Wormwood

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Family: Compositae

Latin Name: Artemisia absinthium

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Description

Perennial with feathery gray-green leaves, long stalked, and oval, that produce an acid odor. Flowers are small, round, greenish-yellow florets, followed by simple seeds. Height: up to 2 and a half feet. Blooms: July-August.

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Common Uses

Wormwood expels roundworms and threadworms, probably due to its sesquiterpene lactones. It is also a muscle relaxer that is especially used for rheumatism. It also improves digestion and the absorption of nutrients. It eases gas and bloating and slowly strengthens the digestive system when taken over time.

Quassia

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Family: Simaroubaceae

Latin Name: Quassia amara

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Description

Tree with smooth, grayish bark, alternate oblong leaves and small red flowers. Produces three pea-size drupes that are black, shiny, and globose with a thin shell. Height: 50-100 feet. Blooms: October-November

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Common Uses

Quassia has been shown in laboratory studies to have antiviral and anti-ulcer effects. Clinical studies have shown that it is effective in treating head lice. In the U.S. it is most often used for relieving digestive disorders and as a digestive aid. Additionally, it is used as a live and gallbladder aid, as well as to prevent kidney stones.

Cloves

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Family: Myrtaceae

Latin Name: Syzygium aromaticum

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Description

Cloves are the rich brown, dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family.

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Common Uses

Cloves have antiseptic, stimulant, stomachic and digestive properties. As an anti-infectant, cloves are effective against coli bacilli, streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, and as an antimycotic. The oil, too, is used in dentistry for its antiseptic and analgesic properties. The oil, as well as whole and powdered cloves, is used for local pain-relieving purposes. Besides all their other uses, cloves can treat acne, skin ulcers, sores, and sties.