Hawthorn
Scientific name: Crataegus oxycantha

Medicinal value
This herb is used to cure insomnia, prevent miscarriage, heart ailments, strengthening muscles, prevent arteriosclerosis, angina, poor heart action and for treating nervousness. Religious importance
It is believed that the leaves are used to make protection sachets that if carried ensure good fishing. It is incorporated into spells and rituals for fertility and for protecting home from damaging storms.

Habitat
With a height reach of 40 feet this herb grows throughout North America and is tolerant to most soils but prefers alkaline, rich, moist loam.

Hazel
Scientific name: Coylus spp.

Religious importance
It is believed that the branches of this herb are used for divining and the wood makes wonderful wands. Hazelnuts if hung in the house bring luck and can be carried to cause fertility.

Habitat
For proper growth the Hazelnut trees should be planted in a well-drained, fertile, and slightly acid soil in any place with temperature below -10.

Heather
Scientific name: Calluna spp.

Medicinal value
This herb when made to tea suppresses cough and aids sleeplessness.

Religious importance
It is believed that heather if carried guards against rape and violent crime and if burned with fern it brings rain.

Habitat
This evergreen shrub with 1- 2 feet height prefers rocky or sandy soils and full sun for proper growth.

Henbane
Scientific name: Hyosycamus niger

Medicinal value
This herb is used to stop pain, lessens perspiration. As it is very toxic it is not advisable for use by pregnant women or weak children and must be taken in extremely small amounts for external use only and not on a regular basis.

Religious importance
It is believed that this herb if thrown into the water to bring rains.

Habitat
Due to the toxic nature it is not grown in home gardens but the climate and conditions throughout North America is perfect for its growth.

Holly
Scientific name: Ilex spp.

Religious importance
It is believed that holly is used as a protective plant and is used as decoration during the Yule season. It is said that if holly water is sprinkled on newborn babies it protects them.

Habitat
Sandy soil as well as acidic soil with full sun are just appropriate conditions for the growth of this 4 feet tall herb.

Hops
Scientific name: Humulus lupulus

Medicinal value
This herb is a sedative used for treating insomnia, coughs, bladder ailments, liver ailments and nervous tension. It is used in brewing beer and ales. Externally it is used to treat itching skin rashes and hives and it also removes poisons from the body.

Religious importance
It is believed that Hops is used in healing incenses and if included in sleep pillows it induces sleep and pleasant dreams.

Habitat
This herb is adaptable to many types of soil, prefers full sun and being a perennial has growth of 30 feet in height.

Horehound
Scientific name: Marrubium vulgare

Medicinal value
This herb is used as a home remedy for children's cough and as a tonic for the respiratory system and stomach. In large doses it acts as a laxative.

Religious importance
It is believed that this herb is used in incenses for protection and in exorcisms.

Habitat
Dry sandy soil and full sun and full sun is good for the growth of this perennial (except in very cold climates) that reaches to 3 feet tall and needs little water, tolerates poor soils and blooms during its second year.

Horseradish
Scientific name: Armoracia lapathifolia

Medicinal value
Herb oil is used to massage away muscular aches and help loosen chest congestion. It can be used to warm a cold body, and to clear up drippy sinuses.

Religious importance
It is believed that Horseradish is part of the Jewish Passover ritual and it repels evil around the home and property.

Habitat
By the second year this perennial plant grows to a height of 2- 3 feet throughout the world.

Horsetail
Scientific name: Equisetum arvense

Medicinal value
This herb is used for treating urinary tract infections, aid in coagulation, decrease bleeding, help broken bones heal faster, help brittle nails and hair and treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. When the plant boiled in water it makes an effective foot soak for tired feet and for the treatment of athlete's foot. It is advised to be not used by pregnant or nursing.

Religious importance
It is believed that whistles made from the stalks of Horsetail are used to call the spirits.

Habitat
Swamp and damp soils with full sun to partial shade are perfect for normal growth of this herb with a height of 1 - 2 feet.

Hyssop
Scientific name: Hysoppus officinalis

Medicinal value
This herb is used for treating lung ailments, aid in healing of wounds, soothe sore throats and inhibit the growth of the herpes simplex virus.

Religious importance
It is believed that Hyssop is used in purification baths and rituals and is used to cleanse persons and objects.

Habitat
This herb prefers dry conditions, tolerates most soils and full sun. It is a perennial shrubby plant growing to 3 feet tall and belongs to the mint family.