Category:List of plants

Oils from the garden shop and their uses:

~Bergamot - Abscess, acne, anxiety, boils, bronchitis, cold sores, colds, depression, fevers, flatulence,   insect bites, intestinal parasites, nervous tension, oily complexion, sore throat. Add bergamot to a massage blend for indigestion; remember to rub the abdomen in a clockwise direction.

~Carrot Seed - prevention of pregnancy, accumulation of toxins, anemia, arthritis, indigestion, mature skin, rashes, skin irritation. In perfumery carrot can be added to a blend to round out the aroma.

~Cedarwood - Acne, air purifier, anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, dandruff, dry skin, fungal infections, insect repellent, nervous tension, rashes, ulcers. Cedarwood is a good addition to a hair tonic, and gives the aroma a long lasting undertone.

~Chamomile - Acne, arthritis, boils, burns, cuts, earache, fevers, hair care, headache, indigestion, inflammations, insect bites, insomnia, menopause, migraine, muscular pain, nausea, nervous tension, sprains, stress related complaints, teething pain, toothache, wounds. Chamomile may give a blend for muscle pain a warm fruity note.

~Cinnamon -  colds, cough, diarrhea, flatulence, infection, insect bites,  stomach cramps, stress, toothache. Cinnamon is a good addition to a blend for disinfecting the air.

~Sage - Acne, boils, constipation, convulsions, cramps, dandruff, depression,  excessive perspiration, flatulence, infection, inflamed skin, migraine, muscular aches and pains, oily skin and hair. Clary sage is a good addition to a bath for many reasons. This may help with headaches and migraines.

~Clove - Asthma, chest infections, diarrhea, exhaustion, flu, flatulence, indigestion, insect repellent, muscle pain, nausea, ringworm, scabies, sprains, stale breath, toothache, ulcers, wounds.

~Eucalyptus Blue Gum - Asthma, blisters, bronchitis, bruises, burns, chills, colds, cough, fever, headache, influenza, insect bites, lack of concentration, measles, mental exhaustion, muscular aches and pains, respiratory infection, skin infections, skin ulcers, slow circulation, sore throats, sprains, throat infections, viral infections, wounds. Eucalyptus is often added to inhalations, oils, and ointments for respiratory infections and congestion.

~Eucalyptus Lemon - Asthma, athlete's foot, candida, colds, cuts, infections, insect repellent, sore throat, sores, wounds.

~Geranium - Acne, anxiety, bruises, burns, cuts, depression, diarrhea, herpes, insect bites, menopause,, ringworm, shingles, sore throats, stabilize emotions, tonsillitis, ulcers, wounds.

~Ginger - Arthritis, bronchitis, bruises, chills, colds, colic, congestion, constipation, coughs, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, flatulence, flu, hangover, headaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, muscular aches and pains, nausea, sore throat, sprains, toothache, travel sickness, vomiting. The stimulant action of this oil makes it useful for fatigue and exhaustion. It may be rubbed on the earlobes, temples, or base of the neck.

~Grapefruit - Acne, anxiety, chills, colds, depression, exhaustion, fatigue, hangovers, headaches, muscle fatigue, obesity, oily hair and skin, stiffness, stress, tones the skin and tissues, water retention. To help with fatigue, stress, or exhaustion this oil may be added to a salve which can be applied to the temples and nape of the neck.

~Lavender - Acne, allergies, asthma,  bruises, burns, conjunctivitis, dandruff, depression, earache, flatulence, headache, indigestion, infection, inflammations, insect bites and stings, insomnia, laryngitis, migraine, nausea, nervous tension, rashes, scars, slow digestion, sore muscles, sprains, stress, sunburn, teething, toothache, ulcers, wound. Lavender oil is a good addition to most skin care products. For bug bites and burns the oil is generally safe to apply neat to the affected area.

~Lemongrass - Acne, athletes foot, digestion, excessive sweat, fevers, headaches, infectious disease, insect repellent, muscular pain, scabies, stress.

~Patchouli - Acne, allergies, burns, constipation, dandruff, depression, dry skin, indigestion, infections, insect repellent and bites,  oily hair and skin, open pores, wounds, wrinkles. Patchouli may be added to skin and hair care products.

~Peppermint - Acne, asthma, bronchitis, cholera, colds, cough, cramps, diarrhea, exhaustion, fainting, fever, flatulence, flu,, headache, hysteria, indigestion, insect bites, migraine, motion sickness, mouth or gum infections, muscular pain, nausea, nervous disorders,  toothache, travel sickness, vertigo, vomiting.

~Rosemary - Acne, amenorrhea, asthma, bronchitis, colds, constipation, coughs, dandruff, diarrhea, fainting, flatulence, flu, greasy hair, hangovers, headache, hysteria, insect repellent, jaundice, lice, memory loss, mental fatigue, migraine, muscle aches and pains, scabies, sore muscles, tonic, varicose veins, whooping cough, wounds. Rosemary oil has many applications. Using the oil in a massage oil may help with nasal congestion and sore muscles.

~Rosewood - Acne, burns, colds, coughs, damaged skin, depression, fatigue,  headaches, impotence, insect bites, lethargy, memory loss, minor cuts and abrasions, muscles and joint pain, nausea, stress, toothaches, vomiting, wrinkles. The mild spicy, floral and sweet smell of this oil can serve as an ideal natural deodorant.

~Spearmint - Acne, asthma, bronchitis, colds, colic, congested skin, fatigue, fevers, flatulence, flu, headache, migraine, nausea, nervous strain, stress, vomiting. Spearmint can be used in similar ways as peppermint. When blended together they create a mild slightly sweet mint aroma.

~Sweet Orange - Asthma, colds, cough, depression, flatulence,  indigestion, infections, insomnia, muscle aches and pains,stress, tension, wounds. To use this oil for its uplifting properties it may be added to a bath.

~Tangerine - Acne, congested and oily skin, constipation,  fluid retention, coughs, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal problems, nervous tension, obesity, restlessness, scars, stretch marks.

Plants and their parts:

~Bay Leaf - Bay leaves and berries have been used for their astringent (constrict tissue), carminative (prevent gas), diaphoretic (make sweat), digestive, diuretic (make urinate), emetic (make vomit) and stomachic (increase appetite) properties. Bay Oil is used in liniments for bruising and sprains.

~Allspice Berry - Allspice is used as a paste to soothe and relieve toothache, and as a mouthwash to freshen the breath.

~Cumin Seed - Chewing roasted cumin seeds can heal soars in the mouth and reduce excess saliva. Cumin boiled in water to make a tea cures problems in the urinary tract, cleans the bladder and kidneys. It also reduces pain in the body and acts as a natural sleep aid for those who have difficulty falling asleep.

~Basil - Basil is used to treat stomach cramps, vomiting, fevers, colds, flu, headaches, whooping cough, and menstrual pains. It is also used to reduce stomach acid, making it a valuable part of any treatment for ulcers, and a valuable addition to any recipe using tomatoes for those with sensitive stomachs. Externally, it can be used for insect bites, to draw out the poisons.

~Sumac Berries - An infusion of sumac berries is diuretic (cleanses the urinary tract), induces vomiting, purgative and reduces fever.

~Sesame Seed - Sesame seeds have antibacterial properties. They also have calming properties that are beneficial in treating PMS, anxiety, and depression. They have anti-inflammatory properties as well useful for migraines and also insomnia.

~Saffron - Saffron is used as a preventative for heart disease, as it prevents the build-up of cholesterol. It is also used to soothe the membranes of the stomach and colon. It is not to be taken in large doses.

~Paprika - Very effective added to liniments for all sorts of arthritis and muscle aches. Internally it benefits the heart and circulation when taken alone or added to other remedies. It is also used to stimulate the action of other herbs. It is also used to normalize blood pressure. It will stop bleeding both externally and internally, making it excellent for use with ulcers. It is used in antibiotic combinations, for menstrual cramps, and as a part of treatment for depression.

~Nutmeg Seed - A small amount of nutmeg, about the size of a pea, can be taken once daily over a long period (6 months to a year) to relieve chronic nervous problems, as well as heart problems stemming from poor circulation. Added to milk, and baked fruits and desserts, it aids in digestion, and relieves nausea. Large doses can be poisonous, and may cause miscarriage for pregnant women.

~Mustard Seed - When ground into a powder can be added to a bath to ease sprains and bruising. Made into a paste it can be applied directly to bruises and sprains (caution: If left on to long it will cause blisters.). The paste can also be rubbed on the chest and back to help with a deep rattling cough.

~Lemongrass - Lemongrass is used to calm the nerves, as an anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, astringent, antiseptic, insect repellant, room disinfectant, and pest control.

~Ginger Root - Ginger is an excellent herb to use for strengthening and healing the respiratory system, as well as for fighting off colds and flu. It removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves headaches and body aches. Combined with other herbs, it enhances their effectiveness. It is also very effective in combatting motion sickness. Recommended during pregnancy for treating morning sickness and digestive problems, as well as safe to use during pregnancy for colds and sore throats.

~Fenugreek Seed - Fenugreek is used to soften and expel mucous. It has antiseptic properties and will kill infections in the lungs. Used with lemon and honey, it will help reduce a fever and will soothe and nourish the body during illness.

Fennel Seed - Fennel helps to take away the appetite. It is often used as a sedative for small children. It improves digestion, and is very helpful with coughs.

Dill Seed - Dill is used to treat colic, gas, and indigestion.

~Cubeb Seed - Has a sharp, clearing aroma, and is antisceptic. This is a useful addition to pre- and post-sport massage blends.

~Coriander Seed - Coriander is analgesic, energizing, and aids digestion. Some common uses are for arthritis, indigestion, and flatulence.

~Clove Buds - Clove oil will stop a toothache when it is applied directly to the cavity. It is very warm and stimulating to the system, and is very useful with people who have cold extremities. Cloves will promote sweating with fevers, colds, and flu. It is often used in remedies for whooping cough. Cloves are also safe and effective for relieving vomiting during pregnancy.

~Cinnamon Bark - Cinnamon is analgesic, an aphrodisiac, energizing, aids digestion, and is an antiseptic. It also destroys or expells intestinal worms. Common uses include arthritis, colds, coughs, influenza, nausea, flatulence, insect repellant, loss of appetite, and a room disinfectant.

~Licorice - Licorice Root is a great source of the female hormone estrogen. It is used for coughs and chest ailments. It is an important herb to use when recovering from an illness, as it supplies needed energy to the system. Used as a remedy for stomach and heart problems, indigestion, and most respiratory ailments. When ground into a paste and applied to the skin it has a numbing effect.

~Cassia - Cassia: Aromatic, similar to Cinnamon, but differing in both strength and quality. Cassia is a tonic, carminative and stimulant. It is used to effectively treat nausea and flatulence. It is also used alone, or in combination with other herbs, to treat diarrhea.

~Anise - In a spiced cake prevents indigestion. Added to cold water on a hot day makes a refreshing potion. It averts the Evil Eye, and the oil is poisonus to pigeons. Anise seeds have been known for medicine in coughs. The oil mixed with spirits has beneficial action for spasmodic cough and chest pains and is good as an antiseptic mixed with mint and wintergreen for flavor.

~Chive - Chives have traditionally been considered a digestive and used to improve the appetite. The plant has also been used as a folk remedy against asthma, colds, coughs, ulcers, high blood pressure, poor circulation, tumors, and leprosy.

~Thyme - As a medicinal plant, thyme has traditionally been considered an anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, rubefactient, sedative, stimulant, and tonic. The plant has been used as a folk medicine against asthma, arteriosclerosis, colic, bronchitis, coughs, diarrhea, and rheumatism. Thyme has been used to promote perspiration. Thymol is a powerful antiseptic, considered to be quite toxic. The plant and essential oil can cause contact dermatitis and may affect lipid metabolism. Thymus species have been used as a folk remedy against cancer.

~Mint - Peppermint is the mint of choice for medicinal purposes. It's many uses include the following: The menthol in peppermint soothes the lining of the digestive tract an stimulates the production of bile, which is an essential digestive fluid. A hot cup of herbal tea is an excellent way to settle your stomach after a big meal. There is a very good reason that peppermint is the flavoring of choice for toothpaste. Peppermint is an excellent breath freshener. When using peppermint tea as a breath freshener, increase the effectiveness by adding a pinch of anise, caraway or cinnamon. Peppermint is reputed to have the calming, sedative effect. Menthol vapors are famous for relieving nasal, sinus and chest congestion. Remember those minty-smelling ointments your mother rubbed on your chest when you were a child with a cold? You can also get relief with a steaming cup of peppermint tea. For a more effective cold remedy, combine peppermint with elder flower and yarrow. For a hacking cough, drink 3 to four cups of cool peppermint tea throughout the day, taking a sip every 15 to 30 minutes. To make peppermint tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.

~Misletoe - leaves and young twigs are used for treating circulatory and respiratory system problems. Large doses have a detrimental effect on the heart. Also, eating the berries can be dangerous, especially for children and the elderly.

~Yarrow - used to treat headaches and wounds, especially battle wounds. Taken as a tea it should aid in digestion and increase appetite. In the case of the common cold and fever, it causes the body to perspire, thereby eliminating toxins causing the illness. It is also used as a relief from symptoms of stomach cramps, rheumatism, menstrual cramping, flatulence, diarrhoea, and as a general tonic. For external use, a paste can be used as an astringent for acne, skin toner and hair conditioner. It is used on wounds, cuts, scrapes, rashes, and burns, the leaves and stems can be crushed and used on the spot to help stop bleeding and aid in healing.