Herbal First Aide Garden

by Herbalist Dr. Linda Kingsbury

Code=Plant common name – popular uses

growing cycle – flower color-most often parts used

Calendula – rashes, cuts, dry skin

Annual – bright orange/yellow flowers – flowers

The fresh flowers are gathered and made into healing botanical oil that soothes skin irritations, reduces inflammation, and combats infection. The flower tea has anti-yeast properties for digestive candida and vaginal infections.

Comfrey – skin irritations, hemorrhoids, bruises

Perennial - Large green leaves, white/purple flowers-root, leaf

Contains wound-healing allantoin to stimulate cell proliferation. Demulcent properties are soothing to wounds both internally and externally. Its antibacterial properties make it good topically for animal’s wounds too. A salve made with the leaves is useful for hemorrhoids. The root in combination restores lung irritation due to smoking.

Echinacea – natural antibiotic, mouthwash

Perennial – pink flowers - flowers, cones, leaves, roots

As the roots grow large enough to harvest, the flowers, cones, and leaves can be used. Dry for tea or make a mild antibiotic tincture for mouthwash, sore throat spray, or acne facial rinse.

Feverfew – headaches, arthritis

Perennial – small white and daisy-like flowers - leaves

The fresh leaves can be eaten in salads, made into tea, or added to an oil and vinegar salad dressing as migraine prevention. Research shows that substances in the plant make smooth muscle cells less responsive to body chemicals that trigger migraine muscle spasms. The flowers can be made into a headache and sinus relief tea or steam. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 Tbls. flowers in a cereal bowl. Make a tent with a towel over your head and inhale healing vapors for 10 minutes.

Oregano – antioxidant, indigestion, coughs, headache

Perennial – light pink and white flowers - leaves

These anti-oxidant leaves commonly used in spaghetti sauce also ease tension headaches, reduce coughs, and make an antiseptic mouthwash. Externally a tea wash soothes stings and bites.

Yarrow – fever, colds and flu, healing salve to stop bleeding

Perennial – white flowers – flower and leaves

The fresh leaves are known as nature's Band-Aid to stop bleeding and reduce bug bite irritation. Make a tea by steeping the flower tops for 15 minutes and adding a tsp. of honey to ease cold and flu symptoms.

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