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owlomens · 6 years

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a look into the different medicinal plants used

☾Graham & Sanna ☽

Artist’s Conk

Ganoderma applanatum

Plant Family | Ganodermataceae

ACTIONS | anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, immunomodulating

This cousin of the famed Reishi (or “Mushroom of Immortality”) shares many of the same properties and prolific history. The renowned immunity boosting, cancer fighting fungi is a favorite among nature artists—etchings on the white bottoms of these shelf mushrooms will last for years. A perennial fungi, they will continue growing year after year on dead trees throughout the continent. We made ours with a double extraction, using both alcohol and a decoction with water, to get both the alcohol and water-soluble constituents found in this mushroom ally.

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Plant Family | Papaveraceae

ACTIONS | nervine, hypnotic, antispasmodic, anodyne

Cal Poppy eases pain and brings some golden sunshine into the body and mind. This gentle sedative and hypnotic pairs particularly well with children and the elderly, as it doesn’t contain any opioids or narcotic alkaloids. California Poppy soothes anxious nerves and brings on restful sleep. Their brilliant petals helped dub California as the “Tierra del Fuego” by early Spanish explorers.

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Plant Family | Lamiaceae

ACTIONS | carminative, nervine, antispasmodic, diaphoretic,

Although we lack the receptors needed for the more euphoric effects our feline friends experience with this plant, catnip is a general relaxant as well as a traditional cold and flu remedy. It has been used to break fevers, as well as address all manner of upset stomachs, from indigestion to colic. Even if you don’t think you have a “green thumb” (we promise you all, everyone has the capacity to help plants grow!) this member of the mint family is notoriously prolific in the garden.

Chamomile

Matricaria recutita

Plant Family | Asteraceae

ACTIONS | nervine, antispasmodic, carminative, anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, bitter, vulnerary

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbal medicines throughout the western world. Soothing to the nerves and stomach, gentle and calming, this floral addition to the PM Pain Formula addresses both the body and mind to help wind down into a restful and cozy sleep. We can’t think of a more gentle, smiling, and relaxing herbal ally. The list of indications for when to use Chamomile would be longer than all the pages of this zine, so be sure to have some chamomile (which makes a great tea as well!) in your pantry or garden.

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Plant Family | Asteraceae

ACTIONS | diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, antirheumatic, laxative, tonic, bitter

Dandelion, or Dent de Lion (“Lion’s Tooth” in French, just look at those leaves!), is one of the most powerful diuretics available in medicine, all the while adding vitamins A & C to the system, as well as potassium (which is drained from the body by the pharmaceutical equivalent, furosemide). This liver tonic promotes healthy skin and cholesterol, hormone balancing, and so much more as it restores our most important detoxifying organ. Chew on a dandy leaf to experience their bitter action. We were taught that this “weed” is the ultimate symbol of plant’s love for humans-the plant that’s most frequently sprayed with toxic pesticides, and yet so desperately needed by those doing the spraying.

Hawthorn

Crataegus spp.

Plant Family | Rosaceae

ACTIONS | cardiotonic, diuretic, astringent, hypotensive

The tree of witches and druids, Hawthorn has a long history in magical folklore and medicine. We used the berries for our tincture, creating a heart-tonic that promotes coronary circulation and combats hypertension. Although a lifestyle that supports proper diet, movement, and stress management are key, Hawthorn provides invaluable medicine in the age of heart-related illnesses.

Hops

Humulus lupulus

Plant Family | Cannabaceae

ACTIONS | sedative, hypnotic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, astringent, bitter

Easing headaches as well as indigestion, hops is another sleep aid that lends itself well to the PM Pain Formula. The same plant used for brewing beer, this vining beauty of the Cannabis family smooths out anxiety, especially when stomach issues are present. From the monks of the Middle Ages till now, hops has played an important role in the western pharmacopeia. The fact that most of us only know of herbal medicines through the acceptable intoxicants of our culture is something we hope to see change.

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Plant Family | Passifloraceae

ACTIONS | nervine, hypnotic, antispasmodic, anodyne, hypotensive

This magnificent vining plant is renowned for helping with insomnia by aiding the transition into restful sleep without a next-day hangover. A calm hug to the nervous system, Passiflora can also help with muscle spasms, lowering blood pressure, and viral infections of the nerves (i.e. shingles). Native to South America, keep a lookout for the delicious passion fruit in late summer/early fall here in the North, and the absolutely stunning and otherworldly flowers.

Pedicularis

Pedicularis densiflora

Plant Family | Orobanchaceae

ACTIONS | antispasmodic, hypnotic, nervine

This parasitic plant is endemic to, or exclusively found in, Oregon and California. A stunning flower, this plant challenges our idea of the term ‘parasite’, as not all of them are harmful to their host, and are often beneficial to their community. There is a long history of its use on the west coast, often being smoked, to relax the skeletal muscular system. These grounding, root-chakra beauties will pick up constituents from their host plants, so our tinctures contain a bit of Douglas Fir, Madrone and Manzanita magic as well.

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

Plant Family | Lamiaceae

ACTIONS | nervine tonic, antispasmodic, hypotensive

Another mint family member, this incredible nervine helps to soothe stress and tension in the mind and body. Commonly used as a sleep aid and helping with depression and exhaustion, this plant is invaluable in a time when most of us are overexposed to the stresses of the modern way of life. Scutellaria can aid in the transition to a more peaceful lifestyle, or pushing through a tough chapter in your work or living situation. The helmet shaped seed pods and common name “skull cap” aid in it’s identification as a protector and healer of the head.

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Plant Family | Urticaceae

ACTIONS | astringent, diuretic, tonic, hypotensive

As many herbalists say, “when in doubt, use nettle”. Full of iron, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals, Stinging Nettle is a revitalizing spring detox for coming out of the winter months. In addition to combating seasonal allergies, it’s also known to improve urine flow, and reduce frequency and nocturia. Ruled by the planet Mars, the fresh plant has been used historically to ease joint and muscle pain by means of self-flagellation. As a fiber, the mature stalks provide excellent cordage material for making twine, or a bracelet for a friend.

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