Bronchitis

Chinese or Asian skullcap is a plant native to China and Russia, and is a member of the mint family. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and should not be confused with American skullcap (S. latiflora) or European/Greater skullcap (S. galericulata), which have very different action and uses. The root of Chinese skullcap [...]

Continue Reading Herb Chinese Scullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

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)

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)

This herb is more commonly known as cowslip, the plant has yellow and orange wild flowers and it is found throughout Europe and temperate regions of Asia. The flowers and root (less often) are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Primula The flowers contain high numbers of flavanoids (around 19 have been isolated) whereas [...]

Continue Reading Herb Primula (Primula officinalis)

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)

Chinese or Asian skullcap is a plant native to China and Russia, and is a member of the mint family. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and should not be confused with American skullcap (S. latiflora) or European/Greater skullcap (S. galericulata), which have very different action and uses. The root of Chinese skullcap [...]

Continue Reading Herb Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

Thyme or common thyme is a perennial, evergreen shrub and is native to Spain and the Mediterranean region, although it is now found throughout the world. It originates from wild thyme (T. serpyllum), which is native to Britain and Europe, and has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians. The leaves and flowers [...]

Continue Reading Herb Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Anise (Aniseed) is an annual plant that grows to less than one metre in height, with delicate leaves and white flowers. It is an aromatic plant and in Greece and Egypt it is used medicinally. It should not be confused with Star Anise (Illicium Verum). Action of Anise This herb contains a potent and volatile [...]

Continue Reading Herb Anise (Cynara Scolymus)

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)