Latin name: Rubus idaeus Family: Rosaceae or rose family. DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS Part of the Plant Used Leaf, berry. This perennial or biennial shrub is native to Europe but has naturalized all over the United States. Berries are often seen in grocery stores and farm stands for their delicious sweet flavor, making it easy to overlook…
Latin name: Capsicum frutescens Family: Solanaceae or Nightshade Family DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS Native to the eqatorian Americas, Cayenne is famous for its phytochemical capsaicin. Capsicum frutescens, part of the Solanaceae or Nightshade family, is especially beneficial for flabby, sluggish folks who may experience jerky, aching muscles and stagnation in the cardiovascular system. It been shown to…
Latin name: Hypericum performatumFamily: Hypericaceae DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS Growing abundantly in the US and Europe in valleys, meadows, fields and roadsides, St Johns Wort (SJW) is often considered a noxious, pesky weed. It produces abundant seeds. Russian folk medicine calls SJW Zveroboi meaning “beast killer” or “killing the beast”. It is specially cultivated on plantations where…
Latin name: Artemesia vulgaris Family: Asterceae or aster family DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS Part of the Plant Used Flowering tops, leaves, root. Dating back as far as 3 BC, Mugwort is native to Europe, northern Africa and the United States. It’s considered a noxious weed in many places and the fact that it survives in the worst…
Latin name: Mentha piperita Family: Lamiaceae or mint family DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS Part of the Plant Used Leaf, aerial portions Peppermint is specific for spasmodic conditions of the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems as well as itchy and inflamed skin. It has been used since the 1600s for a variety of conditions where soothing smooth muscle,…