## Medicinal Plants of the USA
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### 🌿 **Lantana camara**
- **Botanical Name:** *Lantana camara*
- **Common Name:** Lantana
- **Region:** Native to Central and South America, now naturalized across the southern U.S., especially in Texas, Florida, and California.
- **Preferred Zones:** USDA Zones 8–11
- **Parts Used:** Leaves, flowers, stems (with caution due to toxicity)
- **Medicinal Uses:**
 - Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties
 - Decoction used for skin itches and wounds
 - In some cultures, flower infusions used for respiratory ailments
- **Note:** Toxic if ingested in large amounts; use externally with caution.
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### 🌿 **Pinus clausa**
- **Botanical Name:** *Pinus clausa*
- **Common Name:** Sand Pine
- **Region:** Endemic to Florida and parts of Alabama (notably the Florida scrub habitat)
- **Preferred Zones:** USDA Zones 7–10
- **Parts Used:** Resin, needles, bark
- **Medicinal Uses:**
 - Resin used as antiseptic and for chest rubs
 - Needles contain vitamin C; traditionally used as tea for colds and cough
 - Bark decoctions may be used externally for wounds
- **Note:** Related to other medicinal pines, but used less frequently due to limited distribution.
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### 🌿 **Liriope muscari (Lily Turf)**
- **Botanical Name:** *Liriope muscari*
- **Common Name:** Lily Turf, Monkey Grass
- **Region:** Native to East Asia but widely cultivated across southeastern U.S. landscapes
- **Preferred Zones:** USDA Zones 5–10
- **Parts Used:** Root
- **Medicinal Uses:**
 - Traditional Chinese Medicine: used for nourishing yin, moistening lungs
 - Treats dry coughs, sore throat, and dry skin
 - Sometimes included in herbal tonics for anti-aging and vitality
- **Note:** Less used in Western herbalism, but significant in Eastern medicine.
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### 🌿 **Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree)**
- **Botanical Name:** *Vitex agnus-castus*
- **Common Name:** Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper
- **Region:** Native to the Mediterranean but thrives in the southern U.S. including Texas and California
- **Preferred Zones:** USDA Zones 6–9
- **Parts Used:** Berries (dried), leaves
- **Medicinal Uses:**
 - Hormonal regulation in women (PMS, menopause, fertility)
 - Dopaminergic activity balances pituitary hormones
 - Used in tincture or capsule form, usually long-term
- **Note:** One of the most studied and validated herbs in women's health.
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### 🌿 **Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas Sage)**
- **Botanical Name:** *Leucophyllum frutescens*
- **Common Name:** Texas Sage, Barometer Bush
- **Region:** Native to Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico
- **Preferred Zones:** USDA Zones 8–11
- **Parts Used:** Leaves
- **Medicinal Uses:**
 - Traditionally used by native communities for cold and flu symptoms
 - Antimicrobial and antifungal properties
 - Infused leaves used as mild tea or external wash for skin infections
- **Note:** Not widely used in Western herbal practice but important in regional ethnobotany.
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### 🌿 **Pentas lanceolata (Pentas Plant)**
- **Botanical Name:** *Pentas lanceolata*
- **Common Name:** Egyptian Star Cluster
- **Region:** Native to Africa, grown ornamentally across southern U.S. in zones 9–11 (especially Florida and Texas)
- **Preferred Zones:** USDA Zones 9–11
- **Parts Used:** Leaves (folk medicine)
- **Medicinal Uses:**
 - In folk African medicine, leaves used to treat dysentery and digestive issues
 - Used externally for boils and wounds
 - Antibacterial potential under study
- **Note:** Ornamental; not widely documented for use in Western or Eastern systems.
