Agrimony
Scientific name: Agrimonia eupatoria
Medicinal value
It is a blend of the leaves that is used to treat liver ailments
including jaundice, ulcers, diarrhea and skin problems. The leaves are
also used as a diuretic. For external purposes it is used as a
fomentation for athlete's foot, sores, slow-healing wounds, and insect
bites.
Religious importance
It is believed that Agrimony is used for protection form spells, to
banish negative energies and spirits. It also reverses spells and
reverts them back to the sender. If Agrimony is put under head a deep
sleep is caused that continues until it is removed.
Habitat
Most of the United States and Southern Canada has tremendous growth of
Agrimony, which is a perennial and reaches 2 to 3 feet tall. Complete
sunshine and average soil is good for its growth.
Alfalfa
Scientific name: Medicago sativa
Medicinal value
It is used for treating anemia, fatigue, kidneys, peptic ulcers,
pituitary problems, and for building general health, retaining water in
the body, relieving urinary and bowel problems. This herb is effective
for the treatment of narcotic and alcohol addiction.
Religious importance
It is believed that if this herb is kept in a container and placed
outside home it prevents the house from poverty and hunger. Scattering
the ashes of burned alfalfa protects property.
Habitat
Sunshine, regular watering are the necessary conditions for the growth
of this 1 to 3 feet tall herb which is not picky about the soil and is
cultivated in many parts of the world..
Allspice
Scientific name: Pimenta dioica
Medicinal value
It relieves toothache and is used as a mouth freshener for fresh
breath.
Religious importance
It is believed that allspice enhances healing and is used to ask for
money and good fortune it is used as a mixture.
Habitat
It is derived form a tree that grows Central and South America and the
Caribbean.
Aloe Vera
Scientific name: Aloe vera, Aloe spp.
Medicinal value
The gel obtained from the inner part of the aloe leaf is used to treat
burns, skin rashes, insect bites, healing wounds by drawing out
infection, and preventing infection from starting and chafed nipples
from breast-feeding. This gel can also be used internally to keep the
bowels functioning smooth. It must be noticed that this medicine when
taken internally causes intestinal cramping and there are other herbs
that do this job better. This gel is best effective when used fresh
rather than "stabilized" gels found in the stores. The fresh
gel was used by Cleopatra to keep her skin soft and young.
Religious importance
It is believed that this plant if grown in the kitchen garden prevents
burns and mishaps while cooking. It also prevents household accidents
and safeguards against evils. It is reported that aloe was used to
embalm the body of Christ.
Habitat
It is bets to be grown inside home in pots. The climate of South, as in
southern Texas or southern Florida is best for the growth of aloe
outside. Aloe being a succulent needs water to keep the leaves fleshy
and juicy.
Amaranth
Scientific name: Amaranthus spp.
Medicinal value
It is best to treat stomach flu, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. This
herb is also helpful in stopping menstruation and for contraception. It
reduces tissue swelling caused due to sprains and tick bites when
applied externally. It is advisable not to be used by pregnant or
lactating women.
Religious importance
Amaranth is associated with immortality and is used to decorate god and
goddesses. It is also used to repair broken heart. Woven into a wreath,
it is said to render the wearer invisible. Also used in pagan burial
ceremonies.
Habitat
This 1 to 5 feet tall annual has to be sown inside soil to grow. It is
generally not picky about soil type, and tolerates heat and drought
well.
Angelica
Scientific name: Angelica archangelica
Medicinal value
It is a herbal tea that is used to treat colic, gas, indigestion,
hepatitis, and heartburn. It is also a remedy for afflictions of the
respiratory system, liver problems and digestive difficulties. This herb
also promotes circulation and energy in the body, often stimulates
circulation in the pelvic region and also stimulates suppressed
menstruation. It is advisable not to be used by pregnant women or
diabetics.
Religious importance
If grown in garden it is believe this herb protects the garden and
home. The leave is burnt to banish evil and root is used as protective
amulet. It is also used to lengthen life and for protection against
diseases and spirits. Adding it to a ritual bath will break spells and
hexes.
Habitat
This plant needs shade partially, rich and moist soil, wet bottomland,
swamps and cool temperature grow. It grows to a 6 feet tall perennial.
Anise
Scientific name: Pimpinellaa anisum
Medicinal value
Like angelica this herb is good for the treatment of colic, gas, and
indigestion. It is a trusted remedy for cough being the mildest of the
herbs used for these purposes.
Religious importance
It is believed that if anise is blended with bay leaves it provide an
excellent bath additive prior to ritual. Anise grown around the home
keeps off evil and is it is placed in the sleeping pillow at night it
chases away nightmares. Also in most parts of the world anise seed head
is hanged on the bed pot to restore youth.
Habitat
It prefers warm, sunny, rich sandy soil and well-drained areas. North
America has an abundance of this annual plant with the height of 1-2
feet. It needs 120 days to produce fully ripened seed heads.
Apple
Scientific name: Pyrus spp.
Medicinal value
It is used to treat constipation, lower cholesterol level, cures heart
diseases and prevents infection if rubbed after crushing apple leaves on
fresh wound.
Religious importance
It is used as a healing incense and an offering on samhain to the dead,
since it is a symbol of immortality. Apple blossoms are used in love as
well as gift for everlasting love. Apple wood is used to make magical
wands.
Habitat
The climatic conditions of North America are best suited for the growth
of apple. A cool climate is just perfect for its growth.
Astragalus
Scientific name: Astragalus membranaceous
Medicinal value
This herb strengthens metabolism and digestion, raises metabolism, aids
in strengthening the immune system and is used in the healing of wounds
and injuries.
Apocynum (Black Indian Hemp)
Scientific name: Apocynum cannabinum L. or A. androsaemifolium L.
Medicinal value
It is used to treat congestive heart failure as it contains cardio-
active glycosides This herb doesn't have an edge over digitalis and
hence is not advisable to be used by any human.
Habitat
This perennial herb grows up to five feet tall in the climate of North
America that is best suited for them.
Arnica
Scientific names: Arnica spp.
Medicinal value
If used externally this herb reduces inflammation and pain of bruises,
aches, and sprains. While usage it must be kept in mind that internal
application of this herb has a toxic effect on the heart and causes very
high blood pressure.
Habitat
The climate of meadows and mountainous regions of Europe and western
North America is appropriate for the growth of this herb.
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