Celandine (Chelidonium majus)

Parts used: aerial portions

Medicinal uses: The fresh, toxic aerial parts can be used as a diuretic liver stimulant to treat liver, gallbladder, and digestive pains, as well as jaundice, and to reduce rheumatoid swelling. Externally, the purgative, caustic, orange sap is an ancient remedy for warts, corns, and ringworm.

Cautions: This plant should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner (Bremness 239).

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

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

Parts used: aerial portion

Medicinal uses: Unlike its close relative the Opium poppy, E. californica is not a narcotic, tending to normalize psychological functions rather that disorientating. A gentle antispasmodic, sedative, and analgesic, it is very useful for treating psychological issues in children.

Cautions: None stated (Chevallier 206-7).

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

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Parts used: root, leaves, seeds

Medicinal uses: Dried roots used to treat gastrointestinal ailments. Root and leaf extracts are used to treat eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin infection, slow-healing wounds, dermatitis, itches, insect bites, and other ailments. Fresh root can be added to stir-fries and soups. Used as an alterative this plant cleanses the blood by cleansing and detoxifying the eliminative organs (Chevallier 65).

Additional uses: Burdock makes an exceptional addition to many foods. The root can be stir-fried, simmered in soups and stews, steamed, or sautéed. Spring leaves of first year plants can be served raw or prepared like spinach (Kowalchik 58-9).

Cautions: None known (Chevallier 65).

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

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Parts used: aerial portions, flowers, seed oil

Medicinal uses: Contains a high mucilage content therefore makes a good demulcent and soothes respiratory problems. It is also useful for sore or inflamed skin due to its emollient action. It can be applied as freshly squeezed juice, in a poultice, or as an infusion. The flowers encourage sweating and the leaves are diuretic. The seed oil is particularly rich in polyunsaturated fats. The oil can be used for premenstrual complaints, rheumatic problems, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions (Chevallier 178-9).

Additional uses: Borage can be used as a flavoring in a variety of foods. Its leaves and stems may be prepared similar to spinach but with a distinct cucumber flavor. Borage is also said to strengthen the resistance to insects and disease of any plants neighboring it, especially strawberries. This plant is also a favorite of bees (Kowalchik 53-4).

Cautions: Due to the presence of pyrrolizide alkaloids internal intake of this plant should be minimized. Also care should be taken when applying to broken skin (Chevallier 178-9).

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