clair051

Verbascum thapsus - Family:  Scrophulariaceae Common names: Great Mullein, Common Mullein / NL: Koningskaars / F: Molène Mullein is probably one of the most ideal herbs to treat a wide range of conditions of the respiratory tract. The reason for this is that it contains equally balanced medicinal properties that are required to treat the most common respiratory ailments: antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, pectoral, vulnerary and mild sedative. In short, Mullein tones the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, stimulates expectoration and reduces inflammation. Its entire aerial parts can be used in infusions or tinctures to help relieving coughs, bronchitis, asthma and and other respiratory conditions. Native Americans smoked this herb, as part of the treatment in spasmodic coughs or asthma. Some claim that smoking Mullein has helped them quitting tobacco smoking - especially if combined with Lobelia.  When preparing the herb in infusion or tinctur...

Solidago canadensis F: Verge D'or  - Solidage / NL: Guldenroede Goldenrods can be seen in flower all over the fields, gardens, in most places in Europe from August till October, depending on the region. Its flowers show all their glory when most other plants are no longer in flower, to the joy of the bees, which are delighted to feast on them. Luckily for Goldenrod's lovers, this plant has been studied by the scientific community and some of its properties have been already recognized - by the German Commision E - for its effectiveness when used in the treatment of illnesses of the urinary tract. Its restorative, anti-inflammatory, tonic and cleansing properties make it one of the top herbs to aid in any kidney and bladder condition, including kidney stones, nephritis and cystitis. Next to that Goldenrod also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, diaphoretic, antiphlogistical, astringent, spasmolytic, hemostatic, anti-mucus, expectorant and anti-oxidant properties. It has been used ...

Hypericum perforatum NL: St Janskruid /  F: Millepertuis St John’s Wort (SJW) is another powerful herb with a long history as folk medicine. In our days St John’s Wort got great media attention for aiding in the treatment of those suffering from depression, being known as the “natural prozac” Long before SJW got to be used to treat depression, it was considered to be a “herb that chases the evil spirits away” as it was used to treat various types of insanity attacks. Paracelsus was whom mentioned it for the first time for treatment of a wide range of psychotic symptoms. Even though it is not yet clear to modern medicine how exactly SJW works on the nervous system, its nervine action is recognized by herbalists around the world. Its most widespread use in herbal medicine is in healing wounds, bruises, sunburn, herpes, skin ulcers and inflammations. Most of its skin healing abilities are attributed to its properties as analgesic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent. I...

Geum urbanum NL: Geel nagelkruid / F: Benoîte Other popular names: herb Bennet, colewort and St. Benedict's herb. Wood avens, as its name suggests, is found in woodlands and other shady places. The young leaves can be eaten, cooked as potherb. Older leaves can be dried and powdered to be added to herbal salt. The roots can be harvested either in spring, when they can be more aromatic, or from september until late in the winter, as long as the soil is not so hard frosted. The root is the most popular part of this plant to be used in culinary creations. It adds an aromatic hint of cinnamon and cloves to dishes, soups or drinks, such as lemonades or chai. Wood avens has a long list of medicinal properties. It is a good astringent herb that can help treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharges, mouth ulcers, throat inflammation. It relieves irritable bowel syndrome and various other gastro-intestinal disorders. In old folk medicine it was believed to be a remedy against poison and ...

  Alchemilla vulgaris / Alchemilla mollis NL: Vrouwenmantel / F: Alchémille This plant, as its latin name suggests ("Alchemilla" = "little magical one"), is historically linked to a long list of “magical uses”. The water secretion from its leaves was used in various mystical potions, including potions from alchemists trying to produce gold. Its sacredness was shared in different cultures around the world, and it was believed to help to keep youth and beauty and it was even used to uplift breasts. While the “magical” applications of Lady’s Mantle are now left behind in history books, many of its medicinal properties have been scientifically recognized. Some of these properties include wound healing, astringent, soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic. Alchemilla contains various substances that help regenerate skin and connective tissue, making it known as one of the best vulnerary plants. It has been widely applied in herbal medicine to treat eczema, ulcers...

Primula veris (or P. officinalis) NL: Echte sleutelbloem / F: Primevère officinale This precious herb was once an abundant perennial, widely harvested at springtime for food and for its highly praised medicinal properties. This was before current farming practices took over most lands.  Young leaves and flowers are nutritious additions to salads and smoothies. The leaves can also be added to enrich soups and stews.  Its leaves, before flower Flowers, leaves and root have been used since ancient time as sedative, nervine, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antispasmodic. That means that it may help to treat spasms, cramps, asthma and other respiratory conditions, insomnia, fever, bruises and to ease painful conditions. Simply another amazing plant!!   Here is a nice super short video to help you to recognize Cowslip: Cowslip / Primula veris More on Cowslip: Primula veris - Cowslip - PFAF

Tussilago farfara NL: Klein hoefblad / F: Tussilage Coltsfoot has been known as a powerful expectorant, demulcent, diaphoretic and antitussive in traditional herbalism, being prescribed for a wide range of respiratory ailments, from common colds and coughs, sore throats to bronchial asthma and chronic emphysema. It is also known for its skin healing properties, being used externally to treat eczema, inflammations, burns, skin ulcers, wounds and bites. There are suggestions of coltsfoot extracts being used to increase immunity.   Leaves are found separately from the flowers The entire plant is known by foragers as a wild edible. I personally would only eat it unless in a situation of serious need, as the plant contains liver-harzardous pyrrolizidine alkaloids and is potentially toxic in large doses - especially the flowering stems. Such alkaloids are mostly destroyed by decoction. The leaves contain less of these alkaloids and are the safest part of the plant to be used.  Here ...

Viola tricolor A.k.a. Heartsease    NL: Driekleurig viooltje / F: Pensée sauvage Another  spontaneous plant that can beautifully decorate our gardens as well as take part in original salad creations. It is rich in beta carotene and vitamin C. This plant has been used in traditional herbalism for a long list of conditions, including: bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory conditions, for its expectorant properties. skin irritations, psoriasis, acne and eczema - as a blood purifying herb. rheumatism and cystitis, due to its diuretic properties and salicylic acids. There is no scientific data on toxicity or risks of overconsumption, even though some herbalists warn that nausea and skin irritation can appear as a result of using too much of it.

Tanacetum vulgare NL: Boerenwormkruid / F: Tanaisie commune Tansy can already be seen growing with full power all over the fields where we go walk with our dogs, as well as in our own garden. This is one of my favorites!  Although is not an edible, it is a great plant to have in the garden. It protects other plants from attacks of parasites and undesirable insects while it attracts beneficial insects, such as bees.  It can be dried and stored for further use as “remedy” in the garden. For that purpose, a strong decoction of the entire plant is made, drained and used to spray plants. It also helps to concentrate potassium in the soil, so it is a superb herb to have next to composting piles.  For its repellent properties, it is a nice plant to have near the kitchen. The dried plant can also be used in sachets to protect the house against flies and it even protects clothes from being eaten by different insects.  It can also be used to protect dogs from fleas and ticks. ...

Hypochoeris radicata Also called flatweed or false dandelion.  NL: Biggenkruid / F: Porcelle enracinée This plant is usually mistaken by dandelion, perhaps because of its bright yellow flower, which also ends up releasing its seeds as windborne “parachutes”. There are a few major differences: cat’s ear has hairy leaves and its leaves have round-dented lobes, while dandelion leaves have sharply toothed angles.  detail of the hairy leaves   Now we are busy comparing both anyway, cat’s ear leaves are not so bitter as dandelion leaves and can be more easily accepted in salads, stews, soups. The root of this plant can be roasted and used to make a coffee, the same way as it is done with dandelion roots. This is one of the plants that can be harvested as food almost the whole year through. Its leaves can be sometimes found healthily green even under a heavy layer of snow. There is some risk of toxicity for horses, so you might want to remove it from meadows where horses are sup...

Sonchus oleraceus NL: Melkdistel / F: Laiteron This plant has powerful medicinal properties, with some toxicity, but at the same time it is also highly nutritious. It contains, per 100g, around 30mg of vitamin C, 1500 mg of Calcium and 45 mg of Iron. The dried leaves contain up to 28g of protein per 100g - a great nutritional supplement. Use only young leaves as edibles, raw, in salads or cooked, as spinach. In the garden, they perform great function as a “sacrificial plants”, helping to control some fly, moths and aphids that attack some plants. This strong plant grabs every little chance to grow. Its applications in traditional folk medicine around the world are numerous: blood purifier, hepatic, sedative, febrifuge, tonic, pectoral, and there are even mentions of its use to treat cancer and to help people to quit opium addiction. Its white “milk” can be used to get rid of warts (like other milky plants). Here is a video to help you to properly identify Sow Thistle: Spiny-Leaved Sow ...