A place to share knowledge on medicinal plants
Gynura Procumbens/Longevity Spinach
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Thats a beautiful plant I like the black shiny trunk 
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How is it consumed? Is it eaten like spinach raw like in a salad? Or does it require preparation?
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Hey KR, I eat it raw or in smoothies. Tastes very much like spinach
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That’s rad! I would assume the leaves were more woody than a leafy green. Just based on looks.
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It’s kind of in-between leafy and woody. Basically leafy with a crunch
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Good thread!
LEMON BALM (Melissa)
After years of buying teas and tictures I started growing this on my patio. This picture is not my baby plant…
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant, lemon-scented perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae) that is widely used for teas, culinary dishes, and natural stress relief.
Medicinal Uses: Stress and Anxiety: Drinking lemon balm tea or taking supplements can help calm the nervous system and reduce mild anxiety. Sleep Support: It is a traditional remedy used to ease restlessness and improve sleep quality. Cold Sores: Topical creams containing lemon balm can help manage and speed up the healing of cold sores due to its antiviral properties. Digestive Relief: The herb is sometimes used to soothe an upset stomach or ease minor digestive discomfort. Culinary Uses: Fresh chopped leaves add a mild, citrusy flavor to salads, desserts, dressings, and drinks.
Growing and Care: Sun and Soil: It thrives in partial shade to full sun and grows well in ordinary, well-drained garden soil or containers. Growth Habit: Lemon balm grows vigorously and can spread quickly if allowed to seed, so regular trimming or pruning helps keep it compact.
Safety and Side Effects Drowsiness: Lemon balm can cause sleepiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after consuming large amounts.
Medication Interactions: It may interfere with thyroid medications, sedatives, and glaucoma drugs.
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Love me some Lemon Balm. Definitely helps calm the nerves and sleep like a baby
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I’m loving this thread!
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