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 elder is a wild Sambucus plant with a long history in traditional herbal medicine, but it is not a safe elderberry substitute. Its berries and other plant parts can …

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 kidney bean plant benefits people most through its seeds — the familiar kidney-shaped beans that, once properly cooked, give you an inexpensive source of plant protein, fibre, folate and …

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, …

Wild balm (Melittis melissophyllum) is a woodland plant in the mint family that European folk healers have used for centuries — mainly to bathe wounds, settle the nerves, and brew …

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 …