Catarrh

Also known as lime blossom or linden flowers it is relative to the floral parts of the various species of the Tilia family. The most used are Tilia platyphylos (broad-leaved lime) and Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime). The trees are native to northern temperate climates such as Britain, Europe, Asia and North America. It should not [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lime Flowers (Tila Flos)

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)

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)

Bistort or adderwort is a traditional herb used in European herbal medicine. The root and rhizome have key medicinal properties. Action of Bistort It contains many compounds, but in particular high amounts of tannis. The tannis gives this herb powerful astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. It is also said to be anti-catarrhal, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-haemorrhagic and a [...]

Continue Reading Herb Bistort (Polygonum bistorta)

Eyebright is native to eastern Europe and gets its name after having been used to treat eye problems for hundreds of years. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Eyebright Eyebright contains tannins, iridoid gycosides and volatile oil. These compounds have astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine actions. Eyebright Herbal Remedies Our herbalists [...]

Continue Reading Herb Eyebright (Euphrasia officinale)

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)

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)

This is probably a native to eastern Europe and is thought to be cultivated from the Hungarian plant, Cochlearia macrocarpa. It is now common throughout Russia, Europe and Scandanavia and is cultivated all over the world. The root is used as medicine and a food, particularly as a condiment for roast beef (horseradish sauce). Medicinal [...]

Continue Reading Herb Horseradish (Cochlearia armorica – Armoracia rusticana)

Black horehound originates from rocky wasteland regions of the Mediterranean, Europe and Western Asia. It is a member of the mint family and is now found growing on many continents around the world. It is a completely different species to White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) and has different medicinal properties. The flower and leaf are used [...]

Continue Reading Herb Black horehound (Ballota nigra)

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)