A Little Herbology

**I'm not a professional, so please do your own extensive research before using wild plants of any kind for any reason.  

Listen students, for today we'll have a brief lesson in herbology.  Identifying medicinal plants is a hobby of mine though not one to be taken lightly, I assure you.  Mistakes in identification can be deadly.

Look around, in the midst of so much bare earth and sepia decay, you will spy this little plant, so pretty with its pale blossoms and its curled leaves.  Is it any wonder it is called Life Everlasting.

Growing along roadsides, lanes and foot paths, it loves sunshine as much as shade and is easiest to spot at this time of year when it stands out against the crumbling spires of its fellow flora.

It goes by another name though most people in this part of the world have forgotten it, Rabbit Tobacco.  During the Civil War, beleaguered soldiers would use these little curled leaves in their pipes and papers instead of tobacco.

As it so happens this plant is a very good anti-viral and good for digestion and the respiratory system.  Long before civil war soldiers made use of it the Native Americans used it for its medicinal benefits.  It can be burned as incense or placed in a bowl of steaming water.  Wafting the smoke or water vapors toward you and breathing it in is said to help to open the lungs during congestion. 

If you're not one for breathing smoke or steam, these blossoms can also be steeped as a tea.  You'll know this plant, should you happen upon it by the alternating pattern of the leaves and the strong sweet maple syrup scent when you crush the dried blossoms.  When in doubt, of course, don't use the plant. You don't want to poison yourself if you happen to get the wrong plant.  Personally, I'm quite familiar with dear old Rabbit Tobacco and would know it anywhere.