These are pictures of some of the medicinal plants I grow here around the clinic entry. Having studied and taught herbal medicine since the mid-nineties, I love to help people get to know their medicine and introduce them in person.

Though not as commonly used medicinally, these are my favorites to visit through their growth cycle from fuzzy leaves to furry little egg-like flower cases that ‘pop’ open revealing the gorgeous orange-red petals that cradle bumblebees napping in their purply-black centers. The flower then converts to an architectural seed capsule that rattles with its load of black little poppy seeds that my boys love to shake around hoping for more flowers next year. Note, this is not the infamous opium poppy.

These happy yellow flowers are amazing healers of all tissues. They soothe inflammation, cure infections and treat wounds. They work inside and out for all skin ailments as well as ulcers or ear infections. I’ve used them straight from the garden for burns or skin damage. Butter was originally dyed yellow with these flowers to give it the rich yellow appearance of the best spring fatty milk.

Our state flower Oregon grape is a powerful antimicrobial also useful for skin conditions such as psoriasis and GI conditions as a bitter digestive. Peeling away the outer bark reveals the yellow inner stems and roots rich in the alkaloid berberine that’s also found in Golden Seal and Chinese Gold Thread which are major botanical medicines.

Red clover blooming here next to lemon balm (also depicted on the top image). These unassuming common herbs have broad medicinal uses. Red clover is rich in phytoestrogens (like soy or flax) which actually block xenoestrogens ‘foreign estrogen-like compounds’ from contributing to cancers and hormonal problems. It’s also traditionally used for an array of GI and respiratory conditions. Lemon balm or Melissa ('bee’ in Greek) is a mint family balm to all types of ailments. It’s been studied to have antiviral properties, relieve anxiety and aid digestion. Its rich in antioxidants and commonly drank in tea blends across the world.

Comfrey is parked right out on the parking strip where it won’t spread. When its roots are disrupted, they respond with a rapid healing and growth response. This is analogous to how they accelerate wound healing earning the nickname ‘knitbone’ or ‘bruise wort'. I’ve used it personally in lieu of stitches on a clean cut. Its famous for topical application on wounds and injuries though care must be taken to make sure the wound doesn’t heal over an underlying infection.

Ladies Mantle loves the shade and is often seen bejeweled with big dew drops. She is traditionally used for astringent effects of easing menstrual bleeding.

Meow! This mint family plant has a soothing affect on humans but quite the opposite on cats. Its an all-around medicinal helpful for coughs and indigestion.

Black cohosh has black roots and dark stems and thrives in the shade. Its famously studied for over 50 years for treating hot flashes and Native Americans used it for treating a variety of issues from snake bite to arthritis.

Marshmallow! Yes THIS is the real one! Like licorice, this plant’s name has been overtaken by a modern confectionery impostor. The white gelatin sugar puffs we now make into ‘smores’ have evolved from a confection made from this plant’s mucilaginous root since ancient Egyptian times. It has powerful healing properties to soothe inflamed mucosa like ulcers, sore throats, even urinary inflammation.

Aristotle used Rue to repel evil and it has been used to clear toxins and prevent illness and plague over generations since. It’s commonly used in the Balkans as a culinary herb and useful for digestion. Rue’s rounded leaves were the model for the original suit of ‘clubs’ on playing cards.

California poppy unfurls it’s blossom to face the sun whenever it’s out in the spring. This poppy, like many of its relatives, is useful for insomnia.

Wild ginger has long been eaten by Native Americans and later used as a native substitute for the Asian ginger we are familiar with. Its mild warming qualities aid digestion. Peek underneath the leaves in spring to see the hidden little jug-shaped flowers.

Mint needs no introduction once you smell it. All mint family plants (like lemon balm) have square stems and opposite facing leaves which alternate orientation by 90 degrees versus the leaves above or below. Known worldwide to aid digestion, recent studies show it outperforms many medications for indigestion, irritable bowel and bloating.

Research has shown that Echinacea’s extracted root has fantastic immune boosting ability. It is used widely throughout the EU where their FDA upholds strict quality standards. Most US products are comparably ineffective. I’ve found proper extractions and doses to effectively prevent viral illness. It’s prickly cone center inspires its name from the Greek ‘echinos’ referring to hedgehog.

St. Johns Wort has been well studied as an effective anti-depressant. I’ve seen it work miracles when the budding tops are used (most commercial products use other parts). Squeeze those yellow buds between your fingers to see the purple hypericin which is a main constituent. It’s leaves have tiny pin hole windows lending it’s name ‘perforatum’ which are said to let the sunshine into the soul.

Plants with latin species name ending in ‘officinalis’ are plants who have been ‘official’ medicinal plants historically. Sage is loaded with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and has been studied for treating cancer, heart health, memory, mood and skin disorders.

Yarrow is a hero for treating wounds and stopping bleeding. It’s named after the Trojan warrior Achilles whose mother held him by the heel and dipped him in yarrow tea as a baby to protect him from all wounds. Unfortunately the spot where her fingers grasped him was his ‘Achilles heel’ which is where he was ultimately shot. I’ve seen it stop many severe bleeds.

Lavendar is strong medicine. Very effective for anxiety when the essential oil is inhaled or the flowers are steeped as a tea. It also has broad ranging anti-microbial activity.

Feverfew has been traditionally used to ease a fever but has been most researched for treating and preventing migraines.

One of my all-time reliable treatment choices, chaste tree berry is amazingly effective for regulating periods, preventing PMS, supporting fertility and managing peri-menopause. Many misunderstand this well-studied botanical and believe it’s a natural progesterone but it in fact normalizes normal ovarian function when taken daily. ‘Chaste’ tree also known as Monk’s pepper refers to its historic use to lower libido in men though it’s studied to increase libido in women!