Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is indigenous to temperate zones. Black Cohosh is currently listed as an endangered plant. You can find out more about endangered plants at the United Plant Savers website.
Black cohosh acts mainly on the nervous system and the female reproductive organs.
It is widely used for menopause which is part of the reason that this herb is now on the endangered species list. It is a safe and effective replacement for hormone replacement therapy. Using a tincture of the freshly harvested roots can relieve tension, relax the pelvic muscles, treat PMS, hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and vaginal thinning and dryness. Using Black cohosh can help regulate the menstrual cycle and can also help to treat and prevent osteoporosis.
Black cohosh should not be used until the last two weeks of pregnancy because of it's ability to stimulate uterine contractions. Only use during childbirth when a midwife who is skilled in using herbs is present.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Goldenseal plant

Goldenseal root

Goldenseal leaf and flower


Glodenseal is a perennial plant indigenious to eastern and central North american hardwood forests. Usually found around ginseng, blood root, mayapple and wild ginger.
Glodenseal previously exsisted in abundance but because of commercialization and unsustainable wild crafting it has become extremely endangered. See United Plant Savers website for more information about endangered plants.
Goldenseal is Antiperodic, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, laxative, tonic, Alterative, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, anti-catarrhal (anti-mucus), antifungal, antiinflammatory,and antimicrobial among many other things.
Because of its strong antiseptic and antimicrobal properities it has a very soothing and normalizing effect on all of the tissues of the body. Goldenseal is commonly used to treat feverish and mucus prodducing conditions such as the common cold or flu.
Preparation: For Tea use 1/2 teaspoon of finely powdered root in 1 pint of water and drink 1 cup 3 times a day.

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wild Ginger Leaf

Wild Ginger Root

Wild Ginger Flower


Wild Ginger is a perennial herb found in the eastern united states in shady wooded areas. Wild Ginger has a creeping rhizome root which can be used for a varitey of alliments. It has stimulant, carminative, tonic, diuretic, and diaphoretic properties. It can be helpful for stomach ailments, kidney problems, and delayed mensutration. The tea made from the root has been used to relieve flatulence, colic and upset stomach.
Preparations:
Infusion (1tsp root in 1 pint water and take 2 tbsp at a time) Tincuture (2 to 5 drops)  

Trillium (trillium spp.)

Baby Trillium

flowering trillium

Trillium root




Also know as Birthroot this herb is a perennial. Found in western and central United states in shady areas. Can have white or red flowers. used as an antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic (stimulate blood flow and induce sweating used to eliminate fevers and reduce toxins), emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), expectorant, tonic.
Can be used for coughs, bronchial problems, hemorrhage from the lungs, pulmonary consumption, diarrhea, and female problems. Also good for insect bites and stings.
Use the root to make Decoction (1 tsp. Per 1 cup water, milk for diarrhea) or Tincture (1/4 to 1/2 tsp at a time).

Medicinal Herbs

This site is dedicated to all of the wonderful medicinal herbs that we have growing in our own back yards.
I am currently taking a medicinal herbs apprenticeship at Green Turtle Botanical Sanctuary which is where most of my pictures are from. Thanks to Susan Clearwater for all of the wonderful knowledge that you are sharing with us and helping us to share with the world.