some herbs

[Guest guest]

This is a forward from another list that I thought you might like.

 

Jamie

 

Osha Root - Ligusticum porteriihttp://www.facetsconsulting.com/wrensnest/Image3.jpgIs also commonly called Bear Root. It doesnt grow out here in the east, but you can find it in upland meadows and ravines in the southern Rocky Mountains. Similar to uses of echinacea, it has great antibacterial and antiviral properties, so it is great for infections and for respiratory infections such as colds, flu, sore throat, and typical upper respiratory congestion. ... this is probably the one you are searching for?Sweet Flag - two species in North America -- Acorus calamus (introduced Eurasian species), and Acorus americanus (the native Sweet Flag)http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/aquatic/acorusflower1.jpgThis plant loves really wet fields, and I think grows all over North America. It is also called 'bitter root' by the guys 'out west', and as someone mentioned, a lot of guys on the drum chew/suck on little bits of the root when they're singing. It's great for toothache and headache (even hangover! LOL) because of it's analgesic properties. It's also supposed to help with fatigue and even with diabetes. **Do not confuse with it's look-alike the poisonous Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) with which Sweet Flag is often found growing... the Blue Flag has the typical blue iris flower, and Sweet Flag has a spike shaped 'flower' (a rather phalic looking thing and not much like a 'flower' - LOL), and the leaves of Sweet Flag is a brighter, more yellow-green color than the darker blue-green color of the Blue Flag. Snake Root - Polygala senega http://www.meridianinstitute.com/echerb/Files/graphics/grsnake1.htmlhttp://em.ca/garden/nat_polygala_senega.htmlThere are lots of plants with the common name 'Snake Root' ... this one is also called Seneca (Senega) Snake Root, Rattlesnake Root, or Mountain Flax. It grows widespread in the woods or rocky uplands. It has little white/pink flower spikes. In addition to being used snake bites, it is also an 'expectorant' and is used to treat bronchitic asthma by stimulating secretion/saliva. It's also used as a mouthwash and gargle for laryngitis. But be careful, because they say if too much is taken it can irritate the stomach and make you throw up!