Acne

Also known as wild pansy, this is a flowering plant native to Europe. The flowers are used in herbal medicine and offer valuable benefits to the skin. The other well known species of viola is sweet violet (V. odarata), which is sometimes used in herbal medicine for respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, catarrh and bronchitis.

Medicinal Properties of Viola

This herb contains compounds called saponins which help to clear toxins through the kidneys and out of the body. Saponins applied topically are soothing to the skin. This herb also contains high levels of flavanoids, which are anti-inflammatory, especially to the skin. It is also said to be blood cleansing (depurative).

Viola Herbal Remedies

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

Tags: Acne, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cold, Cough, Eczema, Kidney, Lactation, Psoriasis, Rash, Skin

Vetiver or vetivert is a tall, tufted perennial scented grass. It is native to Sri Lanka, Indonesia and southern India. It is cultivated all over the world for its volatile oil, which is mainly used in aromatherapy. The essential oil is extracted from the roots and rootlets, and often known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’. It is related to lemongrass and citronella.

Medicinal Properties of Vetiver

The oil contains vetiverol, vitivone and various terpenes including vetivenes. Used topically in aromatherapy it has many actions, including antiseptic, antispasmodic, depurative (purifying agent) rubefacient, sedative, circulatory stimulant, tonic and vermifuge (helps to expel worms).

Vetiver Herbal Remedies

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

Tags: Acne, Anxiety, Arthritis, Depression, Insomnia, Lactation, Pain, Rheumatism, Skin, Stress, Worms, Wound

Witch hazel is native to North America, but can now be found growing in most parts of Europe and Britain. In herbal medicine the leaves and the tree bark are used.

Medicinal Properties of Witch hazel

Witch hazel contains very high levels of tannins and volatile oils, which are astringent, anti-inflammatory and mildly antiseptic. It also contains saponins and flavonoids. Witch hazel is toning to the skin and blood vessels when applied topically. It is also able to slow down bleeding from cuts, wounds and piles.

Witch hazel Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend witch hazel for the following disorders:

Acne
Cold sores
Nose bleeds
Haemorrhoids
Varicose veins

Tags: Acne, Bleeding, Cold, Eczema, Haemorrhoids, Inflammation, Nose Bleeds, Piles, Skin, Sore, Varicose Veins, Wound

Tea Tree a relative of the myrtle, is a large evergreen tree native to the north-east coastal region of New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the most important local medicines used by the Aborigines. Their knowledge of its powerful healing properties has been passed from generation to generation for thousands of years. The leaves are the source of Tea Tree oil, which is really only used externally in modern medicine and Aromatherapy.

Medicinal Properties of Tea Tree

Tea Tree oil contains more than forty eight compounds, but it is chiefly composed of terpinen-4-ol, which is a powerful antiseptic. It acts against many bacterias, fungi and viruses and also has immune boosting and tissue healing action. It is also as insect repellent which may be of use to keep mosquitoes off and as a preventative for head-lice (nits).

Tags: Acne, Infections, Lice, Rash, Skin, Throat, Thrush

Sarsaparilla is the name given to several different species of smilax. These include S. aristolochiaefolia (Vera Cruz, Mexico or Grey Sarsaparilla), S. febrifuga (Ecuador or Guayaquil Sarsaparilla), S. ornata (Jamaica, Costa Rica or Red Sarsaparilla), S. regelli (Honduras or Brown Sarsaparilla). The dried root is used in herbal medicine and is also sometimes used to flavour root beer.

Medicinal Properties of Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla contains 1-3% steroidal saponins, namely smilagenin and sarsasapogenin, which appear to have some hormone-like properties. Sarsaparilla also contains phytosterols such beta-sitosterol which are thought give this herb its anti-inflammatory action. This herb is also anti-rheumatic, protective to the liver and a diuretic, as it increases the elimination of chlorides and uric acid from the body. In addition Sarsaparilla also improves the appetite and digestion.

Tags: Acne, Appetite, Arthritis, Detox, Digestion, Eczema, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Psoriasis, Rheumatic, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Stomach

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, namely berberine and hydrastine. These compounds have potent anti-microbial and antibiotic actions and can destroy bacteria, protozoa and fungi. It also improves blood supply to the spleen, which influences immune function. In addition, it is a uterine tonic, liver stimulant and potent detoxifier.

Goldenseal Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Goldenseal for the following disorders:

Tags: Acne, Candidiasis, Cold, Cystitis, Detox, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Flu, Gastritis, Indigestion, Infections, Lactation, Liver, Migraine, Parasites, Psoriasis, Sinus, Sore, Thrush, Ulcers, Urethritis, Urinary, Vaginal

Echinacea, the purple coneflower is native to North America and has been used by the American Indians for wound healing and snake bites for many centuries. There are 3 main species used medicinally which have very similar properties: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea Augustifolia and Echinacea pallida. The root or the whole plant is used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Echinacea

Echinacea contains compounds such as polysaccharides, alkamides, echinolone, betaine and alkaloids. Echinacea angustifolia contains additional compounds called echinosides.

Echinacea is able to act on the immune system by supporting and stimulating white blood cell activity and by activating a viral blocking substance called interferon.

Tags: Acne, Boils, Eczema, Immune System, Lice, Periods, Skin, Wound

Celery is a vegetable commonly used in salads and casseroles. It is low in calories and is an ideal snack for those who are weight conscious. Celery seeds have been used in Europe for centuries to help a variety of disorders.

Medicinal Properties of Celery seed

Celery seeds contain many compounds including: volatile oils, apiol, coumarins, flavonoids, and the minerals Iron, phosphorus, Potassium, sodium. Celery seed demonstrates mild diuretic and anti-spasmodic properties.

Celery is also thought to alkalise the blood and help with the elimination of uric acid and other toxic wastes through the kidneys, and is said to be an anti-rheumatic. It may also act as a digestive tonic, urinary antiseptic, hypotensive and a galactologue.

Tags: Acne, Arthritis, Gout, Infections, Kidney, Lactation, Psoriasis, Rheumatic, Skin, Urinary

Burdock is a very traditional herb native to Europe and Asia. The leaf is medicinal, but it is the root that is most commonly used.

Action of Burdock

Burdock contains many active constituents, including 45% inulin. It is one of the most powerful and reliable blood cleansers in herbal medicine. It acts as a diuretic, anti-bacterial and a liver cleanser.

Burdock Uses

Our experts recommend Burdock for the following disorders:

| Acne
| Eczema
| Psoriasis
| Rhinophyma

Tags: Acne, Detox, Digestion, Eczema, Liver, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Skin

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