Okra

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Family: Malvaceae

Latin Name: Abelmoschus esculentus

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Description

Annual or perennial, with broad lobed leaves. The flowers are white to yellow with a red or purple spot at the base. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds. Height: Up to 2 meters

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Common Uses

Okra oil is high in the unsaturated fats oleic acid and linoleic acid. Okra fruit is high in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron, and protein. Okra's root has a strongly demulcent action, and be used (as an infusion) to treat syphilis.

Rhubarb Root

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Family: Polygonaceae

Latin Name: Rheum palmatum

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Description

A perennial herb with a thick rhizome and a basal rosette of coarsely toothed palmately divided leaves. The tall, robust, hollow, finely furrowed stem is branched toward the top and bears terminal panicles of reddish to greenish-white flowers.

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Common Uses

For centuries the rhizome of this rhubarb was highly regarded by the Chinese for its medicinal properties. Modern research has justified its reputation. It contains anthraquinones, which have a purgative effect, and tannin and bitters, which have the opposite effect. WARNING: DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE ABDOMINAL PAIN OR DIARRHEA. CONSULT HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR NURSING. DISCONTINUE IF YOU EXPERIENCE DIARRHEA OR WATERY STOOL.

Peppermint

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Family: Labiatae

Latin Name: Mentha piperita

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Description

Reddish, erect, branched stems up to 2-3 feet high. Peppermint's leaves are hairy, sharply serrated, and are green to reddish-green. Whorled clusters of reddish flowers form loose spikes at leaf axils.

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Common Uses

Peppermint is used for colds, flu, and fevers, and contains antioxidants to help the heart and circulatory system. Containing menthol, an anesthetic, peppermint is effective for soothing sore throats.