Herbs C Page 3

Herbs by Common or Folk name 'C' page 3

Chinese Wormwood
Artemisia annua

Much included in discussions regarding malarial, parasitic and cancer cures, this lovely, fine leafed herb is beautiful to grow and very tolerant of Australian conditions.

It's aromatic aerial parts are used as herb, in decoction or tincture form and it retains it's vitality when hung to dry at the end of summer.

The seeds are small but easy to strike and it has high viability so be careful not to plant too many. The plant grows to around 1m tall and has a nice spread but can be bullied by larger plants if not given enough room to grow.

30 fresh seeds $3.50

Chicory
Cichorium intybus

This biennial has toothed base leaves and beautiful blue flowers.

Used as a garnish in salads the leaves are rich in iron, calcium and enhances the flavour of all your salads.

The young root is steamed as a vegetable or roasted and mixed with ground coffee to counteract coffee's stimulant effect. The leaves can also be used as a poultice for inflammation

20+ seeds $3.50

Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea

With it's hairy, wrinkled leaves and strange whorls of pink/blue/white flowers it is an unusual plant in any garden. It loves the hot, sunny, dry spots that make lesser plants wither and, with it's square stems and upright habit it looks wonderful alongside 'Rosellas" and 'Tobacco' plants with a smattering of 'Yarrow' to fill in the low gaps.

The leaves and seeds are the most commonly used parts acting as an oestrogen stimulant when necessary. As a tea we have found it quite useful on occasion.

We have never had the need to use the herb medicinally and keep it for it's beautiful floral display. The root should be avoided though as food or remedy.

25 seeds $3.00

Cinqfoil
Potentilla erecta

This is a beautiful herbaceous perennial to have in the garden. It's distinctive foliage is a lovely break in a mass garden.

It flowers through most of spring and into early summer.

The seeds are not difficult to raise and can be pot raised until they are mature enough to put out.

We use the leaf as a tea as it is so quick and easy as a remedy for gum disease. We decoct and rinse the mouth or, dry the leaves and use as a tooth powder.

The decoction has the added benefit of being quite soothing for a sore throat. Historically a cold decoction was used as a wash to lighten the complexion.

25 + seeds $3.50

Colic Root
Dioscorea opposita

This herbaceous perennial can be grown in the garden, against the fence, up a trellis, or in a pot as needs be.

The tuberous rhizome is eventual prize and we usually take ours in late Autumn when the plant 'closes down' for winter. It is truly, no problem in the garden with few pests and minimal requirements.

It does not like being waterlogged so the soil must be able to drain freely. We have used the rhizome successfully, as an anti-inflammatory, for leg and menstrual cramps, and to treat Crohn's Disease and rheumatism.

It seems to have particular affinity with the female metabolism and can be used during menopause and menses.

It dries well and keeps long term to be used as powder, sliver or tincture. It flowers in Summer and produces what are commonly called 'air potatoes'. These are basically small tubers that will produce a complete plant and rhizome in one season.

5 Air potatoes $5.50