Althea

Althea – althea officinalis – More commonly known as Marshmallow. A perennial plant that grows in damp places. The root is used as a vegetable, the flowers make a tea and the leaves are used as a herb. Althea relieves inflammations of mucous membranes throughout the body internally. It can also be added to a salve for sores and skin erruptions. The root relieves peptic ulcers, gastritis and excess stomach acid. Althea is diuretic, emollient, somewhat laxative, demulcent, and antitussive.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Soothes mucous membranes, relieves gastritis and peptic ulcers. Reduces external skin inflammations.

Alum Root

Alum Root – heuchera americana – an evergreen. This root is very astringent. When dried and ground, is used externally on wounds. Internally it has been used for treating cancer, diarrhoea, dysentry and stomach ulcers. CAUTION: overuse is not advised as it can irritate the stomach and damage the kidneys and/or liver.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: An astringent. Used in cancer treatment, on external wounds, for internal treatment of diarrhoea, stomach ulcers, dysentery.

Amaranth

Amaranth – amaranthus retroflexus, amaranthus hypocondriacus – This is an annual plant. The leaves and seed can both be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are a source of iron and vitamins A and C. Amaranth leaves are astringent and a tea made from these leaves is used to alleviate internal bleeding, excessive menstruation and diarrhoea.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Amaranth leaves are astringent and a tea made from these leaves is used to alleviate internal bleeding, excessive menstruation and diarrhoea.

American Centaury

American Centaury – sabatia angularis – This plant, in an infusion, is an antiperiodic: it has been used to treat period pains.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: This plant, in an infusion, is an antiperiodic: it has been used to treat period pains.

Anise Hyssop

Anise Hyssop – agastache foeniculum – An infusion of the leaves of this plant can be used to treat colds, fevers and weak hearts. Also, an external poultice made from the leaves and stems helps to alleviate burns. Fresh leaves can be added to salads. The leaves make refreshing tea. Also, the essential oil is used to flavor liqueurs and root beer.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: The leaves of this plant are cardiac and diaphoretic. Also, an external poultice made from the leaves and stems helps to alleviate burns.

Annatto

Annatto – bixa orellana L. – Used as a flavouring and food colouring in cheese, butter, and smoked fish. In the Caribbean, the seeds are usually fried in animal or vegetable fat; after discarding the seeds, the then golden-yellow fat is used to fry vegetables or meat. By this procedure, a golden yellow to golden brown colour is achieved. Mexican cooks often use a paste of annato seeds with some preservatives, acetic acid, that dissolves completely in hot fat; it is easy to use and can also be added to marinades and sauces to improve the colour. Annetto powder is also used in soap making andannatto is permanently listed as a cosmetic color additive exempt from certification by the FDA, with no restrictions for cosmetic use.

Aromatherapy & Health Uses: Nutritive, astringent, emollient, expectorant.

Apple

Apple – malus spp. – A Druid sacred tree. The apple is a symbol of immortality. A branch of the apple which bore buds, flowers and fully ripened fruit, sometimes known as the Silver Bough, was a kind of magical charm which enabled its possessor to enter into the land of the Gods, the underworld, in Celtic Mythology.
Apples clean the liver, cure constipation, and tone the gums. When baked they can be applied as a warm poultice to sore throats and skin inflammations. The cooked apple is especially laxative. The peeled raw apple helps with diarrhea. The cider corrects intestinal flora, reduces stomach acidity, corrects gas, and helps the kidneys; take three or four cups a day.
Apple cider vinegar and water make a rinse to restore hair, scalp and skin; use equal parts of vinegar and water. Blondes should use white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, water, and honey aid digestion when taken with meals; use two teaspoons of vinegar to a glass of water, add honey to taste.

Other Uses: Wiccan altars are often piled high with apples during Samhain for the apple is considered to be one of the foods of the dead. For this very reason Samhain is sometimes known as “Feast of Apples”. Apples are considered symbols of life and immortality.