Under Construction

The evolving 'HERBARIUM' index page
details all Herbs alphabetically with their common and
botanical names and a description of their uses. This page is being constructed in portions and will be continually updated.

For any information about individual Herbs or the products available through this website, contact Adam directly at
adam@adamofeden.ca

The Herbarium

ADAM Of Eden's Herb Index.

A complete reference to each and every Herb used in products offered throughout this website. Find Herbs at a glance, listed in alphabetical order, with their botanical names in parentheses where available, plus their effects and traditional uses. The greater majority of Herbs in this listing (with the exception of a few outlawed or prohibited plants- included herein for reference purposes) are available for purchase as 'Herb Singles' - individually packaged and priced premium dried Herbs. Selected Herbs are or may be made available as Liquid Extracts. Listed Herbs may be subject to seasonal availability and with some, quantities may be restricted.

ANGELICA (angelica archangelica)



In addition to flavoring many popular liqueurs , the European Angelica serves as a sweet and warming digestive remedy that stimulates the appetite. May encourage perspiration and the removal of bodily toxins. A pleasant tasting addition to Herbal teas.

ANISE HYSSOP (agastache foeniculum)



This frangrant roasdside Herb emits a licorice-like smell and produces showy purple or white flower spikes. It is a member of the mint family and demonstrates all the usual carminative properties. Traditionally used for heatstroke, headache & fever, nausea & indigestion. Increases the appetite and eases angina pain. Makes an excellent Herbal Tea.

ARTICHOKE (cynara carunculus)



The medicinal properties of this popular vegetable are mostly associated with digestion and liver function. The dried leaves and extracts of the plant are a potent remedy for gall bladder problems and have a regenerating effect on liver cells. Artichokes are laxative and stimulate both bile flow and bowel function.

ASTRAGALUS (astragalus membranaceus)



Description coming soon.

AVENS (geum urbanum)



Wildflower used to reduce inflammation, fever, sore throat & gum disease. An astringent, antiseptic Herb which promotes a tonic effect on the digestive system and may be used to treat minor infections of the mucous membranes.

BELLADONNA (atropa belladonna)



Beautiful but deadly Herb belonging to the ‘Nightshade’ family of plants. It is a narcotic poison which in careful doses can be used to relieve spasms and reduce secretions of the mouth, bronchi and stomach. Used only by professionals to treat asthma, kidney stones, Parkinson’s disease, gastric ulcers and motion sickness and to enlarge the pupils of the eye for ophthalmic diagnosis & surgery. Historically used as a hallucinogen , producing delirium and other bizarre effects but may cause respiratory failure and death due to overdose. Unsafe.

BITTERSWEET (solanum dulcamara)



A member of the ‘Nightshade’ family of plants which displays similar narcotic properties to Belladonna, it’s relative. It is less toxic, however, and has several medicinal uses, including lowering fevers and correcting skin diseases. Used topically for the latter purpose, however it is generally considered to be unsafe for internal consumption.

BLACKBERRY (rubus fruticosus)



The leaves of this Herb make a pleasantly astringent Tea which can be used for mouth ulcers, hemorrhoids and diarrhea. Blackberry is considered a ‘tonic’ and combines well as an ingredient in Herb Tea blends.

BORAGE (borago officinalis)



Known as an adrenal gland tonic and anti-depressant , however, controversy over safe internal use lends this Herb more towards its external applications as a soothing aid to skin rashes & inflammations.

BURDOCK (arctium lappa)



The roots of this common plant are used similar to and in conjunction with many of the other ‘cleansing’ Herbs such as Dandelion, Nettle & Milk Thistle. Burdock does indeed cleanse the blood, thereby healing external skin problems through internal courses. It is also laxative and will increase urination and encourage perspiration.

CACAO



(Included as a reference. Not available for sale.)
Description coming soon.

CANNIBUS



(Included as a reference. Not available for sale.)
Description coming soon.

CARDAMOM (elettaria cardamomum)



Fragrant exotic spice combining notes of ginger and pine. Can be used for all manor of digestive complaints including nausea and abdominal pain. Promotes perspiration, will settle a nervous stomach and lift spirits.

CATNIP/ CATMINT (nepeta cataria)



A tranquilizer and muscle relaxant which increases perspiration. Used to treat feverish illnesses, nervousness, spasms, hyperactivity & insomnia and as a pleasant digestive tonic. The more ornamental ‘Catmint’ is sweeter and more pleasant tasting in the form of a Herb Tea, but lacks the medicinal qualities of true Catnip.

CHAMOMILE (chamaemelum nobile)



A soothing Herb used for its antiseptic, relaxant and sedative properties. It’s main actions are on the digestive system. Among the most popular ingredients in Herbal Teas, however, Chamomile should only be consumed on an occasional basis as habitual use may lead to the development of plant allergies.

CINNAMON (cinnamomum verum/ zeylanicum)



Warming spice with a surprising number of medicinal uses. It is a carminative digestive aid with strong anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon stimulates the circulation & provides comfort from colds, aches and stomach upsets and is uniquely palatable. Beneficial for glucose metabolism, regulating blood sugar & potentiating the activity of insulin in the body — hence being of aid to diabetics (specifically type two).

CINQUEFOIL



Description coming soon.

CLOVE (syzygium aromaticum)



Used primarily as an oral antiseptic and to control toothache. Also has digestive properties and may prevent or ease symptoms associated with food-poisoning as it exhibits a strong antimicrobial action. Also reputed to destroy intestinal parasites.

COCA (erythroxylum coca)



(Included as a reference. Not available for sale.)


South American shrub famous as the source of cocaine. Not commonly used in Herbal medicine due only to legal restrictions relating to it, however coca is indeed a medicinal plant- one with many virtues. In countries where the plant grows, the leaves are combined with powdered alkali and held in the mouth to relieve hunger and fatigue and for a stimulant effect. The ash (usually lime) increases the plants effectiveness as a stimulant and local anaesthetic by extracting the cocaine from within the leaf. Cocaine is the principle alkaloid in the plant and, like morphine from opium poppies, the discovery and isolation of cocaine from coca leaf (in 1860) revolutionized surgical procedures of the time. The negative effects of powdered cocaine are well known, however in it's natural dilute form from whole coca leaves, this powerful drug constituent is buffered by other inherent chemicals which together combine to produce effects of real medicinal importance. Coca leaf is known to relieve altitude sickness and produces a feeling of well-being, owing to it's psychoactive properties. The sustained stimulation from coca is much gentler on the body than that from caffeine. As well, the Herb is soothing to the stomach and may be used as an aid to digestion. External applications of the leaf can effectively treat eczema and haemorrhoids. Unfortunately due to drug laws, the leaf remains prohibited and controlled and is hence unavailable.

COFFEE (coffea arabica)



(Included as a reference. Not available for sale.)


One of the most widely used Herbal Infusions, Coffee can be viewed as such since it has several interesting medicinal effects. Few are unaware of Coffee's stimulant properties, which have been recognised since early tribal wars, but it also performs other important functions. One feature of this Herb is that it can effectively reduce nausea and control vomiting. Moreover, Coffee performs as an Asthma remedy. The caffeine in Coffee opens the bronchial passages in the lungs, thus allowing the asthma sufferer to breathe. Strong Coffee is infact a useful emergency treatment for asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. It may be used to overcome soporific effects of depressants such as alcohol and opiates. Other conditions in which Coffee may be of benefit include constipation, menstrual cramps & heart failure. As a strong central nervous system stimulant, it may improve physical stamina and cognitive functioning. Coffee's negative effects are well known and include nervousness, irritability, muscle tension, insomnia, heart palpitations, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach upset, as well as a spike in both blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Despite much negative press however, Coffee is generally accepted as being perfectly healthful in moderate doses and remains one of the world's most popular beverages.

COMFREY (symphytum officinale)



Description coming soon.

DAMIANA



Description coming soon.

DANDELION (taraxacum officinale)



Plants with a primary action as powerful diuretics (encouraging urination) usually cause a loss of potassium from the body, however, Dandelion is a rich source of this mineral, as well as others, and so helps to restore a natural balance while performing it's diuretic action. It is very useful in cases of fluid retention and displays a tonic action upon the liver. The Herb is laxative, a cleansing remedy and a stimulant to sluggish digestion.

DATURA (datura stramonium/ inoxia/ meteloides)



Known by many names — Jimsonweed, Thorn apple, Devil’s apple Jamestown weed, Angel’s Trumpet, Toloache — the sacred Datura has had as many sinister uses as it has medicinal. It’s main actions are as a pain reliever and treatment for asthma and Parkinson’s disease (in much the same way as Belladonna). It has historically been smoked to relieve bronchial problems as much as it has been smoked to induce visions. It’s narcotic properties make it unsafe for home experimentation and it’s uses should be restricted to experienced persons who are knowledgeable about it’s effects and dangerous nature.