|
|
|
Skullcap, Baical (Scutellaria baicalensis)
Huang qin. Chinese medicinal prescription for fevers, colds, hypertension, insomnia, headaches, hepatitis, diphtheria, shingles and other ailments. Many of it's uses are now supported by clinical studies. Used in China for thousands of years. Stunning deep blue flowers on a small shrub-like plant.This is a fantastic plant for the herbal landscape. Striking as a mass planting or hedge. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Perennial tree. Native to North America. The fresh inner bark makes a good survival food. Native Americans used this bark in the treatment of hemorrhoids and tumors. Well known for its soothing effect on the digestive tract due to its mucilaginous nature. The population of Slippery Elm Trees is dwindling due to Dutch Elm Disease and over-harvesting for the herbal industry. It is an act of conservation to plant these graceful trees in our herb gardens. Hardy to zone 4.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
A graceful woodland lilly with sweet scented cream flowers. The powdered root is used for swelling, bruising and inflammation. American Indians used the root for lung problems, upset stomach, arthritis and rheumatism. Native to a woodland setting and requires a shady location. Hardy to zone 5.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Speedwell (Veronica officinalis)
This low creeping herb with pale blue flowers is native to England, Ireland and Scotland. An Infusion is useful for coughs and as a lotion. It is effective on skin eruptions and slow healing wounds. Hardy to zone 3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spikenard (Aralia californica)
Spikenard has an adaptogenic effect like ginseng, toning the entire system against stress and particularly strengthening for the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems. Spikenard is particularly indicated for chronic weakness in the pulmonary region and makes a good soothing expectorant syrup or tincture for coughs and bronchitis. The Native people used Spikenard for pregnancy as a blood builder and digestive tonic. Native to California, it tends to grow on the banks of rushing creeks in fairly deep shade. Needs a moist location with ample shade and well drained soil. Becomes a large shrub to 10 feet. Hardy to zone 4.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spilanthes (Spilanthes acmella s. oleracea)
Toothache Plant. This annual herb has gained notoriety as an excellent immune stimulant at the beginning stages of both viral and bacterial infections. Effective for ear infections, cold sores, yeast infections and various dental problems. Also shows a strong anti-fungal effect and helps to rid the body of blood parasites, such as malaria and possibly Lyme Disease. This herb is not for daily use. Excellent when used interchangeably with Echinacea. The plant is very pretty, forming a spreading mat of shiny green leaves with reddish tinges and sending up masses of conical yellow gold and red flowers with no petals, which are harvested throughout the summer. Chewing on a fresh or dried flower can numb the mouth in short order. A worthwhile addition to any herb garden and very productive in a garden setting. Enjoys a fertile soil, full sun and plenty of moisture. Annual. Not hardy. Zone 11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda Punctata)
Yellow Dotted Mint. Originating from the southern and Eastern US, this unusual monarda can grow to 4 feet tall with inch long yellow blooms spotted with purple. The aerial parts are strongly aromatic with a spicy fragrance. Makes a nice addition to tea blends and the dried seed heads can be used in arrangements. Hardy perennial, which is very attractive to beneficial insects, bees and butterflies. Easy to grow and thrives in good garden soil. Prefers full to part sun. Hardy to zone 7.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
St Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum ]
Traditional use: The brilliant red oil has been used as a deep penetrating analgesic to damaged nerves and muscle tissue making it a great remedy for any kind of sports injury. The tincture, used over a period of time, is an effective anti-depressant. Hypericin has known anti-viral properties and is now being investigated as a possible treatment against HIV and has also proven helpful to MS. St Johnswort is a hardy, drought tolerant plant which has naturalized throughout much of the West. Considered a noxious weed in California, I consider this herb one of the most valuable First Aid remedies for the home herbalist. Grows readily in a well drained garden setting. The prolific small yellow flowers on 2 foot stems bloom at the beginning of summer. All aerial parts of the plants are medicinal. Perennial. Hardy to zone 3. Not for sale to CA, CO, MT, SD, WA states
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stavesacre (Delphinium staphisagria)
Stavesacre, Delphinium staphisagria, Lice Bane, Lousewort. This species of the common larkspur was originally found in parts of Asia and southern Europe. The seed was commonly used as an external wash by the Greeks, Romans and on through the Middle Ages for various skin parasites. The plant and seeds are considered poisonous and should not be used internally, although low doses were used historically for pain relief and to induce vomiting. Today, it is considered toxic for ingestion. The plants have finely lobed leaves and bloom with pretty spikes of purple. Prefers a partly sunny location and plenty of moisture. Annual in cold areas, otherwise biennial to Zone 8.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
Native to Paraguay. A remarkable sugar substitute, Stevia's flavor is stable when cooked. You can use it in jams, canned fruits, cakes and cookies. Your own home grown will taste much better than store bought. Stevia is fast growing. It thrives in full sun and well drained soil. Pinch off the flowers as you would with basil. If Stevia is allowed to flower, they droop and become dormant. Some studies have shown that it contains substances that inhibit tooth decay, increase mental alertness, decrease fatigue, improve digestion, regulates blood pressure, and is safe for diabetics. However it has not been approved by the FDA. Excellent sugar substitute for diabetics. My children love to nibble the leaves. Stevia is a tender perennial. Hardy to zone 9.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)
Herbaceous perennial noted for its sting when stumbled upon. Nettles are incredibly rich in micronutrients and minerals. The young leaves are harvested for tea or as a food. I love nettles steamed, sautéed, and made into a vinegar by soaking the leaves. A wonderful medicinal food plant. The tops are also a great addition to your compost pile or use the tea to water your plants. An adaptogenic herb that is a tonic to your whole system. No healing garden should be without nettles. Hardy to Zones 3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stoneroot (Collinsonia canadensis)
Traditionally the astringent rhizomes and roots are used internally for
kidney and urinary stones, cystitis, diarrhea, gastroenteritis and
hemorrhoids. Combines well with Joe Pye Weed. Another plant native to
the hardwood forest in the eastern and central US. Stoneroot has
attractive oval leaves and yellow flowers. It prefers a wooded site with
ample shade and moisture. Perennial. Hardy to zone 3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua)
This annual reaches to heights of 8 feet and has feathery foliage and reddish stems. Chinese herbalists recommend it to stop wound bleeding and to help new muscle growth (although they warn of possible side effects). It is used by the Chinese Army to prevent malaria. Chinese research has recently isolated an anti-malarial compound, which treats drug resistant strains. Great as a base for wreath making. Strong spicy scent. Not Hardy. Zone 11.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis var. Crestwood)
This is a hardier variety of this popular culinary spice tree. I would still keep this tree in a pot, in a sheltered place for a few years before planting outside in colder climates. Slow growing tree can reach 15-20 feet with glossy dark green leaves. Hardy to zone 6.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Flag Licorice (Accorus gramineus "Licorice")
Sweet Flag Licorice. Acorus gramineus, Dwarf Sedge, Japanese Sweet Flag, Chinese Sweet Flag, Sekisho {Japanese} Shi Chang Pu {Chinese}. This water loving bog plant is originally from China, Japan and East Asia and can be found growing in shallow wetlands . It has been used for thousands of years in China and Japan both as a food, a flavoring and medicinally. The rhizomes have been used in stir-fries and the licorice flavored leaves used in cooking rice. The highly scented leaves are also used in Thai and SE Asian cuisine. Used in TCM to clear the respiratory system, strengthen digestion and ease pain. Easy to grow, but needs plenty of moisture and full to partial sun. Perennial. Hardy to Zone 6 .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Grass (Hierochloe odorata)
This is the Sweet Grass used by Native Americans to scent hair and clothes and is also burned as in ceremony as an incense. Perennial. Hardy to zone 3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
A beautiful tree with great Fall colors. The leaves release a fragrance when crushed, but the bark has even more perfume as it contains the resin called storax. The bark is burned as an incense and is used for fumigation. The balsamic resin is an expectorant used in inhalants for bronchial infections and is also used to treat skin disease. Mixed with rosewater and witch hazel, it makes a cosmetic astringent. 2 year old plant. Hardy to zone 5.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Originating from North Africa, SE Asia and the Mediterranean, this lovely herb was known to the Greeks as “Joy Of The Mountain”, representing "Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love". This highly aromatic, delicate plant looks great in a rock garden or in a container outside the kitchen. Sweet marjoram is a great culinary herb with a mild oregano-like flavor but with a different after-taste. It makes a wonderful herb vinegar or herbal oil and is used instead of oregano, for a milder effect. Medicinally sweet marjoram has anti- microbial properties and when used externally can help ease rheumatic pain. Taken as a tea, it helps with tension headaches and stomach upset. The aromatic leaves are often used in potpourri as well.The plant has grayish green leaves and tiny white flowers frequent snipping will provide plenty of herbage for winter stews and soups. Tender perennial prefers full sun and a well drained site. No cook should be without this herb. Hardy to zone 9.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Violet (Viola odorata)
Originating from Eurasia, these sweet woodland perennials are a treat to the eye in early spring. The delicate scalloped leaves form a spreading rosette, eventually creating a large mat and the deep purple blooms are a welcome sight in spring. Medicinally, the leaves and flowers can be made into syrup for coughs, congestion and sore throats. Traditionally, it was a remedy for whooping cough. The flowers have a wonderful scent and are a great addition to a bath or skin wash. Tea from the whole plant is a long time remedy for headaches, body aches and digestive disturbances. Recent studies support its historic use as a popular cancer remedy and the essential oil from the flowers is used in perfumery. Lovely plant for the dappled shade garden. Violets like plenty of moisture and a rich soil but can tolerate a poorer site as long as it is not in full sun. Hardy perennial. Hardy to zone 5.
|
|
|
|
|
|
![St Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum ]](http://www.crimson-sage.com/shop/images/152.jpg)
