Number 26 - Potato

We're all accustomed to the root vegetable of the Solanum tuberosum, but we may not all know about it's benefits to our health.


The potato contains fiber, vitamin C and potassium, all which are essential to a healthy diet. The potato can also be made into a paste for First Aid treatment of sunburn, burns and scrapes, as a potatoes' starch will draw the heat out the injury.


As potatoes are a member of the same family as Deadly Nightshade, the plant itself and the plant's fruits are toxic, and potatoes do become poisonous over time and turn green. Dispose of any green potatoes and cook them well. 


The potato can be used in stews and as a meal by itself. It can also be turned to the paste to treat external injuries. Jacket potatoes contain the most vitamins compared to boiled and peeled potatoes.

The popular Russet Potatoes are also nutritiousness and can be used in first aid treatments. (Product of Green Giant)

Number 23 - Witch-Hazel

The genus Hamamelis is the plant Witch-Hazel.

The main use of witch-hazel is to help reduce bruising in the skin in a similar manner Arnica does. The plant is also used in treating acne and haemorrhoids. It is used in aftershaves and insect bite treatments. It also helps with skin conditions, like dry skin and eczema.Gargling Witch-Hazel tea can help with inflammations of the mouth and throat, and drinking the tea can help with inflammations of the whole digestive system.

Too much or too frequent, Witch-Hazel can cause nausea. Pharmacy bought Witch-Hazel often contains medical alcohols, which mean it is inappropiate for digestion.

Witch-Hazel can be bought as an ointment or cream for external use, and tea for internal use.

Witch-Hazel flower.

PS: I apologise for the lack of posts, I've had alot of work to do for college, and I'm afraid lack of posts may continue until the end of June. Thanks for reading!

Number 16 - Arnica

I'm sorry for my tardiness in blog posts, I have finals and lots of work to do up until the end of June. I will still be updating, but I'm afraid they won't be as frequent.

Arnica, or arnica montana, is a pretty daisy-like flower.

This plant is very useful in treating bruised, strained or sprained parts of the body. It has also been used in helping wounds heal.

However, the plant itself is poisionous if ingested in large amounts. Ironically, unprepared arnica plants can cause skin irritation.

It is used as a gel or as a tincture.

Commercial Arnica gel. (Source SBC. Product of SBC)