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Herbs
While many herbs are used for their flavour and medicinal properties, like drugs, any plant with the potential for healing when used appropriately also has the potential for harm when used irresponsibly. Although the most popular medicinal herbs are reasonably safe for most people, most of the time, and when taken in their recommended amounts, many medicinal herbs contain pharmacologically active compounds that have drug effects on the body. All drugs have the potential to cause allergic reactions, side effects, and interactions with other herbs and drugs. Anyone who uses herbs should do so cautiously, responsibly and be well informed on the herb they choose.
Caraway: is a carminative herb that improves digestion, eases colic and wind, and stimulates the appetite ...
Common Names: Caraway
Botanical Name: Carum carvi
Family: Apiaceae
Plant Type: Biennial
Parts Used: Whole plant
Catnip: traditionally used for the treatment of colds and flu, but also relaxing and calming properties. Especially suitable for children with fevers ...
Common Names: Catnip
Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Flowering: July
Calendula: if you are making a cream with calendula, use only the flower petals in order to obtain a deep golden colour ...
Common Names: Calendula, Pot Marigold
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Hardy annual
Parts Used: Flower petals, leaves
Flowering: June to frost
Cayenne: stimulant and tonic, helping digestive and circulatory disorders, Use in small amounts - approximately one-quarter of recommended general dosage ...
Common Names: Cayenne
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Family: Solanaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Parts Used: Fruit
German Chamomile: this herb has plenty to offer - it helps regenerate liver cells, provides an antihistamine, and is unsurpassed for its stress-reducing effects ...
Common Names: Chamomile, Camomile
Botanical Names: Anthemis nobile (Roman or English Chamomile); Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile)
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Hardy Annual
Parts Used: Flowers and leaves
Cinquefoil: the name Potentilla, meaning "mighty force" was awarded to this group of plants because of their renowned powers as medicine ...
Common Names: Cinquefoil, Five Fingers, Crampweed, Silverweed, Shepherd's Knot
Botanical Name: Potentilla spp.
Family: Rosaceae
Plant Type: Shrubby perennial
Parts Used: Leaves, roots
Flowering: May to Fall
Cleavers is known for its ability to support and cleanse the lymphatic system, particularly where there is an acute "hot" inflammation ...
Common Names: Goose grass, catchstraw, bedstraw, clivers
Botanical Name: Galium aperine
Family: Rubiaceae
Plant Type: Annual climber
Parts Used: The whole herb
Flowering: June to September
Coltsfoot: one of the best remedies for irritable coughs - effective in the treatment of acute infections like bronchitis and laryngitis, to the management of chronic conditions such as emphysema and silicosis ...
Common Names: Coltsfoot, British Tobacco
Botanical Name: Tussilago farfara
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers
Flowering: April
Comfrey: contains calcium and the compound allantoin, which speeds cell renewal in the body's muscles, bones and connective tissue ...
Common Names: Comfrey, Slippery Root, Knitbone, Boneset
Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale
Family: Boraginaceae
Plant Type: Hardy perennial
Parts Used: Leaves, roots, and rhizomes
Flowering: April until Autumn
Coriander: is widely used for its ability to disguise the unpleasant taste of other medications. It is the herb of choice to accompany senna, for both its taste and antispasmodic action when a strong laxative is required ...
Common Names: Coriander, Cilantro, Mexican or Chinese Parsley
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
Family: Apiaceae
Plant Type: Annual
Parts Used: Leaves and seeds
Flowering: Summer
Dandelion: the leaves of this golden-flowered weed are rich in vitamins A, B, C and D, as well as potassium, zinc, iron and calcium ...
Common Names: Dandelion, Blow Ball, Lion's Tooth, Wild Endive
Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Hardy perennial
Parts Used: Roots, leaves, and flowers
Flowering: May - June
Dill: this herb soothes digestion, stomach pains and hiccups, reduces flatulence, and lulls you to sleep ...
Common Names: Dill, Dilly Weed
Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens
Family: Apiaceae
Plant Type: Annual
Parts Used: Leaves and seeds
Flowering: July