Poison Oak

Toxicodendron diversilobum, commonly named Pacific poison oak or western poison oak, is a woody vine or shrub in the sumac family, Anacardiaceae. It is widely distributed in western North America, inhabiting conifer and mixed broadleaf forests, woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral biomes. Peak flowering occurs in May.

The plant is known to cause blindness a contact allergic reaction which appears as a welted rash which can, more often than not, blister. Symptoms may appear 1 to 3 days after exposure. However, if you have never been in contact with the plant before, it may take 2 to 3 weeks before you experience a rash. The first symptom you will experience is a rash in the place where you came into contact with the poison oak.

Symptoms go as follows: Itchy skin > Rash > Blisters

Once blisters have burst, they will begin to dry out and the rash will inevitably heal. It can take 1-3 weeks for it to pass.

While it is not often thought of as medicinal, it's juices can be used as to stanch bleeding. It creates a blackened scab when dried. Be aware, this does not come without risks.

Spring,Summer,Autumn,Winter

Forget-Me-Not

Woodland forget-me-nots are short-lived perennials valued for their color, with pink buds followed by small, attractive, numerous half-inch five-petaled blue flowers. A short plant (often just 5 inches at maturity) with a medium growth rate, forget-me-not has hairy stems with single flowers growing at the end of bunches of flowering stems. It attracts butterflies and resists rabbits and deer.

Forget-me-nots are cold hardy. Although they can grow in the sun or shade, they prefer moist, shaded woodland environments. In warmer, southern climates with high heat, they grow best in a shady spot.

Used for its therapeutic properties, forget-me-nots can be used as an astringent in poultices for wounds to tighten tissues. Some contain volatile oils which have been claimed to serve as a diaphoretic to induce sweat and act as an antidote for various poisons.

Spring,Summer

Chamomile

A small, daisy-like plant with white petals and a yellow center. It typically grows to about 12-24 inches in height and has feathery, fern-like leaves. The plant is known for its pleasant, apple-like fragrance and can be found growing in sunny, dry fields in large clusters.

Medicinally, chamomile is most commonly used in herbal remedies for its calming effects, helping to relieve stress, anxiety, relieve cramps, and promote sleep. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to soothe digestive issues like indigestion and bloating. Additionally, chamomile can be used topically to help with skin irritations, minor wounds, and to reduce inflammation.

Spring,Summer,Autumn