Nasal

Peppermint is a natural hybrid of garden spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica) and was first cultivated in England in the middle ages. It now grows everywhere in Europe and is also cultivated in the USA. The two most popular varieties are white peppermint (green stems, light green leaves) and black peppermint (deep red stems, purple tinged dark green leaves). Both varieties produce purple flowers, but it is the leaves that are used medicinally.

Medicinal Properties of Peppermint

Peppermint contains up to 1% volatile oils, mostly menthol and menthone, as well as the flavonoid menthocide. These compounds are carminative, antispasmodic and choleretic (stimulate bile). They also act as an external analgesic and nasal decongestant.

Tags: Appetite, Cold, Colic, Cramp, Digestion, Fever, Flatulence, Headaches, Heart, Heartburn, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Liver, Nasal, Tension

Marum verum or Cat’s Thyme is small shrub native to Spain, where it has well-known use as a ’snuff’. The plant has oval leaves and flowers consisting of one-sided spikes. It is not actually a member of the Thyme family, as its name suggests, but more closely related to Wood Sage and the Germander family. The aerial parts are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Cat’s Thyme

Marum verum / Cat’s Thyme is a herb that has not been extensively studied, hence its constituents and mode of action are not fully understood. Clinically, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. The leaves, when rubbed give off an aromatic smell that can trigger sneezing. Traditionally, this herb is said to be aromatic, deobstruent (removes blockages) and stimulant in action.

Tags: Catarrh, Inflammation, Insomnia, Lactation, Nasal, Nervous, Neuralgia, Pain, Periods, Sore, Throat

Bistort or adderwort is a traditional herb used in European herbal medicine. The root and rhizome have key medicinal properties.

Action of Bistort

It contains many compounds, but in particular high amounts of tannis. The tannis gives this herb powerful astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. It is also said to be anti-catarrhal, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-haemorrhagic and a demulcent herb.

Bistort Uses

Historically bistort have been used to treat a number of conditions including:

| Catarrh
| Diarrhoea – especially for children
| Diverticulosis
| Incontinence
| Irritable bowel syndrome
| Nasal polyps
| Nose bleeds – and other situations where bleeding needs to be slowed
| Sore mouth and inflamed tongue (as a mouthwash)
| Uterine infections with discharge (vaginal douche)

Tags: Bleeding, Catarrh, Diarrhoea, Incontinence, Infections, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Nasal, Nose Bleeds, Sore, Vaginal