Asthma

Several types of savory (a small shrubby plant) exist. The main ones are summer savory (S. hortensis), a herbaceous annual, and winter savory (S. Montana), a perennial woody shrub. Both species are native to Southern Europe and N Africa, but now grow world-wide. The whole herb is used in cooking and herbal medicine. In Germany it is known as the ‘bean-herb’ as it is reputed to reduce wind and gas.

Medicinal Properties of Savory

The main active compound in savory is the volatile oil, which contains a variety of different compounds. It is said to be carminative (wind relieving), expectorant, astringent, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), antifungal and vermifuge (expels worms). Summer savory is also antimicrobial and antispasmodic.

Tags: Asthma, Catarrh, Colic, Digestion, Flatulence, Indigestion, Lactation, Menstrual, Nausea, Parasites, Skin, Sore, Throat, Worms

Reishi or Ling chih/zhi is a type of mushroom that is native to the coastal provinces of China and has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The red variety is most commonly cultivated for this purpose, but there are 5 other colours that exist. The mushroom head is used in herbalism and is often used in combination with another mushroom called shiitake..

Medicinal Properties of Reishi

It contains sterols, coumarin, mannitol, glucans (polysaccharides) and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids are thought to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets and have lowering action on both LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. It also contains germanium, which helps to oxygenate cells. It is said to have antiviral, anti-tumour, antibacterial, immuno-stimulant, antihistamine, adaptogenic, expectorant and tonic-like actions.

Tags: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Cancer, Cholesterol, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Diabetes, Energy, Hepatitis, High Blood Pressure, HIV, Immune System, Infections, Lactation, Stomach, Stress, Throat

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 Marshmallow

The root contains a substance called mucilage which has demulcent (soothing) properties, up to 11% of this active constituent exists, and it protects, lubricates and heals inflamed or irritated tissue and mucous membranes. It also contains flavanoids, tannins, phenolic acids and 37% starch,11% pectin, 10% sucrose, 1.7% fat and up to 2% asparagine. It is thought that the mucilage in this herb may also have immune stimulating and blood sugar-lowering properties. Topically it acts as an emollient (skin softening and soothing).

Tags: Asthma, Boils, Chilblains, Cold, Colitis, Cough, Crohn’s Disease, Cystitis, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Dyspepsia, Eczema, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Hernia, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Skin, Sore, Stomach, Throat, Ulcers, Wound

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, by increasing sensitivity of melanocyte cells to sunlight – a unique property. It is therefore very useful in the treatment of vitiligo. Another compound called sodium cromoglycate, acts as a potent vasodilator. Khella is antispasmodic to the respiratory and cardiovascular system.

Khella Herbal Remedies

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

Tags: Allergies, Asthma, Cough, Heart, Kidney, Lactation, Psoriasis, Skin

This is a beautiful, aromatic climbing plant that is enjoyed in gardens all over the northern hemisphere. Over 180 species exist, but it is rarely used in herbal medicine, although historically the leaves and flowers have been used. The flowers are more often found in the making of the Bach flower remedy.

Medicinal Properties of Honeysuckle

The active constituents in honeysuckle have never been identified, but it does have expectorant and laxative properties.

Honeysuckle Herbal Remedies

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

Asthma
Catarrh
Constipation
Coughs

Other Honeysuckle Information

This herb is quite difficult to buy as a herbal preparation although flowers can simply be picked from the garden and added to salads or infused to make a herbal tea.

Tags: Asthma, Catarrh, Constipation, Cough

This is a blue gum and is a very large evergreen tree that originates from Australia and Tasmania, but is now grown world-wide and mainly used for its essential oil. The leaves contain the oil and this is used in herbal medicine as well as being the main food that koala bears eat. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus of which 500 produce a type of essential oil.

Medicinal Properties of Eucalyptus

The Eucalyptus leaves contain around 70% to 85% of a volatile oil known as eucalyptol (cineol), as well as various flavanoid compounds. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, expectorant, antispasmodic and acts powerfully on the mucous membranes of the nose reducing congestion. It is also said to reduce fever and keep insects away.

Tags: Arthritis, Asthma, Bleeding, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cold, Cough, Diarrhoea, Fever, Headaches, Infections, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Lumbago, Nausea, Pain, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sinus, Sore, Tension, Throat, Ulcers, Vomiting

Cloves are dried buds from the evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum / Eugenia caryophyllus. It is native to Indonesia and cultivated world-wide, especially in the Philippines, the Molucca Islands and Madagascar.

It is a well-known remedy for toothache.

Medicinal Properties of Cloves

The herb contains a heavy volatile oil that consists of camphor resin, flavanoids, sterols and eugenol. They have anaesthetic, carminative (wind relieving), warming, powerful antiseptic, mild antispasmodic, anti-histamine and anti-neuralgic properties.

Cloves Herbal Remedies

Historically Cloves have been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Diarrhoea
Dyspepsia
Pleurisy and lung disorders (external use)
Toothache
Worms and intestinal parasites

Tags: Asthma, Bronchitis, Dental, Diabetes, Diarrhoea, Dyspepsia, Parasites, Toothache, Worms

Lobelia is a plant native North America and has been used by the American Indians for hundreds of years. It was often smoked and is also known as Indian tobacco. The leaves are most commonly used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Lobelia

Lobelia contains an alkaloid called lobeline, which acts as a powerful tonic to the lungs. It not only increases the depth and volume of breathing, but is also expectorant in action, clearing lungs of mucous congestion. In addition, lobeline is similar to nicotine in structure, but does not have the addictive effects.

Lobelia also has emetic effects (feeling of nausea), when taken in high doses.

Lobelia Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Lobelia for:

Tags: Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Cramp, Dental, Lactation, Lice, Nausea, Poisoning, Vomiting

St Johns Wort or the ‘sunshine herb’, is a upright perennial with attractive yellow flowers and is native to Europe and the United States. It normally flowers around St Johns day, June 24th, which is how it gets its common name. The flowers, leaves and stems are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of St Johns Wort

St Johns Wort contains several compounds including, hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids and volatile oils. Hypericin is thought to be the key active constituent that affects mood, however recent research suggests that hyperforin is responsible for this action. Whichever it is, St Johns Wort is a very effective natural anti-depressant. It is also antiviral and antibacterial.

Tags: Anxiety, Asthma, Cold, Depression, Flu, HIV, Skin, Sore

Ivy or common ivy is a well-known evergreen climbing plant that is widely found in the garden. It was a plant held in high esteem by the Ancient Greeks and was used by priests in wedding rituals. Common ivy is native to Europe and should not be confused with its American cousin, ‘poison ivy’, which as the name suggests is highly toxic. The leaves of common ivy are used in herbal medicine, however traditionally the berries also had medicinal use.

Medicinal Properties of Ivy

Ivy leaf contains around 5-8% saponins, which are expectorant in action, helping to break up and clear mucous congestion. These saponins appear to have antispasmodic actions (reduces spasms), especially to the bronchial tubes. Ivy also contains low levels of an alkaloid called emetine, which encourages the secretion of mucous from the respiratory tract.

Tags: Arthritis, Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Lactation, Lice, Nausea, Rheumatism, Ulcers, Vomiting, Worms

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 acid. Silica has tissue regenerating properties, and is naturally found in high concentrations in the tissues of the trachea and lungs. The saponins have potent expectorant properties, helping to break-up phlegm from the respiratory tract. Silicic acid is thought to boost white blood cell production and increase the resistance to allergens and pathogens that affect the lungs. The tannins give this herb astringent properties, which make it useful at toning tissue, especially in the urinary system.

Tags: Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Incontinence, Lactation, Urinary

Elecampane is a plant that grows freely in Europe and Asia. The dried roots and rhizomes are collected in the autumn when the plant is 2-3 years old for use as a herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Elecampane

The roots and rhizome of Elecampane contain sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, sterols, thymol derivatives, mucilage and up to 44% inulin if collected in autumn (compared to only around 20% if collected in spring). Inulin and mucilage are now thought to be responsible for this herbs expectorant action and its positive effects on the respiratory and digestive systems, although historically alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone was thought to be the main active compound.

Elecampane Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Elecampane for:

Tags: Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cough, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Parasites, Vomiting