Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Parts used: aerial portions

Medicinal uses: Taken today mainly as a nerve tonic and for its restorative properties. It helps to nourish and support the nervous system and calms and relieves stress and anxiety. Its antispasmodic action makes it useful for conditions where stress and worry cause muscular tension. It can be combined with other sedative herbs to treat insomnia and to relieve menstrual pain. Thought by some to cure rabies, giving rise to the common name “mad dog skullcap.”

Cautions: None known (Chevallier 135).

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

Salal (Gaultheria shallon)

Parts used: berries, young leaves

Other uses: A plentiful and important fruit in the Pacific NW, it was eaten fresh and dried and also mixed with other berries. The berries were dried into cakes for preservation and used to sweeten other foods as well as to thicken salmon eggs. The young leaves were chewed as an appetite suppressant. The leafy branches were used in pit-cooking and cooked as a flavoring for fish soups. A tiny cup can be made by shaping a salal leaf into a cone

Cautions: None stated (Pojar 53).

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Sage (Garden (Salvia officinalis) and Purple (Salvia off. var. purpurascens))
Both species are non-native to Portland OR

Parts used: aerial portions

Medicinal uses: Remedy against gingivitis and mucosal inflammation of the mouth and throat. Also used as a digestive medicine to treat upset stomachs, flatulence and diarrhea. Also treats night sweats and excessive perspiration. Used as an anti-diabetic and as a culinary herb.

Additional uses: This plant is well known for its culinary uses. Traditionally this plant has been used as an ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. It is also used as an insect repellent. The plant attracts bees and makes a splendid honey. The dried leaves can be used in flower and herb arrangements. Sage tops yield a yellow-buff color to wool mordanted with alum, yellow with a chrome mordant and a green-gray color with an iron mordant (Kowalchik 441-2).

Cautions: Do not take essential oil internally. Best if avoided by nursing mothers as it can dry up the milk supply.

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

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Parts used: aerial portions

Medicinal uses: Tonic, stimulant, astringent, nervine, anti-inflammatory, carminative; tincture, tea, eat raw; classic digestive, nerve and circulatory tonic; treatment for low energy, low blood pressure, poor circulation; improves memory, gives courage, lifts spirits; rub tincture, tea, or leaves onto areas of poor circulation; rub onto chest to stimulate weak heart; bath can be used as a circulation stimulant; diaphoretic—promotes sweating; essential oil or strong tincture discourages lice

Additional uses: This plant is well known for its culinary uses. A strongly aromatic plant it can be used in sachets to scent clothing, while an infused oil can be added to many skin care products. As a dye plant rosemary can be used to achieve a variety of yellow-green shades with different mordants (Kowalchik 432).

Cautions: Avoid daily use of strong extracts during pregnancy. Avoid direct contact with eyes, sensitive skin, mucous membranes.

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