Clinical Herbalist, Feather Jones

By Beverly Lehnhardt | Sedona.biz

Taking advantage of the late blooms, Sedona area resident Feather Jones, a Clinical Herbalist, led a group on a guided Herb Walk in September, and amazed us all with her knowledge of medicinal uses for many common plants.  According to Feather, “Wild foods are the best thing you can do for your body.”

Scarlet Globemallow

We began our walk at the Cave Springs Campground parking lot about 2/3 of the way up Oak Creek Canyon and, under sunny skies with absolutely perfect temperatures, we strolled along the path and soon gathered around Feather and a plant she identified as a Scarlet Globemallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea).

The plant is in the same family as okra with grayish, ‘hairy’ leaves. The flowers are salmon or orange in color, saucer-shaped, and grow in small clusters. Navajo Indians used the Globemallow as a remedy for a variety of maladies.  The roots were used to stop bleeding; leaves were chewed or mashed and used as poultices or plasters on inflamed skin, sores, wounds, and blisters; and fresh leaves and flowers were chewed to

Wild Asparagus

From the Globemallow, we moved on to the fragile-looking, ‘ferny’ Wild Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). I found it surprising that this plant is a member of the Lily family. Asparagus has long been touted as an aphrodisiac and these beliefs are not mere superstition—the root contains compounds called steroidal glycosides that directly affect hormone production and could very well influence emotions. It is also high in folic acid which is essential for new red blood cell production. The roots are a diuretic and laxative, induce sweating, and are good for treating gout and rheumatism. Because Asparagus helps to dissolve uric and oxalic acid, it benefits arthritic conditions and kidney stones. It can also be used topically as a poultice and compress for muscle spasms and stiff joints.

Mullien

Feather then led us further along the path to the Mullein plant (Verbascum thapsus) with its impressively tall, yellow flower spikes which can grow four to six feet tall; the leaves are furry and feel a bit like felt. The plant does not like shade and is a ‘pioneer plant,’ the first plant to grow in an area that has been burned or otherwise disturbed. Mullein has long been a valued medicinal herb. The Greek physician-herbalist Dioscorides recommended its use in curing diseases of the lungs. A wash made from the leaves, flowers, and roots was used to soothe sprains, reduce inflammations, and heal wounds; flowers infused in oil were used to cure either hemorrhoids or earaches, depending upon which end was bothering you!  With regard to this last treatment, Feather suggests breaking off a flower-bedecked stem and soaking the entire stalk in olive oil for a couple weeks. Kept in the refrigerator, this concoction can be used quite effectively in the treatment of earaches. She also says that the leaves are soothing to the lungs when made into a tea or tincture or dried and then smoked. Tightness in the chest due to asthma, bronchitis, or other lung affliction can be eased in this way; it is also helpful in treating chronic lung ailments like emphesyma.

Canadian Fleabane

The Canadian Fleabane (Conyza Canadensis), also commonly called “horseweed”, has pretty little pinkish-purple flowers with yellow centers and is a member of the Aster family. It is valued most for its use in treating gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and dysentery; it is also supposed to be a very effective treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids. Feather suggests a tea made of the stem and leaves for treating “leaky gut syndrome” and irritable bowel. Place ½ ounce of the dried herbs in a quart canning jar; pour in enough boiling water to fill the jar and tighten the lid. Allow the concoction to sit for at least four hours—the water extracts the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential nutrients.

Periwinkle

Periwinkle (Vinca minor) was the next plant Feather spotted. Also known as myrtle, Periwinkle is an evergreen herb in the dogbane family, originally native to the island of Madagascar. It tends to ‘take over’ an area in which it spreads and is currently on Arizona’s “noxious weeds” list. The leaves are a glossy, dark green and, in the wild, the flowers are pale pink with purple centers, although horticulturists have developed some with flowers ranging in color from white to bright pink.

Western researchers first noticed the plant in a medicinal context in the 1950’s when they learned of tea Jamaicans were drinking to treat diabetes. The plant contains over 70 useful alkaloids, some of which lower blood sugar levels—thus easing the symptoms of diabetes. Some of the alkaloids have been very effective in the treatment of childhood leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease. Others lower blood pressure and it’s for this reason that Feather suggests its use in treating or preventing migraines and cluster headaches. To prepare a tincture, chop the leaves into tiny pieces, put into a jar, and fill with vodka. Let the preparation sit for two weeks. When you feel a migraine or cluster headache coming on, take 30 to 40 drops. The alkaloids in the Periwinkle dilate the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, thus reducing the pressure that causes the headaches. Good news for us migraine sufferers! But because the alkaloids in this plant can have serious side effects, it is not recommended that people overuse this home remedy.

Wild Blackberry

As we wandered on past the huge patch of Periwinkle we found ourselves in another huge patch—of Wild Blackberries (Rubus species)! It’s a bit late in the season for these tasty morsels, but since the area was quite shady we found a few ripe berries still clinging to the vines. We all knew how delicious the fruit is and that it’s good for you, but Feather proceeded to teach us how useful the leaves can be, too. Harvested in the spring while the plants are flowering, the leaves can be made into a tea that is mildly astringent, reducing diarrhea and lowering fever. It contains calcium and magnesium in correct proportions and is great for helping tone the uterus after pregnancy.

Wild Watercress

Feather then led us on past the blackberry brambles to the creek. It was a beautiful afternoon and the water rippling over the rocks was very relaxing. Here we found Watercress (Nasturtium officinale), a member of the mustard family, growing in abundance. Watercress is a hardy perennial found near springs and creeks; it has smooth, shiny, brownish-green heart-shaped leaflets. When in flower, the small blooms are white and are produced in clusters toward the branches’ extremities. In some areas of the country, Watercress is considered a weed; in other regions it’s thought of as an aquatic vegetable or herb. It contains significant amounts of iron, calcium, and folic acid as well as vitamins A and C. There are many supposed benefits from eating Watercress: it acts as a mild stimulant, is a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants, a diuretic, an expectorant, and a digestive aid. Historically, it has been used to prevent or cure scurvy. In Germany, Watercress is used as a disinfectant drug for treatment of lower urinary tract infections. According to Feather, eating Watercress can strengthen the liver and is great for people with Hepatitis C or cirrhosis. In addition to its medicinal properties, it has a peppery taste and is wonderful mixed in salads or on cucumber and watercress sandwiches!

Feather is going to lead another Herb Walk in October. I expect this one to fill up fast!