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).
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
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.
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
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).
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
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).
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Parts used: aerial parts, root
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).
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum recurvum)
Parts used: above ground portions
Medicinal and other uses: The dried moss is light and absorbent; it contains preservatives, an antibiotic, and possibly iodine. A close relative (S. cymbifolium), has been used for centuries to dress wounds and aid healing
Cautions: None known (Bremness 292).
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)
Parts used: rhizome
Medicinal uses: This plant is believed to prevent excess bruising and to stimulate tissue repair. It is used mainly as a poultice which helps the application of the plant’s astringent and demulcent properties to speed healing.
Cautions: Do not take Solomon’s seal internally except under professional advice. The aerial parts, especially the berries, are harmful if eaten (Chevallier 252).
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)
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!)
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!)
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