Inflammation

Chinese or Asian skullcap is a plant native to China and Russia, and is a member of the mint family. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and should not be confused with American skullcap (S. latiflora) or European/Greater skullcap (S. galericulata), which have very different action and uses. The root of Chinese skullcap [...]

Continue Reading Herb Chinese Scullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

Neem is a tree that is a member of the mahogany family and originates from the Bay of Bengal region of India. The neem tree has noble status and has been worshiped for thousands of years. In addition, it has been used topically in Ayurvedic medicine as an insecticide and for the treatment of many [...]

Continue Reading Herb Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss)

Coleus or makandi originates from India and is related to the mint family of plants. A plant traditionally used in Ayuvedic medicine for heart, lung and digestive disorders. The root of this plant is used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Coleus Coleus root contains a chemical called forskolin, which is the key active constituent. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Coleus (Coleus forskohlii)

Eyebright is native to eastern Europe and gets its name after having been used to treat eye problems for hundreds of years. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Eyebright Eyebright contains tannins, iridoid gycosides and volatile oil. These compounds have astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine actions. Eyebright Herbal Remedies Our herbalists [...]

Continue Reading Herb Eyebright (Euphrasia officinale)

Evening Primrose Oil is the oil from the seeds of the plant, evening primrose. It is primarily used as a food supplement for the omega-6 essential fatty acids it contains, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). GLA is needed in the body for the production of hormone liked chemicals called prostaglandins E1, (PGE1) which control numerous mechanisms such [...]

Continue Reading Herb Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera)

Petasites or butterbur is a woodland plant that is a member of the daisy family. It grows freely in damp conditions throughout Europe and the British Isles. Petasites means ‘large brimmed hat’, which is the best way to describe the large, round leaves. The root and leaves are used in herbal medicine. Action of Petasites [...]

Continue Reading Herb Petasites/Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

This cactus-like plant is native to Africa, but is grown in most hot climates all over the world. The inner gel of the leaf is used in herbal medicine. Action of Aloe vera Aloe vera gel contains compounds called mucopolysaccharides which have a soothing, cooling, astringent and healing action, reduce inflammation and have anti-bacterial properties. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Chinese or Asian skullcap is a plant native to China and Russia, and is a member of the mint family. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and should not be confused with American skullcap (S. latiflora) or European/Greater skullcap (S. galericulata), which have very different action and uses. The root of Chinese skullcap [...]

Continue Reading Herb Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

Known also as squaw root, it is a native of North America and is a flowering plant used for centuries by the women of Indian tribes to help with hormonal problems. Black cohosh is also used for these types of situations, but is a completely different species. The flowers were often used by American Indians, [...]

Continue Reading Herb Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Witch hazel is native to North America, but can now be found growing in most parts of Europe and Britain. In herbal medicine the leaves and the tree bark are used. Medicinal Properties of Witch hazel Witch hazel contains very high levels of tannins and volatile oils, which are astringent, anti-inflammatory and mildly antiseptic. It [...]

Continue Reading Herb Witch hazel (Hamamelis viginiana)