David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHMarrubium vulgare Labiatae Name: White Horehound Habitat: Found growing wild throughout Europe, cultivated in Britain. Collection: White Horehound is gathered whilst the herb is blossoming between June and September. It is dried in the shade at a...
Chionanthus virginicus Part Used: The root bark. Constituents: Phyllyrin, a lignin glycoside, Chionanthin. Actions: Hepatic, cholagogue, alterative, diuretic, tonic, antemetic, laxative. Indications: This valuable herb may be safely used in all...
Aesculus hippocastanum Hippocastanaceae Names: Do not confuse with its North American relative Aesculusglabra, Buckeye. Habitat: Native to Northern Asia but widely cultivated, common in Britain. Collection: The ripe chestnuts should be gathered as...
Fumaria officinalis Fumariaceae Names: Earthsmoke. Habitat: Common in Europe and the British Isles, especially in cultivated fields. Collection: It should be collected when in flower, which is throughout the summer. Part Used: Aerial parts...
Equisetum arvense Equisetaceae Names: Shavegrass. Habitat: Common on wet ground and waste places. Collection: Take care to ensure the plants being picked are E.arvense or other common species, as some other specices are rare butlocally abundant...
Allium sativum Liliaceae Habitat: Cultivated worldwide. Collection: The bulb with its numerous cloves should be unearthed when the leaves begin to wither in September. They should be stored in a cool dry place. Part Used: Bulb. Constituents:...
Hydrangea arborescens Saxifragaceae Names: Seven Barks, Wild Hydrangea Habitat: USA. Collection: The roots should be unearthed in the autumn. Clean and slice whilst still fresh as they become very hard on drying. Part Used: Dried roots and rhizome...
Zingiber officinale Part Used: The rootstock. Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present. Pharmacologically important constituents include: Volative oil...
Hyssopus officinalis Labiatae Habitat: A common garden plant. Part Used: Dried aerial parts. Collection: The flowering tops of Hyssop should be collected in August and dried in the sun. Constituents: Terpenoids; including marrubiin, oleanolic and...
An abundance of research has been undertaken on this ancient plant, revealing a wide range of profound and important therapeutic effects. They can be grouped into cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic effects. Here we shall focus on the...
