Family: Lamiaceae Origin: Mediterranean; Asia Description: Square stems, opposite leaves, and fibrous roots with runners (stolen) Inflorescence of spikes of tiny purple, pink, or white flowers (loved by bees)and leaves are highly aromatic. Cultivation: Prefer rich, moist soil and full to partial sun. Part used: leaves Eighteen to 19 different…
Botanical Name/Etymology: Ilex guayusa Family Name: Aquifoliaceae Common Name(s): Guayusa (gwhy-you-sa) Origin: Western South America – particularly Ecuador, northeastern Peru and Southwestern Colombia Growth Habit: Small shrubby tree Growth (Cultural) Requirements: Warm tropical conditions with a marked wet and dry season. Guayusa is an understory tree and needs the shade of other trees….
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family) Ros = “dew” and marinus = “sea” officinalis essentially means that it is of the “officinarum” (medieval pharmacy) and has a history of medicinal usage Common Names: Rosemary, Dew of the Sea, Sea Dew, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Incensier, Compass Weed, and Polar Plant
Botanical Name/Etymology: Ilex vomitoria — The genus name Ilex is that given to all hollies. The specific epithet vomitoria is used in reference to the use of this plant by native peoples as a purgative (more about this below). Common Name(s): yaupon, cassina, wild/native holly
Botanical Name/Etymology: Amaranthus hypochondriacus Family Name: Amaranthaceae
Top Ten Herbs as voted on by the HSA membership in attendance at the Education Convention in Pittsburgh last year.
Botanical Name/Etymology: Sesamum indicum (syn. S. orientale) Family Name: Pedaliaceae Common Name(s) — sesame, benne (African), gingili, semsent (ancient Egyptian), til, ajonnoli, tahini (ground paste), halvah. The botanical and common names of Sesamum and sesame are believed to be derived from the Arabic work for the plant and seeds: simsim.
Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra Family Name: Caprifoliaceae Common Name(s) –Elderberry, elder, European elder, black elder, common elder, elder bush, pipe tree, bore tree, and “Medicine Chest of the People.” Botanical name comes from the Greek word “sambuke” meaning “a musical pipe” in reference to the hollowed shoots which are used to make pipes….
