Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) - Native & Non-Native

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
Some native (white stems, ground crawlers) some Non-Native (Rubus procerus , the Himalayan Blackberry (PDF), highly invasive).

Parts used: leaves, berries, root

Medicinal uses: Roots are harvested in the fall or before new growth in the spring. Roots traditionally used for diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, and female tonic. Leaves are strongly astringent and may be used as a mouthwash to strengthen spongy gums and ease mouth ulcers; a decoction can be used to relieve diarrhea and hemorrhoids.

Nutritional information: Raspberries and blackberries are an excellent source of fiber, manganese, vitamin C, flavonoids, and ellagic acid. They are a very good source of vitamin B2 as well as a good source of other B vitamins, such as folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6 (Murray 312).

Cautions: none known (Chevallier 263).

Blackberry Rubus fruticosus

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Bee balm (Monarda didyma) Native

Bee balm (Monarda didyma)

Parts used: leaves

Medicinal and other uses: Used to flavor drinks, salads, and stuffing; oil infusions of the leaves were used for hair; their antiseptic properties make them useful for acne, steam-inhalations for colds and brewed for nausea, flatulence, and insomnia.

Cautions: None known (Bremness 192).

Bee balm Monarda didyma

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Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.) Non-Native

Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.)

Parts used: shoots, adult cane

Edible uses: Young shoots are edible.

Other uses: This plant can be used for a variety of purposes including flooring, blinds and screens, various arts and crafts applications, and construction material.

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Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflora) Non-Native

Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflora)

Parts used: flowers

Medicinal uses: Known in Chinese medicine as Jie-Geng, these mid-to-late summer, vibrant, star-shaped, blue-violet blooms have traditionally been used to treat sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, chest pain, and tonsillitis.

Cautions: None stated

Balloon flower Platycodon grandiflora

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Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Non-Native

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Parts used: root, shoots

Medicinal actions: A strong diuretic used for a variety of urinary problems, including cystitis. It is also useful for rheumatic conditions, helping to “flush” wastes from the joints out through one’s urine. It is also bitter, mildly laxative, and sedative.

Cautions: Do not take if you suffer from kidney disease (Chevallier 174).

Asparagus Asparagus officinalis

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Apple (Malus pumila) Non-Native

Apple (Malus pumila)

Parts used: fruit

Nutritional information: They are an excellent source of vitamin C, pectin and other fibers as well as being a good source of potassium. Most of the apple’s important nutrients are contained in its skin, and raw apples are higher in many nutrients and phytochemicals as well (Murray 251).

Cautions: Mind the worms (Curtis 1016).

Apple Malus pumila

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Angelica (Angelica spp.) Non-Native

Angelica (Angelica spp.) Non-Native

Parts used: Chinese angelica (Dong quai) (A. sinensis): rhizome, European angelica (A. archangelica): root and aerial portions

Medicinal uses: Chinese: used as a blood tonic for deficiency conditions such as anemia, palpitations, and lowered vitality. Also regulates the menstrual cycle and is a warming herb to the circulatory system. European: a warming tonic herb for digestion and circulation, but does not have the same tonic action as Chinese angelica (Chevallier 63).

Additional uses: The stem of European angelica can be candied. The root and seeds have been used to flavor liquors with their licorice-like flavor. As a dye plant angelica produces a green dye when mordanted with iron (Kowalchik 13).

Cautions: Do not take during pregnancy (Chevallier 63).

Angelica Angelica spp

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Alkanet (Anchusa officinalis) Non-Native

Alkanet (Anchusa officinalis) Non-Native

Parts used: flowers, young leaves, root

Medicinal and other uses: Flowers and young leaves can be added to salads. A root decoction is given as a blood cleanser and expectorant for coughs. Powdered root rind is used to color hair and medicines. It can also be used as a fabric dye.

Cautions: None stated (Bremness 145).

Alkanet Anchusa officinalis

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Alder (red) (Alnus rubra) Non-Native

Alder (red) (Alnus rubra) Non-Native

Parts used: bark, leaves

Medicinal uses: As an astringent is often used as a mouthwash and gargle for tooth, gum, and throat problems; the astringency of a bark decoction helps to contract mucous membranes and reduce inflammation; it can also staunch internal and external bleeding and heal wounds; the leaves can be used on the soles of the feet to reduce aching and can be placed on the breasts to relieve engorgement in nursing mothers

Cautions: None known (Chevallier 164-5).

Alder red Alnus rubra

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Akebia (Akebia quinata) Non-Native

Akebia (Akebia quinata) Non-Native

Parts used: fruit, stem, root
Medicinal uses: In Chinese medicine the edible fruit is used with the stem to stimulate lactation, menstruation, sweating to detoxify fever, and blood circulation; it soothes the liver and treats skin inflammation; its potassium content makes it a beneficial diuretic for urinary problems and fluid retention; it strengthens the muscles of the digestive tract; the root treats fevers
Cautions: None stated (Bremness 276).

Akebia Akebia quinata

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

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