Piles

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 mainly the leaves which are used medicinally, but sometimes the seeds can be of use as a laxative.

Medicinal Properties of Plantain

The leaf contains a variety of compounds including irridoids (mainly aucubin), tannins, flavanoids (particularly apigenin), mucilage and a variety of plant acids. Acubin is a mild laxative and diuretic, whereas apigenin and another flavanoid, baicalein are both anti-inflammatory, whilst baicalein is also anti-histamine. It is anti-haemorrhagic, antibacterial, haemostatic (reduces internal bleeding), astringent, blood tonic, expectorant, demulcent (soothing) and antacid .

Tags: Bleeding, Bronchitis, Burns, Cough, Cystitis, Eczema, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Piles, Stomach, Thrush, Toothache, Ulcers, Vaginal

This is an invasive plant native to Britain, Russia and middle eastern Europe. The leaves, roots and stalks of this weed are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Knotgrass

It contains compounds such as tannins, namely catechin and gallic acid, which have potent astringent and haemostatic (slows bleeding) properties. It also contains silicic acid which is a source of the mineral silicia, which helps support the immune system in cleansing the body of toxins and improves the elasticity and strength of connective tissue. It also contains flavanoids such as quercetin, which is anti-inflammatory as well as mucilage and polyphenolic acids.

Knotgrass Herbal Remedies

Historically Knotgrass has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Tags: Arthritis, Bleeding, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Diarrhoea, Gout, Immune System, Lactation, Nose Bleeds, Periods, Piles

This is a strongly aromatic annual herb that grows about a metre in height. It is native to Europe and Western Asia, but is now naturalised in North America and cultivated all around the world. The Persians grew this herb over 3,000 years ago and used it to add fragrance to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Both seed and leaf are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Coriander

The herb contains a variety of compounds including volatile oil, sterols and phenolic acids. It is a stimulant, carminative (wind relieving) and warming.

Coriander Herbal Remedies

Historically coriander has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Aerophagy (constant desire to swallow air)
Colic
Flatulence
Gastroenteritis
Hypoglycaemia
Measles
Nausea
Piles
Poor digestion
Toothache

Tags: Colic, Digestion, Flatulence, Gastroenteritis, Hypoglycaemia, Nausea, Pain, Piles, Rheumatic, Toothache

Witch hazel is native to North America, but can now be found growing in most parts of Europe and Britain. In herbal medicine the leaves and the tree bark are used.

Medicinal Properties of Witch hazel

Witch hazel contains very high levels of tannins and volatile oils, which are astringent, anti-inflammatory and mildly antiseptic. It also contains saponins and flavonoids. Witch hazel is toning to the skin and blood vessels when applied topically. It is also able to slow down bleeding from cuts, wounds and piles.

Witch hazel Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend witch hazel for the following disorders:

Acne
Cold sores
Nose bleeds
Haemorrhoids
Varicose veins

Tags: Acne, Bleeding, Cold, Eczema, Haemorrhoids, Inflammation, Nose Bleeds, Piles, Skin, Sore, Varicose Veins, Wound

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 not all of its medicinal properties. European herbalists have used this herb for headaches, vertigo, and poor memory since medieval times. The flower, roots and leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Lesser Periwinkle

Vinca minor / lesser periwinkle contains high levels of an alkaloid known as vincamine, especially in the leaves. This compound has vasodilating (dilates blood vessels) and memory enhancing properties. This herb also has high levels of tannins, which account for its astringent, toning actions on blood vessels and its ability to slow down or stop bleeding.

Tags: Alzheimer, Bleeding, Catarrh, Dementia, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Flatulence, Headaches, Indigestion, Lactation, Memory, Periods, Piles, Tension

Cascara is a small tree native to North America. The aged bark is used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Cascara

Cascara contains high levels of anthraquinone gycosides called cascarosides and they have a powerful stimulating effect on peristaltic action of the bowel.

Cascara Herbal Remedies

Cascara is a traditional herbal remedy for Constipation, due to its strong laxative action. It is often found in licensed herbal remedies that are either specific to Constipation or piles.

Side Effects of Cascara

Cascara should not be taken during pregnancy or when breastfeeding and is not recommended for anyone under the age of 12.

Cascara should not be taken by anyone with digestive disorders other than Constipation or piles.

Tags: Constipation, Lice, Piles

Butchers broom is a small evergreen bush native to Europe and the Mediterranean. It is the rhizome of Butchers broom that is used in herbal medicine.

Action of Butchers broom

Butchers broom contains saponins which have ant-inflammatory action, are diuretic and act as a veinous tonic.

Butchers broom Uses

Our experts recommend Butchers broom for the following disorders:

| Varicose veins

Other Butchers broom Information

Butchers broom is most commonly used to strengthen blood vessels and is used by herbalists for chronic venous insufficiency, piles or general poor circulation. Supplements are generally available as tablets or capsules.

Cautions When Using Butchers broom

| Generally, there are no side effects or other contra-indications from using Butchers broom herbal supplements.

Tags: Circulation, Piles, Varicose Veins