Nervous

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)

Lemon balm, balm or Melissa is an aromatic plant that originates from southern Europe, but now grows freely all over the world. It is often found as a popular plant in domestic herb gardens due to its pleasant lemon fragrance and attractive white flowers. It is best grown in a pot due to its invasive [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Citrus aurantium is also known as bitter orange, green orange or sour orange. In traditional Chinese Medicine it is known as zhi shi and in Aromatherapy the essential oil is called neroli. The fruit of Citrus aurantium contains the active compounds used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Bitter orange Citrus aurantium contains an alkaloid [...]

Continue Reading Herb Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)

NOTE: Yohimbe herbal supplements are not legally available for over the counter sale in the UK and Ireland, but they may be prescribed by a qualified medical herbalist.The yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that is native to Africa, mainly growing in the forests of south-western Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo. The bark is [...]

Continue Reading Herb Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)

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)

Basil or sweet basil is a plant that originates from the middle east and Mediterranean regions. Today it is grown throughout the world as it is popular as a culinary herb. There are three froms of basil, all with similar properties: | O. sanctum (holy basil) | O. gratissimum (basil) | O. canum (hairy basil) [...]

Continue Reading Herb Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

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)

Black horehound originates from rocky wasteland regions of the Mediterranean, Europe and Western Asia. It is a member of the mint family and is now found growing on many continents around the world. It is a completely different species to White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) and has different medicinal properties. The flower and leaf are used [...]

Continue Reading Herb Black horehound (Ballota nigra)

Huperzia is a type of moss that was traditionally used in Chinese medicine and drunk as a tea for various conditions including fever, urinary health and menstrual problems. In modern herbal medicine the alkaloid huperzine A is isolated and used medicinally. Medicinal Properties of Huperzia The moss contains huperzine A, which is the main active [...]

Continue Reading Herb Huperzia (Lycopodium serratum)

Betony or wood betony is an attractive plant that is native to Europe and grows freely throughout the UK, but is also cultivated in temperate regions of the world. The whole plant can be used in herbal medicine, but the leaves and flower are most often used. Other related species are S. sieboldii (kan lu [...]

Continue Reading Herb Betony (Stachys officinalis)