Plant Information

Question 1

What are uses for turmeric?

Answer 1

Musculoskeletal anti inflammatory
Used to manage inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract particularly for inflammatory bowel diseases and gastric ulcers.

Question 2

Elder Berry and Flower Uses

Answer 2

Both exceptional during colds, flu and other respiratory infections due to the diaphoretic (flower) and antiviral snd immune stimulant (Berry) actions.

Taken as a hot tea, elderflowers move heat and qi outward by stimulating circulation and promoting sweating, helping to release waste products and break fevers.

Elderflower also helps soothe inflammation and encourages the release of excess or stuck mucus not only in respiratory infections, but also sinusitis and allergies.

Elderberry tincture or syrup taken at onset of cold or flu may reduce duration of the illness because it interferes with virus symptoms replication and strengthens cell walls to inhibit viral penetration

Question 3

Yarrow uses (aerial parts)

Answer 3

Moves blood and soothes bruises

Question 4

Plantain leaf uses

Answer 4

Soothes bug bites and stings

Question 5

Calendula Flower uses

Answer 5

Soothes stings, cuts and scrapes

Question 6

List some Adaptagens

Answer 6

Ashwagandha root, Asian ginseng root, Eleuthero root, Reishi mushroom, Rhodiola root, Tulsi aerial parts

Question 7

List some plants that are Alteratives

Answer 7

Alfalfa leaf, Burdock root, dandelion leaf and root, Nettle leaf, Oregon grape root, yellow dock root.

Question 8

List some plants that are Analgesics

Answer 8

California poppy whole plant, catnip aerial parts, clove bud, skullcap aerial parts, valerian root, willow bark.

Question 9

List some plants that are Anticatarrhal’s

Answer 9

black pepper fruit, catnip aerial parts, cayenne fruit, elder flower, ginger rhizome, sage aerial parts

Question 10

List some plants that are Antimicrobials

Answer 10

Goldenseal leaf and rhizome, sage aerial parts, thyme aerial parts.

Question 11

List plants that are antibacterials

Answer 11

hyssop aerial parts, oregon grape root, yarrow aerial parts

Question 12

List some plants that are antivirals

Answer 12

Elder berry, lemon balm aerial parts, licorice root

Question 13

List some plants that are antifungals

Answer 13

Black walnut hull, calendula flower, wormwood aerial parts

Question 14

List some plants that are antioxidants

Answer 14

Elder berry, goldenrod aerial parts, hawthorn berry and aerial parts, reishi mushroom, tulsi aerial parts, turmeric rhizome.

Question 15

List some plants that are astringents

Answer 15

agrimony aerial parts, blackberry root, calendula flower, oak bark, rose petal, witch hazel bark

Question 16

List some plants that are bitters

Answer 16

Angelica root, chamomiles flower, dandelion leaf and root, gentian root, horehound aerial parts, motherwort aerial parts.

Question 17

name some plants that are demulcents

Answer 17

Angelica root, chamomiles flower, dandelion leaf and root, gentian root, horehound aerial parts, motherwort aerial parts.

Question 18

List some plants that are diaphoretics

Answer 18

Lemon balm aerial parts, catnip aerial parts, elder flower, ginger rhizome, peppermint leaf, thyme aerial parts.

Question 19

List some plants that are diuretics

Answer 19

cleavers above ground parts, dandelion leaf, horsetail leaf and stem, juniper berry, nettle leaf, yarrow aerial parts.

Question 20

List some plants that are emmenogogues

Answer 20

angelica root, black cohosh root, gentian root, mugwort aerial parts, rue leaf, yarrow aerial parts.

Question 21

List some plants that are expectorants

Answer 21

Anise seed, elecampane root, horehound aeiral parts, licorice root, mullein leaf, wild cherry bark

Question 22

List some plants that are Hepatics

Answer 22

Barberry Root
Dandelion Root
Milk Thistle seed
Oregon grape root
Schisandra fruit
Yellow Dock root

Question 23

List some plants that are nervines

Answer 23

Catnip aerial parts
Chamomile flower
Lemon balm aerial parts
Linden leaf and bract
Motherwort aerial parts
Valerian root

Question 24

List some plants that are tonics

Answer 24

Astragalus root (immune tonic)
Dandelion root (liver tonic)
Hawthorn berry, leaf and flower (Cardiac tonic)
Mullein leaf (lung tonic)
Oat milky seed (nervous system tonic)
Raspberry leaf (uterine tonic)

Question 25

Willow Tree actions

Answer 25

Ease pain and inflammation. Produces Salicin, which when ingested is converted into salicylic acid. While it works slower than aspirin, it causes fewer gastrointestinal problems.

Willow bark also offers antimicrobial, antioxidant and immune boosting properties.

Question 26

Birch Bark Uses

Answer 26

Herbal properties can be found in the sap, leaf, and bark. Noted for toning the kidneys, gastrointestinal track, and liver and improving the body’s ability to remove waste products. Good for diarreha, blockages, rheumatism and chronic skin diseases.

Externally birch bark extracts have clinically proven to improve wound healing, first by decreasing inflammation and then by enhancing the migration if important immune cells to the site of the wound.

Question 27

Oak bark uses

Answer 27

Known for containing tannins, both in the acorns and the bark. TOXIC IN HIGH QUANTITIES, but can serve as a useful astringent in low doses. Oak bark decoctions can be used in cases of acute diarrhea in small, frequent doses.

Oak extract can be used as a wash for minor skin inflammation, a gargle for a sore throat, a sitz bath or enema to ease burning and itching sensations associated with hemorrhoids, or a douche for excessive vaginal discharge.

Applying a poultice of oak leaves or bark may help to neutralize insect venom and allow stings to heal more quickly.

Question 28

Black walnut uses

Answer 28

The green hull of a black walnut shell is used to promote clearance of metabolic waste and bring balance to skin conditions, including eczema, impetigo, and other kinds of dermatitis.

It’s also a prized anti fungal and antiparasitic due to the bitter naphthoquinone juglone found in the leafs and hulls. Both can be used topically and internally for fungal and parasitic infections, including candidiasis.

Question 29

White Pine bark, leaf and pitch uses

Answer 29

Pine needles and pitch are pungent and drying due to the high volatile oil content and are Useful for colds, flu, and respiratory infections.

Poultice of pitch or bark can be used for cuts, wounds or skin eruptions as the antimicrobial properties will support the healing process and stave off infection.

Needles can be harvested year round and prepared as tea.

Pitch and needles can be used in a tincture or a syrup for internal use. Pine needle or pitch infused oil or salve is helpful for muscle soreness, painful joints, and arthritis.

Question 30

Reisi Mushroom usage

Answer 30

Supports healthy cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, hepatic, and nervous system function: specifically, activates the immune system, increases resistance to viral infections, promotes diuresis, inhibits histamine, promotes sound sleep, counters effects of poisonous mushroom ingestion, used in skincare products to protect skin against ultraviolet radiation, inhibits tumors

Question 31

Shitake mushroom uses

Answer 31

supports healthy cardiovascular, hepatic, and immune function: specifically, stimulates immune function, increases resistance to bacterial and viral infection, improves liver function, supports healthy cholesterol and blood pressure, strengthens blood vessels, inhibits tumors

Question 32

Uses of turkey tail mushroom

Answer 32

supports healthy respiratory, urinary, digestive, and immune function: specifically, stimulates immune function, tonic to the liver, supports healthy cholesterol levels, improves stamina, has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in clinical trials for its antitumor benefits

Question 33

Uses of maitake mushrooms

Answer 33

Supports healthy cardiovascular, hepatic, and immune function; specifically, stimulates immune function, supports health blood sugar, blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Question 34

Uses of chaga mushrooms

Answer 34

supports healthy immune function, inhibits tumors, soothes mucous membranes in the digestive tract, strengthens the lungs, liver and heart, discourages parasites, highly antioxidant.

Question 35

uses for sage

Answer 35

brings comfort to irritated, inflamed sore mouths and throats

used for canker sores, inflamed tonsils, laryngitis, and pharyngitis.

can be prepared as a steam for respiratory congestion and as a gargle or mouthwash to sooth oral or dental inflammation.

used to stimulate the appetite and as a carminative to expel gas and ease digestion.

Question 36

Common herbs that aid digestion

Answer 36

Fennel Seed
Rosemary (aerial parts)
Cumin seed
orange peel

Question 37

List plants that are bitters

Answer 37

Rosemary
Orange Peel
Chicory
Endive
Radicchio
Dandelion greens
Some lettuces
Coffee
Tea

Question 38

Black pepper uses

Answer 38

to improved digestion and to address gastrointestinal issues and colds.

Use pepper as warming herb to ease headaches, toothaches and urinary infections.

used for immune support during cold and flue season, stimulates appetite, eases digestive symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and nausea and to enhance circulation.

enhances bioavailability of the compounds in tumeric by up to 2000%

Question 39

Thyme uses

Answer 39

antimicrobial against many different kinds of bacteria including those involved in upper respiratory infections
thyme has expectorant, diaphoretic and anticatarrhal qualities that are used to support resolution of colds, the flu, and other lower and upper respiratory tract infections.

Question 40

Uses for Fennel

Answer 40

perfect pre or post meal nibble to ward off digestive symptoms and support digestion

fennel seed tea is another traditional way to support digestion in both Mediterranean and Indian traditions

helps to ease nausea, moves gas down and out of the digestive system, stimulates appetite and digestion and is useful for colic and constipation.

the aromatic volatile oils relax the gastroinestinal tract to reduce muscular pain and symptoms caused from tension in the gut.

Question 41

Rosemary Uses

Answer 41

uplifting digestive tonic that helps to relax and tone the stomach and is especially good for digestive upset resulting from mental tension, anxiety, and worry due to its nervine action

As a cholagogue, it stimulates the production of bile and its flow from the liver thus stimulating digestion and aiding in detoxification

The volatile oils are antimicrobial and a diaphoretic making it an important ally for colds, sore throats, the flu, coughs. It can also help clear congestion when infection does take hold and it has a long history of use to “dispel the foul air of disease and death” in homes, hospitals and streets.

Question 42

What are some uses for Cumin Seed

Answer 42

an ally for the digestive system and is particularly helpful for lack of appetite, flatulence, bloating, slow transit time, and other signs of sluggish digestion. It can also be helpful for nausea and diarrhea. Also an anticatarrhal and expectorant when there is excess mucus in the chest or sinuses. Traditionally used for the construction associated with asthma. Cumin works best as a tea. Also useful for excess vaginal discharge and irritation.

Question 43

Orange Uses

Answer 43

orange peel is a great addition to a carminative tea or tincture formula Mildly bitter, orange peel strengthens digestive function and is useful for gas, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating and to stimulate the appetite. Orange peel is perfect for moist, stagnant digestion, as it removes phlegm from both the digestive and respiratory tracts.

High in vitamin C and has been used to enhance immune function in general as well as during cods and flu. It has substantial volatile oil content which has antibacterial properties. Alcohol extract of orange peel has demonstrated activity against cavity causing oral bacteria so consider adding it to an herbal mouthwash blend.

Question 44

Garlic Bulb

Answer 44

an immune system stimulant, disaphoretic, expectorant, and antimicrobial, the raw cloves of garlic are used to support the body’s response to respiratory conditions in winter months.

Can ease some of the discomforts of a cold through its anti-inflammatory action, as well as shorten its duration by stimulating the immune system, thinning mucus, and breaking a fever.

Garlic cloves can be used on athletes foot and other skin infections (use garlic infused honey for these) and in an oil infusion ear drops with mullein flower for ear infection.

To retain beneficial properties it should not be heated at high temps for too long. Spread on toast or add to tea towards the end of steeping time and add plenty of sweetener and lemon. To avoid stomach irritation take garlic with honey, olive oil or food.

Question 45

Oregano uses

Answer 45

contains iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, K, C, and E

used for its expectorant, diaphoretic, and antimicrobial properites, which make it very helpful for respiratory conditions such as cold and flu. oregano also makes a relaxing after dinner carminative tea, perhaps tempered with some peppermint, chamomile or lemon balm for those who feel that the taste is too pungent.

oregano can be added to a respiratory sinus steam and used as an anti-inflammoatyr leaf poultice, infused in oil, or made into tea or tincture.

Question 46

Green tea uses

Answer 46

Boosts the process of detoxification that occurs in the liver, thus helping the liver do its job keeping the level of inflammatory compounds in the body at a manageable level.

Has beneficial effects on the vascular endothelium that play a role in warding off inflammation, a atherosclerosis, and the formation of blood clots.

Has a positive affect on blood lipid levels by reducing LDL levels, increasing hol levels, and preventing oxidation of LDL.

Question 47

Ginger Rhizome

Answer 47

ginger is well known for its use in nausea, but it is also a potent antimicrobial and has many helpful applications for the cold and the flu. Ginger’s volatile oils stimulate the immune system to fight both bacterial and viral infections. Ginger is an all around warming immune stimulant that is delicious and useful in colds and flu season beverages.

It can be used at the first sign of viral infections and find that it can abort the onset of upper r esporiratory infections. the antiviral actions including stimulating macrophage activity, preventing viruses from attaching to cell walls and acting as a virucide.

fresh ginger juice can also be applied topically to skin infections.