Herbs



I found out that pennyroyal is flowering plant that is a member of the mint family of plants. It has been used as a pesticide and a flavoring for food and wine by the Greeks and other cultures. It has also been used for hundreds of years as a remedy for many types of ailments, particularly “women’s” ailments. It is said to have a strong abortive effect on pregnant women, but it difficult to discern an appropriate dosage, and usually results in the users death. Very minute amounts can cause some curative effects, but pennyroyal is so toxic that it usually causes many unwanted side-effects and death. -Mark

Verbascum thapsus (Great or Common Mullein) is a species of mullein native to Europe, northn Africa and Asia, and introduced in teh America's and Australia. It is widely used for herbal remedies with emollient and astringent properties. It is especially recommended for coughs and related problems, but also used in topical application against a variety of skin problems. The plant was also used to make dyes and torches.

Wormwood (//Artemisia Absinthium)// Wormwood has been used for many centuries as a moth repellant, pesticide, tea, and as a spray to get rid of slugs and snails. Before people realized how toxic this herb could be they used it as a worming medicine for people and animals. Wormwood is referenced as far back as 1600 B.C. in Egypt. Wormwood leaves have absinth which is substance that can be toxic to other plants.The absinth found of the leaves of wormwood washes off and runs into the soil which stunts the growth of the plants surrounding it. It is also found in the alcoholic drink "Absinthe" which is illegal in most countries.

Leanne

Southernwood (//Artemisia abrotanum//) This herb has many other names including Old Man, Boy's Love, Oldman Wormwood, Lover's Plant, Southern Wormwood, etc. It's French name is Garderobe because it will protect your clothes against moths if placed in drawers or closets. Young boys once would rub it on their faces in the hopes that it would speed hair growth. It was used as a sexual agent for men to increase virility. It was also used in courtship, because it was said to make women more affectionate. Women used to carry it in bouquets to church with them although the smell is not too pleasant, because it is said to fight drowsiness. It is not used in cooking generally because it has a very strong, pungent odor. It is also thought to cure infections inside and outside the body. It is native to Southern Europe, indigenous to Spain and Italy. It can also be used as a yellow dye. -Noëlle



__Borage Herb __

At one time borage was an essential herb for beekeepers, grown to help bees produce more honey. It was also grown as an ornamental, or boiled as a pot herb. Borage is noted for having a cucumber like flavor and easily recognized by its white prickly hairs and bright blue, star-shaped flowers.

Borage is thought to be an excellent insect repellant, so it is often grown in gardens to protect from damage insects can cause or used in certain skin care products. Borage seed oil is used as an anti-inflammatory for chronic conditions, notably arthritis, but also asthma, chronic bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Borage seed oil is also high in GLA, an essential fatty acid, and thought to assist in weight loss. Borage flower, stems, and leaves are used in diuretics to support treatment of urinary tract conditions and weak hearts as well as to support circulation to treat varicose veins.

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~Gina

I found out that pennyroyal is highly toxic and affects liver and uterine function. It is a highly concentrated oil that is used in aromatherapy and there have been many reported cases of people dying soon after ingesting the oil. --Jessica Dodson



Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and has been historically used as a cooking herb, and has also been used for any number of common ailments. But, it "is also high in pulegone, a highly toxic volatile organic compound." -Ryan

The oil and leaves of pennyroyal plants are used to make various teas and medicines. While there are both American and European varieties, both can be used for their natural oils. There are many safety concerns paired with the use of pennyroyal but it is still effectively used to treat colds, pneumonia, and other breathing problems.



- Meagan

Achillea millefolium has a long history as a powerful "healing herb" used topically for wounds, cuts and abrasions. It is also used by several cavity-nesting birds to line their nests, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of parasites. -Alyssa

Besides being an excellent and very adaptable landscape plant, the fruit of this shrub is also very useful. The mature berries are covered with a pale blue, lavender or grayish-white aromatic wax used in making candles which burn with a pleasing fragrance. Habitat/Culture: This tough plant grows in coastal sand flats and tidal marshes from Maine to North Carolina and it can withstand coastal salt sprays. Bayberry is a deciduous to semi-evergreen plant, its size varies; An average height is about 8 feet without pruning. Plants will develop a spread equal to their height. The fruit has considerable ornamental value, Bayberry fruit is actually a "drupe" which is botanically equal to a cherry, peach or plum. Each fruit is about 1/8 inch in diameter and quite hard. The important part of the fruit is the grayish white waxy coating over the inner seed. It is the coating that creates the interest in the fruit. The wax is removed from the berries by gently boiling in water. Allow to cool and the wax will harden at the top. The wax can then be added to candles, etc.
 * Bayberry** (//Myrica pensylvanica//):



Amanda Ising

This herb is used to aide digestion by increasing stomach acid and bile production, as well with relieving bloating. This herb, when gargled, is also known to help with a sore throat, and wash sores in the mouth. Mugwort was used by the Native Americans to keep ghosts away and prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown of Mugwort was used to ward off evil spirits. It's common name was given, because it once contributed to the flavor of beer before hops were added. The scientific name of Artemisia was inspired by the greek goddess Artemis. -Amber Taylor
 * Mugwort** (Artemisia vulgaris)


 * Rosemary**

Rosemary is a perennial herb that is very fragrant with needle-like leaves. It is commonly found in the Mediterranean region and is actually part of the mint family. In Latin Rosemary means "dew of the sea" because it can actually survive on the humidity brought in from the sea breeze alone. In the culinary arts it is often used to barbeque meats because when it burns it gives off a woody smell. More traditional uses include mixing the fresh tops of the rosemary with wine as a way to recover from temporary paralysis. During the middle ages it was commonly used amongst weddings. the bride would wear a wreath of rosemary around her head and the groom would wear a sprig. As a result of its association with weddings it was thought of as a love charm.

- Joshua



Thyme is a medicinal and culinary herb that has been in use since the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians used it for embalming and the ancient Greeks used it in their baths as incense. Thyme is a very common ingredient in cooking in a multitude of nations. Used either dry or fresh, thyme retains flavor with a powerful but not overwhelming flavor. Jamaican traditional childbirth involves giving thyme tea to the mother after delivery of the baby. -Evan B

Pyrolaceae is the official herb of the state of Maine. Why? Nobody knows for sure, the things grow all over the Northern circle, from Canada to Russia, but Maine needed an herb to call its own so Pyrocaceae, also known as Wintergreen, was it! It can be used as a skin plaster to relieve some pain, as the Pyrocaceae contains a drug somewhat like aspirin, and could also reduce swelling and heal the wounds. It is also pretty.

-Richard S.



Lavendar is a herb with many uses including medicinal, culinary, cosmetic and aromatic. Lavender can be used as a compress that aids in congestion, bruises and bites. The tea can also help with anxiety, halitosis, headaches, and other ailments. It has often been used in soap and cleansers, since it not only stimulates and cleans the skin, but provides a nice smell. Interestingly, the herb also helps to repel insects. -Sara