HERBAL APOTHECARY
We truly believe in the power of knowledge. That's why we've set up this wonderful Herbal Apothecary Index for if you are prescribed a personalised herbal blends or have some herb goodness in your prescribed treatment products you have a good accessible resource to inform you even more. It is also so you can tap into a little of our herb wisdom to understand the intended action and therapeutic effect.
As an extra good bonus - at the bottom of the page we have a herbal action downloadable for you have too.
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Enjoy learning more about your herbs and any questions please do get in contact - we love to answer any questions you have.
Herb Goodness List
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Andrographis 1:2 (Andrographis paniculata)
Andrographis is extremely bitter in taste but well worth the persistence! If you are coming down with a cold or flu this beauty will be sure to put up a good fight to any Virus. Andrographis is immune enhancing, choleretic, liver protective and anthelmintic. It is used primarily to treat acute viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, intestinal worms, infective hepatitis and digestive weakness.
Aniseed 1:2 (Pimpinella anisum)
Aniseed contains high levels of essential oils making it beautifully aromatic! It is a good expectorant and spasmolytic, making it great for chesty spasmodic coughs. Its carminative action assists to dispel gas. It can also assist in modulating oestrogen, increases breast milk and is anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and can assist in bringing on menstruation.
Arjuna 1:1 (Terminalia arjuna)
Arjuna is a herb used a lot in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It is astringent, bitter, a cooling herb, and works on all three dosas. It is mostly known for its cardio tonic properties and used in cardiac debility, strengthening the heart muscle, lowering cholesterol, improving circulation, angina, to reduce blood pressure and has antioxidant activity. In my experience Arjuna seems to have a clearing effect, helping to move stagnant ailments as in the case of its expectorant action to shift mucus.
Astragalus 1:2 (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus is known for its immune enhancing, tonic and adaptogenic effects. Used in chronic, persistent infections, debility, fatigue and post viral syndromes. Astragalus has also been used as a heart tonic and can lower blood pressure.
Bacopa 1:2 (Bacopa monniera)
Bacopa is one of our best brain enhancing herbs it is a nerve tonic and adaptogen improving cognition, memory, reducing anxiety, assisting in ADHD and Alzheimers. Bacopa is also used in hypothyroidism to enhance thyroid function.
Baical Skullcap 1:2 (Scutellaria baicalensis)
Baical Skullcap's main action is in down regulating an overactive allergic response. Making it prefect to treat Hayfever, eczema and better manage Asthma. Used in acute infections of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.
Barberry 1:2 (Berberis vulgaris)
Barberry is strongly bitter, a great Cholagogue and cholerectic which makes it perfect to treat liver and gallbladder insufficiency, mild constipation and gallstones. It is also anti-microbial and anti-parasitic due to its berberine content, which can help in gastrointestinal inflammation caused by pathogens like Helicobacter pylori. Due to all these actions, Barberry can also have a favourable effect on good bowel flora.
Bearberry 1:2 (Arctostaphylas uva-ursi)
Bearberry also known as Urva Ursi, is a great urinary antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory. The perfect combination of actions to treat acute and chronic cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis, dysuria and can also be useful for kidney and bladder stones. In more recent times, Urva Ursi has also been highlighted as an external application to treat hyper-pigmentation of the skin.
Black Cohosh 1:2 (Cimifugia racemosa)
Black Cohosh is oestrogen modulating, and is mostly used to treat the natural transition of menopause helping to reduce hot flushes and nights sweats. its additional anti-spasmodic action assists in dysfunctional menstruation and Premenstrual syndrome. Black Cohosh is also strong anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and often used to treat arthritis.
Black Walnut 1:10 (Juglans nigra)
Black Walnut is very bitter in taste and most well known for its anti parasitic and anthelmintic actions to treat intestinal worms and parasites. It also has blood cleansing properties.
Bladderwrack 1:1 (Fucus vesiculosis)
Bladderwrack is a seaweed naturally high in trace minerals, in particular iodine. It is used in subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism. Iodine is essential to making thyroid hormone and therefore bladderwrack is perfect to support an under functioning thyroid gland and healthy metabolism.
Boldo 1:1 (Peumus boldus)
Boldo has mostly been traditionally to treat stomach, liver, gallbladder and bladder discomfort. It is a cholagogue and choleretic, antiseptic, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory. Boldo is effective in assisting with elimination of gallstones, but should be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist.
Bupleurum 1:2 (Bupleurum falcatum)
Bupleurum is a great liver restorative and protective herb, along with anti-inflammatory, antitussive and diaphoretic actions. I see bupleurum best to treat congestive liverish conditions where there is hormonal or auto-immune involvement. I always think of this herb to treat the ladies with fluctuating hormones that feel irritable, moody and bloated around the time of menstruation.
Burdock 1:2 (Arctium lappa)
Burdock is strongly depurative, and used mostly to cleanse the blood. It is used to treat skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea and furunculosis and arthritic conditions like gout and rheumatism.
Burr Marigold 1:2 (Bidens tripartita)
Traditionally Burr marigold was well regarded for its astringent, diuretic, and styptic actions making it a key herb to treat all things to do with dysfunctional bleeding like haemorrhoids, haematuria and gastrointestinal bleeding. Burr Marigold is a systemic anti-bacterial effective in addressing resistant gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria pathogens. it is a mucous membrane tonic, anti-inflammatory and body fluid regulator.
Calendula 1:2 (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is a vulnerary stypic, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and topically anti-viral and anti-fungal. With such a extensive list of actions, this makes calendula perfect to treat inside and out. Used internally for ulceration, enlarged lymph, cysts, scarring and healing. Calendula is most famous for its topical use in mouth ulcers, cold sores, acne, eczema, wounds, minor burns, infections, nappy rash, insect bites and general inflamed skin conditions.
Californian Poppy 1:2 (Eschscholtzia californica)
This is one of my favourite looking herbs with its delicate and stunning orange flower. Californian Poppy is strongly anxiolytic, sedative, analgesic and hypnotic, this perfect combination of actions treats anxiety, panic attacks, Insomnia, emotional stress, nerve pain such as toothache, sciatica and trigeminal neuralgia.
Cats Claw 1:2 (Uncaria tomentosa)
Cats Claw is one of my most favourite herbs. It has proven to be powerful in its action enhancing immunity and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.I use this herb a lot to treat acute viral infections, auto-immune and multifaceted conditions where immune support and reducing inflammation is needed. Also great for general debility and convalescence.
Cayenne 1:3 (Capsicum annuum)
If you can handle some heat cayenne will assist with poor peripheral circulation, digestive weakness, low stomach acid, gas, acute infections and fever. it is also a metabolic stimulant assisting with weight loss. Topically we use cayenne for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, laryngitis and pharyngitis. Cayenne is extremely pungent and hot even at very small doses. Great added to a sinus formula to clear out congestion.
Chamomile 1:2 (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is a diverse herb and could be used in almost everyones herbal. It is anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, carminative, mild sedative, anti ulcer, vulnerary and diaphoretic. This combination of actions makes chamomile perfect for soothing most gastrointestinal upset such as irritable bowel, food sensitivities, colic, gastritis, peptic and mouth ulcers, teething and oesophageal reflux. Its particularly good where nervousness and anxiety is causing stomach upset.
Chaste Tree 1:2 (Vitex agnus castus)
Chaste Tree has its most profound effect on regulating hormonal imbalances. Chaste tree is a prolactin inhibitor, dopaminergic agonist, indirectly progesterogenic and a galactogue. Used in PMS, erratic ovulation, irregular or absent and/or dysfunctional menstruation, female hormonal acne, oestrogen excess, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
Chen Pi 1:2 (Citrus reticulata)
Chen Pi is an aromatic digestive, carminative and expectorant action. Used for congestive digestive conditions, colic, abdominal distension and bloating, lack of appetite, nausea, candida and food sensitivities.
Cinnamon 1:1 (Cinnamomum verum)
This is true Sri Lankan cinnamon or known as Ceylon Cinnamon. It is warming, astringent, antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, carminative, antidiarrhoeal, hypoglycaemic, hypoinsulinaemic, hypolipidaemic and immune modulating. Cinnamon is used for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dysglycaemia, flatulent dyspepsia, bacterial, viral and fungal infections, tinea, candida, the common cold, oxidative stress and inflammation. I also use cinnamon in parasitic infections due to its high essential content.
Clivers 1:2 (Galium aparine)
Clivers or Cleavers is a blood cleanser with depurative and lymphatic actions. It is commonly used for chronic skin disorders like eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea and cogested or swollen lymph glands.
Clove 1:1 (Syzgium aromaticum)
Clove like whole cloves we use in cooking has a strong distinct taste. It is anthelmintic, carminative, aromatic digestive, spasmolytic, chologogue, antimicrobial and analgesic. With this extensive list of actions clove is a great herb to eradicate intestinal worms and parasites, assist in abdominal bloating and gas. Topically clove can numb the pain of toothache.
Coptis 1:2 (Coptis chinensis)
Coptis is a traditional Chinese Medicine herb, to clear heat.Used to treat all states of infection, congestion and inflammation of the mucus membranes, respiratory GIT and skin. Coptis has a very high berberine content which is largely responsible for most of its very long list of actions to include anti-inflammatory, liver protective, hypolipidemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-obesity, chemoprotective, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant. It is very effective to treat fever, sore throat, eye inflammation, nose bleeds, blood in the urine, stool, phlegm or vomit.
Cordyceps 1:2 (Cordyceps militaris)
Cordyceps has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, heptoprotective, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, hypocholesterolaemic, and an immune modulator. This is an impressive list of actions and used in respiratory, kidney and liver disorders, cardiovascular disease, low libido, impotence, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, infertility, chronic kidney disease, cancer, bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections.
Cryptolepis 1:2 (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta)
Used traditionally in African herbal medicine. This little beauty has been discovered by more western herbalists due to its ability to address some pharmaceutical resistant parasites. It has also displayed systemic antimicrobial effects against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Its also ant-viral, anti-fungal, and shown to be active against mycobacterial infections and blood parasites like Babesia spp. African herbalists also used to treat malaria due to its anti-plasmodial and anti-pyretic actions. I have to mention that I am most impressed with what I have seen this herb do so far =)).
Damiana 1:2 (Tumera diffusia)
Damiana is a nerve tonic. Damiana is most commonly known ,for its aphrodisiac action and is also used to treat anxiety, depression, nervous dyspepsia and constipation.
Dandelion Root 1:2 (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion Root Is a bitter tonic with Choleretic, cholagogue, mild laxative and diuretic actions. It is mostly used in liverish conditions where there may be gallstones, poor bile flow, flatulence, constipation and dyspepsia.It can also assist in rheumatic conditions.
Dong Quai 1:2 (Angelica sinensis)
Dong Quai is anti-inflammatory, anti anaemic, anti-platelet, uterine tonic, mild laxative and anti arrhythmic. Dong Quai is perfect for spasmodic dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, absence of a period, menstrual irregularity. poor peripheral circulation, cerebrovascular disease, angina and liver damage. The chinese use this herb where there is liver chi stagnation. I always think of this herb where there is bloating, constipation and the dragging down sensation associated with menses.
Echinacea 1:2 (Echinacea purpurea + angustifolia)
I use a premium Echinacea containing both purpurea and Angustifolia species. Echinacea is probably one of the most well known herbs for the immune system for very good reason. Echinacea has the ability to not only enhance the immune system but modulate where needed. It is also anti-inflammatory, blood cleansing, Echinacea's use is diverse and used for chronic or acute bacterial, parasitic or viral infections through out most parts of the body, swollen lymph glands and spleen enlargement.
Elderflowers 1:2 (Sambucus nigra)
Elderflower is used for excessive nasal and upper respiratory catarrh production such as in acute sinusitis. its also a very good diaphoretic assisting the body to sweat out the common cold and flu or acute infections where fever is present.
Elecampane 1:2 (Inula helenium)
Elecampane is expectorant, spasmolytic, diaphoretic and antibacterial. Used in acute bronchitis, colds and flus, pertussis, pneumonia. it is great for expelling mucus from the lower respiratory system in bronchitis, asthma, chesty coughs and emphysema.
Eyebright 1:2 (Euphrasia species)
Eyebright is not only for the eyes as the name would suggest. I use eyebright mostly for upper respiratory conditions to restore the mucous membranes of the sinus passages as it is anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-catarrhal and a membrane tonic. This the perfect combination of actions needed for sinus, hey fever, excess nasopharyngeal catarrh, otitis media. Eyebright has also been used as a wash for red and irritated eyes, however we don't recommend using the alcoholic extracts in this way.
Fennel 1:2 (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel is carminative, spasmolytic, expectorant, galatogogue, anti-microbial, oestrogen modulating and an appetite stimulant. Fennel is used for colic, flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhoea, low milk production, spasmodic dysfunctional menstruation, loss of menses, excess catarrh, bronchial asthma, and coughs.
Gentian 1:2 (Gentiana lutea)
Gentian is primarily used to as a bitter tonic to get those gastric juices flowing. It is used for digestive weakness, low stomach acid, low appetite, constipation, flatulence, intestinal colic, abdominal bloating , convalescence and to treat worms and parasites.
Ginger 1:2 (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is a pungent aromatic digestive with antiemetic, carminative, circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and diaphoretic actions. Gingers is quite diverse and used in nausea, morning sickness, travel sickness, dyspepsia, colic, abdominal bloating, Irritable bowel syndrome, infections, fever, common cold, acute bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spasmodic and painful period, endometriosis and raynauds syndrome.
Ginkgo 2:1 (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo is an antioxidant, blood thinner, enhances tissue perfusion, increases oxygenation to the extremities and neuroprotective. With such a specialised collection of actions Ginkgo can be used in the treatment or management of Alzeimhers, poor short term memory and concentration, dementia, poor circulation, gangrene, raynauds syndrome, dizziness, tinnitus, idiopathic hearing loss, recent stroke, macular degeneration, impaired microcirculation, poor retina blood flow, asthma and tissue healing.
Golden Seal 1:3 (Hydrastis canadensis)
Golden Seal is bitter and in taste it is anti-haemorrhagic, anticatarrhal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, a blood cleanser and restores mucous membrane integrity. Golden seal is very powerful in its action for upper respiratory infections and inflammation such as sinus, hayfever, ear infections, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and excess mucus. Golden Seal is also great for all gut infections, parasites and ulcerations. Externally it is brilliant for acne.
Gotu Kola 1:1 (Centella asiatica)
Gotu Kola promotes healing and is anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, anti-fibrotic, adaptogenic and a nerve tonic. Gotu Kola can be used for venous insufficiency as in varicose veins, haemorrhoids and cellulitis, also good for wounds, ulcers, arthritis and improved cognitive function. Gotu Kola has an amazing ability to to break down abnormal fibrotic tissue such as old scarring and adhesions which works beautifully for old acne scars, post surgery healing, fractures and perfect for scleroderma.
Gymnema 1:1 (Gymnema sylvestre)
Gymnema has the ability to make sugar taste bad, making it perfect for the sugarholic! It is anti-diabetic, Hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolaemic, hypolipidaemic. It is used to treat metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity, as it improves insulin sensitivity, regulates blood sugar and reduces blood fats. It is also very useful as an adjunct in treating women with Poly cystic ovary syndrome.
Hawthorn Leaves 1:2 (Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn leaf also containing the flower parts is cardioprotective, cardiotonic, hypotensive, anti arrhythmic a vasodilator, antioxidant, mild astringent and is collagen stabilising.Hawthorn is mainly used for all matters of the heart. It can be used in mild congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, Angina, Heart attack prevention, cardiomyopathy, impaired peripheral circulation, high blood pressure and heart palpitations.
Hawthorn Berries 1:2 (Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn Berries have almost all the same properties as the Hawthorn Leaf extract. The flowers contains a higher amount of flavone glycosides, useful for heart conditions, however the Berries contain high amounts of Oligmeric procyanidins making the berries a great anti-oxidant. I generally use a combination of both the leaf and berries when treating all heart and circulatory conditions.
Hemidesmus 1:2 (Hemidesmus indicus)
Hemidesmus is mostly used to down regulate an over activity of the immune system in autoimmune driven illnesses.
It is an immune suppressant, depurative and diaphoretic. It works well where there is a compromised immunity with rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, Scleroderma, Multiple sclerosis, Raynaud's, Lupus and Coeliacs.
Holy Basil 1:2 (Oclmum tenulflorum)
Holy Basil is traditionally an Ayurvedic herb to increase body resistance and promote physical and mental health. Holy basil is adaptogenic, thymoleptic, sedative and strong antioxidant. Holy Basil is used to support the stressed, fatigued or adrenally and mentally drained individual and is both calming and energising at the same time. Holy Basil also has antiseptic properties.
Hops 1:2 (Humulus lupulus)
Hops is strongly hypnotic and sedative in its action. It is also oestrogen modulating and a anaphrodisiac in males. Hops is most commonly used for anxiety, neuralgia, excitability, improving sleep onset and sleep maintenance and panic attacks. In more recent times hops is being used for menopausal symptoms and excessive libido in men. Hops is also a good bitter herb making it useful for sluggish digestion and reduced appetite.
Horopito 1:2 (Pseudowintera colorata)
Horopito is a plant native to New Zealand and is best known for its anti-fungal effects to treat candida spp., oral thrush and ringworm. It will work systemically and has exceptional affinity for the gastrointestinal respiratory and genitourinary tract. It is also anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial a circulatory stimulant and analgesic. Effective in stomach pain, respiratory infections and diarrhoea. I successfully also use Horopito in creams to treat fungal infections externally.
Horny Goat Weed 1:2 (Epimedium sagittatum)
Horny Goat Weed is a Traditional chinese Medicine herb used to reinforce kidney yang, therefore used predominantly in male reproductive health, sexual dysfunction, impotence, erectile dysfunction, spermatorrhoea, frequent urination, chronic nephritis and benign prostatic hypertrophy. it is also a phytoestrogen and useful with women to support menopause symptoms, menstrual irregularities, cardiovascular, osteoporosis. It is also an immune system regulator.
Horsechestnut 1:2 (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Horsechestnut is venotonic, antioedema and anti-infammatory. Its very specific actions make it a key herb to treat venous insufficiency, varicose veins, lymphoedema, varicose ulcers, bruising, restless leg syndrome and to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Isatis 1:2 (Isatis tinctoria)
Isatis has an affinity for the throat and clears blood heat. Isatis is systemically anti-microbial in resistant new merging infections like mycoplasma type infections and associated symptoms. Isatis is antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. The Chinese used it in the SARS (Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome) epidemic several years ago. It also modulates the immune system.
Japanese Knotweed 1:2 (Polygonum cuspidatum)
In TCM, Japanese Knotweed removes jaundice and clears heat toxins. Japanese knotweed is high in Polyphenols, in particular Resveratrol and possesses potent anti-oxidant activity which strongly protects cells for cellular damage. Knotweed is also anti-inflammatory, and an immune modulator. Very useful in chronic disease states where cellular destruction is happening at a faster rate ie. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, nerve and immune conditions. Increases blood circulation and a key anti-ageing herb.
Kava 1:1 (Piper methysticum)
Kava has long been used traditionally by the Fijians. Kava is Anxiolytic, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, mild sedative, analgesic, skeletal muscle relaxant, spasmolytic and local anaesthetic.Given this extensive list of actions, Kava is perfect for high anxiety, acute stress, excitability, panic attacks, insomnia, and muscular tension. It can also be used topically for itchy skin, toothache, sore throats and mouth ulcers.Recent studies have also shown very promising results with depression.
Korean Ginseng 1:2 (Panax ginseng)
Korean Ginseng is a very powerful and stimulating herb. It is adaptogenic, tonic, immune modulating, cardiotonic, male tonic and cancer protective. Korean ginseng improves physical and mental performance. Great for convalescence, debility, chronic fatigue, immune deficiency and post virally. Korean ginseng is perfect adjunct therapy to negate the detrimental effects of chemo and radiation therapy. We use White Korean Ginseng as it is less heating and less stimulating and usually tolerated well.
Kudzu 1:2 (Pueraria lobata)
Kudzu has an anti-intoxication action and is very useful to treat alcohol related problems like alcohol addiction. It also contains phytoestrogenic isoflavones and shows a positive effect on the adrenals to combat the physical symptoms of stress. This makes it ideal to treat menopausal women.
Ladies Mantle 1:2 (Alchemilla vulgaris)
Alchemilla is mostly used for the Ladies suffering menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, endometriosis, and menopausal symptoms. This is due to its coillabrative astringent, antihaemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory actions.
Lavender 1:2 (Lavender angustifolia)
Due to it's high essential oil component Lavender is beautifully fragrant. Lavender has carminative, spasmolytic, anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity. Lavender is used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, excitability, flatulence, intestinal colic, nervous dyspepsia, irritable bowel and tension headaches.
Lemon Balm 1:2 (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is a nice gentle sedative, carminative, spasmolytic, diaphoretic and topical anti-viral. Used in western herbal medicine for anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, depression, colic, flatulence, nervous dyspepsia and can be effective in warding off cold sores topically.
Licorice 1:1 (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
We use a high grade Licorice extract yielding a higher glycyrrhizin content. Licorice is anti-inflammatory, mucoprotective, adrenal tonic, expectorant, demulcent, mild laxative, anticariogenic and anti-tussive. Licorice uses is extensive, and used to treat gastritis, peptic ulcers, adrenal depletion, addison's disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, androgen excess, bronchitis, asthma, coughs and constipation. Licorice will also assist withdrawal from corticosteroid drugs.
Lion's Mane 1:2 (Hericium erinaceus)
Lions' Mane is anti-inflammatory, mucoprotective, demulcent, immune modulating, adaptogenic, adrenal tonic, antimicrobial, anti parasitic, and anti ulcer. Lion's Mane is great for fatigue, to improve stress resistance, restore the adrenals, to regulate the immune system in both overactive allergic and autoimmune conditions or low immunity. to treat parasites, bacterial infections, gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers.
lomatium 1:2 (Lomatium dissectum)
Lomatium is a potent antiviral, with an affinity for lung tissue, and considered the king of lung herbs! The native Americans used Lomatium succesfully to reduce the spread and effects of the Spanish Flu outbreak. Some studies have shown Lomatium to penetrate the viral coat in both DNA and RNA virsues. It seems to show up exactly where it's needed in acute viral infections affecting the lungs, where it also conveniently acts as an expectorant.
Magnolia 1:2 (Magnolia officinalis)
Magnolia is thought to replenish Chi, the essence of life in traditional Chinese and Japanese cultures. Magnolia is known for its anxiolytic and anti-depressant features. In more recent times, Magnolia has also displayed anti-cancer, anti-atherosclerotic, cardio-protective, anti-obesity and insulin sensitising effects.
Maritime Pine 1:2 (Pinus pinaster)
Maritime Pine is high in Oligomeric proanthocyanidins and strongly antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and Anti-Viral. Maritime Pine is used in asthma, antioxidant therapy, anti-ageing, high cholesterol, hypertension, chronic venous insufficiency such as in leg ulcerations, retinopathy, diabetes and premature ejaculation due to its ability to improve the microcirculation. it's a great prevention for risk of thrombotic events on long-haul flights.
Marshmallow Root 1:5 (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow's is well known for its soothing, demulcent and mucilaginous properties. Marshmallow is used for almost any condition that is inflamed and irritated such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux, peptic ulceration, gastritis, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, rritating coughs, cystitis and urethritis.
Meadowsweet 1:2 (Filipendula ulmaria)
Meadowsweet is most commonly known and used for its stomach acid regulating effects. Meadowsweet is antacid, anti-inflammatory, mild urinary antiseptic, astringent and mucoprotective. It is indicated for peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal inflammation, gastro-oesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis and rheumatic complaints and where there is both high or low hydrochloric acid levels.
Motherwort 1:2 (Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort is a nervine tonic, cardiotonic, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, antithyroid, spasmolytic and emmenagogue. It has the perfect combination of actions to tone down an overactive thyroid or what we refer to as a thyroid storm. Motherwort is used for the cardiac symptoms apparent in hyperthyroidism, palpitations, anxiety, neuralgia, nervous tachycardia, secondary amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhea, and ovarian pain.
Muira Puama 1:1 (Ptychopetalum olacoides)
In Brazilian herbal medicine Muira Puama as a strong aphrodisiac and sexual toinc. Muira Puama is nerve tonic, antioxidant, adaptogenic, neuroprotective and memory enhancing. Muira Puama enhances physical performance and is a neuromuscular tonic. It and will treat low libido, erectile dysfunction, impotence, premature ejactulation, general weakness, rheumatism, dyspepsia, anxiety, depression, poor memory, menstrual cramps, premenstrual tension and has been used in brazil to prevent baldness.
Mullein 1:2 (Verbascum thapsus)
I consider Mullein one of the most powerful expectorants. Mullein is also demulcent, anticatarrhal and vulnerary. Mullein is mostly used to treat lung infection, with excessive mucous as in bronchitis and tracheitis, the common cold and chesty coughs. It is less commonly used to treat peptic ulcers, diarrhoea and topically for wounds, haemorrhoids and earache.
Mushroom Forte blend (Maitake, Reishi, Shitake)
Mushroom Forte is a blend of three of the most researched medicinal mushrooms. Reishi, Maitake and Shitake together these shrooms reduce inflammation, improve adaption to stress, modulate the immune system, and have been used in cancer treatments given that they are chemoprotective. All mushrooms contain polysaccharides and have their own unique specific uses in the body, but are most frequently used to bring balance to the immune system and support a chronic depleted immune system.
Myrrh 1:5 (Commiphora myrrha)
Myrrh is a gum or resin and is in my opinion the 'go to' for stealth like persistent pathogens. Myrrh is astringent, strongly anti-microbial and antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, anthelmintic and lymphatic. Mullein is guaranteed to pack a punch in treating worms, parasites, bronchitis, nasal catarrh and the common cold. Topically it is very effective for ulcers, tonsillitis, wounds and gingivitis. Because Myrrh is so strong and powerful in its action, long term use is not recommend.
Nettle 1:1 (Urtica dioica)
Nettle is nutritive, anti rheumatic, antiallergic, depurative and styptic. Nettle is used to nourish with trace minerals. Nettle leaf also treats hay fever, dermatitis, acne, urticaria, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and uterine and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Nigella 1:2 (Nigella sativa)
Nigella also known as Black Seed or Black Cumin is aromatic with a peppery like taste and is extremely diverse as a medicinal herb. Nigella is digestive, carminative, diaphoretic,duiretic, anthelmintic, anti-diabetic, hypolipodaemic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, anti-tumour and chemoprotective. It assists to increase appetite, reduce diarrhoea and fever, treat gastrointestinal worms and parasites like Helicobactor Pylori, general weakness, chest congestion, dropsy, asthma and arthritis.
Paeonia 1:2 (Paeonia lactiflora)
I find Paeonia works exceptionally well for improving oestrogen and progesterone balance. Paeonia is Spasmolytic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, mild skeletal muscle relaxant, cognitive enhancer, and of course oestrogen modulating. Paeonia is used frequently in all conditions of oestrogen excess such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, menstrual dysfunction and androgen excess. Paeonia is less commonly used in epilepsy and to improve mental performance.
Passionflower 1:2 (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower is anxiolytic, spasmolytic, hypnotic and a mild sedative. Passionflower is one of our more well known herbs for sleep difficulties, anxiety, nervousness, excitability, irritability, neuralgia, drug addiction, Nervous tachycardia, palpitations, epilepsy and tension headaches.
Paw Paw 1:1 (Carica papaya)
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Peppermint 1:2 (Mentha X pipertia)
Peppermint is a great herb for dyspepsia, intestinal colic, flatulence, IBS, bloating and nausea, It is exceptionally good at settling a irritable gallbladder, and improving release of bile from the gallbladder. Can also be used to clear nasal congestion with the common cold and sinus headache.
Poke Root 1:5 (Phytolacca decandra)
Poke Root's most common use in the herbal world is for it's ability to move and clear lymphatic congestion. Poke root is anti-inflammatory, lymphatic, depurative and immune enhancing. Poke Root need only be used strictly in very small quantities and is of great assistance for enlarged lymph glands, lymphadenitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, chronic nasal catarrh, mumps, mastitis, abscess in the breast tissue, chronic skin disorders like dermatitis and psoriasis.
Pomegranate 1:2 (Punica granatum)
Pomegranate, is anti-parasitic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-carcinogenic and selectively anti-microbial which means it can kill off specific bad bacterias without knocking off the good. Applications for pomegranate is worm and parasite infestations, haemorrhage, dysentery, diarrhoea, acidosis and bronchitis and to improve the microbiome bacteria balance.
Qing Hao 2:1 (Artemisia annua)
Qing Hao or more commonly known as Sweet or Chinese Wormwood is a bitter tonic, febrifuge, antiviral and anti parasitic, Chinese Wormwood is used in the treatment of intestinal parasites, lupus and viral infections such as the herpes virus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr Virus.
Raspberry 1:1 (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry leaf, due to its astringent action is well known for its ability to prepare the uterus for a smooth labour. It tones the uterus to make contractions more efficient. It is recommended to start in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Rehmannia 1:2 (Rehmannia glutinosa)
Rehmannia is most commonly used in adrenal fatigue as an adrenal tonic to kick fire the adrenals again. Rehmannia is also antipyretic, antihaemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory. Rehmannia plays a nice role in the management of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and hashimotos. its also used in thyroid conditions, menopause, asthma, urticaria, chronic nephritis, fever, constipation, metrorrhagia, and epistaxis.
Reishi 1:5 (Ganoderma lucidium)
Reishi is a super mushroom and has an array of actions making it a great adjunct in the treatment of cancer during chemotherapy and radiation. Reishi is anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-viral, immune modulating, relaxant and a great tonic. Ganoderma is used in chronic immune insufficiency and to treat post viral syndromes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, autoimmune conditions and to slow the ageing process through stress adaption. It’s a great tonic for the elderly.
Rhodiola 2:1 (Rhodiola rosea)
Rhodiola is adaptogenic, tonic, antioxidant and anti tumour. Rhodiola is mostly used to improve physical and mental performance particularly when under high stress. It is used in debility, chronic immune deficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, post viral syndromes and as an adjunct treatment to radiation and chemotherapy. Rhodiola can also support the neurochemical dopamine.
Ribwort 1:2 (Plantago lanceolata)
Ribwort is a great demulcent, anticatarrhal, astringent and vulnerary styptic. Ribwort will help anywhere there is irritation to the mucous membranes and excess mucus is causing issues. Used for nasopharyngeal catarrh, chronic sinusitis, hay fever, pharyngitis, catarrhal deafness, irritating coughs, lower respiratory catarrh, gastritis and urinary tract irritations.
Rosemary 1:2 (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is noticeably fragrant and uplifting. Rosemary is best known for its memory and cognitive enhancing effects. It is also heptoproctective and an antioxidant making rosemary great for liver protection and detoxification. It is also carminative, spasmolytic, antimicrobial and a circulatory stimulant. It is also used topically with great results for stimulating new hair growth.
Saffron 1:20 (Crocus sativus)
Saffron is a nerve tonic, mood enhancing, antispasmodic, mild diaphoretic, stomachic, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, chemoprotective and emmenagogue. Saffron is used to enhance mood by increasing serotonin levels. It is also useful in fatigue, alzheimers, improving cognitive function, retinal dysfunction, premenstrual tension, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, amenorrhoea, asthma, coughs, colds and fever.
Sage 1:2 (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a high essential oil containing herb and has a distinct strong and antiseptic like taste. Sage is spasmolytic, antioxidant, astringent, antihyperhidrotic and antimicrobial. It’s used commonly to treat hot flushes and night sweats in menopausal women. Its also used to improve memory and concentration, dyspepsia, flatulence, laryngitis, pharyngitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, tonsillitis, glossitis, tension headache, fever and inhibits lactation.
Saw Palmetto 1:2 (Serenoa repens)
Saw Palmetto is one of the best herbs to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy and chronic prostatitis. It is a male tonic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and anti-androgenic. It can also be used for testicular atrophy, orchitis, cystitis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Schisandra 1:2 (Schisandra chinensis)
Schisandra is a liver herb. It is heptoprotective, adaptogenic, antioxidant, nerve tonic, antitussive, oxytocic and mild anti-depressant. Schisandra enhances both phase I and 2 liver detoxification pathways via the liver making it a great herb for hepatitis and liver damage. It is also great for fatigue, debility, night sweats, frequent urination at night and improves resistance to all kinds of stress by enhancing ones physical and mental resistance and performance.
Shatavari 1:2 (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari meaning 'having one hundred husbands' As the meaning implies, shatavari has been traditionally used as a tonic for the female reproductive system to enhance a women’s libido, treat menopausal symptoms and promote lactation. It is less commonly used for male impotence. Shatavari is a sexual tonic, tonic, galactagogue, spasmolytic, antidiarrhoeal and diuretic.
Shepherd's Purse 1:2 (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Shepherd's Purse is most commonly used for the female reproductive system. It has uterine antihaemorrhagic, urinary antiseptic and styptic actions making it a key herb in treating dysfunctional uterine bleeding such as in the case of uterine fibroids. It can also assist in other bleeds topically or internally like haematuria, heavy menstrual bleeding and acute cystitis.
Siberian Ginseng 1:2 (Eleuthrococcus senticosus)
Siberian Ginseng is adaptogenic and immune modulating. Siberian Ginseng is considered a milder in action to Korean Ginseng and therefore suits most people longer term with out being too stimulating. It's mostly used for chronic fatigue, improving stamina and endurance, enhancing the body stress response. Siberian ginseng is also used for mild depression, post viral syndromes, adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation treatments, convalescence and a great tonic for anyone who is debilitated.
St Johns Wort 1:2 (Hypericum perforatum)
St johns Wort has attracted some attention over the years for very good reason. St johns wort is commonly used in depression, anxiety, emotional stress, Menopausal symptoms, premenstrual tension, neuralgia, insomnia, autoimmune conditions and is very effective against enveloped viruses such as cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and shingles. St johns wort's is an antidepressant by elevating serotonin levels, a nervine tonic, vulnerary, topically antimicrobial and a very under rated antiviral.
St Mary Thistle 2:1 (Silybum marianum)
St Mary Thistle or also commonly known as Milk Thistle. St Mary's Thistle is heptoprotective , hepatic, trophorestorative, antioxidant and choleretic. Milk Thistle is one of our best liver tonic herbs with the ability to enhance liver repair and protect the liver from ongoing further damage. It is used with fatty liver, liver damage, cirrhosis, hepatitis, gallstones, nausea, colic, food sensitivities, metabolic syndrome, haemochromotosis and to support liver and heavy metal detoxification.
Thuja 1:5 (Thuja occidentalis)
Thuja is anti-microbial, depurative, anti-viral and anti-fungal. It is best known to treat certain strains of the warts virus taken both internally and applied externally. It is also commonly used to treat abnormal growths such as in ovarian cysts etc.
Thyme 1:2 (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is is another high essential oil containing herb with a very fragrant herbaceous smell. Thyme is expectorant, spasmolytic, antibacterial, anti fungal and antimicrobial. Thyme is perfect for lower or upper respiratory congestion where there is bacterial infection present, bronchitis, whopping cough, pharyngitis, laryngitis, gingivitis, halitosis, the common cold, coughs, peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis. I use thyme to break down the biofilm in the treatment of parasitic infections.
Tienchi Ginseng 1:2 (Panax notoginseng)
Tienchi Ginseng is strongly anti-hemorrhagic and very successful in treating abnormal and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. It is also cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic and hypo-cholesterolaemic. Also used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, angina, high cholesterol, bruising and haematoma.
Turmeric 1:1 (Curcuma Longa)
Turmeric is fast becoming one of the most commonly taken herbs on the market, mainly due to its well credited anti-inflammatory action. Turmeric in its whole form is also anti platelet, antioxidant, anti-tumour, hypolipodemic and choleretic.Turmeric is indicated for peptic ulcers, helicobactor pylori, dyspepsia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, alzheimers, cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, cystic fibrosis and up regulates liver phase 1 and 2 detoxification pathways.
Tribulus 1:1 (Tribulus Terrestris)
The steroidal saponins from the fruit of Tribuuls are largely responsible for its use aphrodisiac properties, used for sexual health, infertility, male impotence, low libido, poor muscle strength, and very helpful in the menopausal woman. Tribulus is also used to treat cystitis, oedema, kidney stones coronary heart disease and gout.
Valerian 1:2 (Valeriana Officinalis)
Valerian is a sedative, anxiolytic, hypnotic, spasmolytic and muscle relaxant. Valerian is most commonly used to improve sleep onset and maintenance. But can also be used for excitability, panic attacks, emotional stress, irritability, intestinal colic, nervous dyspepsia, Hypertension, depression, migraine headache and dysmenorrhoea. Valerian has an unusual smell, sometimes described as the smell of 'dirty socks' Don't let this deter you as it doesn't taste too bad and is worth it.
Wild Yam 1:2 (Dioscorea Villosa)
Wild Yam is mostly used for female reproductive issues, it is spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti rheumatic and oestrogen-modulating. Used in menopause, female infertility, threatened miscarriage, ovarian pain, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhoea, diverticulitis and intestinal colic.
Withania 2:1 (Withania Somnifera)
Withania, also known as Ashwaganda is one of my favourite herbs and could go into everyone herbal mix. Withania is a tonic, adaptogenic, mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, immune modulating and ant anaemic. Withania helps us adapt better to the daily demands of life, improving stress tolerance, stamina and energy, and brings a calm centred feeling. Withania builds the blood in convalescence, emaciation, anaemia, debility and a failure to thrive. Withania is truely a beautiful herb.
Wormwood 1:5 (Artemisia Absinthium)
As the name would suggest, Wormwood treats intestinal worms and parasites. Wormwood is intensely bitter in taste, anthelmintic and anti-parasitic. Also used for digestive weakness, flatulence, low stomach acid, anorexia, intestinal colic, abdominal bloating, nausea and food sensitivities.
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Zizyphus 1:2 (Zizyphus Spinosa)
Zizyphus is beautifully sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic and hypotensive. It is particularly good for anxiety where there is excess sweating, poor onset sleep insomnia, night sweats in menopausal women, irritability, emotionally uptight, palpitations and hypertension.
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GLOSSARY
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