R. Sharp

Phylum: Asteraceae

Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea

Common name: Echinacea

Good plant

The Echinacea plant was first used by the Native American Indians. It is found in the United States and Canada. It is a daisy like flower with a rich purple hue. It grows to be two to three feet tall. It is prepared by simply infusing the leaves, stems, flowers and roots in hot water. It can be used to treat the common cold, influenza outbreaks, and mild to moderate infections. It can also be used to supplement treatment of cancer and syphills. It is very well known to boost your immune system. It is made available in the form of capsules, creams/sprays, or herbal tea.

Since studies on Echinacea have not been completed, it should be used with caution and never without guidance from a medical practitioner. It is now being studied to see if it helps those suffering from AIDS. Studies have shown that Echinacea increases the number of white blood cells. In certain European countries, it is said to be already used in the treatment of cancer by giving it to patients as an IV supplemental treatment. In Germany, it is an approved medication used for the treatment of upper respiratory infections, but it is restricted to only eight weeks at a time. Echinacea is one of the best-selling herbal products in the United States.

Phylum: Solanaceae

Scientific name: Solanaceae nigrum

Common name: Black Nightshade

Bad plant

The Black Nightshade plant is a flowering plant that has five white petals. They were first introduced from Europe. They sometimes have a yellow inner star. It has triangular stems, and the leaves are thin-textured. The grow in open woods, old fields, waste areas, pastures, along roadsides, and around farm buildings. The berry fruit on the plant is green when immature and purplish-black when ripe. It grows to be one to two feet tall. The major toxin in the black nightshade is "solanine."

Call Poison Control when someone has eaten the plant. When your central nervous system gets poisoned by this plant, the signs are; depression, difficulty breathing, weakness, convulsions, and possible death. The toxic risk is higher if the plant is included in processed feeds. Normally, only curious or bored pets are at risk to eat the black nightshade. Animals normally know to stay far away from it. Animals rarely consume enough to cause a serious poisoning. It may be contaminant in hay, but still cause toxicity. The unripe berries are more serious than ripe berries. Children have been known to die from eating the unripe berries. The most important species in Ohio are Eastern Black nightshade, Bittersweet nightshade, and Horsenettle. Black nightshades are also known as the "deadly nightshade."

Works Cited

"Black Nightshade « Forager's Harvest." Forager's Harvest. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. .

"Echinacea Tea Benefits." Tea Benefits. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. .

Quality Dating Personals, Hot Adult Personals, Chinese Personals, Sport Personals, and More! Web. 13 Feb. 2012. .

"Taking Echinacea to Treat Colds: Benefits & Side Effects." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. .