Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)

Parts used: root, rhizome

Medicinal uses: Primarily used as an expectorant, treating cases of whooping cough, asthma, and bronchitis; also taken for upper respiratory problems such as nasal congestion and hay fever; less commonly it is used in the treatment of epilepsy, headaches, vertigo, and rheumatic problems and as a means to stop bleeding.

Cautions: Handling fresh skunk cabbage may cause the skin to blister. Excessive doses can cause nausea and dizziness (Chevallier 274).

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

Scouring rush (Equisetum hyemale)

Parts used: stems, rhizomes

Additional uses: The cell walls of Equisetum species are impregnated with silicon dioxide. They were used by native populations on the coast primarily as abrasives for polishing wooden objects including canoes, dishes, and arrow shafts. Various tribes used the rhizomes to decorate baskets. In Europe the scouring rush was used to hone the reeds of woodwind instruments (Pojar 431).

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

Sage, White (Salvia apiana)
This species is native!

Parts used: leaves, seeds

Medicinal uses: It can be made into a tea, which decreases sweating, salivation, and mucous secretions in the sinuses, throat, and lungs. Cold tea can be a good stomach tonic, while a lukewarm tea is good for treating sore throats. The leaves can also be used as a uterine hemostatic tea for heavy menstruation; however, since it can also decrease lactation, nursing mothers are advised not to use it.

Additional uses: Native Americans used white sage in the following ways: seeds were ground into a flour and used for mush; leaves were used for flavoring in cooking; leaves were also eaten, smoked or used in a sweathouse as a remedy for colds; seeds were dropped into the eye and permitted to roll around under the eyelids in order to cleanse the eyes; and leaves were crushed and mixed with water to create a hair shampoo, dye and straightener. The leaves and stems are also used in traditional “smudge” sticks that are used ceremonially to cleanse an area of negative energy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_sage).

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

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Parts used: aerial portions

Medicinal uses: To treat menstrual disorders, spasms, loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints, circulatory disorders, fever, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, inflamed mucosa, toothache, hysteria, arthritis, sprains, injuries, and skin diseases. Also used as a uterine stimulant, and formerly used to improve and stabilize wine of bad quality (Chevallier 364).

Additional uses: The dried seed heads can be used in flower and herb arrangements. Tradition states that rue should not be planted near basil, sage, or cabbage, though it is said to enhance the growth of figs (Kowalchik 434-5)

Cautions: Can be toxic if taken in excess. Never take during pregnancy. Fresh plant can cause dermatitis. If taken internally, can cause an allergic skin reaction to sunlight (Chevallier 264).

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