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Wax myrtle (Pacific) (Myrica spp.) Native

Wax myrtle (Pacific) (Myrica spp.)

Parts used: root bark, leaves, berries

Medicinal and other uses: Berries season meat and yield balsamic-scented wax used in candles, shaving soap, and cosmetics; root bark is tonic that is astringent and antibacterial, stimulates blood circulation, and lymph drainage, and treats intestinal and stomach infections; a leaf tea can be used for fevers

Cautions: Do not take berries internally (Bremness 116).

Wax myrtle Pacific Myrica spp

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

Vetch, American (Vicia americana) Native

Vetch, American (Vicia americana)

Uses: An annual that can fix nitrogen into the soil for use by other plants when it dies.

Cautions: Several species are known to be toxic to animals and children. The seed pods can be a curiosity to children so it is best to exercise caution (Pojar 192).

Vetch, American Vicia americana

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Native & Non-Native

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Native and non-native speicies exist in Pacific Northwest.

Parts used: root, rhizome

Medicinal uses: Rhizomes and roots used as sedative. Non-addictive tranquilizer recommended against restlessness, sleeplessness, minor nervous conditions, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome anxiety. Traditionally used as supportive treatment of gastrointestinal pain and spastic colitis.

Cautions: Do not take valerian if already using sleep-inducing drugs (Chevallier 148).

Valerian Valeriana officinalis

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) Non-Native

Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)

Parts used: root

Medicinal uses: Small amounts of the root were used to treat diarrhea due to the tannin content. If constipation was an issue then larger amounts were used.

Cautions: In cases of intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or any inflammation of the intestines this plant is contraindicated. Persons with a history or tendency of kidney stones or inflammation or gallstones. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age (www.mothereartherbs.com).

Turkey rhubarb Rheum palmatum

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Native to Eastern N. America

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

Parts used: leaves

Medicinal uses: This plant is no longer used for medicinal purposes due to its nicotine content. The dried leaves can be used as an insecticide though it should not be applied externally as nicotine can be absorbed through the skin.

Cautions: Tobacco should not be taken in any form (Chevallier 239).

Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

Thyme (Red) (Thymus spp.) Non-Native

Thyme (Red) (Thymus spp.)

Parts used: aerial portions

Medicinal uses: Used against gastrointestinal disturbances and for the treatment of coughs, colds, bronchitis, and inflammations of the upper respiratory tract. Locally applied against mucosal inflammation of mouth and throat, and for treating minor wounds. The oil can be added to baths to treat bronchial catarrh and itching skin.

Cautions: Do not take essential oil internally.

Thyme Red Thymus spp

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

Sweet grass (Hierochloe odorata) Native

Sweet grass (Hierochloe odorata)

Parts used: aerial portion

Other uses: Used long ago as a flavoring agent. Currently used as a cleansing and purifying incense.

Cautions: None stated (Pojar 369).

Sweet grass Hierochloe odorata

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) Native & Non-Native

Strawberry (Fragaria spp.)
Native and Non-Native species exist. Native species have small berries, or no berries at all.

Parts used: fruit

Nutritional information: Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and flavonoids. They are also a very good source of manganese, pantothenic acid, vitamin B1, and iodine. They are also a good source of folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B6 (Murray 314).

Strawberry Fragaria spp

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) Non-Native

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Parts used: aerial parts, root

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Native

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Parts used: flowering tops

Medicinal uses: Acts as a tonic for the nervous system and can be used for nervous exhaustion, long term anxiety, sleep difficulties, as well as depression. It may also be helpful in treating addictions. It may also relieve the lowered vitality experienced in menopause. The infused oil stimulates tissue repair and is applied to burns and wounds. It can also relieve nerve pain and can be massaged into the skin in toothache, sciatica, and joint pain. Internally it can be taken to heal peptic ulcers (Chevallier 108).

Additional uses: Yellows and reds can be obtained from the flower tops and stems depending on the mordant used (Kowalchik 448).

Cautions: Can cause sensitivity to sunlight. Due to possible interactions, seek professional advice if taking a prescribed medicine (Chevallier 108).

St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
 

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