Day Lily

Forms Available: root, leaf, flower

Day Lily – hemerocallis fulva – The root, leaves and flower are edible. The day lily is a diuretic. The roots has been used to treat cancer and as an antidote to arsenic poisoning. The flowers have been used to make a blood purifier.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A blood purifier and antidote to arsenic poisoning.

Devil’s Walking Stick

Forms Available: bark, leaf

Devil’s Walking Stick – Aralia Spinosa – The bark, roots, and berries of this plant are used medicinally. Thr bark is emetic and purgative. The roots, when applied in a poultice, relieve sores, inflammations, acne and boils. The berries, in a tincture, have been used as analgesic to relieve toothache and rheumatism.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Used on sores, inflammations, acne, boils, toothache and rheumatism.

Ditch Stonecrop

Forms Available: leaf, seed

Ditch Stonecrop – penthorum sedoides – This plant has laxative, astringent and demulcent properties.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Effective in treating catarrh and diarrhea. Used in cough remedies.

Dittany

Dittany – cunila origanoides – Plant makes a mint flavored tea. The tea can be used to relieve headaches, colds and fevers. The essential oil is antiseptic and a stimulant.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The leaf makes a tea that relieves headaches, colds and fevers.

Dogwood

Dogwood – cornus floridus – The bark of the dogwood has been a treatment for external wounds when applied in a poultice. The root-bark is antiperiodic, astringent and a stimulant. The Native American Indians made an infusion with the bark to ease sore muscles and a tea with the bark to induce sweating. Dogwood has also been used to treat malaria.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Once a treatment for malaria. A sweat inducer. An appetite stimulant.

Doh Quai

Don Quai – angelica sinensis – a female herb, used by herbalists for gynecological complaints. This herb affects the endocrine system and stabalizes the female hormone production. Note, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. In chinese medicine, don quai is a “warming” plant – it improves circulation.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: A warming plant – increases circulation. Recommended for gynecological problems – stabalizes menstruation, eases cramps, regulates hormones.

Dragon’s Blood

Dragon’s Blood – Draceana draco spp.- Dragon’s blood is the resin of the Draceana draco species. The common name of this plant is “dragon tree” hence the name.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The resin has been used externally as a wash to stop bleeding and promote healing.

Other Uses: Burn for love, protection, exorcism, and sexual potency. Use for Courage; Magical Power; Energy; Strength; Purification; Changes; Determination; Cleansing.

Echinacea

Echinacea – echinacea purpurea – Echinacea increases bodily resistance to infection and is used for boils, erysipelas -a superficial infection of the skin, septicaemia -blood poisoning, syphilis and other impurities of the blood, its action being antiseptic. It has also useful properties as a strong alterative and aphrodisiac. The extract has been used for hemorrhoids. Unlike antibiotics, which are directly lethal to bacteria, echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer cells. Echinacea purpurea has similar properties to E. angustifolia. Prolonged use of Echinacea, i.e. more than 8 weeks, is not recommended and may cause immune suppression or liver problems. There are no published studies of Echinacea use during pregnancy or during breast-feeding, check with your doctor. Stimulates bile flow and can be used in cases of poor digestion or appetite. For a decoction, bring 2 teaspoons of root material per cup of water to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Cool. Drink up to 3 cups a day. You’ll find the taste initially sweet, then bitter. Not for children under age 2. For older children and persons over 65 start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Echinacea is used to prevent and treat colds and to help heal infections. echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer cells.

Elder

Elder – sambucus canadensis or nigra – Also known as Ellhorn, Elderberry, Lady Elder, and Black Berried Elder. A Druid Sacred Tree. Sacred to the White Lady and Midsummer Solstice. The Druids used it to both bless and curse. In Chinese medicine, the leaves, stems, and roots are used to treat fractures and muscle spasms. The flowers treat colds, sore throats, hay fever, and arthritis, and act as a mild laxative. Named the “country medicine chest” for its many health uses, the Elderberry is also rich in European folklore.
The black elder – S. nigra – can be used as an insecticide in the garden or to repel insects from the face and body. A simple infusion of the fresh leaf is made for this purpose. It can also be poured down mouse and mole holes. The berries are used for jam, wine, pies, and syrups. Medicinally, they help coughs, colic, diarrhea, sore throats, asthma, and flu. A pinch of cinnamon makes the tea more warming. The leaves are added to salves fro skin conditions. The flowers are infused for fevers, eruptive skin conditions such as measles, and severe bronchial and lung problems. A classic flu remedy is a mixture of elderflower, yarrow and peppermint teas. Keep the patient well covered, as the flowers promote sweating. Use two teaspoons of the herbs per cup of water, steep for twenty minutes, and take up to three cups a day.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The leaves of elder can be used as an antiseptic poultice. Elder flowers can be taken in hot infusion to aid relief of upper respiratory tract infections.

Other Uses: Elder wands can be used to drive out evil spirits or thought forms. Use for: Money; Riches; Love; Blessings; Banishing; Releasing; Consecration; Cursing; Purification; Cleansing.