Aralia nudicaulis (Wild)
Aralia racemosa (Spikenard)
Family: Araliaceae
Other names: False Sarsaparilla, Small Spikenard, Wild Liquorice, Rabbit Root, Fr. Salsepareille Sauvage
Parts used: Root, berries
Characteristics: Sweet, pungent, aromatic
Systems affected: Lungs, stomach
Actions: Alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral, stimulant
Aralia nudicaulis, or Wild Sarsaparilla, has been widely used by Indigenous peoples across North America for centuries, and as a substitute in formulas for the unrelated tropical variety, Smilax ornata. It is a perennial of the Ginseng family that grows to a height of 60 cm. with cord-like runners. The stems are smooth and grow out of the runners, dividing into 3 branches, each producing large, finely toothed compound leaves composed of usually 5 leaflets. The leaves are often reddish early in the spring and turn green as the plant matures. Usually, 3 globe-shaped clusters of tiny white flowers will appear on scapes the same height as the stems in June or July, and are followed by edible black berries that taste spicy and sweet. Aralia racemosa, or Spikenard, is quite a bit taller, often growing as high as 1.5 metres. Its leaves are more heart-shaped and the flowers grow in many clusters along the stem. Both varieties prefer moist, shady woods, and are used for similar purposes. The rootstock, which has a sweet–spicy taste, is best collected in the fall and dried for later use.
MEDICINAL USES:
Pulmonary diseases, fevers, skin problems, rheumatism
The Mi’kmaq have a wide variety of uses for Sarsaparilla:
other uses:
Rumex acetosella
Family: Polygonaceae
Other names: Garden sorrel, Sourweed, Red sorrel, Field sorrel, Spinach dock, Fr. Oseille
Parts used: Leaves, root, seeds
Characteristics: Cool, dry, sour
Actions: Mildly antiseptic, laxative, diuretic, antiscorbutic, febrifuge
This common perennial originating from Europe grows abundantly in meadows and pastures throughout Canada and has been used around the world for centuries in salads, as a vegetable, and as a potherb. It has a sharp, tangy taste due to the presence of oxalic acid, and is loaded with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Often up to 60 cm. high, it branches at the top, and its leaves are shaped like an arrowhead. The dark red or purplish flower spikes stand out in a field of grasses. Its flowers turn into reddish-brown seedpods in the fall. Leaves are best harvested early in the summer when they are tender.
MEDICINAL USES:
Fevers, inflammation, cancer, sinusitis, Type 2 diabetes, hemorrhoids, skin irritations
other uses: Roots and stems are used to obtain dyes; the juice is sometimes used to remove stains from linen.
important: Since the presence of oxalic acid is quite high, do not consume in large quantities.
Argentina anserina
Family: Rosaceae
Other names: Argentine, Crampweed, Goosewort, Moon Grass, Trailing Tansy, Silvery Cinquefoil, Fr. Potentille des oies, Argentine
Parts used: Root, herb, dried
Characteristics: Bitter, sweet, cooling
Systems affected: Digestive system
Actions: Astringent, anti-catarrhal, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hemostatic, tonic
This ground-hugging native perennial usually grows to a height of only 20–40 cm. in the wild, but has red-coloured runners that can reach up to 1.8 metres long. Each tuft of leaves arising from the runners produces 1 yellow 5-petalled flower on a leafless stalk. They bloom between June and August and close at night and on cloudy days. The compound leaves are pinnately divided into up to 20 toothed leaflets, some smaller ones mixed in with the larger ones. They are hairy and either green or silver on the top, and woolly and silver underneath. Silverweed grows in ditches and roadsides as well as fields and is a favourite snack of geese, hence the name “Goosewort.” The roots can be harvested late in the summer or fall and dried; the leaves should be picked in early summer and dried in the shade.
MEDICINAL USES:
Coughs, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, gingivitis
other uses:
infusion: Mix ½–1 tsp. of dried herb in 1 cup boiling water; steep 10 minutes. Drink 2–3 times per day.
Scutellaria lateriflora (Blue Skullcap)
Scutellaria galericulata (Marsh Skullcap)
Family: Lamiaceae
Other names: Blue Skullcap, Mad-dog Skullcap, Virginia Skullcap, Madweed, Helmetflower, Marsh Skullcap (S. galericulata) Fr. Scutellaire
Parts used: Aerial
Characteristics: Bitter, cold, drying
Systems affected: Nervous system, uterus, heart
Actions: Sedative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nervine, tonic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, febrifuge
A perennial plant that is native to North America, Skullcap has been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries to treat nervous disorders and menstrual problems. The plant prefers partially shaded wetland areas, its erect, square stem growing to a height of 45–60 cm. with occasional branches. It has broad, lance-shaped, toothed leaves in opposite pairs, and from July to September it bears blue–lavender, 2-lipped, tube-shaped flowers; the upper lip forming a hood, the lower lip having 2 lobes, somewhat resembling a helmet or cap. It is easily identified by a protuberance on the upper calyx. It should not be confused with the Chinese variety (Scutellaria baicalensis or Huang qin), which has different medicinal properties. Skullcap should be harvested in summertime while the flowers are in full bloom, and dried for future use (although they are best used fresh in making tinctures if possible).
MEDICINAL USES:
Nervous disorders, insomnia, epilepsy, suppressed menstruation
folklore: In the eighteenth century Skullcap was claimed to be a cure for rabies, hence the names “Mad dog” and “Madweed,” but that claim was ultimately discredited (although it does relieve some of the symptoms).
infusion: Mix 1–2 tsp. dried herb (or 2–3 tsp. fresh) in 1 cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day.
tincture: Take 1–2 ml. 2–3 times a day.
important: Do not take during pregnancy, as it may cause miscarriage. Do not exceed recommended doses, as it may cause confusion, stupor, irregular heartbeat, and/or twitching.
Saponaria officinalis
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Other names: Bouncing Bet, Soapweed, Wild Sweet William, Latherwort, Fr. Saponaire, Savonnaire, Herbe à Savon
Parts used: Whole plant, but mainly the root
Characteristics: Bitter, slightly sweet, pungent, numbing
Systems affected: Lungs, liver
Actions: Alterative, antiscrofulatic, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, expectorant, purgative, tonic
A perennial plant often found along roadsides throughout the Maritimes, Soapwort began in this country as a garden plant brought over from Europe and quickly became naturalized. As the name suggests, it has been used since ancient Greek times as a natural cleanser, and is still used today for cleaning delicate fabrics and tapestries, making a soap-like lather when the bruised leaves are agitated in water. It can grow up to 70 cm. high, with round, slightly reddish stems, sparingly branched, and with opposite ovate or lance-shaped leaves that are 3-veined and smooth along the margins. The mildly fragrant pink or whitish flowers which bloom throughout the summer are composed of 5 petals, forming a deep tubular cup, and are frequently double. The fruit is an oblong capsule with 4–5 teeth containing numerous black seeds, which disperse readily. It also has a creeping rootstock, which will quickly take over a garden. Harvest 2- or 3-year-old rhizomes in the spring and dry for later use.
MEDICINAL USES:
Skin itchiness, coughs
decoction: Soak 4 tbsp. dried root (or 2 tbsp. finely cut fresh) in about 4 cups cold water for 5 hours. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup 3–4 times a day.
lotion: For psoriasis and acne, boil 4 cups of water, add 2 cups chopped leaves and root, boil for 15 minutes. Strain and cool before applying.
important: Do not use over long periods of time, as it can cause irritation in the digestive tract. Contains saponins, so use in doses not exceeding 1.5 g of dried rootstock and for a duration of less than 2 weeks.
Polygonatum pubescens
Family: Asparagaceae
Other names: Hairy Solomon’s Seal, Fr. Sceau de Solomon
Parts used: Root
Characteristics: Sweet, slightly acrid, cool, moist
Systems affected: Skeletal, digestive, nervous system, lungs
Actions: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, demulcent, tonic, hemostatic, expectorant
The use of Solomon’s Seal as a wound-healer dates back several thousand years, and is still popular among herbalists. It is a native perennial herb found in woodlands and often grown in shade gardens throughout eastern Canada. Its graceful, arching stems are between 30–90 cm. tall with elliptical leaves. The leaves are slightly hairy on the underside along the veins, and are arranged alternately along the stem. Its white-to-greenish, dangling, bell-shaped flowers hang from the leaf axis in groups of 1 to 3. The berries are dark blue and considered poisonous. The roots are fleshy with knobby circular scars from the previous year’s growth. When harvesting the root in the fall, to avoid killing the plant, dig down gently with your fingers or a trowel until you find the rear portion, which will be away from the next year’s bud. Run your fingers under it and cut a few cm. away from the stem, leaving the plant intact. This plant is endangered so it is important to collect it in a sustainable manner.
MEDICINAL USES:
Pulled ligaments and tendons, wounds, bleeding, sore joints, broken bones
tincture for joint injuries: 7 parts Solomon’s Seal, 5 parts each Mullein and Horsetail, and 1 part Goldenseal tinctures.
infusion: Steep ½ tsp. of herb in 1 cup hot water for 5 minutes. Take 2–3 times a day. Do not take for more than 7–10 days consecutively, and stop for 3 or 4 days before repeating treatment (if further treatment is necessary).
tincture: Should be extracted in high-proof alcohol to make a tincture. Start with 5 drops a day; increase to up to 12 if necessary for relief.
important: Do not consume berries; they are toxic. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not consume if taking heart medications. Avoid if you are diabetic, as it may decrease blood sugar levels. Do not exceed recommended dose.
Hypericum perforatum
Family: Hypericaceae
Other names: Goatweed, Fr. Millepertuis
Parts used: Herb tops and flowers
Characteristics: Cool, bittersweet
Systems affected: Liver, nervous system, lungs
Actions: Sedative, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, astringent, expectorant, nervine, external analgesic
St. John’s Wort has been used as a medicinal herb for over two thousand years, with many stories and myths attached to it. It is an herbaceous perennial, growing up to 1 metre high with a central stem branching out into several at the top. The leaves are opposite and have tiny translucent spots, which are actually oil glands. The star-shaped flowers appear from June to August and are yellow with 5 petals and tiny black dots on the calyx and corolla. The root is a creeping rhizome, and the woody stem has 2 longitudinal ridges. It can be found in dry fields and along roadsides. Harvest leaves and flowers as plants bloom. Dry and store in an airtight jar.
MEDICINAL USES:
Nervous system disorders, depression, anxiety, rheumatic and arthritic pain
folklore: Named after St. John the Baptist, as it usually flowers around June 24, St. John’s Day. Since Ancient Greece its fragrance was believed to chase away evil spirits, and was used for centuries as a charm against witchcraft and in exorcisms. In medieval times, women would pick the herb on St. John’s Eve with the dew still on the leaves, as it was believed this would help them find a husband.
infusion: Infuse 1 heaping tsp of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water 10–15 minutes; drink up to 3 times a day.
tincture: Take 1–2 ml. 3 times a day.
oil: Place flowers in a glass jar and add just enough olive oil to cover. Place jar in a sunny window 2–3 weeks; shake daily. Filter and place in a dark glass container.
important: Excessive use may cause photosensitivity or allergies in some people and animals. Do not take in combination with other drugs, narcotics, alcohol, cold or hay fever medications, birth control, tryptophan, or tyrosine. Do not use during pregnancy.
Urtica dioica
Family: Urticaceae
Other names: Common Nettle, Fr. Grande Ortie
Parts used: Leaves, root
Characteristics: Bland, slightly bitter, warm, drying
Systems affected: Lungs, liver, urinary tract
Actions: Diuretic, astringent, tonic, hemostatic, galactagogue, expectorant, nutritive, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory
Although this plant has a bad reputation for its stinging hairs, it is one of the best medicinal herbs if properly handled, and has a wide variety of applications. A perennial that grows 30–90 cm. high, it has oval leaves, which are opposite, tapered to a point, and finely toothed. The roots are creeping rhizomes so it multiplies easily; the flowers are greenish and hang in branched clusters. The stiff hairs covering the entire plant contain a small amount of formic acid, which is what causes the sting, but rubbing Dock leaf or Plantain onto affected areas can neutralize it. The plant loses its sting after it’s been dried or cooked, or even if stored in the refrigerator for a day or so. It is usually found in waste places and ditches where the soil is moist; gather with rubber gloves in the spring or early summer when the leaves are free of dew; hang to dry in a shaded area for later use.
MEDICINAL USES:
Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, cystitis, stagnant mucus, enlarged prostate, stones, diarrhea, hemorrhoids
other uses: Stem fibres were once used to weave fabric, clothing, rope, and netting.
infusion: Mix 1–2 tsp. dried herb in 1 cup boiling water; infuse 10–15 min. Drink 3 times a day.
tincture: Take 6–12 drops 3 times a day.
important: Handle with gloves. Not recommended for pregnant women. Could interfere with blood-thinning drugs or diuretic drugs. May lower blood pressure.
Drosera rotundifolia
Family: Droseraceae
Other names: Dew plant, Red root, Herba rosellae, Fr. Rosée du soleil
Parts Used: Aerial
Characteristics: Bitter, acrid
Systems affected: Lungs, stomach
Actions: Antispasmodic, antibiotic, demulcent, expectorant
This tiny native aquatic plant can be found in acidic peaty soil alongside ponds, and rivers, or in damp woods. An insectivore (or insect-eating) perennial, its leaves grow close to the ground in basal rosettes and are covered with red glandular hairs, which exude sticky mucilaginous drops that resemble morning dew. They lure and catch insects, holding on to them as their leaves fold over and digest them. The tiny 5-petalled white or pink flowers emerge from the middle of the rosette on erect leafless stems 5–15 cm. high, and appear in summer or early fall. This plant is endangered, so it should be left where it is unless it’s cultivated or growing in abundance in the area. Gather in midsummer and air-dry for later use.
MEDICINAL USES:
Tuberculosis, coughs, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, warts, stomach ulcers
folklore and other uses: Was once employed in Sweden to sour milk in the making of cheese. The “dew” on the leaves was once believed to endow long life or restore youth to anyone who drank it.
infusion: Add 1 tsp. dried herb to 1 cup steaming water; infuse 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times a day.
tincture: Take 5–15 drops, 3 times a day.
important: Do not exceed recommended doses. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding.