Herbs

Used in Ayuvedic medicine, and sometimes called ‘Indian ginseng’, this herb is native to India and Africa. The roots of the Ashwagandha plant are used in herbal medicine.

Action of Ashwagandha

Aswagandha contains compounds called withanolides, which are similar to the active constituents in ginseng. This herb has immune boosting, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic actions.

Ashwagandha Uses

Ashwagandha is used in Indian medicine as a potent immune system supporting herb and as a general tonic. It is also useful in times of stress and fatigue and is available in tablets or capsules.

Cautions When Using Ashwagandha

| Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using Ashwagandha herbal supplements.

Tags: Immune System, Lactation, Stress

The globe Artichoke (not to be confused with a different plant called Jerusalem Artichoke) is a large thistle-like plant native to the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. The flower heads or globe, make a delicious dish with olive oil. However, it is the leaf that is used in herbal medicine.

Action of Artichoke

Artichoke contains amongst many, a bitter compound called cynarin, which acts as digestive tonic to the liver and gall bladder. Cynarin is a diuretic and has chloretic (bile stimulating) action which helps with fat digestion.

Artichoke Uses

Our experts recommend topical Artichoke for the following disorders

| gallstones
| High cholesterol
| Indigestion

Tags: Appetite, Cholesterol, Detox, Digestion, Flu, Gallstones, Indigestion, Lactation, Liver

Arnica is a flowering plant found widely in Europe and Britain. It is no longer readily available in the UK for internal use, as a herbal medicine, but it is often used in various topical applications. For internal use the homoeopathic remedy Arnica is preferred and has many important uses. The dried flowers and leaves have medicinal action, although the flowers are most often used to make herbal and homoeopathic preparations.

Action of Arnica

This plant contains a variety of compounds which demonstrate soothing, anti-inflammatory, astringent and healing properties.

Arnica Uses

Historically as an external preparation Arnica has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Tags: Bruising, Heart, Lumbago, Muscle, Neuralgia, Pain, Rheumatic, Sciatica, Skin, Ulcers

Anise (Aniseed) is an annual plant that grows to less than one metre in height, with delicate leaves and white flowers. It is an aromatic plant and in Greece and Egypt it is used medicinally. It should not be confused with Star Anise (Illicium Verum).

Action of Anise

This herb contains a potent and volatile oil which is mostly made up of the terpenoid anethole. The oil is carminative, expectorant, oestrogenic and anti-parasitic in action.

Anise Uses

Historically anise has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

| Bronchitis – To reduce coughing spasm
| Catarrh
| Colic
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
| Dry coughs and breaking up mucous
| Flatulence
| Indigestion
| Intestinal griping when using potent laxatives
| Painful periods
| Tracheitis
| Whooping cough

Tags: Bronchitis, Catarrh, Colic, Cough, Digestion, Flatulence, Indigestion, Lactation, Lice, Pain, Periods

Is a plant native to North America and is a member of the mint family. It is widely used in western herbal medicine and is similar to European or greater skullcap (S. galericulata), but should not be confused with Chinese or Asian skullcap (S. baicalensis), which has very different action and uses. The aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally.

Action of American Skullcap

It contains a flavanoid glycoside called scutellarin, volatile oil, tannins and iridoids. Scutellarin is thought to be the compound that exhibits sedative and antispasmodic action. The herb is also anticonvulsant, nervine and a brain and central nervous system vasodilator.

American Skullcap Uses

Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Tags: Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Epilepsy, Insomnia, Lactation, Liver, Migraine, Nervous, Pain, PMS, Stress, Tension

Native to North America and Canada. It is related to Korean Ginseng and has similar actions. It is the root that is used in herbal medicine.

Action of American Ginseng

American Ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are supportive to the adrenal glands. It is adaptogenic, a digestive relaxant, hypoglycaemic, aphrodisiac and a tonic.

American Ginseng Uses

| American Ginseng is a general tonic for stress and fatigue. It may also be of use a regulating blood sugar levels, boosting immune system and for enhancing performance during exercise.
| Available as a tablet or tincture. Best taken in cycles of 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off. Sometimes if needed it can be taken in cycles of 6 weeks on, 4 weeks off.

Tags: Immune System, Sleep, Stress

This cactus-like plant is native to Africa, but is grown in most hot climates all over the world. The inner gel of the leaf is used in herbal medicine.

Action of Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel contains compounds called mucopolysaccharides which have a soothing, cooling, astringent and healing action, reduce inflammation and have anti-bacterial properties. It also as Antioxidant action as it contains Zinc, Amino Acids and essential fats. Aloe vera also contains aloin which has a very potent laxative action. (SEE BELOW)

Aloe vera Uses

Our experts recommend topical Aloe vera for the following disorders

| Caesarean Section
| Cold sores (Herpes Simplex)
| Eczema and Dermatitis
| Erythema multiforme
| Haemorrhoids
| Nappy Rash
| Pruritus ani
| Pruritus
| Skin infections

Tags: Burns, Cold, Constipation, Eczema, Haemorrhoids, Infections, Inflammation, Rash, Skin, Sore, Wound

Native to western Asia and the Mediterranean region, it is the dried leaves that are mainly used in herbal medicine, though the seeds are sometimes also used. Alfalfa sprouts are available as a food, which are eaten in salad dishes and are very nutritious.

Action of Alfalfa

Alfalfa is an example of a nutritive herb as it contains many nutrients: vitamin A, B1, B6, C, E, K and protein. This herb yields 10 times more mineral value than the average grain, containing Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, phosphorus and Zinc.

Alfalfa also contains many other compounds including, chlorophyll, isoflavones, Bioflavanoids and 8 digestive enzymes. Its actions include: anti-cholesterol, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-anaemic and anti-coagulant.

Alfalfa Uses

Our experts recommend Alfalfa for the following disorder:

Tags: Appetite, Cholesterol, Menopause, Osteoporosis

This common plant readily grows in the wild and has a folklore for use in supporting digestive action. The flowers are used to make the bach flower remedy – agrimony.

Action of Agrimony

This herb contains a variety of compounds, including coumarins, tannis, flavanoids and phytosterols. Historically it is said to be diuretic, hepatic, mild astringent, haemostatic, vulnerary, liver tonic and a digestive bitter tonic.

Agrimony Uses

Historically agrimony has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

| Bed wetting
| Diarrhoea
| Gall bladder disorders
| Heartburn
| Incontinence
| Indigestion
| Laryngitis
| Nose bleeds
| Gastric juice flow – promotion
| Sluggish liver function
| Sore throats

Tags: Bed Wetting, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Heart, Heartburn, Incontinence, Indigestion, Lactation, Laryngitis, Liver, Nose Bleeds, Sore, Throat, Ulcers, Wound

Agnus castus is a tree native to central Asia and the Mediterranean region, it is the dried ripe berries that are used in herbal medicine.

Action of Agnus Castus

Agnus castus – contains non-hormone compounds which act on the pituitary gland are and useful for female hormone health. It essentially raises progesterone levels and lowers oestrogen levels which are commonly out of balance.

Agnus Castus Uses

Our experts recommend agnus castus for the following disorders:

| Amenorrhoea
| Dysmenorrhoea
| Fibroids
| Infertility (female)
| Polycystic ovary syndrome
| Pre-menstrual syndrome

Tags: Acne, Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Fibroids, Infertility, Lactation, Menstrual, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Oregano or wild Marjoram is an aromatic herb that is commonly used in cooking, especially in tomato-based sauces and on pizza. It is a perennial plant native to Asia and Europe, but is now cultivated world-wide for its culinary use. The leaves of the dried herb and the volatile oil are used in herbal medicine and Aromatherapy.

Medicinal Properties of Oregano

Oregano contains up to 3% volatile oils, which are made up of borneol, carvacrol and thymol menthol as well as flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, triterpenoids, sterols and the Vitamins A and C. The volatile oils in Oregano exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Oregano Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Oregano for:

Tags: Candidiasis, Digestion, Indigestion, Infections, Skin, Sleep, Thrush

Is a plant native to Europe and classed as a weed. It is the root that is of value in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Yellow Dock

It contains anthraquinone glycosides, tannins, oxalates and rumicin. It is a bitter digestive tonic, cholagogue (increase bile flow) and laxative. It is also mineral rich in iron and sulphur.

Yellow Dock Herbal Remedies

Historically Yellow Dock has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Constipation
Food poisoning
Irritable bowel syndrome
Jaundice and liver problems
Mouth ulcers (mouth wash)
Poor digestion
Skin disorders – boils, rashes, shingles
Sluggish liver function

Other Yellow Dock Information

It is normally available as a herbal tea for internal use, although a qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations including tinctures.

Tags: Boils, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Liver, Poisoning, Rash, Skin, Ulcers