David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHHyssopus 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...
Panax spp. Habitat: Panax Ginseng is native to China and cultivated extensively in China, Korea, Japan and Russia.Panax quinquefolia is native to North America. Part Used: Root. Constituents: Saponin glycosides. These are referred to as the...
Galega officinalis Papilionaceae Names: French Lilac. Habitat: Grows wild in Europe, naturalized in Britain. Collection: The stalks with the leaves and flowers are gathered at the time of flowering, which is between July and August. Dry in the shade...
Solidago virgaurea Compositae Habitat: A common garden and wild plant in Britain and Europe. Collection: Gather stalks at the time of flowering, which is between July and October, preferably from plants not yet blooming. Dry in the shade or not...
Eupatorium purpureum Compositae Names: Gravelweed, Joe-Pye Weed, Queen of the Meadow. Do not confuse with Boneset: Eupatorium perfoliatum Habitat: USA Collection: The root and rhizome should be dug up in the autumn after the plant has stopped...
Hydrastis canadensis Ranunculaceae Names: Orange Root, Yellow Root. Habitat: Native to North America, it was used extensively by Native Americans as an herbal medication and clothing dye. Its medicinal use centered around its ability to soothe the...
Grindelia spp. Compositae Names: Gum Plant, Gum Weed, Tar Weed. Habitat: The USA and S. America Collection: The aerial parts are collected before the flower buds open. They are dried as soon as possible in the sun. Part Used: Dried aerial parts...
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...
