Wound

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)

Echinacea, the purple coneflower is native to North America and has been used by the American Indians for wound healing and snake bites for many centuries. There are 3 main species used medicinally which have very similar properties: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea Augustifolia and Echinacea pallida. The root or the whole plant is used in herbal [...]

Continue Reading Herb Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

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. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Thyme or common thyme is a perennial, evergreen shrub and is native to Spain and the Mediterranean region, although it is now found throughout the world. It originates from wild thyme (T. serpyllum), which is native to Britain and Europe, and has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians. The leaves and flowers [...]

Continue Reading Herb Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Slippery elm is a tree, which naturally grows in North America and has been used by native Americans for a variety of conditions for centuries. The bark of the tree is commonly used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Slippery elm Slippery elm bark contains very high levels of mucilage, which is rich in polysaccharides. [...]

Continue Reading Herb Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)

Passiflora or passion flower is a popular climbing vine with gardeners as it is adorned with beautiful purple flowers. It is native to South, Central and North America, but varieties of this vigorous plant now grow almost everywhere. The plant acquired its name from the 16th-century Spanish missionaries, who believed the flower represented the crucifixion: [...]

Continue Reading Herb Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata)

This common plant readily grows in the wild and has a folklore for use in supporting digestive action. The flowers are used to make the bach flower remedy – agrimony. Action of Agrimony This herb contains a variety of compounds, including coumarins, tannis, flavanoids and phytosterols. Historically it is said to be diuretic, hepatic, mild [...]

Continue Reading Herb Agrimony (Agrimonia Eupatoria)

Witch hazel is native to North America, but can now be found growing in most parts of Europe and Britain. In herbal medicine the leaves and the tree bark are used. Medicinal Properties of Witch hazel Witch hazel contains very high levels of tannins and volatile oils, which are astringent, anti-inflammatory and mildly antiseptic. It [...]

Continue Reading Herb Witch hazel (Hamamelis viginiana)

Gotu kola is an herbaceous perennial plant native to India, China, Indonesia, Australia, the South Pacific, Madagascar and southern and middle Africa. This slender, creeping plant flourishes in and around water. The roots and leaves are used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Gotu kola Gotu kola contains compounds called triterpenoids which have complex actions, [...]

Continue Reading Herb Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

Is a bog-plant that is native to Britain and Europe, but is now naturalised in the United States. Used in Europe for over 2000 years as a medicine, especially for soothing digestive and respiratory tracts. The Marshmallow roots and leaves are used medicinally. The root extract is sometimes used to make confectionery. Medicinal Properties of [...]

Continue Reading Herb Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)