Asparagus - Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae)
(sparrow grass, sperage)
Description: perennial herb that grows up to 6 feet
tall. Edible spears grow in spring. In summer,
greenish white flowers appear and on female plants
bear red berries in autumn. The rest of the plant has
a feathered fern look to it.
Uses: Use the tips or spears and fern in cooking.
Roots can be dug up for medicinal purposes such as a
laxative. The fern cooked as a tea can be used to
treat urinary disorders.
Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1陆 ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours.
Decoction: used to prepare barks, roots and berries 4 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 2 ounces fresh herb; finely chop herbs in a pan and cover with the water (which should be cold). Bring this mixture to a boil, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then strain the liquid off and press as much of the remaining liquid out of the herbs as possible. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 2 weeks.
Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1陆 cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.
Medicinal uses: laxative, rheumatic and urinary disorders
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