High Blood Pressure

Yarrow, milfoil or nosebleed is a plant native to Europe and Asia. It is now naturalised in North America and there are several hybrids of yarrow. A. millefolium is the plant most known and has been used since the times of the ancient Chinese. It was once referred to as Englishman’s quinine. In herbal medicine the flowering tops are freshly collected and used.

Medicinal Properties of Yarrow

It contains a wide variety of compounds including volatile oil, sesquiterpene lactones, flavanoids, alkaloids, polyacetylenes, triterpenes, sterols, phenolic acids, coumarins and 3% to 4% tannins. The volatile oil contains chemicals called chamazeulines which are thought to be anti-inflammatory. The flavanoids, namely apigenin, appear to be antispasmodic in action. The alkaloids and sesquiterpene lactones give the herb digestive bitter properties, and the haemostatic effect (stops bleeding) is attributed to the alkaloid, achilleine, though the tannins may also be responsible. It is diaphoretic (reduces sweating), hypotensive, analgesic and an emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation).

Tags: Amenorrhoea, Appetite, Bleeding, Cold, Colic, Colitis, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Fever, Flu, Heart, Heartburn, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Inflammation, Influenza, Lactation, PMS, Rash, Skin, Ulcers, Vaginal, Varicose Veins, Wound

Little dragon or Russion tarragon is a tall perennial plant with smooth narrow leaves, and it is popular as a culinary herb. It is native to Europe, southern Russia and western Asia, but is now cultivated world-wide. A hybrid called French tarragon or sativa, is also available and has been cultivated as a garden herb. This is a smaller plant with sharper flavour. In all cases the leaves are used in cooking, herbal medicine and aromatherapy.

Medicinal Properties of Tarragon

The leaves contain volatile oil amongst other compounds. Historically it is said to be antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative (wind relieving), diuretic, anthelmintic (kills and removes worms), emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), aperitif and a digestive tonic.

Tags: Appetite, Digestion, Heart, Heartburn, Hernia, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Lactation, Menstrual, Parasites, Worms

This small, aromatic, evergreen shrubby plant is native to the Mediterranean region and now cultivated world-wide. It has been used for thousands of years to improve memory and aid digestion, and as a preservative for meats. The leaves and terminal twigs are used in cooking and herbal medicine, the extracted oil is also commonly used in aromatherapy.

Medicinal Properties of Rosemary

It contains a wide variety of compounds, including flavanoids, diterpenes, volatile oil and phenolic acids, in particular rosmarinic acid, which is antioxidant in action. The volatile oil consists of a variety of active constituents that have potent anti-microbial and antispasmodic properties. Historically it is said to be antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anticancer, circulatory stimulant tonic, diuretic, sedative, mild astringent, analgesic and a brain tonic.

Tags: Anxiety, Cancer, Candidiasis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Circulation, Depression, Digestion, Flatulence, Headaches, Heart, Heartburn, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Infections, Lactation, Lice, Liver, Memory, Migraine

Reishi or Ling chih/zhi is a type of mushroom that is native to the coastal provinces of China and has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The red variety is most commonly cultivated for this purpose, but there are 5 other colours that exist. The mushroom head is used in herbalism and is often used in combination with another mushroom called shiitake..

Medicinal Properties of Reishi

It contains sterols, coumarin, mannitol, glucans (polysaccharides) and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids are thought to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets and have lowering action on both LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. It also contains germanium, which helps to oxygenate cells. It is said to have antiviral, anti-tumour, antibacterial, immuno-stimulant, antihistamine, adaptogenic, expectorant and tonic-like actions.

Tags: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Cancer, Cholesterol, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Diabetes, Energy, Hepatitis, High Blood Pressure, HIV, Immune System, Infections, Lactation, Stomach, Stress, Throat

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 health preserving parts of the Mediterranean diet, although the leaves have other properties which are important in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Olive leaf

Olive leaf contains oleuropein and various flavanoids including rutin, apigenin and luteolin. Oleuropein appears to be the active that accounts for the leafs ability to lower blood pressure and dilate blood vessels. It also has antioxidant properties and may protect against hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) caused by oxidation of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. It is thought to be diuretic, astringent, febrifuge (reduces fever) hypoglycaemic, mildly antispasmodic, antibacterial, vulnerary (wound healing) and a liver tonic.

Tags: Boils, Cholesterol, Circulation, Cystitis, Diabetes, Fever, Gallstones, Heart, High Blood Pressure, Infections, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Stomach, Wound

Maitake or dancing mushroom is a type of large medicinal mushroom that grows in the mountainous regions of Japan. In addition it is found in some parts of Europe and North America. Most commercial maitake is cultivated in Japan and is produced organically. The mushroom head is used in herbalism and for culinary purposes due to its delicious flavour.

Medicinal Properties of Maitake

It contains glucans (polysaccharides), namely beta-D-glucan, which is known to have immune regulating and cholesterol lowering properties. This mushroom is also adaptogenic, anti-tumour, anti-cancer and tonic in action.

Maitake Herbal Remedies

Historically Maitake has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
HIV
Infections
Lack of energy
Weak immune system

Tags: Cancer, Cholesterol, Energy, High Blood Pressure, HIV, Immune System, Infections, Lactation

Also known as lime blossom or linden flowers it is relative to the floral parts of the various species of the Tilia family. The most used are Tilia platyphylos (broad-leaved lime) and Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime). The trees are native to northern temperate climates such as Britain, Europe, Asia and North America. It should not be confused with the green lime fruit tree (Citrus aurantifolia).

Medicinal Properties of Lime Flowers

They contain a variety of compounds including flavanoids, glycosides of quercitin, mucilage, phenolic acids, tannins, volatile oil and trace amounts of benzodiazepine-like compounds.

The flavanol glycosides and phenolic acids have been shown to demonstrate diaphoretic action (promotes perspiration).

The mucilage has an emollient action which accounts for the effect in soothing irritable coughs.

Tags: Anxiety, Catarrh, Circulation, Cold, Colic, Cough, Crohn’s Disease, Digestion, Fever, Flu, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Migraine, Skin, Tension

Lavender, or common/true lavender is an evergreen woody shrub, with beautiful purple-blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated world-wide, for its use as a garden herb and for its distinctive fragrant aromatherapy oil.

The flowers are used in herbal medicine and to make essential oil. Several variations exist: French lavender (L. stooechas), Spike lavender (L. latifolia), Lavandin (L. x intermedia).

Medicinal Properties of Lavender

It contains a volatile oil which comprises of over 100 different constituents, including around 40% linalyl acetate, linalool, lavandulol, lavandulyl acetate, terpinol, cineol and limonene, among many others.
The flowers also contain coumarins, flavanoids and other triterpenes.
Lavender is best known as a very calming and relaxing plant.
Lavender is also antibacterial, analgesic, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, carminative (wind relieving), emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation) and an insecticide (especially spike lavender).

Tags: Anxiety, Burns, Chilblains, Circulation, Colic, Depression, Digestion, Headaches, Heart, Heartburn, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Infections, Insomnia, Migraine, Nervous, Neuralgia, Pain, Rheumatism, Stress, Toothache

This evergreen conifer is native to the northern hemisphere growing mainly in Scandinavia, Siberia, Canada, northern Europe and northern Asia. The berries are used to make the alcoholic spirit - Gin.

Juniper is of course also used in herbal medicine, especially for urinary problems.

Medicinal Properties of Juniper

Juniper contain volatile oil, tannins, resin, grape sugar, diterpene acids and vitamin C. The main active is the volatile oil - terpinol, which acts as a diuretic on the kidneys and a urinary antiseptic. It is also a digestive tonic, emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), carminative (wind relieving) and external parasitic.

Juniper Herbal Remedies

Historically Juniper has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Tags: Amenorrhoea, Cystitis, Digestion, Flatulence, Gout, Heart, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Kidney, Periods, Rheumatism, Urinary, Water Retention

Valerian is an attractive perennial with pretty pink flowers. It grows throughout Europe and is now established in North America. The root has been used medicinally as far back as the 1st century AD. Valerian was used to treat soldiers with ‘shell shock’ during World War II.

Medicinal Properties of Valerian

Valerian contains many active constituents, including volatile oils, irridoids and alkaloids. Valerian influences levels of GABA, an amino acid found in the brain, which helps combat stress. This herb taken in small doses is calming without causing drowsiness. Larger doses become mildly sedative and help restore regular sleep patterns. As a bonus Valerian is an effective antispasmodic and analgesic, which is of use in cramps of the digestive system.

Tags: Anxiety, Colic, Cramp, Flu, Heart, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Neuralgia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Pain, Panic, Sleep, Stomach, Stress, Tension

Siberian Ginseng is a shrub with erect spiny shoots and is native to the Soviet Far East, Korea, China and Japan north of latitude 38. Its distribution is actually much greater than its more popular distant relative, panax or Korean Ginseng. Siberian Ginseng was used by the ancient Chinese as far back as 2000 BC. The roots are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng contains eleutherosides which have powerful adaptogenic properties and immune boosting action. This herb also enhances mental function, increases physical energy levels, and helps the body eliminate toxins by boosting liver function.

Siberian Ginseng is supportive to the adrenal glands and is often used to help with stress and fatigue.

Tags: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Energy, Flu, High Blood Pressure, Influenza, Lactation, Liver, Sleep, Stress, Tired All The Time

Passiflora or passion flower is a popular climbing vine with gardeners as it is adorned with beautiful purple flowers. It is native to South, Central and North America, but varieties of this vigorous plant now grow almost everywhere. The plant acquired its name from the 16th-century Spanish missionaries, who believed the flower represented the crucifixion: the three styles for the nails through Christ’s hands and feet, and the five stamens for his wounds. The leaves, stems and flowers are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Passiflora

The most important constituents of Passiflora are flavonoids, especially apigenin and isovitexin and the glycosides, including gynocardin. Passiflora has relaxing and anti-Anxiety properties, as well as mild pain relieving and anti-spasmodic effects.

Tags: Anxiety, Colic, Cramp, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Pain, Panic, Sleep, Stomach, Wound