Category: Herbs & Plants

Ladybells

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Botanical Name :Adenophora stricta
Family : Campanulaceae
Genus : Adenophora
Synonyms : Adenophora confusa – Nannf.
Common Names : Ladybells, Lady Bells,Slender lady bells

Parts used: Dried root and rhizome.

English Name:Upright Ladybell Root
Common Name:Nanshashen,Fourleaf Ladybell Root,Mountain ladybell Root

Habitat: E. Asia – China. Cultivated and naturalised in Japan. Hillsides and hilly places in China . Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Description:
Perennial growing to 1m by 0.3m.
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

click to see the pictures
Herb plant with white milk liquid,stem height 50~100cm.Cross grow leaves and shapes round or long piece,3~9cm length,width 1.5~4cm,irregula sawtooth of leaf edge. long anthotaxy,bell shape,5 split at top,with needle shape small feather, purple and blue chaplet,wide bell shape,1.8cm long.Fruit ball shape, flower August to September,fruit 1 month later.
Collection:Dig out in spring or Autumn,raze out crude skin when fresh, then dry.

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivation:
Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry, and a warm sunny position. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance, though they are fast-growing and can become invasive when well-sited. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed can also be sown in spring. Surface sow 2 – 3 seeds per pot in the spring in order to avoid transplanting. We have found that if transplanted when very small seedlings grow away without difficulty. Germinates in 1 – 3 months at 10°c. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst young. Basal cuttings in spring. Division in spring – very difficult because the plant dislikes root disturbance.

Chemical constituents:
Four compounds were isolated from the roots of Adenophora stricta. On the basis of spectrometric analysis and physicochemical constants, they were identified as beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, taraxerone and octacasanoic acid respectively. Taraxerone and octacasanoic acid were isolated from the plants of Adenophora for the first time.

Phytochemicals and Active constituents : Saponins,xanthotoxin,ammoidin,Phyto Sterol.Protein,Starch,and more minerals and vitamins.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Leaves; Root.

Root – cooked. When boiled in two changes of water, it is said to be excellent eating. Leaves – cooked.

Medicinal Actions & Uses :
Antitussive; Expectorant.

The root is a stimulant herb that acts mainly on the respiratory system and the heart. It is antitussive and expectorant and is used internally to treat dry coughs, chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis.

Function and Active Uses: general tonic, protect liver,cure cough.

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.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Adenophora+stricta
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/575/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2093322
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/589/
http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new00702.html

Tags China, Cold frame, Flower, Garden, Herb, Japan, Ladybells, October, Perennial plant, Plant, Root, Seed, September, Water

Herbs & Plants

Aconitum Orientale

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Botanical Name : Aconitum orientale
Family : Ranunculaceae
Other Names : Caucasian aconite; downy wolfsbane
Common Name: Downy Wolfsbane
Genus: Aconitum

Habitat :- W. Asia – Turkey to Iran. Woodland Garden; Dappled Shade;

Description:-
Perennial growing to 1.5m by 0.3m.
It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay 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:-
Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a calcareous soil. Grows well in open woodlands. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes.

Propagation:-
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division – best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year

Medicinal Actions & Uses:
Anodyne; Diaphoretic; Diuretic.

The dried root is anodyne, diaphoretic and diuretic. It should be harvested in the autumn as soon as the plant dies down. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards : The whole plant is highly toxic – simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people

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.
Resourcs:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aconitum+orientale
http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1000507.html
http://www.armitageimages.net/index.cfm/fuseaction/stock.masterlist/index.htm
http://www.giftpflanzen.com/aconitum_orientale.html

Tags Aconitum, Aggression, Antiaris toxicaria, Austin, Cable carrier, Calcareous, Carbon, Cell division, Flower, Garden, Germination, Loam, Plant, Root, Soil, Texas

Herbs & Plants

Aconitum Lycoctonum Vulparia

Post author By Mukul
Post date February 17, 2010
No Comments on Aconitum Lycoctonum Vulparia

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Botanical Name :Aconitum lycoctonum vulparia
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Aconitum
Synonyms : Aconitum vulparia – Rchb.
Common Name : Wolfsbane
Habitat : Native to Central and South Europe. Distribution:Europe to Asia. Woods and bushy places in damp shady places.

Description:–
Perennial growing to 1m by 0.6m.
It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
click to see the pictures.>.…..(1).……(2).…..…(3)..…...(4)..…
Special Features: Attractive yellow flowers held above deeply lobed foliage.
Natural Flowering Period: July – August/September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-9
Growth Habit: Broad, upright, open habit
Foliage: Deeply cut, deep-green leaves
Height with Flowers: 120 cm (48”)
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm (30”)
Soil Requirements: Cool, moist, fertile soils, pH 5.8 – 6.8
Location: Part shade

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

Cultivation:
Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade Prefers a calcareous soil. Grows well in open woodlands. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes.
An aggregate species which is divided by some botanists into many species.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then
be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in
a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division – best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late
winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year

Edible Uses:-

Some reports suggest the root is edible if cooked, but these should be treated with extreme caution due to thehighly toxic nature of the plant.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:-

Analgesic; Anodyne; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Irritant; Sedative.

The root is analgesic, anodyne, diaphoretic, diuretic, irritant, sedative. This is a very poisonous plant and should
only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards: The whole plant is highly toxic – simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aconitum+lycoctonum+vulparia
http://www.jelitto.com/english/AA086.htm
http://flora.nhm-wien.ac.at/Seiten-Arten/Aconitum-lycoctonum-vulp.htm

Tags Asia, Botany, Flower, Garden, Germination, Hardiness zone, July, Leaf, Loam, London, Perennial plant, PH, Plant, Seed, Southern Europe

Herbs & Plants

Aconitum Volubile

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Botanical Name: Aconitum volubile
Family: Ranunculaceae
Tribe: Delphinieae
Genus: Aconitum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales

Habitat : E. Asia – W. China, Korea, Mongolia. Thickets in the sub-alpine zone to 4000 metres.

Description:
Perennial Climber growing to 2m by 1m.
It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower from August to October. The flowers are pollinated by Bees.

Click to see the picture

Cultivation :
Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees, climbing through dwarf shrubs. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a calcareous soil. There is some confusion over the naming of this species. A. volubilis comes from Altai in Mongolia, reports for A. volubile in Korea probably refer to A. neotortuosum. Grows well in open woodlands. A climbing plant, twining around supports. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. This species is easier from seed than most members of the genus. Division – best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Leaves.

Young leaves – dried and cooked. This report should be treated with great distrust due to the poisonous nature of the genus[K].

Medicinal Actions & Uses :
Anaesthetic; Anodyne; Diaphoretic; Diuretic.

The dried root is anaesthetic. It is also used in the same ways as A. napellus, which means that it is anodyne, diaphoretic and diuretic. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards: The whole plant is highly toxic – simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aconitum+volubile
http://www.giftpflanzen.com/aconitum_volubile.html
http://www.asianflora.com/Ranunculaceae/Aconitum-volubile.htm
http://www.abc.se/~m8449/pic/aconitumvol.jpg

Tags Flower, Garden, Korea, Loam, Mongolia, Perennial plant, Plant, Soil

Herbs & Plants

Aconitum Violaceum

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Botanical Name : Aconitum violaceum
Family : Ranunculaceae
Genus : Aconitum
Tibetan Common Name:: bdud rtsi lo ma, bong nga nag po (Amrita leaves, black aconite)

Habitat : E. Asia – Himalayas. Shrubberies and open slopes, 3600 – 4800 metres from Pakistan to C. Nepal

Description:
Perennial.
It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from August to October. The flowers are pollinated by Bees.

Click to see..the picture >………..(1)………….(2)

Cultivation :
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by the native range of the plant it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. It is a polymorphic species. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a calcareous soil. Grows well in open woodlands. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division – best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root.

Root – cooked. It is eaten as a pleasant tonic. These reports should be treated with great distrust due to the poisonous nature of the genus.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:

Antidote; Antiinflammatory; Febrifuge.

The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. Antidote, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of snake and scorpion bites, contagious infections and inflammation of the intestines.

BONG NAG: Vermicide (tapeworms); infectious fevers; relieving pains of arthritis and rheuma. Ashes used to increase body heat. DUDSI LOMA: white, long root, slightly milky: Rheuma, artritis -pains, skin disease, gall disease ass. with nagas. Tonsilitis.

Used part:
in sommer whole plant is used. In autumn, when the flow of the sap is reversed, especially the roots are used.
Various species of Aconitum are being used in Tibetan Medicine. The one here is very poisonous and only very small doses are being employed. Pills with Aconite are usually much smaller than regular Tibetan pills. Usually they are not being crushed with the teeth but on swallows them as such. Compare it with the use in Homoeopathy!

Another species, Aconitum heterophyllum, apparently is only very little poisonous. Some people claim that its roots are even being eaten in times of scarcity. It’s used in indigestion medicines a lot.

Aconitum heterophyllum is specially regarded as a very endangered species since it is also popular in Ayurveda and is being collected in big quantities. Mainly the roots of Aconium spp. are being used. Thus collectors have to dig up the whole plants and in many cases destroyed entire populations in certain areas.

Known Hazards : The whole plant is highly toxic – simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people. Another report suggests that the root of this species might not be toxic.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aconitum+violaceum
http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?where-taxon=Aconitum+albo-violaceum&where-photographer=Dr.+Nick+V.+Kurzenko
http://www.yuthog.org/?Tibetan_Medicine/Medicinal_Plants&ID=17