Verdant Apothecary
Materia Medica

Plant Profiles & Health Benefits

A working reference of medicinal plants — their traditional uses, energetics, and the conditions they have served for generations.

Agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria

Parts used · Aerial parts (leaves, flowers)

  • ✦Astringent that tones and tightens tissues — useful for diarrhea and loose bowels.
  • ✦Traditionally used to soothe sore throats and bleeding gums as a gargle.
  • ✦Supports liver and gallbladder function; a gentle bitter for sluggish digestion.
  • ✦Eases urinary tract irritation and mild incontinence.
  • ✦Folk remedy for emotional 'holding patterns' and unexpressed tension.

Aloe Vera

Aloe barbadensis

Parts used · Inner leaf gel; latex (use with caution)

  • ✦Topical gel cools and heals burns, sunburn, and minor wounds.
  • ✦Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial; speeds skin regeneration.
  • ✦Internally (food-grade gel) soothes acid reflux, ulcers, and irritated gut lining.
  • ✦Mild laxative effect from the latex — short-term use only.
  • ✦Rich in polysaccharides that support immune modulation.

Anise Hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

Parts used · Leaves and flowers

  • ✦Aromatic carminative — relieves gas, bloating, and indigestion.
  • ✦Gentle expectorant for coughs, colds, and bronchial congestion.
  • ✦Diaphoretic action helps break low-grade fevers through gentle sweating.
  • ✦Calming nervine; lifts the mood and eases mild anxiety.
  • ✦Tea is a delicious licorice-mint flavor children often enjoy.

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

Parts used · Root

  • ✦Premier adaptogen — helps the body resist and recover from chronic stress.
  • ✦Restores depleted nervous systems; supports deep, restful sleep.
  • ✦Modulates cortisol and supports healthy thyroid and adrenal function.
  • ✦Builds strength, stamina, and lean tissue (a classic Ayurvedic rasayana).
  • ✦Improves focus, memory, and cognitive resilience under stress.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Parts used · Root, leaves

  • ✦Traditional Indigenous remedy for colds, flu, and immune support — similar in action to echinacea.
  • ✦Root infusion used as a wash for snakebites, sores, and skin irritations.
  • ✦Diuretic properties support kidney and urinary tract health.
  • ✦Mildly stimulates lymphatic drainage.
  • ✦Tea was used historically to expel worms.

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Parts used · Aerial parts

  • ✦Renowned for breaking deep, achy fevers — especially the 'bone-deep' aches of flu.
  • ✦Strong diaphoretic; promotes sweating to support the body's fever response.
  • ✦Stimulates the immune system at the onset of acute viral illness.
  • ✦Bitter tonic that supports liver function.
  • ✦Traditionally taken as a hot tea — best for short-term acute use only.

Borage

Borago officinalis

Parts used · Leaves, flowers, seed oil

  • ✦'Borage for courage' — uplifts the spirit, eases grief and sadness.
  • ✦Cooling and demulcent; soothes dry, irritated respiratory tissues.
  • ✦Adrenal restorative; supports recovery from burnout and stress.
  • ✦Seed oil is rich in GLA — supports skin, hormones, and inflammation.
  • ✦Mild diuretic and diaphoretic action.

Bottle Gourd

Lagenaria siceraria

Parts used · Fruit (cooked)

  • ✦Cooling and hydrating — excellent in hot weather and for dry constitutions.
  • ✦Supports liver detoxification in Ayurvedic tradition.
  • ✦High water and fiber content aids digestion and gentle weight management.
  • ✦Traditionally used to support healthy blood pressure and blood sugar.
  • ✦Soothes urinary irritation and supports kidney function.
  • ✦⚠ Always taste a small piece raw — bitter gourds contain toxic cucurbitacins; discard if bitter.

Cabbage

Brassica oleracea

Parts used · Leaves

  • ✦Raw juice is a classic remedy for stomach ulcers and gastritis.
  • ✦Wilted leaves applied as a poultice ease mastitis, joint pain, and bruises.
  • ✦High in sulforaphane and indoles — supports liver detox and cellular health.
  • ✦Fermented (sauerkraut) feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
  • ✦Anti-inflammatory; rich in vitamin C, K, and fiber.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

Parts used · Flowers

  • ✦One of the finest vulneraries — heals cuts, scrapes, rashes, and slow-healing wounds.
  • ✦Antimicrobial and lymphatic; supports tissue repair and reduces swelling.
  • ✦Internally, soothes inflamed gut tissue, ulcers, and gastritis.
  • ✦Gentle enough for babies (diaper rash) and sensitive skin.
  • ✦A staple in salves, oils, baths, and washes.

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Parts used · Aerial parts and root

  • ✦Gentle, non-addictive sedative — eases anxiety and racing thoughts.
  • ✦Promotes restful sleep without morning grogginess; safe for children in small doses.
  • ✦Mild analgesic; helpful for tension headaches and nerve pain.
  • ✦Calms an overstimulated nervous system.
  • ✦Unlike opium poppy, contains no narcotic alkaloids.

Carolina Geranium

Geranium carolinianum

Parts used · Root and leaves

  • ✦Powerful astringent — root used for diarrhea, dysentery, and internal bleeding.
  • ✦Mouthwash for canker sores, bleeding gums, and sore throats.
  • ✦Topical wash for hemorrhoids, weeping wounds, and skin irritation.
  • ✦High in tannins — tones and tightens lax mucous membranes.
  • ✦Traditional Indigenous remedy across the southeastern US.

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Parts used · Flowers

  • ✦Calms the nervous system — eases anxiety, irritability, and tension.
  • ✦Soothes digestive upset: cramps, gas, indigestion, and colic in babies.
  • ✦Anti-inflammatory; helpful for ulcers and mild IBS.
  • ✦Promotes restful sleep without sedation.
  • ✦Topically (tea or compress) eases skin irritation, conjunctivitis, and minor wounds.

Chickweed

Stellaria media

Parts used · Fresh aerial parts

  • ✦Cooling, moistening, and nutritive — rich in vitamins and minerals.
  • ✦Topical poultice draws heat from rashes, bites, boils, and itchy skin.
  • ✦Internally supports lymphatic movement and gentle weight loss.
  • ✦Soothes hot, dry coughs and irritated mucous membranes.
  • ✦Edible spring green — wonderful in salads and pestos.

Chicory

Cichorium intybus

Parts used · Root, leaves, flowers

  • ✦Roasted root is a classic coffee substitute that supports the liver.
  • ✦Bitter that stimulates digestion, bile flow, and appetite.
  • ✦Inulin-rich root feeds beneficial gut bacteria (a powerful prebiotic).
  • ✦Supports healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  • ✦Mild diuretic and laxative; eases constipation.

Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Parts used · Leaves, flowers

  • ✦Mild antimicrobial action — supports immune defense like its allium cousins.
  • ✦Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and folate.
  • ✦Supports cardiovascular health by aiding healthy blood pressure.
  • ✦Stimulates appetite and gentle digestion.
  • ✦Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds support overall wellness.

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Parts used · Leaves and root (topical use only)

  • ✦'Knit-bone' — speeds healing of sprains, broken bones, and torn ligaments.
  • ✦Allantoin promotes rapid cell regeneration in wounds and bruises.
  • ✦Soothes inflamed joints, muscle strains, and arthritic pain.
  • ✦Powerful vulnerary in salves, poultices, and compresses.
  • ✦⚠ For external use only — pyrrolizidine alkaloids can damage the liver if taken internally.

Common Flax

Linum usitatissimum

Parts used · Seeds and seed oil

  • ✦Rich in soluble fiber — soothes constipation and feeds the gut.
  • ✦Mucilage coats and calms an irritated digestive tract.
  • ✦High in lignans and omega-3 ALA; supports heart and hormone health.
  • ✦Ground seeds support healthy cholesterol levels.
  • ✦Poultice of crushed seed eases boils, abscesses, and inflamed skin.

Couch Grass

Elymus repens (Agropyron repens)

Parts used · Rhizome (root)

  • ✦Gentle, soothing diuretic for urinary tract infections and irritation.
  • ✦Helps dissolve and pass kidney gravel and small stones.
  • ✦Demulcent action coats and calms inflamed urinary membranes.
  • ✦Supports prostate health and eases enlarged prostate symptoms.
  • ✦Safe for long-term use — a true tonic for the urinary system.

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Parts used · Root, leaf, flower

  • ✦Root is a premier liver tonic — supports detoxification and bile flow.
  • ✦Leaf is a powerful potassium-sparing diuretic — relieves water retention safely.
  • ✦Bitter taste primes digestion and supports nutrient absorption.
  • ✦Supports healthy blood sugar and cholesterol metabolism.
  • ✦Whole plant is rich in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and iron.

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Parts used · Seeds and leaves

  • ✦Classic carminative — eases gas, bloating, hiccups, and colic.
  • ✦'Gripe water' for fussy babies traditionally made with dill seed.
  • ✦Mild galactagogue; supports healthy milk supply in nursing parents.
  • ✦Calming to the nervous system; supports restful sleep.
  • ✦Antimicrobial action gently supports oral and gut health.

Sea Moss (Irish Moss)

Chondrus crispus / Genus Eucheuma

Parts used · Whole dried thallus (seaweed)

  • ✦Mineral-dense — naturally provides iodine, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iron to support thyroid and overall vitality.
  • ✦Rich in mucilage (carrageenan) that soothes sore throats, dry coughs, and irritated bronchial passages.
  • ✦Demulcent action coats and calms the digestive tract; supports gut lining repair and gentle, regular elimination.
  • ✦Prebiotic fibers feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting microbiome balance.
  • ✦Traditional tonic for convalescence, low energy, and post-illness recovery.
  • ✦Topically (gel) hydrates skin, calms eczema and psoriasis, and supports collagen-rich complexion.
  • ✦Supports healthy mucous membranes throughout the respiratory and reproductive systems.
  • ✦⚠ High in iodine — use moderately if you have thyroid conditions; source from clean, tested waters to avoid heavy metals.

Yellow / Curly Dock

Rumex crispus

Parts used · Root and leaves

  • ✦Iron-rich root traditionally used to support anemia and blood building.
  • ✦Gentle laxative and liver stimulant — moves a sluggish bowel.
  • ✦Supports lymphatic drainage and skin clearing (eczema, acne).
  • ✦Cooling and slightly astringent; helpful for hot, itchy skin conditions.
  • ✦Fresh leaf rubbed on stinging nettle stings brings rapid relief.

For educational purposes. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified herbalist or medical practitioner before using herbs medicinally.