GENERAL TIPS ON LOOKING UP MEDICINAL PLANTS:
1. Always use latin name for scientific findings, for folk uses and lore surrounding a plant, often the common name is used.
2. Specific wording helps. Example- “published scientific studies on (latin name of plant) for (ailment x).” Sometimes it helps to use a search for the plants beneficial ‘constituents’ or ‘actions/interactions.’
3. All plants are medicine and require knowledge of use. Always do your own research and take necessary precautions.
4. If on pharmaceutical medications, always check for drug interactions when using plant medicine and discuss with your practitioner.
5. Avenues for study / ways to discover more: Materia Medica’s are great resources for plant uses and preparations. I like to search for earliest historical references, biblical references, and folk aspects of plants including magical, astrological, alchemical and spiritual traditions.
6.* I am a believer in plant communication. If a plant is persistent for your attention, you probably need it. Look it up, check it out. Below: Native / Invasive categories refer to plant’s native range and origin, not pertaining to an invasive growing habit.
Available Plants 2026
American Spikenard - Aralia Racemosa
This relatively unknown native shade perennial is completely edible and a traditional medicine used worldwide for rheumatism and as a nerve relaxant. Among mixed information, it may be an At Risk species, another great reason to get it in the ground at your house.
Planting: Native / Perennial / Shade / Possibly good for snuffing out unwanted invasives
Black Seed - Nigella Sativa
Full disclosure, the Lantern Fly took these babies out last year. I’m adding new protection levels to the mix this year and hopefully this power house of medicine can be brought back into our local habitat. Another rare and struggling species to help along, lets keep our fingers crossed!
Planting: Native / Perennial / Full Shade Understory / Well drained-Hummus rich
Burdock - Arctium Lappa
Widely consumed in Japan as Gobo, this plant is a powerful detoxifier, blood cleanser, liver & kidney supporter and a friend to our beneficial gut bacteria.
Planting: Invasive / Biennial / Sun-Shade / Disturbed Soils
Cleavers - Galium Aparine
Often considered a weed, this wonderful spring cleaner may already be in your yard. A great gentle stagnation and toxin remover through the lymphatic system.
Planting: Naturalized / Annual / Sun-Shade / Well Drained
Comfrey - Symphytum Officinale
Commonly called “knit bone” for a reason. This plant is a giver with an insane vitamin and mineral profile that your body needs and your garden loves. As a fast grower, cut fresh leaves mid-season and they break down in 48 hours and feed your plants.
Planting: Invasive / Perennial / Part Sun / Various Soil Conditions
Elecampane - Inula Helenium
A big gorgeous multiheaded plant that demands attention. The golden roots are used as an expectorant for wet cough, digestive support and works as a prebiotic for gut flora improving absorption.
Planting: Invasive / Full Sun / Well Drained
Fenugreek - Trigonella Foenum-graecum
Easy, great for you, must have plant. Fenugreek grows fast, is easy to harvest and has a multitude of uses including- diabetes, cancer, inflammation, heart health, respiratory support, and much more. Plant one, collect seed and make new ones!
Planting: Invasive / Full Sun / Varied
Mullein- Verbascum Thapsus
The most famous lung herb. Used widely this fuzzy wuzzy biennial baby brings great texture to the garden scape. She can move around so be mindful when bloom time comes to collect seeds and prevent spread.
Planting: Invasive / Sun or Part Sun / Most
Prickly Pear- Opuntia Humifusa
Cactus in your garden in NY? Yes! The coolest (also rare) native medicine. Great for diabetes and as a general antioxidant, cactus is also a great food and beverage plant. The fruits are well known for their uses in beauty products, and delicious.
Planting: Native / Full Sun / Rocky Sandy Dry
Red Sage- Salvia Miltiorrhiza
On the top 7 best medicinal plants by Stephan Harrod Buhner (my favorite plant author), the beneficial constituents of the beautiful red roots of this sage are water soluble and best as a tea. Great for all things blood and heart, a cardio-protective, blood cleaner and circulation supporter aiding in inflammation and pain.
Planting: Invasive / Sun-Part Shade / Various
Sheep Sorrel- Rumex Acetosella
One of the plants used in a well knows anti-cancer formula called Essiac Tea by Dr. Rene Caisse, sheep sorrel is fabulous in any salad with tart lemony leaves. This easy garden perennial is dense with vitamins and minerals your body needs. Reportedly a spreader and is considered an invasive pest by many, she needs to be well managed and/or kept in pots.
Planting: Invasive Spreader / Sun-Part Shade / Various
Skullcap- Scutellaria Baicalensis
Most people think of anxiety in association with skullcap, but it is also a powerful antiviral herb working to stop replication of SARS-CoV-2, Influenzas, HIV, Hepatitis, Herpes, Measles & Polio. Some amazing actions working in this plant, dive in and learn all about her. Plus, the bees like her.
Planting: Invasive / Sun-Part Shade / Various
Tobacco- Nicotiana Rustica & Tabacum
Nicotine binds to the same cell receptors as Covid and other respiratory illnesses preventing access to the cell. It has also been studied for enhancing cognition and memory, as well as the benefits to Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons diseases. Leaves can be used for tea all season and roots harvested for drying.
Planting: Native / Sun / Well Drained
Turkey Rhubard- Rhuem Palmatum
This is not only powerful medicine, but an impressive ornamental show plant. The roots are harvested to make medicine, the leaves are highly poisonous, and there seem to be mixed opinions on whether or not to eat the stalks. I planted mine last year and will most likely try the stalks cooked this year.
Planting: Invasive / Part Sun / Well Drained-Moist
Event Five
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event Four
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event Three
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event Two
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event One
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.