Burns

This cactus-like plant is native to Africa, but is grown in most hot climates all over the world. The inner gel of the leaf is used in herbal medicine.

Action of Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel contains compounds called mucopolysaccharides which have a soothing, cooling, astringent and healing action, reduce inflammation and have anti-bacterial properties. It also as Antioxidant action as it contains Zinc, Amino Acids and essential fats. Aloe vera also contains aloin which has a very potent laxative action. (SEE BELOW)

Aloe vera Uses

Our experts recommend topical Aloe vera for the following disorders

| Caesarean Section
| Cold sores (Herpes Simplex)
| Eczema and Dermatitis
| Erythema multiforme
| Haemorrhoids
| Nappy Rash
| Pruritus ani
| Pruritus
| Skin infections

Tags: Burns, Cold, Constipation, Eczema, Haemorrhoids, Infections, Inflammation, Rash, Skin, Sore, Wound

Greater plantain is native to Asia and Europe, but now grows all over the world. In the UK it is classed as a weed. It should not be confused with the banana-like food, plantain. Another plantain called ribwort plantain (plantago lanceolata) is similar in action, but Plantago Major is preferred in herbal medicine. It is mainly the leaves which are used medicinally, but sometimes the seeds can be of use as a laxative.

Medicinal Properties of Plantain

The leaf contains a variety of compounds including irridoids (mainly aucubin), tannins, flavanoids (particularly apigenin), mucilage and a variety of plant acids. Acubin is a mild laxative and diuretic, whereas apigenin and another flavanoid, baicalein are both anti-inflammatory, whilst baicalein is also anti-histamine. It is anti-haemorrhagic, antibacterial, haemostatic (reduces internal bleeding), astringent, blood tonic, expectorant, demulcent (soothing) and antacid .

Tags: Bleeding, Bronchitis, Burns, Cough, Cystitis, Eczema, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Piles, Stomach, Thrush, Toothache, Ulcers, Vaginal

Lavender, or common/true lavender is an evergreen woody shrub, with beautiful purple-blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated world-wide, for its use as a garden herb and for its distinctive fragrant aromatherapy oil.

The flowers are used in herbal medicine and to make essential oil. Several variations exist: French lavender (L. stooechas), Spike lavender (L. latifolia), Lavandin (L. x intermedia).

Medicinal Properties of Lavender

It contains a volatile oil which comprises of over 100 different constituents, including around 40% linalyl acetate, linalool, lavandulol, lavandulyl acetate, terpinol, cineol and limonene, among many others.
The flowers also contain coumarins, flavanoids and other triterpenes.
Lavender is best known as a very calming and relaxing plant.
Lavender is also antibacterial, analgesic, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, carminative (wind relieving), emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation) and an insecticide (especially spike lavender).

Tags: Anxiety, Burns, Chilblains, Circulation, Colic, Depression, Digestion, Headaches, Heart, Heartburn, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Infections, Insomnia, Migraine, Nervous, Neuralgia, Pain, Rheumatism, Stress, Toothache

Gotu kola is an herbaceous perennial plant native to India, China, Indonesia, Australia, the South Pacific, Madagascar and southern and middle Africa. This slender, creeping plant flourishes in and around water. The roots and leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Gotu kola

Gotu kola contains compounds called triterpenoids which have complex actions, but are generally involved in connective tissue repair and stimulation of the healing processes, whilst reducing scar tissue formation. Generally, Gotu kola is also thought to improve the structure of connective tissue surrounding veins. It is also antibiotic and a detoxifier.

Gotu kola Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend gotu kola for the following disorders:

Deep venous thrombosis
E coli
Gastroenteritis
Varicose veins

Tags: Burns, Detox, Gastroenteritis, Varicose Veins, Wound

Calendula or Marigold is a plant often grown for its beautiful orange or yellow flowers by gardeners and is popular in North America and Europe. The flowers are also the part used in herbal medicine.

Action of Calendula

Calendula is very rich in Bioflavanoids and saponins. It is ant-inflammatory, anti-microbial, immune stimulating, soothing and antihistamine.

Calendula Uses

Our experts recommend Calendula/Marigold for the following disorders:

| Blepharitis
| Conjunctivitis
| Corneal Abrasions
| Cracked Lips
| Dental Problems
| Genital Infections
| Erythema multiforme
| Herpetiform Ulcers
| Otitis Externa
| Oral Thrush
| Pruritus Vulvae
| Rhinophyma
| Stye
| Tooth decay
| Ulcers (mouth)

Tags: Burns, Conjunctivitis, Dental, Infections, Inflammation, Skin, Sore, Thrush, Ulcers