Psoriasis

This is a herb not commonly used today, but has a history of use as far back as ancient Egypt and was also used in Arabian medicine. The seeds contain the key medicinal components.

Medicinal Properties of Khella

It contains a compound called khellin which appears to be able to stimulate repigmentation of the skin, by increasing sensitivity of melanocyte cells to sunlight – a unique property. It is therefore very useful in the treatment of vitiligo. Another compound called sodium cromoglycate, acts as a potent vasodilator. Khella is antispasmodic to the respiratory and cardiovascular system.

Khella Herbal Remedies

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

Tags: Allergies, Asthma, Cough, Heart, Kidney, Lactation, Psoriasis, Skin

Sarsaparilla is the name given to several different species of smilax. These include S. aristolochiaefolia (Vera Cruz, Mexico or Grey Sarsaparilla), S. febrifuga (Ecuador or Guayaquil Sarsaparilla), S. ornata (Jamaica, Costa Rica or Red Sarsaparilla), S. regelli (Honduras or Brown Sarsaparilla). The dried root is used in herbal medicine and is also sometimes used to flavour root beer.

Medicinal Properties of Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla contains 1-3% steroidal saponins, namely smilagenin and sarsasapogenin, which appear to have some hormone-like properties. Sarsaparilla also contains phytosterols such beta-sitosterol which are thought give this herb its anti-inflammatory action. This herb is also anti-rheumatic, protective to the liver and a diuretic, as it increases the elimination of chlorides and uric acid from the body. In addition Sarsaparilla also improves the appetite and digestion.

Tags: Acne, Appetite, Arthritis, Detox, Digestion, Eczema, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Psoriasis, Rheumatic, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Stomach

Red Clover is a perennial herb with dark pink flowers and is native to Europe and Asia, but has become naturalised in Australia, New Zealand and North America. The flowers are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Red Clover

Red Clover contains high levels of Antioxidant isoflavones, particularly genistein, which has weak oestrogenic properties which have actions of female hormone health. In addition, Red Clover is said to be alterative (promotes health) and is anti-inflammatory in skin disorders, a heart protector and an anti-cancer agent.

Red Clover Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend red clover for the following disorders:

Fibroids
Infertility
Menopause
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Tags: Cancer, Cough, Depression, Detox, Eczema, Fibroids, Flu, Heart, Infertility, Menopause, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Psoriasis, Skin

Neem is a tree that is a member of the mahogany family and originates from the Bay of Bengal region of India. The neem tree has noble status and has been worshiped for thousands of years. In addition, it has been used topically in Ayurvedic medicine as an insecticide and for the treatment of many diseases. The leaves, seeds and bark are used medicinally.

Tags: Dandruff, Eczema, Infections, Inflammation, Lactation, Lice, Periods, Psoriasis, Skin, Thrush

Milk thistle belongs to the same family as the Artichoke. It grows wild on roadside verges, derelict sites and is found in many gardens. The plant’s vivid purple flower heads are a favourite with flower arrangers, but the seeds of the dried flowers are used medicinally.

Medicinal Properties of Milk thistle

Milk thistle seed contains a complicated Bioflavanoid called silymarin, which has liver-protective and liver stimulating activity. Silymarin is powerful Antioxidant and is able to trigger re-growth of liver cells to replace those damaged by disease, alcohol and other toxic substances.

Milk thistle Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend milk thistle for the following disorders:

Chole Cystitis
Chronic Active Hepatitis
Gallstones
Hepatitis
Psoriasis

Tags: Cystitis, Gallstones, Hepatitis, Liver, Psoriasis

Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, but is now cultivated due to over harvesting in the wild. Native Indians used it for respiratory problems and as a clothing dye. The knotty yellow rhizome and roots are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Goldenseal

Goldenseal contains high levels of berberis alkaloids, namely berberine and hydrastine. These compounds have potent anti-microbial and antibiotic actions and can destroy bacteria, protozoa and fungi. It also improves blood supply to the spleen, which influences immune function. In addition, it is a uterine tonic, liver stimulant and potent detoxifier.

Goldenseal Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Goldenseal for the following disorders:

Tags: Acne, Candidiasis, Cold, Cystitis, Detox, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Flu, Gastritis, Indigestion, Infections, Lactation, Liver, Migraine, Parasites, Psoriasis, Sinus, Sore, Thrush, Ulcers, Urethritis, Urinary, Vaginal

Flaxseed, Flax or linseed is well known for its use as an oil for preserving cricket bats. Flax is one of the most ancient of all cultivated plants, and is known to have been used by man since 5,000 BC. Both the seeds and seed oil are used medicinally.

Medicinal Properties of Linseed

Flax seeds contains oil, mucilage and protein. The mucilage is soothing to the digestive system and has mild laxative and cleansing action. The oil contains some linoleic acid, an omega-6 fat, but much higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. This omega-3 fat has potent anti-inflammatory action on the joints, skin and digestive system.

Linseed Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend flaxseed or Flaxseed oil for the following disorders:

Tags: Arthritis, Boils, Cancer, Cholesterol, Cold, Colitis, Diverticulitis, Gout, Heart, High Blood Pressure, Infections, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Menstrual, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rhinitis, Sinus, Skin, Tension

Celery is a vegetable commonly used in salads and casseroles. It is low in calories and is an ideal snack for those who are weight conscious. Celery seeds have been used in Europe for centuries to help a variety of disorders.

Medicinal Properties of Celery seed

Celery seeds contain many compounds including: volatile oils, apiol, coumarins, flavonoids, and the minerals Iron, phosphorus, Potassium, sodium. Celery seed demonstrates mild diuretic and anti-spasmodic properties.

Celery is also thought to alkalise the blood and help with the elimination of uric acid and other toxic wastes through the kidneys, and is said to be an anti-rheumatic. It may also act as a digestive tonic, urinary antiseptic, hypotensive and a galactologue.

Tags: Acne, Arthritis, Gout, Infections, Kidney, Lactation, Psoriasis, Rheumatic, Skin, Urinary

Cayenne pepper (also known as chilli or red hot pepper), is the fruit of a shrubby, tropical plant originally native to South America. It is used as a food and spice world-wide and now cultivated in most tropical regions. Medicinally, Cayenne has been used extensively in folklore and recently in scientific studies for a variety of health disorders.

Medicinal Properties of Cayenne

Cayenne pepper contains an active constituent called capsaicin, which also accounts for its hotness and irritant effects. Cayenne contains around 1.5% of this potent compound. Cayenne also contains volatile oils, carotenoids and Vitamins A & C, which account for its powerful Antioxidant properties. Cayenne used orally reduces stickiness of blood platelets and reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Tags: Appetite, Arthritis, Cholesterol, Gastritis, Headaches, Heart, Heartburn, Migraine, Neuralgia, Pain, Pain Relief, Psoriasis, Skin, Stomach, Ulcers

Burdock is a very traditional herb native to Europe and Asia. The leaf is medicinal, but it is the root that is most commonly used.

Action of Burdock

Burdock contains many active constituents, including 45% inulin. It is one of the most powerful and reliable blood cleansers in herbal medicine. It acts as a diuretic, anti-bacterial and a liver cleanser.

Burdock Uses

Our experts recommend Burdock for the following disorders:

| Acne
| Eczema
| Psoriasis
| Rhinophyma

Tags: Acne, Detox, Digestion, Eczema, Liver, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Skin

Berberis or barberry, is a perennial shrub, native to Europe. The bark, root, red berries and leaves are used in herbal medicine. The plant is closely related to the North American species, Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape).

Action of Berberis

This plant contains a potent antibacterial alkaloid, called berberine, a component also found in goldenseal. This constituent is effective against many pathogens such as E-coli and salmonella. Berberine has a stimulating action on the immune system, liver and gall bladder (helping to improve the flow of bile). In addition, it has antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, sedative, antitumour, hypotensive and febrifuge properties (reduces fever). It also contains an antioxidant alkaloid called berbamine, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The herb is is also said to be a bitter herb, and a tonic to spleen, pancreas and the digestive system.

Tags: Cancer, Candidiasis, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Fever, Gallstones, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Immune System, Infections, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Nose Bleeds, Parasites, Psoriasis, Skin

Also known as wild pansy, this is a flowering plant native to Europe. The flowers are used in herbal medicine and offer valuable benefits to the skin. The other well known species of viola is sweet violet (V. odarata), which is sometimes used in herbal medicine for respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, catarrh and bronchitis.

Medicinal Properties of Viola

This herb contains compounds called saponins which help to clear toxins through the kidneys and out of the body. Saponins applied topically are soothing to the skin. This herb also contains high levels of flavanoids, which are anti-inflammatory, especially to the skin. It is also said to be blood cleansing (depurative).

Viola Herbal Remedies

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

Tags: Acne, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cold, Cough, Eczema, Kidney, Lactation, Psoriasis, Rash, Skin