Cramp bark has been used over the centuries for a variety of reasons. It is helpful in relaxing muscular tension and is most thought of as a women’s herb for helping with painful menstruation. In addition, there are lots of other traditional uses that show it relieves spasms elsewhere in the body.Historically, Native American’s used it effectively in relaxing cramps and spasms of all kinds including arthritis and joint pain. Cramp Bark can relax the muscles, so t...he blood can flow throughout them and release toxins like lactic acid, to help restore normal function. Also, it has been used for migraine, indigestion and bowel disturbances where cramping is the key factor. Another use is to lessen the discomfort of a urinary tract or bladder infection which is often accompanied with frequent and painful urination. It can offer relief from the pain and decrease the frequency to urinate as well. Keep in mind the infection will still need to be addressed and treated.
Traditional Herbalist’s find Cramp bark is the herb that many reaches for to relieve painful menstrual cramps and is considered a uterine decongestant. Uterine congestion can also be associated with endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts. Other uses for it, is to help relieve spasmodic pains in the abdomen, uterus, ovaries, back, stomach, intestines, flooding menses, menopause, polymyalgia, nervous irritability, bronchitis, asthma, and muscular rheumatism.

Wild ginger is a member of the birthwort family. It grows on top of the ground and the plant has a pair of soft, hairy, heart shaped leaves. It blooms in early spring and into the fall. When they sprout, the leaves are light green and wrinkled, wrapped tightly around hairy leaf stalks, and they gradually unfold and darken to medium green. In April or May, a reddish-brown flower with no petals appears between the two leaf stalks at ground level. The flower is bell-shaped and approximately 1/2-inch-long and has three pointed lobes.
 All parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes. One of the most common use of wild ginger is as a laxative. Native Americans used Wild Ginger to bring on menstruation and to regulate, irregular heartbeat, relieve earaches, flatulence and stomach cramps. They also used it to treat kidney disorders and tooth powder was made from the pulverized bark of black alder, bayberry, and black oak mixed with powdered wild ginger rhizome. Other uses of wild ginger included relieving fevers by inducing sweating and treating snakebites.
Traditional healers use wild ginger to cure indigestion and stomach pains. Roots of the plant can be made into a tea and used to promote bowel movement, and ease stomach pain. Other uses are to treat headaches, knee pains, boils, and skin infections. The leaves can be used as a tea substitute. Many people don’t like the taste because the herb has a strong, bitter flavor. However, there are some individuals who find the taste appealing. Tea made from the leaves of wild ginger act in the same way as the root does; stimulating the intestinal tract and promoting digestive health.
The rhizome is harvested in the fall. It has a pungent and earthy taste and a camphorus aroma. Its roots were once used as a strong purgative and emetic, and its powdered leaves taken as snuff to treat headache and weak eyes.
 

What will be blooming this Spring? If you’re interested in learning about plants but don’t know where to start, you can start here! Join me on a plant identification walk where you will learn about some of Minnesota’s native plants and weeds that are commonly used in Traditional Western Herbalism. Not only will you gain knowledge, you will have the opportunity to discuss their energetics and everyday uses including first aid! Details on the date and time will follow.

Europeans settlers brought Ground ivy, commonly known as Creeping Charlie, to the United States, because it grew quickly and provided food that was easily stored and helpful in the prevention of scurvy. It is a low growing plant that is found in moist shady areas, along paths, under trees and along roadsides. It’s a member of the mint family and has a square stem which grows up to two feet in length. The leaves ...are heart shaped, dark green and sometimes have a purple tint. The vine flowers in March.
Ground Ivy contains a volatile oil which aids in relieving congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes associated with colds, stuffy noses, respiratory flu symptoms, and sinusitis. It has a solidifying effect on the bowel system is very useful for gastrointestinal flu. A medicinal tea is used to treat digestive disorders, gastritis, acid indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, colic and is an appetite stimulant. It is beneficial for liver, urinary tract and kidney function.
Ground-Ivy is being studied for use in preventing Leukemia, Bronchitis, Hepatitis, many kinds of cancer, and HIV. Although results are not conclusive, it is being used as an antidote for lead poisoning.
It is an Anti-allergenic, Antibacterial, Anti-flu, Antihistaminic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Expectorant, Immune-stimulant, and Sedative. Some of the plant constituents are cineole, alpha-pinene, apigenin, beta-sitosterol, borneol, caffeic-acid, ferulic-acid, hyperoside, iodine, luteolin, menthol, oleanolic-acid, rosmarinic-acid, rutin, ursolic-acid.
Tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. It has a high Vitamin C content it is a great addition to soups, stews and vegetable dishes. Leaves can be boiled, strain and used to clean scratches, scrapes and abrasions.
This mild, but effective herb is safe for small children. When they have fevers and chest colds, the high Vitamin C content is helpful in their recovery. Ground ivy tea or juice is well tolerated and can be used by all people, young and old.

•Supports the healthy function of Bladder, Liver and Kidneys
•Helps regulate fat metabolism in the liver
•Possess glycemic moderating effects...
•Lessens symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
•Helps to increase energy
•It helps your body regulate the stress hormone cortisol, which takes a load off your adrenal glands.
•Soothes sore throats, eases coughs and congestion from colds, is an expectorant, loosen and expel phlegm, and it also has a soothing effect on irritated mucous membranes.
•Leaky gut remedy
•used for stomach inflammation and upper respiratory problems, cough, bacterial and viral infections
•Licorice has estrogen-like effects and has been found to reduce the number and duration of hot flashes as well as hormone therapy in postmenopausal women and is useful in relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Red Clover grows in abundance throughout the United States. It has been used in herbal remedies going back centuries. The plant is used both topically and internally. It is used for relieving the pain of sores, burns, eczema, psoriasis and many other skin conditions. It’s used to help lower cholesterol, and to purify and thin blood. it can increase bleeding and should not be taken prior to surgery. It is not recommended for anyone taking blood-thinning medications unless instructed by a doctor. It acts as an estrogen replacement. It has been studied and found its useful in alleviating the discomfort of premenstrual and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes/flushes, and PMS. There are so many other uses not listed for this awesome plant.

The plant is a member of the Mint family. The leaves and flowers are used to make herbal medicine. It has a pungent odor and a very bitter taste. A mature plant has many white, fuzzy hairs associated with the blooms. It grows up to four feet in height and is found along roadsides and vacant fields. It is very useful for a variety of health issues and Is very nutritious like stinging nettles and dandelions. The plant contains the alkaloid leonurine, which is a mild vasodilator and has a calming effect on smooth muscles. It has been used to improve circulation and lower blood lipids. It is known to reduce blood pressure and maintain a steady heartbeat. It has relaxing effects on the nervous system and is used by herbalists to treat heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat associated with panic attacks. It is useful and helps treat abnormal menstrual cycles, premenstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms. Because of its antispasmodic effects, Motherwort is helpful in restoring uterine muscle tone after the childbirth and is not recommended during pregnancy as it may create uterine contraction and potential miscarriage. It can create sensitivity to natural and artificial sunlight for some individuals. Sunscreen should be used when taking motherwort.  It’s also a supportive therapy for hyper thyroid activity. It is a, Sedative, Hypotensive, Cardio tonic, Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue, Relaxant, Carminative and Diaphoretic.

Honey is loaded with nutritional and medicinal values. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s documented to have been used dating back to the Egyptian period.

A persistent cough that won’t go away can easily be remedied with the use of honey. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe coughs by coating the throat. It is used in treating upper respiratory tract infections and can reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. It contains small amounts ...of pollen and exposure to it can trigger an immune response and after repeated exposure the body should become accustomed to their presence resulting in a lesser allergic reaction to seasonal allergies.

Honey can help the body absorb calcium which is helpful for brain health. The brain needs calcium to process thoughts and make decisions.

Honey can be a health aid for sleepless nights. It causes a rise in insulin that converts serotonin into melatonin, which is a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep.

Because of honey's antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can be used to treat dermatitis. It is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, which will address the redness and itching on the scalp. Treatment is made by mixing honey diluted with 10 percent warm water and applying it to problem areas.

Honey is a natural antibiotic used internally and externally. It’s a conventional treatment for disinfecting wounds and burns.

As you can see this amazing natural ingredient is an important staple for all (except for babies under one years of age). There are many more uses for honey that are not listed.