Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Turn Your Yard into a Convenient Pharmacy
*WIP* - This will start off as a non-interactive thread and receive updates for a while.
* Administration of these plant derivatives should be further investigated by the reader as they are only offered here as an overview, and not all precautions or important information may be listed.
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Aloe Vera
Growing:
This plant is easy to grow and will flourish on neglect, and shouldn't be over fed. Water it about once a week. If the soil isn't very dry, Delay watering if the soil isn't really dry. This plant can be grown in doors, but it will grow faster outdoors. The plant is vulnerable to harsh sunlight and freezing. The roots will rot if exposed to long periods of moist soil (use a pot with a drain hole). When your plant gets root bound, it will send out more new shoots. Take them are out or they will kill the plant. You can replant these shoots and start new aloe plants from them.
Symptoms and causes of poor plant health:
*Leaves thin / curled - Not getting enough water
*Leaves lay flat instead of growing up - Usually caused by insufficient light.
*Brown leaves - Too much direct light
Commonly Used For:
For external use: apply generously to affected area, for internal, drink the juice of the aloe vera.
External uses:
acne, infections, burns, scalds, skin and scalp care, vapor ingredient for asthma, gargle for sore throat (is edible), ear aches
Cut the leaves closest to the ground first with a sharp knife (they are the oldest and most potent). The leaf will not be growing back. You can cut off the tip, part, or all of a leaf. The aloe plant will heal itself quickly. Slice the leaf across it's width (filet) to harvest a clear gel.
Supplemental Information:
Older plants are more potent. Typically the larger the plant, the older it is.
Last edited by madthumbs on Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:26 am; edited 1 time in total
Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:55 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Agnus Castus
*draft*
Nativity:
Woodlands and dry areas of southern Europe and western Asia
Growing:
Easy to grow. Most any soil will work, but must have good drainage (moderate to moist soil)! Susceptible to mushrooms, root rot, and nematodes. Will grow in direct or indirect sunlight. Susceptible to extreme cold (wind barrier may help). This tree can be propagated by seed in the spring or fall or cuttings during warm weather.
A pdf from hort.ufl.edu/trees/VITAGNA.pdf : Vitagna.pdf
Commonly Used For:
regulation of menstruation, menopause, PMS, alleviate hormonal imbalances due to excess estrogen and deficiency of progesterone (could restore fertility), menstrual acne,
Harvesting:
The seeds and fruits are harvested. The fruit can be dried and has a pepper like flavor and aroma.
Side Effects / Precautions:
Regarded as extremely safe, side effects may include minor stomach upset and a mild itchy skin rash. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and should not be used in conjunction with hormone therapy.
Administration:
The German Commission E monograph recommends a daily dose of 30–40 mg of the dried fruit, in capsules or in liquid preparations.
- Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 108.
Last edited by madthumbs on Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:26 am; edited 2 times in total
Wed Feb 27, 2008 7:42 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Evening Primrose
*draft*
Nativity:
Evening Primrose is a perennial plant from southeastern Nebraska, Missouri and southward and is hardy to USDA zone 5.
Growing:
Germinate seeds in the dark at 18-20C degrees ~10 weeks ahead. They take from 7-28 days to germinate. Plant immediately after last frost ideally in a light sandy acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 7) around 35cm apart from each other and at least 50cm from other plants. Water during dry periods, and prune after flowering to prevent seeds from spreading (these things can spread like guppies in a fish tank taking over your garden).
Collect the seeds at the beginning of the flowering season. Tinctures and infusions can be made from the whole plant including the roots. The commercial oil is derived from the seeds which are ground and heavily processed.
Side Effects and Precautions:
Research suggests that the refined seed oil should be used with caution in epileptic patients or those who routinely experience seizures.
Administration:
Up to 15 drops of whole plant tincture up to 3x a day, Up to 3 tsp whole plant in infusion per day,
Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:19 am
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Hot Peppers
*draft*
Growing:
6-8 weeks before planting, Seeds should be sewn in airy, well drained soil. A greenhouse is ideal and should maintain a temperature above 60F. The seeds sprout in 16-20 days. When they're large enough to manage, they are ready to plant. Take care to never let them suffer drought or cold.
Plant in generally moist soil, rich in organic matter. Fertilizing with a lot of nitrogen could result in great foliage, but poor quality peppers. Like tomatoes, peppers are a fruit and require similar care. Peppers are more vulnerable to cold than tomatoes. 18 inches apart in rows, 2 feet apart in a sunny (direct sunlight) location is ideal. Weed frequently taking care not to harm the roots of the plant. but not so deeply that the roots are harmed. Snap or cut the stems of the peppers as they ripen, new ones will grow to replace them throughout the summer. If you grow them in pots, make sure the soil is well drained. You want the soil a bit dry. Plants can be moved indoors for the winter.
Commonly Used For:
sore throats (lozenges exist), colds, psoriasis, peptic ulcers, arthritis pain, internal bleeding, circulation, cancer (colon / prostate), scabies, pimples, stomach ache, stomach ulcers, cluster headaches, tooth ache, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint flexibility, an anti-inflammatory, neuropathies, frost bite, and low blood pressure
Side Effects and Precautions:
Burning and irritation
Administration:
In most cases ingestion, direct application or both are done. If you're not sure, just do some web searching on the subject.
Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:57 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Great Burdock
*draft*
Nativity
Asia and Europe, but can be found in America
Commonly Used For:
acne, bruises, herpes boils, hair loss prevention, elimination of toxins in body, rashes, burns, eczema, impetigo, ringworm, insect bites, urinary tract infections, fungal infections such as ringworm, skin infections, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and liver diseases.
Side Effects and Precautions:
Can cause miscarriage, stimulant
Administration:
The root or herb can be used as a tea or tincture. Both have separate uses.
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:35 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Can be planted using seeds, seedlings, saplings, root suckers, and even tissue culture. Commonly grown from seed, either planted on site or transplanted as seedlings.
The fruit drops from the trees, and when wet, then pulp is removed by rubbing against something coarse. The seeds should be white when clean. InTogo and Senegal, people leave the cleaning to the fruit bats and birds.
Seeds may only be viable for 2 months, but can last up to 5 years under refrigeration.
Growing
Neem grows in almost all lowland tropic areas, but best on annual rain falls of 500-1,100 mm in very hot conditions. Extended cold, freezing will kill it as well as having waterlogged roots. It can grow good on dry, and otherwise infertile habitations such as stony, sterile, shallow, soil or soil with a hardpan near the surface even though it's root can be twice as tall as the tree itself. Can grow on some acidic soils, and possibly heal the soil with it's alkaline leaves.
Weeding is almost unnecessary once the plant gets established. Neem grows fast and dominates most other plants. Neem can be propagated by birds, bats or baboons taking on characteristics of a weed.
Soil deficient in zinc or potassium can drastically reduce growth rate. Chlorosis of the leaf tips and leaf margins is a sign of deficiency. Potassium deficiency will show up as leaf tip and marginal chlorosis along with die back (necrosis).
Commonly Used For
All parts of the tree are used for medical preparations, the seeds and leaves are mostly used for pesticide. Though it's most popular use is as an insecticide, it is susceptible to at least a dozen pests and a fungus itself.
Anti-pathogen- effects are selective against parasites, yeast, bacteria, (eg Leprosy, Tuberculosis). Anticancerous, antiviral, anti-allergen, antidiabetic, anti-hepotoxic, wound healing, cardio-vascular support, skin diseases, hemorrhoids, anti-pyretic, anti-histamine, arthritis, both female and male contraceptive (can also be used for infertility in another way).
Supplemental Information
Twigs are used for brushing teeth in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and is an effective form of dental care.Neem oil is used in preparing cosmetics (soap, shampoo, balms and creams), and is useful problematic skin conditions.
Last edited by madthumbs on Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:31 pm; edited 9 times in total
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:38 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Marsh Mallow
Nativity
Marshy coastal areas
Growing
Marsh Mallow is a hardy perennial that grows around 6 feet high. Marsh mallow thrives best in full sunlight, and a mixture of earthy clay and sand. Plant seeds in the spring, and thin to at least a foot apart, and as they grow do not let them become congested.
Harvesting
You can pick the leaves any time or as needed. Gather the seeds when they ripened. Roots can be dug up in the fall and steeped to make a syrup that can soften and moisten skin. The rest of the marsh mallow plant should be dried for storage.
Commonly Used For
Boil the leaves or use the liquid the from steeped roots to make a slime for dry coarse skin. Cooled slime can help sooth a sunburn, or moisturize dry hair. The thick mucilage in this plant has been used throughout history for constipation and bronchial problems.
Alternate Uses
Flowers can be used for bouquets. The flowers, leaves, and seeds are edible and can be used in Salads. To prepare the root for consumption: boil it until soft, then fry, and salt to taste.
Last edited by madthumbs on Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:42 am; edited 3 times in total
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:39 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Gotu Kola
Growing
Can be grown in a water garden, pond, shallow water or in a well watered container or hanging basket. Gotu Kola is a creeping perennial which propagates through above ground runners which can reach 4 ft wide in a single season. Sun or shade should be fine.
Side Effects / Precautions:
In small doses, Gotu Kola has a stimulating effect. Large doses have a narcotic effect carrying these symptoms: stupor, headache. In extreme cases, vertigo or coma could occur. The dosage should be lowered or treatment halted if headache occurs. As with all medicinals: Avoid if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not combine with tranquilizers or sedatives. Do not use if you have an overactive thyroid or are taking thyroid medicine. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to it's pollen or their skin may react to it's application, so "test the water" slowly with this herb.
Preparation:
For tea, pour a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried, crushed leaves and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. For treating skin conditions, the leaves can be applied directly, however use precaution as a negative reaction could occur.
Commonly Used For:
ADD, increasing intelligence / brain function, relief from colds / flu, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, heart problems, epilepsy, insomnia, jaundice and liver complaints, inflammation, skin disease, syphilis, muscle and joint problems, TB, hysteria, mental illness, eczema, epilepsy, insanity, hair loss, fever, longevity, memory, nervous disorders, psoriasis, senility, skin conditions, venereal disease, tetanus, rheumatism, and complaints of the lower intestine and bowel. diuretic, fever, strengthening veins and capillaries, rheumatism, fatigue, reflexes.
Last edited by madthumbs on Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:14 pm; edited 3 times in total
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:39 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Wild Comfrey can be found in Alabama (AL), Arkansas (AR), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), District of Columbia (DC), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), North Dakota (ND), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Pennsylvania (PA), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), West Virginia (WV) and Wisconsin (WI)
Growing:
Comfrey will self-sow and can become a nuisance. Place several seeds to a 4 inch pot of soil just barely covered with dirt at room temperature for 90 days, then refrigerate to jump start the germination, and plant in late May. Can grow in full sunshine, but does better in partly shaded well watered soil.
Commonly Used For:
Symphytum officinale is the variety of comfrey for medicinal uses. People use comfrey for: Healing wounds, broken bones, skin conditions, insect bites, inflamed bunions,, nose bleeds, sunburn, arthritis, sprains, bruises, torn ligaments, stomach ulcers, bowel ulcers, respiratory ailments, and bedsores.
Harvesting:
Allantoin is found in the roots and leaves. Allantoin helps new skin cells to grow, while other substances in comfrey help reduce inflammation.
Side Effects / Precautions:
Rare allergic reactions are possible such as: Difficult breathing, swelling of throat or lips, tongue, face, or hives.
Compounds in comfrey are toxic to the liver and it's advised not to take comfrey internally. Some varieties contain more of these toxic compounds than others.
Administration:
Poultice for healing wounds. Internally as a tea or blended plant extract.
Last edited by madthumbs on Thu May 15, 2008 7:44 am; edited 9 times in total
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:40 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Fenugreek or Trigonella foenum-graecum, Greek hay seed
The reported life zone of fenugreek is 8 to 27 degrees centigrade with an annual precipitation of 0.4 to 1.5 meters and a soil pH of 5.3 to 8.2 (4.1-31). The plant thrives in full sun on rich, well-drained soils. Growth is slow and weak in cold temperatures and wet soils. As a leguminous plant, fenugreek needs little if any nitrogen fertilizer, and the plant can enrich soils with nitrogen. There is considerable commercial interest in breeding and growing fenugreek cultivars high in sapogenins.
Commonly Used For:
Reducing fever, digestive aid (tea), diabetes, bronchitis, skin irritations, sore throats, wounds, swollen glands, ulcers, treatment of cancer, loss of appetite, stomach irritation, skin inflammation, boils, wounds, eczema, and reproductive problems including the promotion of lactation:
The use of fenugreek significantly increased volume of breastmilk produced. Further study of the herb and its effects on the lactating breast is certainly warranted. The use of fenugreek to improve lactation could offer help to women with insufficient supply.
Fenugreek grown for seed should be left in the field until fully mature, usually
after a killing frost. As seed pods are resistant to shattering, direct combining is
recommended. A cylinder or rotor speed of 600-880 rpm is effective in removing
seeds from the pods. Initial wind speed should be set at 75 per cent of the wheat
setting.
Side Effects / Precautions:
Rare allergic reactions could occur such as difficulty breathing, swelling in throat, lips, tongue, face, or hives.
Do not take fenugreek without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Fenugreek has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.
Also, talk to your doctor before taking fenugreek if you have any other medical conditions, if you take medicines or herbal/health supplements other than those previously listed, or if you suffer from allergies (especially to plants). Fenugreek may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take fenugreek supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether fenugreek will harm an unborn baby. The amount of fenugreek customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic. Do not take fenugreek without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether fenugreek will harm a nursing infant. The amount of fenugreek customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic. There is no information available regarding the use of fenugreek supplements by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
Administration:
People have used fenugreek seeds as an oral insulin substitute, as seed extracts have been reported to lower blood glucose levels in laboratory animals. Extracts, tinctures, and teas can be made, though tea may not provide reliable doses.
Last edited by madthumbs on Thu May 15, 2008 8:29 am; edited 8 times in total
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:41 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Slippery elm is most commonly found growing near stream banks and
bottom lands with moist rich soils (21). These soils are typically of the orders
Mollisol or Alfisol, but can be found
growing on much drier sites as well (93). Ulmus rubra is highly adapted to moist conditions, and can even persist in areas
that remain inundated for 2 to 3 months
at a time (93). Despite this adaptation it
has been documented that the species
will not reproduce under constantly
flooded conditions (21).
Commonly Used For:
Demulcent, emollient, expectorant, diuretic, stomach acid, boost for the adrenal glands, pain from Chrons disease or IBS, sooths inflammation of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, sore throat, colic, stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions, digestion aid, cough ease. Has been directly applied to burns (including sunburn), cold sores, scrapes.
Harvesting:
The inner bark is the medicinal part of this plant.
Side Effects / Precautions:
Could cause an allergic reaction when applied to skin.
Administration:
Dried inner bark 4-10 g per day broken up into 3-4 doses. A soothing tea is made by boiling a couple teaspoonfuls of inner bark in one cup of water for up to 15 minutes (cool before drinking). A poultice can be made for external use by mixing some coarsely powered bark with boiling water.
Last edited by madthumbs on Fri May 16, 2008 11:35 am; edited 6 times in total
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:42 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Globe Artichoke aka Cynara scolymus L
Nativity:
Growing:
Globe Artichokes are perennials that most likely will not produce flowers in their first year. They should be planted where the ground won't be disturbed. Sew the seeds 1" deep, about 6 inches apart in rows that are about 6 feet apart.
Commonly Used For:
Relief of digestive disturbances, such as dyspepsia. Increasing bile flow.
Harvesting:
Side Effects / Precautions:
Consult a professional prior to use if pregnant, or if you have gall stones, or bile duct obstruction, or if symptoms persist or worsen. Avoid if you are allergic to plants of the Asteraceae/ Compositae / Daisy family. Allergic reaction is possible.
Administration:
Ingested orally as food 1.5 to 10 g dried leaf, per day.
Last edited by madthumbs on Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:23 pm; edited 4 times in total
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:43 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Sea Buckthorn
Nativity:
Europe and Asia, including China, Mongolia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Great Britain, France, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Finland, Sweden and Norway.
Growing:
Makes a nice vandal resistant landscaping shrub. Salt tolerant, thrives on full sunlight away from trees, and can grow in dry climates.
Commonly Used For:
Bark and leaves for diarrhea, gastrointestinal, dermatologic ailments. Some make a topical compression with this for rheumatoid arthritis.
Berries are added to medicines for pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cardiac, blood and metabolic disorders in Asian cultures. These berries are also known to have an anticarcinogenic effect.
Harvesting
Difficult to harvest. Berries can be shaken out of the shrub.
Side Effects / Precautions:
Administration:
Can be used as a fresh juice, a syrup or berry / seed oils.
Last edited by madthumbs on Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:07 am; edited 5 times in total
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:44 pm
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8599 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is not tea oil, but an extraction from the Melaleuca tree.
Nativity:
Eastern Australia
Growing:
Commonly Used For:
Aroma for coughs and colds. Infusion for sore throats and skin problems. Oil is antiseptic, and antifungal. Mixed with as 5% into shampoo, can be used to fight dandruff (fungal related). Oil used on acne is said to be equal to 5% benzoyl peroxide. Oil is also used on nsect bites, minor wounds, boils, sunburn (soothes + prevents itching due to fungus), poison ivy,ear infections,and bee stings, viruses (herpes virus, chicken pox / shingles)
Harvesting:
Side Effects / Precautions:
Do not ingest: can lead to ataxia and drowsiness. External use of undiluted oil and/or high doses can cause sickness or death, in rabbits, cats and other animals.
Administration:
Last edited by madthumbs on Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:21 am; edited 3 times in total
