day trippin'

i have been spending more time outdoors lately since i have found a few areas locally that do have some good plant medicine to look at. i thought i was isolated in the cement pit i live in - but no - there are places to go.

tons of sage (Salvia leucophylla 'Figueroa')...

there is an abundance of horehound (Marrubium vulgare)...

fields of prickly pear (Oppuntia engelmanni). native americans used the younger pads for food and mature pads were used as a poultice for wounds and burns.

i even saw rose hips - not sure if it is dog rose (Rosa canina) or rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa). they are high in vitamic c, e and k and can help with colds and flu.

i saw a lot of these two - which i am going to have to research to find out what it is... but it was everywhere. i like the white puffs.

herb walk

i went on an herb walk yesterday. lucky for me, no one else showed up - so i got a private session. although it is fall - there was still plenty to look at and discuss. and it was really interesting for me to get to know some of the plants that are native to california.

the first we saw was oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium). it contains the immune stimulating, infection fighting, antiseptic constituent, berberine. berberine is scientifically proven to protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. it has a sedative effect on the muscles lining the digestive tract and can relieve stomach cramps and abdominal pain.

i had never seen this before - and was quite excited to see some white sage (Salvia apiana). the leaves contain resins that have anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. a hot infusion of the leaves stimulates perspiration and will lower fever. inhaling the steamed leaves breaks up chest congestion. applied externally, it can help skin infections.

there was plenty of horehound (Marrubium vulgare) around. shown here sitting next to some black sage (Salvia mellifera). horehound is an expectorant and used to treat coughs, bronchitis, respitory infections and sore throats. a strong tea or tincture can be used. here is a recipe for a cough syrup: steep 1 ounce of leaves in a pint of boiling water. cover, and allow to steep for 30 minutes. strain out the leaves, and then add twice as much honey, mix well, and bottle. take 1 teaspoon as needed up to four times per day.

we then came across the mysterious jimson weed (Datura Stramonium). i was told it has been used by shaman for centuries during ceremonies and for vision quests. it has hallucinogenic properties. this is NOT a plant to mess with under any circumstance - unless with someone VERY familiar with its magic and practices. i was just very excited to be in its presence. shown here are the leaves and seed.

then there was yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium). it is an amazing plant with a lot of medicine to offer. it is called 'great medicine' by the local tribes. it is an anti-inflammatory and helps to dry congestion. it is also helpful for asthma, bronchitis, coughs and sinus allergies.

 

i got to see some nettles (Urttica dioica). we found it at the bottom of a dry creek towards the end of the hike - it was already getting dark. i have only seen it dried in bulk when i purchase it. i have a few posts in here on the medicinal and nutritional value of nettles.

there was mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) around, which i have also posted about. it is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. shown here is the elder flower.

there was so much more we saw.... black walnut (Juglans nigra) which has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. there was plenty of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), yucca (Yucca whipplei), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), black mustard (Brassica nigra), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

we even stopped for a while at some chia sage (Salvia columbariae) which had died back a bit and gone to seed and removed some of the prized chia seeds - which are high in protein and omega-3s.

it was an amazing few hours for me. i had gone on a herb walk quite a few months back - but it was more fascinating for me this time after a few more months of my herbal studies to actually see and touch a few of these treasures i have been reading about. also to get to know some of the medicine that is in my area. this park was close enough to home that i know i will be returning there as springtime comes to visit with my new acquaintances and spend more time with them. i think this is going to be so much more beneficial to my learning than looking at pictures in books.

in the garden

this is what i have in the herb garden right now and then a brief basic description on how the herb can be used medicinally. they can be prepared in an infusion (steep in hot water for at least four hours) or for stronger medicine - a tincture (soaked in alcohol for 4-6 weeks).

what is that sentence i am supposed to say now ? something like: these statements have not been evaluated by the food & drug administration. they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. consult with your health care practitioner for proper use. there.

thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - antiseptic properties - can be used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal agent for athlete's foot and anti-parasitic for lice

sage (Salvia officinalis) - for mouth sores and sore throat. for sore throats, mix sage tea with apple cider vinegar and salt for gargling

lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - a benefit for stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression

rosemary (Hyssopus officinalis) - a digestive aid. treats depression and headaches. use as an expectorant and for muscle spasms

marjoram (Origanum majorana) - relief from symptoms of hay fever, sinus congestion, indigestion, asthma, headache, dizziness, colds, coughs, and nervous disorders. marjoram essential oil has been one of my favorites for headaches - a few drops on forehead and temples

catnip (Nepeta cataria) - very mild herb medicinally. it has calming and sedative effects. which surprises me since cats go bonkers for this stuff !

parsley (Carum petroselinum) - a vitamin and mineral powerhouse. a natural breath sweetener. eat the leaves right off the plant to combat breath odors

feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - helps dramatically in some cases of migraine, arthritis pain, painful menstruation, rheumatism, and muscle spasms

lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla or Lippia citriodora - confused on the latin name here) - relief of digestive tract spasms, reduction of fever, strengthening of the nervous system. has the ability to break down cellulite, and has a soothing, healing and toning effect on the skin

basil (Ocymum basilicum) - digestive and anti-gas properties. also for stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and anxiety

comfrey (Symphytum officinale) - a priceless herb for wounds, sprains, bruises

valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - a central nervous system relaxer and a sleep aid

common rue (Ruta Graveolens) - the leaves applied externally will ease the severe pain of sciatica and headaches

horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - benefits chronic cough and asthma

spearmint (Mentha spicata) - relieves hiccough and flatulence

chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - a remedy for hysterical and nervous affections in women (!) has a wonderfully soothing and sedating effect

calendula (Calendula officinalis) - a remedy for the pain and swelling caused by bee or wasp sting. a lotion from the flowers helps sprains and wounds