Herbs

In the rivers and basins of the  Orinoco and Amazon, several species of copal trees belong to the genus Copaifera, which exude resin when suffering an incision of perforation on …

The fact that sand spurry plants grow in sandy soils and can successfully treat sand that forms in the human urinary tract seems quite curious. Those supporting the theory of …

Dwarf elderberries are toxic, so be careful not to mistake them for black elderberries. Both plants belong to the same botanical family and have similar uses, though the black elder …

For many years, the Mediterranean people have been using the root of the madder plant to dye wool and other fabrics red. Synthetic coloring substances, such as aniline, were discovered …

The SEEDS of the kidney bean plant have a high nutritious value, though when raw, they are toxic since they contain phaseolin, a toxalbumin that disappears when beans are cooked. …

According to classical botanical literature, the pellitory of the wall plant was given the Greek name helxine and the Latin name muralis herba (grass of the wall). It grows on …

Spiny restharrow is one of the plants which has caused the most problems to peasants. Its powerful root system can stop an ox plow. Moreover, as Andres de Laguna said, …

Unlike the bee balm plant, the wild balm plant (Melittis melissophyllum) does not have a pleasant aroma. Its flowers grow in pairs and are larger and more exuberant than balm. …

The lovage plant is like large celery, with interesting medicinal and culinary applications. Its ground root is used as a seasoning in central Europe since its flavor resembles pepper. The …

People have been using the thorns of this thistle for centuries, which is the origin of its name, wild teasel. However, though machines do wool carding at present, this plant …