Medicinal Plants Native to Nebraska & Ohio

Nebraska and Ohio are two American states with diverse terrain and habitats, allowing a host of different medicinal plants to bloom within their borders. Many medicinal plants native to the areas were originally used by American Indians before the invention of modern medicine. Not all parts of medicinal plants and herbs may be consumed; some parts are even toxic or fatal to humans.

Burdock

• Burdock is a member of the daisy family and grows in America as a common weed with burs that stick to clothing or fur. It grows to 3 to 4 feet, has purple flowers that bloom in June and October, and has heart shaped leaves which are green on the top and white on the bottom. Burdock root, which is brownish-green to black, is used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and an antibiotic. It has been used traditionally as a blood purifier, as a diuretic and as a topical remedy for skin problems.

Mayapple

• Mayapple is an herb which sprouts one or two leaves that grow out like an umbrella from its center, beneath which a single white flower blooms. It bears small yellow fruits and has a reddish-brown tuber at its base. Most of the herb is toxic, and it is fabled to have been used to make poisons or used to commit suicide by those who were aware of its deadly properties. The fruits of the mayapple are not toxic, though they are flavorless and have no special properties. The tuber of the mayapple is utilized for its medicinal qualities and is harvested after the rest of the plant has died during the autumn season. Mayapple is used as a laxative, as a cure for worms in the intestines, to get rid of warts and moles, and is sometimes used to help treat liver problems and cancer.

Ginseng

• Ginseng is native to cool, hardwood forests and does not grow in full sunlight. The medicinal attributes of the plant are found in its roots, which can be sold in its natural form, in capsules or as a powder. Though there are many superstitions as to the medicinal properties of ginseng, it helps the body adapt to mental and emotional stress, fatigue, enhances mental and physical performance, stimulates and relaxes the nervous system, improves stamina, increases the release of hormones, and lowers the body's blood sugar and cholesterol. It is especially effective for patients suffering from disorders resulting from old age or chronic illness.

Yarrow

• Yarrow grows in nearly every habitat, moving by the spread of its roots and multiplying by the dispersion of its seeds. The leaves of the yarrow have a feathery appearance and sprout white and pale lilac flowers. Unlike most other medicinal plants, the entire yarrow plant can be used for medicinal purposes. Yarrow and yarrow seeds are used as a diaphoretic, tonic, astringent, aromatic and stimulant.