Constipation

Slippery elm is a tree, which naturally grows in North America and has been used by native Americans for a variety of conditions for centuries. The bark of the tree is commonly used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Slippery elm

Slippery elm bark contains very high levels of mucilage, which is rich in polysaccharides. It also contains starch, a small amount of tannin and minerals. The mucilage has demulcent, emollient, soothing and healing properties particularly to the mucous membranes of the digestive system and the skin.

Slippery elm Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend slippery elm for the following disorders:

Candidiasis (systemic)
Constipation
Crohn’s disease
Diarrhoea
E.coli
Gastritis
Gastroenteritis
Heartburn
IBS
Indigestion
Sore throat
Stomach ulcers

Tags: Candidiasis, Constipation, Cough, Crohn’s Disease, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Heart, Heartburn, Indigestion, Lactation, Skin, Sore, Stomach, Throat, Ulcers, Wound

Liquorice grows in southern Europe and south-western Asia and is a herb used frequently in Chinese medicine. The roots of three to four years old Liquorice plants are used medicinally and in the manufacture of confectionery due to its flavour and natural sweetness. The Liquorice plant is commercially cultivated in many places and was introduced to England by monks during the 16th century.

Medicinal Properties of Liquorice

Liquorice is one of the most biologically active herbs known.

It contains many compounds, but of prime importance are glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, coumarins and sterols.

Glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory actions and supports adrenal gland function.

The flavonoids have Antioxidant activity and have potent healing properties.

Tags: Arthritis, Constipation, Cystitis, Diarrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Fibroids, Flu, Gallstones, Gastritis, Hepatitis, Liver, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Rheumatic, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Stomach, Ulcers

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 Honeysuckle

The active constituents in honeysuckle have never been identified, but it does have expectorant and laxative properties.

Honeysuckle Herbal Remedies

Historically Honeysuckle has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Asthma
Catarrh
Constipation
Coughs

Other Honeysuckle Information

This herb is quite difficult to buy as a herbal preparation although flowers can simply be picked from the garden and added to salads or infused to make a herbal tea.

Tags: Asthma, Catarrh, Constipation, Cough

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).

Medicinal Properties of Fenugreek

The seeds of this plant contain a variety of compounds including flavanoids, steroidal saponins, alkaloids and volatile oil, as well as protein and soluble fibre. The steroidal saponins have regulating effects on cholesterol levels, whilst the soluble fibre can help to lower blood sugar levels. It is soothing, anti-inflammatory, a galactagogue (stimulates breast milk flow), and an expectorant and nutritive herb.

Tags: Appetite, Bronchitis, Cholesterol, Cold, Colitis, Constipation, Cough, Crohn’s Disease, Diabetes, Diarrhoea, Impotence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Kidney, Lactation, Nausea, Skin, Sore, Stomach, Throat, Ulcers

Psyllium, isphagula or plantago is a plant that is both native and cultivated in Iran and India. The seeds and seed husks are used medicinally.

Medicinal Properties of Psyllium

Psyllium seeds are high in both insoluble and soluble fibre (mucilage). They contain between 10-30% mucilage. These fibres have a bulking and gel-forming action in the bowel when water is also present, which encourages peristalsis and bowel emptying, making it a gentle but effective laxative. These fibres can also absorb and carry excess dietary fat and cholesterol out of the bowel.

Psyllium Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Psyllium/ ispaghula for the following disorders:

Constipation
High Cholesterol

Tags: Cholesterol, Colitis, Constipation, Diabetes, Diarrhoea, Diverticulitis, Haemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fennel is native to Europe, but is now grown all over the world as a food, spice and a medicinal plant. It has a long history of use dating back to ancient Greeks and Romans. The seeds are used in herbal medicine and Aromatherapy and they have an aniseed smell and taste.

Medicinal Properties of Fennel

Fennel contains a volatile oil, which has several active constituents including anethole and fenchone. These are antispasmodic particularly to the bowel and help disperse gas and bloating. Fennel is also a digestive tonic, liver stimulant, mildly oestrogenic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic and anti-microbial.

Fennel Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Fennel for the following disorders:

Tags: Anaemia, Colic, Constipation, Dental, Gastritis, Heart, Heartburn, Liver, Menstrual, Thrush

Dandelion, is a common plant all over the world. Known as ‘wet the bed’ in the north of England, or ‘pis en lit’ in France as it is the best of natural ways to get rid of water from the body. The leaves and root are used as food and in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Dandelion

Dandelion contains compounds called bitters which have a wide variety of properties including digestive tonic, liver and gall bladder booster, diuretic, pancreatic regulator, urinary antiseptic, mild laxative and a good cleanser.

It is also a nutritive herb as it provides carotenoids, vitamin A, B and C and various minerals.

Dandelion Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Dandelion for the following disorders

Tags: Anaemia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Constipation, Cystitis, Detox, Gallstones, Gastritis, Haemorrhage, Heart, Heartburn, Kidney, Liver, Skin, Ulcers, Urethritis, Urinary

Cascara is a small tree native to North America. The aged bark is used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Cascara

Cascara contains high levels of anthraquinone gycosides called cascarosides and they have a powerful stimulating effect on peristaltic action of the bowel.

Cascara Herbal Remedies

Cascara is a traditional herbal remedy for Constipation, due to its strong laxative action. It is often found in licensed herbal remedies that are either specific to Constipation or piles.

Side Effects of Cascara

Cascara should not be taken during pregnancy or when breastfeeding and is not recommended for anyone under the age of 12.

Cascara should not be taken by anyone with digestive disorders other than Constipation or piles.

Tags: Constipation, Lice, Piles

Basil or sweet basil is a plant that originates from the middle east and Mediterranean regions. Today it is grown throughout the world as it is popular as a culinary herb. There are three froms of basil, all with similar properties:

| O. sanctum (holy basil)
| O. gratissimum (basil)
| O. canum (hairy basil)

In all cases the leaves are used in western herbal medicine. The seeds are important medicinally in Asian cultures.

Action of Basil

Basil leaf contains a potent volatile oil which consists of several terpenoids, thymol, estragole and eugenol. It is also a rich source of vitamin C and other nutrient compounds (the content of these can vary considerably). The herb is said to be antispasmodic, carminative, sedative (mild), diuretic (mild), antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-depressant and an adrenal stimulant. The seeds contain a fibre which acts as a laxative.

Tags: Constipation, Cramp, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Flatulence, Indigestion, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Nausea, Nervous, Skin, Stomach

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

Is a plant native to Europe and classed as a weed. It is the root that is of value in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Yellow Dock

It contains anthraquinone glycosides, tannins, oxalates and rumicin. It is a bitter digestive tonic, cholagogue (increase bile flow) and laxative. It is also mineral rich in iron and sulphur.

Yellow Dock Herbal Remedies

Historically Yellow Dock has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Constipation
Food poisoning
Irritable bowel syndrome
Jaundice and liver problems
Mouth ulcers (mouth wash)
Poor digestion
Skin disorders – boils, rashes, shingles
Sluggish liver function

Other Yellow Dock Information

It is normally available as a herbal tea for internal use, although a qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations including tinctures.

Tags: Boils, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Liver, Poisoning, Rash, Skin, Ulcers