HERBS-L


Return to Herbalism Page

LADY’S MANTLE

192

Scientific Name: Alchemilla vulgaris Syn. A. xanthochlora

Common Names: Lady’s Mantle, Leontopodium

Family: Rosaceae

Part Used: herb, root

Habitat: Native to Europe

Benefits: cramps, painful menstruation, burns, wounds, skin issues

 

LAVENDER

193

Scientific Name: Lavandula spp Syn. Lavandula angustifolia, L. officinalis

Common Names: Lavender

Family: Lamiaceae

Part Used: Flowers, leaves, stems

Habitat: Native to Europe Lavender is a small shrub that grows 2 to 3 feet high with evergreen leaves and lovely violet-blue spiking flowers. It is a perennial favorite in my garden. Lavender leaves and flowers are very aromatic and can be used in herbal baths, potpourris, sleep pillows and sachet bags to protect clothes against moths. Fresh lavender makes a wonderful, aromatic bouquet, and discourages insects from invading your home. Lavender flowers can be dried, and infused in oil, and made into lavender flower water

Benefits: aroma, depression, anxiety, improves circulation, insomnia, headaches, pain, arthritis, sore muscles, rash, burns, acne, insect repellent, itching

CAUTION: Cause liver/ kidneys failure in cats and dogs

 

LEMON BALM

194

Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis

Common Names: Lemon Balm, Melissa

Family: Lamiaceae

Part Used: whole herb

Habitat: grows easily from seed in any soil

Benefits: aroma, headaches, depression, sleep aid, cramps, antibacterial, antiviral, fever, cold sores, flu, herpes

 

LEMON VERBENA

195

Scientific Name: Aloysia citriodora Syn. A. triphylla

Common Names: Lemon Verbena, vervain

Family: Verbenaceae

Part Used: Leaves, flowers

Habitat: Grows in warm sunny areas, Native to Chile, Argentina, Peru

Benefits: culinary herb, soothes stomach spasms, calm nerves, fevers, perfumes

 

Lemongrass

196

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Common Names: Silky heads, fever grass, barbed wire grass, tanglad

Family: Poaceae

Part Used: Grass

Habitat: native to tropical Asia

Benefits: cancer, stomach issues, arthritis, flu, pain, fever, reduce anxiety, promotes sleep, skin issues

 

Licorice Root, Chinese

197

Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza Uralensis

Common Names: Guo Lao, sweet wood, beauty grass, elf grass

Family: Legume

Part Used: Root

Habitat: native to Asia

Benefits: enhance effectiveness in herbs, detoxer

CAUTION: Avoid if Pregnant/nursing

 

LINSEED

198

Scientific Name: Linum usitatissimum L.

Common Names: Flax seed, Linseed

Family: Linaceae

Part Used: Seeds

Habitat: Native to Ethiopia, Egypt

Benefits: Super food, omega-3, heart, arthritis, pain, autoimmune disorders, digestive, constipation, burns, lupus

 

Lion’s Mane

199

Scientific Name: Hericium erinaceus

Common Names: Satyr’s beard, Hedgehog mushroom, Bearded hedgehog, Bearded tooth, Old man’s beard, Monkey’s Head

Family: Hericiaceae

Part Used: Fruiting Body

Habitat: Native in Europe, Asia, North America

Benefits: boost immune system, promote digestive, memory, depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer’s

 

LOBELIA

200

Scientific Name: Lobelia inflate

Common Names: Lobelia, Indian-Tobacco, Pukeweed, Asthma Weed

Part Used: Ariel parts, flower, seed

Habitat: Native to United States

Benefits: relaxant, pain, bronchitis, expectorant, tobacco withdrawal symptoms, skin , cough, sore throat, anticancer, ease asthma

 

LONG PEPPER (PIPPALI)

201

Scientific Name: Piper longum

Common Names: Pippali, Bengal Pepper, Java Pepper

Family: Piperaceae

Part Used: Fruit

Habitat: Native to Mediterranean, African, Indian

Benefits: digestion, metabolism, regulate cholesterol, obesity, colds, fevers , coughs, rheumatism

 

LOTUS

202

Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera Syn. Nelumbium speciosum

Common Names: Indian lotus, sacred lotus

Family: Nelumbonaceae

Part Used: petals, stems, pods, seeds, leaves

Habitat: worlds sacred plants, used for 1000’s years, Native to India, Asia

Benefits: fever, diarrhea, mushroom poisoning, cardiovascular issues, urinary frequency, improve virility, premature ejaculations, diuretic, astringent, calming effect

 

LOVAGE

203

Scientific Name: Levisticum officinale

Common Names: Lovage

Family: Apiaceae

Part Used: leaves, root, seeds

Habitat: Native to New England

Benefits: allergies, respiratory problems, diuretic, UTI, flavoring

CAUTION: may cause photo sensitivity

 

Lycium Fruit

204

Scientific Name: Lycium barbarum

Common Names: Goji, wolfberry

Family: Solanaceae

Part Used: Fruit

Habitat: Native to Northwestern China, Tibet

Benefits: Super food, vitamins, minerals, high antioxidant value, anti aging

Return to Herbalism Page