Fascinating Medicinal Herbs

I have ordered some herb seeds from Richters.com. I got some really, really interesting herbs for my Medicine Garden.


Hemlock - In the fresh state all parts are very poisonous. Juice was used in early times to execute criminals. Socrates is the most notable to die in this manner. Under proper directions it is a useful sedative for cases of nervous motor disturbances. The active principle, coniine, has provided to be an effective insecticide against aphids and blowflies.



Henbane - A striking, odiferous plant with a legendary reputation. Henbane has been used as an instrument of assassination and murder since antiquity, most famously in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet: “Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole,/with juice of cursed hebona in a vial.” Gerard’s Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes (1633) says “the leaves, seed and juyce taken inwardly causeth an unquiet sleepe like unto the sleep of drunkenness, which continueth long, and is deadly to the party.” In fact the plant contains the tropane alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which in low doses have a sedative effect, but in higher doses will cause mania, hallucination, euphoria, convulsion and death. Henbane’s uses are more benign today, giving us useful drugs for ophthalmology and the prevention of motion sickness. An annual plant that has naturalized in North America, it has broad, coarse leaves and grayish-yellow flowers heavily veined in black, with dark centers. Fascinating as a specimen plant or where grown for therapeutic use. Modern cases of poisoning are rare, and henbane’s reformed reputation has made it a respectable garden dweller at last, albeit with an unsavory past.



Aconite - also called Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Women's Bane, and Leopard's Bane. This is a poisonous herb. It has been recognized as a poison since antiquity, particularly to poison the tips of arrows. It can be used as a sedative, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you want to die trying. Pretty purple flowers, it is a perennial.


Allheal - also called Prunella, Selfheal and Woundwort. For centuries it was considered to be exactly as described - the cure-all for most things. John Gerard´s Herball, or Generale Historie of Plants (1633) says "the decoction of Prunell made with wine or water doth joine together and make whole and sound all wounds, both inward and outward." It is reported to have an antiseptic and antibacterial effect, and to be particularly good in cases of food poisoning. It has purple flowers, and it is a self-seeding perennial.


Bai Zhi - Root used in Chinese medicine to treat toothache and headache and externally for mastitis and infected wounds. Has antipyretic, analgesic and antibacterial action. Opens nasal passages, sinus congestion (particularly with green discharge), alleviates head ache pain. I suspect it will be a re-seeding annual in my area, although Richters indicates it is a perennial.



Avens - (Herb bennet) Once known as the herba benedicta, the blessed herb. In the Middle Ages the plant was thought to evoke the presence of Christ and offer protection against evil influence. It appears as a decorative feature in the stonework and stained glass of Medieval cathedrals, the three leaves symbolizing the Trinity, and the five-petalled flowers the five wounds of the crucifixion. Medicinally it is thought to be beneficial against stomach upset, and as an external application to wounds. It contains tannins that give it an astringent, anti-inflammatory effect. Native to Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean, it is a perennial with small yellow flowers borne on thin wiry stems, preferring rich moist soil in shade. The root has a clove scent, and was much prized as a flavouring for ale and stews. Medieval gardeners would only harvest the root on March 25, and only under certain conditions, but for modern usage the root can be harvested anytime in the spring and used fresh or dried.



Cnidium - The Chinese name of this herb is She chuang. It is a stimulant and aphrodisiac used to treat impotency. Also used as a vaginal wash against trichomoniasis, and to treat scabies and fungal diseases.



Andrographis - In Scandinavia this is now the main herb used to fight the common cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Clinical trials have shown that this herb really works and many believe that it is better than echinacea. Like echinacea, it works by boosting the immune system, helping the body to battle infections and to prevent them from reoccurring in the future. But it does more: it has adaptogen-like properties, it has anticancer activity, it is a bitter tonic, and it is an antioxidant that has been shown to protect the liver. In China and India the plant is commonly used to treat a wide range of infections such as gastrointestinal complaints, hepatitis, herpes, and throat infections. In short this is one amazing medicinal herb! Easy to grow annual and easy to use.



Boneset - Eastern North American native found in swampy areas and along streams. White flowers; 30-150cm/1-5ft high. Excellent remedy for colds and intermittent fever, especially for flu. Medical evidence suggests that it enhances the immune system. Caution: contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids; not recommended for long term use.



Ma Huang - (Chinese ephedra; Cao ma huang) These are seeds of the true Ma huang from Inner Mongolia. Ma huang is a powerful stimulant herb containing the alkaloid ephedrine, the main inspiration for today's popular over-the-counter antihistamine drugs. Purified ephedrine is very potent, and a common North American practice of adding it to diet formulas is potentially dangerous because ephedrine can raise blood pressure if used over a long period, and can even cause cardiac arrythmias. However, when used in its native, non-purified form, the dried herb is much safer and very popular in traditional Chinese medicine for dispersing conditions characterized by wind and cold, such as chills, fever, headache, cough and wheezing. Very hardy; prefers dry, well-drained location with full sun exposure. Ht. 30cm/12in.



Comfrey - One of the country names for comfrey was ‘knitbone’, a reminder of its traditional use in healing bone fractures. Modern science confirms that comfrey can influence the course of bone ailments.