Ready to Crack the LA Times Crossword Clue: Plant Used as an Herbal Medicine and Answers From April 11, 2024

Hello everyone, and good afternoon! Today, I have a crossword clue to challenge your skills. Let's see how well you can solve it! Ready for the challenge? Let's get started! Some puzzles can have more than one right answer for the same clue. They're called Schrödinger or quantum puzzles, named after a famous idea in science.

These puzzles have been published in places like Fireball Crosswords and The American Values Club Crosswords. Even The New York Times has had at least ten of these puzzles since the late 1980s. For example, on November 5, 1996, The New York Times puzzle had a clue that said, "Lead story in tomorrow's newspaper, with 43 across."

If you put in ELECTED for 43Across, then 39Across could be CLINTON or BOBDOLE, depending on who won the Presidential Election that day. Similarly, on September 1, 2016, The New York Times puzzle by Ben Tausig had squares where you could put either "M" or "F" for the right answer.

These puzzles can be tricky because there's more than one correct answer. It's like a surprise every time you solve one! Scrabble is a game that works like a crossword puzzle. A guy named Alfred Mosher Butts made it in the 1930s. It's like a crossword puzzle, but with letters on tiles that you put on a board to make words.

It's time to solve the crossword clue! Are you ready? Let's do it! The plant is used as an herbal medicine. This clue is about a type of plant that people use as medicine to help with health issues.

Clue

Plant used as an herbal medicine

Explanation

Some plants are used as medicine to help people feel better when they're sick or have health problems. These plants are called herbal medicines. People have been using plants as medicine for a long time, even before there were modern medicines from pharmacies.

When you use a plant as herbal medicine, you might do things like make tea from the leaves or roots or use the plant in other ways, like putting it on your skin. Different plants are used for different health issues. For example, some plants help with a sore throat, while others might help with a headache.

Using plants as herbal medicine is a natural way to try to feel better, but it's important to be careful and talk to a doctor or someone who knows about herbs before you try it. Not all plants are safe for everyone, and some might have side effects if you use them the wrong way.

Hints to Finding the Answer

Are you having trouble finding the solution? Don't worry! I'm here to give you some hints to help you find the answer. Let's work together to solve it!

• The answer is a 5-letter word.

• The answer starts with H and ends with P.

• Biblical Herb: Think of a plant mentioned in the Bible.
• Has Five Letters: The word has five letters in total.
• Fragrant Plant: This plant is known for its strong smell and is often used in cooking and as a natural remedy.

Answer

Great work! You're amazing for getting the correct answer! Keep up the fantastic job!

HYSSOP

Image Source: Organo Republic, The Thyme Garden

Explanation

Hyssop is a type of plant that people have used for a long time in different ways. It has small purple or blue flowers and smells good. People typically grow hyssop in their gardens because it's pretty and attracts bees and butterflies. But hyssop isn't just nice to look at; it's also used in cooking and as medicine.

Some people make tea from hyssop leaves to help with coughs and sore throats. Others use it as a spice in cooking, like in soups or salads, because it adds a special flavor. In the Bible, hyssop is mentioned as a plant that was used to sprinkle water during religious ceremonies.

This shows that it has been important to people for a long time, even in ancient times. Overall, hyssop is a versatile plant that smells good, looks pretty, and can be helpful for health and cooking. It's one of those plants that people have loved for centuries because it's useful in so many ways.

Possible Answers

FEVERFEW

Explanation

Feverfew is a plant that some people use as a natural remedy to help with headaches and migraines. It looks like a small daisy with white petals and a yellow center. People usually take feverfew by making it into tea or by swallowing it in a pill. Some people also use feverfew to help with other health issues like arthritis and menstrual problems.

People have been using feverfew as a medicine for a long time because they believe it can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, it's important to talk to a doctor before trying feverfew, as it might not be safe for everyone and could have side effects.

ELM

Explanation

An elm is a type of tree that grows in many parts of the world. It has wide, flat leaves and a strong trunk. People like elms because they provide shade and look nice in parks and streets. Elm trees are important for the environment because they help clean the air and provide homes for birds and other animals.

Some people also use elm wood to make furniture or build things like boats and barrels because it's strong and durable. Overall, elms are valuable trees that are loved for their beauty and usefulness. They're a common sight in many places and are an important part of nature.

GINGER

Explanation

Ginger is a plant with a spicy and sweet taste that people use in cooking and medicine. It has a thick, knobby root that is often grated or sliced and added to dishes for flavor. Ginger is famous for helping with digestion and soothing upset stomachs. People also use it to make tea or ginger ale to relieve nausea and cold symptoms.

Some even chew on raw ginger or use ginger supplements for its health benefits. Overall, ginger is a versatile and popular ingredient that adds flavor and provides health benefits to many dishes and drinks.

HERB

Explanation

An herb is a plant that people use for different purposes, like cooking, medicine, or making things smell nice. Herbs come in many types and can be grown in gardens or found in nature. People have been using herbs for a long time because they have special properties that can help with different things.

For example, some herbs add flavor to food, like basil or parsley, while others, like chamomile or peppermint, are used to make tea that can help you relax or feel better when you're sick. Herbs are a natural way to add taste to food or improve health, and they're easy to grow at home or find in stores.

YARROW

Explanation

Yarrow is a plant that people have used for a long time as a natural remedy for different health problems. It has feathery leaves and clusters of small flowers that can be white, pink, or yellow. People use yarrow to help with things like fevers, colds, and wounds because it has properties that can reduce inflammation and stop bleeding.

You might find yarrow growing wild in fields or meadows, or you can even plant it in your garden. To use yarrow as a remedy, you can make tea from the leaves or flowers or apply it directly to your skin as a poultice. It's important to be careful when using yarrow because it can cause allergic reactions in some people, so it's a good idea to talk to a doctor or herbalist before trying it.

ANGELICA

Explanation

Angelica is a tall plant with big, green leaves and small, white flowers. People use different parts of the plant for medicine and cooking. The root of the plant is often used in herbal medicine to help with things like indigestion and colds. In cooking, the stems and seeds of the plant are used to add flavor to foods like sweets and drinks.

Angelica has a strong, sweet smell and taste, kind of like licorice. It grows in cool, damp places, like forests and meadows. Overall, Angelica is a useful plant that people have been using for a long time to make food taste better and to help with minor health problems.

ECHINACEA

Explanation

Echinacea is a plant that some people use as a natural medicine to help with colds and other illnesses. It's also called a purple coneflower because it has purple petals and a cone-shaped center. People believe that echinacea can boost the immune system and help fight off sickness.

They might make tea from the plant's roots or leaves or take it as a supplement in pill form. Some studies suggest that echinacea might help reduce the length or severity of colds, but more research is needed to be sure. Overall, echinacea is a popular herbal remedy that many people use to try to stay healthy during the cold and flu seasons.

RUE

Explanation

Rue is a plant that people have used for a long time for different reasons. It has small, yellow flowers and a strong smell. Some people grow it in gardens because they think it keeps insects away. Others use it in cooking to add flavor to food. In history, rue was thought to have special powers to protect against bad luck or sickness.

People used to carry it in small bags or wear it as jewelry for good luck. Overall, rue is a plant that has been around for a long time, and people have found many ways to use it. It's a bit like a helpful friend in the garden or kitchen, and some even believe it brings luck!

GENTIAN

Explanation

Gentian is a plant with pretty blue flowers that grows in places with cool weather, like mountains. People use its roots to make medicine. When you feel sick to your stomach or don't want to eat, some people use Gentian to help. It can also help if you're having trouble digesting food.

People have been using gentian as medicine for a long time, especially in traditional medicine practices. They might make tea from the roots or use it in other ways to help with stomach problems. Overall, gentian is a natural remedy that some people use to feel better when they're having tummy troubles.

VERVIAN

Explanation

Vervain is a plant that people have used for a long time to help with different health issues. It's also called Verbena. People use vervain as an herbal medicine to treat things like headaches, insomnia (trouble sleeping), and anxiety. Some also believe it can help with digestive issues and pain.

To use vervain, you can make tea from its leaves or flowers. Some people also use it as an essential oil or in other forms, like capsules or extracts. While some people find vervain helpful, it's essential to talk to a doctor or someone who knows about herbs before using it, as it might not be safe for everyone or could interact with other medicines you're taking.

ARTEMISIA

Explanation

Artemisia is a type of plant that grows in many places around the world. It's known for its strong smell and bitter taste. People have been using artemisia for a long time for different purposes, like cooking, making medicine, and even repelling insects. Some types of artemisia are used in traditional medicine to treat health problems like stomach issues, fever, and even malaria.

Others are used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, like soups and salads. Artemisia is also known as wormwood, and it's mentioned in ancient texts and stories. It's a versatile plant that has been used by people for many centuries for various purposes.

BALM

Explanation

The balm is a kind of plant that people use to make medicine. It's often made into a soothing ointment or lotion that you put on your skin to help with things like dryness, irritation, or pain. People have been using balm for a long time because it has natural healing properties.

It's like a gentle hug for your skin! You might find balm in products like lip balm, which helps keep your lips moisturized and prevents them from getting chapped. Overall, balm is a helpful plant that can make you feel better when your skin needs a little extra care.

TISANE

Explanation

Tisane is like a tea made from dried herbs, flowers, or spices. People use it as a natural way to make a hot drink that might help them feel better. To make tisane, you put the dried herbs, flowers, or spices in hot water and let them steep for a while, just like making regular tea.

Then you strain out the bits and drink the liquid. Some people use tisane to relax before bed, soothe a sore throat, or help with an upset stomach. It's kind of like herbal medicine in a warm, comforting drink. Overall, tisane is a simple and natural way to enjoy the benefits of herbs and spices while enjoying a warm and cozy drink.

ALOEVERA

Explanation

Aloe vera is a special plant that people use for many things. It has thick leaves full of a gel-like substance that can help soothe skin problems like sunburns or cuts. People also use aloe vera gel in creams and lotions to make their skin feel soft and smooth. Some people even drink aloe vera juice because they believe it's good for their health.

Aloe vera is easy to grow and is often found in gardens or pots inside people's homes. It's a popular plant because it's natural and can help with so many things. Overall, aloe vera is like a helpful friend that can make you feel better when you're not feeling your best.

ALLHEAL

Explanation

Allheal is a type of plant that people use as medicine. It's also known as Prunella vulgaris, or self-heal. People have used allheal for a long time to help with different health issues. For example, they might use it to soothe a sore throat or heal a wound. Some people even use allheal to make tea or other remedies to drink.

Allheal grows in many places around the world, especially in fields or meadows. It has small purple flowers and leaves that look kind of like mint leaves. Overall, all-heal is a natural remedy that people use to feel better when they're sick or hurt.

BONESETS

Explanation

Bonesets are plants that people use to make medicine. They're known for helping with colds, fevers, and other sicknesses. People have been using bonesets for a long time because they believe they can make you feel better when you're sick. To use bonesets, you might make tea from the leaves or flowers, or you might use them in other ways, like putting them on your skin.

Different parts of the plant can be used for different health problems. Bonesets are natural remedies, which means they come from plants instead of being made in a lab like modern medicines. Some people still use bone sets today because they think they can help them feel better when they're not well.

GINSENG

Explanation

Ginseng is a type of plant that people use as medicine to help with different health issues. It's a root that grows in parts of Asia and North America. People have been using ginseng for a long time because they believe it can give them more energy and help them feel better. You can use ginseng in different ways, like making it into a tea or taking it as a supplement.

Some people also put it in food or use it in other ways. But it's important to be careful with ginseng and talk to a doctor before using it, especially if you have other health issues or are taking other medicines. Not everyone can use ginseng, and it might have side effects for some people.