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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Viola (Viola tricolor)

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’. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Witch hazel (Hamamelis viginiana)

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, [...]

Continue Reading Herb Burdock (Articum lappa)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Agnus Castus (Chaste tree or vitex)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Sarsaparilla (Smilax)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

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)

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, [...]

Continue Reading Celery seed (Apium graveolens)