David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHChionanthus 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...
Taraxacum 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:...
Anethum graveolens Parts Used : Seeds. Collection : The seeds should be collected when fully ripe, that is when they have turned brown. They should be spread out to dry, not in artificial heat. Constituents : Volatile oil, consisting mainly of...
Echinacea spp. Compositeae Names: Purple Coneflower Habitat: Throughout North American prairies, plains, and open woodlands. Part Used: The root. Constituents: Echinacoside, in E. angustifolia but not E. purpurea.Research suggests that the...
Sambucus nigra Caprifoliaceae Names: Black Elder, European Elder. Habitat: Europe and the British Isles, commonly growing in hedges. Collection: The flowers are collected in spring and early summer and dried as rapidly as possible in the shade. The...
Inula helenium Compositae Names: Yellow Starwort Habitat: Indigenous to Europe and temperate Asia, naturalized in the USA, and cultivated widely in Europe and also China. Collection: The rhizome should be unearthed between September and October. The...
Eucalyptus globulus Myrtaceae Names: Blue Gum. Habitat: Victoria and Tasmania in Australia, cultivated in USA and Southern Europe etc. Collection: Part Used: Leaves, and the oil distilled from them. Constituents: Volatile oil, the major component of...
Gentiana lutea Part Used: The dried rhizome and root. Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present. Pharmacologically important constituents include iridoids...
