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Garlic Allium sativum

Garlic is a member of the Onion family. The leaves are long, narrow and flat like grass. The bulb is of a compound structure, consisting of numerous bulblets, known technically as 'cloves,' grouped together between the membranous scales and enclosed within a whitish skin.

The flowers are placed at the end of a stalk rising direct from the bulb and are whitish, grouped together in a globular head, or umbel, with an enclosing kind of leaf or spathae, and among them are small bulbils. The flower color varies between white, pink, purple, and red.

Medicinal: Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. It can stimulate cell growth and activity. It reduces blood pressure in hypertensive conditions. A main advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not destroy the body's natural flora. It is excellent for use in all colds and infections of the body. When ingesting the raw cloves, a sprig of parsley chewed immediately after will freshen the breath. Diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant. Many marvelous effects and healing powers have been ascribed to Garlic. It possesses stimulant and stomachic properties in addition to its other virtues.

As an antiseptic, its use has long been recognized. In the late war it was widely employed in the control of suppuration in wounds. The raw juice is expressed, diluted with water, and put on swabs of sterilized Sphagnum moss, which are applied to the wound. Where this treatment has been given, it has been proved that there have been no septic results, and the lives of thousands of men have been saved by its use.

It is sometimes externally applied in ointments and lotions, and as an antiseptic, to disperse hard swellings, also pounded and employed as a poultice for scrofulous sores. It is said to prevent anthrax in cattle, being largely used for the purpose.

In olden days, Garlic was employed as a specific for leprosy. It was also believed that it had most beneficial results in cases of smallpox, if cut small and applied to the soles of the feet in a linen cloth, renewed daily.

It formed the principal ingredient in the 'Four Thieves' Vinegar,' which was adapted so successfully at Marseilles for protection against the plague when it prevailed there in 1722. This originated, it is said, with four thieves who confessed, that whilst protected by the liberal use of aromatic vinegar during the plague, they plundered the dead bodies of its victims with complete security.

It is stated that during an outbreak of infectious fever in certain poor quarters of London, early last century, the French priests who constantly used Garlic in all their dishes, visited the worst cases with impunity, whilst the English clergy caught the infection, and in many instances fell victims to the disease.

Syrup of Garlic is an invaluable medicine for asthma, hoarseness, coughs, difficulty of breathing, and most other disorders of the lungs, being of particular virtue in chronic bronchitis, on account of its powers of promoting expectoration. It is made by pouring a quart of water, boiled hot, upon a pound of the fresh root, cut into slices, and allowed to stand in a closed vessel for twelve hours, sugar then being added to make it of the consistency of syrup. Vinegar and honey greatly improve this syrup as a medicine. A little caraway and sweet fennel seed bruised and boiled for a short time in the vinegar before it is added to the Garlic, will cover the pungent smell of the latter.

A remedy for asthma, that was formerly most popular, is a syrup of Garlic, made by boiling the bulbs till soft and adding an equal quantity of vinegar to the water in which they have been boiled, and then sugared and boiled down to a syrup. The syrup is then poured over the boiled bulbs, which have been allowed to dry meanwhile, and kept in a jar. Each morning a bulb or two is to be taken, with a spoonful of the syrup.

Syrup made by melting 1 1/2 OZ. of lump sugar in 1 OZ. of the raw expressed juice may be given to children in cases of coughs without inflammation.

The successful treatment of tubercular consumption (tuberculosis) by Garlic has been recorded, the freshly extracted juice, diluted with equal quantities of water, or dilute spirit of wine, being inhaled antiseptically.

Bruised and mixed with lard, it has been proved to relieve whooping-cough if rubbed on the chest and between the shoulder-blades.

An infusion of the bruised bulbs, given before and after every meal, has been considered a good treatment in epilepsy.

A clove or two of Garlic, pounded with honey and taken two or three nights successively, is good in rheumatism.

Garlic has also been used with dropsy, removing the water which may already have collected and preventing its future accumulation. It is stated that some dropsies have been cured by it alone.

The juice of Garlic, and milk of Garlic made by boiling the bruised bulbs in milk is used as a vermifuge.

Magical: Peeled garlic cloves placed in each room is said to ward off disease. It is hung in new homes to dispel negativity and evil, and (don't laugh!) to ward off vampires. It is a strong protective herb. Place a clove under the pillow of sleeping children to protect them.

Growing: Garlic is a perennial herb that likes moderate soil and lots of sun and warmth. The plant grows to 2 feet tall. The bulb is the most common used portion, although the greens are often used in salads. The soil may be sandy, loam or clay, though Garlic flourishes best in a rich, moist, sandy soil. Dig over well, freeing the ground from all lumps and dig some lime into it. Tread firmly. Divide the bulbs into their component 'cloves' - each fair-sized bulb will divide into ten or twelve cloves - and with a dibber put in the cloves separately, about 2 inches deep and about 6 inches apart, leaving about 1 foot between the rows. It is well to give a dressing of soot.

Garlic beds should be in a sunny spot. They must be kept thoroughly free from weeds and the soil gathered up round the roots with a Dutch hoe from time to time.

When planted early in the spring, in February or March, the bulbs should be ready for lifting in August, when the leaves will be beginning to wither. Should the summer have been wet and cold, they may probably not be ready till nearly the middle of September.
 

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Ginger Zingiber officinale

There are several different kinds of ginger, though they all have similar properties. The root is a rhizome from which the leaves sprout, along it's length. The leaves can be grass like or ovular.

Medicinal: Ginger is an excellent herb to use for strengthening and healing the respiratory system, as well as for fighting off colds and flu. It removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves headaches and body aches. Combined with other herbs, it enhances their effectiveness. It is also very effective in combating motion sickness. Recommended during pregnancy for treating morning sickness and digestive problems, as well as safe to use during pregnancy for colds and sore throats. -Stimulant, carminative, given in dyspepsia and flatulent colic excellent to add to bitter infusions; specially valuable in alcoholic gastritis; of use for diarrhea from relaxed bowel where there is no inflammation. Ginger Tea is a hot infusion very useful for stoppage of the menses due to cold, externally it is a rubefacient. Essence of Ginger should be avoided, as it is often adulterated with harmful ingredients. Infusion: 1/2 oz. bruised or powdered root to 1 pint boiling water is taken in 1 fluid ounce doses.

Magical: Ginger is used in passion spells, to "heat up" the relationship. It is used in success spells, and to ensure the success of spells.

Growing: Ginger grows through most of North America. It reaches to 6 inches high, and is a perennial. The ground root is the part used for healing.

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Ginseng Panax quinquefolium
aka: Five Fingers, Tartar Root, Red Berry, Man Root

The plant grows in rich woods throughout North America, especially along the mountains from Quebec and Ontario, south to Georgia. It was used by the North American Indians. It is a smooth perennial herb, with a large, fleshy, very slow-growing root, 2 to 3 inches in length (occasionally twice this size) and from 1/2 to 1 inch in thickness. Its main portion is spindle-shaped and heavily annulated (ringed growth), with a roundish top, often with a slight terminal, projecting point. At the lower end of this straight portion, there is a narrower continuation, turned obliquely outward in the opposite direction and a very small branch is occasionally borne in the fork between the two. Some small rootlets exist upon the lower portion. The color ranges from a pale yellow to a brownish color. It has a mucilaginous sweetness, approaching that of licorice, accompanied with some degree of bitterness and a slight aromatic warmth, with little or no smell. The stem is simple and erect, about a foot high, bearing three leaves, each divided into five finely-toothed leaflets, and a single, terminal umbel, with a few small, yellowish flowers. The fruit is a cluster of bright red berries. Chinese Ginseng is a larger plant, but has the same general appearance and properties. Chinese and American Ginsengs are beginning to become scarce because of their popularity. The root should be collected only in the autumn, in which case it retains its plump and handsome appearance after drying. It is much more highly prized when of a fine light color, which it is more apt to assume when grown in deep, black, fresh mould.

Medicinal: Ginseng stimulates the body to overcome all forms of illness, physical and mental. It is used to lower blood pressure, increase endurance, aid in relieving depression, and is a sexual stimulant. The dried root is used for healing purposes. It has been used throughout ancient times to the present day for use in conjunction with most herbs in treating all sorts of illnesses, including cancers, digestive troubles, and memory. It is used to tone the body during stress and to overcome fatigue. During menopause it aids in rejuvenating the system and balances hormones, as well as aids in regulating hot flashes. A decoction of 1/2 oz. of the root, boiled in tea or soup and taken every morning, is commonly held a remedy for consumption and other diseases.

In Western medicine, it is considered a mild stomachic tonic and stimulant, useful in loss of appetite and in digestive affections that arise from mental and nervous exhaustion.

A tincture has been prepared from the genuine Chinese or American root, dried and coarsely powdered, covered with five times its weight of alcohol and allowed to stand, well-stoppered, in a dark, cool place, being shaken twice a day. The tincture, poured off and filtered, has a clear, light-lemon color, an odor like the root and a taste at first bitter, then dulcamarous and an acid reaction.

Magical: Ginseng is carried to guard your health and to attract love. It will also ensure sexual potency. Ginseng is an effective substitute for mandrake in all spells.

Growing: Ginseng can be very difficult to grow. Germination of disinfected seeds (to kill mold, which plagues ginseng at all stages of growth) can take up to a year or more. Plant in early autumn in raised beds of very humus-rich soil. Plants must be shaded at all times. Roots are not harvested until the plants are at least 6 years old. Take care during harvesting and drying not to break off any of the "arms" of the root. Dry for one month before use.

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Goldenseal Hydrastis Canadensis
aka: Yellow Root, Orange Root, Yellow Puccoon, Ground Raspberry, Wild Curcuma, Turmeric Root, Indian Dye, Eye Root, Eye Balm, Indian Paint, Jaundice Root.

Native to America, it is a member of the Buttercup family, and it has fruit that is similar in appearance to raspberries. It is small with horizontal knotted bright yellow root, from a quarter to three quarters of an inch thick. (The root is the part used medicinally.) The flowering stems, appearing early in spring, are 6-12 inches apart, erect, hairy. It has two heavy veined and wrinkled, dark green hairy leaves, cut into 5-7 lobes. The flower coming in April, is solitary, erect, with 3 small greenish white sepals. The fruit is small crimson berries containing 1-2 black shiny seeds that ripen in July.

Medicinal: Goldenseal is another natural, powerful antibiotic. It should not be used by pregnant women. The herb goes straight to the bloodstream and eliminates infection in the body. It enables the liver to recover. When taken in combination with other herbs, it will boost the properties for the accompanying herbs. The American aborigines valued the root highly as a tonic, stomachic and application for sore eyes and general ulceration, as well as a yellow dye for their clothing and weapons.

The action is tonic, laxative, alterative and detergent. It is a valuable remedy in the disordered conditions of the digestion and has a special action on the mucous membrane, making it of value as a local remedy in various forms of catarrh. In chronic inflammation of the colon and rectum, injections of Hydrastine are often of great service, and it has been used in hemorrhoids with excellent results, the alkaloid Hydrastine having an astringent action. The powder has proved useful as a snuff for nasal catarrh.

It is employed in dyspepsia, gastric catarrh, loss of appetite and liver troubles. As a tonic, it is of extreme value in cases of habitual constipation, given as a powder, combined with any aromatic. It is an efficient remedy for sickness and vomiting. As an infusion, it has great influence in preventing and curing night-sweats. It is sometimes used as a wash for ulcerated mouth. This plant should not be taken for long periods of time.  Also, guard against overdose as the plant has toxic properties.

Externally, it is used as a lotion in treatment of eye affections and as a general cleansing application.

NOTE: In large amounts this plant is very poisonous.

Magical: Goldenseal is used in prosperity spells, as well as healing spells and rituals.

Growing: Goldenseal prefers rich soils in partial shade. It is a perennial herb that grows 6 - 18 inches high. The dried ground root is the part most often used, although the dried leaves are used in teas. It is difficult to grow successfully, and the plants need to be at least 6 years old before harvesting.

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Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
aka: Indian Pennywort

The leaf is the part that is used, usually in teas.The plant can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried.

Medicinal: Gotu Kola is and excellent mental stimulant. It is often used after mental breakdowns, and used regularly, can prevent nervous breakdown, as it is a brain cell stimulant. It relieves mental fatigue and senility, and aids the body in defending itself against toxins. The whole plant is alterative, cardio-depressant, hypotensive, weakly sedative and tonic.  It is a useful tonic and cleansing herb for skin problems and digestive disorder.  It is a good diuretic herb that clears toxins, reduces inflammations and fevers, improves healing and immunity, improves the memory and has a balancing effect on the nervous system.  It may help in treating multiple sclerosis.  It is used internally  for treatment of wounds, chronic skin conditions (including leprosy), venereal diseases, malaria, varicose veins, ulcers, nervous disorders and senility.

Magical: Gotu Kola is used in meditation incenses.

Growing:  It prefers a moist to wet soil in sun or partial shade. Plants also grow on walls in the wild and so should tolerate drier conditions. This plant is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to freezing.  Growing is done from seed, starting them indoors and setting them out after danger of frost is over and treating like any cold temperature sensitive plant.

Other:  The leaves can be eaten, as a potherb, and can be used raw, in small quantities in salads.

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This is an evergreen with several leaves on wiry stems.  The leaves are dark green and shiny, with three leaflets, the center one being the longest. There are several species that are similar, but which have a slightly different appearance.  In laciniata, the leaves are distinctly lobed with a triangular shape.  The roots are thin, brown, and tough.  The roots have a brilliant yellow or orange heart that has a very bitter taste.  The flowers are small, greenish yellow, and star shaped. 

These plants are usually found in dense deep forests, often on the coast, though it also grows on the west side of the Cascades.

The roots and leaves are gathered in late summer and fall, from August to October. 

Medicinal:  A dry tincture is made with 50% alcohol. Also used in tea and salve.  It is a bitter tonic for dry mouth, gum diseases, intestinal congestion, irritable bowels, constipation, appetite stimulant, for cold sores, herpes sores.  It is antimicrobial and can be used for dressing wounds.  The tea is good as a cleansing wash, douche, enema, or eyewash.  Goldthread is highly astringent, sedative, stomachic, tonic. 

Other:  Though bitter, this plant is edible.

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