Number 22 - Honey

In herbalism, anything natural can be used. As honey is technically an extract of nectar from many different plants, it is a mix of bee and plant produce.

In Hinduism, it is considered an 'elixir of immortality'. It has many uses due to its antiseptic and antimircobial properties. It has also been theorized that honey and its properties could help cure MRSA. Honey can be used to help burns and cuts heal faster, and to help common ailments such as coughs, colds and sore throats be cured using honey. If you're interested in using herbs in First Aid, honey is an important addition.

In hives of bees in areas which poisonous plants grow, the honey can be toxic to humans but not bees. This honey is usually only found in the wild, and would not be produced under commercial supervision. With the many medicinal properties of plants, there are also many that can harm us in numerous ways. NEVER take honey from the wild; you don't know where those bees have been!

It is taken in many, many different manners. It can be used in a culinary manner, to sweeten herbal teas, and it can also be used as a wound dressing.

The humble honey teddy bear, a popular honey bottle design in the US. (Unknown source)

Number 8 - Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley, Convallaira majalis, is a very popular garden plant.

It can be used to treat high blood pressure. It is also a potential fertility treatment: Sperm can detect the scent of the lily and are attracted to it.

However, the lily is poisonous and must be prepared properly. It is administered through dried leaves, as a tincture, or as an extract.

Lily of the Valley perfume (Source Unknown. Product of Crabtree & Evelyn)

Number 5 - Deadly Nightshade

Deadly Nightshade, or Atropa belladonna, is the most poisonous known plant in the western hemisphere.

This plant was originally used in Italy in eye drops to dilute the pupil in the eyes of women, producing a desired look at the time. The plant eventually stopped being used for this purpose as the toxicity of the plant lead to blindness. The plant can also be used in treating gastrointestinal issues, and some elements can be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, even today.

The plant is administered in a powder, a tincture or as a decoction. The plant made an appearance in the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas, due to its association with witches and their spells.

Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas with a jar of Deadly Nightshade (Source: The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton & Disney)