Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) Native to Easter N. America
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
Parts used: bark
Medicinal uses: Effective at relieving tense muscle, whether in smooth muscle or skeletal muscles. It may be taken internally or applied topically to ease muscle tension. This plant also treats symptoms arising from excess muscle tension, including breathing difficulties in asthma and menstrual pain caused by excessive contraction of the uterus. The herb also relieves constipation, colic, and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as the physical symptoms of nervous tension. In some cases of arthritis where joint weakness and pain have caused muscles to contract significantly, Crampbark can bring about significant relief. Crampbark is also commonly used in treatments for high blood pressure and other circulatory conditions.
Cautions: None known (Chevallier 150).
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Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Non-Native
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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Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) Non-Native
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Parts used: leaves, flowers
Medicinal uses: Coltsfoot is an effective demulcent and expectorant herb and is a common remedy for chest problems in Europe. Both leaves and flowers can be taken as a decoction for chest conditions, the leaves being preferred in Europe and the flowers in China. This herb is used as a specific treatment for spasmodic coughs.
Cautions: Use of coltsfoot flowers is not recommended. Do not take the leaves for longer than 3-4 weeks at a time. Do not use coltsfoot while pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also not suitable for children under 6 (Chevallier 278-9).
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Clover, red (Trifolium pratense) Non-Native
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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Clover, white (Trifolium repens) Non-Native
Clover, white (Trifolium repens)
Parts used: aerial portion
Medicinal and other uses: Flowers were once made into bread, and the plant was once cultivated for hay and as a nitrogen fixing cover crop.
Cautions: None known (Bremness 222).
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Cleavers (Capsella bursa-pastoris) Non-Native
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).
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Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) Non-Native
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
Parts used: aerial portions, seeds, essential oil
Medicinal uses: An antispasmodic and aromatic plant, clary sage is used to treat digestive problems such as gas and indigestion. It is also regarded as a tonic, calming herb that helps relieve menstrual pain and premenstrual problems. Because of its estrogen-stimulating action, clary sage is most when levels of this hormone are low. The plant can therefore be a valuable remedy for complaints associated with menopause, particularly hot flashes.
Cautions: Do not use clary sage during pregnancy (Chevallier 265).
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Chrysanthemum, Shungiku (Leucanthemum coronarium) Non-Native
Chrysanthemum, Shungiku (Leucanthemum coronarium)
Parts used: leaves, flowers
Additional uses: Most commonly used as a garland flower. The flowers, leaves, and stems are edible and are often added to soups and stir-fries).
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Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Non-Native
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Parts used: root, leaves, flowers
Medicinal uses: Dried whole herb used as digestive tonic for loss of appetite and dyspepsia. Traditional choleretic, cholagogue, carminative, diuretic, and “blood purifier.” Syrup is traditional tonic for infants and a cleansing medicine for suffering from rheumatism and gout (Chevallier 189).
Additional uses: As a culinary herb it has a flavor similar to dandelion. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked while the root is often roasted and used as either an addition or substitute for coffee (Kowalchik 86-7).
Cautions: None known (Chevallier 189).
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Cherry: (Prunus spp.) Native and Non-Native
Cherry: (Prunus spp.)
Non-native (sweet Cherry) and Native (black Cherry)
Parts used: Sweet: stems, fruit; Black: inner bark
Medicinal uses: Sweet: stems have long been used for their diuretic and astringent properties; have been used for cystitis, nephritis, urinary retention, and gout. Cherries can be used as an overall regimen treating arthritic problems. Their high sugar content makes them mildly laxative. Black: the bark counters dry and irritable coughs; its astringency can also ease indigestion and the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially when these conditions are of a nervous origin.
Nutritional information: Sweet cherries are a good source of vitamin C and copper. They are also high in flavonoids including anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins (Murray 265).
Cautions: Sweet: the seeds are toxic and should not be taken internally. Black: the bark is highly toxic in excessive doses (Chevallier 256-7).
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