Contributor: Maggie Smartt

Latin Name: Althaea officinalis

Common Names: Marshmallow, Sweet Weed

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

Habitat and Botanical Information: Native to Europe, it has also been naturalized in the Americas. As per its name, it grows in marshy habitats, the edges of wetlands, and disturbed areas. It is a perennial that grows 2-4 feet high and has several wooly stems. The leaves are usually 1-3 inches long and serrate; the flowers are purple in color and 1-2 inches in diameter.

Parts Used: Root, leaves, flowers

Uses: Roots and leaves can be used in any infusion including long infusions (steep the roots or leaves for over 4 hours).

The roots can be used in a decoction by adding 5 pints of water to 1/4 lb or dried root, boiling down to 3 pints, and straining. Don’t make it too thick. The decoction can be ingested and also used as a topical remedy for bruises, sprains, and muscle aches.

Marshmallow powder added to water can be ingested to soothe an irritated stomach.

History/ tradition: Historically, marshmallow has been used in a syrup and tea to treat upper respiratory irritation, cough, and sore throat. 

According to the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine:

“The philosopher Theophrastus (c. 372-286 BCE) reported that marshmallow root was taken a sweet wine for coughs. Marshmallow was once a key ingredient in the sweets of the same name.“

And indeed, according to the “History of the Marshmallow” on campfiremarshmallows.com, the Ancient Egyptians used the sap of the plant combined with a honey-based candy recipe “to create a confection so delightful that it’s reserved only for the pharaohs and the gods.”

Energetics: Cooling, moistening, sweet, bitter

Systems: Respiratory, digestive

Actions: Demulcent (soothing action on inflammation, especially of the mucous membranes); Emollient (softens and soothes the skin)

A note from Maggie Smartt: My personal selling points for marshmallow in my job at Leaves & Roots are usually that it is soothing to all of the internal mucosal lining from mouth to anus. This is especially helpful for inflammation of the stomach/ bowels or ulcers in the stomach. It is a go-to herb for a sore throat and a dry cough. My best method of preparation is a hot infusion left to steep for 4+ hours in order to extract a great amount of mucilage (ie. it gets goopy!). I have also used the root infused in oil in things like lotion for an added soothing to the skin effect. I have read that due to its soothing demulcent effects it is also considered emollient and skin healing. While personally I gravitate toward using the root for everything, it was taught to me that the root is better for digestive issues (when in need of soothing) or for respiratory when dry and the leaf is better for respiratory ailments when wet (has an expectorant effect while retaining some soothing effect). The leaf is also good for smoking. 

Cautions: Generally regarded as safe. However, we always recommend that you check for contraindications with any pharmaceuticals before introducing a new herbal remedy.

Constituents: Mucilage, pectin, oil, glutinous matter, cellulose, starch, sugar, and asparagin

Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes based on the material.

Check out Maggie O’Halloran’s video plant profile on Marshmallow for more about this plant ally and its many uses.

References:

Campfire Marshmallows. History of the Marshmallow. https://www.campfiremarshmallows.com/history-of-marshmallows/

Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments. Third Edition. (DK Penguin Random House: 2016) p. 165. https://bookshop.org/a/11829/9781465449818

European Medicines Agency, Science Medicines Health. Assessment report on Althaea officinalis L., radix. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-althaea-officinalis-l-radix_en.pdf

Grieve, Mrs. M. A Modern Herbal: Volume II L-Z. (Dover Publications: NYC, 1971) p. 507-508. https://bookshop.org/a/11829/9780486227993

Meyer, Joseph E. The Herbalist. (Meyerbooks, Glenwood, IL: 1960) p. 6.

Native Plant Trust. Althaea officinalis: Common Marsh-mallow. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/althaea/officinalis/

Ruff, Emily & O’Halloran Maggie. Roots of Herbalism Workbook.

Contributor: Maggie Smartt

Latin Name: Serenoa repens

Common Names: Saw palmetto

Family: Arecaceae

Habitat: S. repens is endemic to the subtropical and tropical Southeastern United States, making Florida a happy home for saw palmetto. It is common along the coast and in the understory of pine woodlands and hardwood hammocks.

Parts Used: Berries

Note About Foraging in Florida: Effective July 2018, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) requires a permit to harvest and sell saw palmetto berries in Florida. The Endangered Plant Advisory Council unanimously recommended adding saw palmetto to the FDACS commercially exploited plant list. To learn more about requirements and to apply for a permit visit -> fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Plant-Industry-Permits/Saw-Palmetto-Berry-Harvesting

Uses: Berries can be eaten. Liquid extract, and teas made from dried or fresh berries.

Cautions: Generally thought to be safe, though S. repens may reduce the number of estrogen and androgen receptors and have hormone-like effects. Therefore, it should not be used in pregnant or nursing women, or women who have had or are at risk for hormone-related cancers. It may make oral contraceptives less effective.

Saw palmetto may interfere with the absorption of iron. It may also affect the body’s ability to clot, and may interfere with blood-thinning drugs.

Do not use with pharmaceutical medications prescribed to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) unless directed by your doctor.

Growth: Saw palmetto grows as a shrubby palm up to 15 ft. tall and 10 ft. wide. It is very slow growing and often forms clonal colonies that all share the same genetic information. Leaves are fan-shaped and have a bare petiole ending in a rounded fan of up to 20 leaflets. Flowers are yellow/white and form a dense panicle up to 60 cm long. It blooms from spring into summer and attracts a large number of native bee species. See the FL native plant society page that lists all the documented bee species. The berries are an important food source for wildlife, including many local birds as well as mammals, like bears.

History and Tradition: Traditionally, indigenous people of Florida employed saw palmetto berries as a food source, as a general tonic and for urological disorders.

Early European settlers in America also used saw palmetto berries for food to forestall starvation. History tells us that a ship of Quakers shipwrecked on the shores of Florida in the 1600’s. The local people fed them their fish and saw palmetto berries. Though it is documented the Europeans grew to tolerate the taste, they documented them as tasting similar to “rotten cheese steeped in tobacco juice.” Despite their distaste for the berries, it is also documented that the nutritive berries saved an infant among them due to their high oil and fatty acid content.

Systems: Reproductive; urinary.

Actions: Aids in urinary issues stemming from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH); anti-inflammatory.

The berries may be helpful for women with urinary incontinence and frequency, and considered a very useful preventative treatment for BPH, reducing prostatic swelling associated with urinary symptoms.

It can prevent the conversion of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to testosterone. It may also help with hair growth for this reason. Being an extremely nutritive herb, it can promote anabolic weight gain and strengthening of the body tissue.

It is especially useful for women with ovarian enlargement due to its properties that help it regulate the size and function of reproductive organs in all individuals.

Constituents: Over 100 known compounds are present in the berries of S. repens. According to one study, “The potential active ingredients in saw palmetto appear to be contained in the purified lipid soluble extract of the saw palmetto berry. This has been found to contain 85 to 95 percent fatty acids (predominantly lauric, caprylic, and caproic), long-chain alcohols, and sterols (including beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, cycloartenol, lupeol, lupenone, and methylcycloartenol).”

Energetics: Pungent, sweet, warm, and dry.

Watch the Video Plant Profile with Shay DeGrandis

References:

Eat the Weeds And Other Things, Too.“Saw Palmetto Saga, Serenoa Repens: Weed to Wonder Drug.“

Gladstar, Rosemary. Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Healing for Men: Remedies & Recipes. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2017.

Green, James. The Male Herbal: The Definitive Health Care Book for Men&Boys. Berkeley, CA: Crossing Press, 2007.

Mountain Rose Herbs. Saw Palmetto Extract Product Description.

Saper, Robert B. “Clinical Use of Saw Palmetto.” UpToDate. Accessed August 22, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-use-of-saw-palmetto.

“Saw Palmetto.” Mount Sinai Health System. Accessed August 22, 2022. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/saw-palmetto.

Wilt, T J, A Ishani, I Rutks, and R MacDonald. “Phytotherapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.” Public Health Nutrition. U.S. National Library of Medicine, December 3, 2000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11276294/.

Yamada, Shizuo, Michiyo Shirai, Ken Ono, and Shinji Kageyama. “Beneficial Effects of Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract on Urinary Symptoms in Japanese Female Subjects by a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Nutrients. U.S. National Library of Medicine, March 11, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35334848/.

https://www.fnps.org/plant/serenoa-repens

Disclaimer – This content is intended for educational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes based on the material.

Family: Asteraceae

Common Names: Spilanthes, Eyeball Plant, Toothache Plant, Buzz Buttons, para cress, szechuan buttons
Spilanthes means “stained flower.”

Habitat: Grows well in mid to south Florida and is native to tropical climates. It’s a plant true to the term herbaceous, self-seeding and annual. Depending on where it’s growing, it can get up to 12-24 inches high and will flower for three to six months in the warmer seasons. Spilanthes likes full sun or part shade and rich soil, so adding compost materials and planting in a garden bed will help it thrive.

Parts Used: Aerial parts, buds and leaves.

Uses: Known for its use as a numbing agent and its anti-septic properties, providing some relief to toothaches. When you bite into the bud of a “buzz button,” there is often a strong tingling sensation—similar to how it feels to eat Pop Rocks, but more targeted to the area of the mouth where the bite was taken—followed by a numbness lasting for a good while after eaten.

Used in tinctures, tisanes, and salves for its anti-fungal, yeast balancing, and antibacterial properties.

History and Tradition: Historically, Spilanthes, has been used as a respiratory support, and to stimulate the immune system to help ward off the “winter illnesses” in addition to its numbing relief for toothaches.

Actions: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-fungal

Watch the Video Plant Profile for July 2022: Spilanthes with Maggie O’Halloran on YouTube.

References:

Horne, Steven H., and Thomas Easley. Modern Herbal Medicine. St. George, UT: School of Modern Herbal Medicine, 2014.

Contributed by BB Soto

Latin Name: Hydrastis canadensis

Common Names: Goldenseal, eyebalm, eyeroot, golden root, ground raspberry, Indian dye, Indian turmeric, jaundice root, orange root, yellowroot, yellow puccoon

Family: Ranunculaceae

Habitat: This rapidly growing member of the Ranunculaceae family is happiest in rich, open, and hilly woods. It is native to southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. It grows in patches and within a week to ten days in consistent warm weather, it’ll grow to be six inches high and expand its flowers.

Parts Used: Roots and leaves.

Uses: Can be used as a powder, or to make tinctures and liniments. Depending on which ailment needs relief, either part of the plant or all the plant — roots and leaves — can be used. Smaller doses are recommended or else it may be too drying. According to Paul Bergner cited on herbalremediesadvice.org, powder should be .5-10 grams per day and tincture is 15 to 90 drops, TID.

History/Tradition: Native Americans used goldenseal as a yellow dye and as a wash for local inflammations, for liver trouble, stomach issues, and as eye and ear medicine. When the early European colonizers arrived on American shores, the people familiar with plants of the land shared their uses for the plant, and it was adopted by immigrants as a dye and domestic remedy. Time passed before it attracted European professional medical attention. Few minor mentions were made until 1833 when Wooster Beach introduced it as a drug in his Materia Medica. According to John Uri Lloyd (Goldenseal, 1868), “The first edition of the Eclectic Dispensatory by King and Newton, 1852, gave the drug the first conspicuous consideration it received in medicine, and at once Hydrastis and its preparations became prominent in Eclectic therapy. From this period Eclectic physicians made Hydrastis one of their most valued drugs, and both the crude drug and its preparations as devised by them, became so important as to lead to the drug becoming official in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States (1860).” As of 1686, when Lloyd wrote his monograph, few American drugs were as important as Hydrastis. The Eclectic Physicians had adopted its uses for digestion and as a mucous membrane tonic, among other infections.

Energetics: In Western herbalism, goldenseal is bitter, cold, and astringent. In Chinese medicine, it is used to clear heat and drain dampness.

Indications: As an astringent, it tones, tightens, and balances mucous membranes; helps alleviate the symptoms of ulcers, sinus infections, intestinal infections, vaginal infections, eye infections, canker sores, and urinary tract infections.

Systems: Digestive, urinary, lymphatic, and respiratory

Actions: Astringent, antimicrobial, vermifuge, digestive aid, and clears heat.

Cautions: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

This plant is commonly misunderstood to be an herbal antibiotic and misused for colds and flus. Another myth is that taking it will help pass a drug test. Such common misbeliefs and unethical marketing have led to a serious over harvesting of H. canadensis.

Constituents:  Berberine and hydrastine — alkaloids known to have antimicrobial properties.

References: 

De La Foret, R. (n.d.). Benefits of goldenseal. Herbs with Rosalee. Retrieved February 5, 2022, from https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/benefits-of-goldenseal.html

Lloyd, J. U. (1868). Goldenseal monograph. HerbRally. Retrieved February 5, 2022, from https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/goldenseal?rq=Goldenseal

Latin Name, Family & Common + Folk Names

Latin Name: Taraxacum officinale

Family: Asteraceae

Common & Folklore Names: Dandelion, Lion’s Tooth, Blowball, Monk’s Head, Priest’s Crown, Dent-de-Lion (French for tooth of the lion), Pissenlit (French for piss the bed)

Botanical Information

Habitat: T. officinale grows wild on six of the seven continents. Want to guess which one is not sprouting this golden source of sustenance. One hint…its frozen tundra makes growing anything herbal quite unlikely.

However, it’s widespread global footprint, doesn’t mean it grows well in all climates and environments. For instance, it’s rare to see one in growing wild here in Central Florida. It becomes more likely in the Gainesville/Ocala region, and more common as you head north.

It prefers undisturbed areas and wide open spaces. Think pastures, the sides of road ways, and, of course, lawns.

Propagation: Dandelions are, perhaps, most recognized by their seed heads.  Those beautiful puffs that children (and many many adults) can’t resist pulling from the ground to blow into the wind. Those wishes we’re all blowing into the air, though, are also carrying clones of the parent plant. Each seed head creates anywhere from 54 to 176 seeds, giving the dandelion multitudes of opportunities to clone itself with every gust. Therefore, no pollinators are needed. Just one seed that roots into the ground and thrives. And Dandelion will take care of the rest.

Description: Leaves are sharply-toothed that grow directly from the ground in rosettes. The flowers are bright yellow and inflorescent. The root is perennial and tapering, simple and branched, and in good soil will attain a length of a foot or more and grow to be 1/2 to an inch in diameter.

History and Background

The history of the dandelion runs parallel to the history of human civilization. Wherever there is open space, they move in and, for lack of better words, take over. Dandelion has traveled and spread alongside the spread of colonialists, being brought along as an easy to cultivate and nutritious food source. Some believe the seeds traveled with the hay as colonists made their way across the globe, others believe they were intentionally carried to create new crops in lands where food supply was unknown.

There are references to the medicinal uses in written history as far back as the 11th century by Arabic physicians, and the 13th century by Welsch physicians. We know it goes back further due to Greek mythology, in which Hecate—goddess of the underworld—is said to have fed dandelions to Theseus for 30 days to give him the strength to defeat the Minotaur.

So, if this plant has such a history as being a staple in diets and medicinal use, how then did it become classified as a weed? And not only is it considered a pest by many, it’s often the quintessential representation for all weeds. Next time you visit your hardware or home store, take a look at the weed killers. Notice a certain plant ally posted on the labels?

In 17th century England, Western culture sees the “rise of the lawn.” Royals had had their gardens for centuries, but now we see the aristocracy begin to demonstrate their affluence for all to see that they didn’t need to grow their own food. They were wealthy enough to purchase it from outside sources. Therefore, following in the royal footsteps they began to use their vast manicured lawns and gardens as a symbol for status. Anything wild went out by the wayside and trickle this mentality down through history and we still, to this day, see a preference to manicured laws kept “weed”-free.

Herbalism and Uses

Parts Used: More often, the leaves and roots, both fresh and dried, are what is used, but the flower is edible.

Uses: The roots can be eaten much like any root vegetable. These are best picked in the Fall when the leaves have browned and they are grown to full-size. They can be dried and roasted to make a tea that is a diuretic and makes for an excellent caffeine-free coffee substitute. They can be used to make tinctures. Alcohol will extract the medicinal qualities and vinegar will pull the minerals—making it a nutritious addition to daily salad dressings. Overall, the root is an aide for poor digestion, liver function, prebiotics, and osteoarthritis.

The leaves are bitter when fresh, increasing in bitterness after the blooming. This bitter property increases saliva which helps break down starches and also proteins, increases bile which aids in fat digestion, and stimulates natural peristalsis. The leaves, too, are a diuretic. Hence the French name piss en lit which translates to “piss the bed” in English. Use them fresh in a salad, cook them with other vegetable or greens, or cook them any way you’d cook other greens. Medicinally, the fresh and dried leaves can be made into a tea, tincture, or vinegar extract.

The flowers are high in lutein, a constituent known to support eye health.  The flower syrup that comes from breaking the stalk tastes nutty and like vanilla, and is reputed to be a mood lifter. You can cook the flowers and make fried dandelion fritters, or eat the petals fresh in a salad. Jelly and wine are popular uses for the flowers, as is baking them into cookies or breads. Harvesting is best done in early spring, in the middle of the morning on a hot day, and processed right away.

Contraindications: There are no known contraindications, however, if one has an allergy to the Asteraceae family, mild reactions can result when using Dandelion.

Cautions: As with any wild foraging, you want to be mindful of where you’re picking. Avoid places close to roads and anywhere pesticides are used. With Dandelion roots growing as deep as they do, there’s extra reason to ensure that you’re not foraging in a place that’s used pesticides within the previous 5 years or had any kind of toxic waste ever.

Key Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones Triterpenes, Polysaccharides

Leaf Constituents: Coumarins, Carotenoids, Minerals

Root Constituents: Taraxacoside, Phenolic acids, Mineralls

Actions: Diuretic, Detoxifying, Bitter

Recipe:

Contributed By Shay DeGrandis, Herbalism Instructor, Florida School of Holistic Living

4-6 cloves of garlic (depending on clove size and how garlicky you want the flavor)

2-3 Tbsp Olive oil

1/3 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup dried fruit, chopped (dates, raisins, cranberries are best)

1-4 anchovy filets (optional for vegan)

1 large bunch of fresh, Dandelion

your preferred green: kale, Swiss chard, mustard, turnip, collards, spinach, Bidens or Chaya or (after boiling first). Cooking times will vary with each, depending on type)

2-4 Tbsp of vinegar (see note below)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional additions to sprinkle on top: Crushed red pepper, hemp seeds, moringa powder, kelp, grated Parmesan/Pecorino/Romano cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)

1. Peel and mince garlic. Put aside and let garlic sit while preparing other ingredients.
2. Wash and chop greens. Make sure to get all dirt off to avoid grittiness. Leave some water on the leaves so they steam and wilt while cooking.
3. Chop onions and dried fruit.
4. Heat large sauté pan. Add oil once warmed.
5. Add onions to pan and cook, stirring regularly, until it begins to turn translucent, about 2 minutes.
6. Add fruit to pan. Cook until it begins to soften.
7. If using anchovy, place filets in pan and stir around until they melt into mixture.
8. Add garlic to pan. Stir into mixture until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Do not overcook.
9. Add leafy greens. Stir to coat in mixture. Stir occasionally to ensure all leaves begin to wilt.
10. Continue to cook until leaves are wilted to your desired texture. If the leaves are tougher, you can add a splash of water or stock to help with wilting — do this early enough so the liquid has time to evaporate during cooking.
11. Sprinkle with vinegar: place just enough vinegar onto the leaves to get them wet but avoid drowning them.
12. Add salt and pepper to taste.
13. Remove from heat and sprinkle with any additional ingredients.

NOTE: You can use any type of vinegar you prefer and will get a different flavor profile from each: red wine or apple cider will make it tarter; balsamic, an herbal oxymel or a dash of honey in the mix adds more sweetness; Fire Cider will give it a deeper flavor and some spiciness. Experiment!

References:

Chevallier, Andrew. “Taraxacum Officinale.” Essay. In Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine 1, 1:141–41. New York, NY: DK/Penguin Random House, 2016.

DeGrandis, Shay. Plant Profile: Dandelion with Shay DeGrandis. YouTube, 2022.

Grieve, M. “Dandelion.” In A Modern Herbal: The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs & Trees with All Their Modern Scientific Uses, 249–55. New York, NY: Dover Publications, 1982.

Hanna, Gabbie. Poem. In Dandelion, 104–5. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2020.

The History Guy. Dandelions and Civilization: A Forgotten History. YouTube, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyePMeGE3CI.

Contributed by B.B. Soto

Latin Name: Passiflora incarnata

Common Names: Passionflower, passion vine, maypop

Family: Passifloraceae 

Habitat: This perennial herbaceous climbing vine is native to Central Florida and the southeast United States—found growing mostly from Texas to Florida. It grows easily by cutting and is happy in sandy Florida soil, sunshine, and rain. It also survives in both dry and wet weather, heat, and is cold tolerant. For tips on where to plant in your home garden, see Emily Ruff’s Passionflower Materia Medica Video.

Fun fact: Two Florida butterfly species, the Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing, use the vines to lay their eggs so the hatched caterpillars can munch on the leaves, making it a beautiful garden addition to attract pollinators to your yard.

Parts Used and Uses: The fruit and flower are flavorful and can be used in cooking, but the leaves and vines are used for passionflower herbal remedies. 

P. incarnata is best used in tinctures, teas, and encapsulations. It works well with many plant allies — Valerian and Hawthorn to aid digestive spasms, gastritis, and colitis. While not strong enough to be a singular painkiller, it works well with other anodyne herbs such as Jamaican Dogwood, Cramp Bark, and Valerian. Passionflower also pairs well with Motherwort for menopausal-specific insomnia, and Skullcap for bruxism (grinding one’s teeth during sleep).

Dosages are unique to the condition and person. 

History/Tradition: The flower received its name because people saw it as symbolic of the  Passion of Christ—its 10 petals represent 10 of the 12 disciples, excluding Judas and Peter, the 5 stamens represent the wounds Christ received, the knob-like stigmas resemble the nails, and the petals are like the crown of thorns. 

Energetics: Maggie O’Halloran shares in her Passionflower Materia Medica Video that P. incarnata is great for “spiral thinking.” And other energetic uses of passionflower herbal remedies have been described to ground, calm, and help those who need to reconnect.

Systems: nervous system, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular

Actions: Cooling and drying, supports nervous system, mild pain relief (passiflorine compared with morphine), sedative, calming and lowers heart rate, calms physical manifestation of anxiety. Antispasmodic. Anxiolytic – calms anxiety. 

Cautions: The sedative action is helpful for sleep blends, but be mindful of over consumption.

Not to be consumed with pharmaceuticals, especially MAOI anti-anxiety meds and other mental health medications.

For other pharmaceutical contraindications, consult a medical professional before consuming.

Culinary Use: Flowers and fruit are edible. Flowers can be used to make tea or tossed in a salad for a bit of sweet flavor. The fruit can be used as a flavor to yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, oatmeal, or in juice. 

References: 

Florida School of Holistic Living. (2020). Plant Profile: Passionflower with Maggie [YouTube]. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://youtu.be/rIrWvzt0PhE.

Florida School of Holistic Living. (2015). Plant Profile: Passionflower with Emily Ruff [YouTube]. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://youtu.be/TlogH6OD-yM. 

Thompson, K. (n.d.). Passionflower Monograph [web log]. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/passionflower?rq=passionflower. 

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2020). Passiflora incarnata (Maypop). Native Plants of North America Plant Database. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pain6.

Common Names 
Beautyberry, American Beautyberry, French Mulberry, Perfumed cherry, ZiZhu

Latin Name Callicarpa americana

Family Lamiaceae  

Habitat 
American Beautyberry is a native deciduous shrub of the Southern United States which is often grown as an ornamental. It is found growing wild in moist thickets, wet slopes, low rich bottomlands, and at the edges of swamps, in woodland areas, coastal plains, and bottomlands. The flowers are pink to white. The berries are shiny and a very distinct shade of purple. The fruits grow closely together in clusters. It grows wild easily in tropical climates and woodland settings. Beautyberry has a preference for full sun and loose, well-drained soil. In such conditions, a Beautyberry shrub will grow up to 9’ tall and 5’ wide. It is a perennial shrub that does best in USDA zones 7 through 11. Beautyberry will also grow in partial shade. Once it is established it can handle a fair amount of drought. It is easily propagated by seeds or cuttings and is easy to care for.

Parts Used 
Whole plant

History/Tradition
Indigenous Americans used a tea of leaves and roots in sweat baths for rheumatism, fevers, and malaria. Root and berry tea has been used for colic. Root tea has also been used for stomach aches and dysentery. Early 20th-century farmers placed crushed beautyberry leaves beneath the harnesses of their horses and mules to repel bugs. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, beautyberry has been used for its astringent properties to slow down or stop bleeding in the stomach and lungs. Some folks would crush up leaves and sprinkle them in a fishing hole to stun and catch as many fish at once.

Energetics
Flavor: Bitter
Temperature: Cooling
Moisture: Drying
Tissue State: Astringent

Indications
Digestive issues, Colic, Irregular Bowel, Dropsy, Inflammation, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Edema, Gout, Mild Rheumatism, fever, Malaria, Dysentery, Stomach Ache, Colic, Acne, Reflux, Herpes, Candida albicans. Currently, there is research into the efficacy of beautyberry in treating cancer and memory loss as well.

Systems
Digestive, Immune, Integumentary

Actions 
Diuretic (root bark) Anthelminic, Anodyne, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

Nutrition
Beautyberry is high in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C. It is high in carbohydrates and fiber. There are also rich antioxidants that give the berries that bright color.

Cautions
Avoid eating too many raw berries, it can cause stomach problems. The leaves may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Constituents
Callicarpenal, Intermedeol, Spathulenol, Carnosol, Humulene epoxide II, Alpha-humulene, 7-epi-alpha-eudesmol, Beta-pinene, 1-octen-3-ol

Culinary Use
The berries are made into wine and jelly most commonly. They are very astringent, but combined with sugar in recipes the flavor is floral, interesting and tasty. The flavors also mellow when cooked or boiled. Beauty berries are great in sorbet, as gelatin, and as an ingredient in meat sauces. The berries also make a tangy and tasty tisane with citrus notes. The flavor has been compared to hibiscus. The growing environment determines the nuances of flavor found in the berries.

Magick
Element: Water
Zodiac Signs: Scorpio
Planet: Venus
Magic: Beautyberry leaves added to charms can keep away pests. An infusion of the berries can be used topically in glamours, beauty, and luring spells.

Other Uses
The berries are an important survival food for birds and other animals, though they will not eat them until well into winter when other sources are depleted. They will even eat them when the berries are dried and shriveled. Whitetail deer love eating the foliage. The flowers are popular with pollinators. The leaves can be rubbed on skin and clothes to repel mosquitoes and can be used in repellant formulas. Beautyberry has been used topically for clear skin.

References:

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS835US840&hl=en-US&sxsrf=AOaemvJWG5__FwKywPQonCoVHDzhgvu_9Q:1631544269147&q=American+beautyberry&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgFuLSz9U3MDE0MjUqUIKyDUtycrUEgzNTUssTK4v9UitKgktSC4p_MYoFpOYX5KQqJOYU5ysUpyYWJWcopOUXLWIVccxNLcpMTsxTSEpNLC2pTEotKqrcwcp4i02SQWtqFdeke5YfZ2XWZk0W_ROT_t1_a7NlEgMAhKflB3wAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiM3uOEmPzyAhW7VzABHWmjCbsQs9oBKAJ6BAgiEAY&biw=375&bih=627

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.chron.com/life/amp/Beautyberries-powers-go-beyond-good-looks-3831149.php

https://curiouspagan.wordpress.com/2015/10/14/herb-foraging-series-volume-i-american-beautyberry/amp/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/txwitchery.tumblr.com/post/167734664187/american-beautyberry-callicarpa-americana-this/amp

https://sundwitch.tumblr.com/post/121306510544/local-common-floridian-plant-correspondences-1/amp

http://www.eattheweeds.com/beautyberry-jelly-on-a-roll/

http://www.batladyherbals.com/2018/07/beautyberry.html?m=1

https://www.tyrantfarms.com/how-to-use-american-beautyberries-as-food-and-mosquito-repellent/

Common Names 
English Papaya, Pawpaw, Papaw, Melon Tree, Mummy Apple, Papaya, Kates

Latin Name Carica papaya

Family Caricaceae      

Habitat 
Papaya is a fast-growing semi-woody tree Native to Tropical Central America and Southern Mexico. It is now spread by man to all warm countries. Papaya is an herbaceous perennial and it easily and rapidly grows from seeds. Propagating by hand-pollination and grafting is possible and is necessary if selected varieties are to be kept. Attempts at grafting and rooting shoots on a commercial level have not been successful.

Parts Used 
Fruit, Seeds, Leaves, Stem, Pith, Seed-shoot, Flower, Latex sometimes the Roots and peel.

History/Tradition
The papaya was brought to Brazil where the Portuguese saw a resemblance in the shape of the fruit to a woman’s breast so they called it mamão. 

There is a Filipino legend about how the papaya tree came to be. It says that there was a young couple, Papay and her husband Bantawan who were rice farmers in their village. When Papay had their baby she needed Bantawan to work harder but he wouldn’t. They were running out of rice, so she left her newborn with Bantawan and went out to do the hard work herself. When she did not come back that night the whole village went looking for her. One villager who had fallen asleep dreamt of a tree in the middle of the field that spoke to him saying something like “I am the missing one. Give my fruit to the newborn so it will live” When the people search the field they saw a beautiful papaya tree for the very first time and they knew it was Papay ripe with sustenance for her newborn.  

In the ancient Mayan civilization, the papaya tree was their sacred “Tree of Life.” In historical literature, papayas were first mentioned by the Spanish explorer Oviedo in 1526. 

Many of the field workers on papaya plantations were believed to have smoother hands from working with papaya fruits. There was even a myth that their fingerprints “magically disappeared.” 

Energetics
Flavor: Sweet
Temperature: Neutral
Moisture: Moist
Tissue State: In TCM, Papaya is used to tonify Qi, regulate circulation, and resolve dampness and phlegm. In Ayurveda, Papaya is used as a spleen tonic.

Indications
Digestive issues, Colic, Irregular Bowels, Dropsy, Inflammation, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Edema, Gout, Mild Hypothyroid, Tumours, Cancers, Intestinal Parasites, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Venomous Stings, Venereal Disease, Candida Albacans, Diabetes, Jaundice, Bacteria, Skin Disease, Dandruff, Tight Muscles, Urinary Issues, Liver Issues, Asthma, Herniated discs,

Systems
Digestive, Urinary, Immune, Cardiovascular

Actions 
Pain killer, Laxative, Vermifuge/Anthelmintic, Purgative, Diuretic, Galactagogue, Abortifacient, Proteolytic, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory

Nutrition
Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folate, Potassium, Fiber, Carbohydrates, Trace amounts of calcium, magnesium and E,K, and various B vitamins. Water content of the pulp amounts to about 90%. Enzymes such as Papain, Carotenoids — especially Lycopene.

Cautions
Always cook unripe papaya before eating. This is a must during pregnancy, as the unripe fruit is high in latex, which can stimulate contractions. Avoid eating the seeds during pregnancy as well. 

Culinary use
The ripe fruit is eaten raw and cooked as a vegetable while still green. The ripe fruit is used in fruit salads, chaat, sorbets, and desserts. Also in chutney and salsa. It is roasted and stir-fried, especially the unripe fruit. Ripe papaya is delicious when made into juice, smoothies and drinks like Agua de Papaya. Papaya and Pear are a fantastic flavor combination as is papaya and mango. A beloved homemade baby food is a combination of papaya and banana purée. 

In South East Asia the pulp of half-ripe papaya fruit is made into a crystallized preserve. 

The central pith can be eaten raw if the fruit is ripe.The germinating seeds are eaten like asparagus in Guinea. They are vermifugal and in India are strongly believed to cause abortion. 

The scooped out halves can be used as serving bowls. In Indonesia, the stem, with bark removed, has been used as a famine-food. 

Some African tribes enjoy the leaves as a vegetable. The sap contains a ferment of two distinct enzymes, one digesting protein to peptone, the other peptone to amino-acids. 

This helps the breakdown and digestion of meats and other proteins. 

Papaya is well known for its enzyme papain which aids digestion and especially the digestion of meats. Aside from eating it with your meal you can also use it to prepare the ingredients of your meal. Meat can be tenderized when it is wrapped in leaves for some hours before cooking. You can also tenderize meats and add enzymes to food by adding a piece of unripe fruit to the water when cooking. The seeds have sometimes been dried, ground and used like pepper. 

Magick 
Element : Water
Planet: Moon
Magic : Love(fruit) and Protection (leaves) Banishing (seeds) 

Mixing papaya leaves with mandrake to burn or use in a bath can reverse hexes and jinxes.
In Sierra Leone the petiole is used in certain witchcraft to symbolize a gun.

Dreaming of the Papaya means that some mental, emotional or even spiritual chains have been broken. It is an indication of being safe from the damage caused by other people. 

The Papaya represents your abundant nature.

Tie a rag around a papaya trees limb while visualizing your intention. You can also hang papaya twigs over your door sill to keep out evil. Serving the fruit to a loved one will intensify the feelings of love. 

Other Uses
Papaya fruits have been carved into musical instruments. The bark and the stem have been made into ropes. The leaves have been used as a substitution for laundry soap and can be used as an effective bleach if soaked for hours. 

The leaves are made into containers and food-wrappers Its main industrial uses are in ‘chill-proofing’ beer, in medicine and pharmacy, the food industry and textile manufacture, especially shrink-proofing and other treatments of wool. In Gabon, the leaf-petiole is made into a child’s toy trumpet. Juice from the leaf-petiole is applied to burns in Sierra Leone. 

The latex from papaya is used in various countries to ‘cauterize’ warts, corns, tumors, etc., and to draw boils. Supposedly a ‘hedge’ of papaya trees will keep away mosquitoes; however old plants have soft hollow stems which can become breeding sites for mosquitoes

References:

http://www.homeoint.org/books1/allenhandbook/p/pap-v.htm

https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/ellingwood/carica.html

https://plants.jstor.org/stable/10.5555/al.ap.upwta.1_655

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-proven-papaya-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5

https://askdrmao.com/natural-health-dictionary/papaya/index.html

https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Carica_papaya.html

https://www.journalijar.com/uploads/539_IJAR-13856.pdf

https://www.google.com/amp/s/ofcloudsandstars.tumblr.com/post/139144794331/magical-uses-for-papaya-i-wanted-to-post-this-more/amp

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs Scott Cunningham, 2012 p.193

https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/The-Legend-of-Papaya

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.doctoroz.com/amp/papaya-secret-longevity-and-healthy-eating-2649598627

Common Names
Bushy Lippia, Bushy Matgrass, Licorice Verbena, Lippia, Marguerite; Marguerite Blanche; Marguerite Des Jardins; Melisse. Hindi: Basula; Chinese: 白棘枝, Kwéyòl: twa tas, Portuguese: erva-cidreira-brasileira
Spanish: Juanilama, Salvia morada, Salvia sija, Sanalotodo
“The local and traditional names are numerous in Latin America, because of widespread
traditional use, and are generally derived from its aromatic smell or medicinal properties. The most common name in Brazil is cidreira, but this can also be used for 17 other lemon-scented herbs with similar uses” (Matos et al., 1996).

Latin Name
Lippia alba

Family
Verbenaceae

Habitat
Native to southern Texas, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Best grown in zones 9-11. Abundantly present between the south of the USA, the north of Argentina, Bangladesh, and also present in India, and Australia. It grows in full sun but prefers partial shade. Though it’s not picky about soil, it prefers the soil dry although it can root in a hydroponic environment. Lippia alba is a perennial herb that can be found in plains, roadsides and wastelands. It is a shrub with white flowers that grows to 5ft or 6ft tall. Transplants work better than seeds and it can be a great houseplants a sunny warm spot.

Parts Used
Leaves, Root, Seed, Essential oils

History/Tradition
Lippia alba is one of the most cited medicinal plants in traditional medicine practice of Central and South America. It is one of the first two plants from overseas to be approved by the French Drug Agency for inclusion in the French Pharmacopeia. In the traditional medicine of Brazil the species L. alba is used as a prominent remedy. Leaves are used as an infusion against states of excitement, hypertension, digestive troubles, nausea and cold, to heal wounds locally and as syrup against cough and bronchitis. An infusion of the roots is also used against bad colds and coughs It is also used as a sedative and also against hypertension, flatulence and pain. Lippia alba is used in some folk medicine for its calming sedative effect for depression and anxiety. The extracted essential oils have been used in formulas for pest repellant on cattle. It has also been traditionally used as a bath to calm a fever.

Energetics
Flavor: Sweet
Temperature: Cooling
Moisture: Drying
Tissue State: Relaxed
Systems: Respiratory, Digestive, Cardiovascular and Nervous

Actions
Antibronchitic, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Antiinflammatory, Sedative, Somatic, Antidepressant, Astringent, Emmenagogue, Antispasmodic, Antiulcerogenic, Stomachic, Expectorant

Constituents
Volatile oils including limonine, linalool, citrine, and Myrcene, -monoterpines, flavonoids, polyphenols

Benefits
Respiratory distress, asthma, depression and anxiety, gastric illnesses, diarrhea, fever, infectious diseases viruses like influenza, measles, and malaria, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, rash, inflammation, and headache, topically it treats bruises and contusions and is used as an arthritis remedy,

Cautions: No known cautions are cited. Please check with your healthcare professional

Culinary use
The tea made from the leaves is quite tasty with a lemony flavor and is drunk for its flavor as well as its medicine. The leaves are used for flavoring foods such as mole sauce in parts of Mexico and have been used to flavor soups and vegetable dishes.

Magickal Use
To ward off evil, to protect mom and babe postpartum

References:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288659038_A_comprehensive_ethno-pharmacological_review_on_Lippia_alba_M

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/lippiaalba.htm

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P.Wilson, Bot. Porto Rico 6: 141. 1925; Rajendran &
Daniel, Indian Verbenaceae 198. 2002. Lantana alba Mill., Gard. Dict. ed. 8, 8. 1768.
https://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/lipalba.htm

ftp://ftp.ufv.br/DBG/Filogenia_molecular/usuarios/karla/Lyderson/2010/artigos/quimica/Ethnopharmacology%20of%20L.%20alba.pdf

https://inaturalist.ca/taxa/223926-Lippia-alba

Common Names
Magnolia, Hou Po (China), Honoki (Japan) Indian Bark. Japanese white bark, The flower is Xin Yi Hua in TCM, Blue Magnolia, Swamp Sassafras, Cucumber Tree, Lily tree

Latin Name
Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia virginiana, Magnolia officinalis and many more

Family
Magnoliaceae

Habitat
Native to North and South America, the Himalaya’s and East Asia. In China’s mountains and valleys it grows wild in mountainous regions. There are several species native to Florida. Now used in many parts of the world as a garden tree or for landscaping. Magnolias are spreading, evergreen, or deciduous trees or shrubs. They have large fragrant flowers that can be bowl-shaped or star-shaped. Cutting propagation is preferred for most magnolias. It is common in moist, acid soils close to wet places such as ponds, streams, and cutover lands and it prefers full sun-light shade. There are over 200 species of magnolia and though they are most well known for white flowers, the blooms are also available in other colors including mauve, pink, lavender, yellow, and purple.

Parts Used
Bark mostly but also seeds, leaves, flower buds and flower petals

History/Tradition
The tree’s genus is named in commemoration of Pierre Magnol, a professor of medicine and
botany in the early 18th century. Magnolia is one of the oldest trees in existence. Fossils have
been found that date back 20 million years to a time before there were bees. Beetles are their
main pollinator. This accounts for the differences in shape and texture compared to other
flowers. Currently there are more than 200 Chinese patent drugs that are based on magnolia.
Magnolia is a symbol of perseverance, endurance and long life because of the tough thick
flowers and the long life of the trees which can survive over a hundred years.

In “Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics” by Richard Folkard, the author says that Magnolia is a plant
of the Devil. He says it belongs to a group of plants that are noxious, poisonous, and deadly
with “baneful emanations” from which they have gained a bad name. “When wafted to a
distance upon the air, the scent is delicious, but when inhaled in the immediate neighborhood
of a group of Magnolias in flower, it becomes overpowering.” It is stated that the perfume of the
flower is so powerful, that a single blossom placed in a bedroom suffices to cause death in one
night”.

In the southern state of Georgia, it was traditional to plant a magnolia in each flowerbed
because it was believed that the plant brought much luck and economic stability. According to a
legend, it was the first plant grown outside that became the largest and most majestic in all of
Europe, living for over 100 years.

According to a Japanese legend, it is advisable not to sleep or stay too long under a blooming
magnolia tree, since the intense perfume of its flowers, could stun or even kill.
There is a Chinese legend that says the Hunhuzes invaded a village, killed all the males, held
100 of the women captive and killed every morning. On the hundredth morning, the last
woman prayed to the earth to preserve their gender. The next day every slain body was gone
and replaced by a large sprawling magnolia tree with exactly 100 flowers. In their anger, the
Hunhuzes cut off branches with their swords, but to their dismay, every branch that hit the
ground turned into another tree with 100 flowers.

In ancient times of China, only the emperor was allowed to observe how the magnolia
flourished, but if he wanted to, he could give this plant to his faithful servant. The first magnolia
tree is said to have grown on the tomb of Confucius.

According to Japanese folklore, there was a little girl named Keiko. She was very poor and
made paper flowers to sell which didn’t give her enough money for pretty clothes. One night a
parrot flew into her window. Because she accepted the bird and didn’t drive it away, the parrot
told her that the secret to reviving her flowers is to use a drop of her own blood. The parrot
warned her that it must not be the last drop of blood. With her new knowledge, the girl was able
to make beautiful flowers and sold enough to get out of poverty. She did really well financially
and fell in love. Her husband was greedy and forced her to work so hard that she became ill. On
her deathbed, she gave her last drop of blood to revive a flower and that flower turned into a
beautiful crimson magnolia. The bark can be used for furniture, paneling, veneer, pulp, tool
handles, cabinetwork, and crates.

Energetics
Flavor: bitter, acrid, aromatic
Temperature: warming
Moisture: Dry

Indications
Gingivitis, Anxiety, Dental Plaque, Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, Weight Loss, Common Cold,
Depression, Diabetes, Digestion Problems, Facial Dark Spots, Headaches, High Cholesterol,
Nasal Congestion, Runny Noses, Toothaches,

Systems
Digestive, Neurological, Respiratory, Eyes

Actions
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, entiemetic and antimicrobial, pain killer, stimulating,
relieves constriction, mild diaphoretic

Constituents
Volatile oil, lignans, magnocurarine.
bark contains magnolol and honokiol, two polyphenolic compounds dihydro honokiol, obovatol,
magnolia terpenoids

Benefits
Relieves cramping pains and flatulence, Taken for abdominal distension, loss of appetite,
vomiting and diarrhea. Mildly antimicrobial and possibly effective against amebic dysentery.
Magnolia liliiflora is used to clear mucus and treat respiratory infection. Used successfully in oral
health. Protects against the effects of oxidative stress due to its polyphenols like honokiol.
Honokiol has been found to reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord so hopefully it can
be used in therapy for diseases like Alzheimer’s. Honokiol also helps regulate cell signaling
pathways which is great for cancer treatment and prevention. Also, honokiol mimics the function
of estrogen in the body. Traditionally used to treat asthma, anxiety, depression, stomach
disorders, and inflammation. The flowers are associated with the lung and stomach meridians in
TCM

Cautions
Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. It could cause contractions in the uterus. Magnolia
is known to slow down the central nervous system so it is not advised to use it less than two
weeks before procedures so that it doesn’t combine with anesthesia or slow down clotting of
blood. According to TCM, Magnolia should not be used by those who are Yin Deficient with
signs of Heat. Overdose may cause dizziness and/or red eyes. If you have a medical condition
or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult with your doctor before using this.

Culinary use
The flowers may be eaten and taste fragrant and spicy. The flower petals may be pickled,
fermented, infused in vinegar, honey, vodka or olive oil.
In parts of England, the petals of M. grandiflora are pickled and used as a spicy condiment. In
some Asian cuisines, the buds are pickled and used to flavor rice and scent tea. In Japan, the
young leaves and flower buds of Magnolia hypoleuca are broiled and eaten as a vegetable.
Older leaves are made into a powder and used as seasoning; dried, whole leaves are placed on
a charcoal brazier and filled with miso, leeks, daikon, and shiitake, and broiled. There is a type
of miso that is seasoned with magnolia, hoba miso.

Magick
Element : Earth
Planet: Jupiter/ Venus
Magic : Placing magnolia flowers near the nuptial bed ensures fidelity, and when added to the
bath, they attract honor and recognition. The trees promote financial increase. After the flower
petals have dried and fallen away, the resulting seed cone makes a wonderful aspergillosis for
ceremonial waters. Hanging magnolia seed pods on the doors of a home attracts luck. Use
magnolia in spells to strengthen passion, loyalty, luck, attract love, protect sentimental unions,
and promote emotional balance.