Cystitis

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

It comes from the olive tree, is evergreen and originates from the Mediterranean. It is best known for its green or black fruits (olives), these can be eaten or pressed to yield olive oil. The oil is used widely in cooking and has some medicinal uses. It is thought to be one of the major [...]

Continue Reading Herb Olive leaf (Olea europa)

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)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Liquorice (Glycrrhiza glabra)