Comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum) is a perennial plant that grows to about 3 feet high. It has oval or egg-shaped dark green leaves growing on a hairy stem. Pale yellow to purplish bell-shaped flowers grow on it in clusters. These flowers bloom between May and September.
Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium), a perennial herb, grows form 8 inches to 3 feet tall. Its stem branches at the top where it supports heads of cream-colored flowers. The flowers have a yellow disc and five petal-like ray flowers and bloom from May to November. Growing along the stem are leaves that look like tiny ferns.
What did the Indians and Pioneers have in common? They both knew that plants found in the wild could be used to cure sickness. There were few, if any, doctors and no hospitals to care for them if they became ill. They relied on what Mother Nature had to offer. There are many uses of plants. One important use is as a medicine. Please remember, like all medicines, there may be side effects. Always check with an adult before preparing or using the plants discussed.
Comfrey: (See photo caption) A poultice of the crushed leaves helps speed up the healing of surface wounds, sores and broken bones. Comfrey can be made into a salve used to treat psoriasis and other skin problems. An infusion of 1 tablespoon of the dried herb steeped in one cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes and applied as a hot compress can reduce inflammation It can also be made into a hot tea and used to ease bronchial and intestinal disorders. However, it may not be safe to use when taken over a long period of time and may result in liver damage.
Yarrow: (See photo caption) Yarrow can be used as an infusion of the leaves and flower tops drank to reduce fever and as a mild tonic to help the appetite. A poultice may be made from either the whole plant or dried yarrow tops and used to help cuts and wounds. Recently, modern researchers have discovered its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and perhaps as an astringent.
Ginseng (Panax quingnefolins): Ginseng has green flowers that bloom in early summer. It has five leaflets that are egg-shaped and short-pointed. The fruit is bright red. The root of ginseng is long and tapered often forked. It is prized by the Chinese for its medicinal purposes. Ginseng may be found in the woods where there is rich soil. It is becoming rare. The medicinal uses of ginseng are regulation of blood pressure, relieve stress and increase stamina. Athletes have discovered its use for increasing stamina making it popular with long-distance runners. Ginseng also has a soothing effect on gastrointestinal irritation. The most important part of the plant is the root.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Witch hazel is a shrub. It is noted for its usual yellow flowers with narrow petals. It blooms in late fall to winter. The leaves are long and egg-shaped or oval.
The leaves, twigs, and bark can be made into a tea. The tea is used as a styptic for nose bleeds and hemorrhoids. The tea should be drunk twice a day-one in the morning and one at night. When witch hazel is used as a decoction it is a compress for cuts, sprains, and slow healing sores. Witch hazel is an excellent astringent.
The plants mentioned are just a few that can be used as a medicine. Some others are-colts foot, blueberry, boneset, catnip, dandelion, ground ivy, nettle, poplar and sassafras just to name a few. The use of herbal remedies is making a comeback. Many people today are using plants for medicinal purposes. Even so, extreme caution must be used as with all medicines.
