Constipation

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)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

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) [...]

Continue Reading Herb Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

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. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

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. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)

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)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Psyllium (Plantago ispaghula, Plantago ovata)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Cascara (Cascara sagrada)