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Caraway is an aromatic biennial plant native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and is now cultivated world-wide. It is used as a spice in cooking and the seeds and fruit are important both as a food and in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Caraway (Carum carvi)

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)

Witch hazel is native to North America, but can now be found growing in most parts of Europe and Britain. In herbal medicine the leaves and the tree bark are used. Medicinal Properties of Witch hazel Witch hazel contains very high levels of tannins and volatile oils, which are astringent, anti-inflammatory and mildly antiseptic. It [...]

Continue Reading Herb Witch hazel (Hamamelis viginiana)

Garlic is the single most versatile, powerful and widely used medicinal plant in the world. A relative of onions, spring onions, Leeks and chives, it has been used for over 5,000 years and is a key plant in Chinese medicine. Slaves building the pyramids were paid in Garlic, as were Roman soldiers who brought it [...]

Continue Reading Herb Garlic (Allium sativum)

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)

Shiitake or Hua gu is a type of mushroom and has been used as a food and medicine in China and Japan for thousands of years. It is now cultivated all over the world. The mushroom head is used in herbalism and is combined with another mushroom, known as reishi. Medicinal Properties of Shiitake Shiitake [...]

Continue Reading Herb Shiitake (Lentinus edodes)

Is common wild plant in Britain, throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It is also found in North America. The flowers, leaves and finer stems are used in herbal medicine. It is often called the herbalists ‘bicarbonate of soda’ due to its antacid action. Medicinal Properties of Meadowsweet This herb contains a variety of compounds [...]

Continue Reading Herb Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)