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There are several varieties of vervain, but European vervain is the most commonly used in herbal medicine. It is a native plant to Europe, and other species include blue vervain (V. hastate) and V. macdougalii, they are all similar in action. The medicinal parts of the plant are the flowers and leaves. It is a [...]

Continue Reading Herb Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

Vinca minor or lesser periwinkle is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows mainly in the northern hemisphere. This invasive plant is found growing in woods and hedgerows. In France, it is sometimes called ‘Virginflower’ due to its madonna blue coloured flowers. Not to be confused with Vinca major or greater periwinkle, which has some but [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Bergamot, bee balm or red bergamot was originally grown in Italy and used in folklore medicine. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine and its distinctive flavour is used to make earl grey tea. Bergamot in aromatherapy comes from the plant citrus bergamia. Action of Bergamot This herb contains a variety of compounds that [...]

Continue Reading Herb Bergamot (Monardo didyma)

Rhodiola rosea, also known as rose root, golden root and arctic root, is found naturally in northern regions of Europe, Scandinavia, Lapland, and Alaska. Traditionally, Rhodiola rosea was believed to give strength and stamina, and therefore was commonly used to treat long-term illness and weakness due to infection. Rhodiola has also been a favoured ingredient [...]

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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. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Cat’s Thyme (Marum verum)