Cystitis

Parsley is a herb commonly known for its culinary use. Used by the Greek physician, Galen for disorders of the womb and bladder. Parsley tea was also used in the trenches of World War I for soldiers suffering kidney complications following dysentery. The root, leaves and seeds have medicinal properties in herbal medicine, but today [...]

Continue Reading Herb Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Uva ursi or bearberry is a small evergreen shrub found in northern United States and Europe. The flowers are pink or white, growing in sparse terminal clusters, and the fruit is a bright red or pink. However it is the leaf that is used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Uva ursi Uva ursi’s most [...]

Continue Reading Herb Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos Uva ursi)

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)

Thyme or common thyme is a perennial, evergreen shrub and is native to Spain and the Mediterranean region, although it is now found throughout the world. It originates from wild thyme (T. serpyllum), which is native to Britain and Europe, and has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians. The leaves and flowers [...]

Continue Reading Herb Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Betony or wood betony is an attractive plant that is native to Europe and grows freely throughout the UK, but is also cultivated in temperate regions of the world. The whole plant can be used in herbal medicine, but the leaves and flower are most often used. Other related species are S. sieboldii (kan lu [...]

Continue Reading Herb Betony (Stachys officinalis)

There are three types of poplar tree. White poplar (P. alba), Black poplar (P. nigra) and American aspen (P. tremuloides), the latter being found in North America. In all cases the bark is used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Poplar The bark contains the phenolic glycosides, salicin and populin (salicin benzoate), which have anti-inflammatory [...]

Continue Reading Herb Poplar (Populus)

Milk thistle belongs to the same family as the Artichoke. It grows wild on roadside verges, derelict sites and is found in many gardens. The plant’s vivid purple flower heads are a favourite with flower arrangers, but the seeds of the dried flowers are used medicinally. Medicinal Properties of Milk thistle Milk thistle seed contains [...]

Continue Reading Herb Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

Is a bog-plant that is native to Britain and Europe, but is now naturalised in the United States. Used in Europe for over 2000 years as a medicine, especially for soothing digestive and respiratory tracts. The Marshmallow roots and leaves are used medicinally. The root extract is sometimes used to make confectionery. Medicinal Properties of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Cranberry is native to North America and is eaten as a fruit or drunk as a juice. The North Americans Indians have used the berries as food and medicine for centuries. Medicinal Properties of Cranberry Cranberry contains vitamin C, hippuric acid and proanthocyanidins which have some anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. The proanthocyanidins have the ability [...]

Continue Reading Herb Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)