Red currant (Ribes rubrum) some varieties

Parts used: berries, leaves

Medicinal uses: The fruit is antiscorbutic, aperient, depurative, digestive, diuretic, laxative, refrigerant and sialagogue. The leaves contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide. A decoction of them is used externally to relieve rheumatic symptoms. As a poultice it can relieve sprains or reduce the pain of dislocations.

Other uses: Red currants are often used to make jams and jellies as well as some sauces. They have a tart, sour flavor. A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves. A black dye is obtained from the fruit. The fruit is used cosmetically in face-masks for firming up tired and lifeless skin (www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Ribes+rubrum).   

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

Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

Parts used: flowers

Medicinal uses: This entry focuses on the uses of the corn or field poppy rather than its more notorious relative the opium poppy (P. somniferum). The flowers are mildly analgesic and sedative and have been used extensively throughout Europe for ailments of children and the elderly. It is used chiefly as a mild pain reliever and as a treatment for irritable coughs, it also reduces nervous over-activity. The herb may also be used for insomnia, nervous irritability, coughs, and asthma (Chevallier 243).

Additional uses: The poppy seeds are often used in culinary applications. The flowers have been used in the past to color wines and medicines (Bremness 263).

Cautions: Use only under professional supervision. All parts of this plant aside from the seeds are potentially toxic if eaten (Chevallier 243).

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

Plantain, common (Plantago major) and Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Parts used: leaves

Medicinal uses: Quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. It can be used to treat bruises and broken bones. An ointment or lotion can be used to treat hemorrhoids and external ulcers. Taken internally it is diuretic, expectorant, and decongestant. It is commonly used for gastritis, peptic ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, respiratory congestions, loss of voice, and urinary tract bleeding (Chevallier 250-1). The leaves themselves can be used immediately to staunch wounds and abrasions in the field, often termed nature’s bandage. Just bruise the lead slightly then wrap around the damaged tissue.

Additional uses: An infusion of the plant can be used as a skin lotion. Using the whole plant, wool can be died a dull gold with an alum mordant. If a chrome mordant is used then a camel color can be found (Kowalchik 416).

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

Cautions: None known (Chevallier 250-1)

Pear, Asian (Pyrus spp.)

Parts used: fruit

Nutritional information: an excellent source of water-soluble fibers, including pectin. They are also a good source of vitamin C, copper, vitamins B2 and E, and potassium (Murray 303).

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