WHITE BUTTERFLY GINGER - NOT A CULINARY ROOT: HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF WHITE BUTTERFLY GINGER

WHITE GINGER, WHITE BUTTERFLY GINGER, HEDYCHIUM CORONARIUM 

White ginger is not a true ginger, although it is in the same family, Zingiberaceae, as the ginger we use for cooking. As it is in this family it is also related to cardamoms, fingerroot or Chinese ginger, turmeric and white turmeric or zedoary, and galangal (Alpinia galanga), among others. This is native to the Himalayan region, but they are now spread throughout the Pacific islands and other tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world.

  The flower and young buds are edible and can be used as a flavouring but their potent smell in the evening shows that their value is in the essential oil obtained from these blooms. The flowers are woven into leis in Hawaii and used in garlands elsewhere in the world too. They are the national flowers of Cuba, although they are not indigenous to the island. They were introduced, but have taken hold in some areas of the island and grow wild now. They were introduced during the Spanish colonial times. There they are called “Mariposa blanca” or white butterfly flower, which describes the blooms admirably well.                       

  The essential oil of the flowers is used for high quality perfumes and in soaps and other toiletries. The root contains a volatile oil which is used in medicine. The root is not used in cooking, but has been eaten in times of famine.

  The seeds of this plant are aromatic and used to get rid of flatulence and to help the stomach’s actions. The root is used to get rid of worms, as a stimulant and tonic and for the pains of rheumatism. The ground rhizome is used for fevers.

  The plants stems contain cellulose and so are useful in the paper-making process. In fact all parts of this plant have their uses for us.

  It was first taken to Brazil by African slaves who used the leaves to sleep on. Now it is considered an invasive weed in that country. It is also invasive in Hawaii and a noxious weed in South Africa and Queensland, Australia. In some countries it is a threat to banana and cocoa plantations.                                                                                                                     

  It is used in the Ayurvedic medicine system of the Indian subcontinent as a stimulant, tonic and to help treat rheumatism. A decoction of the rhizome is used as a gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis, and chewed for the same purposes. The roots and leaves are also used for nasal polyps, and fevers.

  The stem can be chewed, and the resulting mash is plastered onto cuts and swellings. In Chinese medicine the plant is used for headaches, inflammation and rheumatism. A boiled poultice of the leaves is placed on sore or stiff joints too in some countries.

   In a part of India the rhizome is used to treat diabetes and research is being carried out to see if this traditional use can be supported by scientific evidence: The Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1995 Vol. 47 (5) pp149-58, “Medical ethnobotany of Siddis of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, India”; Bhandary M. J. et al.

  One study has discovered that the essential oil from the fresh and dried rhizomes has antifungal and antimicrobial activities, with  that of fresh oil being superior in its actions. “Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of essential oil from Hedychium coronarium” by Beena Joy et al. in  Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 21 (5), pp. 439 – 443.                                                         

  It also exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and actions; “Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Hedychium coronarium Koen. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Zingiberaceae Plants in Taiwan” in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

 Other research studies have found that the plants have antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, “Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig “ by M Abdul Aziz et al. Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, 5(6): 969-972, 2009. The cytotoxic actions were also borne out in “Two new cytotoxic labdane diterpenes from the rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium.” In Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, ISSN: 1464-3405, pp. 7544-8.

  It also has potent antioxidant properties, “Antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition properties of leaves and rhizomes of ginger species” E W C Chan et al. in Food Chemistry Vol.109 (2008) 477–483. Its leaves possess, according to this study, the highest phenolic content and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in comparison with the leaves of 26 other species of ginger.

  The essential oil from the flowers  has also been found to have anti-inflammatory actions; ”Anti-inflammation activity and chemical composition of flower essential oil from Hedychium coronarium”  by Y Lu, C X Zhong et al in African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 8 (20), pp. 5373-5377, 19 October, 2009.

  Clearly more research need to be done if we are to get the maximum health benefits from what is in some countries an invasive or noxious weed.

AFRICAN SPIDER FLOWER- IMPORTANT PLANT FOR THE FUTURE? HEALTH BENEFITS AND POSSIBLE USES OF THE AFRICAN SPIDER FLOWER

AFRICAN SPIDER FLOWER, CAT’S WHISKERS, AFRICAN CABBAGE, CLEOME GYNANDRA  

This plant is not related to the Caribbean cat’s whiskers plant, but is more closely related to a cabbage, its DNA analysis has shown, so it was moved from the caper family, Capparidaceae or Cappariceae to one of its own recently, and is now in the Cleomaceae family.

  Its true origins are unknown with some claiming it is an African plant, while others believe it originated in Asia. Whatever the case is now grows throughout the tropics and subtropics. It grows to approximately four feet tall and comes into leaf in May, flowers during the months of July and August with its seeds ripening in August and September.                                                     

  It is used as a leafy green vegetable and as medicine. The leaves are rich in the minerals calcium and potassium, and it also contains iron, copper,  magnesium, sodium and zinc. It also contains vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid and beta-carotene. Its flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, luteolin, hesperidin and so on) are thought to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions of the plant.

  The seeds produce an edible oil which consists of palmitic, stearic, linoleic, oleic and arachidic fatty acids. This oil is easily extracted and does not need refining before use. The residue or seeds cake is used for animal fodder. It is hoped that because the plant can grow in arid conditions, it could help supply some of the world’s food if global warming continues.

  Apart from the names listed above for this plant it is also called bastard mustard, and its oil has similar properties to mustard oil, and the seeds can be substituted for mustard seeds. It is used to get rid of head lice both in India and Africa.

  In traditional medicine systems it has a whole host of uses, with the leaves having counter-irritant properties. These are used in poultices or applied to relive the pains of rheumatism and arthritis, although one should use them with care as they can cause the skin to blister.

leaves on sale in market

  The juice expressed from the leaves is used for earache and epilepsy, in traditional African medicine systems. In New Guinea, women chew the leaves with betel nut, to improve their fertility.                                                                                                                      

  In Africa the leaves are blanched and sun or air dried and stored for the rainy season when they can be sold in markets. The fresh leaves are also sold in markets in the growing season, and these balls can be stored for up to a year. They are reconstituted in water and then boiled and eaten like spinach. Like the South African foxglove this plant is classed as a vegetable.

  The tender young leaves and shoots are best as a vegetable as the older leaves can be bitter. These have to be boiled and the water discarded. In some parts of Africa they are then mixed with peanut paste which enhances their flavour and lessens the bitterness of the leaves. The tender leaves and flowers can be made into sauces and added to stews.

  The boiled leaves are given to pregnant women and are eaten before and immediately after childbirth. It is said that they help to make the birth easy and they help in loss of blood. They are also given to warriors who have lost blood. An infusion of the leaves is given for anaemia.

  Infusions of the chopped roots are used for chest pains, and an infusion of the leaves is used to stop diarrhoea. One cupful of the root infusion is given to ease childbirth.                                                                                                                      

  The seeds can kill fish so they are scattered into lakes and other bodies of water so that the fish rise to the surface. However, they can also be used to feed domestic birds and poultry. These plants are useful insect repellants and are intercropped with cabbages and other brassicas so that they are not overly disturbed by insects. Both the stem and leaves have insect repellant properties, with the leaves being particularly useful to keep blood-sucking tics away.

  Leaves are used for genitor-urinary problems such as cystitis, as well as to boost the immune system; research is being carried out into their possible use against HIV and their antibacterial properties.

  In the Indian subcontinent the plant is used in Ayurveda as a decoction or infusion of the roots or an infusion of the boiled leaves to get rid of intestinal worms, for ear problems, gastro-enteritis, and other similar problems; the oil is used on tumours and for enlarged prostate glands. A decoction of the root is used for fever, including malaria, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the leaves make them useful in the treatment of pink eye (conjunctivitis).

 In “Review on Cleome gynandra” by Mishra S.S. et al., in the International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Chemistry, 2011, Vol. 1 (3) pp. 681-9,  it is reported that the plant is given for lowering blood pressure by the traditional healers of the area, while they prescribe the roots and leaves for the treatment of diabetes. The leaf extract has free radical scavenging abilities, and a methanol extract of the plant has shown anti-cancer activities. There is a little evidence that the plant may be useful in the future treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive and age-related memory loss diseases, and it may help in treating diabetes, heart problems, kidney problems, ulcers, and many other ailments.

 Yet another study reports: -

  “These results demonstrate that the plant extract has no harmful effect and exerts in vivo anti-inflammatory properties against adjuvant-induced arthritis.”

 (“Anti-inflammatory activity of Cleome gynandra L. on hematological and cellular constituents in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats.” In Journal of Medicinal Food Vol. 8 (1) spring 2005 pp. 93-99, Narendhirakannan RT, Kandaswamy M, Subramanian S.)

  It would seem that the African Spider Flower plant has many health benefits for us although more research is needed into it.

 

SOUTH AFRICAN FOXGLOVE - A FALSE FOXGLOVE: HEALTH BENEFITS AND POTENTIAL USES OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FOXGLOVE

SOUTH AFRICAN FOXGLOVE, CERATOTHECA TRILOBA   

The South African foxglove is no relation to the European foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), but is a member of the Pedaliaceae or sesame family of plants. It isn’t in fact a true foxglove, but as you can see from the pictures, looks very like one. It comes in a range of colours, from white through pink to mauve, and in its native South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, it flowers between November and May (it’s in the southern hemisphere). In the northern hemisphere it flowers in spring, and its seeds have ripened by the first autumn frosts. They can grow to heights of one and a half metres tall, so it’s easy to spot, and identify as the plant is covered with tiny hairs – even the three-lobed flowers (triloba).

  In Africa, around 80 per cent of the population use herbal medicine, especially in rural areas, and this wild foxglove is used for a variety of purposes. The tender young leaves can be eaten as long as they are boiled well, and are used like spinach, although they are considered “poor man’s food”. When crushed an unpleasant smell exudes from the leaves, but this dissipates in the cooking process.

  In medicine the leaf tisane or infusion is used to abort unwanted fetuses, to promote menstruation, for stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and irregular menses – clearly a woman’s plant, as black cohosh is.

  A decoction of the roots of this foxglove is used to treat sores. In some parts of Africa the plant is also used for fevers.

  Three new anthraquinones hand an steroid androgen have been identified byViresh Mohanlal et al. “Isolation and characterization of anthraquinone derivatives from Ceratotheca triloba (Bernh.) Hook.f.” in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol.5 (14) pp 3132-41

. The anthraquinones are similar in structure to a drug used in the treatment of prostate, and breast cancer and leukaemia, so there is hope that the South African foxglove can help in the fight against cancer.                                          

  The plant has antioxidant properties and may be helpful in lowering blood pressure, although more research is needed to see if this is supported by clinical evidence. It may also have the potential to treat diabetes mellitus according to a research paper “Screening of African traditional vegetables for their alpha-amylase inhibitory effect” Bharti Odav et al. July 2010, Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 4 (14) pp.1502-7. (It is classed as a leafy green vegetable here, although it is not widely eaten.)

  Clearly more research needs to be done on this false foxglove as it may prove extremely beneficial for us.

  

HYACINTH BEAN, LABLAB BEAN: HEALTH BENEFITS AND USES OF THE HYACINTH BEAN

HYACINTH BEAN, LABLAB PURPUREA

The hyacinth, or lablab bean has many other names, including the Egyptian kidney bean, Australian pea, Tonga bean, Kikuyu bean, Indian bean and the Field bean to name but a few. It originated either in India or Africa, or perhaps both locations, as the wild variety which grows in India is a transition species, one which bridges the gap between the truly wild and ancient plant and the cultivated varieties. There are no truly wild species now.

  The hyacinth bean is a member of the bean or pea family, Leguminoseae or Fabaceae; which makes it a relative of the butterfly pea, borlotti beans, chickpeas, carob, broom, milk vetch, laburnum and Indian laburnum, lupins, indigo, the pongam tree, soya beans and many other plants. The former botanical name for the plant was Dolichos lablab.                                        

  It is an ancient crop and has been cultivated at least since 3,500 BC in the Indian subcontinent according to archaeological evidence. It can grow alone or mixed with other crops such as millet, sorghum, castor bean plants, corn or peanuts, and these are the companion crops most used in Africa and Asia.

  In southern Indian states and Africa, the hyacinth, or lablab bean, is one of the most important staple protein crops. In Australia it is cultivated mainly as a feed crop for animals. In the US it is mainly grown as an ornamental plant, for its, dark green, purple-veined leaves and pea-like flowers which range in colour from white to violet and purple.

  The young immature pods with their seeds, or beans, are cooked and eaten like green beans, while the older pods need to be de-stringed in the same way as French beans do. The young leaves may be eaten raw in salads, or cooked like spinach. The flowers are edible too and can be eaten raw, added to soups, or steamed. The tuberous root is starchy and can be baked like a potato or yam, or boiled. The seeds, or beans can be boiled and eaten like broad beans or other beans, but the dried seeds need to be boiled in two changes of water so that all toxins are removed. These toxins are cyanogenic glycosides, and can cause mild symptoms of poisoning.

  In some parts of Asia the beans are left to ferment and are used like soya beans to make tempeh or tofu. They can also be sprouted and the sprouts can be used in salads, sandwiches and so on.  The plants are grown for their seeds or beans as other Fabaceae or Leguminoseae plants are grown.

  The pods may be white, yellow, brown, purple or black, and as well as being a source of protein also contain the minerals calcium, iron and phosphorous, while the young, tender seed pods are rich in thiamin (vitamin B1) and are a source of vitamin C.

  Apart from their nutritional value the plant is also used in traditional systems of medicine. In China the boiled ripe seeds are thought to be a tonic, and good to get rid of flatulence. The beans are also used as an aphrodisiac, for fevers, stomach problems, and as an antispasmodic. When the beans are used regularly in a diet, they prevent a build-up of cholesterol. “Hypocholesterolemic effect of diet supplemented with Indian bean (Dolichos lablab L. var lignosus) seeds”: Vadde Ramakrishna et al. Journal: Nutrition & Food Science, 2007 Vol. 37 (6) Page: 452 – 456.

 One study also found that they were appetite suppressants. “Peptides derived from dolicholin, a phaseolin-like protein in country beans (Dolichos lablab), potently stimulate cholecystokinin secretion from enteroendocrine STC-1 cells” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2007-Oct; Vol. 55 (22): pp 8980-6. Other studies are needed before this can be proved and be helpful in the treatment of obesity, however.   

  Yet another study found that extracts of the hyacinth bean have antimicrobial and antifungal properties 

“Antimicrobial Investigation of Different Extracts of Dolichos lablab beans” Akash P Dahake et al. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry,  Vol. 1 (2), Sept-Oct, 2009.

  Other uses for the bean are the treatment of alcoholism, as an antidote to poisons, for reducing blood sugar levels, and in the treatment of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. They have also been used for sunstroke, and to get rid of intestinal worms.

  Even the stem of the plant has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of cholera. The flowers are also used for flatulence and the treatment of alcoholism. They are also used to stimulate the menstrual flow if a woman has irregular periods; they are also used for abnormal or excessive vaginal discharge.                               

  An infusion (or tisane) of the leaves is considered a treatment for gonorrhoea, colic, abnormal menses and vaginal discharge, while in the Philippines, where the Hyacinth bean is cultivated (and called bataw), the juice from the leaves mixed with lime juice is used on abscesses and tumours.  The juice with salt is used for sore throats and ear inflammation.

  A poultice of the leaves is mixed with rice flowers and turmeric in China and applied to troublesome eczema.

  This plant which is little used in the West clearly has health benefits, although these need to be further explored, especially as parts of the plant contain toxins.

WATER PLANTAIN: HEALTH BENEFITS OF WATER PLANTAIN

WATER PLANTAIN, ALISMA PLANTAGO-AQUATICA

Water plantain is not, as you might expect from the name one of the plantains such as Plantago major from which we get Isphagol. It is a member of the Alismaceae family. The leaves of water plantain are similar to those of plantain although the rest of the plant is markedly different. This seems not to have deterred the ancient herbalists when they named it. The subspecies which grows in China, var. orientalis has been the subject of research in China as it has long been used in their traditional system of medicine. Most of the research has supported the traditional uses. In China it is called Ze-Zie. The name Alisma is thought to come from the Celtic word, alis, which means water, while plantago-aquatica, means water plantain, so that is how it gets its English name.                                                                                                          

  The fresh leaves and roots are toxic, but the toxins disappear when heated so are fine cooked or dried. The seeds are subject to some medical confusion, at least in terms of their reported traditional uses, as they are said to aid conception and to promote sterility.

  Water plantain grows in damp ground, ditches, and on the edges of shallow ponds and other such bodies of water. They are native to Europe, including Britain, Asia and North America, and can grow to heights of just over three feet tall. It flowers between June and August, and the seeds ripen between July and September.

  The root is rich in starch and maybe eaten if well-cooked, and the leaves can be eaten if boiled very well. The leaves have antibacterial properties as well as cholesterol lowering ones, and promote sweat which is especially good in some fevers. They also have an effect of lowering blood pressure, and used externally, fresh are a counter-irritant, like nettles, to the pains of rheumatism and arthritis. They have been used to treat dysentery, kidney stones, and gravel. A fresh leaf poultice is put on swellings and bruises.

  In some countries the dried stem bases are grated and eaten for heartburn and digestive problems, washed down with plenty of water. The seed has astringent properties and is used to stop bleeding.

  The essential oil extracted from the root has antibacterial properties, reduces cholesterol leves and has also been used as a diuretic and to lower high blood pressure. The root has also been used to protect the liver and kidneys and to cure diarrhoea. It was once believed to be a cure for rabies, and was also called Mad Dog weed. However there is no clinical evidence to support this use.

  The bitter juice which can be expressed from the plant is a diuretic; the bruised leaves can cause the skin to blister. However in the US it was formerly used as an antidote to rattlesnake bites.

  Few studies have been carried out on the Alisma plantago-aquatica, or Water plantain that is common there. Perhaps this weedy plant hides more than we could have thought.

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JAPANESE MUGWORT, YOMOGI, HEALTH BENEFITS AND POSSIBLE FUTURE USES OF JAPANESE MUGWORT

YOMOGI, JAPANESE MUGWORT, ARTEMISIA PRINCEPS

Yomogi or Japanese mugwort is related to the common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) found in Europe and to a plethora of other Artemisia species which include, tarragon, (A. dracunculus), Common wormwood (A. absinthum), Sweet wormwood (A. annua), Sea wormwood (A. maritima), southernwood (A. arbrotanum) and field southernwood (A. campestris). As a member of the Asteraceae or Compositae family it is also related to the daisy, sunflower, pellitory or Roman chamomile, marigolds, bur marigolds, Mouse ear hawkweed,  purple goat’s beard (salsify), yellow goat’s beard, the Sea Aster or Sea starwort , michaelmas daisies, elecampane, the ox-eye daisy, holy thistles, costmary, tansy, feverfew, groundsel , fleabane and yarrow, just to list a few of its relatives.

 The genus name Artemisia comes from the Greek goddess Artemis (Roman equivalent of Diana) the goddess of hunting, who is said to have given these plants to Chiron the centaur to practise his healing arts.         

  The leaves and new shouts or sprouts from this plant are edible, with the blanched leaves being added to the sticky rice dumplings called mochi, which can be found in health food shops in countries other than Japan. It is used in traditional medicine in East Asia where it grows; in China, Japan and Korea. In Japan it is either taken orally or used in moxibustion which is a burning of compact bundles of the herb at acupoints on the body.

  It is used to treat inflammatory diseases and inflammation generally, and piles, circulation problems and ailment which arise from these, and is also used to treat cancers, ulcers and digestive problems.

  There have been numerous research studies done on this herb in order to discover if the traditional uses can be supported by scientific evidence. However although there are studies, these have not always been replicated, so the evidence is not totally compelling.

  It has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, and it may have neuroprotective actions (“Neuroprotective effect of caffeoylquinic acids from Artemisia princeps Pampanini against oxidative stress-induced toxicity in PC-12 cells”, Lee S. O. et al; in the Journal of Food Science, 2011, Vol. 76 (2) pp 230-6.) The study concludes, “These results indicate that phenolics from A. princeps Pampanini alleviated the oxidative stress and enhanced the viability of PC-12 cells, suggesting that it may be applied as a dietary antineurodegenerative agent in functional foods.”

 One study has shown that it can inhibit the growth of tumours in vivo and in particular those of cervical cancer “Standardized flavonoid-rich fraction of Artemisia princeps Pampanini cv. Sajabal induces apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway in human cervical cancer HeLa cells.” Ju H. K. et al in Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2012 May 7; Vol.141 (1):pp. 460-8. Another study suggests that it may in future help in the treatment of asthma as well as being able to inhibit the growth of tumours. (Bae, E.A. et al. Journal of Microbiology, 2007, Vol. 17 (9) pp 1554-7.)

  Eupofolin has been extracted from the plant and this flavonoid has been shown to inhibit the growth of several human cancer cells. This is described by Chung, K. S. et al in the Journal of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 2010, Vol. 54 September pp.1318-28.

  The essential oil from the plant contains eucalyptol (found in eucalyptus trees too) and a-terpineol which can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Candida. (“Artemisia princeps Pamp. Essential oil and its constituents eucalyptol and α-terpineol ameliorate bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice by inhibiting bacterial growth and NF-κB activation. Trinh H.T et al.in Planta Medica 2011 Vol. 77 (18) pp. 1996-2002.)

  It may also help, if taken in the long term, to combat obesity and diabetes according to Norio Yamamoto et al., in Food and Function issue 1 (2) pp. 45-52, “Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of ethanol extract of Artemisia princeps in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet”     

  The leaves have potent antioxidant actions too.

 Clearly this plant is worth taking a closer look at as it may have the potential to help us combat several diseases.

 

EUROPEAN MICHAELMAS DAISY: HISTORY OF HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE MICHAELMAS DAISY

EUROPEAN MIACHAELMAS DAISY, ASTER AMELLUS  

The European Michaelmas daisy gets its name because it blooms around the time of St. Michael’s day (Michael the archangel) which is celebrated on the 29^th September. It is also called Italian starwort and in Italian is Astro di Vergilio, or Virgil’s Aster. This is no doubt because Virgil mentions it in his Georgics written more than 2,000 years ago. This is a translation of the passage in which the asters are mentioned

“There is a useful flower                                                                     

Growing in the meadows, which the country folk

Call star-wort, not a blossom hard to find,

For its large cluster lifts itself in air                                                   

Out of one root; its central orb is gold

But it wears petals in a numerous ring

Of glossy purplish blue; ’tis often laid

In twisted garlands at some holy shrine.

Bitter its taste; the shepherds gather it

In valley-pastures where the winding streams

Of Mella flow. The roots of this, steeped well,

In hot, high-flavored wine, thou may’st set down

At the hive door in baskets heaping full.”

  From this passage we assume that it was placed on some altars to the ancient gods, perhaps because It was a late bloomer, although there are other legends associated with the aster such as the one that when Astraea a goddess fled Earth with the rest of the gods, she looked down at it and wept for the folly of mankind. Another legend says that Virgo scattered stardust on Earth and asters bloomed where it fell.

  It does indeed have a bitter, acrid taste, but the leaves of the young plant are cooked and are nutritious, containing vitamins A and C they were useful against the onset of scurvy, and they also contain some of the B-complex vitamins, particularly thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3). They are potassium rich and also contain the minerals calcium, iron and phosphorous.

These plants are native to Europe and East Asia and have been cultivated in Britain at least since 1596, as we know that they grew in John Gerard’s Holborn Physic garden then.

  Mediaeval herbalists used this plant to treat tumours, obstruction of the bowels, hysteria and epilepsy- some very diverse diseases. They actually can help with coughs, and have anti-inflammatory properties, and can help eliminate toxins from the body. They are used to treat bronchial and chest complaints and to check bleeding.

  Pliny believed that a tisane made with asters was good for snakebites and he encouraged people who suffered from sciatica to wear an amulet of these plants. The ancient Greeks burnt the leaves to get rid of evil spirits and snakes.

  Michaelmas daisies mean ‘farewell’ in the Language of Flowers. They are members of the daisy, Asteraceae or Compositae family and so are related to pellitory or Roman chamomile, marigolds, bur marigolds, purple goat’s beard (salsify), yellow goat’s beard, the Sea Aster or Sea starwort (which they closely resemble) elecampane, the ox-eye daisy, holy thistles, costmary, tansy, feverfew, groundsel , fleabane and yarrow, just to list a few of its relatives.

 

FRAGRANT WATER LILY- NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE; HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE FRAGRANT WATER LILY

FRAGRANT WATER LILY, NYMPHAEA ODORATA   

The fragrant water lily or Beaver root, is native to North and Central America, and also Cuba. Another indigenous American water lily is Nelumbo lutea the American lotus. However, this white, fragrant water lily is an invasive weed in Washington State and other parts of the U.S. but it has been used in traditional medicine by Native Americans for centuries.

   It is a member of the Nymphaceae family of plants, and lives in slow-moving streams and rivers, as well as in ponds, lakes, marshes, in ditches and canals. It comes into flower during the months of July and August, with its seeds ripening between August and October. It is grown by many people with water gardens as it has a wonderful fragrance, although the flower only opens in the morning; it closes in the afternoon.                                                                           

  Almost all parts of the fragrant water lily plant are edible; the young flower buds can be pickled or cooked in a similar way to the flower buds of the kachnar or Mountain orchid tree. The leaves may be eaten either raw or cooked and can be added to soups and stews. The root can be boiled or roasted while the ripe seeds can be cooked and eaten, or ground into flour. The young flowers are also edible and make wonderful garnishes.

  The root and leaves are the main parts of the plant used in medicine. A tisane made from the roots has been used to treat T.B. and chronic bronchial complaints, but has to be taken over a prolonged period of time, and there are some health concerns regarding the prolonged use of the root. The root has antiseptic and astringent properties, probably because of the presence of gallic and tannic acids. The tannins and gallic acid would explain why the root was used for diarrhoea, dysentery, to stop bleeding, for inflammation and gastro-intestinal problems. It was also used as a remedy for gonorrhoea and vaginal discharge.

  A hot poultice of the roots was used on swellings and tumours, as well as on inflamed skin. It is best to harvest the roots after the plant has died back, and these may be dried for later use.

  There have been a few studies conducted on this plant, as it is also used in the Ayurveda system of medicine in the Indian subcontinent. It is used traditionally there to get rid of stones in the bodily organs. One study, by Ramesh S. Deoda et al. “Antilithiatic Activity of Leaves, Bulb and Stem of Nymphaea odoratata and Dolichos lablab Beans” in the Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Vol. 3 (1) Jan- March 2012, concludes that the leaves and bulbs of the fragrant water lily have good antilithiatic activity.

  Another study in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences March 2012, Vol.4 (2) suggests that the “leaf extract possesses promising antidiabetic effects”.

  Trials have also been conducted on the use of the fragrant water lily extracts n cosmetics. Clearly more research needs to be done to discover how the plant can benefit our health.

WINTERGREEN - USED TO RELAX MUSCLES: HEALTH BENEFITS OF WINTERGREEN

WINTERGREEN, GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS    

As I write this I can smell the distinct aroma of wintergreen oil which was a favourite of my father’s for massage. He used a gel-like substance which heated and relaxed muscles and when he was giving someone a massage, the whole house was filled with the spicy, tangy smell which hits the back of your throat in much the same way as the combination of eucalyptus and menthol (essential oil of mint) does. I also remember just one time when the person who had come for a massage didn’t get one; my father said he couldn’t do anything for him and advised him to go to a doctor. The poor man died some weeks later from cancer.                                     

  Wintergreen is also called Checkerberry and Teaberry, and is native to eastern North America. It has synonyms for its botanical name too, including Gaultheria repens, G. humilis and Brossaea procumbens; its accepted name is Gaultheria procumbens. Wintergreen is a member of the Ericaceae family of plants and so is related to bilberries, blueberries, cranberries, the strawberry tree and the Greek strawberry tree, among other plants. There is one site in Scotland where it was introduced and has taken hold. However in Britain there are other species of “wintergreen”.

   The fruit and leaves are edible and the leaves may be snacked on raw, although they are bland, but pleasant to eat. The leaves may be used fresh or dried in a tisane, to get rid of the discomfort caused by flatulence.

  The essential oil distilled from the plant is toxic in large doses, so care should be taken if it is used. It may cause dermatitis too and you shouldn’t use it if you are allergic to aspirin, as the plant is a source of methyl salicylate which is closely related to the substance which gives aspirin its anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to flavour toothpaste, mouthwashes and chewing gum among other items.

    The red berries are also edible, although these have that flavour that I attempted to describe in the first paragraph, it has been described as like a spicy medicinal taste, but people make pies and jams with it, so perhaps it isn’t as bad as all that! The bell-shaped white flowers of wintergreen remind me of single lily-of-the valley flowers.                                                                                                          

  This wintergreen is an evergreen shrub which grows to heights of around eight inches but which creeps (hence the species’ name procumbens) along the ground, providing excellent ground cover. The berries are said to be best for eating after a frost, and the fruit, if the birds don’t eat it, or browsing deer, will remain on the plant all winter.
 Native Americans used the leaves to help their respiration and as a stimulant while hunting or carrying heavy loads. The leaves and oil were used to promote women’s menstrual flow and as an analgesic. As the plant has anti-inflammatory properties it was also used to ease the pains of neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatism and other inflammatory health problems. 

WALL RUE - LITTLE USED FERN NOW: HISTORY OF HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALL RUE

WALL RUE, WHITE MAIDENHAIR FERN, ASPLENIUM RUTA-MURARIA 

Wall rue is native to Europe and Britain and Ireland, eastern North America and parts of Asia, and is a fern which you can find in crevices on walls, as you can the true maidenhair and adder’s tongue. As a fern it is distantly related to adder’s tongue, common polypody, hart's tongue, bracken, common club moss, horsetail, moonwort, and all other ferns. It grows to around two or three inches high, and resembles maidenhair.

  Like most ferns it has no flowers, but the spores can be seen on the underside of the leaves or fronds, being brown and then black when mature.                                                                      

  It is similar in colour to garden rue, which is perhaps why it gets its name. It was a specific for rickets in traditional medicine in Britain, and was especially used for coughs in children and also for children’s ruptures.

  In some parts of Europe it was infused in milk to treat epilepsy, and a decoction of the fronds was given for kidney complaints. It was also used to staunch bleeding from minor wounds, as it has a fairly high tannin content.

  Distilled water made from the fronds has been used as eye lotion for a variety of eye problems.

  The fronds may be harvested in late spring and dried for later use, although it may not be possible to do this if the plant is listed as endangered or protected in your country.

  The English herbalsit, Nicholas Culpeper, writing in the 17t century linked wall rue closely with maidenhair fern, and had this to say about the properties of each.

 “The decoction of the herb Maiden-Hair being drank, helps those that are troubled with the cough, shortness of breath, the yellow jaundice, diseases of the spleen, stopping of urine, and helps exceedingly to break the stone in the kidneys, (in all which diseases the Wall Rue is also very effectual). It provokes women's courses, and stays both bleedings and fluxes of the stomach and belly, especially when the herb is dry; for being green, it loosens the belly, and voids choler and phlegm from the stomach and liver; it cleanses the lungs, and by rectifying the blood, causes a good colour to the whole body. The herb boiled in oil of Camomile, dissolves knots, allays swellings, and dries up moist ulcers. The lye made thereof is singularly good to cleanse the head from scurf, and from dry and running sores, stays the falling or shedding of the hair, and causes it to grow thick, fair, and well coloured; for which purpose some boil it in wine, putting some Smallage seed thereto, and afterwards some oil. The Wall Rue is as effectual as Maiden-Hair, in all diseases of the head, or falling and recovering of the hair again, and generally for all the aforementioned diseases. And besides, the powder of it taken in drink for forty days together, helps the burstings in children.”