Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Is a plant native to Europe and classed as a weed. It is the root that is of value in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Yellow Dock It contains anthraquinone glycosides, tannins, oxalates and rumicin. It is a bitter digestive tonic, cholagogue (increase bile flow) and laxative. It is also mineral rich in iron and [...]

Continue Reading Herb Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

Wild Yam is found in Mexico, United States and Asia where it is eaten as a food. The root is used is used to manufacture oestrogens, progesterone drugs and steroids in orthodox medicine and is also the part used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Wild Yam Wild Yam contains steroidal saponins, mainly diosgenin and [...]

Continue Reading Herb Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Caraway is an aromatic biennial plant native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and is now cultivated world-wide. It is used as a spice in cooking and the seeds and fruit are important both as a food and in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Caraway (Carum carvi)

This is one of the oldest known medicinal plants and its use dates back to the ancient Egyptians. It originates from south east Europe and western Asia, but grows in many hot climates of the world. It is a popular food but the seeds are used in herbal medicine (particularly for diabetes and high cholesterol). [...]

Continue Reading Herb Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

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)

Greater plantain is native to Asia and Europe, but now grows all over the world. In the UK it is classed as a weed. It should not be confused with the banana-like food, plantain. Another plantain called ribwort plantain (plantago lanceolata) is similar in action, but Plantago Major is preferred in herbal medicine. It is [...]

Continue Reading Herb Plantain (Plantago major)

Tormentil or bloodroot is a creeping perennial plant which is a member of the rose family. It grows throughout Europe on moors and in grassy places. The herb and root are used in herbal medicine, and commonly used for irritable bowel syndrome. Medicinal Properties of Tormentil This herb contains high levels of tannins (10% to [...]

Continue Reading Herb Tormentil (Potentilla tormentilla – erecta)