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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

T is for Toadflax


A-Z Challenge
My theme is herbs
T is for Toadflax

Toadflax, along
with Spotted
Knapweed had
been my nemesis
on the ranch.
This pretty little
yellow snap-dragon-
like plant looks
harmless in a
picturesque
mountain
setting but it
has been defined
a noxous weed and
it spreads like wild fire and is a bear to dig up.

Medical Use:  Toadflax is a strong but potentially
irritating stimulant. It is generally used in a combination
with other herbs for a liver tonic, cleanser or flush. A
scant tsp. of the dried herb is combined in a tea with
such herbs as Oregon Grape, Yellow Dock, Burdock
or Dandelion.

It is the best native hepatic remedy for chronic liver
inflammations and hepatic flare-ups.

24 comments:

  1. I haven't heard of it, but it reminded me of a news story I saw yesterday about Giant Hogweed. They're saying it's huge in our area this year, looks pretty but is awful for anyone who touches it (permanent scarring and blindness). They said to call the hazard team at MSU to come and get it if it's seen, geez. I don't think it has any good benefits like your Toadflax does.

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  2. Rosey
    WOW I haven't heard of Giant Hogweed. Blindness too. OMG How do they collect it.They'd have to wear the big Moonwalking suits...what ever they call them. It's probably a mutant of all the chemicals we are forced to dump on our soil.

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    1. Yep, they wear those moonwalking suits. And it looks just like a common plant to me, one you'd brush up against running around. One woman had an 8ft. tall one in her front yard (where she said her grandchildren often play) & when she saw the warnings about it called in. Pictures of the moonwalkers at her house were on the evening news.

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  3. First I've heard of it, the name sounds bad though, like something out a toad's arse lol wow to rosey too, I'll steer clear of hogweeds

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    1. Hogweed is a name that one wonders where it came from too. Something to do with hogs?

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  4. Sounds like a little of this one goes a long way...

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  5. Hi Manzanita .. toadflax I guess is one of those plants that can be a nuisance when it spreads so easily .. but giant hogweed - we have a similar plant here in the UK .. but it's not quite as serious .. and I don't think blinds (ours doesn't ..I'm glad to say)

    They both sound quite difficult plants .. especially the Giant Hogweed .. good luck - Hlary

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    1. Hilary
      We all probaby have the Hogweed near us if it grows in Michigan.

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  6. Dear Manzanita, I've never heard even the word "toadflax." So thank you for introducing me to it. I wonder how you learned all that is represented by this A-Z series you are writing. Does this come from years of research and reading? It must represent your natural curiosity about the world in which you live. And I suspect that that curiosity is one of the things that has kept you so young at heart. Peace.

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    1. Dee
      I have my favorites but I have many good herbal books as my knowledge does not extend in herbs going from A to Z. Ha

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  7. This is a new one to me! I don't know if we have it growing around here. I bet not.
    Cold and rainy here. 38 degrees. Where did spring go? Much love to you.

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    1. Terry
      We had your share out at the ranch. One of the reasons It was easy to part with the ranch. It's cold here too and going to be for the next week. Snow flakes about 10 minutes ago. I worked on the rocks a little this morning. I'll go out again but put on a warmer jacket. I'll get my old brown Carrhart jacet out. Ha. Love to you .

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  8. This plant is new to me, but I have heard of others used for medicines. It's amazing how much these plants can help in treating illnesses. Thanks for sharing. AtoZer http://www.writer-way.blogspot.com

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    1. Michelle
      Amazing how some of these plants are such a pest but have the "good medicine" inside of them.

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  9. It seem a lot of these plants have liver benefits. Interesting.
    Now if we can only find a medicinal use for Kudzu.

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  10. In the 1700's you would risk being called a witch for these herbal remedies. These days, alternatives are gaining respect everywhere.

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  11. I don't think I've ever seen this one growing anywhere.

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  12. Hey Manzanita,

    I've heard of Toadflax. However, I didn't know anything about it. Frogflax, I know more about.

    Thank you for this, dear lady.

    Gary

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  13. I think there are some things I need to learn and experience. You have been a great impetus.

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  14. I seem to remember some things about Toadflax from high school science. sometimes called "butter and Eggs"?

    And if it is a Bear to dig up, maybe you should hire a local Bear to do the work for you. Lots will be coming out of hibernation soon, and will be ready for work.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!

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  15. Also known as Flaxweed, Pennywort and Butter and Eggs. I don't recall reading about this before, but it is in my book.

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  16. Toadflax and Spotted Knapweed. Now there's a title for a song for your granddaughter!

    By the way, Elementary is on CBS on Thursday nights, at 10 pm in California.

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