Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

Duration: You set the pace

Herbalism, or the use of herbs for healing, is the oldest form of healing and is still relevant today. Every culture on every continent has a history of herbal healing.

Option 1: Choose books based on one of the options listed under each medicinal herb.
Option 2: Spell-it-out using titles, series names, character names, or authors (first or last name) that begin with letters that correspond to the word you choose. You may ignore the indefinite and definite articles (a, an, the, etc.).
Option 3: Any combination of the above

Levels:
Herbwife: 3 to 4 books
Folk Healer: 5 to 7 books
Wildcrafter: 8 to 12 books
Herbalist: 13 to 24 books
Master Herbalist: 25+ books

BONUS: Master Herbalists may add to the list of herbs by PMing the Mod account with their chosen herb and ideas for tasks

The Herbs
Agrimony- Commonly found throughout England, another common name for Agrimony is "Church-Steeples". In the Middle Ages it was believed that if Agrimony was placed under a pillow, the sleeper would not wake until the plant was removed.
Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover.

Aloe- The Egyptians revered Aloe as the "Plant of Immortality". Aloe remains one of the only things known to heal atomic burns, and it is also commonly used to treat sunburn.
Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover.

Arnica- Arnica has daisy-like yellow flowers. It is commonly found in skin creams to soothe sore muscles, especially in athletes. It may cause serious complications if taken internally.
Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.

Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times, mostly in India. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse”. It is used frequently because of its rejuvenating properties. It bears small red fruit.
Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover.

Blackberry- Blackberry is a large plant with delicious berries and a very large amount of thorns. The leaves and root were often used to treat sore throats and as a cough remedy.
Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.

Bloodroot- Bloodroot is native from Quebec south to Florida and west to Kansas. The root contains a lot of red juice which stains the skin when broken. The flowers are white. Bloodroot is endangered.
Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover.

Burdock- Burdock is a tall plant with prickly burrs and purple, pink, or white flowers. The root is edible. Burdock is often used as a blood purifier.
Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.

Calendula- Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, is commonly used for skin ailments and can be found in a variety of skin creams. It has also been used to bring down fevers. The plant self sows like nothing else (I cannot get rid of the little suckers).
Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.

California Poppy- The California Poppy is the state flower of California. It has tranquilizing properties and is mentally stabilizing. The flowers are usually orange.
Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.

Cascara Sagrada - Cascara was used extensively by the Native American tribes. It has small berries that range from red to purple-black.
Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.

Catnip- As the name suggests, catnip is known for attracting cats. Catnip tea is used to treat restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Studies have shown that it could possibly be as effective as deet in repelling mosquitoes.
Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.

Cayenne- Cayenne is a powerful stimulant known for its beneficial effect on the heart and the blood vessels. It has been used in emergencies to stabilize people who have had heart attacks or who are hemorrhaging. It is said to be unequalled for warding off diseases.
Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.

Chamomile- Chamomile is an aromatic herb with white, daisy-like petals and a yellow conical center. It has been known as the "Plant's Physician" because it contributes to the health of the garden. It is considered the only certain remedy for nightmares. It is comforting and often used for relaxation.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.

Chaste Tree- Chaste (or Vitex) is known as "the woman's herb" because of its beneficial effects for women in all cycles of life. It has been used to increase fertility and help with menopause symptoms, as well as cure acne, headaches, and prevent insect bites. The dark purple berries and the seeds are the parts used to make medicine.
Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.

Chicory- Chicory is common in parts of England and Ireland. The flowers are a very light blue. Chicory is used in salads and the root is roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitute. A decoction of the root has been used to help with liver problems.
Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.

Cleavers- The plant is covered with tiny hooked barbs which allow it to cling to other plants and the clothing of passing humans. It has a reputation of being used to cure benign tumors and growths, and cancer. The flowers are white or greenish-white.
Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover.

Comfrey- Comfrey is a hairy plant with large, bright green leaves and drooping creamy-yellow or purple flowers. It is a powerful healer and, when used externally as a compress or salve, can increase the speed of healing. Comfrey has also been known as "knitbone" and has been used for hundreds of years to heal fractures and breaks in bone.
Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.

Dandelion- Dandelion is a common plant with bright yellow flowers. The name is a corruption of the French "Dent de Lion", which means "Lion's Tooth". The leaves and flowers are delicious in salads. Dandelion has been used to help cure liver and kidney diseases and it is often used to make herbal wine. It blooms all summer.
Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.

Echinacea- Echinacea has rich purple, cone-shaped flowers. It has been used to support the immune system and prevent viral infections. The Native American tribes used Echinacea to cure snake and spider bites.
Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.

Elderberry- Native American tribes called Elder the "tree of music" and used the branches to make flutes. The ancient Germans believed it to be the dwelling of Mother Hulda, the protectress of house and home. The berries turn sky-blue when ripe and can be made into a syrup that can cure or prevent colds.
Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.

Feverfew- Feverfew is a daisy-like plant with white flowers with yellow centers. Regular use of the herb can prevent migraines and arthritis. Bugs can't abide Feverfew, so it is very useful in the garden.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.

Ginkgo Biloba- Ginko is a large tree with bright green fan-shaped leaves. They are native to China and Japan. It improves memory and brain function and can also improve blood flow.
Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.

Ginseng- Ginseng, or five-fingers root, is a leafy green plant with small red berries. It has been used to cure impotence and can increase mental function.
Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.

Goldenseal- Goldenseal is often called the ground raspberry because the fruit is red and resembles a raspberry. The stem and leaves are hairy and deep green and the flowers are white. It has been used to cure eye diseases and prevent reoccurrence of diseases such as malaria. It has also been used as a yellow dye.
Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.

Heal-All- Heal-All has square stems and purple, spiky flowers. It is used for many ailments, both inward and outward. It is known as a general strengthener.
Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.

Kava Kava- A shrub with large spade-shaped leaves, Kava is known for being beneficial to people who suffer from anxiety. Side effects can include sensitivity to sunlight.
Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.

Mallow- Mallow has very soft, 3-5 lobed leaves and pale flowers. It is frequently given in the form of a syrup to children as a cure for coughs.
Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.

Milk Thistle-Milk thistle is a tall, thorny plant with glossy dark green leaves and white veins. It is beneficial to the liver, and the new flower can be steamed and eaten like an artichoke.
Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.

Mugwort- A tall-growing shrubby plant, with leaves that are smooth and dark green above and covered with a silvery down beneath. In Native American folklore Mugwort was rubbed on ones body to keep ghosts away or wearing a necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John’s Eve to gain security from evil possession.
Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.

Mullein- The leaves are whitish with a soft, dense mass of hairs on both sides, which form a rosette at the base of the stem. The flower-spike is covered with sulphur-yellow flowers with five rounded petals. Blooms during July and August. Historically used as lamp wicks before the introduction of cotton. Mullein oil is very effective in the treatment of earaches.
Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.

Queen-Anne’s lace- Also known as wild carrot, the flowers are white and umbellate with one or two reddish flowers in the center. Queen Anne’s lace earned its common name from a legend that tells of Queen Anne of England pricking her finger and a drop of blood landed on white lace she was sewing. It closely resembles poison hemlock.
Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.

Skullcap- American skullcap derives its name from the caplike appearance of the small blue or purple flowers. It is used as a mild sedative. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful for joint pain and arthritis.
Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.

St. John’s Wort- A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, St. John's Wort is often used as a natural anti-depressant. It can cause severe interactions with other medications.
Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.

Usnea- Also know as Old Man's Beard, Usnea is a light green lichen most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. It has strong antibacterial properties and can be very useful in fighting off infections.
Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured.

Valerian- Valerian has small flowers, white and tinged with pink. They have a strange, but not unpleasant smell. However the root, which is the part used in herbal medicine, smells like a mix between old socks and stinky cheese. Cats are very attracted to the scent. Valerian is mainly used as a sedative and stress reliever.
Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)

Yarrow- Yarrow has also been called Soldier's Woundwort and Bloodwort because of the folklore surrounding this herb. It has been said that soldiers on the battlefield would use Yarrow to stop the bleeding of their wounds. In Folklore, placing Yarrow under your pillow at night would bring visions of your future mate. The flower heads are flat on the top and leaves are deeply serrated.
Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance.

Reading Challenges ~ Emerald Coin

Earn your Emerald Coins with Reading Challenges joined on or after April 1, 2016.

To Earn an Emerald Coin:
One Coin for completing the Master Herbalist level.

Learn about Gem coins here

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reserving my spot for Master herbalist. I will use option 2.

A 50 Amazing Things Kids Need to Know About Math Anne Rooney
G Grace Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime
R Richard Judy Moody
I Ilan The Source
M Matron The Death House
O Ogg Humphrey's Really Wheely Racing Day
N The Watchmaker of Filigree Street Natasha Pulley
Y Black Butler, Volume 01 Yana Toboso

A The Barking Treasure Mystery David A. Adler
L Love That Dog
O Osgrey A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
E The Elevator Family

A Albus Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2
R Rocky Judy Moody Saves The World!
N Neddy The Swimmer
I Magic Bites Ilona Andrews
C The Shadow of the Wind Carlos Ruiz Zafón
A The Abominable Snowman

A Karate Kids Want To Win! Karate Kids, Book 1 Alex Simmons
S Stink Judy Moody Gets Famous!
H Holly: The Doorstep Puppy
W The Velveteen Rabbit Margery Williams
A Amy Judy Moody Predicts the Future
G The Kitchen House Kathleen Grissom
A The Angel of Darkness
N A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald Natasha Lester
D Swamp Monster In The Third Grade Debbie Dadey
H The Hike
A Jake Drake, Bully Buster Andrew Clements

B The BFG
L Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor, England, 1544Kathryn Lasky
A Amanda Saturn Run
C Ceclia Tuesdays at the Castle
K Kofer Grey Mountain
B Byrnes The Alienist
E Miss Pickerell Goes Undersea Ellen MacGregor
R An Echo in the Darkness Francine Rivers
R Paris Edward Rutherfurd
Y Yang Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China

B The Muse Jessie Burton
L Luke Among the Hidden
O Oliver The Whistling Season
O O'Neill In the Woods
D Dudley My Lady Jane
R A Curious Beginning Deanna Raybourn
O O'Neill The Likeness
O O'Neill Broken Harbor
T Thistlebottom Roxie and the Hooligans

B Dracula Bram Stoker
U The Cat Unknown
R Robert Her Fearful Symmetry
D Cold ShotDani Pettrey
O
C The Clan of the Cave Bear
K The New Kid at School Kate McMullan

C Man Out At First Matt Christopher
A Magic Burns Ilona Andrews
L The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
E Evans The Darkest Part of the Forest
N Bad Kitty Meets the Baby Nick Bruel
D Final Hour (Short Story) Dean Koontz
U Unhinged
L Lisa Strawberry Shortcake Murder
A The Sweetest Dark Shana Abe

C Chips Dog to the Rescue: Seventeen True Tales of Dog Heroism
A Alrat The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid
L
I I Like It Here At School
F Flynn This Savage Song
O
R The Absent Author Ron Roy
N The Neil Gaiman Audio Collection CD
I In Every Heartbeat
A Rebel of the SandsAlwyn Hamilton
P The Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards James Preller
O
P A Daughter's Inheritance Tracie Peterson
P The Pale Criminal
Y

C Cross Kiss the Girls
A The Absence of Nectar
S Shirley The Vanishing Point
C Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
A As Sure as the Dawn
R
A
S Sharp Objects
A
G Zanzibar Tales: Told by Natives of the East Coast of AfricaGeorge W. Bateman
R
A
D
A

Materia Medica Challenge
Level: Master Herbalist
Start date: 03 August 2016
End date: Ongoing (35/36)

✔Agrimony- The Iron Daughter a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time 05Aug16

✔Aloe- Prepper Short Stories a book that mentions bombs or a military force 03Aug16

✔Arnica- Boar Island someone is poisoned 11Sep16

✔Ashwagandha- A Weaver's Web the MC has/rides horses 03Sep16

✔Blackberry- Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World someone has a cold 25Sep16

✔Bloodroot- The Zookeeper's Wife the MC is protecting someone 26Aug16

✔Burdock- Eloonjäänyt one of the characters is a doctor 15Aug16

✔Calendula- Last Night at Chateau Marmont a romance 27Aug16

✔California Poppy- The Onesies, Fall an orange cover 06Aug16

✔Cascara Sagrada - The Darkest Touch red on the cover 24Aug16

✔Catnip- The Iron Queen a book with a cat character 18Aug16

✔Cayenne- Gold Standard a 'spicy' book 11Aug16

✔Chamomile- Forty Days at Kamas a book with something I consider to be frightening 22Aug16

✔Chaste Tree- Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why It Often Sucks in the City, or Who Are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me? an MC who is a woman 07Aug16

✔Chicory- Pretty Good Number One: An American Family Eats Tokyo a light blue cover 11Oct16

✔Cleavers- My 'Dam Life: Three Years in Holland a green cover 25Aug16

✔Comfrey- Megalodon Rising: A Deep Sea Thriller a book where someone has a broken bone 09Aug16

✔Dandelion- Driving over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucía a character drinks wine 14Aug16

✔Echinacea- Pretty Baby someone is sick 21Aug16

✔Elderberry- The Martian Chronicles has otherworldly beings 24Sep16

✔Feverfew- Deep Down Dark: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine, and the Miracle That Set Them Free someone is under a lot of stress 11Sep16

✔Ginkgo Biloba- Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity a book with a lot of characters 11Aug16

✔Ginseng- Madame Bovary a romance 16Sep16

✔Goldenseal- Jaguaarin voima set in the jungle 14Nov16

Heal-All- Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.

✔Kava Kava- The Night Circus a romance 24Oct16

✔Mallow- 9Tales Told in the Dark #5 #5 in a series 18Sep16

✔Milk Thistle- Night Broken a character likes to cook 02Oct16

✔Mugwort- As Trees Turned Away: A thrilling collection of scary short stories a book with ghosts 13Sep16

✔Mullein- Vampire University rose on the cover 11Sep16

✔Queen-Anne’s lace- Circus blood on the cover 06Aug16

✔Skullcap- The Death Cure a blue cover 29Aug16

✔St. John’s Wort- Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things a character is depressed 17Aug16

✔Usnea- Better World a character is injured 12Aug16

✔Valerian- Season Of The Harvest a character has a cat 05Sep16

✔Yarrow- American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History a character who is a soldier 20Aug16

Materia Medica Challenge
Duration: 8/1/16 - 8/1/17
Master Herbalist: 36/36

Agrimony- Found throughout England, another name for Agrimony is "Church-Steeples". In the Middle Ages it was believed that if placed under a pillow, the sleeper would not wake until the plant was removed.
Read a book set in England
Panic by K.R. Griffiths 10/31/16

Aloe- The Egyptians revered Aloe as the "Plant of Immortality". It is one of the only things known to heal atomic burns, and is also used to treat sunburn.
Read a book with a character thought to be immortal
Spectyr by Philippa Ballantine 8/11/16

Arnica- It's found in skin creams to soothe sore muscles but may cause serious complications if taken internally.
Read a book where someone is poisoned. The flowers are daisy-like yellow.
The First Patient by Michael Palmer 8/8/16

Ashwagandha- It has been used since ancient times, mostly in India. In Sanskrit it means “the smell of a horse”. It is used frequently because of its rejuvenating properties. It bears small red fruit.
Read a book where the MC rides horses
Hatshepsut's Collar by A.W. Exley 9/26/16

Blackberry- A large plant with delicious berries and a very large amount of thorns, the leaves and root were often used to treat sore throats and as a cough remedy.
Read a book with a purple cover.
8/3/16

Bloodroot- Native in Eastern USA, and endangered, the root contains a lot of red juice which stains the skin when broken. The flowers are white.
Read a book with vampires
Paint it Black by Nancy A. Collins 8/21/16

Burdock- A tall plant with prickly burrs, an edible root and purple, pink, or white flowers. Burdock is often used as a blood purifier.
Read a book where the MC loves to cook
Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz 10/13/16

Calendula- Also known as Pot Marigold, it is used for skin ailments and can be found in a variety of skin creams. It has also been used to bring down fevers.
Read a book that is a part of a long series.
Back to School Murder by Leslie Meier 8/30/16

California Poppy- This orange flower is the state flower of California. It has tranquilizing properties and is mentally stabilizing.
Read a book with a orange cover.
12/4/16

Cascara Sagrada - It was used extensively by the Native American tribes and has small berries that range from red to purple-black.
Read a book with red or purple on the cover.
1/18/17

Catnip- Well-known for attracting cats. Used as tea to treat restlessness and nervousness and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Studies have shown that it could be effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Read a book where the MC has a cat
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher 11/11/16

Cayenne- This is a powerful stimulant known for its beneficial effect on the heart and the blood vessels and has been used in emergencies to stabilize people who have had heart attacks or who are hemorrhaging. It's said to be unequalled for warding off diseases.
Read a 'spicy' book
Little Brats by Selena Kitt 8/20/16

Chamomile- A wonderful, aromatic herb with white, daisy-like petals and a yellow conical center. It has been known as the "Plant's Physician" as it contributes to the health of the garden. It is considered the only certain remedy for nightmares and is often used for relaxation.
Read a book with a character who gardens
Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti by Bailey Cates 10/26/16

Chaste Tree- Also known as Vitex or "the woman's herb" because of its beneficial effects for women in all cycles of life. It has been used to increase fertility and help with menopause symptoms, as well as cure acne, headaches, and prevent insect bites. The dark purple berries and the seeds are used to make medicine.
Read a book with a MC who is a woman
Happily Never After by Jeaniene Frost 8/27/16

Chicory- Common in parts of England & Ireland, it is used in salads and the root is roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitute. A decoction of the root has been used to help with liver problems. The flowers are a very light blue.
Read a book with a character who drinks a lot
Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost 8/23/16

Cleavers- The plant is covered with tiny hooked barbs which allow it to cling to other plants and the clothing of passing humans. It has a reputation of being used to cure benign tumors, growths, and cancer. The flowers are white or greenish-white.
Read a book with someone who has cancer
Cherry Bomb by J.A. Konrath 9/14/16

Comfrey- This hairy plant has large, bright green leaves & drooping creamy-yellow or purple flowers. It is a powerful healer. When used as a compress or salve, it can increase the speed of healing. Also known as "knitbone" it has been used to heal fractures and breaks in bone.
Read a book where someone has a broken bone
Suicide Forest by Jeremy Bates 10/6/16

Dandelion- A corruption of the French "Dent de Lion", which means "Lion's Tooth", it is a common plant with bright yellow flowers. The leaves and flowers are delicious in salads. Dandelion has been used to help cure liver and kidney diseases and often used to make herbal wine.
Read a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.
The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames 9/20/16

Echinacea- Echinacea has rich purple, cone-shaped flowers. It has been used to support the immune system and prevent viral infections. Native American tribes used Echinacea to cure snake and spider bites.
Read a book where someone is poisoned.
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder 1/24/17

Elderberry- Native American tribes called this the "tree of music" and used the branches to make flutes. Ancient Germans believed it to be the dwelling of Mother Hulda, the protectress of house and home. The berries turn sky-blue when ripe and can be made into a syrup that can cure or prevent colds.
Read a book that has otherworldly beings
Touch of the Demon by Diana Rowland 8/29/16

Feverfew- Feverfew is a daisy-like plant with white flowers with yellow centers. Regular use of the herb can prevent migraines and arthritis. Very useful in the garden as bugs don't like it.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover
12/30/16

Ginkgo Biloba- A large tree native to China and Japan, it has bright green fan-shaped leaves. It improves memory and brain function and can also improve blood flow.
Read a book with a lot of characters to keep track of.
We'll Always Have Parrots by Donna Andrews 8/26/16

Ginseng- Ginseng, or five-fingers root, is a leafy green plant with small red berries. It has been used to cure impotence and can increase mental function.
Read a book that you've been putting off.
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare 9/12/16

Goldenseal- Often called the ground raspberry because the fruit is red and resembles a raspberry. The stem and leaves are hairy and deep green and the flowers are white. It has been used to cure eye diseases and prevent reoccurrence of diseases such as malaria. It has also been used as a yellow dye.
Read a book with a cover you consider an eyesore.
11/21/16

Heal-All- This has square stems and purple, spiky flowers. It is used for many ailments and is known as a general strengthener.
Read a book where a character is good at many different things
Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward 10/21/16

Kava Kava- A shrub with large spade-shaped leaves, It is known for being beneficial to people who suffer from anxiety. Side effects can include sensitivity to sunlight.
Read a book with vampires
Frostbite by Richelle Mead 9/23/16

Mallow- Mallow has very soft, 3-5 lobed leaves and pale flowers. It is frequently given in the form of a syrup to children as a cure for coughs.
Read a book featuring children.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner 11/9/16

Milk Thistle- This is a tall, thorny plant with glossy dark green leaves and white veins. The flower can be steamed and eaten like an artichoke and is beneficial to the liver
Read a book where a character likes to cook.
Riding Red by Alexa Riley 11/10/16

Mugwort- A tall shrubby plant, the leaves are smooth and dark green above with a silvery down beneath. In folklore, it was rubbed on the body to keep ghosts away or wearing a necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John’s Eve to gain security from evil possession.
Read a book shelved as paranormal.
Smoke Rising by Craig Halloran 9/1/16

St. John’s Wort- A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, St. John's Wort is often used as a natural anti-depressant. It can cause severe interactions with other medications.
Read a book where the characters clash in some way.
2/15/17

Queen-Anne’s lace- The flowers are white and umbellate with one or two reddish flowers in the center. Legend tells of Queen Anne of England pricking her finger and a drop of blood landed on white lace she was sewing. It closely resembles poison hemlock.
Read a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.
Crush by Stefan Petrucha 9/6/16

Skullcap- Skullcap derives its name from the caplike appearance of the small blue or purple flowers. It is used as a mild sedative. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful for joint pain and arthritis.
Read a book that you find relaxing
Moseh's Staff by A.W. Exley 12/15/16

St. John’s Wort- A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, that is often used as a natural anti-depressant. It can cause severe interactions with other medications.
Read a book where the characters clash in some way.
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews 1/5/17

Usnea- Also know as Old Man's Beard, it is a light green lichen most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest. It has strong antibacterial properties and can be very useful in fighting off infections.
Read a book where a character is injured.
Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland 9/29/16

Valerian- The small flowers are white tinged with pink. They have a strange, but not unpleasant smell. However the root, which is used in herbal medicine, smells like old socks and stinky cheese. Cats are very attracted to the scent. Valerian is mainly used as a sedative and stress reliever.
Read a book where a character does something to de-stress
My Hawaiian Vacation by Abby Fox 12/7/16

Yarrow- Soldiers on the battlefield would use Yarrow to stop the bleeding of their wounds, giving it the names Soldier's Woundwort & Bloodwort. It is said, placing Yarrow under your pillow at night would bring visions of your future mate. The flower heads are flat on the top and leaves are deeply serrated.
Read a book shelved as romance.
First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost 10/9/16

The Herbs
Agrimony- Commonly found throughout England, another common name for Agrimony is "Church-Steeples". In the Middle Ages it was believed that if Agrimony was placed under a pillow, the sleeper would not wake until the plant was removed.
Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover. English Tea Murder, leslie meier...finished~08.13.2016

Aloe- The Egyptians revered Aloe as the "Plant of Immortality". Aloe remains one of the only things known to heal atomic burns, and it is also commonly used to treat sunburn.
Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover. The Last Camel Died at Noon, Elizabeth peters...01.18.2017

Arnica- Arnica has daisy-like yellow flowers. It is commonly found in skin creams to soothe sore muscles, especially in athletes. It may cause serious complications if taken internally.
Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover. , heather blake...finished~08.09.2016

Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times, mostly in India. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse”. It is used frequently because of its rejuvenating properties. It bears small red fruit.
Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover. , james patterson...finished~08.18.2016

Blackberry- Blackberry is a large plant with delicious berries and a very large amount of thorns. The leaves and root were often used to treat sore throats and as a cough remedy.
Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover. , eva gates...finished~09.05.2016

Bloodroot- Bloodroot is native from Quebec south to Florida and west to Kansas. The root contains a lot of red juice which stains the skin when broken. The flowers are white. Bloodroot is endangered.
Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover. , lynsay sands...finished~12.19.2016

Burdock- Burdock is a tall plant with prickly burrs and purple, pink, or white flowers. The root is edible. Burdock is often used as a blood purifier.
Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover. Wicked Craving, g.a. mckevett...finished~12.09.2016

Calendula- Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, is commonly used for skin ailments and can be found in a variety of skin creams. It has also been used to bring down fevers. The plant self sows like nothing else (I cannot get rid of the little suckers).
Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series. Brotherhood in Death, j.d. robb...finished~08.05.2016 (#42 in a series)

California Poppy- The California Poppy is the state flower of California. It has tranquilizing properties and is mentally stabilizing. The flowers are usually orange.
Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.

Cascara Sagrada - Cascara was used extensively by the Native American tribes. It has small berries that range from red to purple-black.
Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.

Catnip- As the name suggests, catnip is known for attracting cats. Catnip tea is used to treat restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Studies have shown that it could possibly be as effective as deet in repelling mosquitoes.
Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.

Cayenne- Cayenne is a powerful stimulant known for its beneficial effect on the heart and the blood vessels. It has been used in emergencies to stabilize people who have had heart attacks or who are hemorrhaging. It is said to be unequalled for warding off diseases.
Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.

Chamomile- Chamomile is an aromatic herb with white, daisy-like petals and a yellow conical center. It has been known as the "Plant's Physician" because it contributes to the health of the garden. It is considered the only certain remedy for nightmares. It is comforting and often used for relaxation.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening. Rosemary Remembered, susan wittig albert...03.19.2017

Chaste Tree- Chaste (or Vitex) is known as "the woman's herb" because of its beneficial effects for women in all cycles of life. It has been used to increase fertility and help with menopause symptoms, as well as cure acne, headaches, and prevent insect bites. The dark purple berries and the seeds are the parts used to make medicine.
Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover. Town in a Strawberry Swirl, b.b. haywood...finished~08.12.2016 (MC is a woman)

Chicory- Chicory is common in parts of England and Ireland. The flowers are a very light blue. Chicory is used in salads and the root is roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitute. A decoction of the root has been used to help with liver problems.
Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee. Holiday Buzz, cleo coyle...01.26.2017

Cleavers- The plant is covered with tiny hooked barbs which allow it to cling to other plants and the clothing of passing humans. It has a reputation of being used to cure benign tumors and growths, and cancer. The flowers are white or greenish-white.
Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, j.k. rowling...finished~10.04.2016

Comfrey- Comfrey is a hairy plant with large, bright green leaves and drooping creamy-yellow or purple flowers. It is a powerful healer and, when used externally as a compress or salve, can increase the speed of healing. Comfrey has also been known as "knitbone" and has been used for hundreds of years to heal fractures and breaks in bone.
Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover. , laura childs...finished~11.13.2016

Dandelion- Dandelion is a common plant with bright yellow flowers. The name is a corruption of the French "Dent de Lion", which means "Lion's Tooth". The leaves and flowers are delicious in salads. Dandelion has been used to help cure liver and kidney diseases and it is often used to make herbal wine. It blooms all summer.
Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine. Ripe for Murder, carlene o'neill...finished~09.10.2016 (drinks wine/works in a winery)

Echinacea- Echinacea has rich purple, cone-shaped flowers. It has been used to support the immune system and prevent viral infections. The Native American tribes used Echinacea to cure snake and spider bites.
Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, alan bradley...finished~11.11.2016

Elderberry- Native American tribes called Elder the "tree of music" and used the branches to make flutes. The ancient Germans believed it to be the dwelling of Mother Hulda, the protectress of house and home. The berries turn sky-blue when ripe and can be made into a syrup that can cure or prevent colds.
Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.

Feverfew- Feverfew is a daisy-like plant with white flowers with yellow centers. Regular use of the herb can prevent migraines and arthritis. Bugs can't abide Feverfew, so it is very useful in the garden.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them. , j.k. rowling...finished~08.27.2016 (yellow cover)

Ginkgo Biloba- Ginko is a large tree with bright green fan-shaped leaves. They are native to China and Japan. It improves memory and brain function and can also improve blood flow.
Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover. , betty smith...finished~09.01.2016 (part of a tree trunk on the cover)

Ginseng- Ginseng, or five-fingers root, is a leafy green plant with small red berries. It has been used to cure impotence and can increase mental function.
Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off. The Pursuit, janet evanovich...finished~08.15.2016 (5th in a series)

Goldenseal- Goldenseal is often called the ground raspberry because the fruit is red and resembles a raspberry. The stem and leaves are hairy and deep green and the flowers are white. It has been used to cure eye diseases and prevent reoccurrence of diseases such as malaria. It has also been used as a yellow dye.
Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.

Heal-All- Heal-All has square stems and purple, spiky flowers. It is used for many ailments, both inward and outward. It is known as a general strengthener.
Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.

Kava Kava- A shrub with large spade-shaped leaves, Kava is known for being beneficial to people who suffer from anxiety. Side effects can include sensitivity to sunlight.
Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.

Mallow- Mallow has very soft, 3-5 lobed leaves and pale flowers. It is frequently given in the form of a syrup to children as a cure for coughs.
Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.

Milk Thistle-Milk thistle is a tall, thorny plant with glossy dark green leaves and white veins. It is beneficial to the liver, and the new flower can be steamed and eaten like an artichoke.
Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook. Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore, rose pressey...02.12.2017

Mugwort- A tall-growing shrubby plant, with leaves that are smooth and dark green above and covered with a silvery down beneath. In Native American folklore Mugwort was rubbed on ones body to keep ghosts away or wearing a necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John’s Eve to gain security from evil possession.
Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.

Mullein- The leaves are whitish with a soft, dense mass of hairs on both sides, which form a rosette at the base of the stem. The flower-spike is covered with sulphur-yellow flowers with five rounded petals. Blooms during July and August. Historically used as lamp wicks before the introduction of cotton. Mullein oil is very effective in the treatment of earaches.
Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.

Queen-Anne’s lace- Also known as wild carrot, the flowers are white and umbellate with one or two reddish flowers in the center. Queen Anne’s lace earned its common name from a legend that tells of Queen Anne of England pricking her finger and a drop of blood landed on white lace she was sewing. It closely resembles poison hemlock.
Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil. Royal Flush, rhys bowen...12.21.2016

Skullcap- American skullcap derives its name from the caplike appearance of the small blue or purple flowers. It is used as a mild sedative. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful for joint pain and arthritis.
Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover. Majoring In Murder, Jessica Fletcher...04.08.2017

St. John’s Wort- A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, St. John's Wort is often used as a natural anti-depressant. It can cause severe interactions with other medications.
Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.

Usnea- Also know as Old Man's Beard, Usnea is a light green lichen most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. It has strong antibacterial properties and can be very useful in fighting off infections.
Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured.

Valerian- Valerian has small flowers, white and tinged with pink. They have a strange, but not unpleasant smell. However the root, which is the part used in herbal medicine, smells like a mix between old socks and stinky cheese. Cats are very attracted to the scent. Valerian is mainly used as a sedative and stress reliever.
Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc) Classified as Murder, Miranda James...04.16.2017

Yarrow- Yarrow has also been called Soldier's Woundwort and Bloodwort because of the folklore surrounding this herb. It has been said that soldiers on the battlefield would use Yarrow to stop the bleeding of their wounds. In Folklore, placing Yarrow under your pillow at night would bring visions of your future mate. The flower heads are flat on the top and leaves are deeply serrated.
Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance.

This looks like it's going to be a fun challenge! I'm in!

Duration: You set the pace

Option 3: Any combination of the above

Level: Master Herbalist: 25+ books

Books finished: 20/25
---------------------------------------------------
The Herbs:
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✔ Chicory- a book with a light blue cover. The Hit by David Baldacci FINISHED 8/4/2016.

✔ Bloodroot - Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover. Library of Souls FINISHED 8/30/2016. MC Jacob is trying to protect his friends.


✔ Chaste Tree - Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover. The Thirteenth Tale FINISHED on 8/30/2016 . Two MCs are women.

✔ Cleavers - Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover. The Guilty FINISHED on 9/3/2016. MC's friend had Cancer.

✔ Comfrey- Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover. The NestFINISHED on 8/15/2016. Book cover is light green.

✔ Dandelion - Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine. Gone Girl FINISHED on 8/19/2016 - MC owns a bar and drinks wine.

✔ Agrimony- Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover. Hollow City FINISHED 8/11/2016 - Set in England.

✔ Aloe- Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover. Ender's Game FINISHED on 8/21/2016. MC Ender is in the military.

✔ Ashwagandha- Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover. The Target FINISHED 8/8/2016. Book has red on the cover.

✔ Feverfew- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them. Ender in Exile FINISHED on 8/28/2016. MC Ender matches all of these conditions.

✔ Arnica - Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover. Split Second FINISHED 9/21/2016 - Michelle Maxwell is a very athletic woman.

✔ Ginkgo Biloba- Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover. The Magician King FINISHED 9/15/2016. It has a tree on its cover.

✔ Calendula- Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series. The Sum of All Kisses FINISHED 10/4/2016. Romance/steamy book.

✔ Ginseng- Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off. Ten Things I Love About You FINISHED 10/17/2016.

✔ Elderberry- Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical. FINISHED 10/3/2016.

✔ Goldenseal- Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover. FINISHED 10/19/2016. Yellow cover.

✔ Mullein- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle. FINISHED Memory Man on 11/20/2016. Yellow cover.

✔ St. John’s Wort- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way. FINISHED The Lovely Bones on 11/29/2016. Very sad story of a 13 y/o getting raped and killed and her family struggle with the tragidy.

✔ Usnea- Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured. - It has many wizards.

✔ Yarrow- Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance. FINISHED The Elusive Bride on 11/9/2016. MC is a soldier.

Blackberry- Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.

Burdock- Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.

California Poppy- Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.

Cascara Sagrada - Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.

Catnip- Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.

Cayenne- Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.

Chamomile- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.


Echinacea- Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.

Heal-All- Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong

This seems fun with plenty of options, will probably make for a nice first reading challenge for me! Just need to see which level I think I can handle.

Materia Medica Challenge
Level: Master Herbalist
Start date: 2016 08 03
End date: Ongoing

Chaste Tree - a book with someone who has a baby. The Accursed by Joyce Carol Oates. Finished 2016-08-05.

Ginseng - a book with five words in the title. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin. Finished 2016 08 07.

Bloodroot - a book with vampires. Fevre Dream by George RR. Martin. Finished 2016 08 10.

Mugwort - a book with ghosts. Dark Matter by Michelle Paver. Finished 2016 08 11.

Elderberry - a book that has otherworldly beings. The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross. Finished 2016-08-20.

Agrimony - a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time. Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan. Finished 2016-08-23.

Update 2017-05-22: Have not been updating this lately, so will add some books that I have read!

Cleavers - a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Arnica - a book where someone is poisoned. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. Finished 2017-05-17.

Calendula - a book that is part of a long series. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling.

Catnip - a book with someone under a lot of stress. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Finished 2017-05-20.

Comfrey - a book where someone has a broken bone. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling.

Queen-Anne’s lace - a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling.

Usnea - a book with a character who is a wizard. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.

Valerian - a book with a character who repels others. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling.

Kava Kava - a book with vampires. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews.

Aloe - a book that mentions a military force. A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare.

Cayenne - a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica. Once Upon a Winter's Eve by Tessa Dare.

Ashwagandha - a book where the MC has/rides horses. A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare.

Yarrow - a book with a character who is a soldier. Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare. Finished 2017-05-28.

Chicory - a book set in England A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare. Finished 2017-05-29.

Heal-All - book with a character who is very strong. The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. Finished 2017-05-29.

Duration: You set the pace
8/3/16-1/30/19

Herbalism, or the use of herbs for healing, is the oldest form of healing and is still relevant today. Every culture on every continent has a history of herbal healing.

Option 1: Choose books based on one of the options listed under each medicinal herb.


Levels:
Master Herbalist: 25+ books
36/36

The Herbs
Agrimony- Commonly found throughout England, another common name for Agrimony is "Church-Steeples". In the Middle Ages it was believed that if Agrimony was placed under a pillow, the sleeper would not wake until the plant was removed.
Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover.


Aloe- The Egyptians revered Aloe as the "Plant of Immortality". Aloe remains one of the only things known to heal atomic burns, and it is also commonly used to treat sunburn.
Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover.


Arnica- Arnica has daisy-like yellow flowers. It is commonly found in skin creams to soothe sore muscles, especially in athletes. It may cause serious complications if taken internally.
Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.


Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times, mostly in India. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse”. It is used frequently because of its rejuvenating properties. It bears small red fruit.
Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover.


Blackberry- Blackberry is a large plant with delicious berries and a very large amount of thorns. The leaves and root were often used to treat sore throats and as a cough remedy.
Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.


Bloodroot- Bloodroot is native from Quebec south to Florida and west to Kansas. The root contains a lot of red juice which stains the skin when broken. The flowers are white. Bloodroot is endangered.
Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover.


Burdock- Burdock is a tall plant with prickly burrs and purple, pink, or white flowers. The root is edible. Burdock is often used as a blood purifier.
Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.


Calendula- Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, is commonly used for skin ailments and can be found in a variety of skin creams. It has also been used to bring down fevers. The plant self sows like nothing else (I cannot get rid of the little suckers).
Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.


California Poppy- The California Poppy is the state flower of California. It has tranquilizing properties and is mentally stabilizing. The flowers are usually orange.
Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.


Cascara Sagrada - Cascara was used extensively by the Native American tribes. It has small berries that range from red to purple-black.
Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.


Catnip- As the name suggests, catnip is known for attracting cats. Catnip tea is used to treat restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Studies have shown that it could possibly be as effective as deet in repelling mosquitoes.
Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.


Cayenne- Cayenne is a powerful stimulant known for its beneficial effect on the heart and the blood vessels. It has been used in emergencies to stabilize people who have had heart attacks or who are hemorrhaging. It is said to be unequalled for warding off diseases.
Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.


Chamomile- Chamomile is an aromatic herb with white, daisy-like petals and a yellow conical center. It has been known as the "Plant's Physician" because it contributes to the health of the garden. It is considered the only certain remedy for nightmares. It is comforting and often used for relaxation.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.


Chaste Tree- Chaste (or Vitex) is known as "the woman's herb" because of its beneficial effects for women in all cycles of life. It has been used to increase fertility and help with menopause symptoms, as well as cure acne, headaches, and prevent insect bites. The dark purple berries and the seeds are the parts used to make medicine.
Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.


Chicory- Chicory is common in parts of England and Ireland. The flowers are a very light blue. Chicory is used in salads and the root is roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitute. A decoction of the root has been used to help with liver problems.
Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.


Cleavers- The plant is covered with tiny hooked barbs which allow it to cling to other plants and the clothing of passing humans. It has a reputation of being used to cure benign tumors and growths, and cancer. The flowers are white or greenish-white.
Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover.


Comfrey- Comfrey is a hairy plant with large, bright green leaves and drooping creamy-yellow or purple flowers. It is a powerful healer and, when used externally as a compress or salve, can increase the speed of healing. Comfrey has also been known as "knitbone" and has been used for hundreds of years to heal fractures and breaks in bone.
Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.


Dandelion- Dandelion is a common plant with bright yellow flowers. The name is a corruption of the French "Dent de Lion", which means "Lion's Tooth". The leaves and flowers are delicious in salads. Dandelion has been used to help cure liver and kidney diseases and it is often used to make herbal wine. It blooms all summer.
Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.


Echinacea- Echinacea has rich purple, cone-shaped flowers. It has been used to support the immune system and prevent viral infections. The Native American tribes used Echinacea to cure snake and spider bites.
Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.


Elderberry- Native American tribes called Elder the "tree of music" and used the branches to make flutes. The ancient Germans believed it to be the dwelling of Mother Hulda, the protectress of house and home. The berries turn sky-blue when ripe and can be made into a syrup that can cure or prevent colds.
Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.


Feverfew- Feverfew is a daisy-like plant with white flowers with yellow centers. Regular use of the herb can prevent migraines and arthritis. Bugs can't abide Feverfew, so it is very useful in the garden.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.


Ginkgo Biloba- Ginko is a large tree with bright green fan-shaped leaves. They are native to China and Japan. It improves memory and brain function and can also improve blood flow.
Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.


Ginseng- Ginseng, or five-fingers root, is a leafy green plant with small red berries. It has been used to cure impotence and can increase mental function.
Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.

NBRC Materia Medica Challenge
Starting 8/1/16

*Option 2 Spell-It - Title/Series/Character/Author

20/36 COMPLETED

1. Agrimony - DONE
A - Grace Alexander from Fantasy Lover - 8/2/16
G - Gingerbread - 8/11/16
R - Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins - 8/4/16
I - The Impossible Knife of Memory - 8/1/16
M - Mistress - 8/2/16
O - The Old Willis Place - 8/4/16
N - Navigating Early - 8/12/16
Y - Blood Red Road by Moira Young - 8/22/16

2. Aloe - DONE
A - Stephanie Adams from Country - 8/20/16
L - The Lucy Variations - 8/3/16
O - Olivia from Dream a Little Dream - 8/17/16
E - Gordon Edmonds from Slade House - 8/5/16

3. Arnica - DONE
A - The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom - 8/5/16
R - Dark Witch by Nora Roberts - 8/30/16
N - Nina from Six of Crows - 8/21/16
I - Isabelle from The Nightingale - 8/10/16
C - Clarke from The 100 - 8/20/16
A - The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson - 8/21/16

4. Ashwagandha - DONE
A - Amy from In Too Deep - 8/26/16
S - John Smith from The Rise of Nine - 8/15/16
H - It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover - 8/23/16
W - Winnie from Tuck Everlasting - 8/30/16
A - Sophomore Switch by Abby McDonald - 9/6/16
G - Sam Goode from The Fall of Five - 8/16/16
A - Behind the Canvas by Alexander Vance - 9/7/16
N - Stardust by Neil Gaiman - 9/13/16
D - The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks - 8/18/16
H - Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey - 8/30/16
A - I Crawl Through It by A.S. King - 9/11/16

5. Blackberry - DONE
B - Candor by Pam Bachorz - 9/7/16
L - Locke from The Fox Inheritance - 8/13/16
A - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews - 9/22/16
C - The Christmas Wedding - 8/24/16
K - Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz - 8/31/16
B - Bullet Point - 9/22/16
E - Entice - 8/9/16
R - Darcy Rhone from Something Blue - 9/7/16
R - Real Murders - 9/20/16
Y - Life of Pi by Yann Martel - 9/8/16

6. Bloodroot - DONE
B - Theodore Boone from Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer - 9/25/16
L - Lost in the Sun - 8/23/16
O - Ophelia from A Wounded Name - 9/2/16
O - The Opportunist - 9/10/16
D - Vivian Divine from Vivian Divine Is Dead - 9/8/16
R - The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan - 9/20/16
O - Evie O'Neil from The Diviners - 11/1/16
O - Larry Ott from Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter - 11/20/16
T - The Hidden Oracle from the Trials of Apollo series - 11/6/16

7. Burdock - DONE
B - Boy Meets Boy - 9/28/16
U - Charles Unwin from The Manual of Detection - 8/10/16
R - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling - 11/4/16
D - Dunk - 9/9/16
O - Olivia from The Ex - 12/24/16
C - Inkheart by Cornelia Funke - 8/26/16
K - Courage for Beginners by Karen Harrington - 9/2/16

8. Calendula - DONE
C - Claire from Pretty Girls - 8/30/16
A - Andrew from Modern Lovers - 9/18/16
L - Locke from Fox Forever - 9/13/16
E - The Chase by Janet Evanovich - 9/26/16
N - Night of the Howling Dogs - 11/10/16
D - A Perfect Life by Danielle Steel - 11/2/16
U - Undead and Unwed - 11/13/16
L - Gen Loxley from Close My Eyes - 10/2/16
A - The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom - 11/2/16

9. California Poppy - DONE
C - Serendipity by Carly Phillips - 9/2/16
A - Adrift - 11/4/16
L - Lucy from Forget Me Not - 11/17/16
I - Inn Boonsboro series - The Last Boyfriend - 1/12/17
F - Destiny Faraday from The Miles Between - 11/10/16
O - Theresa Osborne from Message In A Bottle - 1/28/17
R - Rogue Lawyer - 11/5/16
N - No Safe Secret - 12/5/16
I - The Infects - 1/16/17
A - The Angel Experiment - 11/18/16
P - Harry Potter from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 11/28/16
O - The Obsidian Blade - 2/7/17
P - Penny from A Season for Fireflies - 11/30/16
P - Patrick from Winter Street - 12/6/16
Y - The Kidney Hypothetical: Or How to Ruin Your Life in Seven Days by Lisa Yee - 2/2/17

10. Cascara Sagrada - DONE
C - Carrie from Starry Night - 11/19/16
A - Absolutely Almost - 12/6/16
S - Soundless - 11/21/16
C - Ginny Carter from Blue - 11/20/16
A - Cloaked by Alex Flinn - 12/10/16
R - Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings - 11/22/16
A - Alex from Paper Covers Rock - 12/15/16
S - Keith Schroeder from The Confession - 11/29/16
A - Amber from Masterminds - 12/29/16
G - The Good, the Bad, and the Undead - 12/15/16
R - The Raven Boys - 12/8/16
A - Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard - 1/1/17
D - Dog on It - 1/1/17
A - Along for the Ride - 1/4/17

11. Catnip - DONE
C - Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris - 12/2/16
A - Adina from Beauty Queens - 1/12/17
T - Turk from Small Great Things - 12/20/16
N - NYPD Red - 1/6/17
I - If You Find Me - 2/3/17
P - Playing with Fire - 1/13/17

12. Cayenne - DONE
C - The Cuckoo's Calling - 12/28/16
A - Grace Angel from Behind Closed Doors - 1/15/17
Y - You Know Me Well - 5/6/17
E - Eleventh Grade Burns - 11/15/16
N - The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha - 2/18/17
N - Nancy from Every Heart a Doorway - 3/3/17
E - Edward from Lone Wolf - 11/16/16

13. Chamomile - DONE
C - Cate from Hot Stuff - 1/5/17
H - Gus Hollister from The Blossom Sisters - 1/3/17
A - Amos from Memory Man - 2/6/17
M - The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater - 1/16/17
O - The Last One by Alexandra Oliva - 3/7/17
M - The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn - 1/16/17
I - Infinity Ring series - A Mutiny in Time - 3/11/17
L - Lane from The Melody Lingers On - 2/9/17
E - A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan - 1/1/17

14. Chaste Tree - DONE
C - Connect the Stars - 2/18/17
H - Henry from Breathless - 2/13/17
A - Amy from Dorothy Must Die - 2/13/17
S - Something Like Fate - 2/9/17
T - Rylee Thomas from Fueled - 1/5/17
E - Gabriel Emerson from Gabriel's Inferno - 2/22/17
T - Tempest - 3/1/17
R - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling - 1/28/17
E - Eadlyn from The Crown - 3/18/17
E - Emily from The Girl Who Chased the Moon - 4/2/17

15. Chicory - DONE
C - Cat from Summer Secrets - 2/26/17
H - Greer Hennessy from Beach Town - 3/2/17
I - India Opal from Because of Winn-Dixie - 3/11/17
C - Diane Crayton from Welcome to Night Vale - 3/3/17
O - Olivia from Day Shift - 3/14/17
R - Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan - 2/19/17
Y - Young Elites series - The Midnight Star - 8/22/17

16. Cleavers - DONE
C - Tabitha Crum from Nooks & Crannies - 3/5/17
L - The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton - 3/5/17
E - Back to the Bedroom by Janet Evanovich - 4/21/17
A - Addie from Zero Day - 2/21/17
V - Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen - 2/15/17
E - Edge series - On the Edge - 5/4/17
R - Canada by Richard Ford - 3/17/17
S - The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry - 2/27/17

17. Comfrey - DONE
C - A Clockwork Orange - 3/16/17
O - Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love - 4/5/17
M - Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson - 3/8/17
F - Flight - 3/7/17
R - Reed from Private - 3/19/17
E - Etiquette & Espionage - 5/12/17
Y - Into the Deep by Samantha Young - 12/4/17

18. Dandelion - DONE
D - Claire Danvers from Glass Houses - 3/22/17
A - Amy from Horrorstör - 3/3/17
N - Love Is the Best Medicine: What Two Dogs Taught One Veterinarian about Hope, Humility, and Everyday Miracles by Nick Trout - 3/13/17
D - The Dead Girls' Dance - 3/28/17
E - Estella from Dangerous Lies - 5/18/17
L - Proof of Forever by Lexa Hillyer - 3/15/17
I - The Children Act by Ian McEwan - 4/18/17
O - 1984 by George Orwell - 4/13/17
N - Never Let You Go - 4/13/17

19. Echinacea - DONE
E - Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams - 6/6/17
C - Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse - 3/21/17
H - House of Night Novella series - Dragon's Oath - 4/16/17
I - Inevitable - 5/2/17
N - Key of Light by Nora Roberts - 4/16/17
A - Takeover by Anna Zabo - 3/19/17
C - Charley from Second Grave on the Left - 4/1/17
E - Emma from How to Date Dead Guys - 6/22/17
A - Breathe by Abbi Glines - 3/9/17

20. Elderberry - DONE
E - Elena from The Awakening - 7/6/17
L - Juliet Langley from Death Before Decaf - 5/3/17
D - Dana from Key of Knowledge - 4/18/17
E - Jill Ellington from Bone Deep - 7/10/17
R - Max Ride from School's Out—Forever - 4/1/17
B - The Book of Time - 3/14/17
E - Elder Races series - Dragon Bound - 7/17/17
R - Positive: A Memoir by Paige Rawl - 4/2/17
R - Red Queen series - Glass Sword - 4/4/17
Y - Yanek from Prisoner B-3087 - 12/30/17

21. Feverfew - DONE
F - Dark Life by Kat Falls - 5/5/17
E - Eleanor from Broken River - 7/20/17
V - Visions series - Bang - 5/26/17
E - Smitten by Janet Evanovich - 7/26/17
R - Morgan Rowlands from Book of Shadows - 4/4/17
F - Murder at Redwood Cove by Janet Finsilver - 6/5/17
E - Earthbound - 7/28/17
W - James Watson from A Study in Charlotte - 5/7/17

22. Ginkgo Biloba - DONE
G - The Trouble in Me by Jack Gantos - 1/13/17
I - I Am Not A Serial Killer - 6/11/17
N - See Me by Nicholas Sparks - 5/26/17
K - Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family - 3/25/17
O - Ophelie from Safe Harbour - 4/25/17
B - Black Ice - 2/1/17
I - The Iron Trial - 7/16/17
L - Look at You Now: My Journey from Shame to Strength - 6/3/17
O - On the Jellicoe Road - 4/29/17
B - Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli - 5/6/17
A - Still Waters by Ash Parsons - 2/14/17

23. Ginseng - DONE
G - Dirk Gently from Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency - 6/7/17
I - Inej from Crooked Kingdom - 8/6/17
N - Nyx from Cruel Beauty - 5/26/17
S - Stevie from Witch Slapped - 6/8/17
E - Embassy Row series - See How They Run - 8/3/17
N - The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman - 6/11/17
G - No Good Deed by Goldy Moldavsky - 6/12/17

24. Goldenseal - DONE
G - An Accidental Death by Peter Grainger - 7/4/17
O - Once Was Lost - 5/22/17
L - Lexi from Stolen Magic - 7/10/17
D - Dashing Through the Snow - 5/20/17
E - Exit, Pursued by a Bear - 8/11/17
N - Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff - 7/1/17
S - Laurell Sewell from Wings - 5/27/17
E - Everland - 9/6/17
A - Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death -
4/28/17
L - Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt - 7/21/17

25. Heal-All - DONE
H - Sela Halstead from Sugar Daddy = 7/18/17
E - Evelyn from Storm - 9/16/17
A - Scared Witchless by Amy Boyles - 6/14/17
L - The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket - 7/25/17
A - Breaking Point by Alex Flinn - 6/26/17
L - Leonard from Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock - 8/2/17
L - Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt - 8/4/17

26. Kava Kava - DONE
K - Kelly from Murder at the Mansion - 6/15/17
A - Autumn Falls - 6/30/17
V - Vee from Nerve - 8/2/17
A - Alex - 7/12/17
K - The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis - 6/25/17
A - Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer - 7/23/17
V - Victoria from Unnatural Deeds - 9/12/17
A - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows - 7/25/17

27. Mallow - DONE
M - Murder in Christmas River - 4/20/17
A - Feyre Acheron from A Court of Wings and Ruin - 7/26/17
L - Blackbringer by Laini Taylor - 8/9/17
L - Louisa from After You - 8/15/17
O - One for the Murphys - 6/20/17
W - The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler - 6/19/17

28. Milk Thistle - DONE
M - Midnight Alley - 6/20/17
I - Imaginary Girls - 8/23/17
L - Lissa from Shut Out - 8/26/17
K - Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman - 8/8/17
T - Far Far Away by Tom McNeal - 7/24/17
H - The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus - 8/1/17
I - The Invention of Hugo Cabret - 9/16/17
S - Speak of Me as I Am - 7/5/17
T - That Summer - 8/13/17
L - A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd - 9/8/17
E - Evie from The Door in the Alley - 9/18/17

29. Mugwort - DONE
M - All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn - 3/21/17
U - Uses for Boys - 3/15/17
G - American Gods by Neil Gaiman - 8/9/17
W - Adrienne Wells from Nights in Rodanthe - 8/16/17
O - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - 7/3/17
R - Relatively Dead - 4/19/17
T - This Place Has No Atmosphere - 8/19/17

30. Mullein - DONE
M - Morganville Vampires series - Feast of Fools - 6/22/17
U - The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone - 6/23/17
L - The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon - 9/11/17
L - Logan from Closed for the Season - 9/21/17
E - Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich - 9/18/17
I - Ivy from Wicked - 11/15/17
N - Our Lady of Immaculate Deception by Nancy Martin - 7/27/17

31. Queen-Anne’s Lace - DONE
Q - Michael Quinn from Let the Dead Sleep - 10/14/17
U - Uprooted - 7/29/17
E - Ethan from Beautiful Chaos - 9/21/17
E - Earthquake - 10/23/17
N - Nora from Hush, Hush - 8/18/17
A - Alexa from The Marriage Bargain - 8/1/17
N - Need - 9/11/17
N - Marked by Dragon's Blood by N.M. Howell - 10/4/17
E - Envy of Angels - 10/11/17
S - Stranded with a Billionaire - 7/13/17
L - Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys by Harper Lin - 9/25/17
A - Annie from Heroes Are My Weakness - 8/26/17
C - Crown of Midnight - 8/21/17
E - Katie Ellison from Pants on Fire - 11/1/17

32. Skullcap - DONE
S - Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella - 8/12/17
K - On the Fence by Kasie West - 9/8/17
U - Until Friday Night - 8/4/17
L - Telling Lies by L.A. Dobbs - 9/26/17
L - Lily from Baby Doll - 9/29/17
C - Chloe from The Sugar Queen - 8/21/17
A - Sidekicked by John David Anderson - 9/1/17
P - Cinnamon Peters from Mayhem in Christmas River - 9/6/17

33. St. John’s Wort - DONE
S - Sophronia from Curtsies & Conspiracies - 9/20/17
T - Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke - 9/27/17
J - Dog Medicine by Julie Barton - 6/27/17
O - Requiem by Lauren Oliver - 7/14/17
H - Hurt Go Happy - 9/1/17
N - UnDivided by Neal Shusterman - 10/21/17
S - Silver from Dating The Undead - 10/1/17
W - Melanie West from Dead and Breakfast - 10/11/17
O - Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill - 7/17/17
R - Ruthie from The Sixty-Eight Rooms - 10/4/17
T - Throne of Glass series - Heir of Fire - 11/18/17

34. Usnea - DONE
U - Useless Bay - 9/2/17
S - Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan - 10/9/17
N - Cronin's Key by N.R. Walker - 10/25/17
E - Eliza from One Night That Changes Everything - 11/5/17
A - Kiss My Witch by Amy Boyles - 9/13/17

35. Valerian - DONE
V - Virtue Falls - 9/20/17
A - Aurora from Roar - 10/19/17
L - Little Peach - 11/1/17
E - Ethan from Zeroes - 11/8/17
R - Fire in His Blood by Ruby Dixon - 10/26/17
I - Illuminae Files series - Gemina - 11/30/17
A - Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh - 11/15/17
N - We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen - 11/6/17

36. Yarrow
Y - The Last Star by Rick Yancey - 1/8/18
A - Famous Last Words by Katie Alender - 11/17/17
R - Rose from Sparrow Hill Road - 10/27/17
R - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling - 12/2/17
O - Once Dead, Twice Shy - 8/6/17
W - The Wonder of All Things - 10/18/17

res

res

Welcome to the challenge, everyone!

I'm going for the whole enchilada.

Materia Medica Challenge
Start Date: August 1, 2016

READ: 25/36

✔Agrimony- Read a book where acharacter is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover.
Fighting to Forget - J.D. Salisbury (heroine, 10 days in a coma) 10/12/16

A: About a Vampire - Lynsay Sands 8/11/16
G: Shadow on the Sun - David Macinnis Gill 10/20/16
R: Rogues - George R.R. Martin et al 11/13/16
I: It's a Wonderful Wife - Janet Chapman 8/13/16
M: The Sleeping Beauty - Mercedes Lackey 10/11/16
O: If the Slipper Fits - Olivia Drake 9/5/16
N: The Art of Duke Hunting - Sophia Nash 10/13/16
Y: A Harvest of Bones - Yasmine Galenorn 2/8/17

✔Aloe- Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover.
Paper and Fire - Rachel Caine 8/14/16

A: Marked in Flesh - Anne Bishop 8/7/16
L: Love in the Light - Laura Kaye 10/16/16
O: The Wicked Game - Olivia Fuller 9/4/16
E: Known - Kendra Elliot 8/6/16

✔Arnica- Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.
Bear Meets Girl - Shelly Laurenston (hero professional hockey player) 10/5/16

A: Bound by Flame - Anne Windsor 8/10/16
R: Rocked by Love - Christine Warren 10/16/16
N: The Sea of Trolls - Nancy Farmer 8/3/16
I: Quicksand - Iris Johansen 10/26/16
C: Chainsaw Jane - Marie-Jo Fortis 10/21/16
A: Personal Demon - Kelley Armstrong 8/2/16

✔Ashwagandha- Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover.
The Hunter - Theresa Meyers 10/31/16

A: Best Laid Plans - Allison Brennan 9/2/16
S: Soulless - T.M. Frazier 9/4/16
H: Highland Master - Hannah Howell 10/23/16
W: Bound by Light - Anne Windsor 9/7/16
A: Alien Tango - Gini Koch 9/4/16
G: Ghost Story - Jim Butcher 10/15/16
A: Spell Bound - Kelley Armstrong 10/22/16
N: Not Quite a Wife - Mary Jo Putney 10/28/16
D: Dragonmark - Sherrilyn Kenyon 9/3/16
H: Tall, Dark & Dead - Tate Hallaway 10/18/16
A: Anyone But You - Jennifer Crusie 10/29/16

✔Blackberry- Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.
Dark Passage - M.J. Putney 8/15/16

B: Sentenced to Death - Lorna Barrett 10/22/16
L: Stolen: A Letter to My Captor - Lucy Christopher 10/23/16
A: Thirteen - Kelley Armstrong 11/10/16
C: Cold, Cold Heart - Tami Hoag 12/3/16
K: The Kingdom of Gods - N.K. Jemisin 11/16/16
B: The Dreaming: A Novel of Australia - Barbara Wood 11/5/16
E: Easter Bunny Murder - Leslie Meier 9/8/16
R: The Fire Kimono - Laura Joh Rowland 11/14/16
R: Floating Staircase - Ronald Malfi 11/3/16
Y: Yours, Mine, and Ours - Mary Janice Davidson 2/19/17

✔Bloodroot- Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover.
Dark Ghost - Christine Feehan 8/9/16

B: Beauty and the Werewolf - Mercedes Lackey 11/18/16
L: The Lazarus Gate - Mark A. Latham 11/9/16
O: One Snowy Knight - Deborah MacGillivray 11/25/16
O: One Moonlit Night - Samantha James 12/6/16
D: The Twelfth Card - Jeffery Deaver 10/24/16
R: Rainshadow Road - Lisa Kleypas 11/20/16
O: On the Growl - Celia Kyle 1/18/17
O: Omens - Kelley Armstrong 1/28/17
T: Total Control - David Baldacci 10/29/16

✔Burdock- Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.
Not Always a Saint - Mary Jo Putney (hero is a doctor) 11/24

B: Bethany's Heart - C.L. Scholey 12/18/16
U: The Ultimate Treasure - Heather Graham 8/13/16
R: Sweet Revenge - Rebecca Zanetti 11/20/16
D: The Down Home Zombie Blues - Linnea Sinclair 11/5/16
O: Offside - Juliana Stone 1/29/17
C: Cold Days - Jim Butcher 11/22/16
K: Someone to Watch Over Me - Lisa Kleypas 12/11/16

✔Calendula- Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.
Runaway Vampire - Lynsay Sands (Argeneau #23) 8/30

C: A Confidential Source - Jan Brogan 11/24/16
A: Captive Soul - Anne Windsor 11/25/16
L: The Likeness - Tana French 12/30/16
E: The Devil Wears Kilts - Suzanne Enoch 10/17/16
N: Crash - Nicole Williams 11/11/16
D: The Witch Is Dead - Shirley Damsgaard 12/16/16
U: The Undead in My Bed - Katie MacAlister 9/18/16/16
L: Wolf with Benefits - Shelly Laurenston 11/7/16
A: The Keeper of Lost Causes - Jussi Adler-Olsen 11/19/16

✔California Poppy- Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.
Dead Heat - Allison Brennan 8/27


C: Captive Heart - Anne Windsor 12/11/16
A: Alien in the Family - Gini Koch 12/14/16
L: The Ghoul Next Door - Victoria Laurie 11/1/16
I: Insidious - Catherine Coulter 11/7/16
F: Fair Game - Jasmine Haynes 1/21/17
O: Vicious - Kevin O'Brien 1/19/17
R: Restless Heart - Emma Lang 12/5/16
N: No Ghouls Allowed - Victoria Laurie 11/13/16
I: Third Degree - Greg Iles 11/26/16
A: Apprentice in Death - J.D. Robb 12/17/16

P: Prince of Magic - Linda Winstead-Jones 10/24/16
O: On the Accidental Wings of Dragons - Julie Wetzel 2/11/17
P: Paper, Scissors, Death - Joanna Campbell Slan 10/30/16
P: Maximum Ride Forever - James Patterson 12/4/16
Y: Bad Nights - Rebecca York 2/23/17

✔Cascara Sagrada - Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.
Dead Heat - Patricia Briggs 8/5/16

C: Crooked Kingdom - Leigh Bardugo 12/17/16
A: The Apple Orchard - Susan Wiggs 12/19/16
S: Bite Me - Shelly Laurenston 12/24/16
C: Compulsion - Allison Brennan 12/24/16
A: The Current Between Us - Kindle Alexander 12/26/16
R: Rogue - Katy Evans 2/2/17
A: Men of the Otherworld - Kelley Armstrong 12/31/16

S: Sword of the Raven - Diana Duncan 2/12/17
A: Lost - Alice Lichtenstein 2/4/17
G: The Girl from Everywhere - Heidi Heilig 12/25/16
R: Scarecrow - Matthew Reilly 2/4/17
A: The Bird Eater - Ania Ahlborn 2/13/17
D: Dead Ice - Laurell K. Hamilton 2/21/17
A: The Lady in Question - Victoria Alexander 2/25/17

continued...

✔Catnip- Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.
The Ridge - Michael Koryta (m.c. runs big cat sanctuary) 8/8/16

C: The Chocolate Pirate Plot - JoAnna Carl 1/7/17
A: A Walk Across the Sun - Corban Addison 1/9/17
T: Thirty-Two and a Half Complications - Denise Grover Swank 10/16/16
N: North Pole Reform School - Jaimie Admans 11/23/16
I: Burn for Me - Ilona Andrews 10/30/16
P: Priceless - Shannon Mayer 12/27/16

✔Cayenne- Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.
Me, Myself and Why? - Mary Janice Davidson (m.c. has multiple personalities) 1/1/17

C: The Curse of Tenth Grave - Darynda Jones 1/11/17
A: The Edge of the World - Kevin Anderson 1/13/17
Y: Sword of the Rightful King - Jane Yolen 1/17/17
E: Edge of Midnight - Charlene Weir 10/19/16
N: Night and Day - Iris Johansen 12/4/16
N: Nightwalker - Jacquelyn Frank 12/29/16
E: Spider's Bite - Jennifer Estep 10/25/16

✔Chamomile- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.
Thirty and a Half Excuses - Denise Grover Swank (owns garden/landscaping center) 8/6/16

C: The Cannibals - Iain Lawrence 1/5/17
H: Hard as a Rock - Christine Warren 9/21/16
A: Daughter of the Blood - Ann Bishop 1/22/17
M: Birdman - Mo Hayder 1/7/17
O: Oryx and Crake - Margaret Atwood 1/2/17
M: Midnight's Master - Donna Grant 1/28/17
I: I Love This Bar - Carolyn Brown 12/23/16
L: Crow Lake - Mary Lawson 1/15/17
E: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous in Plaid - Suzanne Enoch 12/2/16

✔Chaste Tree- Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.
Dark Destiny - M.J. Putney 9/14


C: The Final Cut - Catherine Coulter 1/5/17
H: Town in a Lobster Stew - B.B. Haywood 11/6/16
A: The Savage Altar - Åsa Larsson 3/4/17
S: Skin Game - Jim Butcher 12/8/16
T: Tutu Deadly - Natalie Roberts 12/12/16
E: Rogue with a Brogue - Suzanne Enoch 11/17/16

T: Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans - Denise Grover Swank 12/28/16
R: Ravens - George Dawes Green 1/28/17
E: Deadly Lies - Cynthia Eden 11/27/16
E: Mine - Katy Evans 11/30/16

✔Chicory- Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.
Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls - Victoria Laurie (Ireland) 8/14/16

C: The Lost Key - Catherine Coulter 1/23/17
H: Hangman - Michael Slade 12/9/16
I: Magic Binds - Ilona Andrews 12/28/16
C: Dead as a Doornail - Charlaine Harris 1/26/17
O: Of Silk and Steam - Bec McMaster 8/20/16
R: The Memorist - M.J. Rose 1/29/17
Y: Betrayed - Rebecca York 3/23/17

✔Cleavers- Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover.
Circle of Desire - Keri Arthur 9/17/16


C: The Chase - Clive Cussler 2/7/17
L: The Legacy - Linda Lael Miller 3/27/17
E: Draykon - Charlotte English 8/22/16
A: Aunt Dimity, Vampire Hunter - Nancy Atherton 3/26/17
V: The Covert Wolf - Bonnie Vanak 2/9/17
E: The Rocky Road to Romance - Janet Evanovich 12/25/16
R: Chains of Darkness - Caris Roane 2/27/17
S: So Sure Of Death - Dana Stabenow 2/16/17

✔Comfrey- Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.
A Case of Need - Michael Crichton 3/11


C: The Storm - Clive Cussler 2/15/17
O: Off Kilter - Hannah Reed 1/1/17
M: Wicked Witch Murder - Leslie Meier 12/10/16
F: Silent Mercy - Linda Fairstein 9/24/16
R: Raising the Past - Jeremy Robinson 2/28/17
E: Web of Lies - Jennifer Estep 12/21/16
Y: You and I, Me and You - Mary Janice Davidson 4/13/17

✔Dandelion- Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.
The Mane Squeeze - Shelly Laurenston 8/20

D: Tuesday's Child - Dale Mayer 2/18/17
A: The Accidental Alchemist - Gigi Pandian 3/28/17
N: Nautier and Wilder - Lora Leigh 1/23/17
D: The Burning Wire - Jeffrey Deaver 2/18/17
E: Remy - Katy Evans 12/29/16
L: Jason - Laurell K. Hamilton 12/29/16
I: The Immortals of Meluha - Amish Tripathi 1/15/17
O: Once Upon a Marigold - Jean Ferris 3/25/17
N: Night Watch - Linda Fairstein 8/28/16

✔Echinacea- Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.
Ghoul Interrupted - Victoria Laurie (hero is native American) 9/15

E: Some Like It Scot - Suzanne Enoch 1/8/17
C: Cold Plague - Daniel Kalla 2/27/17
H: Snow on the Bayou - Sandra Hill 9/30/16
I: Immoral - Brian Freeman 9/27/16
N: Normal - Graeme Cameron 12/18/16
A: Allegiance - Susanna Sandlin 3/17 /17
C: Buried in a Bog - Sheila Connolly 3/12/17
E: Venom - Jennifer Estep 1/21/17
A: Waking the Witch - Kelley Armstrong 9/26/16

✔Elderberry- Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.
Fortune's Fool - Mercedes Lackey (hero is a bard) 8/28

E: The Last Good Man - Kathleen Eagle 2/17/17
L: Beast Behaving Badly - Shelly Laurenston 9/28/16
D: Darkness Dawns - Dianne Duvall 1/25/17
E: The Edinburgh Dead - Brian Ruckley 2/23/17
R: The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend - Katarina Bivald 3/17/17
B: Barefoot Season - Susan Mallery 9/25/16
E: Eaten - Susan Crockford 3/7/17
R: Brotherhood in Death - J.D. Robb 9/29/16
R: Rogue Wave - Boyd Morrison 3/4/17
Y: The Isle of Blood - Rick Yancey 9/13/16

Continued...

✔Feverfew- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.
Don't Look Now - Linda Lael Miller 4/2/17

F: 14th Deadly Sin - James Patterson 10/7/16
E: On Her Father's Grave - Kendra Elliott 2/27/17
V: What a Ghoul Wants - Victoria Laurie 10/8/16
E: Echoes in Death - J.D. Robb 3/29/17
R: Ready, Scrap, Shoot - Joanna Campbell Slan 10/2/16
F: The Fire Dragon - Tianna Xander 12/18/16
E: 14 - J.T. Ellison 3/30/17
W: Captive Spirit - Anne Windsor 10/7/16

✔Ginkgo Biloba- Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.
A Dance With Dragons - George R.R. Martin (25-30 pages of characters at end of book) 10/10/16

G: Fish Perfume - Sammie Grace 3/6/17
I: Immortal - Traci L. Slatton 2/2/17
N: Blue Monday - Nicci French 1/26/17
K: Born of Betrayal - Sherrilyn Kenyon 8/18/16
G: Dragon of the Island - Mary Gillgannon 4/1/17
O: One Kick - Chelsea Cain 3/4/17

B: Hot Pursuit - Suzanne Brockmann 8/25/16
I: In Cold Pursuit - Sarah Andrews 2/24/17
L: The Lazarus Machine - Paul Crilley 3/27/17
O: On What Grounds - Cleo Coyle 3/20/17
B: Holiday Games - Jaci Burton 8/31/16
A: Dark Embers - Tessa Adams 3/24/17

✔Ginseng- Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.
Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble - H.P. Mallory 9/17/16

G: Graced - Amanda Pillar 1/17/17
I: I Think I Love You - Stephanie Bond 1/14/17
N: Night Reigns - Dianne Duvall 2/11/17
S: Stolen Songbird - Danielle Jensen 1/3/17
E: The House at Sea's End - Elly Griffiths 4/6/17
N: Clash - Nicole Williams 2/25/17
G: The Girl with All the Gifts - M.R. Carey 4/4/17

✔Goldenseal- Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.
The Cat Who Said Cheese - Lillian Jackson Braun 4/5/17


G: The Girl with the Golden Gun - Ann Major 4/11/17
O: Once a Cavalier - Linda O. Johnston 3/16/17
L: Hearts in Darkness - Laura Kaye 10/2/16
D: Dark Promises - Christine Feehan 9/15/16
E: The Scribe - Elizabeth Hunter 4/19/17
N: Nothing Gold Can Stay - Dana Stabenow 3/11/17
S: The Beekeeper's Ball - Susan Wiggs 1/12/17
E: Tangled Threads - Jennifer Estep 4/20/17
A: The Aeronaut's Windlass - Jim Butcher 10/1/16
L: Living on the Edge - Shannon Butcher 4/20/17

✔Heal-All- Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.
Zero Hour - Clive Cussler (hero is like MacGuyver) 8/6/16

H: Holiday on Ice - Jaci Burton 8/31/16
E: A Room Full of Bones - Elly Griffiths 5/4/17
A: Circle of Death - Keri Arthur 8/18/16
L: Midnight Rainbow - Linda Howard 5/13/17

A: With Extreme Pleasure - Allison Kent 8/20/16
L: The Wild Irish Sea - Loucinda McGary 5/29/17
L: The Preacher - Camilla Läckberg 5/31/17

✔Kava Kava- Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.
Blood Bank - Tanya Huff 8/26/16

K: Kiss Me, I'm Irish - Roxanne St Claire / Jill Shalvis / Maureen Child 3/22/17
A: The Perfect Stranger - Alison Kent 8/27/16
V: Spectacle - Rachel Vincent 6/14/17
A: Hotwire - Alex Kava 4/29/17

K: The Shadowy Horses - Susanna Kearsley 5/11
A: Die Like an Eagle - Donna Andrews 5/21
V: The Valcourt Heiress - Catherine Coulter 6/18/17
A: Archangel's Heart - Nalini Singh 6/17/17

✔Mallow- Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.
Mister X - John Lutz (#5) 10/3/16

M: The Temptation - Cheyenne McCray 8/21/16
A: Acts of Violets - Kate Collins 6/11/17
L: Lions, Tigers, and Sexy Bears Oh My! - Candace Havens 6/17/17
L: Lucky Bastard - Deborah Coonts 6/7/17
O: Silenced - Kristina Ohlsson 3/30/17
W: The Water Dragon - Tianna Xander 12/21/16

✔Milk Thistle-Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.
Lawless - T.M. Frazier 8/12/16

M: The Murder of King Tut - James Patterson 2/10/17
I: In the Company of Vampires - Katie MacAlister 3/5/17
L: Dead Heat - Linda Barnes 8/11/16
K: Hot Pursuit - Kathryn Jensen 3/9/17

T: The Thrall's Tale - Judith Lindbergh 1/8/17
H: The Hawk and His Boy - Christopher Bunn 1/31/17
I: Beyond the Darkness - Alexandra Ivy 3/25/17
S: The Spirit Dragon - Tianna Xander 12/21/16
L: Less than a Treason - Dana Stabenow 6/8/17
E: Full Scoop -Janet Evanovich 5/6

✔Mugwort- Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.
Stone Cold Lover - Christine Warren (gargoyle shifters) 8/16

M: Three Sisters - Susan Mallery 2/4/17
U: Die for You - Lisa Unger 11/29/16
G: Murder Under a Mystic Moon - Yasmine Galenorn 4/12/17
W: White Lion's Lady - Tina St. John 2/22/17
O: Once Upon Stilettos - Shanna Swendson 4/9/17
R: Fruitcake - (Rebecca) R.J. Kaiser 5/4/17
T: Time Thief - Katie MacAlister 2/24/17

✔Mullein- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.
Juliet - Anne Fortier 9/30/16


M: The Striker - Monica McCarty 4/15/17
U: Ultraviolet - R.J. Anderson 5/6/17
L: An English Bride In Scotland - Lynsay/17Sands 6/19
L: One Last Look - Linda Lael Miller 6/28/17
E: Matthew - Emma Lang 9/17/16
I: Shadow Play - Iris Johansen 9/11/16
N: Never Look Back - Linda Lael Miller 5/30/17

Continued...

✔Queen-Anne’s lace- Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.
The Snow Queen - Mercedes Lackey 9/19/16

Q: Siren's Call - Devyn Quinn 9/22/16
U: Unchained - Caris Roane 3/22/17
E: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight - Darynda Jones 2/6/17
E: Barely a Lady - Eileen Dreyer 5/13/17
N: The Never List - Koethi Zan 3/9/17
A: Fireproof - Alex Kava 7/6/17
N: Night Unbound - Dianne Duvall 5/20/17
N: Nevernight - Jay Kristoff 6/20/17
E: The Immortals - J.T. Ellison 6/19/17
S: Desert God - Wilbur Smith 2/4/17

L: Lucky Catch - Deborah Coonts 7/8/17
A: All That Bleeds - Kimberly Frost 6/15/17
C: Blackbirds - Chuck Wendig 2/10/17
E: The Empire's Ghost - Isabelle Steiger 7/22/17

✔Skullcap- Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.
Dark Enchantment - Kathy Morgan 3/4/17


S: Stuck In Shangri-La - Kasey Michaels 4/18/17
K: Born of Vengeance - Sherrilyn Kenyon 4/12/17
U: The Undomestic Goddess - Sophie Kinsella 6/3/17
L: Lord's Fall - Thea Harrison 7/4/17
L: The Spy Who Wants Me - Lucy Monroe 7/5/17
C: Coming Home - Mariah Stewart 4/17/17
A: Melting into You - Tracey Alvarez 6/30/17
P: Poseidon’s Children - Michael West 12/31/16

✔St. John’s Wort- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.
Lost Gods - Brom 7/1


S: St. Patrick's Day Murder - Leslie Meier 3/8/17
T: Thirty-One and a Half Regrets - Denise Grover Swank 9/23/16

J: Dead on the Delta - Stacey Jay 9/24/16
O: One Fell Sweep - Ilona Andrews 4/1/17
H: When Maidens Mourn - C.S. Harris 3/14/17
N: No Man's Land - David Baldacci 7/9/17
S: Side Jobs: Stories From the Dresden Files - Jim Butcher 9/11/16

W: Wrayth - Pip Ballantine 3/21/17
O: Oracle's Moon - Thea Harrison 5/16/17
R: Red Velvet Cupcake Murder - Joanne Fluke 5/9/17
T: Storm's Heart - Thea Harrison 1/30/17

✔Usnea- Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured.
Changes - Jim Butcher 8/24/16

U: Ukulele Murder - Leslie Langtry 10/23/17
S: Swimming with the Dead - Kathy Brandt 3/18/17
N: Concrete Savior - Yvonne Navarro 7/7/17
E: Eternal Hunger - Cameron Dean 8/3/17
A: Hidden Embers - Tessa Adams 8/8/17

✔Valerian- Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)
Born of Legend - Sherrilyn Kenyon (hero is basically a jerk who keeps others at a distance) 9/9/16

V: Virals - Kathy Reichs 8/30/16
A: Bound By Darkness - Alexandra Ivy 8/11/17
L: Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots - Luann McLane 7/13/17
E: Edge of Sight - Roxanne St. Claire 9/9/16
R: A Rose from the Dead - Kate Collins 5/17/17
I: Blood Game - Iris Johansen 9/17/16
A: Afterlight - Elle Jasper 9/6/17
N: Night Shift - N. Singh/I. Andrews/L. Shearin/M. Vane 8/12/18

✔Yarrow- Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance
Finding Perfect - Susan Mallery 3/2/17

Y: The Curse of the Wendigo - Rick Yancey 9/5/16
A: The Man Who Spoke Snakish - Andrus Kivirähk 7/17/17
R: Seizure - Kathy Reichs 5/25/17
R: The Ronin's Mistress - Laura Joh Rowland 5/27/17
O: One Dog Night - David Rosenfelt 4/21/17
W: The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd - Paula Quinn 3/16/17

Materia Medica Challenge
Option 2
Start date: 3/8/16
Level: Master Herbalist

Agrimony
Aloe
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Blackberry
Bloodroot
Burdock
Calendula
California Poppy
Cascara Sagrada
Catnip
Cayenne
Chamomile
Chaste Tree
Chicory
Cleavers
Comfrey
Dandelion
Echinacea
Elderberry
Feverfew
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginseng
Goldenseal
Heal-All
Kava Kava
Mallow
Milk Thistle
Mugwort
Mullein
Queen-Anne's Lace
Skullcap
St John's Wort
Usnea
Valerian
Yarrow

Master level herbalist
starting 8/1

Will try to do it with tasks

Read 1/36

Agrimony
Aloe
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Blackberry
Bloodroot
Burdock
Calendula
California Poppy -- Spirit Set in California
Cascara Sagrada
Catnip - Love Me Tenor Trevor is under stress for being kicked out of his family with no place to go and is a diabetic on top of that . read 8/2 5 stars.
Cayenne
Chamomile
Chaste Tree
Chicory
Cleavers
Comfrey
Dandelion
Echinacea
Elderberry
Feverfew
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginseng
Goldenseal
Heal-All
Kava Kava
Mallow
Milk Thistle
Mugwort
Mullein
Queen-Anne's Lace
Skullcap
St John's Wort
Usnea
Valerian
Yarrow

I'm in for master herbalist

Read 36/36

The Herbs
✔ Agrimony- Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover.
Set in England:

✔ Aloe- Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover.


✔ Arnica- Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.
Yellow cover:

✔ Ashwagandha- Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover.


✔ Blackberry- Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.

Prickly character- Ruthie in Jaded

✔ Bloodroot- Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover.


✔ Burdock- Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.

Healer :

✔ Calendula- Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.

Historical romance :


✔ California Poppy- Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.

Orange cover :


✔ Cascara Sagrada - Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.

Red cover :

✔ Catnip- Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.

Takes place in Africa:


✔ Cayenne- Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.

Romance novel:

✔ Chamomile- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.

Character who gardens:

✔ Chaste Tree- Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.

- MC is Esther who is chaste as well

✔ Chicory- Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.

Light blue cover:

✔Cleavers- Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover.
Someone has cancer or a tumour:

✔ Comfrey- Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.]


✔ Dandelion- Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.
Book set in summer:

✔Echinacea- Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.

Charles Wallace Murray is sick in A Wind in the Door

✔ Elderberry- Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.
Light blue cover:

✔ Feverfew- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.

Character under stress:

✔ Ginkgo Biloba- Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.

Set in China :

✔ Ginseng- Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.

Five words in the title:

✔ Goldenseal- Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.

Set in jungle:

✔ Heal-All- Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.

Character is very good at many thing: Taylor Rene Krystal Hawkins: beauty queen pageant winner in many contests, leader after plane crash, motivator, killer at somersault, guerilla warfare,


✔ Kava Kava- Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.
romance:

✔ Mallow- Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.

Depending on chronological or publication order fits either 3 or 5:

✔ Milk Thistle-Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.
Green cover:

✔ Mugwort- Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.
Paranormal:

✔ Mullein- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.
Yellow cover:

✔ Queen-Anne’s lace- Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.
Characters are royalty:

✔ Skullcap- Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.

Had older character and purplish cover:

✔ St. John’s Wort- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.

Depressed character:

✔ Usnea- Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured.
Character injured:

✔ Valerian- Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)

Character who repels others:

✔ Yarrow- Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance.
Character is a soldier:

Materia Medica Challenge
Duration: 8/1/16 - 8/1/17
Option 1; Master Herbalist: 36/36

The Herbs 
Agrimony- Wyatt the Heartbreaker by Blue Saffire 8.3
Aloe-Serial Love by Maryann Jordan 8.10
Arnica- Ballers: His Game by Blue Saffire 8.5
Ashwagandha- Bare Your Soul by Rochelle Paige 8.6
Blackberry-Submit by Becca Jameson 8.6
Bloodroot-Gator by Bijou Hunter 8.11
Burdock-Bakers Law -Denise Belinda McDonald 8.13
Calendula- Too Many Rockstars by Candy J. Starr 8.10
California Poppy- Blaze by Suzanne Wright 9.5
Cascara Sagrada - Undeniable Attraction by JB Heller 8.11
Catnip- Risking It all By Christi Barth 8.11
Cayenne- Tempting the Law by Alexa Riley 8.5
Chamomile- Danger in Daring a Lady by Emma Locke 8.13
Chaste Tree-Stone Are Your Service by Rie Warren 8.18
Chicory- Road to Peace by Piper Davenport 5.28
Cleavers-In A Case by CM Steele 8.10
Comfrey- Ugly by Sam Crescent 8.11
Dandelion-It Had To Be Fate-Tamra Baumann 8.12
Echinacea- Earning Her Love by Hazel Gower 8.30
Elderberry- I Like Big Dragons and I Cannot Lie by Lani Lynn Vale 8.18
Feverfew-Player by Joanna Blake 8.5
Ginkgo Biloba- Wide Open Spaces by Aurora Rose Reynolds 9.5
Ginseng- Fair Game by Monica Murphy 8.13
Goldenseal- Run To You by Rachel Lacey 9.4
Heal-All-Rules Obsession by Lynda Chance 8.14
Kava Kava- Torch by Karen Erickson 8.20
Mallow- Ravenous by MS Force 8.21
Milk Thistle-Fire and Brimstone by RL Mathewson 8.29
Mugwort- Bear's Bride by Natalie Kristen 8.14
Mullein- Where She Belongs by Dani Wyatt 8.22
Queen-Anne’s lace- Furious Rush by SC Stephens 8.23
Skullcap- Born at Midnight by CC Hunter 8.20
St. John’s Wort-Grievous by Nancy Haviland 8.15
Usnea- Wrangler by Dani Wyatt 8.22
Valerian- Interference by Mignon Mykel 8.14
Yarrow- Seducing the Boss by Mari Carr 8.15

Materia Medica Challenge
Duration: August 4, 2016-December 31, 2016
Level: Master Herbalist
Completed: 35/25+

Agrimony- Commonly found throughout England, another common name for Agrimony is "Church-Steeples". In the Middle Ages it was believed that if Agrimony was placed under a pillow, the sleeper would not wake until the plant was removed.
Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover.
After You (9/6/16)

Aloe- The Egyptians revered Aloe as the "Plant of Immortality". Aloe remains one of the only things known to heal atomic burns, and it is also commonly used to treat sunburn.
Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover.
Night (8/15/16)

Arnica- Arnica has daisy-like yellow flowers. It is commonly found in skin creams to soothe sore muscles, especially in athletes. It may cause serious complications if taken internally.
Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.
(8/2/16)

Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times, mostly in India. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse”. It is used frequently because of its rejuvenating properties. It bears small red fruit.
Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover.
The Book of Three (8/4/16)

Blackberry- Blackberry is a large plant with delicious berries and a very large amount of thorns. The leaves and root were often used to treat sore throats and as a cough remedy.
Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.
(9/2/16)

Bloodroot- Bloodroot is native from Quebec south to Florida and west to Kansas. The root contains a lot of red juice which stains the skin when broken. The flowers are white. Bloodroot is endangered.
Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover.
Origin (8/14/16)

Burdock- Burdock is a tall plant with prickly burrs and purple, pink, or white flowers. The root is edible. Burdock is often used as a blood purifier.
Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.
Messenger (8/2/16)

Calendula- Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, is commonly used for skin ailments and can be found in a variety of skin creams. It has also been used to bring down fevers. The plant self sows like nothing else (I cannot get rid of the little suckers).
Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.
Never Never: Part Three (8/4/16)

California Poppy- The California Poppy is the state flower of California. It has tranquilizing properties and is mentally stabilizing. The flowers are usually orange.
Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.
Dead Poets Society (8/14/16)

Cascara Sagrada - Cascara was used extensively by the Native American tribes. It has small berries that range from red to purple-black.
Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.
(9/14/16)

Catnip- As the name suggests, catnip is known for attracting cats. Catnip tea is used to treat restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Studies have shown that it could possibly be as effective as deet in repelling mosquitoes.
Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle (8/6/16)

Cayenne- Cayenne is a powerful stimulant known for its beneficial effect on the heart and the blood vessels. It has been used in emergencies to stabilize people who have had heart attacks or who are hemorrhaging. It is said to be unequalled for warding off diseases.
Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.
Opal (8/9/16)

Chamomile- Chamomile is an aromatic herb with white, daisy-like petals and a yellow conical center. It has been known as the "Plant's Physician" because it contributes to the health of the garden. It is considered the only certain remedy for nightmares. It is comforting and often used for relaxation.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.
Practical Magic (8/25/16)

Chaste Tree- Chaste (or Vitex) is known as "the woman's herb" because of its beneficial effects for women in all cycles of life. It has been used to increase fertility and help with menopause symptoms, as well as cure acne, headaches, and prevent insect bites. The dark purple berries and the seeds are the parts used to make medicine.
Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.
The Light Between Oceans (8/21/16)

Chicory- Chicory is common in parts of England and Ireland. The flowers are a very light blue. Chicory is used in salads and the root is roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitute. A decoction of the root has been used to help with liver problems.
Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.
Angela's Ashes (8/29/16)

Cleavers- The plant is covered with tiny hooked barbs which allow it to cling to other plants and the clothing of passing humans. It has a reputation of being used to cure benign tumors and growths, and cancer. The flowers are white or greenish-white.
Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover.
Since You've Been Gone (9/15/16)

Comfrey- Comfrey is a hairy plant with large, bright green leaves and drooping creamy-yellow or purple flowers. It is a powerful healer and, when used externally as a compress or salve, can increase the speed of healing. Comfrey has also been known as "knitbone" and has been used for hundreds of years to heal fractures and breaks in bone.
Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.
(8/13/16)

Dandelion- Dandelion is a common plant with bright yellow flowers. The name is a corruption of the French "Dent de Lion", which means "Lion's Tooth". The leaves and flowers are delicious in salads. Dandelion has been used to help cure liver and kidney diseases and it is often used to make herbal wine. It blooms all summer.
Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.
The Sunday Philosophy Club (10/5/16)

Echinacea- Echinacea has rich purple, cone-shaped flowers. It has been used to support the immune system and prevent viral infections. The Native American tribes used Echinacea to cure snake and spider bites.
Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.
My Name Is Lucy Barton (9/17/16)

Elderberry- Native American tribes called Elder the "tree of music" and used the branches to make flutes. The ancient Germans believed it to be the dwelling of Mother Hulda, the protectress of house and home. The berries turn sky-blue when ripe and can be made into a syrup that can cure or prevent colds.
Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane (8/19/16)

Feverfew- Feverfew is a daisy-like plant with white flowers with yellow centers. Regular use of the herb can prevent migraines and arthritis. Bugs can't abide Feverfew, so it is very useful in the garden.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.
Before I Go to Sleep (8/31/16)

Ginkgo Biloba- Ginko is a large tree with bright green fan-shaped leaves. They are native to China and Japan. It improves memory and brain function and can also improve blood flow.
Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.
(8/13/16)

Ginseng- Ginseng, or five-fingers root, is a leafy green plant with small red berries. It has been used to cure impotence and can increase mental function.
Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.
Utopia (8/6/16)

Goldenseal- Goldenseal is often called the ground raspberry because the fruit is red and resembles a raspberry. The stem and leaves are hairy and deep green and the flowers are white. It has been used to cure eye diseases and prevent reoccurrence of diseases such as malaria. It has also been used as a yellow dye.
Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.
(12/31/16)

Heal-All- Heal-All has square stems and purple, spiky flowers. It is used for many ailments, both inward and outward. It is known as a general strengthener.
Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.
Red Queen (9/3/16)

Kava Kava- A shrub with large spade-shaped leaves, Kava is known for being beneficial to people who suffer from anxiety. Side effects can include sensitivity to sunlight.
Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.
The Winter Sea (8/22/16)

Mallow- Mallow has very soft, 3-5 lobed leaves and pale flowers. It is frequently given in the form of a syrup to children as a cure for coughs.
Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.
Opposition Lux #5 (8/29/16)

Milk Thistle-Milk thistle is a tall, thorny plant with glossy dark green leaves and white veins. It is beneficial to the liver, and the new flower can be steamed and eaten like an artichoke.
Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.
1st to Die (9/24/16)

Mugwort- A tall-growing shrubby plant, with leaves that are smooth and dark green above and covered with a silvery down beneath. In Native American folklore Mugwort was rubbed on ones body to keep ghosts away or wearing a necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John’s Eve to gain security from evil possession.
Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.
(8/5/16)

Mullein- The leaves are whitish with a soft, dense mass of hairs on both sides, which form a rosette at the base of the stem. The flower-spike is covered with sulphur-yellow flowers with five rounded petals. Blooms during July and August. Historically used as lamp wicks before the introduction of cotton. Mullein oil is very effective in the treatment of earaches.
Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.
(8/19/16)

Queen-Anne’s lace- Also known as wild carrot, the flowers are white and umbellate with one or two reddish flowers in the center. Queen Anne’s lace earned its common name from a legend that tells of Queen Anne of England pricking her finger and a drop of blood landed on white lace she was sewing. It closely resembles poison hemlock.
Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.
Every Heart a Doorway (8/11/16)

Skullcap- American skullcap derives its name from the caplike appearance of the small blue or purple flowers. It is used as a mild sedative. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful for joint pain and arthritis.
Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.
Murder has a Motive (9/22/16)

St. John’s Wort- A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, St. John's Wort is often used as a natural anti-depressant. It can cause severe interactions with other medications.
Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.
Darkly Dreaming Dexter (8/15/16)

Usnea- Also know as Old Man's Beard, Usnea is a light green lichen most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. It has strong antibacterial properties and can be very useful in fighting off infections.
Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured.
Whiskey Sour (9/2/16)

Valerian- Valerian has small flowers, white and tinged with pink. They have a strange, but not unpleasant smell. However the root, which is the part used in herbal medicine, smells like a mix between old socks and stinky cheese. Cats are very attracted to the scent. Valerian is mainly used as a sedative and stress reliever.
Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)
Between the World and Me (8/9/16)

Yarrow- Yarrow has also been called Soldier's Woundwort and Bloodwort because of the folklore surrounding this herb. It has been said that soldiers on the battlefield would use Yarrow to stop the bleeding of their wounds. In Folklore, placing Yarrow under your pillow at night would bring visions of your future mate. The flower heads are flat on the top and leaves are deeply serrated.
Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance.
The Darkest Minds (8/13/16)

Materia Medica Challenge
Level: Master Herbalist (25+)
Duration: August 4, '16 - ...
Read: 14/36
Option 1

Agrimony: read a book set in England. A Darker Shade of Magic - V.E. Schwab

Aloe: a book that mentions bombs or a military force. Steelheart - Brandon Sanderson

Arnica: read a book where someone is poisoned. Elantris - Brandon Sanderson

Ashwagandha: read a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

Blackberry: read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.

Bloodroot: read a book with a predominately white cover. To All the Boys I've Loved Before - Jenny Han

Burdock: read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. Mother Night - Kurt Vonnegut

Calendula: read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.

California Poppy: read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.

Cascara Sagrada: read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.

Catnip: read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.

Cayenne: read a a book with a character who has some sort of illness. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Seth Grahame-Smith & Jane Austen

Chamomile: read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.

Chaste Tree: read a book with a MC who is a woman. P.S. I Still Love You - Jenny Han

Chicory: read a book with a light blue cover. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper - Phaedra Patrick

Cleavers: read a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor. Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins

Comfrey: read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.

Dandelion: read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.

Echinacea: read a book where someone is poisoned. The Moving Finger - Agatha Christie

Elderberry: read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.

Feverfew: read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.

Ginkgo Biloba: read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. The Good, the Bad and the Smug - Tom Holt

Ginseng: read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.

Goldenseal: read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.

Heal-All: read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.

Kava Kava: read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.

Mallow: read a book featuring children. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - J.K. Rowling & John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

Milk Thistle: read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.

Mugwort: read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.

Mullein: read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.

Queen-Anne’s lace: read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.

Skullcap: read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.

St. John’s Wort: read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.

Usnea: read a book with a character who is a wizard. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling

Valerian: read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)

Yarrow: read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance.

The Herbs

Agrimony - Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover.
The Innocent Mage | Karen Miller | 8/7/2016

Aloe - Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover.
The Monstrumologist | Rick Yancey | 8/9/2016

Arnica - Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.
Bennington Girls Are Easy | Charlotte Silver | 8/15/2016

Ashwagandha- Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover.
The Housewife Assassin's Handbook | Josie Brown | 8/10/2016

Blackberry - Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.
Fangirl | Rainbow Rowell | 8/6/2016

Bloodroot - Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover.
Chasing Amanda | Robin Patchen | 8/8/2016

Burdock- Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover
Dear Life: Stories | Alice Munro | 8/7/2016

Calendula - Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.
Maliciously Obedient | Julia Kent | 8/15/2016

California Poppy - Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.
Stars Above | Marissa Meyer | 8/14/2016

Cascara Sagrada - Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.
Rush | Eve Silver | 8/15/2016

Catnip - Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.
Out of the Easy | Ruta Septys | 8/?/2016

Cayenne - Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.
Her Dark Angel | Felicity Heaton | 8/21/2016

Chamomile - Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.
Evensong

Chaste Tree - Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.
Halfway | Stephanie Void | 8/15/2016

Chicory - Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.
Love Lies Beneath | Ellen Hopkins | 8?/2016

Cleavers - Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover.
Trust Honor Love | J.M. Witt | 8/13/2016

Comfrey - Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.
Fighting Ruben Wolfe | Markus Zusak | 8/?/2016

Dandelion - Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.
Crewel | Gennifer Albin | 8/17/2016

Echinacea - Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.
The Oathbound | Mercedes Lackey | 8/17/2016

Elderberry - Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.
The Fearless Travelers' Guide to Wicked Places | Peter Begler | 8/?/2016

Feverfew - Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.
Fight Club | Chuck Palahniuk | 8/21/2016

Ginkgo Biloba - Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.
How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack: Defend Yourself When the Lawn Warriors Strike | Chuck Sambuchino | 8/?/2016

Ginseng - Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.
Getting the Girl | Markus Zusak | 8/?/2016

Goldenseal- Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.
Emmaline Waters, This Is Your Life | Maggie Bloom | 8/24/2016

Heal-All - Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.
Hidden Gifts | Elena Aiken | 8/?/2016

Kava Kava - Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.
Unexpected Gifts | Elena Aiken | 8/?/2016

Mallow - Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.
Mistaken Gifts | Elena Aiken | 8/?/2016

Milk Thistle - Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.
Zack | Sawyer Bennett | 8/26/2016

Mugwort - Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.
Orpheum | D.S. Murphy | 8/28/2016

Mullein - Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.
Kushiel's Chosen | Jacqueline Carey | 9/1/2016

Queen-Anne’s lace - Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.
Dying For Danish | Leighann Dobbs | 8/28/2016

Skullcap - Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.
Change of Heart | Jodi Picoult | 8/23/2016

St. John’s Wort - Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.
Underdog | Markus Zusak | 8/?/2016

Usnea - Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail | Cheryl Strayed | 8/29/2016

Valerian - Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)
UnderCovers | Kayli McGee | 8/25/2016

Yarrow - Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance.
Killer Cupcakes | Leighann Dobbs | 8/26/2016

Materia Medica Challenge
Duration: August 5th, 2016 - No deadline

Option 1 - Master Herbalist: 25+ books

The Herbs
36/36


✔ Agrimony
Commonly found throughout England, another common name for Agrimony is "Church-Steeples". In the Middle Ages it was believed that if Agrimony was placed under a pillow, the sleeper would not wake until the plant was removed.
Read a book set in England.
Lo strano mondo di Alex Woods, Gavin Extence (09/09/16) ★★★★★

✔ Aloe
The Egyptians revered Aloe as the "Plant of Immortality". Aloe remains one of the only things known to heal atomic burns, and it is also commonly used to treat sunburn.
Read a book set in Egypt.
C'era una volta, Agatha Christie (29/08/16) ★★★

✔ Arnica
Arnica has daisy-like yellow flowers. It is commonly found in skin creams to soothe sore muscles, especially in athletes. It may cause serious complications if taken internally.
Read a book where the MC is someone who is very active.
Limonov, Emmanuel Carrère (12/10/16) ★★★ - MC Limonov is very active.

✔ Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times, mostly in India. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse”. It is used frequently because of its rejuvenating properties. It bears small red fruit.
Read a book with red on the cover.
La chiave di Sarah, Tatiana de Rosnay (18/11/16) ★★★



✔ Blackberry
Blackberry is a large plant with delicious berries and a very large amount of thorns. The leaves and root were often used to treat sore throats and as a cough remedy.
Read a book with a character who is considered 'prickly'.
Possa il mio sangue servire: Uomini e donne della Resistenza, Aldo Cazzullo (11/02/17) ★★★★★ - Some Nazis officers are very prickly.

✔ Bloodroot
Bloodroot is native from Quebec south to Florida and west to Kansas. The root contains a lot of red juice which stains the skin when broken. The flowers are white. Bloodroot is endangered.
Read a book with a predominately white cover.
Io e Mabel ovvero L'arte della falconeria, Helen Macdonald (26/08/16) ★★★★★



✔ Burdock
Burdock is a tall plant with prickly burrs and purple, pink, or white flowers. The root is edible. Burdock is often used as a blood purifier.
Read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer.
Big Fish, Daniel Wallace (31/08/16) ★★★ - Dr. Bennett.

✔ Calendula
Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, is commonly used for skin ailments and can be found in a variety of skin creams. It has also been used to bring down fevers. The plant self sows like nothing else (I cannot get rid of the little suckers).
Read a romance or 'steamy' book.
La scuola della carne, Yukio Mishima (31/01/17) ★★ - Steamy book about the relationship between a divorced Japanese lady and a 21 years old man.

✔ California Poppy
The California Poppy is the state flower of California. It has tranquilizing properties and is mentally stabilizing. The flowers are usually orange.
Read a book with a orange cover.
Signorina Else, Arthur Schnitzler (16/01/17) ★★



✔ Cascara Sagrada
Cascara was used extensively by the Native American tribes. It has small berries that range from red to purple-black.
Read a book set in the Old West.
Una signora perduta, Willa Cather (27/11/16) ★★★

✔ Catnip
As the name suggests, catnip is known for attracting cats. Catnip tea is used to treat restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Studies have shown that it could possibly be as effective as deet in repelling mosquitoes.
Read a book with a cat character.
Le avventure di Pinocchio, Carlo Collodi (29/11/16) ★★★★

✔ Cayenne
Cayenne is a powerful stimulant known for its beneficial effect on the heart and the blood vessels. It has been used in emergencies to stabilize people who have had heart attacks or who are hemorrhaging. It is said to be unequalled for warding off diseases.
Read a book with a character who has some sort of illness.
I miei piccoli dispiaceri, Miriam Toews (18/10/16) ★★★★ - Elfrieda suffers from mental disorders.

✔ Chamomile
Chamomile is an aromatic herb with white, daisy-like petals and a yellow conical center. It has been known as the "Plant's Physician" because it contributes to the health of the garden. It is considered the only certain remedy for nightmares. It is comforting and often used for relaxation.
Read a book with something you consider to be frightening.
Turno di notte, Sarah Waters (25/11/16) ★★★ - War.

✔ Chaste Tree
Chaste (or Vitex) is known as "the woman's herb" because of its beneficial effects for women in all cycles of life. It has been used to increase fertility and help with menopause symptoms, as well as cure acne, headaches, and prevent insect bites. The dark purple berries and the seeds are the parts used to make medicine.
Read a book with a MC who is a woman.
Mi chiamo Lucy Barton, Elizabeth Strout (04/10/16) ★★★★ - MC is Lucy Barton.

✔ Chicory
Chicory is common in parts of England and Ireland. The flowers are a very light blue. Chicory is used in salads and the root is roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitute. A decoction of the root has been used to help with liver problems.
Read a book with a character who loves coffee.
I pesci non chiudono gli occhi, Erri De Luca (23/09/16) ★★★★ - MC's mother loves coffee.

✔ Cleavers
The plant is covered with tiny hooked barbs which allow it to cling to other plants and the clothing of passing humans. It has a reputation of being used to cure benign tumors and growths, and cancer. The flowers are white or greenish-white.
Read a book with a green cover.
Mildred Pierce, James M. Cain (18/01/17) ★★★★



✔ Comfrey
Comfrey is a hairy plant with large, bright green leaves and drooping creamy-yellow or purple flowers. It is a powerful healer and, when used externally as a compress or salve, can increase the speed of healing. Comfrey has also been known as "knitbone" and has been used for hundreds of years to heal fractures and breaks in bone.
Read a book with a yellow cover.
L'interprete dei malanni, Jhumpa Lahiri (04/12/16) ★★★★



✔ Dandelion
Dandelion is a common plant with bright yellow flowers. The name is a corruption of the French "Dent de Lion", which means "Lion's Tooth". The leaves and flowers are delicious in salads. Dandelion has been used to help cure liver and kidney diseases and it is often used to make herbal wine. It blooms all summer.
Read a book with a character who drinks wine.
Il Circolo Pickwick, Charles Dickens (13/11/16) ★★★★★ - MC Mr. Pickwick drinks wine.

✔ Echinacea
Echinacea has rich purple, cone-shaped flowers. It has been used to support the immune system and prevent viral infections. The Native American tribes used Echinacea to cure snake and spider bites.
Read a book where someone is poisoned.
Le più belle fiabe dei fratelli Grimm, Jacob Grimm (29/09/16) ★★★★

✔ Elderberry
Native American tribes called Elder the "tree of music" and used the branches to make flutes. The ancient Germans believed it to be the dwelling of Mother Hulda, the protectress of house and home. The berries turn sky-blue when ripe and can be made into a syrup that can cure or prevent colds.
Read a book with a light blue cover.
25 grammi di felicità, Massimo Vacchetta (26/12/16) ★★★★



✔ Feverfew
Feverfew is a daisy-like plant with white flowers with yellow centers. Regular use of the herb can prevent migraines and arthritis. Bugs can't abide Feverfew, so it is very useful in the garden.
Read a book with a white cover.
Gilead, Marilynne Robinson (10/12/16) ★★★



✔ Ginkgo Biloba
Ginko is a large tree with bright green fan-shaped leaves. They are native to China and Japan. It improves memory and brain function and can also improve blood flow.
Read a book with a tree on the cover.
L'incubo di Hill House, Shirley Jackson (26/12/16) ★★★



✔ Ginseng
Ginseng, or five-fingers root, is a leafy green plant with small red berries. It has been used to cure impotence and can increase mental function.
Read a book with five words in the title.
Come viaggiare con un salmone, Umberto Eco (07/10/16) ★★★

✔ Goldenseal
Goldenseal is often called the ground raspberry because the fruit is red and resembles a raspberry. The stem and leaves are hairy and deep green and the flowers are white. It has been used to cure eye diseases and prevent reoccurrence of diseases such as malaria. It has also been used as a yellow dye.
Read a book with a yellow cover.
Storia naturale della distruzione, W.G. Sebald (29/03/17) ★★★★



✔ Heal-All
Heal-All has square stems and purple, spiky flowers. It is used for many ailments, both inward and outward. It is known as a general strengthener.
Read a book with a character who is very strong.
Lessico famigliare, Natalia Ginzburg (05/11/16) ★★★ - Natalia's father.

part 2 - continued

✔ Kava Kava
A shrub with large spade-shaped leaves, Kava is known for being beneficial to people who suffer from anxiety. Side effects can include sensitivity to sunlight.
Read a book with repeating words in the title.
Il ciclo di Shannara: La spada di Shannara­ - Le pietre magiche di Shannara­ - La canzone di Shannara, Terry Brooks (12/11/16) ★★

✔ Mallow
Mallow has very soft, 3-5 lobed leaves and pale flowers. It is frequently given in the form of a syrup to children as a cure for coughs.
Read a book featuring children.
Come vola il corvo, Ann-Marie MacDonald (26/10/16) ★★★★★

✔ Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a tall, thorny plant with glossy dark green leaves and white veins. It is beneficial to the liver, and the new flower can be steamed and eaten like an artichoke.
Read a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities.
Pietr il lettone, Georges Simenon (04/02/17) ★★★ - Hans Johannson has a drinking problem

✔ Mugwort
A tall-growing shrubby plant, with leaves that are smooth and dark green above and covered with a silvery down beneath. In Native American folklore Mugwort was rubbed on ones body to keep ghosts away or wearing a necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John’s Eve to gain security from evil possession.
Read a book book shelved as paranormal.
Le notti di Salem, Stephen King (18/03/17) ★★★★

✔ Mullein
The leaves are whitish with a soft, dense mass of hairs on both sides, which form a rosette at the base of the stem. The flower-spike is covered with sulphur-yellow flowers with five rounded petals. Blooms during July and August. Historically used as lamp wicks before the introduction of cotton. Mullein oil is very effective in the treatment of earaches.
Read a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.
La donna giusta, Sándor Márai (13/08/16) ★★★★ - Ear.



✔ Queen-Anne’s lace
Also known as wild carrot, the flowers are white and umbellate with one or two reddish flowers in the center. Queen Anne’s lace earned its common name from a legend that tells of Queen Anne of England pricking her finger and a drop of blood landed on white lace she was sewing. It closely resembles poison hemlock.
Read a book with characters who are royalty.
Il cavaliere dei Sette Regni, George R.R. Martin (04/02/17) ★★★★

✔ Skullcap
American skullcap derives its name from the caplike appearance of the small blue or purple flowers. It is used as a mild sedative. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful for joint pain and arthritis.
Read a book with a blue cover.
L'Universo spiegato ai miei nipoti, Hubert Reeves (29/10/16) ★★★★



✔ St. John’s Wort
A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, St. John's Wort is often used as a natural anti-depressant. It can cause severe interactions with other medications.
Read a book where the characters clash in some way.
La vegetariana, Han Kang (17/11/16) ★★★★

✔ Usnea
Also know as Old Man's Beard, Usnea is a light green lichen most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. It has strong antibacterial properties and can be very useful in fighting off infections.
Read a book where a character is injured.
Lettere a Theo, Vincent Van Gogh (29/09/16) ★★★★

✔ Valerian
Valerian has small flowers, white and tinged with pink. They have a strange, but not unpleasant smell. However the root, which is the part used in herbal medicine, smells like a mix between old socks and stinky cheese. Cats are very attracted to the scent. Valerian is mainly used as a sedative and stress reliever.
Read a book with a character who has a cat.
Odore di chiuso, Marco Malvaldi (16/02/17) ★★ - Pellegrino Artusi has 2 cats

✔ Yarrow
Yarrow has also been called Soldier's Woundwort and Bloodwort because of the folklore surrounding this herb. It has been said that soldiers on the battlefield would use Yarrow to stop the bleeding of their wounds. In Folklore, placing Yarrow under your pillow at night would bring visions of your future mate. The flower heads are flat on the top and leaves are deeply serrated.
Read a book shelved as romance.
Le confessioni di Max Tivoli, Andrew Sean Greer (01/01/17) ★★★★ - Book shelved as romance by 20 users



*** Challenge completed (29/03/2017) ***

Materia Medica Challenge
Level: Master Herbalist (25+)
Start Date: August 6, 2016
Read:8/36
Option 1

Agrimony: read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover.

Aloe: read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover. The Final Empire

Arnica: read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.

Ashwagandha: read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover.

Blackberry: read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.

Bloodroot: read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover. The Well of Ascension

Burdock: read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.

Calendula: read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.

California Poppy: read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.

Cascara Sagrada: read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.

Catnip: read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.

Cayenne: read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness. Anna and the French Kiss

Chamomile: read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.

Chaste Tree: read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.

Chicory: read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.

Cleavers: read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a green cover.Since You've Been Gone

Comfrey: read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.

Dandelion: read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.

Echinacea: read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.

Elderberry: read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.

Feverfew: read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.

Ginkgo Biloba: read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.

Ginseng: read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.

Goldenseal: read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.

Heal-All: read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.The Hero of Ages

Kava Kava: read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.

Mallow: read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.

Milk Thistle-: read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.

Mugwort: read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.

Mullein: read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.

Queen-Anne’s lace: read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Skullcap: read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.

St. John’s Wort: read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.

Usnea: read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Valerian: read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)

Yarrow: read a book with a character who is a soldier or something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance. The Rithmatist

reply | flag *

Hmm.. I sort just want to do this challenge in order to add pennyroyal to the list. Lol.

I'm going to join with option 1

Read 36/36 - Complete!

The Herbs
Agrimony- Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover. - A Great and Terrible Beauty - 08/12/16

Aloe- Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover. The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country 8/20/16

Arnica- Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover. Nevernight 10/01/16

Ashwagandha- Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover. - The Darkest Minds 8-07-16

Blackberry- Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover. Double Down 11/18/16

Bloodroot- Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover. Fallout 09/04/16

Burdock- Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover. 2010: Odyssey Two 8/27/16

Calendula- Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series. The Thousandth Floor 10/06/16

California Poppy- Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with an orange cover Of Mice and Men 09/11/16

Cascara Sagrada - Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover. Vengeance Road 09/11/16

Catnip- Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle. Shadows and Dreams 09/18/16

Cayenne- Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness. Replica 10/29/16

Chamomile- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening. The Penguin Guide to the United States Constitution 09/09/16

Chaste Tree- Read a book with an MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.Caleb's Crossing 09/25/16

Chicory- Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee. The Raven Boys 09/18/16

Cleavers- Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover. Stalking Jack the Ripper 10/11/16

Comfrey- Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover. Furthermore 10/20/16

Dandelion- Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.
Regarding the Sink: Where, Oh Where, Did Waters Go? 12/18/16

Echinacea- Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character. - A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World 8/28/16

Elderberry- Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical. Regarding the Trees: A Splintered Saga Rooted in Secrets 12/19/16

Feverfew- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them. Gemina 11/08/16

Ginkgo Biloba- Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover. Boys on the Bus 12/18/16

Ginseng- Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 11/24/16

Goldenseal- Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover. Straight Talk About Cults 01/24/16

Heal-All- Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong. Regarding the Fountain: A Tale, in Letters, of Liars and Leaks 12/17/16

Kava Kava- Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance. So You've Been Publicly Shamed 01/26/17

Mallow- Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.In Cold Blood 01/23/17

Milk Thistle-Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook. The Leaf Reader 01/07/18

Mugwort- Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal. Dracula 02/10/18

Mullein- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle. A Shadow Bright and Burning 11/23/16

Queen-Anne’s lace- Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil. The Wrath & the Dawn 09/06/16

Skullcap- Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover. March: Book One 02/19/17

St. John’s Wort- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way. Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman 01/31/17

Usnea- Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured. Triple Threat 01/16/18

Valerian- Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc) A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo 07/21/18

Yarrow- Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance. The Man in the High Castle 4/1/18

Welcome to the challenge everyone!

I'd like to join in, please.
Materia Medica Challenge
Duration: 8/21/16- 9/19/19
Option 2: Spell-it-out using titles, series names, character names, or authors (first or last name) that begin with letters that correspond to the word you choose. You may ignore the indefinite and definite articles (a, an, the, etc.).


Agrimony

A: Apprentice in Death- J.D. Robb- 9/6/16
G: Ghostly Worries- Lily Harper Hart- 9/7/16
R: Red-Headed Stepchild- Jaye Wells- 8/25/16
I: I'll Be Seeing You: A Novel- Mary Higgins Clark- 10/7/16
M: Mortal Ties- Eileen Wilks- 9/5/16
O: One For The Money- Janet Evanovich- 9/26/16
N: No Humans Involved- Kelley Armstrong- 10/19/16
Y: You Slay Me- Katie MacAlister- 10/6/16

Aloe

A: A is for Alibi- Sue Grafton- 9/27/16
L: The Lunatic Cafe- Laurell K. Hamilton- 8/25/16
O: Onyx- Jennifer L. Armentrout- 10/15/16
E: The Eyre Affair- Jasper Fforde- 9/11/16

Arnica

A: Archangel's Heart- Nalini Singh- 12/24/18
R: The Roman Hat Mystery- Ellery Queen- 12/6/17
N: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors- Molly Harper- 10/14/18
I: Iron and Magic- Ilona Andrews- 6/26/18
C: Cold Burn of Magic- Jennifer Estep- 10/4/17
A: Aunt Dimity and the Duke- Nancy Atherton- 1/11/19

Ashwagandha

A: Artemis Fowl- Eoin Colfer- 10/23/16
S: Sorcerer's Legacy- Janny Wurts- 9/28/16
H: Hell To Pay- J.C. Diem- 9/5/16
W: Wicked Fog- Lily Harper Hart- 11/6/16
A: An Artificial Night- Seanan McGuire- 11/25/16
G: Grim Expectations- Amanda M. Lee- 10/12/16
A: Anne of Green Gables- L.M. Montgomery- 11/26/16
N: Never- K.D. McEntire- 11/27/16
D: Daughter of the Forest- Juliet Marillier- 9/1/16
H: High Stakes- Helen Harper- 9/10/16
A: All Through the Night- Mary Higgins Clark- 12/17/16

Blackberry

B: Blood Song- Cat Adams- 8/27/16
L: A Local Habitation- Seanan McGuire- 8/31/16
A: Angelfall- Susan Ee- 9/30/16
C: Closer to the Chest- Mercedes Lackey- 10/11/16
K: Kiss of Crimson- Lara Adrian- 10/3/16
B: Broken- Kelley Armstrong- 9/3/16
E: Elizabeth's Legacy- Victor Kloss- 10/13/16
R: Red Queen- Victoria Aveyard- 9/17/16
R: The Rosie Project- Graeme Simsion- 9/22/16
Y: Your Money's Worth: Seattle Elementals, Book 1- Connie Suttle- 11/12/16

Bloodroot

B: Boundary Crossed- Melissa F. Olson- 9/16/16
L: Little Face- Sophie Hannah- 10/29/16
O: Owl and the City of Angels- Kristi Charish- 12/8/16
O: One Fell Sweep- Ilona Andrews- 12/25/16
D: Deadly Remains- Katherine Bayless- 11/2/16
R: The Rosie Effect- Graeme Simsion- 9/22/16
O: One Kick- Chelsea Cain- 1/15/17
O: Otherworld Secrets- Kelley Armstrong- 1/18/17
T: Twice Tempted- Jeaniene Frost- 9/19/16

Burdock

B: Bloody Bones- Laurell K. Hamilton- 9/20/16
U: Unholy Ghosts- Stacia Kane- 10/14/16
R: Ritual Magic- Eileen Wilks- 10/22/16
D: Deceiver's Bond- Katherine Bayless- 11/4/16
O: Outfoxed by Love- Eve Langlais- 12/22/16
C: Conjuring Quantico- T.S. Paul- 12/15/16
K: Kisses from Hell-Kristin Cast- 10/26/16

Calendula

C: Crocodile on the Sandbank- Elizabeth Peters- 2/21/17
A: Archangel's Storm- Nalini Singh- 9/18/17
L: Lover Eternal- J.R. Ward- 6/16/17
E: Ever the Hunted- Erin Summerill- 8/9/17
N: Nightfall Gardens- Allen Houston- 1/7/17
D: Dark Needs at Night's Edge- Kresley Cole- 12/3/16
U: Unbinding- Eileen Wilks- 11/14/16
L: Lover Awakened- J.R. Ward- 9/30/17
A: At Bertram's Hotel- Agatha Christie- 9/19/17

California Poppy

C: Crimson Death- Laurell K. Hamilton- 12/11/16
A: Awakening- S.J. Bolton- 12/30/16
L: Living with the Dead- Kelley Armstrong- 12/6/16
I: Ink and Bone- Rachel Caine- 12/14/16
F: Find Me When The Sun Goes Down- Lisa Olsen- 10/2/16
O: Out of the Shadows- Kay Hooper- 1/29/17
R: The Restorer- Amanda Stevens- 9/30/16
N: Nightraven- Skye Knizley- 12/13/16
I: If Looks Could Kill- Kate White- 1/26/17
A: All Around the Town- Mary Higgins Clark- 1/21/17

P: Poison Study- Maria V. Snyder- 9/19/16
O: Off the Record- Amanda M. Lee- 4/14/17
P: Prey- Rachel Vincent- 10/5/16
P: The Pact- Jodi Picoult- 10/10/16
Y: You Belong To Me- Mary Higgins Clark- 1/2/17

Cascara Sagrada

C: Crown of Midnight- Sarah J. Maas- 12/21/16
A: Angels' Blood- Nalini Singh- 1/21/17
S: Soulless- Gail Carriger- 10/1/16
C: A Court of Thorns and Roses- Sarah J. Maas- 12/23/16
A: Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye- Victoria Laurie- 2/23/17
R: Reluctant Adept- Katherine Bayless- 11/5/16
A: The Arrogant Architect- L.K. Collins- 3/6/17

S: Shifty Magic- Judy Teel- 10/12/16
A: All Hell Breaks Loose- J.C. Diem- 4/12/17
G: God Touched- John Conroe- 10/22/16
R: The Red Box- Rex Stout- 1/7/17
A: Armageddon Rules- J.C. Nelson- 5/16/17
D: The Devil's Arithmetic- Jane Yolen- 11/23/16
A: Archangel's Kiss- Nalini Singh- 8/14/17

Catnip

C: The Copper Gauntlet- Holly Black- 4/19/17
A: Archangel's Shadows- Nalini Singh- 9/30/17
T: The Trouble With Witches- Amanda M. Lee- 11/24/16
N: Nice Dragons Finish Last- Rachel Aaron- 6/13/17
I: In the Last Analysis- Amanda Cross- 9/12/17
P: Personal Demon- Kelley Armstrong- 11/17/16

Cayenne

C: A Charming Cure- Tonya Kappes- 10/29/17
A: Accidental Ashes- Sara C. Roethle- 1/13/19
Y: The Young Elites- Marie Lu- 9/8/18
E: Elephants Can Remember- Agatha Christie- 6/16/19
N: Night of the Unicorn- T.S. Paul- 11/22/18
N: Nighttime Is My Time- Mary Higgins Clark- 12/26/18
E: Empath- Edie Claire- 7/14/19

Chamomile

C: Caught Dead in Philadelphia- Gillian Roberts- 11/10/16
H: Hunted- Kevin Hearne- 10/2/16
A: After the Funeral- Agatha Christie- 12/19/16
M: My Familiar Stranger- Victoria Danann- 9/8/16
O: Owl and the Japanese Circus- Kristi Charish- 12/7/16
M: Magic Binds- Ilona Andrews- 9/21/16
I: I'll Walk Alone- Mary Higgins Clark- 10/28/16
L: License to Ensorcell- Katharine Kerr- 10/4/16
E: Eragon- Christopher Paolini- 11/8/16

Chaste Tree

C: Code Black- Tina Moss- 1/30/17
H: Hell Freezes Over- J C Diem- 10/20/16
A: Archangel's Consort- Nalini Singh- 8/22/17
S: The Second Book of Swords- Fred Saberhagen- 11/11/16
T: Tempting Evil- Keri Arthur- 10/24/16
E: East- Edith Pattou- 12/24/16

T: Throne of Glass- Sarah J. Maas- 10/31/16
R: Ready Player One- Ernest Cline- 3/14/17
E: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight- Darynda Jones- 1/24/17
E: Echoes in Death- J.D. Robb- 2/8/17

Chicory

C: The Curse of the Pharaohs- Elizabeth Peters- 7/8/17
H: The Hammer of Thor- Rick Riordan- 11/30/16
I: I Like Big Dragons and I Cannot Lie- Lani Lynn Vale- 2/8/18
C: Caressed By Ice- Nalini Singh- 7/18/17
O: Oblivion- Jennifer L. Armentrout- 8/12/17
R: Rock Chick Regret- Kristen Ashley- 6/24/17
Y: You Will Know Me- Megan Abbott- 8/2/17

Cleavers

C: Cinder- Marissa Meyer- 2/12/17
L: Love Bites- Lynsay Sands- 1/31/17
E: Evil Under the Sun- Agatha Christie- 2/28/17
A: Archangel's Blade- Nalini Singh- 9/3/17
V: Vampire Academy- Richelle Mead- 10/26/16
E: Etched in Bone- Anne Bishop- 3/8/17
R: The Rose Mark- Connie Suttle- 4/15/17
S: Semi-Charmed- Isabel Jordan- 11/15/16

Comfrey

C: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards- Lilian Jackson Braun- 1/5/17
O: Of Fate and Phantoms- C.J. Archer- 5/25/17
M: Murder on the Orient Express- Agatha Christie- 10/16/16
F: Faefever- Karen Marie Moning- 10/27/16
R: Red Rising- Pierce Brown- 2/1/17
E: Eight Cousins- Louisa May Alcott- 11/26/16
Y: Your Chariot Awaits- Lorena McCourtney- 3/18/17

Dandelion

D: Die With Me- Elena Forbes- 12/28/16
A: Attack of the Fiend- Joseph Delaney- 4/29/18
N: Doctor Who: Nuclear Time- Oli Smith- 2/22/18
D: Darkness Clashes- Susan Illene- 12/31/16
E: Extra! Extra! Dead All About It- Amanda M. Lee- 8/28/18
L: The Last Camel Died at Noon- Elizabeth Peters- 11/19/18
I: The Iron Daughter- Julie Kagawa- 5/9/18
O: Once Bitten, Twice Shy- Jennifer Rardin- 8/20/17
N: Nightingale's Lament- Simon R. Green- 3/4/18

Echinacea

E: Enchanted, Inc.- Shanna Swendson- 6/30/18
C: The Candidates- Inara Scott- 7/24/17
H: Hercule Poirot's Christmas- Agatha Christie- 12/18/16
I: Into the Fire- Jeaniene Frost- 4/22/18
N: Doctor Who: The Nightmare Of Black Island- Mike Tucker- 1/22/18
A: Agents of Light and Darkness- Simon R. Green- 2/16/18
C: The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern- Lilian Jackson Braun- 9/2/17
E: Executable- John Conroe- 7/24/18
A: Anubis Nights- Gary Jonas- 2/18/18

Elderberry

E: Everlasting Covenant- Amanda M. Lee- 9/21/18
L: Lethal Outlook- Victoria Laurie- 12/21/18
D: Dark Slayer- Christine Feehan- 1/11/17
E: The Emperor of Nihon-Ja- John Flanagan- 11/14/18
R: Rest in Pieces- Rita Mae Brown- 8/26/17
B: Breath of Fire- Amanda Bouchet- 1/6/17
E: Extreme Medical Services- Jamie Davis- 12/17/18
R: A Red Herring Without Mustard- Alan Bradley- 8/26/17
R: The Rest Falls Away- Colleen Gleason- 10/5/17
Y: You're Not Allowed to Die- Kip Terrington- 9/21/17

Feverfew

F: The Flame of Olympus- Kate O'Hearn- 11/5/16
E: Embraced by Darkness- Keri Arthur- 4/18/17
V: A Very Paranormal Holiday- J.T. Bock- 11/12/16
E: Elemental Flame- Phaedra Weldon- 7/9/17
R: Rose and Thorn: Black Rose Sorceress, Book 2- Connie Suttle- 4/26/17
F: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay- J.K. Rowling- 11/18/16
E: Eldest- Christopher Paolini- 8/7/17
W: Where Are the Children?- Mary Higgins Clark- 1/30/17

Ginkgo Biloba

G: Grave Seasons- Lily Harper Hart- 12/6/16
I: The Iron King- Julie Kagawa- 5/5/17
N: The Neverending Story- Michael Ende- 2/10/17
K: The Killing Dance- Laurell K. Hamilton- 11/16/16
G: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making- Catherynne M. Valente- 3/5/17
O: Otherworld Chills- Kelley Armstrong- 7/29/17

B: Burnt Offerings- Laurell K. Hamilton- 12/4/16
I: The Invisible Library- Genevieve Cogman- 7/1/17
L: Lion in the Valley- Elizabeth Peters- 10/12/17
O: Opal- Jennifer L. Armentrout- 8/12/17
B: Bastien- Tianna Xander- 1/1/17
A: Archangel's Legion- Nalini Singh- 9/23/17

Ginseng

G: Glass Sword- Victoria Aveyard- 4/10/17
I: I'll Tell You Mine- Pip Harry- 6/2/18
N: Night of the Soul Stealer- Joseph Delaney- 4/9/18
S: The Shadowseeker- Victor Kloss- 1/16/17
E: Elemental Storm- Phaedra Weldon- 3/27/19
N: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency- Alexander McCall Smith- 8/30/18
G: Green Rider- Kristen Britain- 6/10/17

Goldenseal

G: Grave Holiday- Lily Harper Hart- 8/6/17
O: Over My Dead Body- Rex Stout- 11/7/17
L: Lethal Bayou Beauty- Jana Deleon- 3/11/19
D: Dragon Spawn- Eileen Wilks- 1/20/17
E: Empty Nest- Marty Wingate- 5/2/19
N: Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men- Molly Harper- 9/6/18
S: Slave to Sensation- Nalini Singh- 1/27/17
E: Evil Dark- Justin Gustainis- 5/24/19
A: Along Came a Spider- James Patterson- 5/20/18
L: Loves Music, Loves to Dance- Mary Higgins Clark- 3/29/19

Heal-All

H: Hell Hath No Fury- J.C. Diem- 12/22/16
E: Edge Of Evil- J.A. Jance- 8/12/18
A: Alchemy- Sheena Boekweg- 4/13/18
L: Leverage in Death- J.D. Robb- 9/4/18

A: And Then There Were None- Agatha Christie- 4/19/18
L: Lover Avenged- J.R. Ward- 9/23/18
L: Last Dragon Standing- Rachel Aaron- 11/11/18

Kava Kava

K: King's Cage- Victoria Aveyard- 4/30/17
A: The ABC Murders- Agatha Christie- 6/22/18
V: The Vault of Mysteries: Marshyl Stories Book I- Toby Neighbors- 3/20/17
A Angels and Demons- Dan Brown- 6/29/18

K: The Killings at Badger's Drift: Inspector Barnaby #1- Caroline Graham- 6/15/17
A: All My Witches- Amanda M. Lee- 9/18/18
V: Visions of Heat- Nalini Singh- 5/23/17
A: At Peace- Kristen Ashley- 10/15/18

Mallow

M: MindSighted: BlackWing Pirates, Book 1- Connie Suttle- 11/1/16
A: Angels' Flight- Nalini Singh- 9/10/17
L: Let Me Call You Sweetheart- Mary Higgins Clark- 2/6/17
L: Late Eclipses- Seanan McGuire- 5/30/17
O: One Good Dragon Deserves Another- Rachel Aaron- 6/22/17
W: Welcoming Seas- Lily Harper Hart- 12/12/16

Milk Thistle

M: Magic to the Bone- Devon Monk- 11/21/16
I: Illuminae- Amie Kaufman- 10/25/17
L: The Lost City of Faar- D.J. MacHale- 12/12/17
K: King Hall- Scarlett Dawn- 3/27/17

T: Two for the Dough- Janet Evanovich- 1/12/17
H: Hell Raiser- J.C. Diem- 11/28/16
I: I Am Half-Sick of Shadows- Alan Bradley- 12/31/17
S: Silent Night- Mary Higgins Clark- 12/19/16
T: A Tiger's Bride- Eve Langlais- 1/22/17
L: Louisiana Longshot- Jana Deleon- 1/17/18
E: Emily of New Moon- L.M. Montgomery- 9/29/17

Mugwort

M: The Murder at the Vicarage- Agatha Christie- 11/29/16
U: Undead and Unwed- MaryJanice Davidson- 3/11/17
G: A Girl Named Zippy- Haven Kimmel- 4/6/17
W: What's a Ghoul to Do?- Victoria Laurie- 3/16/17
O: Otherworld Nights- Kelley Armstrong- 6/6/17
R: Reckless- Selene Charles- 5/27/17
T: The Thirteen Problems- Agatha Christie- 2/26/17

Mullein

M: Mind Magic- Eileen Wilks- 12/5/16
U: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer- Michelle Hodkin- 6/5/17
L: Lake Silence- Anne Bishop- 3/6/18
L: Lie Down with Dogs- Hailey Edwards- 4/16/18
E: The Eloquent Parrot- Robin Knowles- 6/9/18
I: The Icebound Land- John Flanagan- 4/6/18
N: Nemesis- Agatha Christie- 11/26/17

Queen-Anne’s lace

Q: A Quick Bite- Lynsay Sands- 11/23/16
U: Unhidden- Dina Given- 1/24/17
E: Every Heart a Doorway- Seanan McGuire- 11/11/17
E: Electric Night- Stacey Brutger- 2/15/18
N: No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished- Rachel Aaron- 6/29/17

A: Assassin's Apprentice- Robin Hobb- 10/17/17
N: Never Buried- Edie Claire- 10/9/17
N: A Natural History of Dragons- Marie Brennan- 10/10/17
E: Elemental Soul- Phaedra Weldon- 2/28/18
S: Spark- K.C. Stewart- 1/10/17

L: Lord Edgware Dies- Agatha Christie- 1/20/18
A: Aunt Dimity's Death- Nancy Atherton- 2/13/18
C: Cover Her Face- P.D. James- 6/2/17
E: Erak's Ransom- John Flanagan- 5/28/18

Skullcap

S: Siren's Call- Devyn Quinn- 12/17/16
K: Kitty and the Midnight Hour- Carrie Vaughn- 1/5/17
U: Under a Silent Moon- Elizabeth Haynes- 12/1/16
L: Lying Season- Karina Halle- 11/9/17
L: Linger- Maggie Stiefvater- 11/16/17
C: Changeless- Gail Carriger- 5/13/17
A: Archangel's Enigma- Nalini Singh- 10/14/17
P: A Promise of Fire- Amanda Bouchet- 11/19/16

St. John’s Wort

S: Swan Lake- K.M. Shea- 8/30/16
T: Tales of the Otherworld- Kelley Armstrong- 9/4/16

J: Jack and the Beanstalk- Jenni James- 8/22/16
O: Once Burned- Jeaniene Frost- 8/23/16
H: Handle with Care- Jodi Picoult- 8/30/16
N: Not His Dragon- Annie Nicholas- 9/7/16
S: Spellbinder- Melanie Rawn- 9/24/16

W: Wish You Were Here- Rita Mae Brown- 9/11/16
O: Obsidian- Jennifer L. Armentrout- 9/25/16
R: Reaper- K.D. McEntire- 8/24/16
T: The Trouble with Demons- Lisa Shearin- 9/14/16

Usnea

U: Undead and Unemployed- MaryJanice Davidson- 10/31/17
S: Schooled in Magic- Christopher Nuttall- 2/22/17
N: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever- Molly Harper- 10/4/18
E: The Elite- Kiera Cass- 6/7/19
A: Anne of Avonlea- L.M. Montgomery- 6/20/18

Valerian

V: The Vampire's Accidental Wife- Kristen Painter- 1/9/18
A: Above the Fold & Below the Belt- Amanda M. Lee- 3/22/19
L: Lending a Paw- Laurie Cass- 5/21/19
E: Exiled- J.C. Diem- 9/19/19
R: The Ruins of Gorlan- John Flanagan- 1/19/18
I: I Dream of Twila: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short- Amanda M. Lee- 9/11/18
A: Advent- Xander Boyce- 3/24/19
N: Night Myst- Yasmine Galenorn- 3/17/19

Yarrow

Y: The Yeti- Mike Miller- 3/3/18
A: Any Given Doomsday- Lori Handeland- 12/19/18
R: A Restless Evil- Ann Granger- 10/7/17
R: Rise of the Evening Star- Brandon Mull- 10/21/17
O: Omega- S.M. Reine- 2/4/18
W: Waking the Witch- Kelley Armstrong- 3/22/17

Welcome Sam :)

Materia Medica Challenge
Duration: 9/1/16 - 9/1/17
Option 1; Master Herbalist: 0/36

The Herbs
Agrimony- Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover.

Aloe- Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover.

Arnica- Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.

Ashwagandha- Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover.

Blackberry- Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.

Bloodroot- Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover.

Burdock- Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.

Calendula- Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.

California Poppy- Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.

Cascara Sagrada - Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.

Catnip- Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.

Cayenne- Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.

Chamomile- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.

Chaste Tree- Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.

Chicory- Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.

Cleavers- Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover.

Comfrey- Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.

Dandelion- Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.

Echinacea- Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.

Elderberry- Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.

Feverfew- Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.

Ginkgo Biloba- Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.

Ginseng- Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.

Goldenseal- Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.

Heal-All- Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.

Kava Kava- Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.

Mallow- Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.

Milk Thistle-Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.

Mugwort- Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.

Mullein- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.

Queen-Anne’s lace- Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.

Skullcap- Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.

St. John’s Wort- Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.

Usnea- Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured.

Valerian- Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)

Yarrow- Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance.

Welcome to the challenge Danielle :)

Thanks so much! This was a great challenge. :)

Materia Medica Challenge

Option 1: Master Herbalist: 25+books
Status: 25 out of 25 - I'm finally finished!!!





Aloe - Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover. The military force of North Korea is frequently mentioned in Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea. 10/16/2016

Argrimony - Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover. In the book If I Stay, Mia is in a coma after a car accident. 9/14/2016

Arnica Read a book with a yellow cover. The cover of Chemistry is yellow. (see above) 8/6/2017

Ashwagandha - Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover. The letters of QUIET on the cover of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking are red. (see above) 12/3/2016

Burdock - Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover. The chickens on the cover of Locally Laid: How We Built a Plucky, Industry-changing Egg Farm - from Scratch have sharp beaks. (image above) 11/14/2016

Calendula- Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series. Maybe it’s only because I went to high school in a small town in Minnesota and moved to Minneapolis for college, but I found the character Mary Beth Lund in Everything You Want Me to Be extremely irritating. 9/18/2017

Cascara Sagrada- Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover. There is red on the cover of Mrs. Fletcher 2/2/2018


Catnip - Read a book taking place in Africa or the jungle Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood takes place in Africa. 7/22/2017

Cayenne - Read a book with a character that has some sort of illness The main character in People Who Knew Me has cancer. 7/3/2017

Chamomile - Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening. In The Leaving a group of children disappear for over 10 years and when all but one return they have no memory of the missing years. I consider both missing children and amnesia frightening. 2/13/2018

Chaste Tree- Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover. The main character in The Roanoke Girls is a woman. 10/31/2017

Chicory- Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee. The Trespasser is set in Ireland. 10/28/2016

Cleavers - Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover. When Breath Becomes Air is a memoir of a man on the verge of becoming a neurosurgeon who has stage IV lung cancer. 10/01/2016

Dandelion- Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine. In Final Girls, Quincy drinks quite a lot of wine. 1/5/2018

Echinacea- Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character. Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI is a nonfiction account of the murders, many by poison, of members of the Osage Indian Tribe. 9/24/2017

Comfrey - Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover. In the book A Man Called Ove, Patrick falls off a ladder and breaks his leg. 9/8/2016

Ginkgo Biloba - Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover. The book Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey has a tree on the cover. (see image above) 8/12/2017

Ginseng- Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off. There are five words (counting the word "The") in the title of The Female of the Species 12/13/2016

Milk Thistle - Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook. Amy Schumer likes to drink alcohol in great quantities and she describes many of her experiences while/after doing so in The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo 11/18/2016

Mullein - Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle. The book Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love has a dog's ear on the cover. (see image above) 9/2/2017

Queen-Anne’s lace - Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil. Victoria is about Queen Victoria's early days. This historical fiction features many royal characters. 8/22/2017

Skullcap - Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.Standard Deviation has a blue cover. (see image above) 8/31/2017

Usnea - Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured. In the book Unraveling Oliver, Alice is beaten unconscious. 12/15/2017

Valerian- Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc) In the book Commonwealth, Holly moves to a Zen center in Switzerland to de-stress. 11/23/2017

Yarrow- Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance. Ranger Games: A Story of Soldiers, Family and an Inexplicable Crime is a nonfiction account about soldiers who rob a bank.

Welcome to the challenge Donna :)

Nothing But Reading Challenges
Materia Medica Challenge
Duration: 9/1/2016 - Til Done!

Progress: 36 out of 36

Duration: You set the pace

Herbalism, or the use of herbs for healing, is the oldest form of healing and is still relevant today. Every culture on every continent has a history of herbal healing.

Option 1: Choose books based on one of the options listed under each medicinal herb.
Option 2: Spell-it-out using titles, series names, character names, or authors (first or last name) that begin with letters that correspond to the word you choose. You may ignore the indefinite and definite articles (a, an, the, etc.).
Option 3: Any combination of the above

Levels:
Herbwife: 3 to 4 books
Folk Healer: 5 to 7 books
Wildcrafter: 8 to 12 books
Herbalist: 13 to 24 books
Master Herbalist: 25+ books

BONUS: Master Herbalists may add to the list of herbs by PMing the Mod account with their chosen herb and ideas for tasks

The Herbs
Agrimony- Commonly found throughout England, another common name for Agrimony is "Church-Steeples". In the Middle Ages it was believed that if Agrimony was placed under a pillow, the sleeper would not wake until the plant was removed.
Read a book where a character is in a coma or unconscious for a time, a book set in England, or a book with a church on the cover:
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë - *** - 9/6/2016 - 507 Pages - Set in England



Aloe- The Egyptians revered Aloe as the "Plant of Immortality". Aloe remains one of the only things known to heal atomic burns, and it is also commonly used to treat sunburn.
Read a book set in Egypt, or a book with a character thought to be immortal, a book that mentions bombs or a military force, or a book that takes place during the summer. You may also read a book with a bright green cover.
Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts - **** - 9/13/2016 - 336 Pages



Arnica- Arnica has daisy-like yellow flowers. It is commonly found in skin creams to soothe sore muscles, especially in athletes. It may cause serious complications if taken internally.
Read a book where the MC is either an athlete or someone who is very active, a book where someone is poisoned, or a book with a yellow cover.
Wake by Amanda Hocking - ** - 1/5/2017 - 309 Pages - Active MC



Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times, mostly in India. In Sanskrit ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse”. It is used frequently because of its rejuvenating properties. It bears small red fruit.
Read a book set in India, or a book where the MC has/rides horses, or a book where someone is trying to become stronger or better in some way. You can also read a book with red on the cover:
I Wasn't Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a Nurse by Lee Gutkind - **** - 9/8/2016 - Became stronger



Blackberry- Blackberry is a large plant with delicious berries and a very large amount of thorns. The leaves and root were often used to treat sore throats and as a cough remedy.
Read a book where someone makes blackberry pie or jam, or with a character who is considered 'prickly', a book where someone has a cold, or a book with a purple cover.
Lucky Us by Amy Bloom - *** - 9/15/2016 - 256 Pages - Prickly Character



Bloodroot- Bloodroot is native from Quebec south to Florida and west to Kansas. The root contains a lot of red juice which stains the skin when broken. The flowers are white. Bloodroot is endangered.
Read a book with vampires, or a book where the MC is either protecting someone or must be protected from something/someone. You may also read a book with a predominately white cover.
First Comes Love by Emily Giffin - *** - 12/12/2016 - 380 Pages - White Cover



Burdock- Burdock is a tall plant with prickly burrs and purple, pink, or white flowers. The root is edible. Burdock is often used as a blood purifier.
Read a book where the MC is a chef or loves to cook, or read a book where one of the characters is a doctor or healer. You can also read a book with something prickly or sharp on the cover.
Under the Table by Stephanie Evanovich - **** - 10/9/2019 - 336 Pages - Main Character is a chef



Calendula- Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, is commonly used for skin ailments and can be found in a variety of skin creams. It has also been used to bring down fevers. The plant self sows like nothing else (I cannot get rid of the little suckers).
Read a book with a beautiful character, a romance or 'steamy' book, a book that has an irritating character, or is a part of a long series.
E is for Evidence by Sue Grafton - *** - 10/7/2016 - 320 Pages - Part of a long series



California Poppy- The California Poppy is the state flower of California. It has tranquilizing properties and is mentally stabilizing. The flowers are usually orange.
Read a book set in California, a book that is relaxing or makes you feel good, or a book with a orange cover.
Madame Mirabou's School of Love by Barbara Samuel - **** - 12/28/2016 - 320 Pages - Orange Cover



Cascara Sagrada - Cascara was used extensively by the Native American tribes. It has small berries that range from red to purple-black.
Read a book set in the Old West or with a Native American character. You may also read a book with red or purple on the cover.
A Night of No Return by Sarah Morgan - *** - 11/15/2016 - 192 Pages - Red on Cover



Catnip- As the name suggests, catnip is known for attracting cats. Catnip tea is used to treat restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Studies have shown that it could possibly be as effective as deet in repelling mosquitoes.
Read a book where the MC has a cat or with a cat character, a book with a restless character or someone under a lot of stress, or a book taking place in Africa or the jungle.
Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews - ***** - 10/11/2016 - 328 Pages - Under a lot of stress



Cayenne- Cayenne is a powerful stimulant known for its beneficial effect on the heart and the blood vessels. It has been used in emergencies to stabilize people who have had heart attacks or who are hemorrhaging. It is said to be unequalled for warding off diseases.
Read a 'spicy' book such as romance or erotica, a book with a red cover, a book that makes your heart race, or a book with a character who has some sort of illness.
The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher - ***** - 1/16/2017 - 257 Pages - Red cover with mental illness



Chamomile- Chamomile is an aromatic herb with white, daisy-like petals and a yellow conical center. It has been known as the "Plant's Physician" because it contributes to the health of the garden. It is considered the only certain remedy for nightmares. It is comforting and often used for relaxation.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book with a character who gardens or a garden on the cover, or a book that relaxes you. You may also read a book with something you consider to be frightening.
Separate Beds by Elizabeth Buchan - **** - 11/1/2016 - 384 Pages - White cover, gardens, relaxing



Chaste Tree- Chaste (or Vitex) is known as "the woman's herb" because of its beneficial effects for women in all cycles of life. It has been used to increase fertility and help with menopause symptoms, as well as cure acne, headaches, and prevent insect bites. The dark purple berries and the seeds are the parts used to make medicine.
Read a book with a MC who is a woman, a book with someone who has a baby, or a book with a purple cover.
Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts - **** - 9/20/2016 - 333 Pages - MC is a woman



Chicory- Chicory is common in parts of England and Ireland. The flowers are a very light blue. Chicory is used in salads and the root is roasted and ground to use as a coffee substitute. A decoction of the root has been used to help with liver problems.
Read a book set in England or Ireland, a book with a character who drinks a lot, or a book with a light blue cover. You may also read a book with a character who loves coffee.
Fat Chance by Nick Spalding - *** - 10/3/2016 - 288 Pages - Set in England



Cleavers- The plant is covered with tiny hooked barbs which allow it to cling to other plants and the clothing of passing humans. It has a reputation of being used to cure benign tumors and growths, and cancer. The flowers are white or greenish-white.
Read a book with a character who clings to a person or a way of life, a book with someone who has cancer or a tumor, or a book with a white or green cover.
Matched by Ally Condie - ** - 1/4/2017 - 369 Pages - clings to a person/green cover



Comfrey- Comfrey is a hairy plant with large, bright green leaves and drooping creamy-yellow or purple flowers. It is a powerful healer and, when used externally as a compress or salve, can increase the speed of healing. Comfrey has also been known as "knitbone" and has been used for hundreds of years to heal fractures and breaks in bone.
Read a book where someone has a broken bone or has some sort of wound, or a book with a green, yellow, or purple cover.
Brighter Than the Sun by Darynda Jones - *** - 2/2/2017 - 112 Pages - Yellow Cover



Dandelion- Dandelion is a common plant with bright yellow flowers. The name is a corruption of the French "Dent de Lion", which means "Lion's Tooth". The leaves and flowers are delicious in salads. Dandelion has been used to help cure liver and kidney diseases and it is often used to make herbal wine. It blooms all summer.
Read a book with a lion shifter, a book with a yellow cover, or a book set during the summer. You may also use a book with a character who works in a winery or drinks wine.
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs - ***** - 6/23/2020 - 416 Pages - Set in Summer



Echinacea- Echinacea has rich purple, cone-shaped flowers. It has been used to support the immune system and prevent viral infections. The Native American tribes used Echinacea to cure snake and spider bites.
Read a book with a purple cover, a book where someone is sick, or a book where someone is poisoned. You may also read a book with a Native American character.
Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs - ***** - 12/11/2019 - 368 Pages - Native American Character



Elderberry- Native American tribes called Elder the "tree of music" and used the branches to make flutes. The ancient Germans believed it to be the dwelling of Mother Hulda, the protectress of house and home. The berries turn sky-blue when ripe and can be made into a syrup that can cure or prevent colds.
Read a book with a light blue cover, a book that is "homey" or has otherworldly beings, or a book with a character who is musical.
Delirium by Lauren Oliver - *** - 3/15/2017 - 441 Pages - Light Blue Cover



Feverfew- Feverfew is a daisy-like plant with white flowers with yellow centers. Regular use of the herb can prevent migraines and arthritis. Bugs can't abide Feverfew, so it is very useful in the garden.
Read a book with a white or yellow cover, a book where someone is under a lot of stress or has a head injury, or a book where the MC succeeds in keeping their distance from someone who 'bugs' them.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell - ***** - 1/9/2017 - 328 Pages - Under a lot of stress

Ginkgo Biloba- Ginko is a large tree with bright green fan-shaped leaves. They are native to China and Japan. It improves memory and brain function and can also improve blood flow.
Read a book set in China or Japan. Or read a book with a lot of characters or things to keep track of. You can also read a book with a tree on the cover.
Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong - ***** - 10/13/2020 - 482 Pages - Set in China



Ginseng- Ginseng, or five-fingers root, is a leafy green plant with small red berries. It has been used to cure impotence and can increase mental function.
Read a book with a red cover, a book that is fifth in a series or with five words in the title. You may also read a romance or a book that you've been putting off.
A Bad Day for Pretty by Sophie Littlefield - ***** - 2/18/2017 - 304 Pages - five words in title



Goldenseal- Goldenseal is often called the ground raspberry because the fruit is red and resembles a raspberry. The stem and leaves are hairy and deep green and the flowers are white. It has been used to cure eye diseases and prevent reoccurrence of diseases such as malaria. It has also been used as a yellow dye.
Read a book set in the jungle or a book that has a cover that you consider an eyesore. Or you may read a book with a yellow cover.
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - *** - 1/12/2017 - 337 Pages - Cover is an eyesore



Heal-All- Heal-All has square stems and purple, spiky flowers. It is used for many ailments, both inward and outward. It is known as a general strengthener.
Read a book where a character is very good at many different things, a book with a square object on the cover, or a book with a character who is very strong.
I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai - ***** - 11/3/2016 - 327 Pages - Very Strong



Kava Kava- A shrub with large spade-shaped leaves, Kava is known for being beneficial to people who suffer from anxiety. Side effects can include sensitivity to sunlight.
Read a book with repeating words in the title, a book where a character is overly anxious, a book with vampires, or a romance.
Soulless by Gail Carriger - ***** - 11/6/2016 - 365 Pages - Vampires



Mallow- Mallow has very soft, 3-5 lobed leaves and pale flowers. It is frequently given in the form of a syrup to children as a cure for coughs.
Read a book with something soft on the cover (feather, silk, fur, etc.), a book that is #3 or #5 in a series, or a book featuring children.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - ***** - 4/11/2017 - 288 Pages - Features children



Milk Thistle- Milk thistle is a tall, thorny plant with glossy dark green leaves and white veins. It is beneficial to the liver, and the new flower can be steamed and eaten like an artichoke.
Read a book with a green cover, a book where a character has a drinking problem or drinks alcohol in great quantities, or a book where a character likes to cook.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire - **** - 11/11/2016 - 173 Pages - Green Cover



Mugwort- A tall-growing shrubby plant, with leaves that are smooth and dark green above and covered with a silvery down beneath. In Native American folklore Mugwort was rubbed on ones body to keep ghosts away or wearing a necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John’s Eve to gain security from evil possession.
Read a book with a silver cover, a book with ghosts, or a book shelved as paranormal.
Bay of Sighs by Nora Roberts - **** - 2/6/2017 - 319 Pages - Shelved as paranormal



Mullein- The leaves are whitish with a soft, dense mass of hairs on both sides, which form a rosette at the base of the stem. The flower-spike is covered with sulphur-yellow flowers with five rounded petals. Blooms during July and August. Historically used as lamp wicks before the introduction of cotton. Mullein oil is very effective in the treatment of earaches.
Read a book with a yellow cover, a book that is #5 in a series, or a book with one of these on the cover: ear, rose, or lamp/candle.
Play of Passion by Nalini Singh - *** - 12/1/2016 - 321 Pages - Ear on cover



Queen-Anne’s lace- Also known as wild carrot, the flowers are white and umbellate with one or two reddish flowers in the center. Queen Anne’s lace earned its common name from a legend that tells of Queen Anne of England pricking her finger and a drop of blood landed on white lace she was sewing. It closely resembles poison hemlock.
Read a book with characters who are royalty, a book with blood on the cover, or a book where a character that everyone thinks is an ally turns out to be evil.
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley - ***** - 12/7/2016 - 496 Pages - Ally turns out to be evil



Skullcap- American skullcap derives its name from the caplike appearance of the small blue or purple flowers. It is used as a mild sedative. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful for joint pain and arthritis.
Read a book that you find relaxing, a book with an older character, or a book with a blue or purple cover.
Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett - ***** - 12/11/2016 - 358 Pages - Blue Cover



St. John’s Wort- A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, St. John's Wort is often used as a natural anti-depressant. It can cause severe interactions with other medications.
Read a book with a yellow cover, a book where a character is depressed or a book you consider sad. You may also read a book where the characters clash in some way.
Fairest by Marissa Meyer - *** - 12/13/2016 - 220 Pages - Depressed



Usnea- Also know as Old Man's Beard, Usnea is a light green lichen most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. It has strong antibacterial properties and can be very useful in fighting off infections.
Read a book with an old man on the cover or with a character who is a wizard, a book with a green cover, or a book where a character is injured.
Black Dog by Rachel Neumeier - ***** - 12/25/2016 - 448 Pages - Injured



Valerian- Valerian has small flowers, white and tinged with pink. They have a strange, but not unpleasant smell. However the root, which is the part used in herbal medicine, smells like a mix between old socks and stinky cheese. Cats are very attracted to the scent. Valerian is mainly used as a sedative and stress reliever.
Read a book with a cat on the cover or a character who has a cat, a book with a white cover, or a book with a character who repels others. You may also read a book where a character does something special to de-stress (a beach visit, spa, party, etc)
Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis - **** - 12/9/2016 - 293 Pages - Cat on Cover



Yarrow- Yarrow has also been called Soldier's Woundwort and Bloodwort because of the folklore surrounding this herb. It has been said that soldiers on the battlefield would use Yarrow to stop the bleeding of their wounds. In Folklore, placing Yarrow under your pillow at night would bring visions of your future mate. The flower heads are flat on the top and leaves are deeply serrated.
Read a book with a character who is a soldier, something flat on the cover, or a book shelved as romance.
A Girl's Best Friend by Elizabeth Young - **** - 12/29/2016 - 308 Pages - Romance