David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHTaraxacum officinale Compositae Habitat: Widely distributed throughout most of the world as a “troublesome weed.” Collection: The roots are best collected between June and August when they are at their bitterest. Split longitudinally...
Harpagophytum procumbens Pedaliaceae Habitat: Indigenous to Southern and Eastern Africa. Collection: This plant grows in Africa in very arid conditions. The roots are collected at the end of the rainy season. Part Used: Rhizome. Constituents:...
Centaurium 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...
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...
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...
Barosma betulina Rutaceae Names: Bucco, Agathosma betulina. Habitat: S. Africa. Collection: The leaves should be collected during the flowering and fruiting stage. Part Used: Leaves. Constituents: Volatile oil, diosphenol (=buchu camphor), pulegone...
