Echinacea
Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea
Medicinal value
This herb is used as a natural antibiotic and immune system stimulator,
helping to build resistance to colds, flu and infections. It increases the
production of white blood cells, and improves the lymph glands. The tea from
this herb should be used in all infections and has been used in treating
skin cancers and other cancers.
Religious importance
It is believed that Echinacea is used as an offering to the spirits or gods
and goddesses to strengthen a spell or ritual.
Habitat
This herb for its growth prefers the prairies, open and dry places. It
easily adapts to most soils and grows in full sun. The area of North America
is perfect for the growth of this perennial that reaches to about 2 feet
tall.
Elder
Scientific name: Sambucus nigra
Medicinal value
This herb is an internal cleanser when fighting flu and colds. Acne can
also be treated with this herb when taken as a tea Elder flower oil is a
remedy for chapped skin and is also used to cleanse the body, build the
blood, treat inflammation, fever and soothe the respiratory system. Being an
antiseptic it heals external wounds and is also used as an insect repellant.
Fresh Elder's stem has cyanide and hence should not be used internally by
pregnant or lactating women.
Religious importance
It is believed that if this herb is scattered in all wind directions it
brings protection, can be used for magical wands for ritual. In Denmark, it
is believed to be unlucky to have furniture made of elder wood. It is used
at weddings to bring good luck to the newlyweds.
Habitat
With a height up to 30 feet, this shrub prefers moist areas throughout
North America.
Elecampane
Scientific name: Inula helenium
Medicinal value
This herb is an effective remedy for treating intestinal worms, water
retention and to lessen tooth decay and firm the gums. This herb can be
externally used for washing wounds and itching rashes. It is burned to repel
insects.
Religious importance
It is believed that this herb adds to love charms and amulets of all kinds.
Habitat
The mushy and damp soil of roadsides and pastures is appropriate for the
growth of this perennial that grows 3 - 6 feet tall.
Eucalyptus
Scientific name: Eucalyptus globulus
Medicinal value
This herb has antiseptic values when used as an oil and is used to treat
pyorrhea (gum disease) and prevent infections after burning. The oil and
steam of leaves if breathed in will help clear the sinuses. When mixed with
water or vegetable oils, it makes a good insect repellant.
Religious importance
It is believed that this herb has healing energies and a branch or wreath
over the bed of a sick person helps spread the healing energies and its oil
if added to healing baths, and for purification.
Habitat
Capable of reaching heights till 250 feet this is among one of the tallest
trees of the world with the adaptability to several soil conditions this
thrives only in areas where the average temperature remains above 60 degrees
Evening Primrose
Scientific name: Oenothera biennis
Medicinal value
This herb's oil stimulates to help with liver and spleen conditions. Even
Multiple Sclerosis, low blood pressure, pain of angina can be cured by it
besides being an element to slow the production of cholesterol. It is a
valuable part of an herbal remedy for treating the symptoms of pre-menstrual
syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramping.
Habitat
The American variety found throughout North America prefers dry soils and
full sun. It is a biennial, and grows 3 - 6 feet tall.
Eyebright
Scientific name: Euphrasia officinalis
Medicinal value
This herb stimulates the liver to remove toxins from the body and can be
used externally and internally to treat eye infections and afflictions such
as pink- eye. The herb strengthens the eye, and helps to repair damage.
Religious importance
It is believed that Eyebright is used to make a simple tea to rub on the
eyelids to induce and enhance clairvoyant visions.
Habitat
Being adaptable to many types of soil Eyebright needs full sun for proper
growth. It is a small annual that has a maximum height of 2 - 8 inches.
