Find Me A Cure

Botanical Name: Heimia salicifolia
Family: Lythraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Myrtales
Genus: Heimia
Species: H. salicifolia

Common Names: Shrubby yellowcrest, Sinicuichi, Sun opener, Willow-leaf heimia, Sini

Habitat: Heimia salicifolia is native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States (Texas and New Mexico) through Mexico and Central America to Argentina. It grows along the sides of streams.

Description:
Heimia salicifolia is an erect, much-branched, deciduous shrub growing from 0.5 – 3 metres tall. In cool climates the plant does not fully ripen its stems and these die back to the ground each year. New growth up to 1.5 metres tall is then produced from the base each year. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Propagation:
Through seed – Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Grow the young plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Mulch the roots well in the autumn to protect them from the cold.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.

Edible Uses
An intoxicating and euphoric drink is made by crushing the wilted leaves in water and leaving the liquid in a sunny position for three days to ferment. In larger quantities this can induce hallucinations and produces a vision that is typically overcast in yellow.
The plant contains various alkaloids, including vertine and lythrine, which are considered to be responsible for any hallucinogenic activity.

There have been very few human-based trials on the alleged hallucinogenic properties of this plant. Considering an earlier human study using the aerial parts of the plant in 1896, and the results of a trial in 1998 with the extracted alkaloids vertine and lythrine, it is the opinion of the present authors that the alleged psychodysleptic effect of this plant must be due to the ethanol content of the native brews and/or their fortification with another sinicuichi, perhaps the seeds of Rhynchosia praecatoria

Medicinal Uses:
The leaves are antispasmodic antisyphilitic, astringent, emetic, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hallucinogenic, laxative, sedative, sudorific, tonic and vulnerary. The plant is employed most commonly to treat syphilitic affections.
An infusion serves to stabilize the blood pressure and relieve anxiety. It is said to have a sedative action that depresses activity of the central nervous system and reduces anxiety and induces sleep It is said to induce a state of serene calmness.
A paste made from the leaves and stems is an effective vulnerary and is used to treat wounds and skin problems. A decoction of the plant is employed as a wash to relieve the effects of poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron). It is also recommended to treat myaigia in the aged and after strenuous physical work and as a post partum bath.

The leaves are said to contain 9% of a bitter principle, nesine, and about 14% of a resin, the latter being the active principle. If the juice or a decoction of the plant is taken internally it is said to produce a mild and pleasant intoxication, during which all objects seen appear to be yellow.

Two other Heimia species are found in the New World:-
Heimia myrtifolia Cham .& Schlecht. is found in Argentina and southeastern Brazil, whilst Heimia monrana (Griseb.) Lillo is found in the mid-elevation forest zone of southern Bolivia and northern Argentina. Expert knowledge is required to differentiate these species from Heimia salicifolia. It is logical, therefore, to assume that ail three species may have been used interchangeably in folk medicine. Their alkaloidal composition has been studied using semiquantitative TLC methods and, while the differences appear to be more quantitative than qualitative, the three species are chemically distinct.

Other Uses:
The plant can be rubbed on the body to repel flies and other insects

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

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heimia_salicifolia
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Heimia+salicifolia
https://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Heimia+salicifolia

Botanical Name: Helenium puberulum
Family: Asteraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Genus: Helenium
Species: H. puberulum

Synonyms:
*Cephalophora decurrens Less.
*Helenium decurrens (Less.) Vatke

Common name: Rosilla

Habitat: Helenium puberulum is native to California and Baja California, where it can be found in moist habitats such as riverbanks and meadows. It has also been found in Oregon, although these might possibly be naturalized populations.

Description:
Helenium puberulum is an annual or perennial herb sometimes as much as 160 cm tall though other times much smaller. Most of the leaves are on the lower part of the plant. Stems are winged, meaning that they have flaps of tissue running down the sides. One plant can produce as many as 30 flower heads in a branched array. The head is unusual in that the part covered by the disc florets is almost completely spherical rather than conical as in most other species of the genus. There can sometimes be over 1000 small disc florets in the head, each yellow at the bottom but brown or purple toward the tip. The 13-17 yellow ray florets are small and inconspicuous, pointing backwards down the flower stalk. Sometimes the ray florets are completely absent. The fruit is a hairy achene one to two millimeters long.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
Grows well in ordinary garden soil, succeeding in most conditions other than boggy soils. It prefers a fertile moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. Dislikes dry soil. An annual or short-lived perennial, this species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A good bee and butterfly plant.

Propagation:
Through seeds – sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. If you have sufficient seed it would be worthwhile trying a sowing in situ outdoors in mid to late spring.

Edible Uses: Leaves and flowering heads are edible, eaten – raw

Medicinal Uses:
Antiscorbutic, tonic. The dried powdered plant has been applied to wounds and has also been rubbed onto the forehead and nose in the treatment of colds. It has been used as a snuff. The plant has also been used in the treatment of venereal disease.
(Antiscorbutic, tonic. The dried powdered plant has been applied to wounds and has also been rubbed onto the forehead and nose in the treatment of colds.

Other Uses:
When the flowers first appear, they’re a sunny yellow. This flower is a favorite for various birds like goldfinches and is a highly desirable stop for various pollinating insects. Butterflies enjoy the nectar and use it as a food source during migration.

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

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helenium_puberulum
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Helenium+puberulum

Botanical Name: Helianthemum canadense
Family: Cistaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malvales
Genus: Helianthemum

Common Names : Frostweed, Longbranch frostweed

Habitat: Helianthemum canadense is native to eastern N. America – Maine to Ontario and Wisconsin, south to North Carolina and Mississippi. It grows in open woods, clearings and barrens in dry sandy soils

Description:
Helianthemum canadense is a flowering perennial plant. It is 8–24 inches (200–610 mm) in height that blooms from May to June for a single day. Each stem normally has a single flower, but rarely can have two. The flower is yellow in color, with five petals and is between 3/4 and 1 1/4 inches across. The leaves are covered in hairs and alternate in pattern. The stems are also covered in hairs and are brown or green in color. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects, cleistogamy.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation: Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. Requires a light well-drained soil in a sunny open position. It tolerates a pH range from 5.5 to 8

Propagation: Through seeds.

Medicinal Uses:
The dried leaves are alterative, antiscrofulatic, astringent and tonic. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of kidney ailments and sore throats. A strong leaf tea has been used in the treatment of scrofula. It is applied externally to skin diseases and eye infections. It is said that an oil helpful in the treatment of cancer has been obtained from the plant. Some caution is advised since an overdose can cause nausea and vomiting.

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

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helianthemum_canadense#:~:text=%28%20L.%29%20Michx.%20Helianthemum%20canadense%20or%20Crocanthemum%20canadense,from%20May%20to%20June%20for%20a%20single%20day.
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Helianthemum+canadense

Botanical Name: Helianthus cusickii
Family: Asteraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Genus: Helianthus

Common Names: Cusick’s sunflower, Turniproot sunflower.

Habitat : Helianthus cusickii is native to the western United States from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California, and northwestern Nevada. IIt grows in mountain forests and foothills.

Description:
Helianthus cusickii is a perennial flowering plant ,. It grows up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall, growing from a thick, fleshy taproot. The lance-shaped leaves reach 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length, and the stem and foliage are often covered in long hairs. The flower heads have a base of long, hairy green phyllaries. The center of the head is filled with at least 40 yellow disc florets surrounded by 12–16 ray florets.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Climate: cold to warm temperate. Humidity: arid to semi-arid. A perennial wildflower herb. Poor soils. Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer. Cultivation: under development. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation)

Propagation: Through Seeds.

Edible Uses:
Edible Portion: Seeds, Roots. The roots are peeled and eaten raw. Carbon Farming Solutions – Staple Crop: protein-oil (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people’s diets in a particular region of the world) . Perennial crops are being developed for their oil-seed. The Land Institute see them as part of a perennial polyculture system. Helianthus cusickii is an arid US western mountain species not tolerant of boreal conditions but grows on poor soils .

Medicinal Uses: The root was used by US Plateau Indian tribes to treat erectile dysfunction, wasting, and tuberculosis. The tender leaf petioles, seeds are used in the treatment of a variety of ailments. Leaves are expectorant, diuretic and astringent. The intake of Sunflower leaf tea helps to reduce fever.

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

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helianthus_cusickii#:~:text=Helianthus%20cusickii%20is%20a%20species%20of%20sunflower%20known,Oregon%2C%20Idaho%2C%20northern%20California%2C%20and%20northwestern%20Nevada.%20
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Helianthus+cusickii

Botanical Name: Helianthus hybrids
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Tribe: Heliantheae
Subtribe: Helianthinae
Genus: Helianthus

Common Names: Perennial Sunflower,Helianthus maximliani (Maximilian sunflower), Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke), Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff sunflower).

Habitat:: Helianthus species are native to North America except for three species in South America. It grows on Cold to semi-arid regions.

Description:
Helianthus hybrids is a perennial plant , growing to 3.6 m (11ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. The plant has an erect rough-hairy stem. The tallest sunflower on record achieved 9.17 m (30 ft 1 in). Sunflower leaves are broad, coarsely toothed, rough and mostly alternate; those near the bottom are largest and commonly heart-shaped. The plant flowers from June to September. What is often called the “flower” of the sunflower is actually a “flower head” (pseudanthium), 7.5–12.5 centimetres (3–5 in) wide, of numerous small individual five-petaled flowers (“florets”). The outer flowers, which resemble petals, are called ray flowers. Each “petal” consists of a ligule composed of fused petals of an asymmetrical ray flower. They are sexually sterile and may be yellow, red, orange, or other colors. The spirally arranged flowers in the center of the head are called disk flowers. These mature into fruit (sunflower “seeds”).

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
Climate: boreal to warm temperate. Humidity: semi-arid to humid. Carbon Farming Solutions – Cultivation: under development. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation) . Perennial crops are being developed for their oil-seed. The Land Institute see them as part of a perennial polyculture system . Several perennial sunflowers are being worked with including prairie natives handling boreal to warm temperate semi-arid conditions: Helianthus maximliani (Maximilian sunflower), Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke), Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff sunflower). Less tolerant of boreal conditions but good on poor soils is Helianthus cusickii ( Cusick’s sunflower)
Helianthus counts numerous varieties, some of which are “dwarf” varieties. These can easily be grown in pots indoors. They will flower within a year and seeds can be sown again for more potted wonders!

Water when the soil is dry in the surface (just brush your fingers across it and if it feels dry, add water).
Feed with fertilizer every fortnight in summer, but stop feeding in winter.
Give it proper light, but don’t set it near sources of heat that would dry the air around it too much.
Propagation: Through Seeds.

Edible Uses: . Perennial crops are being developed for their oil-seed. The Land Institute see them as part of a perennial polyculture system.

Medicinal Uses: Helianthus hybrids Various medicinal qualities depending on the species. It is use in ethnomedicine for treating a number of disease conditions which include heart disease, bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary affections, coughs and colds and in whooping cough.

Other Uses
Biomass Oil. Some sunflowers are a good source of biomass. The tubers are used in industry to make alcohol etc. The alcohol fermented from the tubers is said to be of better quality than that from sugar beets[269]. Can be grown as a temporary summer screen. Ornamental. A food plants for the larvae of many lepidopterans.

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

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helianthus
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Helianthus+hybrids