Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)
Boneset was traditionally valued by Native Americans to help heal wounds and sores, it was commonly used in the 19th century as an endocrine and liver remedy.
Blue flag is a lovely iris growing in freshwater ponds in this area and most of eastern and northern North America.
The rhizome is harvested in the fall.
Traditionally valued by Native Americans to help heal wounds and sores, it was commonly used in the 19th century as an endocrine and liver remedy.
Currently, blue flag is used in small doses in formulas with professional supervision. As a bitter, it stimulates digestive enzymes, improving digestion and assimilation and relieving nausea.
It increases bile production and has a mild laxative effect.
It also enhances lymphatic circulation and is known as a blood purifier.
It has traditionally been used to clear congestion in the chest, throat and nose and for swollen glands and sore throats.
As a detoxifying herb, it is particularly helpful for chronic skin issues such as acne and eczema.
Blue flag is specific for thyroid issues and supports pancreatic function.
For deficient thyroid, it can used with burdock, chickweed, guggul and bladderwack. For Hashimoto's disease, it can be combined with ashwagandha, cinnamon, bacopa, nettles and schizandra.
As a flower essence, blue flag helps to release blocks to creativity and allows us trust our innate abilities.
Blessings,
Madelon Hope
American Ginseng
American Ginseng is one of our few local adaptogens - plants that enhance our ability to deal with stress by strengthening our adrenals and balancing our endocrine system.
In a shady corner of my backyard, I have a mature American ginseng plant with several younger ones.
American ginseng was once abundant in the deep forests of eastern North America. It is a little known fact that Daniel Boone, the famous frontiersman, made his fortune in the ginseng trade with China.
Because of over-harvesting and changes in forest ecology, it is extremely rare to see wild American ginseng, although it is now cultivated with some difficulty. American ginseng is more cooling than Asian ginseng and is more suitable for younger people.
It is moistening, bitter and sweet.
American ginseng is one of our few local adaptogens - plants that enhance our ability to deal with stress by strengthening our adrenals and balancing our endocrine system.
It helps people recover from nervous exhaustion, particularly those who are stressed by over-work.
Phyllis Light, an amazing herbalist from Alabama, recommends chewing small amounts of the root to support energy and endurance.
American ginseng regulates the secretion of insulin and helps to balance blood sugar.
Because it is moistening, it is helpful for dry conditions in the lungs.
As a bitter, it stimulates digestive enzymes throughout the digestive system.
The brilliant William LeSassier used to combine American ginseng with dandelion to improve liver function.
American ginseng is also an herbal tonic, enhancing immune function and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
I occasionally add American ginseng to teas and soups with other tonic herbs such as astragalus, reishi, codonopsis, he shou wu, chaga and goji berries.
As a flower essence, American ginseng helps us release our fears of expressing our true self and accepting our personal power.
Blessings,
Madelon Hope