Gallstones

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Turmeric is a member of the Ginger family and is native to India and China. It is cultivated for the medicinal value of its root, which is commonly used as a flavouring and yellow colourant in Chinese and other Far Eastern cooking, particularly curries. Medicinal Properties of Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has [...]

Continue Reading Herb Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Berberis or barberry, is a perennial shrub, native to Europe. The bark, root, red berries and leaves are used in herbal medicine. The plant is closely related to the North American species, Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape). Action of Berberis This plant contains a potent antibacterial alkaloid, called berberine, a component also found in goldenseal. This [...]

Continue Reading Herb Berberis (Berberis vulgaris)

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)

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)