat:
A columnar to somewhat rounded evergreen tree, Rocky Mountain juniper often supports several main stems. The juvenile foliage consists of pointed, white-coated needles. Adult, scale-like foliage varies in color from dark- to bluish- or light-green. Round, dark-blue, berry-like cones, covered with a whitish bloom, ripen in the second year. Mature size is from 30-40 ft. high with a spread of 3-15 ft. Bark is reddish-brown or gray and shedding. A graceful ornamental, often with narrow crown of drooping foliage, several varieties differ in form and in leaf color. The aromatic wood is especially suited for cedar chests and is also used for lumber, fenceposts, and fuel. Wildlife eat the berries.(1) Scattered singly on dry rocky ridges, foothills and bluffs in montane areas or in dry habitats of the coastal forest region. The best specimens are found on slightly alkaline soils. Western N. America – British Columbia to Mexico and California. An evergreen tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 3. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. Sweet and fleshy, but strongly flavoured. Resinous. Often used as a flavouring, imparting a sage-like taste, for which purpose it is usually dried and ground into a powder. The fruit can also be dried and ground into a meal for making mush and cakes.The fruits are about 5 – 8mm in diameter. The roasted fruit is a coffee substitute. A tea is made from the fruits and young shoots(3)
Medicinal Uses: Rocky Mountain juniper was widely employed medicinally by many native North American Indian tribes who used it in particular to treat problems connected with the chest and kidneys. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. A tea made from the terminal shoots has been used in the treatment of VD by some N. American Indian tribes. The treatment has to be taken over a long period of time. The fruits are appetizer, diuretic and stomachic. An infusion has been used in the treatment of stomach, kidney and bladder problems. An infusion of the twigs has been used in the treatment of fevers, pneumonia, coughs and colds. A poultice of the mashed and dampened branches has been applied to skin sores. The leaves are diaphoretic, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, laxative, sedative and tonic. A decoction has been used in the treatment of internal bleeding, constipation and constant coughing. The leaves have been boiled, then mixed with turpentine and used as an external treatment on rheumatic joints. The leaves have been rubbed into the hair in order to treat dandruff.
(4)
Foot Notes:
(1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUSC2
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+scopulorum
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#117(j)
Common Name: Southern Red Cedar
(Juniperus silicicola)

Appearance and Habitat: Evergreen aromatic tree with narrow or spreading crown, lower branches drooping; sometimes forming thickets. This southeastern coastal relative of Eastern Red Cedar is distinguished by its often drooping foliage and smaller berries and is planted as an ornamental. The wood is similarly used for fenceposts, cedar chests, cabinetwork, and carvings. The Latin name silicola means growing in sand.(1) Low wet areas of swamps, steams and creek margins and flood-plain woodlands. Tolerating varying levels of soil moisture, it also grows in open woods and abandoned fields, usually on limestone. South-eastern N. America – South Carolina to Texas. An evergreen tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen in October(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. A thin, sweetish resinous flesh, the cones are about 7 – 10mm in diameter and have a thin skin.(3)
Medicinal Uses: The leaves are analgesic, antirheumatic, diuretic and febrifuge. An infusion has been used in the treatment of fevers, stiff neck, backache, headaches, low fever, coughs, colds and diarrhoea. A decoction of the leaves has been used as a body rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism. The following reports are for the closely related J. virginiana, they probably also apply to this species. The leaves are anthelmintic, diuretic, rubefacient and stimulant. A decoction has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds, general weakness and as a medicine for convalescents. The berries are anthelmintic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue and mildly antiseptic. They have been chewed as a treatment for mouth ulcers or made into a tea to treat colds, rheumatism, worms etc. The fresh young twigs are used as a diuretic. An infusion has been used both internally and as a steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism. The essential oil from the wood is an abortifacient, in some cases it has caused vomiting, convulsions, coma and death. The plant is said to contain the anticancer compound podophyllotoxin. The essential oil from the berries is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is ‘Composing’
(4)
Foot Notes:
(1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUVIS
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+silicicola
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#117(k)
Common Name: Eastern Red Cedar, Virginia Juniper
(Juniperus virginiana)

Appearance and Habitat: Evergreen, aromatic tree with trunk often angled and buttressed at base and narrow, compact, columnar crown; sometimes becoming broad and irregular. Pyramidal when young, Eastern red-cedar mature form is quite variable. This evergreen usually grows 30-40 ft. but can reach 90 ft. Fragrant, scale-like foliage can be coarse or fine-cut, and varies in color from gray-green to blue-green to light- or dark-green. All colors tend to brown in winter. Pale blue fruits occur on female plants. Soft, silvery bark covers the single trunk. The most widely distributed eastern conifer, native in 37 states, Eastern Red Cedar is resistant to extremes of drought, heat, and cold. Red Cedar can be injurious to apple orchards because it is an alternate host for cedar-apple rust, a fungal disease. First observed at Roanoke Island, Virginia, in 1564, it was prized by the colonists for building furniture, rail fences, and log cabins. (1)Dry, rarely wet, open woods and rock slopes, often on limestone. Infertile soils and old pastures in Central and Eastern N. America from Canada south to Georgia and Texas. An evergreen growing to 20 m (65ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone 4. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen in October.(2)
Edible Uses: Fruit – raw or cooked. A sweetish resinous flesh. They can be crushed and used as a flavouring in soups and stews. The cones are about 5mm in diameter. About 10mm according to another report. A tea is made from the fruit. It is not very nice. It is made from the young branchlets and the fruit according to one report. (3)
Medicinal Uses: Pencil cedar leaves were much used medicinally by the native N. American Indians, and also in folk medicine by the white settlers, especially to treat chest complaints and skin problems such as venereal warts and other excrescences. The leaves are anthelmintic, diuretic, rubefacient and stimulant. A decoction has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds, general weakness and as a medicine for convalescents. The berries are anthelmintic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue and mildly antiseptic. They have been chewed as a treatment for mouth ulcers or made into a tea to treat colds, rheumatism, worms etc. The fresh young twigs are used as a diuretic. An infusion has been used both internally and as a steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism. The essential oil from the wood is an abortifacient, in some cases it has caused vomiting, convulsions, coma and death. The plant is said to contain the anticancer compound podophyllotoxin. The essential oil from the berries is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is ‘Composing’.
(4)
Foot Notes:
(1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUVI
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+virginiana
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(Now for Michael Moore)
Appearance and Habitat: There are two types of Junipers, small trees with dark olive green scaly, legless twigs, and a high altitude shrub with sharp pine-like needles. Both the fruit and the leaves, or scales, have a strong aromatic. The fruit or seeds are nearly perfectly round and green, at first, turning a frosted blue by spring. The high altitude types, such as J. communis, are flattened shrubs that eventually can reach a circumference of ten to fifteen feet. The needle leaves are sharp prickly with a bluish green color, which is lighter underneath. The purple berries are green the first fall and are spread among the branches with mature berries from the year before. Generally the berries are clustered on the underside of the outer branches. The high altitude Junipers (J. cummunis, J. sibirica, and J. montana) are usually found above 8,000 feet but can grow to timberline. The tree Junipers are found at lower altitudes in dry foothills from 1,500 feet to 8,000 feet. They can form pure stands, but normally they are found in an area with Pinion Pine, especially true in Arizona and New Mexico.
Edible Uses: The berries are necessary in venison marinades and in cooking any wild meats. Use ten berries per pound of meat. They are also used in making sauerkraut and German potato salad. The leaves make a good garnish for wild fowl and fish by placing them with the food shortly before removing them from the heat. (3)
Medicinal Uses: Collect the fruit and dry them loosely in hanging cheesecloth by doubling over the cheesecloth to form a pocket for the fruit to dry. Only pick the fruit when it is ripe (bluish or purplish in color) Collect the leaves or scales by removing small branches, wrap them together in bundles about an inch in diameter to dry. Remember never dry herbs in the sun.
Juniper is most frequently used for urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis. The berries are the most effective. Use a teaspoon of the crushed berries or a rounded teaspoon of the leaves to make a tea. Use a cup of water in making the tea and steep them for 15 minutes. You can drink up to three cups daily. Juniper should not be used when there is a kidney infection or kidney weakness as the oils excreted in the urine can be irritating to such inflammations. Eating a few berries prior to a meal will stimulate the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which are normal secretions. The aromatic properties of all Junipers have been used by many cultures to ward off negative influences such as bad magic or plagues. With so many cultures using Juniper for the aromatic properties it has to be beneficial to humans. The berries have been thrown on hot rocks in sweat lodges, saunas, and the foliage made into incense. During pregnancy eating or the berries or drinking the tea from the foliage is not recommended as the volative oils can have a vasodilating effect on the uterine lining.
 Medicinal Plants Of the Mountain West  by Michael Moore, 1st Edition, page 93-94, publisher:  Museum of New Mexico Press ; copy right 1979  ISBN 0-89013-104-X  
Blog Master’s Note: I firmly believe that when camping or backpacking, if you place fresh Juniper/Cedar branches around your sleeping bag  and maybe make a mattress out of them (that the snake would have to crawl over or through) you would be safe from snakes.   There is something in the oil from Juniper/Cedar that will kill a snake.

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.

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

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

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Tags

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

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. ) 
#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=MAAN3
all 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=COMA25
all 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.

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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

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. ) 
#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

*************************
#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
*************************************
#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
************************************
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.

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