The alder tree is most often found growing in wet ground, near water or in swampy woods. It sprouts from its own stump, which means it can survive heavy flooding. Because it is water-resistant and doesn't rot easily, it was often used for boat building, bridges, and even for jugs or flasks. The color of the inner bark, when peeled or cut, is blood-colored which is probably why it is traditionally thought to be unlucky or the house of an evil, vengeful spirit, but some interesting colors of dye can be had from the bark, leaves and fruit. The best charcoal can be made from its branches.

Medicinally, the bark was always used externally - brewed by the old healers as a gargle for sore throats or to treat any kind of mouth sores, ulcers or cankers. The sticky leaves were favored as a soothing poultice for swellings, rheumatic aches and pains, and other such inflammations. Also it has been said that the leaves will get rid of fleas in the bed if they are gathered while the morning dew is still on them.

Let it be said first and foremost - all parts of aconite are deadly poison, especially the root! Always take great care with this plant. Do not grow it with your kitchen herbs and be sure to warn children away from it. One 50th of a grain of the active poison can kill a sparrow in a few seconds, one-tenth will kill a rabbit in ten minutes. According to legend, aconite was first created by Hecate out of foam from the mouth of Cerberus. A species of aconite was part of the poison drank by old men on the island of Ceos when they were deemed no longer useful. Medea was supposed to have murdered Theseus with some aconite in his cup. It is also reputed to be part of the lethal "flying ointment" of witches.

Culpeper's Herbal mentions a "wholesome" aconite as being harmless, but this is not true. It may be somewhat less toxic but no aconite is safe to ingest.

The Latin name for Aconite is Aconitum Napellus. Strangely enough, this deadly plant is related to the sweet innocent little buttercup! It is also known as Monkshood, Blue Rocket, and Wolfsbane. The Anglo-Saxons called it "thung" but that was their word for any poisonous plant. The flowers of the plant resemble blue caps or helmets, which is how it is called monkshood or sometimes Helmet Flower. The name Wolfsbane comes from when it was used by hunters to poison their arrow-tips or baits, and, yes, it certainly can kill a wolf.

You may well ask, what good is such a deadly plant? It can be used safely as long as it is applied externally. A decoction of the root was used by the ancients for lotion or linament to treat lumbago, rheumatism or neuralgia. And it is used in very tiny doses for homeopathic remedies to treat chills, flu or shock.

ADDER'S TONGUE today is said to be "rare" but it may be because it is hard to find. You have to know where to look! It can be found in moist meadows and pastures, especially along the banks of a creek. From the center of the plant, which with some imagination may resemble a snake head, there grows a small spike.

Healers through the ages have used this to clean and treat wounds using the juice from both the roots and the leaves of the plant. It is most easily found from June to August. At other times, it grows as a rhizome underground and you must dig for the root. Healing ointments and salves are made from the juice, which is often mixed with the distilled water of horsetail for internal wounds, bruises and vomiting. Fresh or dried, Adder's Tongue helps "draw out evil" from old or festering wounds. Added to a bath, it is a good wash for sensitive skin.

Today I decided to start an herb notebook for my own reference and for anyone else who is interested in plant lore and remedies. More to come soon!