herb walk two

i went on an amazing herb walk yesterday. so much is growing due to the heavy rain in sunny southern california.

the black mustard (Brassica nigra) was everywhere. the seed is ground and made into a paste then applied to the skin for treating rheumatism. applied externally, mustard relieves congestion by drawing the blood to the surface for head afflictions, neuralgia and spasms.

also there was plenty of oats (Avena sativa). oats are high in calcium. calcium rich foods and herbs are the basis for remedies that relax the muscles and nervous system.

i saw yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium) which is helpful for coughs, colds, asthma and mucus.

...and yerba mansa (Anemopsis californicum) which can help treat inflammation and infections of the lungs throat and sinuses. they way it was explained to me was that yerba santa will help dry mucus, and yerba mansa will help move it. the white flowers in bloom on the yerba mansa were quite a beautiful sight.

i got to see yucca (Yucca whipplei) which was amazing... since this is what i currently have k.c. on for pain and inflammation from arthritis - and i have seen incredible improvement with her in the past few weeks.

there was so much black sage (Salvia mellifera) and purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) everywhere. below is purple sage flower. sage is antibacterial and antifungal - helpful for mouth sores and sore throats.

i didn't know it - but fennel (Foeniculum vulgaris) was growing wild too. fennel helps with gas, constipation and indigestion. eating a few fennel seeds before dinner can help if you have these issues.

i saw yellow dock (Rumux crispus) for the first time. yellow dock, or curly dock, is helpful for poor liver function and poor digestion. it's high iron amount makes it very helpful for correcting anemia.

... and willow (Salix ___ not sure) willow bark has a high content of salicyclic acid - which is the main ingredient in aspirin today. very helpful for aches and fevers.

it was an amazing beautiful day. i learned a lot... saw a lot. couldn't ask for more.