David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHCola vera Part Used: Seed kernel. Constituents: Caffeine, with traces of theobromine Tannins and phenolics; d-catechin, l-epicatechin, kolatin, kolatein, kolanin and in the fresh nut, catechol and (-) epicatechol Miscellaneous; phlobaphene, an...
Lavandula officinalis Part Used: Flowers. Constituents: Volatile oil, containing linalyl acetate, with linalool, lavandulyl acetate, borneol, camphor, limonene, cadinene, caryophyllene, 4-butanolide, 5-pentyl-5-pentanolide. Coumarins; Umbelliferone...
Guaiacum officinale Zygophyllaceae Names: Guaiac, Lignum vitae. Habitat: W. Indies, Florida and S. America. Collection: The resin of the woods exudes naturally and is often collected and used as such, otherwise the heart-wood itself is cut into...
Crataegus oxyacantha & C. monogyna Part used Whilst the berries are the most often used part of this shrub, the flowers and leaves may also have a role to play. Constituents Its constituents highlight the importance of flavones and flavonoids in...
Viola tricolor Violaceae Names: Wild Pansy. Habitat: A common British wild and garden plant. Part Used: Herb. Constituents: Flavonoids, including violanthin, rutin, violaquercitrin. Methylsalicylate Miscellaneous; mucilage gums, resin, saponin...
Humulus lupulus Part Used: Flower inflorescence. Constituents: Volatile oil, composed mainly of humulene (= x-caryophyllene), with b-caryophyllene, myrcene, farnesene, 2-methylbut -3-ene-2-ol, 3-methylbut-2-ene-l-al, 2, 3, 5-trithiahexane and...
Marrubium 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...
