Tragopogon pratensis
Family: Asteraceae
Other names: Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, Meadow salsify, Oyster plant, Fr. Salsifis des prés
Parts used: Roots, stalks, leaves
Characteristics: Sweet
Systems affected: Stomach, liver, gallbladder
Actions: Antacid, alterative, bitter,diuretic, depurative,expectorant, nutritive,stomachic
Goat’s Beard is a biennial herb that was introduced to North America from Europe. It probably got its name from its fluffy grey seed ball—which looks similar to a Dandelion’s, but larger—that appears when the flowers have faded. In fact, it is often confused with the Dandelion since its yellow flowers are similar as well; however, the plant itself is much different. Often growing up to 76 cm. tall, it has long, narrow, grass-like leaves, broader at the base, with a tendency to curl at the tips. The yellow flower opens in the morning but closes up before noon, hence the name “Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon.” It can be found in fields and along roadsides. The leaves and stems are best harvested in the spring before flowers appear; the long taproot may be collected in the fall.
MEDICINAL USES:
Heartburn, loss of appetite, coughs
other uses: The milky latex in the stems can be dried and used as chewing gum.
Solidago canadensis
Family: Asteraceae
Other names: Woundwort, Goldruthe, Fr. Verge d’or, Gerbe d’or, Solidage
Parts used: Flowering tops, dried
Characteristics: Slightly bitter, astringent, sweet
Systems affected: Lungs, urinary tract
Actions: Anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiseptic, diaphoretic, carminative, diuretic, astringent, vulnerary, expectorant, antispasmodic, antilithic
Solidago, meaning, “to make whole,” refers to Goldenrod’s ability to restore the body to health and wholeness. Several varieties of Goldenrod grow in Atlantic Canada, S. canadensis being one of the native species, which has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples to heal wounds. Goldenrod grows in many different habitats depending on the species; some prefer dry fields, others wetlands or marshes. It is a perennial with erect, often downy, stems, which branch at the top. The leaves are alternate, elliptical, toothed, and stalked, and the upper ones are smaller than those at the base. The small yellow flowers grow in clusters; the European variety, S. virgaurea, has blooms all around the stem, and the Canadian variety, S. canadensis, on only one side. Goldenrod should be harvested during flowering—but before the plant is in full bloom—and then dried in the shade.
MEDICINAL USES:
Urinary tract infections and stones, upper respiratory problems, sore throat, skin inflammation, stomach upset, candida
other uses: Flowers produce a strong yellow dye.
infusion: 1 tbsp. fresh or 2–3 tsp. dried herb in 1 cup boiling water 10–15 minutes. Mint or honey may also be added. Drink 3 times a day. May increase urination or coughing/sneezing when you first start using it.
Coptis trifolia
C. groenlandica
Family: Ranunculaceae
Other names: Golden root, Canker root, Fr. Savoyane, Sabouillane, Coptide du Groenland
Parts used: Dried rhizome, roots, stems, leaves
Characteristics: Bitter
Systems affected: Liver
Actions: Bitter tonic, antibacterial, stomachic, anti-inflammatory
Goldthread is a tiny native perennial herb that has been over-picked to the point where it is now difficult to find. The roots look like a tangled mass of gold thread, and the leaves are evergreen and shiny, somewhat resembling wild Strawberry leaves with 3 leaflets and slightly scalloped edges. The flowers bloom from May to August; a single flower atop a long stem of 7.5–15 cm., with 5–7 delicate white petals. It is found in damp shaded woods, but keep in mind that it is endangered, and unless it is found in abundance, it should be left where it is.
MEDICINAL USES:
Mouth sores, digestive disorders, wounds
decoction: 1 tbsp. fresh finely chopped root (or 1 tsp. dried), add 1 cup of water and boil for 20 minutes. Cool and use as a gargle for mouth sores, or drink 1 tbsp. 3–6 times a day for chronic stomach and digestive inflammation.
tincture: Finely chop entire plant and place in a jar. Cover with 100-proof vodka. Put on lid and leave for 6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain. Drink 1 ml. in a bit of water 3 times a day.
important: Not recommended during pregnancy.
Glechoma hederacea
Family: Lamiaceae
Other names: Creeping Charlie, Alehoof, Field balm, Hedgemaids, Fr. Lierre terrestre
Parts used: Aerial
Characteristics: Bitter, cold, dry
Systems affected: Lungs, kidneys
Actions: Anticatarrhal, antibacterial, antihistamine, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, expectorant, diuretic, vulnerary
Gardeners have cursed this tenacious little weed relentlessly over the years, but if you search into its history you will discover herbalists once held it in high esteem for its ability to relieve sciatica and skin irritations. Originating in Europe, it is a perennial ground creeper that forms a thick mat and literally takes over lawns and fields. Its leaves are kidney-shaped, stalked, and somewhat downy, with rounded indentations. The tiny flowers are purplish, two-lipped, and grow in clusters. Stems are square, downy, and trailing. It continues to bloom throughout the summer and fall, and the leaves remain green even through the winter. The plant has a balsamic smell due to oil glands on the underside of the leaves. The early Saxons used it to clarify beer before the advent of hops, giving it the name Alehoof. It is best gathered in late May to mid-June when the flowers are fresh. Harvest only the top 50% of the plant, and only from clean areas.
MEDICINAL USES:
Upper respiratory infections, digestive problems, mouth infections, kidney stones
folklore: Tea was believed to be effective for overcoming shyness. Strewing the leaves over the floor is said to create good dreams and peaceful sleep. A garland of Ground Ivy was often worn during the Gaelic pagan festival of Beltane held on May 1 to celebrate the return of the spring flowers.
tincture: Remove leaves from the stems and pack loosely into a sterile Mason jar. Fill with vodka, leaving a few centimetres at the top. Make sure all the leaves are submerged and there is no air trapped between the leaves. Screw on lid and keep in a cupboard 4–6 weeks, shaking often. Strain through cheesecloth and store in an amber dropper bottle. Take 5–10 drops in a glass of water up to 4 times a day.
infusion: Steep 2 tsp. fresh (or 1 tsp. dried) herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Flavour with honey or Peppermint leaves, as it is quite bitter. Makes a nice spring tonic.
important: Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid if taking anti-convulsants, sedatives, or mood-altering drugs. May cause throat irritation.