Asthma

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globus)

Coleus or makandi originates from India and is related to the mint family of plants. A plant traditionally used in Ayuvedic medicine for heart, lung and digestive disorders. The root of this plant is used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Coleus Coleus root contains a chemical called forskolin, which is the key active constituent. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Coleus (Coleus forskohlii)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium)

Coltsfoot is native to North Africa, and is used historically in European herbal medicine. The flowers and leaves are used medicinally. Medicinal Properties of Coltsfoot Coltsfoot contains Zinc, flavonoids, mucilage and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It has anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and expectorant properties. Coltsfoot Herbal Remedies Herbalists have used it to relieve bronchitis, coughs, whooping cough, asthma [...]

Continue Reading Herb Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Petasites or butterbur is a woodland plant that is a member of the daisy family. It grows freely in damp conditions throughout Europe and the British Isles. Petasites means ‘large brimmed hat’, which is the best way to describe the large, round leaves. The root and leaves are used in herbal medicine. Action of Petasites [...]

Continue Reading Herb Petasites/Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

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)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Reishi (Genoderma lucidum)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb St Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)