Virtual Herb Garden
23/11/2010 14:32
A sticky substance called an oleo-gum resin exudes from the bark of the Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) tree and it is this substance which is used for medicinal purposes. The resin consists contains significant amounts of a class of chemicals called sesquiterpene lactones which provide local...
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08/11/2010 15:41
Hops (Humulus lupulus) is known more as an ingredient in beer than for it's medicinal action. It is predominately used as a sedative and tranquilizer due to the presence of a volatile oil called humulene consisting, in part, of the compound 2-methylbut-3-ene-2-ol. For this reason it's...
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03/11/2010 11:26
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) or St Mary's Thistle is the best known herb for treating the liver to Western Herbalists. It's great liver protective and regenerative properties are due to a group of flavonoids (antioxidants) collectively called silymarin and the most predominant being...
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21/09/2010 16:10
The value of Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) for it's medicinal properties has been well recognised by many cultures for thousands of years. It contains a number of active chemicals which makes it useful for a range of different conditions. Specifically it contains a triterpenoid saponin called...
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07/09/2010 16:11
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is the red chilli peppers you would be most familiar with for cooking curries and other hot dishes. Like other hot spices, it is what Herbalists refer to as a circulatory stimulant which simply means it increases blood flow through the blood vessels right through to...
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17/08/2010 16:04
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is very common in southern parts of Africa where it was first prized for it's anti-inflammatory properties. It was given it's name due to the unsual design of the seed pod but it actually the tuber which possesses medicinal properties. It is predominately...
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04/08/2010 10:01
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) has the greatest affinity for the stomach and it is historically referred to as the 'normaliser of the stomach'. Although this refers to the pH, due to it's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is an effective treatment for peptic ulcer, gastritis,...
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27/07/2010 12:00
Sage (Salvia Officinalis) has two main uses. It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties (due to the presence of diterpenes) which, along with it's astringent and mucous busting properties (due to the presence of thujone), make it an ideal gargle for mouth and throat infections such as...
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20/10/2008 16:45
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is best known as the rich yellow spice used in curries but it's culinary use doesn't come close to showcasing the properties of this multi-talented herb. In medical terms it is referred to as a Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) which basically means it is a...
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11/08/2008 15:28
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an excellent herb for conditions of the lung. Because of its mucolytic properties (ie ability to break down mucous) it is ideal for conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. It is considered a relaxing expectorant so whilst it creates a productive cough it also has the...
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