Sinus

This is probably a native to eastern Europe and is thought to be cultivated from the Hungarian plant, Cochlearia macrocarpa. It is now common throughout Russia, Europe and Scandanavia and is cultivated all over the world. The root is used as medicine and a food, particularly as a condiment for roast beef (horseradish sauce).

Medicinal Properties of Horseradish

This herb consists of a variety of compounds and nutrients including vitamin C, B vitamins, asparagines, resin and volatile oils which contain sinigrin, gluconasturtin and other pungent glucosinolates 9also found in mustard). The potent volatile oil is diuretic, antibiotic, a urinary antiseptic, carminative (wind relieving) diaphoretic and a stimulant to the liver, spleen, pancreas, digestion and circulatory system. Topically it has a counter-irritant action similar to cayenne pepper.

Tags: Arthritis, Catarrh, Chilblains, Circulation, Cold, Cough, Cystitis, Digestion, Fever, Flu, Influenza, Kidney, Liver, Pain, Parasites, Sinus, Sore, Throat, Urinary, Vomiting, Water Retention, Worms

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 over 700 species of eucalyptus of which 500 produce a type of essential oil.

Medicinal Properties of Eucalyptus

The Eucalyptus leaves contain around 70% to 85% of a volatile oil known as eucalyptol (cineol), as well as various flavanoid compounds. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, expectorant, antispasmodic and acts powerfully on the mucous membranes of the nose reducing congestion. It is also said to reduce fever and keep insects away.

Tags: Arthritis, Asthma, Bleeding, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cold, Cough, Diarrhoea, Fever, Headaches, Infections, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Lumbago, Nausea, Pain, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sinus, Sore, Tension, Throat, Ulcers, Vomiting

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

Eyebright is native to eastern Europe and gets its name after having been used to treat eye problems for hundreds of years. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Eyebright

Eyebright contains tannins, iridoid gycosides and volatile oil. These compounds have astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine actions.

Eyebright Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Eyebright for the following disorders:

Blepharitis
Conjunctivitis
Corneal Abrasions
Dry eye
Meibomian Cyst
Stye

Other Eyebright Information

In addition to treating chronic and acute inflammations of the eye, herbalists also use it for congestive conditions such as catarrh, hayfever and Sinusitis. Eyebright is available as tea, tablets, capsules and tinctures.

Tags: Catarrh, Conjunctivitis, Fever, Hayfever, Inflammation, Sinus

Betony or wood betony is an attractive plant that is native to Europe and grows freely throughout the UK, but is also cultivated in temperate regions of the world. The whole plant can be used in herbal medicine, but the leaves and flower are most often used. Other related species are S. sieboldii (kan lu or Chinese artichoke) and S. atherocalyx (hedge nettle).

Action of Betony

This herb contains a variety of compounds including alkaloids, glycosides and volatile oils, but its properties are poorly understood. Historically it is said to be a tonic for the liver and nervous system. In addition it improves circulation to the brain and has digestive bitter effects as well as mild sedative action.

Tags: Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Circulation, Cystitis, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Energy, Gastritis, Headaches, Heart, Heartburn, Hernia, Indigestion, Lactation, Liver, Memory, Nervous, Neuralgia, Parasites, Sciatica, Sinus, Stress, Varicose Veins