Month: October 2011

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Herbs & Plants

Eryngium yuccifolium

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Botanical Name : Eryngium yuccifolium
Family : Apiaceae – Carrot family
Genus : Eryngium L. – eryngo
Species: Eryngium yuccifolium Michx. – button eryngo
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom :Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision:Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division:Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class:Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Rosidae
Order : Apiales

Common Names : Rattlesnake master, Button eryngo

Habitat :Rattlesnake master is found generally in wet or dry prairies and open woods in the southeast US, north to Virginia, and throughout the Midwest to Minnesota, Kansas and Texas.

It is a Missouri native plant which occurs in rocky woods, prairies and glades throughout the State and was a common plant of the tallgrass prairie.

Description:
Rattlesnake master is a warm-season perennial native forb which grows well on wet or dry mesic prairie soil.  Plants grow 2 to 6 feet tall from a short, thick rootstock.  The bluish green basal leaves are up to 3 feet long and up to 1½ inches wide.  The leaves along the stem are much shorter, but they may be as wide as the basal leaves.  All the leaves are thick and parallel veined and have soft or weak prickles spaced far apart along the edges.  The leaf bases clasp the single, erect stem.  Flower heads are on stout peduncles at the tip of the stem.  Each nearly spherical flower head is from 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter and is made up of many small flowers.  Whitish bracts stick out sharply from the flowers, which gives the flower head a rough, prickly feel and appearance.  The heads have a honey-like odor and are in bloom June to September.  Individual fruits, which mature in the flower head, are less than 1/10 inch long.  The root of rattlesnake master has been used medicinally by American Indians and pioneers.  Eryngium is Greek for “prickly plant” and yuccifolium is Greek for “yucca leaves.”

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Medicinal Uses:
The plant was used as an antidote to snakebites. The roots were chewed and applied to the bite. The roots have been used medicinally for liver ailments, to increase urine flow, to induce vomiting, and to treat rattlesnake bite.  Very useful in dropsy, nephritic and calculus affections, also in scrofula and syphilis.  It is valuable as a diaphoretic and expectorant in pulmonary affections and used when Senega is not available.  There is some effect in treating inflammations and malaria.  The pulverized root is very effective in hemorrhoids and prolapsus.  Chewing the root results in increased saliva flow.   A liquid made from roots mashed in cold water was drunk to relieve muscular pains.  The roots have also been used for rheumatism, respiratory ailments, and kidney trouble.  A decoction of the roots has been found useful in cases of exhaustion from sexual depletion, with loss of erectile power, seminal emissions and orchitis. A tincture of the roots is used in the treatment of female reproductive disorders.       Rattlesnake master is reported to have bitter aromatic constituents.  No research seems to have been done on the effectiveness of rattlesnake master in the treatment on rattlesnake bites, but an extract of Eryngium creticum was found to be effective as an antivenum to the sting of the scorpion Leiurus quinuqestristus.  This Eryngium grows in Jordan, where it is used by people in rural areas for scorpion stings.

Other Uses:
Native plant gardens, naturalized areas or prairies. Also can be effective in borders.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=G500
http://www.millagardens.co.uk/index.php/2011/07/eryngium-yuccifolium/
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ERYU
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/image.asp?image=G500-0901020.jpg
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm
http://www.easywildflowers.com/quality/ery.yucci.htm

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Herbs & Plants

Rubus coreanus

Botanical Name : Rubus coreanus
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rubus
Species: R. coreanus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Rosales
Synonyms : R. tokkura. ; Rubus tokkura

Common Names: Korean black raspberry

Habitat : Rubus coreanus is  native to Korea, Japan, and China.  300 – 900 metres in W. Hupeh. Thickets on slopes, montane valleys, riverbanks and roadsides at elevations of 100 – 3100 metres

Description:
Rubus coreanus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft).
It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

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The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.

Cultivation :
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants are rarely cultivated for their edible fruit in Japan. This species is a raspberry with biennial stems, it produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock, these stems fruit in their second year and then die. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation:
Seed – requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Division of the suckers in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Fruit.

Fruit – raw or cooked. Small with a poor flavour. The dark red or purplish black fruit is 5–8 mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses:
Aphrodisiac;  Astringent;  Ophthalmic;  Restorative;  Tonic.

The fruit is aphrodisiac, astringent, restorative and tonic. It is taken internally in the treatment of complaints associated with disturbed liver and kidney functions, such as back pain, urinary dysfunction, premature greying, blurred vision, infertility, impotence and premature ejaculation. The fruit is harvested when fully ripe and can be used fresh or dried. The juice of the bruised leaves or a decoction of the root are used in the treatment of ophthalmia. The seed is astringent and tonic

An astringent herb that acts as a kidney and liver tonic.  Internally for complaints associated with disturbed liver and kidney functions, such as urinary dysfunction, premature graying, blurred vision, infertility, impotence, and premature ejaculation.  Fresh raspberry leaves can be pureed with some pure water and the juice extracted for use as an astringent wash to treat excessive watering of the eyes.  The juice of the bruised leaves or a decoction of the root are used in the treatment of ophthalmia.  The drug improves vision in liver and kidney deficient symptoms.

Other Uses
Dye.

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubus_coreanus
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rubus+coreanus
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm
http://www.asianflora.com/Rosaceae/Rubus-coreanus.htm
http://xyerectus.blogspot.com/2010/08/de-corea-rubus-coreanus-otra-planta-del.html

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Herbs & Plants

Brachyglottis repanda

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Botanical Name : Brachyglottis repanda
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Senecioneae

Common Name : Rangiora or Bushman’s friend . Although it has a single English vernacular name, in Maori it is variably known as Kouaha, Pukapuka, Pukariao, Puke-rangiora, Rangiora, Raur?kau, Raurakau, Wharangi, or Wharangi-tawhito.

Habitat ; It is found in coastal and lowland forest often in high-light situations on the margins or skirts of the forest from North Cape to about Westport.

Description:
It is a shrub or small tree up to 6 metres, with stout brittle spreading branches densely clad in a soft white to buff tomentum. The leaves are between 5-25 X 5-20 cm broad with slightly undulating and lobed margins. The lamina of the leaf does not follow the unduations of the margins and is flat. The petioles of the leaves have a characteristic groove up to 10 cm long. Flowers are found on much branched panicles with each floret being about 5mm in diameter X 12mm long.

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The large and leathery leaves are highly useful for a number of purposes, hence its common name of bushmansfriend. It makes a practical paper on which letters have been written but is best referred to as bush toilet paper.

Cultivation & Propagation:
It can be a difficult species to propagate from seed. Pick the seeds as soon as they suggest they are ripe, which is when the tiny ‘parachutes’ are blown from the plant in early summer. Collect seeds from a range of plants. Sow directly into the top 5mm of a fine free draining germination mix. Keep warm but do not over water. Germination may begin within 3 weeks. The seed does not store well. The usual method of propagation is by medium wood cutting in early spring.

Medicinal Uses:
In Europe the leaves are recognised as a homeopathic cure for urinary and kidney complaints.
M?ori used the plant for a number of medicinal uses. The leaves were used for wounds and old ulcerated sores, and the gum was chewed for foul breath but was poisonous if swallowed. It can also be used as note paper.

A gum obtained from the plant is chewed to sweeten the breath. Main use is in homeopathic medicine

Other Uses:
It is an attractive complement to an ornamental garden with its large and hardy leaves and attractive display of flowers in spring.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachyglottis_repanda
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm
http://www.bushmansfriend.co.nz/xurl/PageID/9165/ArticleID/-36629/function/moreinfo/content.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brachyglottis_repanda.jpg

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Allium tricoccum

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Botanical Name : Allium tricoccum
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Allioideae
Genus: Allium
Species: A. tricoccum
Kingdom: Plantae
clade: Angiosperms
clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales

Common Name : Ramp, Spring onion, Ramson, Wild leek, Wild garlic

Habitat :Allium tricoccum  is native of Europe. The name spring onion can also refer to scallions (Allium wakegi).Ramps are found across North America, from the U.S. state of South Carolina to Canada. They are popular in the cuisines of the rural upland South and in the Canadian province of Quebec when they emerge in the springtime. Ramps also have a growing popularity in upscale restaurants throughout North America.

Description:
Allium tricoccum is a perennial plant produces basal leaves up to 8″ long and 3½” across on short petioles (usually 2 per bulb). The basal leaves are ovate-oval to ovate-elliptic, dull green, hairless, and smooth along the margins. Their petioles are reddish, hairless, and wrapped in a basal sheath. These leaves develop during the spring and wither away by early summer. During early to mid-summer, there develops a naked flowering stalk up to 1½’ tall. This stalk is terete, glabrous, and reddish to pale green; at its base, there is a papery sheath. The stalk terminates in a single rounded umbel of flowers spanning up to 2″ across. At the base of this umbel, there is a pair of deciduous bracts. Each flower is about ¼” across, consisting of 6 white to translucent white tepals, a light green to pale yellow ovary, 6 stamens with pale yellow anthers, and a single white style. At the base of each flower, there is a slender white pedicel. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 weeks. Both the flowers and foliage exude an onion-like odor. After the blooming period, the ovary of each flower matures into a 3-celled seed capsule; each cell contains a single seed. The root system consists of an ovoid bulb with fibrous roots at its base. Offsets often develop, producing vegetative colonies of plants.

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Cultivation:
The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring when the basal leaves develop, while during the summer considerable shade is tolerated. The soil should consist of a rich loose loam with abundant organic matter, while moisture levels should be more or less mesic. It is easiest to introduce new plants into an area by dividing and transplanting the bulbs during the fall.

Edible Uses;
The flavor, a combination of onions and strong garlic, or as food writer Jane Snow once described it, “like fried green onions with a dash of funky feet,” is adaptable to almost any food style.

In central Appalachia, ramps are most commonly fried with potatoes in bacon fat or scrambled with eggs and served with bacon, pinto beans and cornbread. Ramps can also be pickled or used in soups and other foods in place of onions and garlic.

Medicinal Uses:
As a spring tonic in native N. American medicine, and to treat colds, sore throat, and worms in children.  Traditionally the leaves were used in the treatment of colds and croup.  The warm juice of the leaves and bulb was used externally in the treatment of earaches.  A strong decoction of the root is emetic.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/wild_leek.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allium_tricoccum
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/wild_leek.htm
http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/alliumtric.html

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm

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Turnera ulmifolia

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Botanical Name : Turnera ulmifolia
Family: Passifloraceae
Genus: Turnera
Species: T. ulmifolia
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales

Common Names:Yellow Alder,Ram Goat Dash Along,Buttercup Bush

Habitat :Turnera ulmifolia is native to Mexico and the West Indies.

Description:
Turnera ulmifolia is a nonwoody plant.It hassimple, alternate leaves with toothed edges, The leaf blades were about 5 cm by 2.5 cm long.Theleaf veins are  in a feather pattern (pinnate venation). The flower solitary (not a part of a flower cluster or inflorescence). It has 5 slightly fringed petals and 5 pollen-bearing stamens.Hairs on both top and bottom gave the leaves a velvety feel.

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Medicinal Uses:
This herb is said to have aphrodisiac properties.  The tea from the leaves has been used for colds and general debility.

A recent study found that yellow alder potentiated the antibiotic activity against methicillin—resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://ntsavanna.com/elm-leaved-turnera-turnera-ulmifolia/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnera_ulmifolia
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm

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