Insomnia

Is a plant native to North America and is a member of the mint family. It is widely used in western herbal medicine and is similar to European or greater skullcap (S. galericulata), but should not be confused with Chinese or Asian skullcap (S. baicalensis), which has very different action and uses. The aerial parts [...]

Continue Reading Herb American Scullcap (Scutellaria latiflora)

The Hops plant is native to Europe, Asia and North America. This climbing plant is well known for its use in the brewing industry as the Hops are using for flavouring beer. The Hops are essentially the flowers of the plant, which are often termed ‘strobiles’ and are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Hops (Humulus lupulus)

This herb is more commonly known as cowslip, the plant has yellow and orange wild flowers and it is found throughout Europe and temperate regions of Asia. The flowers and root (less often) are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Primula The flowers contain high numbers of flavanoids (around 19 have been isolated) whereas [...]

Continue Reading Herb Primula (Primula officinalis)

Vetiver or vetivert is a tall, tufted perennial scented grass. It is native to Sri Lanka, Indonesia and southern India. It is cultivated all over the world for its volatile oil, which is mainly used in aromatherapy. The essential oil is extracted from the roots and rootlets, and often known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

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: [...]

Continue Reading Herb Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lavender (Lavendula Officinalis – angustifolia)

Green Teas, black teas and oolong are derived from the same plant, native to China. Green Tea is produced by lightly steaming the fresh cut leaf, while to produce black the leaves are allowed to oxidise and ferment. Oolong tea is partially oxidised. Oxidation destroys the active compounds in the leaf, therefore Green Tea has [...]

Continue Reading Herb Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Guarana, an evergreen vine, is native to the Brazilian rain forest and has been used for thousands of years by the local Indian tribes. The seeds are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Guarana Guarana contains xanthines (caffeine, theobromine and theophylline), saponins, tannins and choline. It has stimulant, tonic, adaptogenic and nerve soothing properties. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Guarana (Paulinia cupana)

This is an upright, compact annual or tender perennial, native to California and the south-western United States. It is extremely drought tolerant and ideal for arid environments. The brilliant orange cup shaped flower, is the state flower of California. It is a relative of the Opium poppy, but contains no opiate alkaloids, and is not [...]

Continue Reading Herb California Poppy (Eschsholzia californica)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Valerian (Valerian officinalis)