Dahoon Holly

 

    

     Welcome to December in Central Florida! We are finally starting to see some cooler weather and a few leaves changing colors. We are also seeing more and more red berries throughout all of our woodlands and wetlands. These red berries, more often than not, belong to any one of our 10-11 species of Holly. 

     The Holly Family, Aquifoliaceae, has a great reputation for being beneficial medicinally, though most species have toxic berries, so they aren’t the most edible of plants. The Ilex genus is the only genus in the family that contains around 400 species. The family name translates to “trees with needles on their leaves” which is pretty darn accurate for most species. However, the genus name is an old word for Oak. The Holly species I wanted to introduce you to today is the Dahoon Holly or Ilex cassine. 

     Like every species of Ilex, Dahoon Holly is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are on different trees. These flowers are usually really small and develop in clusters at the leaf axils. Only female plants produce the small berry-like fruits that are actually drupes. These drupes are often mistaken for berries because they contain multiple seeds where traditional drupes only contain one seed, referred to as a stone. I. cassine berries are yellow, orange, or red, the ones I find most often around here are red. This species is native and reaches about 12 meters (about 39 feet) in height. Leaves are alternate and simple, around 3-14 centimeters (1.18-5.51 inches) long and mostly oval. Some leaves have a few small teeth on their otherwise smooth margins. These plants love to have their feet damp so you can often find them in wet hammocks and flatwoods, though they can survive in dryer areas. They are often mistaken for another species of native Holly, the Yaupon Holly, Ilex vomitoria, though Yaupon Holly’s leaves are much smaller and have a much more interesting margin. There is also an invasive species that has become quite common around the area that is a major look-a-like for I. cassine, that is the Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia. The most notable difference between these two is that S. terebinthifolia has pinnately compound leaves. 

 

Here's a video going over some info about this Holly as well as a close relative in the same genus.

 

Medicinal Uses:

 

Common Names- Dahoon Holly, Christmas Berry, Cassine

 

Scientific Name- Ilex cassine 

 

Edibility- The leaves can be used as a tea.

 

Summary of Actions- Diuretic, emetic, hypnotic, laxative, purgative, stimulant, vermifuge

  

Parts Used- Leaves

 

Traditional Native American Ceremonial Use- Ilex cassine is sacred to the peoples of Florida and the East Coast of North America and is used similarly to Ilex vomitoria to produce a ceremonial cleansing tea referred to as the black drink. This drink is high in caffeine (or theobromine) and causes vomiting, which is considered to be a desirable and cleansing event prior to certain ceremonies. The Apalachicola tribe of Florida prepare large quantities of I. cassine and place it in huge snail shells that are then used as offerings in rituals, where the beverage is also consumed. The shells may be beautifully engraved with mystical images and divine figures. During celebratory rituals, a great deal of tobacco is smoked alongside the drink, producing an intensely euphoric, stimulating effect. Many scholars believe that I. vomitoria was the preferred leaf for making the black drink, however I. cassine was still used. The leaves of I. cassine and I. vomitoria have also been smoked as tobacco substitutes by native tribes and settlers and were also used as tea substitutes by southern rebel troops during the American Civil War.

Tea- Dahoon Holly makes tea but it is the least recommended of all Holly teas. It can cause severe headaches, vomiting, and can be laxative when taken at larger concentrations. However, if the beverage is not brewed too long, one can enjoy the flavor, stimulating effects, and health benefits without going through a ritual purging like with the ceremonial black drink.

Caffeine vs. Theobromine- Many sources say that Dahoon Holly contains a large amount of caffeine. However, recent studies have determined that the alkaloid previously thought of as being caffeine is actually Theobromine. This is a very closely related alkaloid that has most of the same effects as caffeine and is found in cocoa.

Stimulant- Dahoon Holly tea works as a stimulant helping to improve cognitive function for a time.

Blood Pressure- Though stimulating, the leaves can have a calming effect, and they have been known to improve arterial function and blood circulation in some individuals. Theobromine has also shown cardioprotective tendencies in several studies.

 

Fevers and Malaria- Some compounds found in the leaves of Dahoon Holly have been known to be anti-inflammatories. This helps to support the traditional use, in some cultures, for reducing fevers and treating malaria.

  

Joints- Ilex cassine has also been used to help reduce joint pain and inflammation. 

  

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stupor if eaten in quantity. There is also much caution surrounding the tea as large concentrations can induce vomiting, cause dizziness, and cause headaches. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

  

 

 

    

I only included a basic introduction to this amazing native holly. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

Cassine: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/i/ilex-cassine=cassine.php

Dahoon Holly: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/tag/dahoon-holly/

Dahoon Holly, Ilex Cassine: Wild South Florida: http://www.wildsouthflorida.com/dahoon.holly.html

Dahoon Holly (Ilex Cassine): Treasure Trees: https://treescharlotte.org/041-dahoon-holly/

Dahoon Holly…The Dollar Tree of Fruits: Treasure Coast Natives: https://treasurecoastnatives.wordpress.com/2018/10/26/dahoon-holly-starts-young/

Holly Ilex: Herb Wisdom: https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-holly.html

Ilex Cassine: Florida Native Plant Society: https://www.fnps.org/plant/ilex-cassine

Ilex Cassine: Plants For A Future: https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ilex+cassine

Ilex Cassine: Practical Plants: https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Ilex_cassine

Ilex Cassine: Useful Temperate Plants: http://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Ilex+cassine

Ilex Cassine – Cassina Tree: Entheology.com: http://entheology.com/plants/ilex-cassine-cassina-tree/

Ilex Cassine Dahoon Holly: Environmental Horticulture: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/ilecasa.pdf

Paraguay Tea: A Modern Herbal: https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/partea05.html

Pokeweed

     Having been raised in North Florida, by a family who has been in the South for many a generation (most of us are in Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas), I was raised with a few Appalachian traditions. One of these traditions was “Poke Salat.” Now, my parents didn’t prepare this traditional dish, but I did hear about it quite often and some other family members did prepare it occasionally. Though it sounds like a springtime salad, it’s actually a pot of cooked greens. I promise you that if anyone ever serves you a salad and calls it Poke Salat, you should run away as fast as you can. This is because Pokeweed is highly toxic and it has to be cooked several times over in order to be edible.

     Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a poisonous, herbaceous plant that has long been used for food and folk medicine in parts of eastern North America, the Midwest and the Gulf Coast where it is native. Poke is a member of the Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed) family and is a perennial herb. It grows up to 11ft tall, though the variety commonly found in the South tends to stop at 8ft. Single alternate leaves are pointed at the end with crinkled edges and an unpleasant smell. The stems are green, pink, or red. Flowers greenish-white in long clusters at ends of stems that will develop into dark purple berries resembling blueberries or elderberries. Pokeroot is best dug up in the fall after the plant has died back for the winter. This is when the plant is the most medicinal and the least toxic. The next best time to dig the roots is in the early spring when the leaves are just coming out (as long as you're sure what you're picking!). The leaves and berries are harvested from Autumn to the following Spring and can be found in North & South America, East Asia & New Zealand. Though it has become naturalized all over Europe. It’s often found on edges of fields or cleared lands and roadsides. Pokeweed poisonings were common in eastern North America during the 19th century. The roots were often mistaken for parsnip, Jerusalem artichoke, or horseradish. The berries are often mistaken for elderberries. Use caution! And remember, if you’re not 100% sure of your identification, DON’T consume/use the plant!

     Poke is predominately toxic to mammals, though some small mammals have a resistance to the toxin. The berries are an important food source for birds and can be eaten by them because the small seeds hard outer shell simply passes through the birds' digestive system. It’s also a valuable host plant for a number of butterfly species found here in Florida.

     

I recently filmed a video about this beautiful plant.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Poke, Pokeweed, Poke Salet, American Pokeweed, Cancer-root, Cancer Jalap, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry, Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours, Sekerciboyaci, Skoke, Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo, Yyamilin 

Scientific Name-  Phytolacca americana and P. acinosa 

Edibility- Pokeweed is edible when cooked properly. The young shoots and leaves are boiled in two changes of water. The leaves taste similar to spinach and the shoots taste similar to asparagus. Properly cooked Poke is known as "Poke Salet," not Poke Salad as it is commonly called. Poke berries are cooked and the resulting liquid used to color canned fruits and vegetables. Caution is advised as the whole plant is poisonous raw, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Summary of Actions- Alterative, anodyne, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antitumor, antitussive, antiviral, cathartic, detoxifying, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, hypnotic, lymphagogue, narcotic, purgative, and resolvent. 

Energetics- Acrid, slightly sweet, root slightly bitter. The root is slightly cooling and drying. The berries are slightly warming.

Parts Used- Leaves, Berry, and Root 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Shang Lu, Poke affects the liver, spleen, bladder, and small intestine meridians. It clears toxins, reducing the swelling associated with goiters, arthritis, neuralgias, breast lumps and tumors, eczema, skin dermatitis, ulcers, and similar wounds. Shang Lu removes statis, especially when associated with abdominal distension, nausea, heavy feelings, moodiness, and constipation. It also clears up Liver Qi stagnation, which is commonly associated with breast lumps, tumors, acute mastitis, as well as chronic benign and malignant lumps. Like in Western Herbalism, Shang Lu is considered to be drastically purgative. 

Traditional Native American Uses- Some Native American tribes used Pokeweed as a purgative (to stimulate bowel clearance) and an emetic (to promote vomiting). Many traditional cultures believe that doing so "cleanses" the body, expels bad spirits. The fruit was made into a red dye used in painting horses and various articles of adornment. The Delaware Indians were likely the first to prescribe pokeweed in medicine, using it as a cardiac stimulant. Indians of the Rocky Mountain region used pokeweed to treat epilepsy, anxiety, and neurological disorders. The Pah-Utes fermented berries in water to make a narcotic tea. The Cherokee used poke in a number of different ways. The leaves were often combined with Lemon Balm and made into a tea to reduce phlegm and calm the chest when there was a cold our cough. The root was used as a blood purifier and antibiotic. It was considered especially potent in treating kidney infections. It was also used to increase metabolism.

Antibiotic- Most herbalists turn to Goldenseal for its use as an antibiotic. However, it’s an endangered species. Pokeweed is also a great antibiotic with many of the same properties, but as a bonus, it’s not endangered. It’s often considered a problematic weed in the South. 

Lyme Disease- I know of several herbalists who have successfully used a tincture made from the root to treat Lyme disease.

Rheumatism & Fibromyalgia- Some modern experts believe that rheumatism was used as a blanket term for several issues in older medical texts. One of these issues is believed to be fibromyalgia. Most older medical texts that include the use of Poke have described it as being fairly effective in the treatment of rheumatism. The berries were consumed whole or a tea made from the leaves was drunk for this purpose. Sometimes Prickly Ash was added to the tea for rheumatism.

Endocrine Regulator- Poke helps to regulate your hormones. It has the most profound effect on the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, and sex glands. This makes it a prime herb to use in cases of sterility, impotence, low sperm count, and prostate issues.

Skin Conditions- Pokeweed has frequently been used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and scrofula (tuberculosis of the neck). However, caution should be used with this plant as the sap can cause irritation, swelling, and an itchy rash in people with sensitive skin. Despite that, it is believed to have amazing anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve localized pain and swelling.

Detoxifying- It is one of the strongest herbs known to promote cleansing and clear toxemia that also acts on the glands. Because of this, it has a long history of use for detoxifying the blood and body.

Thyroid- Poke is an old-time Appalachian remedy for hypothyroidism, especially goiter.

Auto-immune Disease- The root is taken internally in the treatment of auto-immune diseases (especially rheumatoid arthritis), tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh, bronchitis etc. 

Dye, Ink, & Food Coloring- A rich brown dye can be made by soaking fabric in fermenting berries in hollowed out pumpkin. Using the fermented berries, without the pumpkin, yields a pink-ish red dye. It was often used as red ink or dye in the civil war era. Many letters written home during the civil war were written in pokeberry ink, which now appears as brown ink. Pokeberry has also been used as a red food coloring and as a wine coloring agent. 

Toxicity and Dosage- It is a strong herb so dosages must be monitored and respected. (Even just one to two drops of tincture is enough and not more than ten drops is recommended.) Because it is so strong it is usually used in combination with other herbs that can help soften its approach without lessening its properties. In Appalachian folk medicine, the berries are swallowed as a treatment for arthritis and for immune stimulation. Only swallow one berry (either fresh or dried) at a time. One berry is the equivalent of one drop of root tincture. At doses of 1 g, dried poke root is emetic and purgative. At lower doses of 60 to 100 mg/day, the root and berries have been used to treat rheumatism and for immune stimulation; however, there are no clinical trials that support these uses or doses. 

Side Effects- Individuals show widely varying tolerance for poke. Some people can't handle more than three or five drops per day, while others can take 25 or 50 drops with no adverse effects. The side effects of poke include mental unclarity, spaciness, and out-of-body feelings. If you notice such feelings, it means you've found your tolerance level, so back off to a lower dosage. If you take way too much (such as mistaking dropperful for drops, which some people have done!), you may encounter more severe side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- All parts of the plant are toxic with roots being the most toxic, stems and leaves are less so and the least toxic is the fruit. The raw berry is toxic. If cooked improperly the juice from the leaves can cause severe stomach cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, death. The plant sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people. The plant contains substances that cause cell division and can damage chromosomes. These substances can be absorbed through any abrasions in the skin, potentially causing serious blood aberrations, and so it is strongly recommended that the people wear gloves when handling the plant. Do not use this plat during pregnancy! Ingestion of poisonous parts of the plant may cause severe stomach cramping, nausea with persistent diarrhea and vomiting, slow and difficult breathing, weakness, spasms, hypotension, severe convulsions, and death. 

     I only included a basic introduction to this wonderful Appalachian herb. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

Books:

The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants by Matthew Wood 

Florida’s Edible Wild Plants by Peggy Sias Lantz

Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth by Dr. Sharol Marie Tilgner

The Cherokee Herbal by J.T. Garrett

Websites: 

Foods Indigenous to the Western Hemisphere: American Indian Health and Diet Project: http://www.aihd.ku.edu/foods/pokeweed.html#:~:text=Uses,to%20humans%20and%20some%20animals. 

The Health Benefits of Pokeweed: Very Well Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-pokeweed-provide-health-benefits-4587368 

Poke: Southeast Wise Women: https://www.sewisewomen.com/poke 

Poke (Shang Lu): White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/poke/ 

Pokeweed: Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/npp/pokeweed.html 

Pokeweed: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/phytolacca-americana=pokeweed.php 

Pokeweed, An Herb For All Things Pokey: The Herbwife’s Kitchen: http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/2007/07/31/pokeweed-an-herb-for-all-things-pokey/comment-page-2/ 

Pokeweed Herb: Alternative Nature Online Herbal: https://altnature.com/gallery/pokeweed.htm 

Ghost Pipe

     We have come, once again, to this amazing time of year. The time where the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is thinning. This is the time where we gather around fires, in the dark of the night, and tell stories of wonder, and more than a little bit of fright. With these stories at the forefront of my mind, I have decided to tell you about a ghastly little flower that steals it’s sustenance from unsuspecting prey. A flower so small and pale that it resembles finger bones sticking out of the soil of the forest floor. A flower that is often mistaken for a fungus. The Ghost Pipe.

     Monotropa uniflora (Indian Pipe or Ghost Pipe) is a plant that does not contain chlorophyll (the chemical that makes plants green among other things), meaning that it cannot photosynthesize it’s own food. Instead, it steals it’s nutrients from mycorrhizal mushrooms. These are mushrooms that have a symbiotic relationship with certain trees, they exchange nutrients with one another. The mushrooms share with the trees, but the Ghost Pipe does not give anything back, it only takes. This makes it a parasite, not only to the fungi that it is directly stealing from, but also to the tree that is sharing it’s resources with the fungi. Indian pipe looks waxy and sometimes totally white but commonly it has black flecks and a pale pink coloration. Rare variants may have a deep red color. Indian pipe plant has a dark-colored, fibrous, perennial root, matted in masses, from which arise one or more short, ivory-white stems, 4 to 8 inches high, furnished with sessile, lanceolate, white, semi-transparent, approximate leaves or bracts, and bearing a large, white, terminal, solitary flower, which is at first nodding, like a downward facing smokers pipe, but becomes upright in fruit. The calyx is represented by two to four scale-like deciduous bracts, the lower rather distant from the corolla. The corolla is permanent, of 5 distinct, erect, fleshy petals, which are narrowed below with a small, nectariferous pit at the base. Stamens 10, sometimes 8; anthers short on the thickened apex of the hairy filament, 2-celled, opening by transverse chinks. Stigma 5-crenate, depressed, and beardless. Pod or capsule 5-celled and 5-valved; the seeds numerous, and invested with an arillus-like membrane. The plant is found growing in complete shade on stable forest floors, usually where green plants do not. It prefers Rich, moist soil, or soil composed, of decayed wood and leaves, and near the base of trees. Because of it’s feeding tendencies, and dependence on mycorrhizal mushrooms as well as their host trees, this plant is virtually impossible to cultivate.

     There is a Cherokee legend about the Indian pipe: Long ago, when selfishness first entered the world, people began quarreling, first with their own families and tribal members, and then with other tribes. The chiefs of the several tribes met together to try to solve the problem of quarreling. They smoked a peace pipe together, while continuing to quarrel among themselves for the next seven days and seven nights. In punishment for smoking the peace pipe before actually making peace, the Great Spirit turned the chiefs into gray flowers and made them grow where relatives and friends had quarreled. 

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Ghost Flower, Corpse Flower, Indian Pipe, Ghost Plant, Ghost Pipe, Fungus Flowers, Ice Plant, Bird's nest, Fit Plant, Ova-ova, Pipe Plant, and Death Plant

Scientific Name- Monotropa uniflora 

Edibility- The whole plant can be cooked. It is tasteless if eaten raw, but has a taste like asparagus when it is cooked.

Summary of Actions- Antiperiodic, antispasmodic, hypnotic, nervine, sedative, and tonic 

Parts Used-  Root, whole plant. Fresh flowering tops and flowers.

Traditional Native American Uses- Indian Pipe has profound Spiritual meanings as well as Medicinal uses for most Native American Tribes. The appearance of white animals and plants often have a major impact, and all the tribes hold a special reverence for them. In addition to the Spiritual impact, Ghost Pipe also is a major healing herb. Both for the physical and emotional aspects of healing. Some of the more traditional uses were treat West Nile Virus and Malaria, as an extremely potent nervine often used to treat seizure disorders, convulsions, insomnia, mental health disorders, severe stress and anxiety, and chronic muscle spasms.  

Eye Inflammation and Conditions- This plant was used by some native North American Indian tribes to treat eye problems, the stem was bruised and the clear fluid of the stems applied to the eyes. It’s still used for eye issues today, mainly the juice of the plant is mixed with Rose Water and applied to inflamed eyes to reduce the swelling. 

Emotional Pain and PTSD- Ghost Pipe has been shown to be effective in treating severe mental and emotional pain due to PTSD and other traumatic injury. It has also been used in cases of acute anxiety and/or psychotic episodes due to intense drug experiences. 

Colds and Fever- An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat colds and fevers. 

Convulsions, Fits, and Epilepsy- A tea made from the root has been used for convulsions, fits, epilepsy, and as a sedative. Roots also have antispasmodic properties. This has been a traditional treatment for people of all ages, including children, who suffer from convulsions, fits, and epilepsy.

Physical Pain- Ghost Pipe helps relieve skeletal tension associated with migraines and neck pain, as well as sharp, shooting pains associated with pinched nerves. Corpse Plant is often used to help people suffering from severe pain caused by Lyme Disease. This herb might me most effective in cases when there is an element of emotional pain along with the physical. 

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- The plant contains several glycosides and is possibly toxic. 

     I only included a basic introduction to this ghastly wonder. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

Ghost Pipe, A Little Known Nervine: American Herbalist Guild:  https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/sites/default/files/donahue_sean_-_ghost_pipe-_a_little_known_nervine.pdf 

Ghost Pipe Facts and Uses: Health Benefits Times: https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/ghost-pipe/ 

Indian Pipe: Eldermoon School of Herbal Medicine: https://www.jennifercosta.net/blog/indian-pipe#/ 

Indian Pipe: Natural Medicinal Herbs: http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/m/monotropa-uniflora=indian-pipe.php 

Indian Pipe (Monotropia Uniflora): Medicinal Plants of the Northeast: http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/Indian_Pipe.htm 

Indian Pipe (Monotropia Uniflora): The School of Homeopathy: https://www.homeopathyschool.com/the-school/provings/indian-pipe/ 

Monotropia Uniflora: Botanical Society of America: https://botany.org/Parasitic_Plants/Monotropa_uniflora.php 

Monotropia Uniflora: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=moun3 

Monotropia Uniflora: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=monotropa+uniflora 

Monotropia Uniflora- Ghost Plant, Indian Pipe: USDA Forest Service: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/mycotrophic/monotropa_uniflora.shtml 

Three Herbs- Yarrow, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Indian Pipe: Ryan Drum Island Herbs: http://www.ryandrum.com/threeherbs.htm 

The Lovely Lavender

         Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, has always been one of my favorite scents. It's so soothing and calm, and isn't overtly bright and cheerful (which is good, but living in the Sunshine State means that I'm inundated with bright and cheerful year round). I've been blending my own essential oils to make perfume, beauty products, and air fresheners for some time now. Lately my favorite combination has been Frankincense, Lavender, and Vetiver. It just smells so mysterious. But aside from it's use in aromatherapy and as a pretty scent, Lavender is a necessary ingredient in certain cooking herb blends, such as Herbs de Province (a classic French culinary blend). It has so many uses, and is a great plant to have around the house as well. It truly is one of my favorite herbal allies.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Lavender, English Lavender, French Lavender, Spike Lavender, Sweet Lavender, Common Lavender, and True Lavender

Parts Used- All aerial parts while the plant is in flower, or just the flower.

Summary of Actions- Carminative, Sedative, Bitter, Antidepressant, Hypnotic, Cholagogue, Anti-microbial, Antiseptic, Analgesic, Nervine, Mildly Astringent, Aromatic

Traditional Chinese Medicine- Known as Xun Yi Cao, Lavender is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear heat, remove toxicity, expel wind, and relieve itching. It's pungent and cool and primarily used for sore throat, burns, rubella, tongue boil, headache, scabies, dizziness, and aphtha (inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth).

Ayurvedic- In Ayurveda, Lavender is known as a Medhya herb (improves cognitive function) for it's ability to energize and empower the mind and stimulate brain function. Lavender actually effects each of the 3 doshas. It pacifies both kapha and pitta while aggravating vata. It is known to enhance prana, strengthening the immune system.

Essential Oil and Aromatherapy- This is the main way I use Lavender. The essential oil is absolutely wonderful at reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and soothing the mind while stimulating it as well.

Pain Relief- Lavender is great for topical pain relief. It takes the “burn” right out of minor burns, helps reduce the “sting” from bug bites and minor cuts, and even helps reduce headaches when massaged into the temples. I even had a friend one time who had a headache for several days, nothing worked for it. I happened to have some diluted lavender essential oil on me. When she smelled it, her headache stopped throbbing, but was still there. Then I had her massage it onto her temples, her headache disappeared in just a few minutes. It's good stuff.

Wound and Burn Care- Lavender essential oil is one of to essential oils I always stock in my first aid kit (the other is oregano). I also keep dried lavender flowers, just in case. The reason I love lavender in my first aid kit is because it's so good for minor wounds and burns. There have even been studies done about the effect of lavender on wounds from major surgeries. Not only does it help improve the healing of the skin, it also acts to reduce pain and itchiness. I literally use it on just about everything from bug stings/bites, to minor burns, to cuts and scrapes, even to eczema and psoriasis. 

Soothing Nerves and Improving Sleep- The scent of lavender is usually enough to relax most people. Helping reduce anxiety, relieve depression, and improve sleep. It seems to be especially helpful to mothers during the postpartum time, college students, and people with special needs (helping to reduce the frequency of self harming behaviors). Research has even found that exposure to lavender before a stressful situation not only reduces the amount of stress one feels during the situation, but also helps recover from that stress much faster. One of my favorite applications for lavender is in a sleep pillow to help improve the quality of sleep.

Insect Repellent- This is one of the few things that actually work to repel the Noseeums that can be found in Florida. But lavender also works to repel mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

Skin Care and Hair Growth- Lavender's anti-inflammatory effects help to improve the health of skin and hair. There are some people who have noted some irritating effects from the lavender, but most of those can be attributed to using undiluted lavender essential oil. When the tea is used as a wash, or when a properly diluted essential oil is applied, it cleanses the skin and hair, as well as improves hair growth and helps make the hair shiny and full. A strong tea also helps get rid of dandruff and can be used to help remove makeup (I usually mix it with some coconut oil for this).

Other Historical Uses- In the Medieval period in Europe, most of the floors in common homes were dirt. Most people covered the dirt with a combination of dried rushes/grasses and lavender flowers. Not only did this smell wonderful, it also kept bugs out of their houses, thus reducing the spread of diseases such as the plague. Lavender was also used during the plague to keep the smell out of the noses of the physicians and others attending to the sick. While they might have been using it to make the stench more palatable, it also helped keep them from falling ill.

Contraindications and Warnings- Generally speaking, there are none. However, those of you that are allergic to mints may have a reaction with lavender. You can also have a reaction to the pure essential oil if you do not dilute it in a carrier oil.




     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb.  I hope you have learned a new appreciation for one of my favorite allies, Lavender.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

References:

7 Impressive Benefits of Lavender: Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/lavender.html

10 Medicinal Benefits of Lavender Oil: Ayurveda and Yoga: https://www.theayurveda.org/ayurveda/herbs/10-medicinal-benefits-of-lavender-oil

How Can Lavender Make You Feel Great?: Joyful Belly: https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/ingredient/Lavender/83

How to Use Lavender: Wellness Mama: https://wellnessmama.com/7041/lavender-uses/

Lavender: TCM Wiki: https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/lavender

Lavender – Lavandula Angustifolia: Alandi Ayurveda: http://ayurveda.alandiashram.org/ayurvedic-herbs/lavender-lavandula-angustifolia

Lavender Essential Oil: Ayurvedic Oils: http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/ayurvedic-uses-of-lavender-essential-oil

Lavender – Health Benefits and Side Effects: The Herbal Resource: https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/lavender-oil.html

Lavender Plant: Uses of Herbs: https://usesofherbs.com/lavender

Lavender's Medicinal and Aromatherapy Uses and Lavender Truffles: Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine: https://chestnutherbs.com/lavenders-medicinal-and-aromatherapy-uses-and-lavender-truffles/

Passionflower

     One of my favorite things about living in Florida is the plant life. We have amazing plants growing everywhere. There are beautiful vines and flowers on every fence in my neighborhood. Most people have at least one tree somewhere on their property. Even the weeds growing in the sidewalk or pavement can be extraordinary. However, there is one flowering vine that sticks out for it's unique beauty.

     Passionflower is a Florida native and has been used medicinally by Native Americans for centuries. When the Spanish came to America, they used this flower to help teach the Native Americans about Christ and the crucifixion. These missionaries are where we get the name Passionflower from, as they named it after the Passion of Christ. The 10 petals represent the disciples that were present for the crucifixion. The three stigma represent the nails, while the five anthers represent the wounds of Christ, and the fringes represent the crown of thorns.

     There are quite a few different species of passionflower, many of which have edible fruit. Some of these species are purely ornamental and not safe for consumption. If you are interested in wildcrafting or growing this plant for either edible or medicinal use, make sure you have one of the acceptable species. Passiflora incarnata is the most commonly used species, and is generally recognized as safe.

Medicinal Uses:

Scientific Name- Passiflora incarnata

Common Names- Passionflower, Maypop, Passion Vine

Parts Used- Leaves, stem, and flowers.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Though this herb is native to America, it has become widely used throughout most of the world. In TCM, it is used to help calm the Qi in cases of overload, as opposed to blockage. It's particularly good for Fire-types who are prone to heart conditions.

Native American- The Cherokee were very fond of using the root. They used a poultice of the root to draw out inflammation in wounds. They also used a tea of the root to wean infants, and for earache.

Insomnia- Passiflora works directly on the nervous system to help lull us to sleep. It's particularly effective for those who suffer from insomnia, as it allows for restful sleep and does not leave one with a “narcotic” hangover. This herb is especially good for people who suffer from circular thinking, acting as an “off switch” for their minds.

Anxiety- Much like it's use as an “off switch” for circular thinking that leads to insomnia, passiflora helps to stop nervous and anxious thoughts from taking hold in our day-to-day lives. It also helps soothe our nerves when overstimulated and overworked.

Nervous System- Passiflora is an excellent herb for the nervous system. Historically it's even been used to calm seizures. It is considered to be a great nervine tonic, which means that it soothes nerves. It helps in cases of insomnia, anxiety, anxietous depression, hypersensitivity to pain, headaches, agitation, transitioning from addictions, nervous tics, PMS, menstrual cramps, and overstimulation. Passiflora also helps those who have a tendency to dissolve into circular thinking, especially when insomnia is involved.

Herpes Simplex Virus- Passiflora helps prevent outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus. It's especially helpful in stress-induced outbreaks.

Summary of actions- Hypnotic, analgesic, hypotensive, nervine, anxiolytic, anti-spasmodic, and antidepressant.

Drug Interactions and Contraindications- Passiflora is a strong, natural sedative and has great potential to interact with certain drugs. Please use caution if you are taking any sedatives, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. For most other people, this herb is considered safe for regular use, however pregnant or nursing women should exercise caution and check with their doctor before use.

     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing herb. I hope you have learned a new appreciation for how amazing passionflower is. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

Refrences:

Acupuncture Today: Passion Flower : http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/passion_flower.php

Alternative Nature Online Herbal: Passionflower Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties: https://altnature.com/gallery/passionflower.htm

Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine: Passionflower-Ecology Cultivation Botany and Medicinal and Edible Uses: https://chestnutherbs.com/passionflower-ecology-cultivation-botany-and-medicinal-and-edible-uses/

Henriette's Herbal Home Page : Passiflora-Passionflower : http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/passiflora.html

Herb Rally: Passionflower: http://www.herbrally.com/monographs/passionflower/

Modern Herbal: Passion Flower: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/pasflo14.html

Sama Ayurveda: Passion Flower: http://samaayurveda.com/passion-flower/

University of Maryland Medical Center: Passionflower: http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/passionflower