Every time I go to the store, I pick up some new plants- kind of an addiction! This week I bought several Coneflowers, more Lavender and a Black-eyed Susan plant.
Find #1: Coneflowers
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, have been around since before the pilgrims landed in Plymouth. They have been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans. They tend to grow in eastern and central North America and thrive in moist to dry areas and woodlands. In the early
1800's, Coneflowers became a popular herbal remedy.
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| Black-eyed Susan |
Find #2: Black-eyed Susan
The Black-eyed Susan, while similar looking to Coneflowers, is an unrelated plant that has its own special properties. "Recent studies indicate that extracts made from the Black-eyed Susan root can be beneficial in stimulating the immune system. This herb has been used to treat some of the symptoms of the common cold, usually in the form of tea or infusion made from the root.
The Black-eyed Susan, while similar looking to Coneflowers, is an unrelated plant that has its own special properties. "Recent studies indicate that extracts made from the Black-eyed Susan root can be beneficial in stimulating the immune system. This herb has been used to treat some of the symptoms of the common cold, usually in the form of tea or infusion made from the root.
The root has been used traditionally as an herbal remedy to rid the body of parasitic worms. The Ojibwa, a Native American tribe also known as the Chippewa, used infusions of the roots to treat worms in children. The Ojibwa also made a poultice or external wash made from this herb as a treatment for snake bites.
This plant has diuretic properties and was used by the Native American tribes Menominee and Potawatomi to increase the flow of urine. A juice extracted from the roots has been used to treat earache. An infusion or tea made from the roots can be applied topically as an herbal remedy for minor cuts, sores, scrapes and swellings. An herbal remedy in the form of an infusion from the roots is used traditionally to treat dropsy. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers." Copyright @2015, The Herbal Resource.
Find #3: Lavender
Years ago I planted a few lavender plants in my backyard as I was particularly fond of purple. I was able to harvest tons of flowers from those plants and dry them and use them in bath salts, candles, etc. Only recently have I researched the positive healing effects of lavender.
Lavender is perhaps best known for its calming and soothing effects. There is evidence that it may slow the activity of the nervous system and therefore promote relaxation, improve sleep quality and bring about emotional balance. For this reason, it is often used in combination with other herbal remedies as it treats physical symptoms with a nervous element, such as tension induced headaches, heart palpitations, or stress related digestive issues.
Lavender’s calming effect on the nervous system has also made it a valuable herbal remedy for the treatment of insomnia. Traditionally, lavender flowers were stuffed into pillows to help restless people sleep and today lavender is a common ingredient in baby bath soaps to promote restful sleep.
This medicinal herb is used topically to treat fungal infections, wounds, eczema, varicose ulcers, sunburned skin and acne.
Lavender is thought to be a useful herbal remedy for many symptoms associated with menstruation and other female related ailments. Its anti-spasmodic effect may relieve menstrual cramps and it could be useful in relieving headaches and exhaustion as well as improving mood. It is also thought to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus and therefore stimulate menstruation.
I've made use of lavender and lavender oil in many recipes, and I'm looking forward to using some of these other finds. I hope you found this information helpful, and keep a look out for future posts about these herbs!
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