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Bay or sweet bay is a plant that has been used for thousands of years and held in high esteem by the ancient Greeks. The young stems and older leaves are used culinary and medicinally. Action of Bay leaves This herb contains an oil which has antiseptic properties, demonstrating anti-microbial action against bacteria and fungi. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Cayenne pepper (also known as chilli or red hot pepper), is the fruit of a shrubby, tropical plant originally native to South America. It is used as a food and spice world-wide and now cultivated in most tropical regions. Medicinally, Cayenne has been used extensively in folklore and recently in scientific studies for a variety [...]

Continue Reading Herb Cayenne (Capsicum annum)

Caraway is an aromatic biennial plant native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and is now cultivated world-wide. It is used as a spice in cooking and the seeds and fruit are important both as a food and in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Caraway (Carum carvi)

This is one of the oldest known medicinal plants and its use dates back to the ancient Egyptians. It originates from south east Europe and western Asia, but grows in many hot climates of the world. It is a popular food but the seeds are used in herbal medicine (particularly for diabetes and high cholesterol). [...]

Continue Reading Herb Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Ginger is one of the greatest of all natural medicines, used by Chinese doctors since 1,000 BC and popular with European herbalists from the Middle Ages. It is a perennial plant that grows throughout China and the rest of Asia, and in the tropics and South America. The root is used both as a spice [...]

Continue Reading Herb Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Gentian is a meadow plant native to Europe and Turkey and is one of the most potent herbs for digestion. The root is used medicinally. Medicinal Properties of Gentian Gentian contains compounds called bitters, which are powerful liver and pancreas stimulants. The two main bitters are amarogentin and gentiopicrin, which also act on the digestive [...]

Continue Reading Herb Gentian (Gentiana lutea)