Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is an aromatic herb in the mint family which originated in Egypt and Arabia. It is also widely referred to as Oregano. Today, it is commonly found in the Mediterranean region or grown in gardens around the world. In its varied forms of: marjoram essential oil, fresh or dried marjoram leaves, or marjoram powder (ground up marjoram), it has many uses. As a culinary additive, it is commonly used to flavor soups, sauces, salads, and meat dishes. Cosmetically, marjoram is used in skin cream, body lotion, shaving gel, and bath soaps. Whether used as an essential oil, powder, fresh leaves, or dried leaves, marjoram has many uses with numerous health benefits. Marjoram synonyms are: majorana hortensis, moench and majorana.

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is also known as white mallow herb. Other alternative names are Malvavisco, Althea, Khatmah, Usubeni-tatiaoi, Khitmi, Iviscus, and Ghasul. This psychoactive herb originated from Europe. Its therapeutic effect to the body explains why it is use as an alternative medicine.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Marigold (Calendula officinalis) has been highly valued by herbal healers of centuries. Marigolds are found almost anywhere in the world. They grow easily, bloom reliably, and have few insect and disease problems. Marigolds are highly useful for medicinal purposes such as headaches, toothache, swelling, and strengthening the heart. They have also been used in cooking as well.

Lobelia (Lobelia Inflata)

Lobelia (Lobelia Inflata) has a long use as a medicinal plant, as an entheogenic, emetic, and a dermatological and respiratory aid. Native Americans used it to treat respiratory and muscle disorders, as a purgative, and as a ceremonial medicine. The plant was used as a traditional medicinal plant by the Cherokee, Iroquois, Penobscot, and other indigenous peoples. The foliage was burned by the Cherokee as a natural insecticide, to smoke out gnats. It was widely used in the pre-Columbian New England region, long before the time of Samuel Thomson, who was erroneously credited as discovering it.

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a close relative of cannabis, Hops has been used for centries in brewing. Ironically Henery VIII banned the addition of Hops to ales and beers and described Hops as "a wicked weed that would endanger the people." Of course, hops beer is now one of the most freely available and socially accepted drugs but certainly has 'endangered the people' with all the harm and tragedy associated with motor vehicle accidents, social and domestic violence, misadventure, alcoholism, liver damage, fatal drug combinations and so on. Yet its botanical cousin, the Hemp plant, a revered herb in Henry VIII's time, is currently banned in our time!

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

 

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is an aromic herb found in dry and rocky areas of Texas, Southern California, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Damiana has pale green leaves, small yellow flowers and can grow up to twenty four inches high. The plant has a resesmblance to chamomile. It's leaves, flowers and steams are used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Damiana also goes by many names; Turnera diffusa, Turnera aphrodisiacal, woman's broom, mexican damiana, pastorata, hierba del venado, oreganello and the bourrique.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) belongs to the daisy family. It is also known by the name of coughworth, bull's foot, assfoot, and farfara. athe coltsfoot plant has bright yellow flowers (which are beautiful) and has scaly stalks. The flowers have a sweet honey tast. The flower blooms first and then the leaves develop.