Anise Hyssop
(Agastache Foeniculum)

Anise Hyssop is part of the mint family and is an aromatic digestant which prevents gas and bloating. A hot infusion will induce perspiration and is therefore useful in treating fevers. Anise Hyssop is used as an infusion in tea and cold remedies. It relieves congestion and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Calendula
(Calendula Officinalis)

Calendula’s antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a strong ingredient for healing. The flower works very well for cuts, wounds that are slow to heal, and diaper rash. It actually works better than diaper cream! It soothes skin conditions of: eczema, dermatitis, and dandruff. By promoting the production of collagen, an essential protein for glowing skin, calendula aids in sustaining soothed, hydrated skin. 

One of the prominent Calendula benefits is its ability to reduce scarring when used to treat wounds. This makes it a great preventative for pregnancy stretch marks.

Chamomile
(Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is one of the most well known ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many ailments such as : hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, fevers, pinkeye, and hemorrhoids. Chamomile inhaled as a steam can support the sinuses, help them drain, and relieve inflammation.

Cramp Bark

(Viburnum opulus)

Cramp bark is a plant that is native to Europe , but grows well in North America. Historically, Native Americans used cramp bark as medicine for reducing swollen glands and treating fluid retention, mumps, and eye disorders. The bark and root bark of this plant are still used medicinally. As the name suggests, cramp bark is used for relieving cramps, including muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, and cramps during pregnancy. Cramp bark is also used as a kidney stimulant for urinary conditions that involve pain or spasms.

Elderflower/elderberries

(Sambucus nigra)

Since ancient times- elderflower/berries have long been revered as very powerful medicine. It has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses are for colds and flu, sinus infections, fever, and other respiratory disturbances. As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation. It also helps alleviate allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system.

Hops
(Humulus lupulus)

Hops are the female flowers, or cones of the hop plant. They are in the Cannabaceae (cannabis) family of plants. Traditionally used to flavor beer for over 1,000 years, hops are a sedative that help with sleep (specifically trouble falling back to sleep) and relax the nervous system. Hops are also used to help reduce anxiety and restlessness as well as indigestion due to nervousness or poor dietary habits. They have antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties.

Lavender

(Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is one of the most recognized and revered herbal plants. In ancient times, lavender was used in the mediterranean for food, medicine, and bathing. Additionally, it was often used to freshen up and give a light scent to a variety of personal items, such as clothes and hair. This herb is also commonly used for medicinal and therapeutic benefits such as anxiety, stress, digestion, pain, and insomnia.

Lemon Balm

(Melissa officinalis)

Similar to other plants with a lemony scent, lemon balm has anti-viral properties, which makes it especially helpful for issues such as colds and flus, herpes, hepatitis, HPV, and any other viral infections. Its immune enhancing qualities help the body to fight off these infections. Because it is so mild, lemon balm is perfect for children with colds and flu as well, helping to break a fever if needed. It is known to be mood-enhancing and calming to the entire nervous system. Lemon balm paired with valerian is great for calming anxiety.

Lemon Verbena

(Aloysia citriodora)

Lemon Verbena is known medicinally as a digestive herb. It helps soothe indigestion, flatulence, and colic. Carminative and antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties aid digestion and have a protective effect on the colon. It is also an anti-depressant, sharpens concentration, and tonic to the nervous system. It is a digestive tonic, calming, mild expectorant, and sleep aid for insomnia. It reduces fever, relieves joint pain, and anti-inflammatory. It adds a delicious lemon flavor to any tea or culinary item.

Nettles

(Urtica dioica)

One of the first medicinal plants introduced to me by my grandmother. She would make it into a delicious soup or tea. Nettles are a nutritional powerhouse and are an excellent source of calcium, iron,  vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins. Nettles also include minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. They are one of the highest sources of iron and chlorophyll. Nettles are an anti-inflammatory and used for : seasonal allergies, iron deficiency, pregnancy, kidneys (diuretic) and regulating menstrual cycles, and cramps.

Passion Flower

(Passiflora incarnata)

Passion flower is a climbing vine that is native to the southeastern United States, Central and South America. The flowers and leaves are used medicinally. Passion flower is used for anxiety, insomnia, circular thinking, stress, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pain, and many other conditions.

Peppermint

(Mentha x piperita )

 Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. It is indigenous to Europe and the Middle East. Peppermint tea has antibacterial properties that help to ward off bacteria that are harmful to your immune system. Since menthol is a muscle relaxant, mint tea helps open up airways, relieving congestion and alleviating severe colds such as bronchitis. Peppermint also reduces fever, prevents nausea , reduces stress , improves digestion, and soothes an upset stomach.

Raspberry Leaf

(Rubus idaeus)

Raspberry leaves are chock full of fragarine, a compound that is known to strengthen the uterus . This can be beneficial for people who have difficulty controlling bowel movements and urination. In particular, the herb is used in pregnancy to reduce the frequent urge to urinate. Raspberry leaf is excellent for dysfunctional uterine bleeding, reduces clotting, normalizing the menstrual cycle and cramping during menses, and helps decrease PMS symptoms. It has also been used historically in pregnancy to tone the uterus and decrease labor time.

Rose Hips

(Rosa canina)

Rose hips are a rich source of vitamins and are a super food. They contain the Vitamins A, B complex, C, E, K, and minerals including calcium, silica, iron, and phosphorous. They are used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, strengthening the immune system, facilitating fat metabolism, protecting tissues from free radical damage, scurvy, adrenal function, heart health, pain and inflammation, prevent urinary tract infections, and assist in treating dizziness and headaches.

Rose Scented Geranium

(Pelargonium graveolens)

Drinking tea made from scented geraniums has a calming effect similar to chamomile and reduces stress and anxiety. Scented geranium tea is used to cleanse the face and help clear up acne due to its antibacterial properties. It has antioxidant and anti-aging properties. When ingested it also helps with gastrointenstinal issues, diarrhea, and headaches. Scented geraniums may help to reduce the pains associated with arthritis. it also has many wonderful culinary uses.

Rosemary

(Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. It contains camphor, which helps invigorate the circulatory and nervous system. Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and helps improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, and focus.

Valerian

(Valeriana officinalis)

During WWI, valerian was given to soldiers to help treat shell shock and given to civilians to help relieve stress. It helps calm the nerves, relaxes the muscles, and increases the blood flow to the heart. Because valerian is a sedative it helps with sleep , anxiety , and relaxing menstrual and intestinal cramps.

Yarrow

(Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow has been revered in many cultures as a healing herb for thousands of years. Yarrow fights infection, stimulates sweating and lowers fever. Through thinning the blood and increasing circulation, it also helps with congestion. Yarrow brings blood to the surface of the body, thereby inducing sweating. Yarrow acts as a diaphoretic as it helps to open the skin’s pores in order to help cool the body. In addition, the tonic/astringent action of Yarrow supports a normal menstrual cycle by helping reduce excess bleeding and easing menstrual cramps. For thousands of years, yarrow was used to staunch the bleeding from wounds inflicted during wartime. I have found it to be very effective at stoping bleeding in minor cuts and wounds.