Pain

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)

Arnica is a flowering plant found widely in Europe and Britain. It is no longer readily available in the UK for internal use, as a herbal medicine, but it is often used in various topical applications. For internal use the homoeopathic remedy Arnica is preferred and has many important uses. The dried flowers and leaves [...]

Continue Reading Herb Arnica (Arnica Montana)

This is a blue gum and is a very large evergreen tree that originates from Australia and Tasmania, but is now grown world-wide and mainly used for its essential oil. The leaves contain the oil and this is used in herbal medicine as well as being the main food that koala bears eat. There are [...]

Continue Reading Herb Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globus)

White Willow is a tree grows in most parts of Europe and Britain and is also found in North America. The bark has medicinal use in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of White Willow In 1838 chemists identified salicylic acid in the bark of white Willow as the primary active compound which has anti-inflammatory and pain [...]

Continue Reading Herb White Willow (Salix alba)

Bay or sweet bay is a plant that has been used for thousands of years and held in high esteem by the ancient Greeks. The young stems and older leaves are used culinary and medicinally. Action of Bay leaves This herb contains an oil which has antiseptic properties, demonstrating anti-microbial action against bacteria and fungi. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis)

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)

This is a fast growing, tall perennial grass which is native to Asia. There are two types – East Indian and West Indian, both being widely used in cooking, aromatherapy and medicine. The blades of grass are used in each case. Medicinal Properties of Lemongrass It contains a volatile oil which is made up of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

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)

Dong Quai, or Chinese angelica, has been used for over 5,000 years in China and is often referred to as ‘female ginseng’. The plant is a member of the Celery family and has white flowers between May and August. The root is used medicinally. Medicinal Properties of Dong Quai Donq quai contains the volatile oil, [...]

Continue Reading Herb Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)