Search - Categories
Search - Content

Herbs

herbs1

While many herbs are used for their flavour and medicinal properties, like drugs, any plant with the potential for healing when used appropriately also has the potential for harm when used irresponsibly. Although the most popular medicinal herbs are reasonably safe for most people, most of the time, and when taken in their recommended amounts, many medicinal herbs contain pharmacologically active compounds that have drug effects on the body. All drugs have the potential to cause allergic reactions, side effects, and interactions with other herbs and drugs. Anyone who uses herbs should do so cautiously, responsibly and be well informed on the herb they choose.

caraway

Caraway: is a carminative herb that improves digestion, eases colic and wind, and stimulates the appetite ...

Common Names: Caraway

Botanical Name: Carum carvi

Family: Apiaceae

Plant Type: Biennial

Parts Used: Whole plant

Pin It

catnip

Catnip: traditionally used for the treatment of colds and flu, but also relaxing and calming properties. Especially suitable for children with fevers ...

Common Names: Catnip

Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria

Family: Lamiaceae

Plant Type: Perennial

Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops

Flowering: July

Pin It

calendula

Calendula: if you are making a cream with calendula, use only the flower petals in order to obtain a deep golden colour ...

Common Names: Calendula, Pot Marigold

Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

Family: Asteraceae

Plant Type: Hardy annual

Parts Used: Flower petals, leaves

Flowering: June to frost

Pin It

cayenne

Cayenne: stimulant and tonic, helping digestive and circulatory disorders, Use in small amounts - approximately one-quarter of recommended general dosage ...

Common Names: Cayenne

Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum

Family: Solanaceae

Plant Type: Evergreen perennial

Parts Used: Fruit

Pin It

chamomile

German Chamomile: this herb has plenty to offer - it helps regenerate liver cells, provides an antihistamine, and is unsurpassed for its stress-reducing effects ...

Common Names: Chamomile, Camomile

Botanical Names: Anthemis nobile (Roman or English Chamomile); Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile)

Family: Asteraceae

Plant Type: Hardy Annual

Parts Used: Flowers and leaves

Pin It

cinquefoil

Cinquefoil: the name Potentilla, meaning "mighty force" was awarded to this group of plants because of their renowned powers as medicine ...

Common Names: Cinquefoil, Five Fingers, Crampweed, Silverweed, Shepherd's Knot

Botanical Name: Potentilla spp.

Family: Rosaceae

Plant Type: Shrubby perennial

Parts Used: Leaves, roots

Flowering: May to Fall

Pin It

cleavers

Cleavers is known for its ability to support and cleanse the lymphatic system, particularly where there is an acute "hot" inflammation ...

Common Names: Goose grass, catchstraw, bedstraw, clivers

Botanical Name: Galium aperine

Family: Rubiaceae

Plant Type: Annual climber

Parts Used: The whole herb

Flowering: June to September

Pin It

coltsfoot

Coltsfoot: one of the best remedies for irritable coughs - effective in the treatment of acute infections like bronchitis and laryngitis, to the management of chronic conditions such as emphysema and silicosis ...

Common Names: Coltsfoot, British Tobacco

Botanical Name: Tussilago farfara

Family: Asteraceae

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

Parts Used: Leaves and flowers

Flowering: April

Pin It

comfrey

Comfrey: contains calcium and the compound allantoin, which speeds cell renewal in the body's muscles, bones and connective tissue ...

Common Names: Comfrey, Slippery Root, Knitbone, Boneset

Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale

Family: Boraginaceae

Plant Type: Hardy perennial

Parts Used: Leaves, roots, and rhizomes

Flowering: April until Autumn

Pin It

coriander

Coriander: is widely used for its ability to disguise the unpleasant taste of other medications. It is the herb of choice to accompany senna, for both its taste and antispasmodic action when a strong laxative is required ...

Common Names: Coriander, Cilantro, Mexican or Chinese Parsley

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Family: Apiaceae

Plant Type: Annual

Parts Used: Leaves and seeds

Flowering: Summer

Pin It

dandelion

Dandelion: the leaves of this golden-flowered weed are rich in vitamins A, B, C and D, as well as potassium, zinc, iron and calcium ...

Common Names: Dandelion, Blow Ball, Lion's Tooth, Wild Endive

Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale

Family: Asteraceae

Plant Type: Hardy perennial

Parts Used: Roots, leaves, and flowers

Flowering: May - June

Pin It

dill

Dill: this herb soothes digestion, stomach pains and hiccups, reduces flatulence, and lulls you to sleep ...

Common Names: Dill, Dilly Weed

Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens

Family: Apiaceae

Plant Type: Annual

Parts Used: Leaves and seeds

Flowering: July

Pin It