RAINBOW FARMS    AUSTRALIA                                                                                                                                                      

 

                                                                                                                                                             HERBS for the Garden

                                                                                                                                                           (1- 2 teaspoons per cup of Herbal Tea.)

 

                                                                                                                  N.B: Harvesting or cutting the Leaves increases the strength of the properties in the plant.

 

Useful Herbs: Calendula Salve: for Bruises and Cuts. Chamomile Tincture: as a Sedative and Stomach Tea. Comfrey, Dandelion, Echinacea: Flowers and Roots for the Immune System. Evening Primrose, Flower Seed Oil, Garlic, Ginkgo Extract, Ginseng, Hawthorn: for the Heart. Kava Kava: is a Tranquilizer. Liquorice: is anti - Ulcer. Milk Thistle, Red Pepper: are Pain relievers, Tea Tree: is an anti - Septic.                                         

ALEXANDERS: Smyrnium olisatrum. N.B: Not to be confused with Lovage / Levisticum Officinale. Looks like Wild Angelica. For Indigestion, Colic, Flatulence and Fevers.    ALFALFA / Buffalo Herb / Lucerne: Medicago sativa. Leaves can be drunk as a Tea and are Alkalizing, Mineral rich and assists with Arthritis. Eat the Sprouts with a Salad. Actions: Diuretic and Tonic.    ANGELICA: See Herbs.    ANISEED: See Herbs.     ARNICA: Arnica Montana. Externally used for Bruises, Sprains and and other areas of Physical Trauma. Good for Chilblains when the Skin is not Broken. Internally: N.B: Only to be used in a Homeopathic form under Professional advice.   BASIL: to repel Insects and to treat Bad Breath and Head Ache (Best fresh,)    BEARBERRY: See Herbs.    BISTORT: Polygonum bistorta. Has 20 % Tannins. Actions: Especially strong Astringent, Alterative and Diuretic. Astringent - A Decoction made from the Root is used Externally for Sores to reduce Bleeding. Used also as a Mouth Wash for Inflammation of the Mouth and Gum Problems. Used to treat Diarrhea even when severe and bleeding. Used for all Bleeding Conditions, Internal and External. Alterative as a good Blood Cleanser.     BORAGE: Borago officinalis. Diuretic, Demulcent and Emollient. Used to treat Fevers especially in regard to the Lungs.    BROOM: Cystisus scoparius. Young Tips of the Flowering branches are used. Collect in the Spring and early Summer. Actions: Diuretic and Cathartic.     BURDOCK: See Herbs.      BURNETT: Sanguisorba officinalis. Actions: Astringent and Tonic. 3 to 4 Sprigs in a glass of Claret. Infusion: Made from the Fresh or Dried Leaves or add to Salads.      CARRAWAY: See Herbs. CATNIP: See Herbs.     CENTAURY: See Herbs.    CHAMOMILE: See Herbs.  CHASTE BERRY: for Women's Conditions. CHERVIL: See Herbs.   CHICKWEED: See Herbs.    CHIVES: to prevent Cancer and treat High Blood Pressure. (Best fresh,)    CLARYSAGE: See Sage. Similar use but slightly different flavour.     CLEAVERS: See Herbs.   COLTSFOOT: See Herbs.    COMFREY: See Herbs.     CONEFLOWER SEEDS: another name for Echinacea, which see.     CORIANDER: See Herbs.      CUMIN: See Herbs.    DAISY: See Herbs.      DANDELION: See Herbs.    DILL: to treat Colic and Gas.     ECHINACEA: See Herbs. ELECAMPANE: See Herbs.    EPAZOTE / Wormseed / Chenopodium ambrosiodes. Like Wormwood it is an Anthelmintic and used for Intestinal Parasites. Effective against Roundworms and Hookworms, but not Tapeworms. Oil from the Seed is used.    VENING PRIMROSE: Oenthera biennis. Oil from the Seed used.     FAT HEN / Good King Henry: Chenopodium bonus / hennricus. Useful Vegetable. Perennial. Grows every year.    FENNEL: to treat Upset Stomach and Indigestion.     FEVERFEW: Chrysantheum parthenium. Actions: Aperient, Carminative, Bitter and Emmenagogue. For Nervous Tension and Migraine Headaches and a general Tonic.   FULLER'S TEASEL / Fuller’s Herb / Soapwort: See Herbs.      GARLIC: See Herbs.    GENETIAN: See Herbs.     GYPSYWORT: Lycopus europaeus. Actions: Astringent and Sedative.     GOAT'S BEARD: Tragopogan pratensis. Roots eaten as a Vegetable, Stems - treat like Asparagus. Decoction: Root used to treat Indigestion and conditions of the Liver.    GOAT'S RUE: Galega officinali. Legume. Actions: Diaphoretic, Diuretic and Galactagogue. Infusion: The fresh Plant is Soothing to tired Feet.     GOLDEN: is anti - Biotic (grows in shade.)      GRAVELROOT: Eupatorium purpureum. Actions: Diuretic and Nervine. Used to treat Urinary Gravel and chronic Kidney Conditions. Used to treat Gout and Rheumatism.     GREATER CELADINE: See Herbs.     GRINDELIA: See Herbs.    HEARTEASE / Wild Pansy: Viola tricolo. Used for Epilepsy and Asthma, and the Flowers to benefit the Heart.    HELIOTROPE: Heliotropium poruviana. Follows the Sun during the day and turns back to the East at night. Mainly a Homeopathic Remedy to treat Sore Throats.    HENBANE: Hyoscyamus niger. Related to Potatoes, Tomatoes and Tobacco. Actions: Anodyne, anti - Spasmodic and Carminative. The Greeks and Romans used it to reduce pain. N.B: Potential Poisonous Narcotic. N.B: Used Externally. Oil extracted from the Leaves and applied Externally to reduce the pain of Rheumatism.      HERB BENNET: Hemlock conium maculatum. Used to kill Socrates. Another Poisonous Herb. Actions: Sedative and anti - Spasmodic, but may cause Paralysis to the Motor Centres. N.B: An increase in consumption can cause Paralysis of the Respiratory Muscles and death by Asphyxiation. In smaller doses used to treat Spastic Conditions such as Tetanus, Epilepsy, Cramps, Paralysis Agitans and Spasms of the Larynx. Inhaled it can help to relieve Asthma, Deep Bronchial Coughs and Whooping Cough. N.B: Do not take without Professional Medical Prescription.   HOPS: Humulus lupulus. Actions: Anodyne, Nervine, Tonic and Diuretic. A Hops pillow under you helps to improve sleep.      HOREHOUND: See Herbs.     HORSERADISH: See Herbs.      HYSSOP: Hyssop officinalis. Actions: anti - Viral treats Herpes. Astringent, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Stimulant, Stomachic and Tonic. Used with Sage as it has similar properties. Gargle for a Sore Throat or Catarrh. Swallow to assist Digestion, relieves Flatulence and supports the Liver in cases of Jaundice and Mucus in the Stool. Assists to relieve a Cough associated with a Cold or the Flu. N.B: Do not take for Prolonged periods, but only when the need arises. Externally: As a Decoction on Cuts, Burns and other Wounds and for Skin Irritations.   JOE - PYEWEED: Eupartorium purpureum. See Herbs.      LADY'S BEDSTRAW: Galium verun. Used to make Cheese especially Chesire cheese as it will curdle Milk. Used for Urinary Diseases and Gravel.     LADY'S MANTLE: Alchemilla vulgaris. Actions: Astringent and Styptic. Rich in Tannin used to stop Bleeding, both Internally and Externally. Decoction: Made from the Root and used as a Wash on Wounds or on Wet Bandages to dry up an Open Wound.     LAMB'S QUARTER: Chenopoduim album. Like a Fat Hen a useful Vegetable and can be used in place of Spinach.     LARKSPUR: (WILD) Delphinium consolida. Seeds made into a Decoction and used as a Parasiticide and Insecticide and as a Wash to get rid of Lice and Nits in the Hair. Infusion: Whole Plant assists Digestion particularly Colic.    LAVENDER: Lavandula officinalis. (Hops and Lavender can be combined in a Sleep Pillow.) Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Relaxant, Sedative, Stimulant, Stomachic and Tonic. Used as an Oil to treat Headaches and Migraines, Fainting and Dizzy Spells. Infusion and Decoction: Digestive Conditions, Stomach and Abdominal Cramps, Nausea and Vomiting. Flowers can be added to a Salad and help relieve Flatulence. Flowers and Leaves, fresh or dried can be made into a pillow using Muslin and place under the pillow to induce relaxation and sleep.     LEMON BALM: Melissa oficinalis. Always grows back. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, anti - Viral, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Sedative and Stomachic. Stomach Conditions and Poor Digestion and to relieve Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Stomach and Abdominal Cramps & Colic. Used also for Catarrhal Conditions & Asthma. Drink for a Headache or Migraine and if having trouble getting to sleep. You can put it under your pillow. Externally: the Leaves can be used as a Poultice for Skin Conditions and Insect Bites. Excellent for Lemon flavour in a dish without Bitterness the same as Lemon Grass. Infusion: of either Herb.     LEMON GRASS: See Herbs.    LIQUORICE: See Herbs.    LOBELIA: See Herbs.    LOOSESTRIPE / Purple Willow / Rainbow Weed / Lythrum salicaria. Astringent, Styptic to treat Diarrhoea and associated Illness such as Typhoid Fever and Dysentry. Infusion: Even for Children.     LOVAGE: / Levisticuim officinale. Grows to 6' then dies into the Root for Winter and comes back in the Spring. Actions: Carminative, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Stimulant and Stomachic. Leaves taste like Aromatic Celery and can be added to Salads or to flavour Cream Cheeses. Diuretic (Main use) and assists cleansing via the Kidneys and Urine. Assists Digestion and to eliminate Catarrh. N.B: Do not use during Pregnancy and it can bring on Menstruation.     MADDER: Rubia tintorum. Used to treat Amonorrhoea and Liver Conditions such as Jaundice.     MALLOW - MUSK: Malva moschata. Similar properties to Marshmallow, but not as strong.      MARIGOLD: See Herbs.    MARJORAM - SWEET: (Best fresh). Cut back after flowering to promote compact growth.    MARSH MALLOW: See Herbs.       MEADOWSWEET / Queen of the Meadow / Spinaea ulmaris. Actions: Aromatic, Astringent, Diuretic and Mild Alterative. Blood Cleanser and to treat Digestive Conditions particularly Diarrhoea in Children and Adults. Infusion: Flowers and Leaves.     MILK THISTLE: See Herbs.    MOUNTAIN MINT:  repels Insects.      MUGWORT: Artemisia vulgaris. Actions: Stimulant, Tonic, Nervine, Emmenagogue, Diuretic and Diaphoretic. Main use with Pennyroyal as an Emmenagogue. N.B: Do not use during Pregnancy.     MULLEIN - GREAT: See Herbs.      MUSTARD: See Herbs.    NASTURTIUM: See Herbs.  NETTLE: See Herbs.   OREGANO: anti - Oxidant (Best fresh). Cut back after flowering to promote compact growth.      PANSY: Viola tricolor. Actions: Anodyne, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Laxative and Vulnerary. Good for Detox regime. Use Flowers and Leaves. Anodyne releases pain. Demulcent and Diuretic assists with Urinary Conditions and Fluid retention and Bed Wetting Children. Relieves Constipation. Used to treat Jaundice. Demulcent and Expectorant: Relieves Catarrhal Congestion.      PARSLEY: treats Bad Breath and Male Reproduction,     PENNYROYAL / Hedeoma puligiodes. Actions: Carminative, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue and Sedative. Relieves Flatulence and also a Fever. N.B: Do not use during Pregnancy as it can bring on Menstruation.     PEPPERMINT: Actions: Cooling and Soothing and treats Upset Stomach.      PERIWINKLE: x 2 / Vinca major / Vinca minor. Actions: Astringent and Tonic and to stop Bleeding. Also if Chewed stops Bleeding in the Mouth and Nose. Relieves Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Fresh Herb used as a Tea.      PLANTAIN: Plantago major. Actions: Deobsturent, Diuretic, Refrigerant and Mild Astringent. Externally: Leaves applied to the Skin for Inflammation and Ulcers.      PLEURISY ROOT: See Herbs.    POKE ROOT: See Herbs.    RED CLOVER: See Herbs.      ROCK ROSE: / Helianthemum canadense. Actions: Anti - Scrofulous, Astringent, Alterative and Tonic. Used to be used to treat secondary symptoms of Syphillis. Used to treat Diarrhoea. Used as a Wash for Ulcers and other Scroulous Skin Conditions.       ROSEMARY: Action: anti - Oxidant. (Best fresh). Cut back after flowering to promote compact growth.      RUE / Herb of Grace: Ruta graveolens. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, anti - Thelmintic, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Stimulant and Stomachic. Emmetic in large doses. Used to treat mainly Rheumatism and Gout. Anti - Spasmodic to treat Croopy Coughs and Flatulence and Intestinal Colic. Infusion: Sprinkle around house or on affected Animals - Repels Fleas.     RUPTURE WORT: Herniara glabra. Actions: Diuretic and used to treat Oedema or Fluid Retention caused by Kidneys or Heart Conditions.      SAFFLOWER: Carthamus tinctorius. Flowers used. Actions: Diaphoretic, Diuretic and Laxative. Infusion: Used to bring a Fever gently to resolution and especially useful for Chickenpox, Measles and other Fevers. Infusion: Can be drunk to increase Persperation and reduce a Fever in Influenza & Feverish Colds.      SAGE: has similar properties to Rosemary. Cut back after flowering to promote compact growth.    SANTOLINI / Lavender Cotton: Santolini chamaecy parissus. N.B: Not a true Lavender. Stimulant and Vermifuge especially for Children. Dried Plant can be spread among clothes and linens to repel Moths.      SAVORY: treats Flatulence.      SCABIOUS / Devil’s Bit: Scabiosa success. Stunted Square Root. Actions: Diaphoretic, Demulcent and Febrifuge. Leaves made into a Tea to treat Coughs, Fevers and Internal Inflammation. Externally: as a Wash for External Cuts.     SCURVY GRASS: Cochlearia officinalis. Rich in Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids. Actions: Anti - Scorbutic, Aperient, Diuretic and Stimulant. Infusion: Fleshy Leaves can be made using 50 gm to 500 ml of Water and drink several times a day in small quantities.      SELF HEAL: is a Universal Remedy.      SKULLCAP: Many Types - Scutuloria galericulata and Scutellaria minor are used in England. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, Mild Astringent, Nervine, Stony Tonic, Main use as a Calming Herb for Stress, particularly Mental. Anxiety, Headaches, Insomnia, Nervous Stress, Neuralgia, Tension, Nervous Tension. Relaxes the Muscles and is used to treat Convulsive Conditions.    SOAPWORT: Sapenaria officinalis. Actions: Cholagogue, Diuretic, Expectorant and Purgative. Stimulates the flow of Bile for congested Liver and Gall function and in Constipation. Diuretic promotes cleansing via the Urine. Expectorant in Secretion of Excess Mucus and to treat Respiratory Congestion. Root of the Plant is used. Dry it, chop finely and simmer, 1 to 2 Tablespoons per cup of Water and take one Tablespoon of this mixture 3 times a day.     SORREL: Rumex acetosa. Suitable for use in Salads. Actions: Refrigerant and Diuretic. Infusion: Makes a Cooling drink when you have a Temperature. Sorrel Soup: Same as for Chervil, which is replaced with a large bunch of Sorrel instead.      SPEARMINT: Mentha virides. Used in cooking mainly.  Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, Carminative and Stimulant, Aids Digestive System when incorporated in Food treats Stomach Upsets.       SPEEDWELL: Veronica officinalas. Actions: Diaphoretic, Alterative, Diuretic, Expectorant and Tonic. Treats Coughs and Catarrh and good in Detox program if the Lungs and Upper Respiratory System need to be cleared out.      STRAWBERRY - WILD: Fragaria vesca. Wild small one that has a stronger and fragrant flavour. Actions: Astringent, Diuretic and Laxative. Useful in a Detox programme. Astringent to treat Diarrhoea. Laxative to treat Constipation. To treat Rheumatism and Gout. Eat the Fruit and Leaves or both can be made into an Infusion. Fresh Fruit Juice can be rubbed on the Teeth and brush off 5 minutes later with Bicarbonate of Soda to reduce discolouration. Can also be rubbed on the Skin to do the same. Pulp made from the Fruit and allowed to sit on the Skin for 1/2 an hour assists Sunburn.       ST. JOHN'S WORT: Hypericum perforatum. Actions: Aromatic, Astringent, Expectorant and Nervine. Best used as a Nervine. Used to treat Lung Conditions. Used to treat restricted Urine production and output. Used in the Digestive System to treat Diarrhoea, Dysentry and Worms. Used to treat Mental Conditions including Nervous Depression. Infusion: 30 gm of the Herb in 500 ml Water and 1 to 2 Tablespoons taken 2 or 3 times a day.       SUMMER SAVORY: Satureza hortensis. Actions: Astringent, Carminative, Expectorant, Stimulant and Stomachic. Used mostly to treat Digestive Conditions such as Nausea, Stomach and Intestinal Cramps and lack of Appetite. Astringent to treat Diarrhoea. Gargle for Throat Conditions.      SUNFLOWER: Helianthus annuus. Seed. Actions: Diuretic and Expectorant. Decoction: Crushed Seeds to treat Bronchial Conditions. Infusion: Flowers and Leaves.     SWEET CICELY: Myrrhis odorata. Actions: Aromatic, Carminative, Expectorant and Stomachic. Roots as anti - Septic. Decoction: Root for Gargle for Coughs and Irritable Throats, swallow to ease Indigestion. Root can be Eaten. Low Sugar Rhubarb: Leaves of Sweet Cicely used to substitute for Sugar as they reduce Bitterness of many Fruits. 6 large or 12 small Stems of Rhubarb, Clean, chop and put in a saucepan with a teaspoon or 2 of Water to moisten the base. Apply low heat as the juice comes out of the Rhubarb. Add several large Sprigs of Sweet Cicely keeping it intact so it can be removed after cooking and 1 teaspoon of Honey. Cook slowly until the Fruit is soft and adjust sweetness to taste or use Port instead of the original Water. Lemon Dessert Without Sugar: When adding Lemon Juice also add an Infusion or Decoction of Sweet Cicely depending on the other liquid used also.      TANSY: Action: anti - Migraine similar to Feverfew.    TARRAGON: See Herbs.    THYME:  anti - Septic and treats Stomach Upsets and assists to prevent Heart Attack (Best fresh). Cut back after flowering to promote compact growth,     TORMENTIL / Shepherd’s Knot: Potentilla tormentilla. Perennial likes Damp and Marshy places. Rhyzome used. Actions: Astringent used to treat Diarrhoea and discharge. Decoction: Used as a Gargle to treat a Sore, Tired or Ulcerated Throat. Stronger Decoction applied locally to treat Haemorrhoids and to reduce the Bleeding of Cuts and other Wounds. Decoction: for Internal use 1 x teaspoon per cup and simmer for 10 minutes. Externally: 100 gm to a cup, simmer for 15 minutes and strain.      VALERIAN: relieves Anxiety.     VERVAIN - BLUE: See Herbs.    WILD YAM: treats Women's Reproduction. WILLOW: is a natural Aspirin.      WINTER SAVORY: Satureja Montana. Perennial shrub. More Woody then Summer Savory but has smaller Medicinal properties. Leaves have little Medicinal use but can be mixed with breadcrumbs for Meat or Fish.      WOODRUFT - SWEET: Aspurula odorata. Actions: Anti - Spasmodic, Alterative, Cardiac, Diaphoretic and Diuretic. Used to treat the pain of Headaches, Migraines and Neuralgia. To treat Insomnia, Nervous Tension, Stress and Restless Sleep. Used to treat Jaundice and Bladder Stones or Gravel. Infusion: 1 x teaspoon of the Dried Herb per cup to treat Stomach pain or an Irregular Heartbeat. N.B: Do not exceed the dose.     WORMWOOD: See Herbs.     YARROW: See Herbs.

 

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