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). [...]

Continue Reading Herb Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

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)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Plantain (Plantago major)

Red Clover is a perennial herb with dark pink flowers and is native to Europe and Asia, but has become naturalised in Australia, New Zealand and North America. The flowers are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Red Clover Red Clover contains high levels of Antioxidant isoflavones, particularly genistein, which has weak oestrogenic properties [...]

Continue Reading Herb Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Elecampane is a plant that grows freely in Europe and Asia. The dried roots and rhizomes are collected in the autumn when the plant is 2-3 years old for use as a herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Elecampane The roots and rhizome of Elecampane contain sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, sterols, thymol derivatives, mucilage and up to [...]

Continue Reading Herb Elecampane (Inula helenium)