Amaranth Velvet Curtains

French name : Amarante Velvet
Latin name : Amaranthus cruentus “Velvet curtains”
Family : Amaranthaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 1,8 m
D : 30 – 45 cm
Soil : moist and well-drained.
Parts used : leaves and seeds.

PROPERTIES

An ornamental, nutritious, and edible plant, like all other amaranths.

USES

For cooking : nutritious and rich in protein, its leaves are consumed like spinach, and its seeds like cereal. You can even sprout the seeds as microgreens or stir-fry them in a little oil like popcorn.Other uses : you can leave the amaranth plants in the garden. With their abundant nutritious seeds, they can provide food for the birds in the fall and early winter.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Caution: if you suffer from arthritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, gallstones, or urolithiasis (kidney stones).
* Do not consume the leaves if you suffer from arthritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, gallstones, or urolithiasis (kidney stones).

Angelica

French name : Angélique
Latin name : Angelica archangelica
Family : Apiaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 1 – 2,5 m
D : 1 m
Soil : rich and humid.
Parts used : young leaves and stems, roots, and seeds. For medicinal properties, we mainly use the roots, picked in the fall of the first year.

PROPERTIES

Appetite stimulant, tonic, digestive, stomachic, etc.

USES

Used for gastric nervousness, general fatigue, digestive atony, bloating, overwork, etc. For cooking : its peeled stems, picked before flowering, are often eaten candied.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy. * Not recommended for people suffering from diabetes. * May cause dermatitis upon contact for certain individuals; it is recommended to wear gloves. * May have photosensitizer effects.

Anise Hyssop

French name : Agastache
Latin name : Agastache foeniculum
Family : Lamiaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 60 cm
D : 30 – 45 cm
Soil : well-drained.
Parts used : leaves and flowering tops.
* Although it can withstand our harsh winters, I suggest growing it as an annual plant. Its growth rate is quite fast.

PROPERTIES

Digestive, carminative, purifying, pectoral, culinary, aromatic, and more.

USES

Used to help digestion, to relieve bloating, coughing, etc. For cooking : With its mild aniseed taste, it is delicious with fish, salads, some desserts, etc. *It is delicious in herbal tea; you can even add a little mint. This tasty combination is refreshing when drunk cold in summer and comforting when drunk hot in winter.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy.

Arnica

French name : Arnica
Latin name : Arnica montana
Family : Asteraceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 10 – 60 cm
D : 45 – 60 cm
Soil : rich in minerals, well-drained and rather acid. Cool temperature.
Parts used : flowers.

PROPERTIES

Revulsive, painkiller, anti-inflammatory, etc.

USES

External use only : Used for sprains, bruises, contusions, pain, etc.

CONTRAINDICATION

Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for children under 2 years old. * For external use only, toxic plant when used internally. * Never apply on an open wound.

Artichoke

French name : Artichaut
Latin name : Cynara scolymus
Family : Asteraceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 1,8 m
D : 50 – 90 cm
Soil : rich, deep, and well-drained.
Parts used : leaves near the stem, before flowering.
* Must be started early in the season (beginning of March) by sowing indoors.

PROPERTIES

Rich in mineral salts, cholagogue, choleretic, cleansing, diuretic, tonic, etc.

USES

Used for liver-related problems (jaundice, hepatitis, etc.), cleansing and strengthening the liver, arteriosclerosis, cholesterol, poor digestion, etc. For cooking : the leaves (those near the stem) and the heads of the artichoke are consumed cooked, steamed, or boiled.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children under 2 years old.

Ashwagandha

French name : Ashwagandha
Latin name : Withania somnifera
Family : Solanaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 60 cm – 2 m
D : 30 cm – 1 m
Soil : dry and rocky.
Parts used : roots.

PROPERTIES

Adaptogenic that nourishes and restores the nervous system and strengthens the immune system (immunomodulating), astringent, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, regenerative, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, antioxidant, etc.

USES

Used as a general tonic, for acute fatigue, stress, anxiety, insomnia, infertility, impotence, memory, energy, libido, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, circulation, etc.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children under 16 years old.

Asparagus

French name : Asperge
Latin name : Asparagus officinalis
Family : Asparagaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 1 – 1,5 m
D : 50 – 90 cm
Soil : rich, light, and well-drained.
Parts used : young shoots in the spring.

PROPERTIES

Cleansing, diuretic, purifying, etc.

USES

Used as a cleansing cure in the spring, etc. For cooking : steamed, in quiche, or omelettes.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Caution : Toxic fruit. * Do not use it during cystitis, gout or acute rheumatism.

Baikal Scullcap

French name : Scutellaire de Baikal
Latin name : Scutellaria baicalensis
Family : Lamiaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 40 cm
D : 30 – 40 cm
Soil : well-drained.
Parts used : roots.

PROPERTIES

Bitter, refreshing, sedative, antioxidant, febrifuge, hypotensive, hypocholesterolemic, antispasmodic, digestive, hemostatic, antibacterial, anxiolytic, diuretic, stimulates the liver, etc.

USES

Used for hypertension, diarrhea, jaundice, miscarriage, urinary tract infection, nosebleed, internal bleeding (lungs, intestines), dysentery, chronic hepatitis, gastroenteritis, etc.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy.

Balloon Flower

French name : Campanule à grande fleur
Latin name : Platycodon grandiflorus
Family : Campanulaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 10 – 15 cm
D : 20 – 30 cm
Soil : rich and well-drained.
Parts used : roots (2–3 years).

PROPERTIES

Bitter, pungent, and warming, dilates the bronchial tubes, expectorant, etc.

USES

Used against mucus, bronchitis, colds, lung abscesses, pleurisy, sore throat, etc. For cooking : in Korea the roots are consumed in soup as a vegetable tonic. Its pretty purple flowers are also edible.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended for medicinal use and during pregnancy.

Basil

French name : Basilic
Latin name : Ocimum basilicum
Family : Lamiaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 30 – 45 cm
D : 15 – 30 cm
Soil : rich, light, and well-drained.(Leave the seeds in the light and cultivate at temperatures above15 °C to 20 °C)
Parts used : leaves and flowering tops.

PROPERTIES

Aromatic, culinary, digestive, calming, febrifuge, intestinal antiseptic, etc.

USES

Used for digestion, abdominal cramps, nervousness, nausea, headaches, fever, etc. For cooking : with tomatoes, mashed potatoes, for making pesto, etc.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children under 2 years old.

Bearberry

French name : Busserole
Latin name : Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Family : Ericaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 10 – 15 cm
D : 30 – 60 cm
Soil : humid, sandy, acid (peat moss).
Parts used : leaves.

PROPERTIES

Antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial, diuretic, melliferous (appreciated by bees), etc.

USES

Used for urinary tract infections, cystitis, vaginitis, etc.* For Cystitis should always be accompaniedby marshmallow.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children under 12 years old. * Use for a short period (7–10 days maximum) because it is irritating to the kidneys. * Not recommended for people with kidney disease.

Beebalm

French name : Monarde écarlate
Latin name : Monarda didyma
Family : Lamiaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 1 – 1,2 m
D : 30 – 60 cm
Soil : rich, moist, and well-drained.
Parts used : flowers.

PROPERTIES

Melliferous (appreciated by pollinators), aromatic, stimulating, digestive, anti-inflammatory of the digestive tract, expectorant, carminative, febrifuge, antiseptic, emmenagogue, etc.

USES

Used to relieve nausea, vomiting, indigestion, flatulence, cough, fever, stimulate appetite, gum and ulcer pain, menstrual pain, etc.For cooking : delicious when added to fruit salads, green salads, to make lemonade, flavoured vinegar, syrups, etc.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy.

Betony

French name : Bétoine
Latin name : Stachys officinalis
Family : Lamiaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 30 – 60 cm
D : 30 – 50 cm
Soil : moist, neutral to acidic.
Parts used : leaves and flowering tops.

PROPERTIES

Appetite stimulant, astringent, calming, healing, emetic, expectorant, nervine, vulnerary, etc.

USES

Used in small doses for dizziness, headaches, paralysis, colds, sinusitis, neuralgia, nervous tension, etc. External use : varicose ulcers, wounds, etc.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy.
* In excess can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Black Cohosh

French name : Actée à grappe noire
Latin name : Cimicifuga racemosa
Family : Ranunculaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 1,5 m
D : 24 cm
Soil : rich and humid.
Parts used : roots.

PROPERTIES

Antiseptic, painkiller, febrifuge, reduces coughing, stimulates the uterus, etc.

USES

Used to alleviate premenstrual symptoms, or menopausal symptoms, reduces fever, pain, and coughing, and is used for gargling to help sore throat, and more.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Blessed Thistle

French name : Chardon Béni
Latin name : Cnicus benedictus
Family : Asteraceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 65 cm
D : 30 cm
Soil : rich and well-drained.
Parts used : the whole plant, except for the roots.

PROPERTIES

Very bitter, antiseptic, antibiotic, digestive tonic, expectorant, healing, febrifuge, galactagogue, etc.

USES

Used to promote the production of milk when there is a lack of appetite related to depression or anorexia, gas, colic, diarrhea, excess mucus, etc. External use : to help the healing of wounds and ulcers.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy. * Caution : too much may cause vomiting.

Blue Cohosh

French name : Actée à grappes bleues
Latin name : Caulophyllum thalictroides
Family : Berberidaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 30 – 75 cm
D : 45 – 60 cm (indefinite, will spread).
Soil : rich and humid.
Parts used : rhizomes and/or roots.

PROPERTIES

A plant that stimulates the uterus, is anti-inflammatory (pelvic), diuretic and antiparasitic.

USES

Used for painful menstruation, and endometriosis, to facilitate childbirth, and any pelvic inflammations. Also, can be used to expel intestinal worms…

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. * Not recommended if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. * Use with caution.

Blue Flag

French name : Iris Versicolor
Latin name : Iris versicolor
Family : Iridaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 50 cm
D : 30 – 45 cm (indefinite, will spread)
Soil : rich, moist, and well-drained.
Parts used : rhizomes *Very beautiful violet and yellow flower.

PROPERTIES

An alterative plant (heals wounds). It has other properties (laxative, purgative, emetic, etc.) for internal use, but it is no longer recommended nowadays for those purposes.

USES

External use only, to clean wounds.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children under 2 years old. * Toxic plant, for external use only.

Blue Vervain

French name: Verveine bleue
Latin name : Verbena hastata
Family : Verbenaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 90 cm – 1,2 m
D : 25 – 40 cm
Soil : moist and well-drained.
Parts used : flowering tops.

PROPERTIES

Calming, uterine tonic, sedative, expectorant, etc.

USES

Used for the nervous system, menstrual pain, etc

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy.

Borage

French name : Bourrache
Latin name : Borago officinalis
Family : Boraginaceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 30 – 1 m
D : 30 – 45 cm
Soil : rich, humid, and well-drained.
Parts used : flowering tops, pressed seeds for oil.

PROPERTIES

Refreshing, bechic, calming, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, antidepressant, hormonal regulator, edible, etc.

USES

Used for respiratory tract ailments, minor depression, fever etc. The oil is used for premenstrual syndrome, menopause, high blood pressure, etc. For cooking : its pretty, delicate, and refreshing flowers are great in salads, ice cubes, for decorating desserts, and more.

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
* The plant contains a small amount of alkaloids, so do not take in large quantities, nor over a long period of time (3 weeks maximum). The oil from the seeds contains no alkaloids, so it is recommended for long-term use. * Touching may cause dermatitis. People with sensitive skin be cautious.

Burdock

French name : Bardane
Latin name : Arctium lappa
Family : Asteraceae

GARDENING TIPS

H : 1,5 m
D : 1 m
Soil : rich and humid, neutral to alkaline.
Parts used : roots picked in the fall of the first year.

PROPERTIES

Purifying, antiviral, antiseptic, emollient and mucilaginous, anti-inflammatory, effective against staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus and pneumococcus (if taken in time), and more.

USES

Used for all skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, and more), rheumatism and gout, blood cleansing (with curled dock or red clover) and acne (with dandelion), etc. For cooking : peeled young stalks can be eaten like celery, and the roots can be eaten raw in salads or used in Japanese cuisine (Gobo), soaked and then stirfried with carrots, sesame oil, soy sauce and I like to add a little lemon!

CONTRAINDICATION

* Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.