Stress

Is a plant native to North America and is a member of the mint family. It is widely used in western herbal medicine and is similar to European or greater skullcap (S. galericulata), but should not be confused with Chinese or Asian skullcap (S. baicalensis), which has very different action and uses. The aerial parts [...]

Continue Reading Herb American Scullcap (Scutellaria latiflora)

Lemon balm, balm or Melissa is an aromatic plant that originates from southern Europe, but now grows freely all over the world. It is often found as a popular plant in domestic herb gardens due to its pleasant lemon fragrance and attractive white flowers. It is best grown in a pot due to its invasive [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

The Hops plant is native to Europe, Asia and North America. This climbing plant is well known for its use in the brewing industry as the Hops are using for flavouring beer. The Hops are essentially the flowers of the plant, which are often termed ‘strobiles’ and are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Hops (Humulus lupulus)

NOTE: Yohimbe herbal supplements are not legally available for over the counter sale in the UK and Ireland, but they may be prescribed by a qualified medical herbalist.The yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that is native to Africa, mainly growing in the forests of south-western Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo. The bark is [...]

Continue Reading Herb Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)

This herb is more commonly known as cowslip, the plant has yellow and orange wild flowers and it is found throughout Europe and temperate regions of Asia. The flowers and root (less often) are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Primula The flowers contain high numbers of flavanoids (around 19 have been isolated) whereas [...]

Continue Reading Herb Primula (Primula officinalis)

Vetiver or vetivert is a tall, tufted perennial scented grass. It is native to Sri Lanka, Indonesia and southern India. It is cultivated all over the world for its volatile oil, which is mainly used in aromatherapy. The essential oil is extracted from the roots and rootlets, and often known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

This is a fast growing, tall perennial grass which is native to Asia. There are two types – East Indian and West Indian, both being widely used in cooking, aromatherapy and medicine. The blades of grass are used in each case. Medicinal Properties of Lemongrass It contains a volatile oil which is made up of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Betony (Stachys officinalis)

Neroli or orange blossom is the flowers of the plant, bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). Neroli is the name of the essential oil that is mainly used for aromatherapy, rather than in herbal medicine. It was named after the princess of Nerola in Italy, who loved to wear it as a perfume. The flowers were used [...]

Continue Reading Herb Neroli (Citrus aurantium flos)

Lavender, or common/true lavender is an evergreen woody shrub, with beautiful purple-blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated world-wide, for its use as a garden herb and for its distinctive fragrant aromatherapy oil. The flowers are used in herbal medicine and to make essential oil. Several variations exist: French [...]

Continue Reading Herb Lavender (Lavendula Officinalis – angustifolia)