Urinary

This is a herb that grows in moderate climates in tropical areas. It has been used in ancient Greek, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac and tonic for thousands of years. It has just recently gained popularity in the West due to rumours that athletes in Bulgaria used it for enhancing performance. Medicinal Properties [...]

Continue Reading Herb Tribulus (tribulus terrestris)

Uva ursi or bearberry is a small evergreen shrub found in northern United States and Europe. The flowers are pink or white, growing in sparse terminal clusters, and the fruit is a bright red or pink. However it is the leaf that is used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Uva ursi Uva ursi’s most [...]

Continue Reading Herb Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos Uva ursi)

Boldo is a shrubby plant native to Central Chile and its leaves are used in herbal medicine. Action of Boldo Boldo contains amongst many compounds a flavonoid called boldine, which has diuretic and bile stimulating effects. It is choloretic, a liver tonic, urinary antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Boldo Uses Many herbalists recommend Boldo as a general [...]

Continue Reading Herb Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Bay or sweet bay is a plant that has been used for thousands of years and held in high esteem by the ancient Greeks. The young stems and older leaves are used culinary and medicinally. Action of Bay leaves This herb contains an oil which has antiseptic properties, demonstrating anti-microbial action against bacteria and fungi. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis)

Petasites or butterbur is a woodland plant that is a member of the daisy family. It grows freely in damp conditions throughout Europe and the British Isles. Petasites means ‘large brimmed hat’, which is the best way to describe the large, round leaves. The root and leaves are used in herbal medicine. Action of Petasites [...]

Continue Reading Herb Petasites/Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

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 [...]

Continue Reading Herb Horseradish (Cochlearia armorica – Armoracia rusticana)

Huperzia is a type of moss that was traditionally used in Chinese medicine and drunk as a tea for various conditions including fever, urinary health and menstrual problems. In modern herbal medicine the alkaloid huperzine A is isolated and used medicinally. Medicinal Properties of Huperzia The moss contains huperzine A, which is the main active [...]

Continue Reading Herb Huperzia (Lycopodium serratum)

Galeopsis or hemp nettle is a member of the Labiatae family, and is commonly found in Germany where it has wide use for respiratory problems, especially asthma. The flowering aerial parts are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Galeopsis This plant contains high levels of silica, saponins and tannins. It also contains some silicic [...]

Continue Reading Herb Galeopsis (Galeopsis ochroleuca)

Birch, silver birch or European birch is a common tree that is native to Europe, Asia and Siberia. It is also a popular herbal remedy in Scandanavia. The bark and leaves are used in herbal medicine, although the leaves are more commonly used. Action of Birch Birch contains a variety of compounds including volatile oil, [...]

Continue Reading Herb Birch (Betula pendula/alba)

Cranberry is native to North America and is eaten as a fruit or drunk as a juice. The North Americans Indians have used the berries as food and medicine for centuries. Medicinal Properties of Cranberry Cranberry contains vitamin C, hippuric acid and proanthocyanidins which have some anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. The proanthocyanidins have the ability [...]

Continue Reading Herb Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)