Perennial with long, stiff, sharply pointed, sword-like leaves. Creamy white bell-like flowers appear on tall stalks from the center of the plant followed by fruits in green pods. Blooms: May-September

Yucca is used for arthritis, rheumatism, gout, urethritis, and prostates. The saponins in yucca may help give it anti-inflammatory properties. Yucca is also a laxative and an alterative. The amino acids in yucca leaves have been shown to inhibit viruses.

Many-branched annual that gives off an odor when bruised. It grows to 18 inches and produces stalks with oblong leaves. It has pale yellow to deep orange ray flowers that close at night; these are followed by light yellow boat-shaped seeds.

Calendula has long been used as a detoxifying herb. It also has a mild estrogenic action and is often used to help reduce menstrual pain and regulate menstrual bleeding.

Squat succulent with orange or red flowers grouped atop tall, erect stems. Fleshy leaves in blades rising 1-2 feet from a rosette center are pale green and mottled with spots, and prickly around the edges. Blooms: Midsummer. Height: 1-5 feet.

Aloe helps reduce inflammation and speed healing of wounds and burns. It has been shown effective in treating psoriasis, skin ulcers, and fungal infections. It has also demonstrated some positive effects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, lowering blood sugar and triglycerides. It can also be an effective antiviral when taken internally.

Reddish brown seaweed growing up to 10 inches. Flat and forked plant body with a fan-shaped outline. Crowded terminal lobes. Turns a translucent yellow or whitish color when dried. Length: 3-6 inches.

It is used as a demulcent for digestive conditions, but is most often used to treat respiratory ailments because of its expectorant properties. It has also been shown to successfully treat acid indigestion, gastritis, and urinary infections. It also has blood-thinning properties.