Rash

Tea Tree a relative of the myrtle, is a large evergreen tree native to the north-east coastal region of New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the most important local medicines used by the Aborigines. Their knowledge of its powerful healing properties has been passed from generation to generation for thousands of years. The leaves are the source of Tea Tree oil, which is really only used externally in modern medicine and Aromatherapy.

Medicinal Properties of Tea Tree

Tea Tree oil contains more than forty eight compounds, but it is chiefly composed of terpinen-4-ol, which is a powerful antiseptic. It acts against many bacterias, fungi and viruses and also has immune boosting and tissue healing action. It is also as insect repellent which may be of use to keep mosquitoes off and as a preventative for head-lice (nits).

Tags: Acne, Infections, Lice, Rash, Skin, Throat, Thrush

Chickweed is native to Europe and grows freely all over the United Kingdom. The leaves, stems and flowers are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Chickweed

Chickweed contains coumarins, saponins, Vitamin C and Bioflavanoids and has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. It has a cooling, soothing and anti-itching action.

Chickweed Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Chickweed for the following disorders

Eczema and Dermatitis

Chickweed is usually available as a topical application, usually an ointment or cream and is traditionally used to soothe the skin and to help with boils, abscess, stings, bites and hot itchy rashes. It may also be of use in muscular rheumatism.

Chickweed can be taken as a tea or tincture for internal use.

Tags: Boils, Eczema, Rash, Rheumatism, Skin

This cactus-like plant is native to Africa, but is grown in most hot climates all over the world. The inner gel of the leaf is used in herbal medicine.

Action of Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel contains compounds called mucopolysaccharides which have a soothing, cooling, astringent and healing action, reduce inflammation and have anti-bacterial properties. It also as Antioxidant action as it contains Zinc, Amino Acids and essential fats. Aloe vera also contains aloin which has a very potent laxative action. (SEE BELOW)

Aloe vera Uses

Our experts recommend topical Aloe vera for the following disorders

| Caesarean Section
| Cold sores (Herpes Simplex)
| Eczema and Dermatitis
| Erythema multiforme
| Haemorrhoids
| Nappy Rash
| Pruritus ani
| Pruritus
| Skin infections

Tags: Burns, Cold, Constipation, Eczema, Haemorrhoids, Infections, Inflammation, Rash, Skin, Sore, Wound

Is a plant native to Europe and classed as a weed. It is the root that is of value in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Yellow Dock

It contains anthraquinone glycosides, tannins, oxalates and rumicin. It is a bitter digestive tonic, cholagogue (increase bile flow) and laxative. It is also mineral rich in iron and sulphur.

Yellow Dock Herbal Remedies

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

Constipation
Food poisoning
Irritable bowel syndrome
Jaundice and liver problems
Mouth ulcers (mouth wash)
Poor digestion
Skin disorders – boils, rashes, shingles
Sluggish liver function

Other Yellow Dock Information

It is normally available as a herbal tea for internal use, although a qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations including tinctures.

Tags: Boils, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Liver, Poisoning, Rash, Skin, Ulcers

Yarrow, milfoil or nosebleed is a plant native to Europe and Asia. It is now naturalised in North America and there are several hybrids of yarrow. A. millefolium is the plant most known and has been used since the times of the ancient Chinese. It was once referred to as Englishman’s quinine. In herbal medicine the flowering tops are freshly collected and used.

Medicinal Properties of Yarrow

It contains a wide variety of compounds including volatile oil, sesquiterpene lactones, flavanoids, alkaloids, polyacetylenes, triterpenes, sterols, phenolic acids, coumarins and 3% to 4% tannins. The volatile oil contains chemicals called chamazeulines which are thought to be anti-inflammatory. The flavanoids, namely apigenin, appear to be antispasmodic in action. The alkaloids and sesquiterpene lactones give the herb digestive bitter properties, and the haemostatic effect (stops bleeding) is attributed to the alkaloid, achilleine, though the tannins may also be responsible. It is diaphoretic (reduces sweating), hypotensive, analgesic and an emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation).

Tags: Amenorrhoea, Appetite, Bleeding, Cold, Colic, Colitis, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Fever, Flu, Heart, Heartburn, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Inflammation, Influenza, Lactation, PMS, Rash, Skin, Ulcers, Vaginal, Varicose Veins, Wound

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

Stinging nettle or Urtica, which comes from the Latin uro, meaning “I burn” is indicative of the painful stings caused by the tiny hairs on the nettle leaves.

Ironically the leaves are also the main medicinal parts of the plant.

The nettle root is also sometimes used by herbalists.

Nettle grows everywhere in the northern hemisphere and has been used for centuries.

Medicinal Properties of Nettle

Nettle leaf is nutritive as it contains high levels of chloropyll and minerals such as Iron, Calcium and silica.

Nettle also provides flavonoids, vitamin C, lectins and polysaccharides.

Nettle has anti-inflammatory, diuretic and haemostatic properties.

Nettle leaves are highly valued in country medicine for their tonic and blood purifying powers.

Tags: Anaemia, Arthritis, Fever, Gout, Haemorrhage, Hayfever, Osteoporosis, Pain, Rash, Rheumatic, Skin, Water Retention