David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHCentaurium erythraea Gentianaceae Names: Century, Feverwort. Habitat: Native to Europe, including the British Isles, Western Asia, North Africa and naturalized in N. America. Collection: The foliage should be collected at the time of flowering...
Matricaria recutita Part used: Flowering tops Constituents: There is a wealth of information about the whole range of components. However, this does not tell us much about the value and benefits of the herb as used in healing. The activity of the...
Vitex agnus-castus Verbenaceae Names: Vitex, Chasteberry. Collection: The very dark berries should be picked when ripe, which is between October and November. They may be dried in sun or shade. Part Used: The fruit. Constituents: Iridoid glycosides...
Stellaria media Caryophyllaceae Habitat: A common weed, it grows everywhere in moist places and frequently in gardens. Collection: This common `weed’ can be collected in spring, but may be found throughout the year. Part Used: Dried aerial...
Galium aparine Rubiaceae Names: Goosegrass, Clivers. Collection: The plant should be gathered before flowering and dried in the shade. Parts Used: Dried aerial parts and the fresh expressed juice. Constituents: Glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic...
Tussilago farfara Compositae Names: Coughwort, Horsehoof, Foal’s Foot. Habitat: A common wild plant in Britain and Europe, growing in dampplaces. Collection: The flowers should be gathered before they have fully bloomed (end of February to...
Sarothamnus scoparius Leguminosea Names: Scotch Broom, Irish Broom, Broomtops, Besom. Habitat: British Isles, Europe and naturalized in North America, SouthAfrica and parts of Asia. Collection: May be gathered throughout the spring, summer and...
Marsdenia condurango Asclepiadaceae Names: Eagle vine. Habitat: Ecuador and Peru. Parts Used: Dried bark. Constituents: Glycosides based on condurangogenins, which are esterified polyoxypregnanes, known as condurangoglycosides. Miscellaneous:...
Lycopus europaeus Labiatae Names: Sweet Bugle, Water Bugle, Gypsywort. Habitat: Eastern USA- L. virginicus. Europe-L. europaeus. Collection: It should be collected just before the buds open. Part Used: Aerial parts. Constituents: Phenolic acid...
Zea mays Graminaceae Collection: The stigmas should be collected just before pollination occurs, the timing depends upon climate. It is best used fresh as some of the activity is lost with time. Part Used: Stigmas from the female flowers of maize...
