Parsley (Petroselinium crispum)

Parts used: leaves, root, seeds

Medicinal uses: Fresh leaves are highly nutritious; seeds have a stronger diuretic effect than the leaves, can be used in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, and arthritis; the root can be used for flatulence, cystitis, and rheumatic conditions; parsley can promote menstruation both in stimulating a delayed period and in relieving menstrual pain (Chevallier 245).

Nutritional information: Parsley is extremely rich in a large number of nutrients, chlorophyll, and carotenes. It is a very good source of vitamin C, folic acid, and iron. It is also a good source of minerals, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc as well as a good source of dietary fiber (Murray 220).

Additional uses: Infusions of parsley leaves and stems are said to be soothing and cleansing when added to bathwater. The oil is used in a variety of skin care products (Kowalchik 408).

Cautions: Excessive doses of seeds are toxic. Do not take the seeds during pregnancy or if suffering from kidney disease. Parsley is best avoided for nursing mothers as it can dry up the milk supply (Chevallier 245).

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

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Parts used: aerial parts, essential oil

Medicinal uses: Helps to settle flatulence and stimulates the flow of bile; strongly antiseptic, it may be taken to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and asthma; also considered to be a useful promoter of menstruation; the diluted oil can be applied to toothache or painful joints (Chevallier 242).

Additional uses: This plant is well known for its culinary uses. Flowers of oregano can be used in flower and herb arrangements (Kowalchik 403).

Cautions: Do not take medicinal does during pregnancy. External use may cause irritation to the skin. Do not take the essential oil internally (Chevallier 242).

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

Oak, Garry (White) (Quercus garryana)

Parts used: acorns, bark

Medicinal and other uses: The acorns were leached of tannins and eaten, often ground into flour. The bark was one of the ingredients in the Saanich ‘4 barks’ medicine used against.

Cautions: None stated tuberculosis and other ailments (Pojar 50).

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

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Parts used: leaves, root

Medicinal uses: A digestive and tonic herb, it has a wide variety of traditional uses. Milder in action than most Artemisia species, it can be taken over the long term at a low dose to improve appetite, digestive function, and absorption of nutrients. In addition to encouraging the elimination of worms, mugwort increases bile flow and mildly induces the onset of menstruation. Mugwort is also an antiseptic and has been used in the treatment of malaria (Chevallier 173).

Additional uses: Mugwort leaves have a sage-like smell and are used to repel moths. The plant dries well and can be used in less formal herbal arrangements (Kowalchik 392).

Cautions: Do not take during pregnancy (Chevallier 173).

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