Searchable Herb list
Pamela Allen MH
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Alfalfa is a great ground cover. It is a tall plant and produces beautiful, eatable, delicious flowers that bees love. It is believed to improve the quality of the soil. Its roots reach deep into the Earth bringing nutrients to the surface. It also chokes out less desirable plants. My dog loves to hide in his patch of alfalfa. It seems it gives him a cool spot to hang out. Alfalfa is considered the Father of all Foods so add it to your diet. Eat the fresh leaves and flowers in salads. Alfalfa tea is an earthly tasting nourishing tonic. Combine with other herbs to make a refreshing, mineralizing drink. Infuse leaves and flowers fresh or dried. Alfalfa is part of my Springtime Tonic Herbal tea blend.
Basil is a familiar useful annual herb. There are many varieties to choose from. It is a little tough to grow. It is sensitive to low water, too much heat and it can’t be planted out till after the last day of frost. Pinching the tops prevents the flowers from developing and helps the plant to bush out. Use the leaves fresh add them to sauces or dry for winter use. At the end of the season when you are ready to make pesto cut down the whole plant. Hang up and dry for winter use away from light and heat. Harvest before first frost. It does not reseed itself. This herb must be high in antioxidants due to its aromatic properties with its medicinal properties similar to oregano. Smelling basil essential oil will really wake you up. The plants hot nature makes it a powerful stimulant and should not be used in large quantities.
 Echinacea and Bee Balm |
Blueberries are tough to grow in Colorado, even when care is taken in selecting the proper species. They need a lot of attention and it takes as long as four years for the small bushes to bear fruit. The antioxidant properties of blueberries are renowned and the leaves can be brewed into a tea that has an action similar to cranberry.
 Borage |
Calendula is a common flowering ornamental annual. It poorly reseeds itself. It is drought resistant and can take full sun. Marigolds are calendula and possess similar properties. I plant marigolds throughout the garden to deter destructive insects and improve vigor of veggies. These plants are not commonly taken as a tea internally but it makes a wonderfully soothing wash for irritated or sunburned skin.
California poppy and Oriental Poppies are common flowering ornamentals. All poppies contain opiates in the seed heads with California poppy displaying the mildest gentlest form. California poppy is an annual that poorly reseeds itself. It blooms early in the year and its yellow buttercup flowers are pretty in a wild flower garden mixed with iris. It is drought resistant and can take full sun. As a nervine, California poppy is most useful when the plant is fresh. Wilt the plant slightly, infuse, freeze unused portion for later use or tincture fresh plant. California poppy has a gentle action and is safe for children. It s most common use is as a sleep aid.
Oriental poppy’s flower is a little showier and the plant is perennial. It seems to thrive on a lack of attention surviving the worst conditions where there is a lack of water and intense sun. It is not used medicinally as it is much stronger than California poppy. Allow the flowers to develop into a seed pod and you will find a mass of the familiar, useful spice poppy seed.
Catnip is a mint but is typically kept in check by cats. I grow it for my cats so I just replant it as necessary. It does seem to prefer a shady damper place. The leaves can be infused and used as a mild sleep aid for children. It is effective fresh or dried.
 Chamomile |
Clary Sage is a typical member of the mint family and is grown for its aromatic properties. I never liked the smell of Clary sage essential oil but I love the smell of the fresh plant. It is drought resistant and hearty.
Comfrey grows on the alley in my yard. It is a large plant with flowers that the bees love. It does spread but it is not transplanted easily. The leaves have hairs like mullein and can cause skin irritation. The root and leaves are used medicinally.
Dig the root in the fall wash well chop and dry for winter use. The leaves can be gathered throughout the year and dried for winter use or used fresh brewed into a tea for coughs and colds.
Cranesbill is native to the Rocky Mountains and has a pink flower. It is easy to find in the wild usually growing with wild rose. It is grown as an ornamental in home gardens and produces a blue flower. The flower develops into a seed pod that looks like a cranes bill, hence its name. This is a handy herb to know on the trail as it has a strong astringent property. The root is traditionally used. It can be brewed into a tea or chewed to relieve diarrhea or give relief to gum inflammations. This chewed mass of root can by packed on a blister so the hike may go on.
Damiana is a small shrub that grows in New Mexico. I don’t grow it in my garden currently but it is possible. I like using this herb because it one of our native plants and has a gentle action. It is considered a tonic to the nervous system and traditionally used in formulas for virility and fertility. It does have a mild emmenagogue property so it should only be used in small doses by pregnant women. It is a component in my Summer Cooler herbal tea blend.
Dandelion, Russian thistle, and Lambs quarters are the common unwelcome guests in our gardens. Dandelion is a useful medicinal herb but if you grow it for this purpose grow it in a place that is not sprayed with pesticides or frequented by dogs. Dandelion is perennial and produces the first greens of spring and can be delicious eaten raw or steamed. Attempt to keep it under control by digging the root for its medicinal properties.
Russian thistle is a perennial weed we are all familiar with. Its control is difficult. It produces a mass of seeds. The seeds posses the medicinal properties and can be gathered eaten or brewed into tea. I have heard the stalk can be peel, cut, steamed and eaten tasting a bit like celery.
Lambs quarters are a less obnoxious invader that can be eaten like spinach. It has a milder taste when it is young.
Echinacea with its daisy-like flowers is a familiar ornamental in gardens. It is perennial and native to the prairie. Echinacea pupurea has purple flowers and is the one most commonly grown. Black-eyed Susan is also in the Echinacea family, its scientific name is Echinacea padilla. The native species bears a white flower and is the hardest to grow. This species is believed to have the strongest medicinal properties. The root is commonly used but I have found that the flowers of the purple variety can be brewed into a tea and are effective for all of the suggested uses. The flowers are a little sweeter and gentler. Echinacea is in ingredient in my Winter Warmer tea blend and my Boo Boo Balm salve.
 Elderberry |
Evening Primrose is one of the wild flowers I have planted in my yard. It is native, hearty and drought resistant. It is biannual producing its large, yellow five petal flower on a tall stalk in the second year. It produces a mass of seeds and is the source of the famed evening primrose oil but the seeds are so small they are not useful. The butterflies and sphinx moths seem to enjoy this plant. I just like to have this plant around as it is part of the natural landscape.
 Fennel and Borage |
Garlic is a great herb to grow in the garden. Its presence protects against harmful insects. It is an aggressive plant. Expect it to attempt a take over. It spreads by producing seed heads that fall to the ground and sprout up as new plants. It also sucks the nutrients out of the soil, leaving a hard, claylike clump that nothing else can use. Garlic needs two seasons for the familiar bulbs to develop. It can be dug and harvested and used anytime. The young Curly-Q seed heads make a delicious snack or add them to soups, sauces, and stir fry.
Partake of garlic’s medicinal properties by adding it to you diet. There is nothing quite like using your own garlic to make your own fresh pesto or salsa.
Gota Kola is a tropical viney plant that can be grown easily indoors in cooler climates. It has a similar action to gingko but is more gentle and easier to grow. The leaves are delicious added to a salad. Gota kola is caffeine free and a component in my tea blend called Autumn Tune-up.
Grapes and Gooseberries have a place in my garden for the delicious fruit they produce.
Hawthorn is a beautiful tree that grows slowly in this climate. The leaves, flowers and berries are considered medicinal. Brew the leaves and flowers into a tea or dry a few for winter use. The berries are delicious and taste like apples. It can be tedious to gather the berries remove the seeds and cook into a syrup, but it is my favorite way to use this herb.
 Hops |
Hops are a beautiful, aggressive climbing vine that forms a dense trailing mat and bears inconspicuous cone shaped green flowers. It grows all over the United States. It is the flowers that are traditionally used. Collect them at there peak, they can dried or used fresh. Hops flowers can be brewed into a tea and taken as a sleep aid. It has a strong smell and taste that is difficult to disguise. The flowers give beer its distinctive bitter taste. I use hops flowers in my Dream Cream salve.
Horehound is a drought hearty perennial that grows all over the United States. It is a pretty plant with its blue-gray foliage but it is an invasive member of the mint family that thrives in poor, dry soil. It does not have a pretty flower and the seeds resemble Motherwort’s barbed seed pod. It clings to everything and accounts for its ability to spread. Horehound is usually taken as a tea for coughs and colds or used in lozenges. It is bitter and is better tolerated as part of a formula. It is effective fresh or dried and is one of the ingredients in my Winter Warmer herbal tea blend.
 Horseradish |
Horsetail is a wetland plant that I grow next to my pond. It is a urinary herb and is typically used fresh. I don’t like the taste but it is an interesting herb to grow.
Hyssop is a hearty, drought tolerant, bee plant. It does not spread as wildly as some and is more easily controlled. Bees love the flowers and it is a handy herb to have around. It doesn’t taste too bad brewed into a tea. Hyssop is an ingredient in my formula for coughs and congestion, I call Winter Warmer.
 Lavendar |
Lemon Balm and Spearmint are members of the mint family. They are distinguished by their square stems. Both are fragrant, drought tolerant, invasive, bee plants. Spearmint spreads underground and can be controlled by planting it within a barrier. Lemon balm spreads by a mass of seeds so be diligent with weeding it out where you don’t want it. These plants survive well out on the alley growing and thriving where other plants won’t. Lemon balm smells great, crush a few leaves between your fingers and breathe in the delicious fragrance. It is a real head clearer. It makes a more bitter tea than would be expected.
Spearmint makes a delicious tea and also seems to be effective at discouraging ants. Plant it by a door to keep the ants out of the house. My problem area is by the back gate. Planting spearmint drove the ants out of my yard. Peppermint has the same properties as they can be used interchangeably. I prefer the taste of spearmint.
It is suggested that mints are better used fresh. Pick a hand full of leaves, allow them to wilt slightly and cover with hot or cold water to make a tasty tea. I have gathered, dried and used both all winter long with good effects. Mints can be used to moderate the taste of more bitter herbs. Lemon balm is an ingredient in my clear thinking formula I call Autumn Tune-up.
Lady’s Mantle is a beautiful plant that is easily grown in the garden. It seems to do better in the shade and needs a steady supply of water. Lady’s Mantle is traditionally a women’s herb and is believed to have magical properties. The dew that collects on the leaves is believed to be as precious as holy water having the power to purify and cleanse all illness. The leaves are traditionally used as a tonic to female concerns and have no known toxicity.
Licorice is native to the Rocky Mountains and can be found growing along roadsides with mullein. It is a member of the legume family and it a large pea-like plant. It bears white to light yellow flowers that develop into burred pods. The whole plant has a sticky feel. The root is used and traditionally harvested in the fall. It is not commonly grown in gardens and has proven difficult. It has a natural sweetness and can be used to moderate the flavor of less tasty herbs. I use it in my Winter Warmer herbal tea blend due to its expectorant property. It also acts as a mild steroidal acting on the adrenals. It is particularly beneficial for adrenal exhaustion and may help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Licorice should not be used in large doses by those with high blood pressure as it may aggravate this condition.
Lily of the Valley is a member of my shade garden. It is grown for its fragrant flowers. Its medicinal use is not recommended by the layman.
Lovage is a member of the umbelliferae family. It grows quite tall and produces a large white umbrella like flower. It is not traditionally used medicinally but the root can be dug dried and used in potpourri as a fixative. The whole plant smells a bit like celery.
Motherwort is a member of the mint family and the leaves are used. It is an invasive, drought resistant perennial. It does not produce a pretty flower but does develop a seed that is barbed and clings to everything. I planted it because it is hard to find in the commercial market and when taken as a tea is very grounding. Motherwort is part of the formula I designed as a female tonic, called Summer Cooler.
Mullein is one of our hearty native plants. I like to grow it for is beneficial flowers. It is generally biannual producing a tall flower stalk with small yellow flowers. The hairy leaves can cause irritation so handle with are. It grows abundantly on dry rocky hillsides all over the Rocky Mountains but it has been difficult to grow in my home garden. It is not well suited to transplanting and it is difficult to start from seed. Plants I purchased at a nursery have done well. I have no experience on its invasiveness but it is such a survivor I would not be surprised if it spreads. The flowers can be made into a pain relieving oil that is used in the ears. The leaves are famous for being helpful to the lungs. It can be smoked, or taken as a tea. The leaves are effective when dried, the flowers are used fresh. Do Not use the leaves as toilet paper. This is a nasty rumor. Mullein is one of the ingredients in my cough and cold formula called Winter Warmer.
Nettle is a useful native herb. I include it in my Springtime Tonic herbal tea blend because it is nourishing and has a mild taste. I don’t recommend anyone grow it. It is an herb to be handled with care as the leaves contain formic acid (this is the same acid in ants). The formic acid in the leaves can sting the skin causing irritation. Nettle is usually found growing along streams and commonly used dried. Drying renders the formic acid harmless. Nettle can also be gathered fresh, carefully, steamed and eaten like spinach.
Oregano is another one of the useful members of the mint family that is perennial and hearty. It makes a nice addition to the home herb garden. Harvest and use the herb fresh herb as desired for the traditional uses in cooking. Cut this and other mints to the ground when ready to harvest for winter, tie into bundles, hang, and when dry store in a cool dry place, tightly covered out of direct light. I often keep my dried herbs in zip lock bags the freezer. Use fresh oregano to flavor olive oil for cooking.
Oregano’s medicinal properties have been well documented with an oil based product aggressively marketed. Oregano, thyme, sage all has similar aromatic, volatile oils. It is this property that is potentially medicinal.
Oregon grape is grown in my garden due in part to my interest in preserving native plants. It is considered and ornamental useful in xeriscape gardening. It has a holly shaped leaf that is evergreen and produces a yellow berry. The root contains the medicinal properties and take years to develop. Oregon grape root one of the primary herbs in my Boo boo balm salve and has been shown to relieve eczema.
Parsley is a hearty biennial. It is easy to grow and the leaves can be gathered and used fresh. It reseeds itself but it is not as much of a pest as fennel. The root is used as a diuretic. Cut the tops as needed. Dig the root in the fall clean well, cut and dry.
Raspberry is famous for its delicious berries. There is nothing like snacking on your own raspberries fresh off the plant. I always check on their progress first thing in the morning when I go out to get the newspaper. The leaves can be brewed into a tasty, refreshing tea that is high in minerals and dried leaves for winter use. This plant is also invasive. It is sometimes planted in an area where it can be controlled. But then again what would be wrong with more raspberries.
 Red Clover |
Roses are probably the most prized garden flower. The fragrance has been treasured for centuries. Roses have been cultivated and breed to produce every color and even be thorn less. Infuse the flower buds in pure water to make your own rose water. Add the flowers to body oil infusing their fragrance into your own massage oil blend. A tea made of the flowers is delicious. Add a few petals to sun tea for a delightful surprise.
I use roses in my Dream Cream salve and in my female tonic herbal tea blend which I call Summer Cooler.
Rosehips form at the end of the season where the flowers were not gathered. Leave a few flowers to develop into hips. These are eatable and are a nice addition to tea blends. The wild rose produces the nicest rosehips.
Rosemary I have grown but it will not survive the Rocky Mountain winters outdoors without protection. Keep it indoors and use all year long. Rosemary is believed to improve the memory and clear the mind. It is added to bridal bouquets for remembrance. Rosemary was hung in hospitals as it was believed to lift the spirits. It is believed to possess antiseptic properties similar to oregano and thyme. An infusion of rosemary or thyme makes a cheap substitute for Lysol. It can be taken as a tea.
Rhubarb is another one of the large perennials I grow to eat. It is often one of the first fruits available after a long winter. The stalk is delicious eaten raw or made into pie. Gather, and cut the stalks then cook them with some sugar to make a tart delicious syrup that is a powerful laxative. Consume with this in mind. Do not eat the leaves; they are believed to be toxic.
Rue is the latest addition to my yard. It is a pretty perennial plant, hearty, and drought resistant. It does not seem to spread. Rue can grow quite tall and produces an attractive flower. It is has medicinal properties that require further study before use.
Sage is a famous spice and it is easy to grow. It is a large member of the mint family but it does not seem like its brothers and sisters. The whole plant smells great but the flowers are a special treat that the bees love. The above ground portion is used. Harvest and use the flowers and leaves fresh or dry for winter use. Use sage as a spice or infuse and take as an aid to digestion or relieve flatulence. The tea is traditionally used to relieve hot flashes during menopause.
Saint Johnswort is a beautiful ornamental plant that is easy to grow. It is drought tolerant and very invasive. It spreads by a mass of seeds so weeding is the best means of control. It is so beautiful when in bloom it can really lift the spirits and it is pure joy to watch the bees delighting in this plant. I would like to find the hive of those bees and treat myself to that St. Johnswort honey. The tops of the plant are used. It makes a bitter tea. I usually combine the flowers with lavender flowers to make a pain relieving massage oil. The forest service has outlawed its planting because it is invasive and taking over some forest service property. It also has been shown to make cattle sensitive to the sun when they eat it, making it unpopular with ranchers. By planting St. Johnswort you can be a bit of a rebel. I use St. Johnswort in my massage oil blend for sore muscles.
Skullcap is a member of the mint family and so it is easily grown in the home garden. It seems to need a little shade and a little more water than some mints making it less invasive than its cousins. It is mild tasting and considered a gentle nervine and is included in my AutumnTune-up tea blend.
 Solomon Seal and Wild Strawberry |
Sunflowers are another one of the volunteers in my garden. I have planted them mainly for the birds and they willing reseed themselves every year. Control them by weeding out the plants where you don’t want them. I learned this lesson the year my front yard was an impassable jungle of sunflowers. The bees and neighborhood kids loved it but it made watering and harvesting more difficult. The young developing flower heads are delicious added to stir fry or batter fried. The whole plant smells great but it does not do well as a cut flower. Of course you can grow it for your own use but it must be protected from squirrels and the birds. Sometimes protective netting can help.
Sweet Woodriff makes a beautiful ground cover that is hearty and spreads nicely. It prefers a shady, damp location and produces a small white flower. The whole top of the plant can be used and develops its fragrance when dried. The smell of Sweet woodriff reminds me of vanilla and makes a nice addition to potpourri. The medicinal properties are similar to cleaves and can be taken as a tea.
Thyme is a fragrant beautiful herb that is an easily grown hearty and drought resistant perennial. It stays small and is slow to grow. There are many varieties to choose from. Use it fresh or dry for winter use. Thyme’s aromatic properties make it useful in cooking and also give it its medicinal properties. Thyme tea has a fairly mild taste, is safe for children and is great for sore throats, colds and flu. I use it my Winter Warmer tea blend.
Valerian is another medicinal herb disguised as a garden ornamental. It is sometimes referred to as garden heliotrope. It is perennial and grows 3 to 5 feet tall. It produces a large white umbrella-like flower. The root is used medicinally and has a famed reputation as a muscle-relaxer and sedative. It can take large doses for it to be effective and may act like a stimulant in some. Try it in small doses to start and experiment with its effectiveness. It is harvested like other roots that are gathered for medicinal purposes. The root has a strong earthy smell and taste that is difficult to mask. It combines well with chamomile.
Wood Betony is one our native woodland plants. It needs some shade and regular watering. It is part of my shade garden with Jacob’s ladder, and Columbine. It is considered a nervine but I have never gathered and used it.
Yarrow is a traditional ornamental commonly grown in gardens. It makes a great dried flower and the whole plant is very fragrant. It is available in many colors but only the white one is considered medicinal. It is taken as a tea but I do not like the taste. Infuse the leaves and use as an after dinner beverage. It is believed to stimulate the parasympathetic system. Its traditional use is as a diaphoretic. Yarrow is often combined with peppermint, and elder for cold and flu care. It is safe for children.
©2006 Pamela Allen MH.