Symphytum officinale Boraginaceae Names: Knitbone Habitat: Collection: The roots should be unearthed in the spring or autumn when the allantoin levels are the highest. Split the roots down the middle and dry in moderate temperatures of about 40-60...
Juglans cineraria Part Used: Inner bark. Constituents: Naphthaquinones, including juglone, juglandin and juglandic acid. Fixed and essential oil. Tannins. Actions: Laxative, Cholagogue, anthelmintic. Indications: Butternut is used as a...
Viburnum prunifolium Caprifoliaceae Names: Stagbush, American Sloe. Habitat: Eastern and Central USA. Collection: The bark from the roots and the trunk is collected in the autumn. The shrubs should be dug out and the bark stripped from roots and...
Ballota nigra Labiatae Habitat: Found growing wild throughout Europe, cultivated in Britain. Collection: The herb should be gathered just as it begins to bloom in July. Part Used: Dried aerial parts. Constituents: Diterpenoids, including marrubiin...
Rubus villosus Rosaceae Part Used : The bark of the root and rhizome Collection : Constituents : 20% Tannin, gallic acid, saponins including villosin. Actions : Astringent Indications : An excellent, safe and gentle astringent remedy that can be...
Fucus vesiculosus Fucaceae Names : Kelp, Seawrack, Kelpware, Black-tang, Bladder Fucus, Cutweed. Habitat : A seaweed common in colder waters. Part Used : The whole plant. Constituents : Phenolic compounds, phloroglucinol, its dehydropolymerization...
Sanguinaria canadensis Papaveraceae Names : Red Root, Red Indian Paint, Tetterwort. Habitat : N. America and Canada. Collection : The rhizome is unearthed in early summer (May to June) or in autumn when the leaves have dried. It should be dried...
Caulophylum thalictroides Berberidaceae Names : Papoose Root, Squawroot Habitat : USA Collection : The roots and rhizome are collected in the autumn, as at the end of the growing season they are richest in natural chemicals. Part Used : Root &...
Iris versicolor Iridaceae Habitat : Eastern and Central North America, growing in marshy places, producing distinctive blue flowers in spring. Commonly grown in Britain as an ornamental. Collection : The rhizome is best collected in the autumn. Part...
Chelone glabra Part Used : Dried aerial parts Constituents : Very little work has been carried out on this plant. Resins and bitters only have been reported. Actions : Cholagogue, hepatic, anti-emetic, stimulant, laxative. Indications : Balmony is...
David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMH