Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum): The plant was used in ancient days to relieve dropsy. The seeds were often soaked in wine to create a tonic for scurvy when other sources of vitamin C were not available and also to promote menstruation. The root is a diuretic. The crushed leaves or their juice was a soothing and [...]

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Ai Ye (Artemisia argyi): The leaves have been found to have an antibacterial action, effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus typhi, B. dysenteriae, E. coli, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas etc. A volatile oil extracted from the plant is particularly effective in the treatment of bronchitis and asthma – the oil is sprayed into the throat and takes [...]

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