“Of the 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical medicines recently examined by the WHO, about 74 percent are used in modern medicine in ways that correlate directly with their traditional uses as herbal medicines by native cultures”1 

The following plants have proven health benefits supported by many scientific papers & are safe & effective when consumed in individual portions or dosages in a tincture, tea, salve or ointment. They not only serve as healthy additions to your lifestyle, but they function as prophylaxis for so many ailments mentioned herein.

It is true that “Mother nature has been a bottomless resource for fulfillment of mankind’s needs.” as scientist & author Singh Sukhwinder states in a study on the health effects of Lambs Quarter. But are we giving credit where credit is due if we don’t also remember: “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth & every tree that has fruit with seed in it.  They will be yours for food’. ” Genesis 1:29

Use the following information as a starting point for your own research.  This selection of plants are native to Southern Ohio & are found as “weeds” in my backyard. If you are local to the area, I would love to show you these plants in their natural environment. My name is Maggie & I am a retired seamstress. We may have crossed paths when I tailored your clothes or you may have driven past my road sign for “Alterations” off of Stubbs Mill Road.

1 McCarthy E, O'Mahony JM. What's in a Name? Can Mullein Weed Beat TB Where Modern Drugs Are Failing? Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:239237. doi: 10.1155/2011/239237. Epub 2010 Sep 19. PMID: 20953419; PMCID: PMC2952292.

2 Singh S, Singh A, Hallan SS, Brangule A, Kumar B, Bhatia R. A Compiled Update on Nutrition, Phytochemicals, Processing Effects, Analytical Testing and Health Effects of Chenopodium album: A Non-Conventional Edible Plant (NCEP). Molecules. 2023 Jun 21;28(13):4902. doi: 10.3390/molecules28134902. PMID: 37446567; PMCID: PMC10343354.

AMARANTH (Amaranthus cruentus)

A. cruentus is a pseudocereal (like quinoa & buckwheat) & has long been used in livestock feed because of the health benefits for humans & animals. 

Per an abstract in Sage Journals, A. cruentus “…stands out for its significant chemical composition. The high protein content & amino acid composition give amaranth medicinal benefits such as cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-allergic, & antihypertensive activity.”1

In another article, Special Issue Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods: Bridging Health & Food under a New Perspective author Justyna Baraniak states that A. cruentus is “of increasing scientific & industrial interest. This is due to its valuable biological properties, rich phytochemical composition, & wide pharmacological activity.”2

Attributed uses for Amaranthus cruentus in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Anorectic Anti-amnesic Anti-hypertensive Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Anti-oxidant Anti-thrombotic Gastrointestinal symptoms Immuno-stimulating

1Wolosik K, Markowska A. Amaranthus Cruentus Taxonomy, Botanical Description, & Review of its Seed Chemical Composition. Natural Product Communications. 2019;14(5). doi:10.1177/1934578X19844141

2Baraniak J, Kania-Dobrowolska M. The Dual Nature of Amaranth-Functional Food & Potential Medicine. Foods. 2022 Feb 21;11(4):618. doi: 10.3390/foods11040618. PMID: 35206094; PMCID: PMC8871380.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN (Rudbeckia hirta)

R. hirta is in the Asteraceae family (aster / sunflower family) & is one of the largest plant families with 1,500 genera & more than 23,000 species. An article by Ana Flavia Burlec in the collection Medicinal Plants: New Advances in Phytochemicals & Their Health Benefits explains how R. hirta exhibits therapeutic activities 3 (paraphrased):

• inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria • potent anti-oxidant properties through iron chelation & 15-LOX inhibitors • inhibits MCF-7 cell growth suggesting potential anti-cancer effects

Attributed uses for Rudbeckia hirta in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Analgesic Anti-bacterial Anti-cancer Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant Anti-microbial Anti-parasitic Anti-tumor Diuretic Insecticide Venereal

3 Burlec AF, Pecio, Mircea C, Tuchilus C, Corciova A, Danciu C, Cioanca O, Caba IC, Pecio S, Oleszek W, Hancianu M. Preliminary Phytochemical & Biological Evaluation of Rudbeckia hirta Flowers. Plants (Basel). 2023 Aug 4;12(15):2871. doi: 10.3390/plants12152871. PMID: 37571024; PMCID: PMC10420942.

CATMINT (Calamintha Nepeta Lamiaceae Savi aka Nepeta L. Savi )

Mijat Bozovic in Special Issue Essential Oils: Chemistry & Bioactivity explains the plant’s main essential oil constituent: pulegone: “Calamintha nepeta L. Savi is an aromatic herb with a mint-oregano flavor, used in the Mediterranean areas as a traditional medicine. It has an extensive range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant & anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-ulcer & insecticidal properties.”4

Another study by Ipek Suntar reviews the importance of the Nepeta species as a therapeutic agent in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research. Suntar says, “Nepeta species are characterized by terpenoid-type compounds & phenolic constituents, which exert several activities such as an antimicrobial, repellent against major pathogen vector mosquitoes, insecticide, larvicide against Anopheles stephensi, cytotoxic anticarcinogen, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory agent, & antidepressant, revealing its importance in medicinal & agricultural fields.”5

Attributed uses for Nepeta L. Savi in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Analgesic, Anti-convulsant / anti-spasmodic, Anti-depressant (as known in feline euphoria), Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant, Anti-sceptic (bactericidal / virucidal / fungicidal), Cytotoxic anti-cancer agents, Emmenagogue (stimulates flow / menstrual), Insecticide , Larvicide

4 Božović M, Ragno R. Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi & its Main Essential Oil Constituent Pulegone: Biological Activities & Chemistry. Molecules. 2017 Feb 14;22(2):290. doi: 10.3390/molecules22020290. PMID: 28216606; PMCID: PMC6155702.

5 Süntar I, Nabavi SM, Barreca D, Fischer N, Efferth T. Pharmacological & chemical features of Nepeta L. genus: Its importance as a therapeutic agent. Phytother Res. 2018 Feb;32(2):185-198. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5946. Epub 2017 Oct 18. PMID: 29044858.

CHAMELEON PLANT (Houttuynia cordata)

Elsevier published a paper on The therapeutic potential of Houttuynia cordata: A current review by C. Laldinsangi which summarizes the biological activities of the plant in several key areas 6 (paraphrased): Anti-viral capability against virus strains & contagious infections inhibiting replication of pathogens including Zika virus, influenza (IV-A, B & C), corona viruses & SARS-CoV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Epstein-Barr virus, Human Papillomavirus & Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Anti-bacterial properties of H. cordata water extracts studied against Salmonella typhimurium showed prolonged life-span in mice. In studies of Staphylococcus epidermidis & Streptococcus mutans they found that the oils from the aerial-parts & underground-stem parts of the plant exhibited varying magnitudes of effective inhibitory activity against all tested bacteria. Anti-parasitic activity of leaves have long been used as medicine to treat intestinal infection by the Naga tribes in North-east India.

Attributed uses for Houttuynia cordata in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Anti-bacterial Anti-inflammatory Anti-parasitic Anti-rheumatic Anti-viral Hepatoprotective Metabolic Venereal

6 Laldinsangi C. The therapeutic potential of Houttuynia cordata: A current review. Heliyon. 2022 Aug 24;8(8):e10386. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10386. PMID: 36061012; PMCID: PMC9433674.

CHICKWEED (Stellaria media)

A representative of the Caryophyllaceae family, S. media is a powerful little plant.  Its therapeutic substance has been dispersed all over the world since before recorded history. Different parts of the plant have been used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, diarrhea, measles, jaundice, renal, digestive, reproductive & respiratory tracts inflammations. There is an interesting rat study conducted by Mercy Iboroma in the IOSR Journal of Pharmacy & Biological Sciences. The study explored antioxidant & androgenic activity (hormones that promote male traits) of S. media after rats were exposed to the household insecticide, Dichlorvos. Dichlorvos induced vital organ damage in the kidney, liver, blood & spleen, as well as sperm cell impairment (spermatogenesis). The study discussed that rats given S. media leaf tincture (fresh or dry ) were found to have no significant change in the weights of vital organs (liver, kidney, heart & spleen) which signaled that the S. media dosage is “hepatoprotective & in line with its phytochemical components including flavonoids, saponins, tannins which act as anti-oxidants against DDVP-induced oxidative stress”. 7

Unrelated, but interestingly the study also reported: “reversal of all hepatic markers to near normal levels indicating the ameliorative effect have been reported for Lycopene against Dichlorovos treated rats. The antioxidant & therapeutic activity of Solanum lycopersicum [tomato] on liver & reproductive functions of male rats exposed to Cypermethrin was also reported”. 7

Attributed uses for Stellaria media in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Analgesic Androgenic Anti-bacterial Anti-diabetic Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory Anti-obesity Anti-oxidant Anti-proliferative (inhibits cell growth) Anxiolytic (reduces anxiety)

7 Iboroma M., Orlu E.E., Ebere N., Obulor A. Organic & antioxidant activity of Stellaria media on rat following sub-chronic exposure to dichlorvos. IOSR J. Pharm. Biol. Sci. 2018;13(6):38–46. 

CURLY DOCK (Arctium lappa)

An Elsevier study led by Feng Zeng in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules highlights the bioactivities combatting cytokine-storm & immune related diseases 8.  The findings concluded that A. lappa polysaccharides effectively:

• regulates immune in LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW264.7 cells

• inhibits intestinal inflammation in IL1 1beta-stimulated Caco-2 cells

• down-regulates the pro-inflammatory cytokines & inflammatory factors

• reduces intestinal inflammation by blocking TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway 

Attributed uses for Arctium lappa in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Anti-cancer Anti-diabetic Anti-inflammatory   Anti-obesity Anti-oxidants Anti-bacterial Anti-viral Blood circulation & purifier

8 Feng Zeng, Ying Li, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Li Shen, Xingyu Zhao, Trust Beta, Bin Li, Rui Chen, Wuyang Huang, Immune regulation & inflammation inhibition of Arctium lappa L. polysaccharides by TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in cells, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Volume 254, Part 2, 2024, 127700, ISSN 0141-8130.

DANDELION (Taraxacum)

Quoting directly from a study by Min Fan in Dandelion Taraxacum Genus: A Review of Chemical Constituents & Pharmacological Effects, the plant is “a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. As a well-known & extensively studied genus, dandelion comprises numerous species. Some species have been widely used in both complementary & alternative medicine to clear heat, detoxify, activate blood circulation, dispel stasis, & discharge urine. Multiple pharmacological studies have highlighted its therapeutic potential, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, & anti-rheumatic activities. Furthermore, bioactive compounds associated with these effects include sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils, saccharides, flavonoids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, sterols, coumarins, etc.” 9

Attributed uses for Taraxacum in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Analgesic Anti-aging Anti-bacterial Anti-hypertensive Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant Anti-rheumatic Anti-toxin Bile agent Cancer-fighting agents Diuretic Glucose homeostasis Hepatoprotective Immuno-stimulant Heart health Regulates cholesterol

9 Fan M, Zhang X, Song H, Zhang Y. Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents & Pharmacological Effects. Molecules. 2023 Jun 27;28(13):5022. doi: 10.3390/molecules28135022. PMID: 37446683; PMCID: PMC10343869.

GOLDEN ROD (Solidago virgaurea)

In traditional medicine Cherokees used an infusion of S. virgaurea for treating bruises & insect stings, Chippewa people made a syrup for treating respiratory infections, Ojibwe used it to treat chest pains. American Colonists used it as a “Liberty Tea”. Cornelia Fursenco in A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, & Pharmacological Activities states: [S. virgaurea] “is a familiar medicinal plant in Europe & other parts of the world, widely used & among the most researched species from its genus. The aerial parts of European goldenrod have long been used for urinary tract conditions & as an anti-inflammatory agent in the traditional medicine of different peoples…Published research on its potential activities is critically reviewed here: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, spasmolitic, antihypertensive, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasite, cytotoxic & antitumor, antimutagenic, antiadipogenic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, & antisenescence.”10

Attributed uses for Solidago virgaurea in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Allergies Analgesic Anti-adipogenic (Anti-obesity) Anti-bacterial Anti-Diabetic Anti-fungal Anti-microbial Anti-hypertensive Anti-inflammatory Anti-mutagenic (reduces the rate of mutation) Anti-oxidant Anti-parasitic Anti-senescence (Anti-aging) Anti-septic Anti-spasmodic Astringent Cardiovascular & Circulatory benefits Cytotoxic & Anti-tumor Diuretic Gastrointestinal disorder Respiratory infections

10 Fursenco C, Calalb T, Uncu L, Dinu M, Ancuceanu R. Solidago virgaurea L.: A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, & Pharmacological Activities. Biomolecules. 2020 Nov 30;10(12):1619. doi: 10.3390/biom10121619. PMID: 33266185; PMCID: PMC7761148.

LAMB’S QUARTER (Chenopodium album)

C. album was coined in America in 1804 after an ancient English harvest festival “Lammas quarter”; it’s not hard to understand why a festival was dedicated to this amazing plant. Springer Nature contains a review by Amrita Poonia in the Journal of Food Science & Technology on the nutritive value & biological properties of C. album 11. To quote Poonia: C. album is an “under exploited vegetable which has high functional potential apart from basic nutritional benefits. The plant is used in diet not only to provide minerals, fibre, vitamins & essential fatty acids but also enhance sensory & functional value of the food. The plant has been traditionally used as a bloodpurifier, diuretic, sedative, hepatoprotective, antiscorbutic laxative & as an anthelmentic against round & hookworms. Pharmacological studies have revealed that the plant possesses anthelmentic, sperm immobilizing & contraceptive properties. It is also claimed to be antipruritic & antinociceptive in action.”

In 2023 Sukhwinder Singh, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, in Moga, Punjab, India, led a compilation study published in Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI). Deriving data from scientific research databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, & Wiley Online, the study spotlighted the health effects of C. album. Singh says 12: “Although the plant is neglected & underutilized, it has been considered the future of smart food. Apart from conventional use in food, the plant has been used to cure different diseases. Juice of leaves is used for the treatment of burns, while the powdered leaves are often dusted on the irritating skin surface. Moreover, the aerial parts of the plant & their decoction are used to rub on the affected body parts to achieve relief from rheumatism & arthritis in the bygone times. The plant is advantageous to use in dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal & peptic ulcer, ophthalmopathy, splenopathy, & strangury. The oil made from the plant has been employed for paralyzing or killing intestinal worms. Additionally, the plant has historical use for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, & sedative activity. The plant is used as a blood purifier in folk medicine withal.”

And finally, Mamatha Hanumappa from the University of the District of Columbia highlights the astounding nutritional components found in this plant in a Fact Sheet: Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) is a Nutrient-Packed Edible Weed 13: To quote Hanumappa: “The plant is loaded with vitamin A (11,600 IU per 100 grams of leaves), which is higher than in spinach, & about 2.5 times more than in kale. It is rich in other vitamins, minerals (particularly calcium), protein & fiber. Compared to spinach, lambsquarters has about 2 times more vitamins B1 & B2, & 3 times more vitamin C & calcium.”

Attributed uses for Chenopodium album in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Analgesic Anti-inflammatory Anti-nociceptive (inhibits nerve sensation i.e. morphine) Anti-parasitic Anti-pruritic (stops itching) Anti-rheumatic Anti-scorbutic (preventing scurvy) Anti-ulcer Blood purifier Burns Cardiotonic (heart stimulant) Carminative (flatulence) Contraceptive (sperm immobilizing) Digestion (& indigestion) Diuretic (strangury / painful urination) General debility (weakness / fatigue) Gynecologic (PMS) Hepatoprotective (liver health) Ophthalmopathy (eye disease) Sedative

11 Poonia A, Upadhayay A. Chenopodium album Linn: review of nutritive value and biological properties. J Food Sci Technol. 2015 Jul;52(7):3977-85. doi: 10.1007/s13197-014-1553-x. Epub 2015 Apr 7. PMID: 26139865; PMCID: PMC4486584.

12 Singh S, Singh A, Hallan SS, Brangule A, Kumar B, Bhatia R. A Compiled Update on Nutrition, Phytochemicals, Processing Effects, Analytical Testing and Health Effects of Chenopodium album: A Non-Conventional Edible Plant (NCEP). Molecules. 2023 Jun 21;28(13):4902. doi: 10.3390/molecules28134902. PMID: 37446567; PMCID: PMC10343354.

13 University of the District of Columbia Fact Sheet-Lambsquarters(Chenopodium album) is a Nutrient-Packed Edible Weed(udc.edu)

MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus)

Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine published an article by Eibhlin McCarthy entitled What′s in a Name? Can Mullein Weed Beat TB Where Modern Drugs Are Failing? 14 (Paraphrasing) Death by tuberculosis goes as far back as ancient Egyptians & Iron Age British settlers. Our ancestors knew it as “white death”. But it’s not a disease of the past; strains of the mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, highly contagious, kills almost 5000 per day - a person every 20 seconds &, the WHO recently reported that in some areas of the world 1 in 4 people becomes ill with a form of TB that can no longer be treated with standard drugs. Mycobacteria are notoriously tough micro-organisms & their unique cell structure makes them intrinsically resistance to many antibiotics. So as with many of the well-known medicines (analgesics codeine, salicin & morphine, the antimalarial artemisinin, the antihistamine ephedrine, & the cardiac drug digoxin), we look to Mother Nature for therapeutic compounds.

A 2004 review by Adewole L. Okunade 15 tested in vitro the most promising botanical compounds for concentration & potency against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The compounds were divided as follows: (1) Alkaloids (2) Flavones, coumarins, chromone, & chalcone (3) Terpenoids (4) Steroids & saponins (5) Phenols & polyphenols. Compounds from each of the above classes have also been isolated from Verbascum species—which includes the “mulleins”.

BMC Complementary Medicine & Therapies published an article by Niaz Ali on the Anthelmintic & RelaxantActivities of Verbascum Thapsus Mullein 16. Ali begins with: “V. thapsus is used in tribal medicine as an antispasmodic, anti-tubercular agent & wormicide.” Ali goes on to provide an extensive review of Verbascum species’ potential pharmacological importance: …”leaves & flowers are reported to have expectorant, mucolytic & demulcent properties & are used in traditional Turkish medicine to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, dry coughs, tuberculosis & asthma. Plants within this genus are also used to treat hemorrhoids, rheumatic pain, superficial fungal infections, wounds & diarrhea. Such plants have inhibitory activities against murine lymphocytic leukemia & influenza viruses A2 & B. Verbascum species have numerous medicinal properties. For example, the leaves, flowers & roots have been used for treating fevers & bleeding from the lungs. The same parts have also been used as an astringent. Whilst the whole plant has been used to treat diarrhea & dysentery, & also as an analgesic & antiseptic, the paste obtained from leaves & flowers is used for coughs & pulmonary diseases; the seeds have narcotic properties. Powered leaves in the form of a poultice are used to relieve joints pain & to soften boils. Dried leaves of V. thapsus, however, are smoked for mental relaxation, whilst tea made from its leaves is used to treat colds & dysentery. It is believed that smoke from the plant can drive away ghosts from children. The product produced from decoction of its dried leaves & flowers is used to treat sore throats, bronchitis & abdominal pain, & can act as an expectorant & sedative. The leaves & flowers have antispasmodic properties & are used as an expectorant for bronchitis, tuberculosis & other respiratory ailments. V. thapsus leaves are also smoked to ease chest complaints & asthma.”

Attributed uses for Verbascum thapsus in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Abdominal pain Analgesic Anti-bacterial Antibiotic (Tuberculosis, leprosy) Anti-diarrheal Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory (hemorrhoids, rheumatic) Anti-oxidant Anti-parasitic Anti-spasmodic Anti-viral Boils Expectorant Mucolytic & Demulcent (thins & loosens mucus) Inhibitory activities against murine lymphocytic leukemia & influenza viruses Narcotic / Hypnotic properties Respiratory (bronchitis, bleeding of the lungs, dry coughs, tuberculosis, pulmonary & asthma) Sedative

14 McCarthy E, O'Mahony JM. What's in a Name? Can Mullein Weed Beat TB Where Modern Drugs Are Failing? Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:239237. doi: 10.1155/2011/239237. Epub 2010 Sep 19. PMID: 20953419; PMCID: PMC2952292.

15 Okunade AL, Elvin-Lewis MP, Lewis WH. Natural antimycobacterial metabolites: current status. Phytochemistry. 2004 Apr;65(8):1017-32. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2004.02.013. Erratum in: Phytochemistry. 2004 Aug;65(16):2415. PMID: 15110681.

16 Ali N, Ali Shah SW, Shah I, Ahmed G, Ghias M, Khan I, Ali W. Anthelmintic & relaxant activities of Verbascum Thapsus Mullein. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Mar 30;12:29. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-29. PMID: 22463730; PMCID: PMC3350428.

PLANTAIN (Plantago major)

Muhammad Bahrain Adom examined the medicinal benefits & chemical constituents of Plantago major in journals from 1937 - 2015. These papers are published in PubMed, ScienceDirect & Google Scholar. He summarizes, “…studies have found that Plantago major is effective as a wound healer, as well as an anti-ulcerative, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-bacterial, & anti-viral agent. It also combats fatigue & cancer, is an anti-oxidant & a free radical scavenger.”17

Attributed uses for Plantago major in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Analgesic Anti-bacterial Antibiotic Anti-diabetic Anti-diarrheal Anti-fatigue Anti-inflammatory Anti-nociceptive (inhibits nerve sensation i.e. morphine) Anti-oxidant & Free radical scavenger Anti-ulcerative Anti-viral Burns Cancer-fighting agents Splinters, stings & bug bites Wound healer

17 Adom MB, Taher M, Mutalabisin MF, Amri MS, Abdul Kudos MB, Wan Sulaiman MWA, Sengupta P, Susanti D. Chemical constituents and medical benefits of Plantago major. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Dec;96:348-360. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.152. Epub 2017 Oct 10. PMID: 29028587.

PURSLANE (Portulaca oleracea)

Belonging to the Portulacaceae family P. oleracea is a common succulent eaten in soups & salads around the world. Yan-Xi-Zhou, in the journals of BioMed Research International, writes, “Portulaca oleracea possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties such as neuroprotective, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, & anti-cancer activities.” The abstract goes on to say: …”Portulaca oleracea has been used as a folk medicine in many countries, acting as a febrifuge, antiseptic, vermifuge, & so forth. It exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, & wound-healing properties. It is listed by the World Health Organization as one of the most used medicinal plants, & it has been given the term “Global Panacea”. The Chinese folklore described it as “vegetable for long life” & it has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese Medicine. It is cold in nature & sour in taste & is used to cool the blood, stanch bleeding, clear heat, & resolve toxins. The dried aerial part of this plant is indicated for the treatment of fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, carbuncle, eczema & hematochezia with recommended dose…”18

Attributed uses for Portulaca oleracea in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Anti-bacterial Anti-cancer Anti-diabetic Antipyretic (fever reducer) Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Anti-oxidant Anti-parasitic Anti-septic Anti-ulcer Blood in stool Boils Dysentery Eczema Neuroprotective (prevent or slow disease progression of central nervous system diseases) Wound healing properties

18 Zhou YX, Xin HL, Rahman K, Wang SJ, Peng C, Zhang H. Portulaca oleracea L.: a review of phytochemistry and pharmacological effects. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:925631. doi: 10.1155/2015/925631. Epub 2015 Jan 26. PMID: 25692148; PMCID: PMC4321094.

SWEET ANNIE (Artemisia annua)

Traditional medicine has used Artemisia annua for thousands of years to prevent & treat infectious diseases & malaria. The biological properties of Artemisia annua has been extensively studied. A study by Axelle Septembre-Malaterre in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, says, Artemisia annua is “…described to have anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-plasmodial, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cholesterolemic & antiviral properties. Artemisia annua would also have important pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor & anti-obesity activities that contribute to the therapeutic effects of the plant.” The article goes on to say, “Artemisia annua has a large number of other biological properties such as hepatoprotective, antifungal, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory & anti-asthmatic activities.” 19

Attributed uses for Artemisia annua in ancient medicines, lore & pharmacological studies:

Anti-aging Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory Anti-malaria Anti-microbial Anti-oxidant Anti-parasitic Anti-lipemic(regulates cholesterol) Anti-tumor Anti-viral Asthma Cancer-fighting agents Constipation Epilepsy Fever reducer Gynecologic (PMS) Hepatoprotective (liver health) Immunity boosting (cancers/corona viruses/pneumonia) Metabolic (weight loss)

19 Septembre-Malaterre A, Lalarizo Rakoto M, Marodon C, Bedoui Y, Nakab J, Simon E, Hoarau L, Savriama S, Strasberg D, Guiraud P, Selambarom J, Gasque P. Artemisia annua, a Traditional Plant Brought to Light. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 15;21(14):4986. doi: 10.3390/ijms21144986. PMID: 32679734; PMCID: PMC7404215.