David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHGrindelia 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...
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...
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...
