Herbs

Thyme or common thyme is a perennial, evergreen shrub and is native to Spain and the Mediterranean region, although it is now found throughout the world. It originates from wild thyme (T. serpyllum), which is native to Britain and Europe, and has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians. The leaves and flowers [...]

Continue Reading Herb Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Eyebright is native to eastern Europe and gets its name after having been used to treat eye problems for hundreds of years. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Eyebright Eyebright contains tannins, iridoid gycosides and volatile oil. These compounds have astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine actions. Eyebright Herbal Remedies Our herbalists [...]

Continue Reading Herb Eyebright (Euphrasia officinale)

This is a herb not commonly used today, but has a history of use as far back as ancient Egypt and was also used in Arabian medicine. The seeds contain the key medicinal components. Medicinal Properties of Khella It contains a compound called khellin which appears to be able to stimulate repigmentation of the skin, [...]

Continue Reading Herb Khella (Amni visnaga)

Borage or Starflower is a plant native to Europe and North Africa, but is now found in Canada and the USA. Used by the Romans and Greeks as a heart tonic and a supplier of courage. Borage has distinctive blue star-shaped flowers and in herbal medicine the seeds, leaves and flowers are used. The seeds [...]

Continue Reading Herb Borage (Borago officinalis)

Psyllium, isphagula or plantago is a plant that is both native and cultivated in Iran and India. The seeds and seed husks are used medicinally. Medicinal Properties of Psyllium Psyllium seeds are high in both insoluble and soluble fibre (mucilage). They contain between 10-30% mucilage. These fibres have a bulking and gel-forming action in the [...]

Continue Reading Herb Psyllium (Plantago ispaghula, Plantago ovata)

Flaxseed, Flax or linseed is well known for its use as an oil for preserving cricket bats. Flax is one of the most ancient of all cultivated plants, and is known to have been used by man since 5,000 BC. Both the seeds and seed oil are used medicinally. Medicinal Properties of Linseed Flax seeds [...]

Continue Reading Herb Flaxseed – Linseed (Linum usitatissimum)

Galeopsis or hemp nettle is a member of the Labiatae family, and is commonly found in Germany where it has wide use for respiratory problems, especially asthma. The flowering aerial parts are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Galeopsis This plant contains high levels of silica, saponins and tannins. It also contains some silicic [...]

Continue Reading Herb Galeopsis (Galeopsis ochroleuca)

Is a bog-plant that is native to Britain and Europe, but is now naturalised in the United States. Used in Europe for over 2000 years as a medicine, especially for soothing digestive and respiratory tracts. The Marshmallow roots and leaves are used medicinally. The root extract is sometimes used to make confectionery. Medicinal Properties of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Horsetail is an invasive grass-like plant that is found throughout the temperate zones of the Northern hemisphere. The dried stems are used in herbal medicine and have been since the Roman times. Gardeners are not fond of this plant, because it spreads quickly and is difficult to control. Medicinal Properties of Horsetail Horsetail contains flavonoids, [...]

Continue Reading Herb Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, but is now cultivated due to over harvesting in the wild. Native Indians used it for respiratory problems and as a clothing dye. The knotty yellow rhizome and roots are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Goldenseal Goldenseal contains high levels of berberis alkaloids, [...]

Continue Reading Herb Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)