Latin name: Helichrysum italicum
Family: Asteraceae
Latin name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Family: Lamiaceae
Furnace Creek Farm is a thirty-six acre farm located in the historic Oley Valley. The land is split down the middle by Furnace Creek with field and meadow on either side and slopes upward to a rocky hillside, creating a diverse habitat ideal for medicinal and native plant growing.
The Oley Valley has been recognized as some of the most fertile farm land in the country since the early 1700's. In 1983 the entire township was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and amazingly 90% of the land remains in its original use since settlement. Furnace Creek is one of several small farms creating crop diversity and ecological sustainability in this traditional farming community.
Lain name: Withania somnifera
Family: Solanaceae
Common Names: German Chamomile
Latin Name: Matricaria recutita
Plant Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Parts Used: Leaf, flower
Habitat: Native to Europe and other temperate regions; grows in common garden soil
Uses: For centuries, Chamomile has been taken for digestive problems, such as pain, indigestion, bloating, and colic. It is safe and gentle enough for children and can also be used for Crohn’s disease and IBS. Chamomile is typically known for its ability to relieve irritability and help sleep. Can be applied externally to help itchy skin and eczema.
Actions & Constituents: Bitter glycosides provide a carminative effect and digestive aid. Antispasmodic due to spiroether and antiallergenic due to chamazulene produced by proazulenes. Also has anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties.
How to Prepare: Can be made into an ointment, tincture, or tea.
Chamomile flowers can also be infused into a bath to relax children (or adults)
The early Greeks gave Motherwort to pregnant women suffering from anxiety.
Common Names: Lion’s Tail
Latin Name: Leonurus cardiac
Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Parts Used: Leaf
Habitat: Native to central Asia; grows wild in woodlands, open areas, and along roadsides; can grow in common garden soil
Uses: As its species name cardiaca indicates, Motherwort has long been thought of as a heart remedy. It is often prescribed for heart palpitations, and it acts as an antispasmodic to promote relaxation in muscles. However, it paradoxically stimulates the muscles of the uterus and can help with delayed menstruation or menstrual cramps.
Actions & Constituents: Alkaloids have a sedative effect on the central nervous system and aid in hypertension. Also contains an iridoid, diterpenes, and tannins, which contribute to its antispasmodic and anti-rheumatic properties.
How to Prepare: Primarily prepared as a tea
Common Names: shiso, zisu, jiso
Latin Name: Perilla frutescens
Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Parts Used: Leaf, stem, seed
Habitat: Native to the mountains of East and Southeast Asia; grows very easily in common garden soil and is commonly considered to be an invasive weed.
Uses: Traditional warming herb of Chinese medicine that is thought to resolve the exterior and dissipate cold; often used for nausea during pregnancy, stomach viruses, and food poisoning; because of its warming properties perilla is good for colds and sinus problems; most commonly used for flavor in cooking.
Actions & Constituents: Volatile oils and fatty acids in the seeds can alleviate coughs; in terms of Chinese medicine, the seeds have the ability to cause uprushing qi to descend; perillaldehyde is the major flavor and fragrance constituent; leaf extracts have shown antioxidant, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anorexigenic, and tumor-preventing properties.
How to Prepare: Fresh shiso can be used a multitude of ways in cooking—as a garnish or ingredient in soups, salads, rice bowls, and sushi. Calming and warming when prepared into a tea
In Chinese medicine, Perilla is known as “zisu”. “Zi” refers to the purple color of the stem and “su” means comfort, as the leaves when taken in a tea have calming effects.
Common Names: Common Balm, Balm Mint
Latin Name: Melissa officinalis
Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Parts Used: Leaf, flower
Habitat: Native to southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa; grows in common garden soil
Uses: Traditionally used to lift the spirits, as well as heal wounds, relax the heart, and treat toothaches and cold sores. Modernly used to treat anxiety, nervousness, mild depression, and irritability. Because of its antithyroid effect, the herb is also given to people with an overactive thyroid.
Actions & Constituents: Antiviral due to polyphenols, relaxant and antispasmodic because of the plant’s volatile oil, inhibits thyroid function
How to Prepare: Can be prepared into an essential oil, tea, or tincture.
Lemon Balm’s botanical name, Melissa, comes from the Greek word for bee, referring to the great attraction the plant holds for bees.
What do we do with our weeds?
When they are this beautiful we let them stick around for a while. Otherwise, we do a lot of hand weeding. We are a no-spray farm and use biodynamic and organic growing practices.
IN TRUTH, when it comes to weeds there's a dichotomy built in to being both an herbalist and farmer. While the farmer needs to grow the crop as efficiently as possible to maximize yield, an herbalist views each naturalized plant as integral to a healthy habitat. Where the plant has placed its feet tells a lot about your soil, water, and environmental conditions. Loose these messengers and you are left with trial and error when it comes to herbs that are much closer to wild than their vegetable counterparts. Farmers do not like the error part, the hard work requires the reward. The herbalists looks to each plant for its ability to round out a medicinal repertoire. Why spend all the time seeding, sowing and weeding when you can let nature do all the work?
Thistle, oh dear thistle. It's like a bad child. We love thistle as the detoxifier, reverses liver damage, gives us glowing skin. But it's the four year old with a plate of fudgy brownies, you will see it everywhere. Just as you've had enough, it beams a smile with its glorious flower and you forgive all. Until, that is, you have to clean up the mess and she pricks you through the toughest nitrile gloves. Ahhh... am I a farmer or am I an herbalist?
Latin Name: Silybum marianum
Family: Asteraceae
The old saying goes: “I, Borage, bring always courage,” as the plant is believed to drive away sadness and melancholy, as well as comfort the heart.
Common Names: Starflower
Latin Name: Borago Officinalis
Plant Family: Boraginaceae (Forget-Me-Not family)
Parts Used: Leaf, flower, seed oil
Habitat: Native to Mediterranean region; grows in common garden soil
Actions & Constituents: Anti-inflammatory, soothes respiratory problems, and helps inflamed skin because of plant’s mucilage content and emollient qualities.
Uses: Seed oil can aid in PMS, rheumatic problems, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions.
How to Prepare: The flowers can be prepared into a tea, however Borage is primarily cultivated for its seed oil.
Latin name: Inula helenium
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: garden valerian, garden heliotrope, all-heal
Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis
Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeyuckle family)
Parts Used: Root
Habitat: Native to Europe and northern Asia; grows wild in damp conditions.
Uses: Valerian had been used as a sedative and relaxant at least since Roman times. It helps relieve stress and is a safe and non-addictive relaxant that reduces nervous anxiety. In the 16th century, research was published detailing valerian’s ability to cure epilepsy. Beneficial for almost any stress-related condition, valerian can also help people who find it hard to “switch off”. Helpful in conditions associated with muscle tension, such as asthma, menstrual pain, and IBS.
Actions & Constituents: Valepotriates in the root act as a sedative and relaxant to relieve muscle spasms and induce sleep; relaxant properties relieve anxiety and lower blood pressure
How to Prepare: Can be made into a decoction, tincture, or tea.
Dioscorides, a physician in the 1st century AD, named Valerian phu because he thought the sound of the word accurately reflected the unpleasant smell. However, some people find the smell very pleasant.
Spilanthes extract has been found to relax facial muscles, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, almost like Botox.
Common Names: paracress, toothache plant, electric daisy, jambu
Latin Name: Acmella oleracea
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Parts Used: Leaf, flower
Habitat: Most likely native to Brazil, prefers well-drained, dark soil
Actions & Constituents: Spilanthol has a numbing and saliva-producing effect. The tingling sensation indicates that the herb is stimulating an immune reaction. Some studies on rats have shown that spilanthes might be an aphrodisiac. Antiseptic and antimicrobial.
Uses: Most commonly used to treat toothache and sore throats, as chewing the flowers temporarily numbs the mouth. Can be used as an antispasmodic to help relaxation. Beneficial for viral outbreaks, such as colds and flu or fungal outbreaks. In small amounts, it can be used as a palate cleanser between courses because it promotes salivation. Increased salivation can be very beneficial in kickstarting the digestive process.
How to Prepare: Flower buds and leaves can be added raw to salads. Traditionally made into a tea and can be prepared into a tincture.
Latin name: Echinacea tennesseensis
Family: Asteraceae
Grace Galanti is an herbalist specializing in holistic health and skin care. Her passion for plants began as a child growing up on a small farm in Berks County and was nurtured by an outstanding elementary school science teacher who made the outdoors her classroom. Grace graduated from the country’s leading naturopathic medical university, Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, with a Bachelor of Science in Herbal Sciences and previously became certified as a holistic health counselor from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. Grace is a Certified Dr. Hauschka Esthetician specializing in botanical skincare utilizing herbal and nutritional health counseling as part of her holistic approach. Grace is a both a New York and Pennsylvania state licensed esthetician. In 2004 Grace returned to her native Berks County and settled in the Oley Valley to begin growing her medicinal repertoire.
Image used with permission from Patricia Scialo.
How do we handle pests and disease?
Well, firstly, we'd like to keep the good ones around.
We use organic farming practices such as crop rotation, natural repellents like neem oil, lots of ladybugs, and keeping up with soil fertility for healthy strong plants to resist disease from the start.
In pre-Christian Germanic communities, Linden trees were planted in assembly places. Celebrations, dancing, and even judicial meetings were held under them.
Common Names: common lime, common linden, Tilia vulgaris
Latin Name: Tilia spp.
Plant Family: Tiliaceae (mallow family)
Parts Used: Flower, leaf
Habitat: Native to Europe; often found in the wild, but does well planted in gardens and along roads; long-lived; traditionally planted in meeting places
Actions & Constituents: Flowers contain antioxidant flavonoids that improve circulation, quercetin is a diaphoretic, some oils in linden are mildly sedative.
Uses: Linden relieves tension and sinus headaches. It is very calming and can aid sleep, as well as relieve stress and panic, particularly nervous palpitations. The flowers can relieve nasal congestion and soothe fever, which makes it ideal for colds and flu. Commonly taken to relieve high blood pressure, particularly when caused by emotional factors. Used in France to make lotion for itchy skin.
How to Prepare: Most commonly made into a tea
Latin name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
Family: Malvaceae
Common Names: featherfew, featherfoil
Latin Name: Tanacetum parthenium
Plant Family: Compositae (Daisy family)
Parts Used: Flower, leaf
Habitat: Native to southeastern Europe; prefers well-drained soil and sun.
Uses: Traditionally a woman’s herb since Roman times, feverfew can be used to induce menstrual flow and aid in expelling afterbirth during difficult births. As its name indicates, it is often used to lower fevers and cool the body. Feverfew is great for migraines and headaches, particularly those associated with menstruation. Can help arthritic and rheumatic pain.
Actions & Constituents: The main constituent is parthenolide, which is responsible for feverfew’s anti-inflammatory properties; it is an analgesic (painkiller), antirheumatic, a bitter, and reduces fever.
How to Prepare: Fresh leaves can be eaten daily to prevent migraines. Can also be made into a tea, tincture, or capsules.
Feverfew was traditionally planted around dwellings because it was thought to purify the atmosphere and ward of disease.
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Rosoideae
Tribe: Potentilleae
Genus: Alchemilla
Common Names: Althaea
Latin Name: Althaea officinalis
Plant Family: Malvaceae
Parts Used: Leaf, flower, root
Habitat: Native to Europe; prefers marshy fields and tidal zones
Uses: Useful whenever a soothing effect is needed. Excellent for stomach ailments—counters excess stomach acid, aids in IBS and colitis, and can have a mild laxative effect. Brings relief to respiratory problems, and can be used externally to soothe inflamed skin. Teething babies may find relief from chewing on a peeled root.
Actions & Constituents: High mucilage content combats inflammation; flavonoids can help prevent inflammatory diseases and cancer.
How to Prepare: Can be made into a tea; also helpful as a syrup for children.
Marshmallow root was once a key ingredient of actual marshmallows.
During the American Civil War, calendula flowers were used on opens wounds because of their antihemorrhagic and antiseptic properties.
Common Names: Field marigold
Latin Name: Calendula arvensis
Plant Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Parts Used: Flower
Habitat: Native to southern Europe; flourishes in almost all soils
Actions & Constituents: Triterpenes have an anti-inflammatory effect; high in both resins and mucilage, which heal wounds; antiseptic and detoxifying qualities; bitter glycosides aid in digestion
Uses: Calendula is very effective at healing cuts, wounds, varicose veins, and various inflammatory conditions. Very good for many mild skin problems, including sunburn, acnes, diaper rash, and fungal conditions like athlete’s foot. Can also be taken internally to help digestive system and to cleanse the liver and gallbladder and treat chronic infections.
How to Prepare: Commonly taken as a tea, but can also be made into a cream or ointment for skin.
Chopping elder branches was considered dangerous in rural England because woodcutters believed that the tree was inhabited by the Elder Mother. They would recite a rhyme to avoid her wrath.
Common Names: Elder, common elder, elderberry
Latin Name: Sambucus nigra
Plant Family: Adoxaceae
Parts Used: Flower, berries
Habitat: Native to Europe; thrives in woods, hedges, and along creek beds
Actions & Constituents: Flavonoids and phenolic acids have antioxidant properties, triterpenes are anti-inflammatory, acts as a diuretic to remove waste products
Uses: Flowers are ideal for colds and the flu and help reduce fever; they also increase resistance to infection and help with chronic congestion; have been found to be helpful in arthritic conditions; the berries increase body temperature, causing a virus-fighting effect
How to Prepare: Can be used as a tea or tincture. Traditionally, the berries were made into elderberry wine.
In the Middle Ages, fennel was considered to be an antidote to witchcraft.
Common Names: Fenkel, sweet fennel, wild fennel
Latin Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Plant Family: Apiaceae (celery, carrot, parsley family)
Parts Used: Leaf, bulb, seed, root, oil
Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region; grows in common garden soil
Actions & Constituents: The volatile oil is antispasmodic and the bitter seeds contain fenchone.
Uses: Frequently used in cooking, as it has an anise-like taste. Fennel seeds relieve bloating, stomach pain, stimulate appetite, and are anti-inflammatory. Great for digestion and helps to treat kidney stones. Infusions can help sore throats and are safe for children.
How to Prepare: Commonly made into a tea, syrup can be prepared from fennel juice
Common Names: “King of Herbs”
Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum
Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Parts Used: Leaf, flower
Habitat: Most likely native to India; easily grows in common garden soil
Uses: Traditionally, basil was used to increase breast-milk production, but is now principally used to aid the digestive and nervous systems to ease stomach cramps and indigestion. Basil juice can also act as an insect repellent and relieve insect bites when applied externally.
Actions & Constituents: Its volatile oil contains linalool and methyl chavicol, which provide a fresh scent and repel insects. Basil has an established antibacterial action.
How to Prepare: Leaves are most commonly used fresh in cooking. Can also be made into an essential oil to apply externally on skin.
The herbalist John Gerard noted that someone stung by a scorpion would feel no pain if they ate basil.
The Latin Tropaeolum translates to “Nose Twist,” as Nasturtium has a strong peppery smell.
Common Names: garden nasturtium, Indian cress, monks cress
Latin Name: Tropaeolum majus
Plant Family: Tropaeolaceae
Parts Used: Flower, leaf, seed
Habitat: Native to Peru; flourishes in sunny sites
Actions & Constituents: All parts appear to be antibiotic, but the constituents are unknown; glucocyanates, which give it a peppery taste, have been linked to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It is also full of vitamin C.
Uses: An infusion of the leaves may be used to increase resistance to bacterial infections, as well as clear nasal and bronchial congestion. Can be used externally as an antiseptic wash. Most commonly, nasturtium makes an excellent salad vegetable.
How to Prepare: Can be eaten raw or prepared into a tea
Coriander has been used in cultures throughout the world, including ancient China, ancient Egypt, and ancient Greece. It was listed in the Ebers papyrus, which dates to about 1500 BC.
Common Names: Cilantro
Latin Name: Coriandrum sativum
Plant Family: Umbelliferae
Parts Used: Leaf, seed, essential oil
Habitat: Native to southern Europe and western Asia; grows in most soils; cultivated throughout the world
Uses: Although more often used as a spice than as a medicine, coriander is a gentle remedy for stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence. It counters nervous tension and settles spasms of the gut. A lotion made from coriander can be applied externally for rheumatic pain.
Actions & Constituents: Flavonoids in coriander have antioxidant properties. Coriander also contains coumarins and phenolic acids, and is antispasmodic and antiseptic.
How to Prepare: The fresh or dried seeds can be used as a spice in cooking; the leaves, known as cilantro, are commonly used fresh in Mexican, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisine. An infusion can also be made as a gentle digestive aid.
