Latin: Solidago canadensis, S. odora, S. virgaurea, S. altissima, S. gigantea, S. rigida, S. serotina (and many others) Family: Asteraceae, Compositae Folk names: Blue Mountain tea, liberty tea, Aaron’s rod, goldruthe, wundgraut (PA Dutch for “wound herb”), Barrick Tee (PA Dutch) Energetics: warm, dry Properties: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, vulnerary Taste:  bitter, pungent Parts used:  usually just aerial parts, … [Read more...]

Latin: Hyssopus officinalis Family:  Lamiaceae or Labiatae Folk names: Isop (Gaelic), Ysopo, Yssop, Ysope, Hinojo (Spanish), Eisop (PA Dutch) Energetics: warm, neutral Properties: antiviral, antibacterial, carminative, decongestant, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, hypertensive, nervine, sedative, anthelmintic, vulnerary, antioxidant Taste: pungent, slightly bitter, diffusive, slightly warming, dry Parts used: aerial parts of flowering herb Degree: 2nd, … [Read more...]

Latin: Calendula officinalis Family: Asteraceae Common names: pot marigold, Mary’s Gold, death flower, butterwort, cowbloom, water dragon, Scotch marigold, summer’s bride Energetics: slightly warming, neutral (drying or moistening depending on the situation) Properties: antiseptic, anti inflammatory, astringent, lymphatic Taste: bitter, salty, slightly pungent Degree: 2nd, 3rd Tissue state: depression Key uses: Internally: a lymphatic stimulator (drains internal lymph), soothing to … [Read more...]

Latin: Sambucus canadensis, S. nigra (NOT S. racemosa- poisonous!) Family: Adoxaceae Common names: elder, elderberry, black elder Energetics: berry- cool, dry flower- hot (secondary-cool), dry Properties: berry- nutritive, antiviral, immunomodulator flower- stimulating diaphoretic, antiviral Taste: berry- sweet, sour. flower- sweet, sour, slightly acrid. Degree of action: 2nd & 3rd Tissue states: berry- irritation, constriction, atrophy. flower- irritation, … [Read more...]