Category: C
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Clary
Seeds soaked in water produce mucilaginous eye bath which safely removes particles, hence its name “dear eye” or “clary”. Handsome aromatic flowers and leaves. Clary also known as Salvia sclarea. This herb exudes a potent aroma akin to mint, yet it bears a subtle hint of sage. It is employed as a flavor enhancer, predominantly…
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Chicory coffee
Coffee substitute costing pennies a pound. Large roots, roasted and ground, can be blended with your favourite brand or enjoyed alone as a nourishing caffeine-free drink.
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Curled Chervil
Luscious green leaves have special subtle flavour. Traditionally used in all spring soups and salads, and can improve every dish in which parsley is used. Curled leaves make a handsome garnish.
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Centaury
Traditional European panacea, recommended for many complaints including lack of appetite, sluggish digestion and stomach disturbances. Highly useful during convalescence.
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Celery
Celery juice blended with carrot and apple juice remedies poor appetite, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases. Leading ingredient in a host of 19th century patent medicines designed to treat what were vaguely described as nervous disorders. Numerous sarsaparillas were already on the market when the first celery-based product, Paine’s Celery Compound, was…
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Celandine
The juice mixed with vinegar is said to remove warts and corns. It was once reputed to restore eyesight. Decoction is useful for stomach pains and inflammations of the bilary duct.
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Catsfoot
Ameliorates the appetite for it stimulates bile flow, gastric juices and pancreatic secretions. Petite woolly rosettes of leaves resemble a cat’s foot.
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Castor Bean
Oil extracted from seeds is a commonly used laxative effective for temporary constipation and acute diarrhea. Large tropical-looking foliage.
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Camphor Tree
Handsome tree from which commercial camphor is obtained. Shiny, rich green leaves are highly aromatic. Interesting pot plant for sunny window or greenhouse.
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Calendula
Flower petals give delicate flavour and strong colour to salads, omelettes and cheese, and is used as a saffron substitute for rice.