HERBAL

Herbs and herbal healing

Herbalism is not a new thing. Herbs have been used for the purposes of healing(and sometimes harming!) for centuries!


One of the most comprehensive pieces of herbal literature was written by a 17th century physician, apothecary and astrologer, Nicholas Culpeper.
It is thanks to his diligent work that modern herbalism exists. Check out his book on the BOOKS page.

While I cannot be as comprehensive as Mr. Culpeper, I have tried to enclose the most common herbs in use today.

The Herbs

Agnus Castus (Vitex Agnus Castus)
Also known as Chasteberry, it is used for premenstrual problems including painful or swollen breasts and PMT. It can help with infertility and menopausal symptoms. It should not be taken with birth control pills, if you are undergoing hormone treatment or during pregnancy.

Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Used externally Aloe is used to treat minor wounds, burns, and abrasions. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation.

Arnica (Arnica Montana or Arnica SPP)
This is used externally as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and antiseptic for sprains, bruises, acne, swelling caused by bone fractures, insect bites, rheumatism and chilblains.


Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillis)
It is used to help narrowing of the arteries diarrhoea, bruising, varicose veins, haemarroids and mouth and throat infections. It can also help eye conditions such as cataracts and retinopathy caused by diabetes.



Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa)
Good for PMT and menstrual cramps, but it is best known for helping with menopausal symptoms, in particular hot flushes.



Burdock (Arctium Lappa or A. Minus)
This is commonly found in a bottle with the label "Dandelion and Burdock" written on it! It is used to help reduce water retention and to help to detoxify the system.



Calendula (Calendula Officinalis)
Also known as Garden Marigold, it can be used for mild burns, sunburn, mouth and throat infections, and wounds.



Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)
This is useful for indigestion, nausea,and insomnia when taken in the form of tea.It can also help with inflammation and can assist in the healing of wounds.



Cayenne (Capsicum Annuum or C. Frutescens)
Also known as chilli pepper it has an antioxidant effect. It can also be applied in a cream base to help ease osteoarthriris and rheumatoid arthritis, shingles and the "cold feet" symptoms in diabetics.
 

Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon)
This is commonly found as a preserve and a fruit juice, but there are also tablets available.It helps all urinary tract problems and particularly cistitis.



 

Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)
My grandmother used to call these "pee-the-beds"! The reason for this is that they act as a diuretic. They help relieve water retention and bloating accompanied by flatulence.



Echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea)
This helps to boost the immune system against minor viral and bacterial infections and is usually used for colds and flu. It is also excellent for relieving thrush.



Evening Primrose (Oenothera Biennis)
Commonly used in skincare this is effective in relieving PMT and can help ease dry, itchy eczema.


Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare)
This has long been known to aid digestion, It is used to relieve flatulence and bloating and because of its antispasmodic,antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties it is also good for coughs and catarrh.



Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Parthenium)
This is helpful in the treatment and prevention of migraines, it can also help reduce fever, give relief to arthritis and eases menstrual problems.



Garlic (Allium Sativum)
This helps to stimulate the immune system and is known to help in the assistance of fighting cancer.It helps to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.



Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
This helps to aid indgestion, nausea and travel sickness. It also helps with cold and flu symptoms,stomach upsets, hives, and can help to relieve headaches.It is also good for sports injuries and may also help to reduce cholesterol.



Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)
This helps to stimulate the mind. It is useful for short-term memory loss, dizziness and Alzheimer's. It can also be used for tinnitus and impotence.




Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)
This is known for its aphrodisiac qualities, but is also used as a tonic for fatigue, mental stimulation and helps during convalescence . It can also help with athletic performance.



Oats (Avena Sativa)
Cooked oats were traditionally used to aid the digestive system and to calm the nerves. It is also good for burns, eczema, allergic skin reactions, arthritis and rheumatism when added to a bath in a muslin cloth.




Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)
This is used  for indigestion, gastrointestinal spasms, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and respiratory congestion.



Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus)
Traditionally used for heavy and painful menstration cycles. It can also be used for diarrhoea, stomach ailments, colds, mouth ulcers and sore throats.

 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Useful for upset stomachs, flatulenceand stimulating the appetite. It is also know to help rheumatism, coronary blood flow and can be used to stimulate the memory.



St John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)
This is best known for easing depression. It can also be used externally for cuts burns and abrasions. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE ON THE PILL AS IT NULLIFIES IT!




Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
This is generally used as an antiseptic and is good for fungal infections such as thrush, candida and athletes foot. It is also used for acne and can be used as a gargle (heavily diluted and spat out!) for sore throats.




Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
This helps peptic ulcers, indigestion and liver problems. It contains an antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to help reduce cholesterol, hardening of the arteries and has cancer fighting properties.


Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis)
This is best known for its sedative effect. It helps with the relief of insomnia, calms the nerves and helps reduce muscles spasms (including PMT).




 

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