Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Parts used: leaves, root, flower

Medicinal uses: Leaf is used as a diuretic and to treat high blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the body. The root is a very effective detoxifying herb. It works principally on the liver and gallbladder to help remove waste products, it also stimulates the kidneys to remove toxins in the urine. The root and leaf can also be used to prevent gallstones while the leaf may be used to help dissolve those that have already formed. It is beneficial for many conditions, including constipation, skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and arthritic conditions, including osteoarthritis, and gout (Chevallier 141).

Additional uses: The leaves and root of dandelion are edible and can be prepared in a variety of ways. The leaves are often eaten raw or cooked while the root can be added to soups or stews as well as stir-fries. Roasting is another common preparation for dandelion root and is often used as a substitute for coffee. The flowers can be made into wine. The flowers can also be used to make a yellow dye while the whole plant can be used to make a magenta dye (Kowalchik 141-2).

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Cautions: None known (Chevallier 141).

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Parts used: aerial portion, root

Medicinal uses: Comfrey has been used in the past to treat stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and a range of respiratory conditions, including bronchitis and pleurisy. Promotes the healing of bruises, sprains, fractures, and broken bones. It encourages ligaments and bones to knit firmly together firmly. A comfrey compress applied immediately to a sprained ankle can significantly reduce the severity of the injury. The combinations of tannins and mucilage helps to soothe bruises and scrapes. Comfrey oil or ointment can be used to treat acne and boils and to relieve psoriasis. It is also valuable in the treatment of scars (Chevallier 137).

Additional uses: The leaves of comfrey produce a brown dye in wool mordanted with iron (Kowalchik 105).

Cautions: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found to be highly toxic in the liver. The substance has been found in higher concentrations of the root than in any other part of the plant. Many recommend that this plant not be taken internally except under professional supervision. It should also not be applied externally to open or dirty wounds as the healing process can occur quickly trapping debris and pus. Do not use if pregnant or nursing (Chevallier 137).

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Clover, red (Trifolium pratense)

Parts used: flowers, leaf

Medicinal and other uses: Alterative action is useful for skin conditions especially when combined with Burdock (Arctium lappa) and Yellow dock (Rumex crispus). Also an expectorant and useful for spasmodic coughs. Has a significant phytoestrogenic activity and is increasingly being used for menopausal symptoms. Also widely cultivated for hay and as a nitrogen fixing cover crop.

Cautions: None stated (Chevallier 277).

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Cleavers (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Parts used: aerial portion

Medicinal uses: Very good for preventing or arresting hemorrhage. It is specifically good for heavy uterine bleeding as well as bleeding of all kinds such as nosebleeds and blood in the urine. It is also an astringent herb and disinfects the urinary tract in cases of cystitis and can also be taken for diarrhea. Research has also shown the herb to be anti-inflammatory and to reduce fever.

Cautions: Do not take this herb during pregnancy (Chevallier 182-3). 

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