ENJOY MEDICINAL HERBS IN YOUR GARDEN

ENJOY
MEDICINAL HERBS
IN YOUR GARDEN
WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY
ORIAN JOHNSON
PHOTOGRAPHS BY
GERRY JOHNSON
ENJOY
MEDICINAL HERBS
IN YOUR GARDEN
All rights reserved; no part of this book may be reproduced in any form without
the prior written permission of the author/publisher; except in the case of brief
quotations embodied in reviews.
The information in this book is for informational purposes only and nothing
contained herein should be considered as professional or medical advice. Please
consult a professional or certified acupuncturist, herbalist or medical practitioner
for medical or herbal treatment.
Thank You.
2nd Edition 2014
COPYRIGHT 2014 ORIAN JOHNSON
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prologue
1. Anise Hyssop
2. Borage
3. California Poppy
4. Chamomile
5. Essay of Chamomile
6. Comfrey
7. Echinacea
8. Evening Primrose
9. Feverfew
10. Ginkgo
11. Lemon Balm
12. Mugwort
13. Mullein
14. Nettle
15. Rosemary
16. Essay of the Spirit Of lavender
17. St John's Wort
18. Sweet Violet
19. Essay of Purple Sisters
20. Valerian
21. Yarrow
22. Garden Elf
Epilogue
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This book is dedicated
to our first garden
that we co-created with nature.
Thank you for your teachings,
your beauty,
your magic,
and
all the gifts you gave us so
freely and generously.
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PROLOGUE
Once upon a time, two people, a man and a woman, came together and created a
very large medicinal herbal garden on a farm. Their intent was to create something very
beautiful with the help of nature, the land, and the elements. The fairies, the plants
spirits and divas were invited to this garden too and they must have responded because
very soon the plants were flourishing and thriving so lavishly and abundantly.
The woman chose very carefully the plants and the seeds and took care of their
fragile growth and their placement in the garden. The man watered, weeded, pruned
and nurtured the garden consistently. In the garden there were little rooms created with
borders of stone and placement of chairs. Little paths led through and under flowering
trellises finding secret places within the garden. Sounds of water tinkled from a fountain
and light reflected off glass objects and crystals. Over a hundred different herbs grew
amongst many ornamental plants, including a cherry tree and black bamboo. Birds flew
here and perched there and hummingbirds high on sugar nectar zoomed between the
plants.
A lovely green house built by the man, stood outside the garden to better protect and
take care of the plant babies.
The garden enclosed with a tall dear fence became green and colorful with the
growth of Passion Vines. As the years went by it became a secret garden, only
revealing itself when the garden gate opened.
This man and woman spent every weekend and every free hour in the garden. They
learnt a great deal about themselves, each other and the world of plants. She would
choose different flowering herbs to meditate next to, and then she would draw them and
then later at home find out their medicinal usage. He would photograph the plants she
studied and both of them bore witness to the amazing miracle of growth from seed to
plant then back to seed again.
Time went on and one day the man and the woman were married in the garden, in
the presence of a few friends and the woman's son.
They continued to work and care for the garden for many years watching in wonder
as it evolved, changed, grew and grew.
Then the day arrived when it was time to leave and say goodbye to their Garden of
Eden and they closed the garden gate behind them for the very last time.
It was a painful moment.
This short book of essays, writings and photos of medicinal herbs is all that remains
from that time when they spent every possible moment in their garden.
Return to The Beginning.
5
1. ANISE HYSSOP
(Agastache foeniculum)
(Not Gerry's photo)
Anise Hyssop is an attractive plant standing two to three feet tall in the garden. It
stands very erect holding out its large terminal purple flower spikes like beautiful
candles beckoning the busy honeybees, bumblebees and of course the hummingbirds.
When it disappears from the garden as it does from time to time, I am always very
aware of its absence.
This plant is a native to North America and was a traditional medicinal herb of the
Native Americans. It became popular with the early colonists, as it is a beneficial plant
to have in the garden attracting the bees and giving an aniseed flavor to honey. This is
not surprising since the leaves and flowers taste quite strongly of anise.
It is a member of the large Labiatae family of plants, which includes all the mints and
sages. Two main characteristics of this group are the square shaped stem and opposite
arranged leaves. Anise Hyssop which is not the same as the regular Hyssop plant has
leaves that look like catmint but larger. It is a short-lived perennial that although is
hardy, will not withstand prolonged frost or temperatures below twenty degrees. I
understand now why it disappears from my garden from time to time, since we
occasionally get cold night temperatures in the winter here on the coast of California.
One can bag the seed heads to capture the ripening seeds in summer and if need be
you can sew seeds again after the cold winter temperatures are over in the spring. It is
an easy plant to care for, as long as it has rich, moist soil and sun. It looks terrific
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growing in the back of a bed. The bold purple flowers will last all summer from June
through September.
The parts used for medicinal and culinary purposes are the leaves and flowers. The
leaves have antibacterial properties and can alleviate coughs and colds by making a tea
from fresh or dried leaves. The leaves add flavoring to cooked meat dishes and in
particular pork, as well as salads and drinks. The dried flowers are great for flower
arrangements as they keep their color and fragrance.
Anise Hyssop is such an attractive plant, delighting the eye and giving beauty,
fragrance and precious food in the form of nectar and pollen to the bees and
hummingbirds in the garden.
Return to The Beginning.
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2. BORAGE
(Borago officinalis)
Borage, once planted in your garden, is sure to be there for a long, long time, as it
will rebirth itself again and again. It is an attractive plant with its deep blue, pink starshaped, flowers that are always in bloom year round and drape themselves on droopy
stems held about two to three feet from the ground. On a wet morning, the dew sparkles
and glistens around the protruding buds appearing mystical and magical, awaiting the
drone of the bees for they dearly love their Borage flowers.
How Borage obtained its name is not quite clear. The Welsh called it Llanwenlys
meaning “herb of gladness”. The ancient Celts called it “barrach” or “man of courage”.
Today it is still associated with courage by herbalists. It is a very cheerful plant to have
in your garden and four hundred years ago, it was a plant prescribed not surprisingly for
the maladies of melancholy.
Borage is native to the Mediterranean region from Spain to Turkey and became later
naturalized in most parts of Europe and many other parts of the world. It loves the sun
and does not appear to be fussy about the soil. Grow Borage near a patch of
strawberries and it will help to stimulate the growth of each other and planted near
tomatoes, Borage will help to control tomato worm. It is definitely a beneficial plant to
have in a garden but it does self – seed very easily. The leaves and stem are rough and
hairy yet quite edible in small quantities. Cutting open the stem reveals a hollow moist
tube that smells and tastes like cucumber. You can add young, finely chopped leaves to
salads, yogurt, soft cheese and sandwiches. The flowers are edible and look incredible
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in salads, drinks and decorative on cakes. It is very enjoyable to pick these beautiful
flowers and nibble on them while strolling through a garden.
The leaves used as a tea, will stimulate the circulation and soothe the throat. It
makes a mild expectorant due to the mucilage content, and eases bronchial infections.
Poultices of the leaves are helpful when applied to sore and inflamed skin. The flowers
encourage sweating and the leaves are diuretic. The seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated
fats (GLA) and is superior in this respect to Evening Primrose Oil. Borage seed oil can
treat premenstrual complaints, rheumatic problems, eczema and other chronic skin
conditions. Due to the presence of toxic alkaloids in Borage, it might be wise not to eat
or drink too much Borage but this does not apply to the Borage seed oil.
It has a high content of calcium, potassium and mineral salts which research has
suggested works on the adrenal glands where “courage” begins, for after all this is the
essence of Borage.
Return to The Beginning.
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3. CALIFORNIA POPPY
(Eschscholzia californica)
As the earth warms and the days get longer, California Poppy beckons me with her
bright cheerful face and her appetite for life in the sun.
Welcome fellow sun worshipper!
What an amazing sight it must have been to the Spanish explorers, who sailed close
to the California coast in the late seventeenth hundreds, to see hills blanketed with an
intense orange flame. They were so impressed that they named this region the “Land Of
Fire” The flowered hills glowed so brightly that they were used as beacons by the sailors
to plot their way. A naturalist Adelbert von Chamisso named the genus Eschscholzia
after one of the expedition‟s physician, Dr Johann Friedrich Eschscholtz in 1820. This is
the flower, selected by the California State Floral Society on Dec 12, 1890 as the state
flower of California. It won by a landslide vote!
This plant is actually an annual, well adept at self-seeding and spreading more of the
same good cheer. It is extremely drought tolerant. It can survive in the bleakest and
poorest of circumstances. It has finely divided bluish–green foliage and a taproot.
Please try not to transplant, as it is easy to break off the root. On cloudy or foggy days
and at nights the flowers close and only open when their great ally the sun is out. They
make good cut flowers too. Cut when bud is just starting to open.
This plant has wonderful medicinal properties. The local Indians used it as a
painkiller. Ca. Poppy is a remedy for insomnia, toothaches, some headaches and a
poultice for sores and ulcers. Today some Californians of Spanish inheritance cook the
plant in olive oil to make a hair tonic. The hair grows thick and shiny. All parts of the
plant are used but the roots are the strongest. Be warned if making a tea, it is on the
bitter side. Although this plant is in the same family as the Opium Poppy,
Papaveraceae, Ca Poppy has a markedly different effect on the Central Nervous
System. Ca. Poppy is not a narcotic; in fact, it tends to normalize psychological
functions. It is a gentle herb and very valuable for treating physical and psychological
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problems in children. It may prove beneficial in attempts to overcome bedwetting,
difficulty in sleeping, nervous tension and anxiety.
(I often use California Poppy tincture at night to help me sleep.)
Well, my understanding of this plant is to relax, enjoy the sun and survive, even thrive
in the harshest circumstance.
Return to The Beginning.
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4. CHAMOMILE
( not Gerry's Photo)
I have not indicated the botanical name for this plant because Chamomile can be a
little confusing. We could be referring to that beautiful, apple scented, ground cover that
you want to lie down on and dream away the day, or it could be that upright two-foot
plant with its daisy like flowers. So as you reach for your cup of Chamomile tea to help
you relax, let us ponder this.
There is the German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita or
Matricaria chamomilla) and then there is the Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis,
Chamaemelum nobile) there is also a couple of other varieties as well but for today let
us just talk about these two. They are quite different in appearance. Personally, I cannot
get enough of the Roman kind. This is the ground cove Chamomile. This plant is a
perennial and enjoys the sun. In fact, this herb goes back to the ancient Egyptians who
dedicated chamomile to the sun and worshipped it above all other herbs for its healing
properties. There is nothing like falling asleep on a mini lawn of Roman Chamomile. I
have several areas of it in my garden and just running your hands on it and smelling
that incredible “chamomile” fragrance is so wonderful. It enjoys being walked on too and
will help it to grow and spread. It has little yellow flowers that grow three to twelve
inches tall and blooms in late spring and summer; these I snip off and dry for tea,
potpourri and dream pillows. Now the upright German type is an annual that will selfseed very easily. It takes a lot longer to harvest these flowers; I have yet to perfect the
right technique! Both are great to have and do well in a well-drained, nutritious soil.
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The name Chamomile is derived from Greek “kamai” meaning “on the ground” and
melon for “apple”… so “ground apple”. In Spain, the chamomiles were called Manzanilla
and the flowers (roman) were used to flavor the finest dry Sherries. As you can see,
these herbs have been around for a very long time. The roman kind is a good nerve
tonic helping one to relax and alleviate insomnia. It also increases the appetite and
relieves bladder, colds, asthma, toothache, fever, headaches, hemorrhoids, muscle
cramps and pain. The tea is used as a wash for sore and weak eyes. It also has antiinflammatory properties that can be helpful for arthritis. For the blonde-haired, people
out there Chamomile makes a good hair rinse to brighten and lighten the hair.
A few properties about the German type: it treats diarrhea, sleep aid, sciatica, flu,
digestion, asthma, colic, gallstones, headaches, muscle cramps, and constipation. It is
also effective in the treatment of rheumatism. The list goes on but I am sure you now
know just how healing that cup of Chamomile tea can really be. A drop of honey to
sweeten is not a bad idea either!
Return to The Beginning.
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5. ESSAY - THE SPIRIT OF CHAMOMILE
A very quiet being, slipped into my life today. I did not notice her at first in the crowd
and activity of the day, but I caught as if on a breeze -- a wonderful fragrant whiff and
then it was gone.
I turned my head and as if knowing I was looking for her, she slipped into view.
Keeping my eye on her intently, I walked towards her. Her fragrance grew stronger and
as I drew near, I felt her soft, serene essence.
She was different. I was intrigued.
I felt a warm receptivity, an immediate connection and resonance. She pointed to a
chair and I felt immediately welcomed.
I sat down, stretched out and gave a sigh. There in the middle of a bustling crowd I
felt a deep sense of relaxation, an oasis of peace amidst chaos. Her soft fragrance
settled around me like a cloud and as if casting a spell, I felt myself sinking deeper into
myself, the harder edges within me softened and blurred. I gave up the struggle to be
other than what I was. I smiled sleepily at her and introduced myself.
She gazed at me awhile and after a long pause, she whispered her name into my
ear.
Time and place, the when and the now held itself. Many, many moments ticked by. I
felt my thoughts slow down, my mind turn to mush and the world became a blurred
background. My eyelids grew heavy and just before they closed, I whispered her
name............
"Chamomile".
Return to The Beginning.
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6. COMFREY
(Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey, where are you in the winter months of the year when the light recedes and
the darkness grows? Looking on the surface of this land, I see very little evidence of you
but I know the medicine you hold is very strong in your thick, dark roots that travel deep
into the rich earth. I will see you in the spring when your young, green leaves unfold and
you reveal yourself again.
The word Comfrey means, “grow together” and its botanical name Symphytum
means, “to heal”. It is one of the most powerfully, widely used plants that have come to
us through the ages from about four hundred B.C. Today there is a lot of controversy
about using this plant internally. In Canada it is banned and still “undecided” in the
U.S.A. I would just like to honor this incredible herb by sharing some of its amazing
uses and remind you that this is a plant used throughout the ages, originating in Europe
and Asia and traveling to us by way of the English Immigrants.
This plant enjoys rich, moist soils and sun. It is a hardy perennial and can tolerate
some shade. Due to its intensive root system, it is best to plant it in areas where it can
travel a bit, preferably at the back of an herb garden. I tried to remove it from an area of
my garden, digging up the roots and using them in a salve. I must have left a little piece
of root behind because it came right back. The leaves are long, lance shaped and very
hairy and the little purple, cream-colored flowers hang in small, sweet, clusters.
I think Comfrey‟s main reputation lies in the remarkable way it heals bones. Another
name for it is Knitbone. It is rich in allantoin, a cell proliferant that stimulates the growth
of connective tissue and cartilage. It is also great for torn cartilage, swellings and
bruises. The roots are very mucilaginous which enables this herb to have a soothing
effect on stomach ulcers. It coats the stomach wall neutralizing the stomach acids and
repairs the wall with its cell – regenerating properties. The root makes a strong
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decoction to treat cases of internal hemorrhage whether from bleeding stomachs, lungs,
bowels or piles. Comfrey‟s leaves and roots contain potassium, calcium, phosphorus,
iron, magnesium and cobalt. It is high in thiamin, riboflavin and contains vitamin C & E.
It also has proteins. Farmers use it as fodder for dairy and beef cattle throughout the
Pacific Northwest with no ill effect. The leaves make a nourishing and delicious food.
Externally one can use the leaves and roots as a poultice for unbroken skin wounds and
swellings. It can also help with tendonitis and sprained ankles. Used with Yarrow it
works well as a poultice for hemorrhoids and tightens varicosities. Comfrey oil or
Comfrey salve can soften boils, acne and scars.
There is a controversy surrounding this herb being used internally. Many herbalists
have taken the stance that it is fine to use externally and to use limited amounts
internally for short periods. Personally, I harvest this wonderful herb to use in my salves,
as an external application. I do not think comfrey is in any way “upset” by its current
unstable reputation. It has been around for so long and used by so many people
through the centuries that it will continue to grow roots wherever it goes.
Return to The Beginning.
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7. ECHINACEA
(Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea, everyone knows this popular medicinal herb used throughout the United
States and Europe, even by people who are not “into herbs”. With that in mind, I have
been amazed at how many people visiting our garden have been unable to recognize
this absolutely gorgeous plant.
Echinacea is a perennial and stands about two to three feet high. It has large deep
purple flowers with an unusual pointy, orange cone in the middle. It is in bloom in spring
and summer and will be until fall when its colorful beauty will fade. The remaining dark
cone full of attached seed will provide a great feast for the small birds.
Echinacea Purpurea is but one of nine species that are native to North America and
grow in the Eastern and Central United States and Southern Canada. (There are two
other medicinal varieties, Echinacea augustifolia and Echinacea pallida). Purpurea
grows really well here in the coastal California area. Its name derived from the Greek
echinos (sea urchin or hedgehog) and echinate (prickly) referring to the sharp pointed
scales of the dried cone.
The Plains Native Americans used Echinacea for ailments such as; colds, sore
throats, toothaches, snakebites, mumps, smallpox, and cancer. When these illnesses
occurred, they would suck on the root. They also applied root poultices to all types of
skin wounds, simply by boiling the root, removing the skin and mashing it into a pulp.
The wonderful thing about Echinacea is how it rallies the immune system. It gets it all
up and feisty ready to do battle. It makes our healthy immune cells more efficient in
attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells. Your immune system needs to be in
good shape to begin with otherwise it is not going to be effective. Timing is crucial when
taking Echinacea. Start taking the tincture at the onset of infectious symptoms or if you
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are around illnesses. On the other hand, if you walk around tincture in hand day after
day it will reduce its overall effectiveness. It is best to take the tincture two weeks and
then take a break for the third week. It is non – toxic but my research has shown me
that it is best not to use Echinacea in progressive systemic auto – immune disorders
such as TB, leucosis, connective tissue disorders, collagenosis and related diseases
such as lupus.
You can use all parts of this plant for medicine, the flowers, seeds, leaves and roots. I
enjoy this plant so much that I refrain from digging up the roots but if you were to use
the root, you would need to wait until the Echinacea is three to five years old.
We are so fortunate to be able to grow this powerful, beautiful and traditional healer
right here in Santa Cruz in our own back yard. To see is to remember and I hope you
will keep your eyes out for this plant. If you have a garden, I encourage you to grow
some Echinacea and simply enjoy the beauty of this striking herb.
Return to The Beginning.
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8. EVENING PRIMROSE
( Oenothera biennis)
Evening Primrose is a plant that once introduced into a garden will establish itself and
reseed very easily. I am constantly weeding baby Evening Primroses throughout my
garden. However, over time I have grown to appreciate this tall, weedy-like plant. I have
learned that growing them in masses truly brings out their lovely yellow blossoms and
defines their presence. I look forward to greeting them every day and enjoy them
tremendously.
Evening Primrose is a biannual medicinal herb with a long taproot. It starts life
forming a basal rosette of long, lance shaped leaves in the first year. You might even
overlook these but in the second year out grows an unmistakable hairy stem three to six
feet in height. The stem is willowy and lean, bearing alternate leaves. Near the top,
flower buds start to appear and they bloom in succession, so there are always flowers
from June through October. The yellow flowers with their four petals are two inches
across and bloom in the evening. They send out their fragrance calling for their friend,
the night moths that fly eagerly to them. In the morning, the flowers start to droop and
wilt but the next night, new buds will open and the ritual goes on. This plant is also
called the Evening Star, which is a lovely name for a lovely plant. As the season
progresses the flowers stay open during the day as well.
This plant is a true North American native. It loves to be in an open, warm, sunny
place. The Native Americans used it for both food and medicine. Every part of the plant
is edible beginning with the nutty flavored taproot, which is boiled and eaten, as well as
the leaves and flowers. Leaf poultices heal bruises and hemorrhoids. They also drank
root tea to treat coughs. Evening Primrose arrived in Europe in 1619 from seeds
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brought to the Padua Botanic Garden in Italy. In Europe, Evening Primrose is used
more as a culinary rather than a medicinal herb. Use the leaves in salads and cook the
roots as vegetables.
Evening Primrose came into prominence after modern research in the 1980‟s. The oil
from the seeds contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA) an unsaturated fatty acid that
assists in the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that act
as chemical messengers, regulating the hormonal systems. The oil treats premenstrual
problems such as, tension, bloating, irritability and breast tenderness. Internally the
seed oil treats asthma, migraines, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The GLA
in Evening Primrose can also help to lower cholesterol levels and prevent the clumping
of platelets. A caution note is not to take the oil if suffering from epilepsy.
In fall, Evening Primrose stands erect in the garden clothed now in a dry brown. Birds
perch on these skyscrapers balancing precariously in the cold wind, enjoying the seeds
and waiting for the next cycle to unfold.
Return to The Beginning.
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9. FEVERFEW
(Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew lives very happily in my garden. It is so happy that I am constantly pulling
out the little seedlings in different parts of the garden. It is a common - enough plant
with daisy-like flowers, nothing very special. Sitting with Feverfew on a nice, warm,
summer‟s day in August, I became more aware of this plant and a sense of its strong
medicine. It does not have to be showy and boastful and out in the world to be a
powerful being.
Feverfew grows about three feet tall and has a bushy appearance. It has lovely green
– yellow colored leaves that emit a pungent aroma. The white with yellow centered
flowers grow in groups and do not appear to attract any bees. Feverfew is a perennial
that readily reseeds itself enjoying the sun in a well-drained soil. It is native to Southern
Europe and made its way to this country by our early colonists. This plant has several
other names such as, Febrifuge Plant, Wild Quinine and Bachelor‟s Button. There are
some speculations about its original name. Ancient physicians referred to it by its Greek
name, parthenion, used for menstrual and childbirth related problems. It was renamed
Featherfoil due to its feathery leafy margins then it acquired the name of Featherfew
and eventually feverfew. Well with a name like that, it was probably good for treating
fevers! Malaria was a problem in Europe during the Middle Ages and Feverfew took the
credit for treating the fevers caused by Malaria. Later it became obvious that it was the
cinchona bark brought back from Peru that contained the anti-malarial constituent called
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quinine. Quinine is far superior in the treatment of Malaria. Feverfew is still a great
remedy for treating fevers but that is not what has made it popular today.
From about, the 1900‟s to the 1970‟s Feverfew was not popular or used very much
until a chance meeting occurred between two people who suffered from migraine
headaches. The wife of the chief medical officer of Britain‟s National Coal Board met a
miner on one of her visits with her husband to a coalmine. This miner had heard of her
problem and told her that he had been chewing daily on some fresh leaves from the
Feverfew plant and had noticed a difference in his headaches. The woman tried this too
and that was the beginning of the revival of Feverfew. She noticed an immediate
improvement and fourteen months later, she was free of headaches. This caught the
attention of Dr E Stewart Johnson of the City Of London Migraine Clinic. He proceeded
to do several tests involving Feverfew. At first, he gave the leaves to ten of his patients.
Three of his patients were cured and seven experienced significant improvement. He
then continued with more advanced testing at his clinic. The results were extremely
amazing; seventy percent experienced some improvement after eating a number of
leaves every day, while the best drug on the market currently has a fifty percent cure
rate. Feverfew‟s success in reducing migraines may lie in its ability to reduce smooth
muscle spasms. It can calm the stomach muscles of the digestive tract and the uterus
muscles helping people with digestion or menstrual problems. While feverfew
suppresses migraines, it does not cure them. However, it has been used for the last
twenty years with great success. Chewing fresh leaves can be a very bitter experience
so be forewarned. It can also cause mouth sores. People who are pregnant or who
have blood-clotting disorders should consult a physician. Wow what an herb
Return to The Beginning.
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10. Ginkgo
(Ginkgo biloba)
Quiet and bare of all leaves, Ginkgo has stood in my garden all winter. A young tree
of just a few years it stands about six to seven feet tall with a lovely silver bark. I am
unsure whether it is a male or female, since the male and female flowers and fruits are
borne on separate trees. I may never know, as it will bloom in about twenty years.
These trees can grow to be hundred feet or so. There are a number of lovely Ginkgo
trees in downtown Santa Cruz, Ca and some of them are very grand and regal in
appearance. In fall, the leaves turn golden yellow and go through a glorious luminous
stage.
Gingko originates from China where it is highly regarded as a sacred tree. It is the
oldest surviving tree on the planet going back some two hundred million years. It is the
only specie in the genus Gingko biloba, and it has not changed in appearance over all
these years. This is quite remarkable. The leaves are especially unique in appearance.
They are fan shaped; the name bi-loba refers to the two lobes that make up the leaf. In
spring these green leaves will start to appear and in the late fall they will change to a
beautiful gold and drift gently to the earth. In fall, the leaves are harvested for medicinal
purposes. The leaves are used to treat a variety of symptoms. Western herbalism has
not used Ginkgo medicinally until recently and it is now one of the top – selling herbs in
the U.S.A and in Europe: about one billion dollar in sales annually. So, what is the
excitement about this herb? Well, one of the great things about Ginkgo is that it is a
potent antioxidant. This characteristic does help to prevent and reverse cell damage
that could be behind heart disease, strokes and many cancers. That is a very simple
explanation! The other reason is that Ginkgo interferes with the action of a substance
called the platelet activation factor (PAF) that is involved with asthma attacks, organ
graft rejection and blood clots. Ginkgo plays a remarkable role on the blood flow going
to the brain. Due to aging, the blood flow to the brain can decline, resulting in less
nutrients and oxygen getting to those essential brain cells. This can slow down reaction
time, impair memory concentration and problem solving. Studies and research have
shown that Ginkgo improves the blood flow through the brain lessoning these
symptoms. Ginkgo also slows down the mental deterioration found in people with
Alzheimer‟s disease and multi-infarct dementia (MID). In some cases, it can also
improve cognitive abilities. Ginkgo slows these conditions and causes very few if any
side effects. Because of animal and human trials, it has also been shown that Ginkgo
improves the memory. A variety of testing done on elderly and middle aged people as
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well as on a group of women in their twenties, all showed a significant improvement in
memory and reaction time. (Are you impressed yet?). The third leading cause of death
in the U.S.A are “strokes” and in Europe Ginkgo is widely prescribed to support
recovery from strokes. Ginkgo improves the flow of blood through the heart and, as it
contains anti-oxidants, it can help prevent heart disease. Blood clots can trigger heart
attacks and Ginkgo can help prevent this. Where there is a problem with blood flow
resulting from narrowing of the arteries, Ginkgo can be significantly helpful. Conditions
such as Intermittent Claudication, Impotence, Cochlear Deafness, Tinnitus, Vertigo and
Macular Degeneration can benefit from the fan shaped yellow leaves that grow on the
ancient tree called Ginkgo. The medicinal compounds in Ginkgo leaves occur in
concentrations too dilute for teas or tinctures to provide much benefit. Commercial
preparations would be preferable.
So if you come across a Ginkgo tree be sure to take a few minutes to just say
hi and thank – you!
Return to The Beginning.
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11. LEMON BALM
(Melissa officinalis)
No showy, colorful flowers or incredible foliage will draw you to this plant. It stands
modestly to the side until you accidentally brush against her leaves and then you pause
to inhale a wonderful breath of lemony fragrance. The scent is so fresh and uplifting that
you may well return to this quiet plant again and again.
Lemon Balm also known as Balm mint (it does belong to the family of mints,
Labiatae), Bee Balm, Blue Balm, Cure all, Honey Plant, Melissa, Sweet Balm. All these
names hint at some of its properties. The bees love this fragrant plant even though its
blue-white or pale yellow flowers are small and grow in clusters in summer. Balm and
bees have a close relationship since ancient times. Melissa comes from the Greek for
„Honey Bee” and supposedly Lemon Balm has the same healing and tonic properties as
honey and royal jelly. The ancient Greeks placed sprigs of Balm in beehives to attract a
swarm.
Lemon Balm is a perennial and produces upright stems growing to a three-foot bush.
It is very easy to grow from seed. It prefers some partial shade; a well-drained soil and it
will die back in winter. The time to harvest its leaves is before flowering. There is
nothing like a fresh cup of Lemon Balm tea made from your garden. You can try placing
Lemon Balm leaves in a jar of water and leaving it outside in the sun, in time you can
have sun tea.
Originally grown in the Orient, Arab traders introduced this herb to Spain. Still popular
in Europe, Lemon Balm is grown in many parts of the United States. The ancients
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thought of this herb as the elixir of Life with amazing powers of longevity. Throughout
history, it was used as a “cure all” for everything. Today Lemon Balm still treats a variety
of physical conditions. Lemon Balm promotes sweating and menstruation. It treats
headaches, flatulence and in particular, stress and hypertension, as it is very calming
and soothing. In Germany, Balm is widely used as a tranquilizer and sedative. It also
helps with bronchitis and some forms of asthma. By relaxing the smooth muscle tissue
of the digestive tract, it aids with digestion problems. Use the crushed leaves as a
poultice for sores and insect bites. Balm can also help fight mumps, herpes and other
viruses.
Lemon Balm is a truly powerful herb, yet at the same time subtle, gentle and so
giving of itself. The fragrance of this plant alone is uplifting and cheerful causing “the
mind and heart to be merry”
Return to The Beginning.
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12. MUGWORT
(Artemisia vulgaris)
Hikers in the Santa Cruz, Ca area often encounter this herb amongst the Poison Oak
and Stinging Nettles. The native, local Mugwort is called Artemesia douglasiana. It has
hand shaped leaves with long slender fingers. The upper surface of the leaf is a deep
green but the lower is a soft white. This is how Mugwort calls us to her and makes her
known amongst all the other shades of green. Rubbing your fingers on her leaves
releases a distinctive smell too.
Mugwort grows in Northern America, Asia and Europe and is not fussy where it lives.
You can find it in wastelands, ditches, fields near rivers, crevices in the sidewalk, or in
medicinal herb gardens. It is an old time herb full of wisdom with the ability to survive. It
can grow to about five feet or so and easily spreads, so be careful if you want to have
her in your garden.
Mugwort is an odd name, supposedly, due to its bitter taste it was used to make beer
before the use of Hops. Perhaps, mug could refer to the drinking vessel or the name
came from moughte (maggot). Mugwort is an insect repellant. We do know that the
name Artemisia comes from Artemis the Greek goddess associated with the moon
cycles. In Rome, she was known as Diana the Moon Goddess. This indicates Mugwort's
primary use as a woman‟s herb.
Mugwort is a powerful systemic healer reaching into the reproductive, digestive,
urinary and respiratory tracts. The Native Americans used Mugwort for its lung healing
properties. They burned or smoked the leaves easing bronchial congestion and used it
to help break fevers from colds and flu. Mugwort tea is great for relieving menstrual
cramps; it also promotes and regulates menstruation and uterine contractions. In
Chinese medicine, moxa are Mugwort leaves rolled into cigar shapes. Moxa is ignited,
and held near different energy points on the body. Sometimes the burning moxa is held
above acupuncture needles so the metal will conduct the heat deeper into the muscles.
Crushing the leaves and applying the wet, juicy pulp to the skin relieves the itching
caused by the notorious Poison Oak.
It is also a rich source of Vitamin A, B complex, and C. Its minerals are calcium,
potassium, phosphorus and iron. A great way to take this herb is to make a vinegar by
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blending the dried leaves with apple cider or balsamic vinegar. Pour into a jar making
sure the vinegar is all the way to the top. Cap the jar preferably with a plastic lid or use
wax paper if it is a metal lid. Shake it once daily for four weeks. Strain and take a
teaspoon before meals. Its bitter taste will help with digestion as it gets the bile flowing
and its calcium keeps bones porous and prevents osteoporosis during menopause. (As
I am writing this, I know I need to do this for myself). Mugwort is an antifungal and this
vinegar can be used externally to relieve itching, fungus and other skin conditions.
My experience of Mugwort‟s energy is warming, opening and grounding. Most people
think of Mugwort as a weed but I am thrilled to see and experience her in my garden
where she is lush, green and very tall. When she turns brown and dry, I let her remain.
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13. MULLEIN
(Verbascum thapsus)
I have several Mullein plants in my medicinal herb garden. She is an old friend that
stands watch, resilient on the hottest of days and a comforting plant to have around.
She is super easy to grow and transplant too as she is not at all fussy and needs very
little to keep her happy. Just give her lots of sun.
There is a good chance everyone has seen Mullein. This plant grows alongside
highways, near dry riverbeds and in numerous scrubby, hot areas in the United States.
Mullein is a stately, pretty plant that becomes very tall in its second year of growth,
when it sends up a four to eight foot spike covered in little yellow flowers. In its first year
it will produce, a rosette of large velvety leaves that are soft and covered in fine white
hairs. In fact, the whole plant grows these hairs, including the flowers. This is a great
plant adaptation for the gardener who forgets to water as these hairs help to reduce
water loss.
Mullein is a magical herb of antiquity and has a long history going back to the
ancient days of Europe from where it originated. In the old days, the Christians would
set alight dried Mullein, dipped in tallow to frighten away witches, hence the name St
Peter‟s Staff, Jacob‟s Staff. On the other hand, Mullein had a reputation for being a
favorite plant of witches too. In England, The witches used the Mullein torches in their
rituals. Hag Taper, Witches Taper, High Taper are other Mullein names. The name
Candlewick Plant was derived from rolling the dried leaves, using them as wicks for oil
lamps and candles. The early American settlers brought Mullein with them and over
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time it escaped from their gardens and then spread. Many American tribes smoked the
dried leaves to relieve coughing. The Navajos called it „Big Tobacco”
Today, we continue to use this helpful medicinal herb. The yellow flowers when
infused in olive oil for about two weeks, then strained makes a great ear infection
remedy. Mullein leaf tea will treat bronchial lung problems. The dried stalks gathered in
the fall and combined with other dried plant material makes a great indoor decoration.
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14. NETTLE
(Urtica dioica)
Most of us have a great respect for this amazing plant. Yes, it has a sting that is hard
to ignore but it is also a wonderful medicinal and nutritive source for us. Nettle grows on
the outskirts of my garden and it appears in small stands on the land that I live on.
These plants spread by rhizomes and they like to grow in moist, rich soil alongside
ditches, and creek beds. They can grow to about seven feet high. I am blessed to have
Nettle growing so close by. It is part of my spring ritual to go harvest Nettle while it is still
lush and green, to dry and store it for the upcoming year.
The word Nettle is derived from the Anglo – Saxon word for needle. If one were to
examine the leaves and the stalk, one would see thousands of hairs covering this plant.
These hairs are hollow and contain a mixture of antigenic proteins and formic acid
(same as that found in red ants!) hence the potent sting when contact is made with this
plant. The needles inject their contents into the skin causing a sudden burning rash.
Using Yellow Dock leaves is a good antidote. Simply crush, chew and apply to the
affected area. When harvesting Nettle, use gloves and try to stay on the periphery of the
Nettle stand. There are a couple of plants that resemble Nettle prior to their blooming;
they are Hedge Nettle, Figwort and even Foxglove at certain times. To avoid confusion
look for the needles and of course if it stings it is Nettle. Elsewhere I have read that if
Nettle did not have this sting it is possible that due to overharvesting it could become
extinct. In the process of urtification, the Nettle sting is used. When the Romans brought
Nettle to the cold shores of England, they intended to whack themselves with branches
of leaves to increase circulation and bring blood to the surface and heat up rheumatic
limbs. This counter irritation produced by Nettle alleviates the deeper pain of arthritic
inflammation.
Well, why harvest Nettle? They contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals such as
iron, magnesium, calcium, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin K, Vitamin A and chlorophyll.
This makes it a blood-building herb for those recovering from anemia and malnutrition.
The Native Americans used it as a tonic during pregnancy and as a remedy for
hemorrhaging during childbirth. (The high levels of Vitamin K help to control and prevent
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hemorrhaging.). These minerals are digestible in the form of a tea or by cooking the
herb. Nettle will enrich the quality and quantity of breast milk in humans and animals. It
is an excellent herb to use for young women starting their menses and for women in
menopause. It helps reduce water retention and is great for correcting symptoms of
PMS. Nettle also helps the adrenals and kidneys and the root is good for urinary
incontinence and a swollen prostrate. During the hay fever season, try Nettle to reduce
the severity of chronic, seasonal allergy symptoms. It is beneficial for the respiratory
tract and its astringent leaves dry up coughs and can be an ally for those with asthma.
Cooking the leaves, making a tea and thoroughly drying the herb will neutralize the
sting. This is truly such an incredible herb and well worth having as a daily beverage. I
like to combine it with Oat straw and Rosehips increasing the amount of vitamins and
minerals. Therefore, if you come across Nettle on a hike or it is growing near you,
please take a moment to acknowledge this very generous and well-loved herb.
Return to The Beginning.
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ROSEMARY
(Rosemarinus officinalis)
As I begin this article, a sprig of fresh rosemary rests by my keyboard reminding me
to breathe in its wonderful aromatic scent, sending waves of friendly warmth to me and
… to you.
Rosemary is a common enough plant in this part of the world along the California
coast. It thrives in this climate just as it did many, many years ago in Europe along the
Mediterranean coast. The Latin name “Rosmarinus” means “dew of the sea”. Gather
Rosemary‟s morning dew and give yourself a special, facial, dawn wash. According to
Spanish legend, the Virgin Mary draped her cloak over this bush and placed a white
flower on it. In the morning, the flower turned blue and thereafter the plant was called
Rose of Mary! Rosemary officinalis commonly refers to the upright bush plant. It makes
a wonderful, attractive hedge and can grow up to six feet. It loves the sun and good
drainage. It takes a long time to grow from seed but growing it from a cutting is very
easy.
Rosemary is one of the old herbs, used for food and medicine. It had a reputation for
strengthening the memory. In baptisms, funerals and marriages, broken sprigs of the
plant were used. The dried leaves were burned as incense in religious ceremonies and
in magical spells. We know about using Rosemary leaves for cooking lamb, fish,
chicken and baked potatoes, but it has other uses as well. It is used in aromatherapy,
potpourri, Christmas wreaths, and garlands and in mosquito repellants. Rosemary also
has wonderful medicinal properties to boot! This herb is invigorating and liver
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stimulating. The leaves stimulate the blood, awaken the brain, promote appetite and
dispel sluggishness in both body, mind and spirit! Make a cup of tea to relieve nervous
headaches and colds or eat the leaves in a daily salad to improve memory and increase
mental acuity. Inhaling vapors of steamed Rosemary leaves will purify the air and dispel
depression, lifting the spirits. Add Rosemary tea to a bath to aid sore muscles and
stimulate circulation. A Rosemary tea hair rinse is wonderful for keeping hair healthy
and shiny and it is a great hair tonic encouraging growth and eliminating a dry, flaking
scalp. Please avoid using Rosemary if you are pregnant.
This is an herb that has offered its gifts to us for so long; it is indeed an old friend.
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16. ESSAY - THE SPIRIT OF LAVENDER
I come to you in the quiet of the dawn,
just as the sun peeks above the horizon and
the earth lightens up from its nightly slumber.
Bits of myself drift on the morning breeze
as I meander through the garden,
beckoning to all life to come and visit,
to sip my sweet nectar,
hidden deep and cradled by my purple blossoms.
I eagerly look forward to the first hungry bee
to alight among my dewy petals
and delight in feeling her light, furry form
so close to mine.
I beckon and call to you too.
And here YOU are with me,
leaning in a little closer,
touching, stroking,
with soft murmurs of delight.
I invite you too
to melt into my fragrant arms,
to snuggle into my embrace
and to sip from my sweet love nectar.
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I would like to take this precious moment
if I may,
to soothe your worries,
to calm your mind,
to breathe stillness.
To remind you of an earlier time
when life was simple
and you were held and
rocked in your mother‟s arms,
softly,
quietly
and eternally.
I would like to remind you
that life is not to be encountered and engaged
with rigidity and protectiveness,
but with a softness and a receptivity
that invites openness and trust.
Relax with me,
Sleep with me.
Breathe my fragrance.
Allow this time to work its magic,
to weaken and soften the walls around your heart.
Feel my love
seeping into the deepest part of your being.
Feel it flowing as a steady stream
of eternal energy,
smoothing out all the rough corners
of your existence
and surrounding you with velvet warmth
and violet light,
and in this timeless moment
as we sit together caught between the worlds
of form and formlessness,
allow me to fill your heart with compassion.
For when you can see
with the eyes of compassion,
you will be able to accept
your humanness,
your weaknesses,
your imperfections,
and in doing so bring love and light
to yourself and the world.
So strive no more,
struggle no more,
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fight no more.
Surrender, accept and embrace
all of who you are,
the dark and the light,
the good and the bad,
the male and the female,
all the many parts
of your wondrous,
multidimensional,
multifaceted self
that sparkles like a jewel in this sunlight,
igniting the lights of all the crystals in the universe.
Become the golden eagle and soar into the sky,
fly to new heights
where you have never been before.
Stretch your wings,
expand your heart,
reach beyond your limits,
breath in new inspiration and
creativity into your life.
Return to dance with the fairies of the garden and
the sprites of the streams.
Laugh and sing until night falls
and the stars appear like little candles.
Lie awake at night and watch a ripe moon
and all the time listen to the murmurs
of an open heart,
to the soft tunes and gentle cadences,
as it rejoices in
new life,
new hope,
and new love of self.
As you slowly arouse yourself
and emerge from my arms,
allow your heart to remain tender and soft,
to reveal all its beauty,
all its gentleness and peacefulness.
Allow harmony to permeate
and settle in all aspects of your being.
Allow yourself to stand vulnerable here with me.
Remember all of this in the dawn
of each and every day,
as you stroll through your garden
and breathe in the still morning air.
Whisper my name and I will come.
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Whisper for me,
Whisper
"Lavender!"
Return to The Beginning.
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17. ST JOHN’S WORT
(Hypericum perforatum)
June is the month to see this plant in bloom and it is at this time that I go on my
annual pilgrimage to harvest this plant. However, this year I am traveling and
encountering St John‟s Wort in July as we drive along the highways in Northern
California, Oregon and Washington. My eyes are darting this way and that, delighting in
seeing my old friend proudly displaying its clusters of golden star-shaped flowers on
erect stems that grow up to three feet high.
The colonists from Europe brought St John's Wort with them and since then it has
become naturalized. It grows most abundantly in our west coast states especially in
Northern California and Southern Oregon. It is also known as Klamath Weed.
St John‟s Wort grows well in sunny locations enjoying heat and dryness, putting out
extensive runners that make it a difficult plant to contain. On holding up a leaf to the
light one can see little “pores” which are oil glands. The yellow petals have little black
dots on their perimeter that also contain these oil glands. On crushing the flower buds, a
purplish - reddish dye coats the skin. This red oil “hypericin” is associated with the blood
of St John the Baptist and his beheading. It is in full bloom on St John‟s day: June 24,
which also coincides with the beginning of summer and the midsummer rituals. St
John's Wort is an herb associated with the power to drive away ghosts and witches and
to give protection from thunder and lightning.
St John‟s Wort is an old plant, going back twenty five hundred years. Traditionally
used as a nerve pain and a popular household remedy for preventing mood disorders.
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About Fifty years ago, a German doctor began using it for clinical depression. Today
after extensive research, it has quite the reputation for treating mild and moderate
depression. It is also good for treating mood swings associated with depression,
menopause and P.M.S, as well as mild anxiety, bedwetting and night terrors in children.
The way I enjoy St John‟s Wort is to have it as part of my first aid kit. I harvest the
flowers and infuse the fresh flowers in olive oil for a month. After straining it, the oil
should be a vivid red. I keep it as oil or use it in a skin salve. The oil is great for first
degree and mild to moderate second-degree burns, skin abrasions, bruises, reducing
pain and inflammation and nerve pain. St John's Wort as a massage oil helps with
sprains and strained ligaments, tendons and muscles. It is one the most medicinal and
potent healing herbs I know and I simply cannot do without it. One can also take it
internally for ulcers. One of the few side effects of this herb is sensitivity to light. If you
are taking this herb internally, be careful if you are fair and have sensitive skin. It can be
also be toxic to cows and sheep so in some areas, St John's Wort has been considered
a pest.
It is a great perennial herb and one worth having in a garden, in a defined area.
Return to The Beginning.
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18. SWEET VIOLET
(Viola odorata)
Sweet Violet‟s deep blue or white flowers grace the earth as early as January, when
there is rain and cold winds that blow in from the ocean. Taking a quick peep into my
quiet, dormant garden in winter reveals a small carpet of these lovely, small, purple
flowers. I am amazed that this seemingly delicate flower can endure the cold at this time
of year. Such is nature that she would send us this beautiful reminder of the promise of
spring, the promise of joy, the promise of youth.
This little flower has five petals arranged in a way to reveal the inner pistil and
stamens welcoming the very first butterflies of the year. This perennial plant does not
rely just on the butterflies for the reproduction of its species; it also grows a horizontal
stem. This creeper anchors the plant at its nodes and creates a beautiful ground cover
of heart shaped leaves. It enjoys partial shade and moist, rich earth.
This plant is native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. It is easy to propagate from
runners. The best time to do this is early spring and you can leave four to five inches
between plants. In my garden, it is not displaying aggressive tendencies and it appears
easy to manage as a ground cover.
The Classical world had a high regard for the medicinal and culinary uses of Sweet
Violet. In old recipe books, dating from the sixteen to the nineteenth century one could
find this recipe: “Violet leaves at the entrance of spring, fried brownish and eaten with
orange and lemon juice and sugar is one of the most agreeable of all herbaceous
dishes”.
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Spring is the time to harvest the leaves and flowers and in fall the roots. The leaves
when added to salads and soups provide nourishment in the form of minerals and
vitamins especially Vitamin C. You can use the flowers in salads or press them in books
preserving their delicate beauty. Sweet Violet flower syrup heals sore throats. The leaf
tea treats chest colds, coughs and congestion. It acts as an expectorant in the lungs
bringing up hot, yellow mucus while helping to cool dry throats and to shrink swollen
glands. You can munch on the leaves to make a “spit poultice” and use this on boils,
burns and hot wounds as it will have a wonderful cooling effect and alleviates pain. One
can use it in the same manner after a dental visit, applying it to the gums to reduce
inflammation. Frequent applications of this to canker sores could make them disappear.
Sweet Violet leaf tea helps to alleviate headaches as well as reducing premenstrual
breast tenderness. It can reduce the soreness of fibrocystic breasts and gently dissolve
over time breast cysts and tumors benign and malignant. British herbal medicine uses
the flowers and leaves to treat breast and stomach cancer. Sweet Violet has this
wonderful gentle ability to dissolve hardness and to soothe and comfort over time.
In the heat of summer, we must remember to keep the growing Sweet Violets moist
and shady so that we can look again for the flowers in the cold, dormant times of the
year.
“The sweet fragrance of youth – it abides with us always in our hearts.”
(A message from Sweet Violet)
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19. ESSAY - THE PURPLE SISTERS
I stood in the midst of my garden, quiet and alone. Around me were the tall bushes of
Rosemary and peeking between them were the shorter shrubs of Lavender. Purple
flowers studded the stems and their delicate fragrance filled the air. Branches slowly
danced in the breeze. The sun felt gentle and warm and butterflies flitted through the
flowers weaving a trail of scent and pollen. Above, a deep blue sky disappeared in and
between the high branches of the trees. Greens, blues, purples and browns all blended
harmoniously with the golden strands of sunlight, shimmering and capturing me with
their beautiful light.
I leaned into the colors and breathed in the scented air. Tenderly I stroked the flowers
and the leaves of the Rosemary and the Lavender. Ever so subtly and just out of the
corners of my eyes did I notice a faint plume of purplish smoke rise up from those
plants. Again, I stroked the flowers and again there was a puff of smoke. This time it
was more distinct and stronger. Puff after puff of smoke filled the air. Looking around
me, I saw myself engulfed by this soft purplish mist. Briefly, I closed my eyes and
breathed in the subtle aroma, filling my lungs with this purple air. Breath after breath I
inhaled into my body.
I opened my eyes and looked down at my feet. Draping around my ankles and legs I
saw a long, light purple gown, soft as gossamer floating on the breeze. The dress was
silky and light and swirled around me merging with the mist that had enveloped the
garden. Long sleeves covered my arms and touching my neck, I felt a high collar.
Showers of purple petals fell around me like the gentle rain showers of a warm spring
day. I felt light, dreamy, and very feminine. The breeze fluttered through my dress and
my hair. Tenderly it gathered me up and I flew relaxed and still through the windows of
my mind, my thoughts, my dreams, down many avenues and pathways of my inner
being. I had become as tranquil and fluid as a forest pool of calm water.
The sun shone through my dress, touching my skin, my hair, and my bare toes. I felt
light fingers on my hair, tracing my brow gently, touching my nose, eyes and ears,
caressing my neck. I heard faint whispers and warm, loving thoughts.
I closed my eyes and allowed myself to merge with the misty air. I drifted aimlessly
and gently on violet clouds of petals, softly, softly ever so softly.
The light perfume of the Lavender and Rosemary drew me back. Opening my eyes, I
saw two women in purple robes standing side by side, their faces serene and peaceful
staring at me. As I blinked, their forms wavered, blurred, and subtly disappeared into the
shrubbery leaving a slight purple shimmer in the air.
Slowly I stretched and opening my hands, crushed petals of Lavender and Rosemary
fluttered to the ground. I felt relaxed, refreshed and every cell in my body felt renewed.
Quietly and reverently, I walked between the shrubs of the garden thanking each of
them for the blessings I had received on this loveliest of days.
Return to The Beginning.
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20. VALERIAN
(Valeriana officinalis)
This is one of my favorite perennial herbs in the garden. During spring and summer, it
develops a lush rosette of leaves and then it sends up several graceful willowy stems
ending with a mass of small, white-pinkish, colored flowers. These stems can be five to
six feet tall and sometimes bend down, swooping close to the ground. I have one
growing by the front gate and as soon as I enter, I immediately get a whiff of its sweet,
musty energy. I have observed that not everyone is partial to Valerian‟s smell, at this
point I hold myself in the minority. Since planting my first Valerian three years ago, I
have noticed how easily this plant can disperse its seeds and I am finding Valerian
growing in many parts of my garden enjoying the sun or partial shade and thriving in
rich moist soil. It comes with a long list of names such as; All-heal, English Valerian,
Belgian Valerian, Common Valerian, German Valerian, Wild Valerian, Fragrant Valerian,
Vandal Root and so indicating its origin from Europe and Northern Asia. The most
appropriate name for this plant is phu (pronounced pooh), the dried roots of Valerian,
which happens to be the medicinal part of this plant, has an odor that many people have
acquainted with dirty socks.
I have not yet had the pleasure to smell this since I have not yet unearthed Valerian.
In fall, one can dig up the roots of a second season Valerian, when all the aerial shoots
have dried and the energy has receded to the roots. So I anticipate removing the fibrous
roots and leaving the rhizome. After washing off the roots, I will slice it and let the root
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pieces air dry in a warm part of the house. From the Valerian root, I can make a tincture
or a tea.
Derived from the Latin word “valere” which means, “to be well” it has been used as a
sedative and relaxant at least since the Roman times. Not everyone hates the smell. In
the sixteenth century, Valerian was appreciated as a perfume and the essential oil is a
perfumery ingredient to this day. Cats and rats love the root, driving cats into frenzy or
into ecstasy. Rat exterminators believed it made a fool proof bait for their traps. Did the
Pied Piper carry a bit of Valerian root in his pocket? Valerian encourages sleep and
improves the quality of the sleep. It also helps to lower blood pressure. In fact, while
sitting with the live plant, I got immensely sleepy and found myself lying flat on my back
with Valerian bobbing over me. It works well on the nervous system reducing mental
activity and nervous excitability, helping people who find it hard to “switch off." It is
beneficial for almost all stress related conditions and generally has a calming effect on
the mind. Valerian does have its drawbacks; it can take up to two to three weeks before
the sedative effects are noticed. It should not be taken with alcohol, when pregnant or
breastfeeding. There are no morning “hangovers” and very few side effects, after using
Valerian. However, Valerian can cause headaches, giddiness and nausea in some
sensitive people, when taken excessively or in large doses. Valerian may be used as an
expectorant to help relieve tickling and nervous coughs.
Valerian reminds me of a never-ending dream. There are many times in life when
there are crisis, traumas, troubled times and anxiety. She likes to soften the edges,
ease the blow, catch you before you fall, smooth your way, providing you with a soft
slumber.
Return to The Beginning.
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21. YARROW
( Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow, the plant of a thousand leaves. I had always associated fern-like leaves with
this hardy perennial, but when I actually spent “quality” time with this plant, I was quite
amazed at the complexity of Yarrow. Yarrow leaves are bi or tri-pinnate and they are
truly amazing in their fine detail covered with tiny silky hairs. The flowers appear large
but when you are up close, you will see that there are many tiny flowers forming a flat
crown. I see Yarrow, on my hikes around Santa Cruz, Ca. It grows on the sunny
hillsides, along the roads, in the fields and in my garden: it is always there blooming
from June to September. The flowers are white or pink. I have a yellow variety growing
in my garden called Golden Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), which has larger leaves, and
the flowers do not have obvious petals. White Yarrow is the medicinal kind.
The plant is drought resistant and originated in Europe. It is generally resistant to
insects and diseases. One small yarrow leaf can apparently speed up the
decomposition of a wheelbarrow full of raw compost. This is something to try! This
unassuming plant conceals great powers.
(It is always the quiet folk to watch out for).
Achilles, the Greek hero of Troy supposedly used Yarrow to staunch the wounds of
his bleeding soldiers. The leaves and flowers are antiseptic and antibacterial thus
preventing infection. It is also styptic which means it stops the flow of blood and then to
top that, it is anti-inflammatory and astringent to reduce swelling. So keep this in mind
when hiking, if you have a: cut, bruise, bee sting or blood blister, find some Yarrow
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leaves, chew it in your mouth and then use it as a poultice and place it on the affected
area. It is also an anodyne so it will relieve pain as well. If you have a bleeding nose, a
wad of leaves can dam it up. You might not look very attractive but I am sure you will
agree that it is a great emergency herb to have on hand. Drinking Yarrow flower tea
helps to open the pores of the skin allowing you to sweat and draw out fevers. A classic
remedy is to combine Elder, Peppermint and Yarrow to promote sweating. Yarrow can
also offer comfort on the first day of a cold and helps to dry up a runny nose.
Yarrow is a wonderful women‟s herb that can help slow down the menstrual flow. It
can also work to shrink fibroids and repair perineal tears from birthing. It is also good for
hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
I think you get the picture as to how incredible this plant is. It will keep reappearing in
our environment year after year, a tough yet attractive plant that calls to the butterflies,
the bees and the ladybugs and hopefully to you too!
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22. ESSAY - GARDEN ELF
The sun danced and sparkled in and out of the water droplets, as they shot into the
air, falling with wild abandon on leaves and flowers in the late afternoon. I could hear
the irrigation noises, as I snuggled down into my chair. Part of the garden was already
in shade but this half of the garden glistened with rainbows and shimmering light, as
water and sun met in spontaneous delight. I tried to focus on a water droplet, but then
another would catch my eye and then another, until I was lost amidst the light and the
spray.
Slowly I felt myself relaxing, softening, my eyes closing then opening, closing and
then sinking into a sleepy state. The heavy drowsiness coated my body in a protective
warm shroud that formed a cushion between the garden sounds and me. It was here in
this in between place of sleep and wakefulness, this place between the worlds of
consciousness and unconsciousness that I felt myself slip between the cracks of time
and space. I began spiraling down a dark chute of musty, earthen walls moving deeper
through the layers of the earth. My body was now light, weightless, and travelling very
fast. I felt lightheaded and even a little nauseous as my body turned round and round,
falling effortlessly away from the garden of light.
With a little thud, I landed on dirt and as I lay there, I remembered to exhale. It was
so dark I could not tell if my eyes were open or closed. Something stirred within me, a
new sense of awareness that flickered awake. It seemed to hover around me and then
drift to the walls, feeling its way, slightly touching the cool earth, but moving all the way
around until an opening was sensed. As I collected myself, I shakily stood up and edged
towards this opening. I felt a tug and a pull as if drawn by an unseen force. I paused at
the threshold of this opening; hesitantly I hovered there peering inside the black cavern.
Just for a moment, I saw a brief flicker of light. I entered slowly, a step at a time,
entering further into the cave. As I moved forward, the light flickered on and stayed on,
a warm circle of golden light, drawing me like a moth to a flame. I held my breath and
walked into that circle of pulsating light.
Without knowing why I sat down in the middle of that golden glow. Coldness seeped
from me and in its place; a wonderful warm feeling filled me. My skin started to glisten
with a light of its own. The warmth entered my feet, my legs, my hands, my arms until it
settled in my heart. All around my body the air seemed to glow, the light grew brighter
and stronger. There was a sudden explosion; a clap of loud thunder and in a blaze of
brilliant light, a form appeared.
The head was small, framed by a mop of golden curls that bounced and bobbed
around two very pointed ears. It was hard to see in the glare of white light that reflected
off the walls of the cave. I saw her eyes then, mischievous glints of green that sparkled
shooting outs flecks of emerald fire. They glowed and danced in her little face. She was
light on her feet moving with amazing agility, whirling around me filling the cave with
streams of iridescence reds, yellows, blues, purples, splashing the walls with hues of
oranges, colors of the early sunrise changing rapidly to the deeper fires of the sunset.
Light streaked out around her, hugging her little form. Her movements were carefree
and wild. What mysterious magic she had as I watched her, my mouth opened wide, my
eyes transfixed by her. She was thrilling and amazing. I simply fell in love with her, this
elfin child. I was engulfed by her world of color, warmth and light. Her green eyes
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deepened growing larger and as I stared into them, I felt myself drowning in a pool of
emerald green. I heard the sounds of forest pools and cascading waterfalls, and then I
saw myself splashing and playing with her among luscious green ferns, and clear rock
pools. Little freckles splattered her stubby nose and as she opened her mouth, a
wonderful gurgle of laughter bubbled out. I threw my head back and echoed her sound.
She was simply delightful! So filled with happiness, fun and laughter it rang through my
heart filling up all the caverns and tunnels with sweet music and light.
There in the green pool of remembrance I embraced her small, lithe form and
watched her dart and weave, dancing to the inner rhythms of joy and numerous
delights. I laughed and laughed at her funny expressions as she tugged my hands
gently, pulling on my hair and as the years rolled by, I saw her more and more clearly.
Love spilt from her being filling the air with a golden arc of happiness. Under her gaze, I
remembered who I was.
As I sat in that circle of warm light and saw the walls of the inner cave, I felt her
prescience lingering close to me. I heard a soft laugh and dimly I could see the shine of
her beautiful green eyes. Her whisperings echoed through the passages. I laughed and
knew I would come again and again and again to play with my little garden elf.
COME AND PLAY SOON.
THE END
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EPILOGUE
Our garden provided us with
an abundance of herb
and herbal medicine.
I started to make a few herbal products,
which eventually led me to creating
my own herbal business called:
Hawk Valley Herbs.
I now focus on one product,
a healing skin salve made up of five herbs.
I wild craft these herbs from nature
in the Santa Cruz County of California
and market the finished product to stores.
This has been a wonderful garden gift.
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hawkvalleyherbs.com
[email protected]
831 429 2320
THANK YOU!
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