Detox

The globe Artichoke (not to be confused with a different plant called Jerusalem Artichoke) is a large thistle-like plant native to the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. The flower heads or globe, make a delicious dish with olive oil. However, it is the leaf that is used in herbal medicine.

Action of Artichoke

Artichoke contains amongst many, a bitter compound called cynarin, which acts as digestive tonic to the liver and gall bladder. Cynarin is a diuretic and has chloretic (bile stimulating) action which helps with fat digestion.

Artichoke Uses

Our experts recommend topical Artichoke for the following disorders

| gallstones
| High cholesterol
| Indigestion

Tags: Appetite, Cholesterol, Detox, Digestion, Flu, Gallstones, Indigestion, Lactation, Liver

Sarsaparilla is the name given to several different species of smilax. These include S. aristolochiaefolia (Vera Cruz, Mexico or Grey Sarsaparilla), S. febrifuga (Ecuador or Guayaquil Sarsaparilla), S. ornata (Jamaica, Costa Rica or Red Sarsaparilla), S. regelli (Honduras or Brown Sarsaparilla). The dried root is used in herbal medicine and is also sometimes used to flavour root beer.

Medicinal Properties of Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla contains 1-3% steroidal saponins, namely smilagenin and sarsasapogenin, which appear to have some hormone-like properties. Sarsaparilla also contains phytosterols such beta-sitosterol which are thought give this herb its anti-inflammatory action. This herb is also anti-rheumatic, protective to the liver and a diuretic, as it increases the elimination of chlorides and uric acid from the body. In addition Sarsaparilla also improves the appetite and digestion.

Tags: Acne, Appetite, Arthritis, Detox, Digestion, Eczema, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Psoriasis, Rheumatic, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Stomach

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 which have actions of female hormone health. In addition, Red Clover is said to be alterative (promotes health) and is anti-inflammatory in skin disorders, a heart protector and an anti-cancer agent.

Red Clover Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend red clover for the following disorders:

Fibroids
Infertility
Menopause
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Tags: Cancer, Cough, Depression, Detox, Eczema, Fibroids, Flu, Heart, Infertility, Menopause, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Psoriasis, Skin

Gotu kola is an herbaceous perennial plant native to India, China, Indonesia, Australia, the South Pacific, Madagascar and southern and middle Africa. This slender, creeping plant flourishes in and around water. The roots and leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Gotu kola

Gotu kola contains compounds called triterpenoids which have complex actions, but are generally involved in connective tissue repair and stimulation of the healing processes, whilst reducing scar tissue formation. Generally, Gotu kola is also thought to improve the structure of connective tissue surrounding veins. It is also antibiotic and a detoxifier.

Gotu kola Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend gotu kola for the following disorders:

Deep venous thrombosis
E coli
Gastroenteritis
Varicose veins

Tags: Burns, Detox, Gastroenteritis, Varicose Veins, Wound

Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, but is now cultivated due to over harvesting in the wild. Native Indians used it for respiratory problems and as a clothing dye. The knotty yellow rhizome and roots are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Goldenseal

Goldenseal contains high levels of berberis alkaloids, namely berberine and hydrastine. These compounds have potent anti-microbial and antibiotic actions and can destroy bacteria, protozoa and fungi. It also improves blood supply to the spleen, which influences immune function. In addition, it is a uterine tonic, liver stimulant and potent detoxifier.

Goldenseal Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Goldenseal for the following disorders:

Tags: Acne, Candidiasis, Cold, Cystitis, Detox, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Flu, Gastritis, Indigestion, Infections, Lactation, Liver, Migraine, Parasites, Psoriasis, Sinus, Sore, Thrush, Ulcers, Urethritis, Urinary, Vaginal

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

Cleavers is native to Europe, Asia and North America. The leaves, stems and flowers are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Cleavers

Cleavers contains many different active constituents including iridoid glycosides, Bioflavanoids, coumarins and tannins. The iridoid glycosides are mildly diuretic and improve movement of fluid through the lymphatic system.

Cleavers Herbal Remedies

Cleavers is a well-known herbal diuretic used mainly for helping with water retention. It encourages lymphatic drainage and combines well with other herbs such as Buchu, Burdock and Uva ursi to encourage elimination of fluid from the tissues to the kidneys and out of the body.
Cleavers is a cleansing herb and is often used in detox programs.

Tags: Detox, Flu, Kidney, Water Retention

Burdock is a very traditional herb native to Europe and Asia. The leaf is medicinal, but it is the root that is most commonly used.

Action of Burdock

Burdock contains many active constituents, including 45% inulin. It is one of the most powerful and reliable blood cleansers in herbal medicine. It acts as a diuretic, anti-bacterial and a liver cleanser.

Burdock Uses

Our experts recommend Burdock for the following disorders:

| Acne
| Eczema
| Psoriasis
| Rhinophyma

Tags: Acne, Detox, Digestion, Eczema, Liver, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Skin