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Herbs 

With thousands of years of history, documented by ancient phytotherapists, herbal medicine is a successful and natural approach to health care. Misunderstood by many, herbs actually contain chemical compounds, which have a considerable effect on the body and mind. The benefits are by using the whole herb it is a safe, spiritual and more natural approach to health care with fewer side-effects. 

Following is a list of our herbs and their uses. All descriptions of herb uses are general and advice from a qualified herbal practitioner should be sought with more complicated cases and pregnancy. All information presented on this page has been allocated by a herbal practitioner. 

Dried herbs. 

The dried herbs are enjoyed by many simply as a tea or for their medicinal effects. Herbs denoted with a (T) should be made as a tea, by adding boiling water and leaving to infuse for 20 minutes. Those herbs designated with a (D) need to be prepared by boiling with water in a pan for 20 minutes and then drinking.

 

Agnus Castus – as a hormone balancer this herb can regulate your menstrual cycle (D) 1tsp. Not to be taken with the pill  

Angelica – a warming tea, which can help stimulate circulation (D). 1tsp.  

Bayberry – a liver stimulant which can help with detoxing (D). 1 tsp/A warming astringent useful for diarrhoea and respiratory or digestive catarrhal conditions (D). 1 tsp. 

Black Cohosh – contains the active ingredient of aspirin (Salicylic acid) and oestrogen like compounds and so is helpful with painful menstruation and menopausal symptoms (D). 1 tsp. 

Blue Mallow – can be used externally in the bath as a skin tonic. Also used for coughs and colds. Looks pretty too.

Borage – overworked and stressed? Borage nourishes and supports a stressed system (T). ½ tsp. Not to be taken for longer than 6 weeks.

Buchu – antiseptic to the urinary tract, buchu helps combat cystitis (T). 1tsp.

Burdock – powerful tonic and blood cleanser, a fantastic detox for the whole system. ½ tsp (D). To be used for no longer than 6 weeks.

Carob – used in flour form as an alternative to sugar in chocolate and fruit bars. Also used to dry up diarrhoea.

Chamomile – a well known tea taken for relaxation but also fights allergies and helps with stomach ulcers (T). 1tsp. Drink freely. 

Chickweed – used externally to treat eczema and to soothe itching and internally as a blood cleanser. (T) 1 tsp 

Clivers – helps to cleanse and detoxify a congested lymphatic system. (T) 1 tsp 

Cornsilk – helps to dissolve and can expel kidney stones and aids with cystitis. (T) 2 tsp

Calamus – stimulates the appetite and acts as a general tonic for the digestive system. (D) 1 tsp 

Couchgrass – antiseptic and soothing to the urinary system, can help with cystitis, kidney stones and painful urination. (D) 2tsp. 

Cumin Seed – a popular Indian spice used in cooking to aid digestion and stimulate the senses. Not to be used during pregnancy. 

Catnip – cats love it and some people use it in herbal magic, it can also be used as a herbal smoke.

Celery Seeds – helps to flush toxins which can create arthritis (D). ¼ tsp.

Coltsfoot – soothes and relaxes a dry cough. Popular as an alternative to smoking tobacco. (D) ½ tsp.

Comfrey – repairs damaged tissues, particularly useful for broken bones, wounds and stomach ulcers. (T) 1 tsp. Not to be taken for more than 6 weeks.

Damiana – as an aphrodisiac, it can help with sexual impotence and sterility. It is an energising and stimulating tonic and is supporting to nervous stability for depression and anxiety. (T) 1 tsp. 

Dandelion Root/Cut – works mainly on the liver by cleansing and stimulating. (D) 1 tsp

Dandelion Herb – a powerful diuretic, stimulates detox through the kidneys. Rich source of potassium and can be used for high blood pressure. (T) 1 tsp

Echinacea – a powerful immune system stimulant and natural antibiotic. Tonic for a depressed immune system, in cases where systems are susceptible to infection. (D) ½ tsp.

Elecampane – acts as an anti-bacterial for chest infections and as a relaxant. Helps with advanced or persistent coughs and stimulates expulsion of catarrh. (D) ½ tsp

Eucalyptus Leaf – acts as an antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal. Eucalyptus fights many diseases, specifically fevers, colds and sinusitis due to its decongestant properties. (D) 3-4 leaves

Everlastina Flowers – to stimulate the flow of gastric juices.

Eyebright – can help to promote good eyesight and helps to soothe inflamed and itchy eyes. Can also be used as a herbal smoke. (T) 1 tsp

Fennel Seed – a warming digestive aid, easing wind and irritability. (T) 1 tsp

Frankincense – burned on a charcoal to clear negativity in the air and to uplift.

Fringe Tree – a tonic to the spleen and pancreas, and so can help with balancing blood sugar levels. More often used for liver disorders as it acts as a stimulant. (T) 1 tsp.

Feverfew – a natural anti-inflammatory for arthritis, rheumatism and is very popular in the treatment of headaches. (C) 1tsp. Should be used for no longer than 6 weeks.

Hibiscus – a relaxing and sedative tea, also enjoyed for its flavour. (T) 1tsp. 

Hyssop – helps to encourage phlegm and mucus when there is congestion, also good for relaxation. (T) 1tsp. 

Jasmine Flower – a popular tea enjoyed for its aromatic flavour – also good for childbirth. Please seek professional help in pregnancy. (T) 1tsp. 

Goldenseal – a powerful herb with a wide range of actions. Antiseptic and de-toxifying, it is used to treat infections of the mucus membrane, in particular liver complaints, heartburn and dry catarrh. A fantastic tonic for the system. Should not be used for longer than 6 weeks or during pregnancy. (D) ½ tsp or ½-1 gram of powder. 

Golden Rod – used to treat conditions of excessive catarrh such as bronchitis and rhinitis. A tonic for the kidneys also. (T) ½ - 1 tsp 

Ground Ivy – Used in catarrhal conditions mainly involved with the sinuses, thus helping to combat sinusitis, rhinitus and deafness. (T) 1tsp. 

Hawthorn Berries – A cardiovascular tonic, it balances a high or low blood pressure and nourishes the heart. (D) 1-2 tsp. 

Hops – As a sedative it can help with insomnia and support nervous instability. (T) 1 tsp. 

Irish Moss – a very nutritious seaweed, taken by some to put on weight due to its wholesome quality. (D) 6-10g to be digested.

Kelp Powder – contains iodine which acts as a stimulant to the thyroid and helps with a hypothyroid. (T) ½ tsp. Capsules are also available as it can taste rather strange to some people. 

Kola Nuts – Contain caffeine and acts as a stimulant to the nervous system as well as a tonic. (D) 1 tsp.

Lavender – relaxing and uplifting, lavender is a well known anti- depressant, pain reliever and aids insomnia. (T) 1 tsp 

Lemon balm – with mild tranquillising and relaxing effects, lemon balm calms a hyperthyroid, stress and nervous excitability. An effective anti-viral too. (T) 1-2 tsp

Liquorice Root – a good all round herb, liquorice is a liver protector, it soothes a sore throat and stomach ulcers. It acts as a mild laxative and an adrenal tonic for those who are over-worked and stressed. (D) ½ tsp. Should be used for no longer than 6 weeks. 

Lovage Root – a warm and relaxing tonic for the digestive system, also helping to relieve menstrual pain. (D) ½ - 1 tsp

Mate – a stimulating tea from Brazil

Marshmallow – helps to soothe and moisten mucus membranes in the chest, stomach and urinary tract. Best prepared in cold water. ½-1 tsp.

Marigold – stimulates the immune system, it is anti-fungal and a general tonic, good for use in cases of debilitation. (T) 1-2 tsp. Tincture dosage – 2.5 ml

Meadowsweet – helps with hyper-acidic conditions, is an analgesic and a mild liver stimulant. Helps with rheumatism and some liver disorders. (T) 1-2 tsp

Mistletoe - dilates the blood vessels and is a cardiac depressant helping to reduce blood pressure, nervous excitability and insomnia. It also acts as a tranquillising tonic. (T) infused in cold water for one hour. 1 tsp.

Motherwort – a tonic for the heart and nerves, it eases palpitations and aids relaxation. Also used to stimulate menstruation . (T) 1-2 tsp.

Mugwort – It is a bitter and can be taken to improve appetite and is reputed to balance and promote healthy menstruation. Also used to treat worms and malaria. (T) 1 tsp

Mullein – soothes chesty conditions, it helps with asthma, emphysema, pleurisy, bronchitis and hayfever. (T) 2-3 tsp

Myrrh – traditionally used to burn on charcoal with Frankincense to uplift and clear negative energies. It is also considered to be very healing.

Oak Bark – acts as an astringent and is helpful with alcoholism and diarrhoea. Externally used to heal wounds. (D) ½ tsp.

Orris Root – Not for internal use – can be used on feet or hot and sweaty feet.

Organic Green Tea – is full of anti-oxidants and considered to be good for the immune system and is enjoyed by many. (D) 1 tsp.

Parsley Piert – helps to dissolve kidney stones and to pass them as it protects and moistens the urinary track. (T) 1-2 tsp 

Passiflora – also called Passion Flower it acts as a well known sedative and is used in the treatment of insomnia and for those suffering from nervous irritability. Can be used to assist withdrawal from addictive intoxicants. (T) ½ tspn

Pellitory – dissolves kidney stones and helps to expel them. It is an antiseptic and can prevent UTIs which can occur with kidney stones. (T) 1tsp.

Poke Root – a lymphatic stimulant and blood cleanser useful for swollen glands including the lymph and reproductive systems. Also reputed to have anti-tumour properties. (D) ½ tsp – do not exceed recommended dosages as can cause vomiting.

Plantain – anti-allergy, anti-histamine it helps to combat hayfever and chronic skin conditions. (T) 1-2 tsp.

Psyllium Seeds – help to draw toxins from the bowel and can be used for constipation as an alternative to stimulating laxatives which can leave the bowel toneless and lazy. 1 tsp to 50ml of water left through the day and taken before bed 

Peppermint – uplifting and relaxing and a well known digestive aid. (T) 1-2 tsp 

Periwinkle – contains chemicals used by physicians to suppress progression of some tumours. (D) 1-2 tsp 

Raspberry Leaf – a fantastic uterine tonic, can help with painful and heavy bleeding. Seek professional help for its use during pregnancy. (T) 1-2 tsp 

Red Clover – a lymphatic cleanser and general tonic which can help with skin conditions and also reputed to have treated breast and ovarian tumours. Also contains oestrogen like compounds. (T) 2 tsp 

Rosehip – High Vitamin C source, it helps to maintain general good health and fight the common cold. (T) 1-2 tsp 

Rosehip and Elderflower – a tea specifically for colds as it contains lots of vitamin c but also helps to stop a runny nose and calm a fever. Tastes good too. (T) 1tsp.

Sarsparilla – Balances hormonal functions inc. pituitary and adrenal glands. Contains testosterone and is helpful as a male tonic. It acts as a blood and immune system tonic and can aid sports performance and is known to help with chronic skin conditions.(D) 1 tsp. 

Scullcap – can help to relieve pain and its sedative action helps with insomnia. It can also be useful in treating severe mental illness. (T) ½ tsp. 

Slippery Elm – contains soothing and moistening polysaccharides which coat the gastro-intestinal tract and acid reflux. It can be sprinkled onto food as a powder or added after meals. Also available in capsules.

St. John’s Wort – well known as an anti-depressant. Also acts as an antiviral and has nerve pain relieving properties. (T) 1 tsp. Seek professional advice if taking other medicine.  

Uva Ursi – acts as a urinary antiseptic and astringent. Can be used to treat cystitis. Not to be used in kidney disorders or during pregnancy. Should not be taken for longer than 2 weeks. (T) 1 tsp

Valerian – taken by many to prepare for a good nights sleep, it acts as a sedative and a mild anodyne (pain reliever). (T) or (D) 1tsp. 

Vervain – good for stress as it is anti- spasmodic and a sedative. It nourishes the liver and is good for severe nervous debilitation such as viral fatigue syndrome and M.E. (T) 1-2 tsp 

Violet Leaves – used for pain relief, it is soothing and thought to suppress the growth of tumours. (T) 1-2 tsp

Tansy – Relaxing and stimulating, can be used for menstruation for those with absent periods. It is also anti-parasitic and can be used to eliminate worms, body-lice and fleas.   (T) ½ tsp

White Willow Bark – contains salicylic acid which is the main active constituent in aspirin and so this herb is analgesic. Helping with pain, arthritis and rheumatism.   Its benefits are that the herb used wholly protects the stomach lining. (D) 1 tsp.

Wormwood – as the name implies, wormwood rids the body of any parasites, including worms, which may be in the body. It is also strongly bitter and so stimulates the liver and gallbladder. 1 tsp in cold water left for 10 hours.