The Herbs

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus - A traditional Chinese herb, Astragalus does its best work when boosting a vulnerable immune system, rather than treating a raging infection, where it is best to leave to other herbs such as Echinacea. The Chinese say that Astragalus strengthens Qi (deep energy), and who doesn’t need a touch-up in the Qi department from time to time? It will also improve vitality and reduce fatigue.

Bacopa

Bacopa monniera - Bacopa, also known as Brahmi, is an ancient herb in the Ayurvedic tradition. Bacopa improves and sustains concentration levels. It is also good for improving memory and the acquisition and retention of information. Bacopa helps regenerate nerves that have been damaged, making it a particularly good herb for recovering from a stroke. A study showed that Bacopa reversed memory loss in aged rats. Where did I leave my cheese? Bacopa is often combined with two other mind herbs – Ginkgo and Gotu kola.

Burdock

Arctium lappa - Burdock leaves and roots are enjoyed as vegetables in Japan and Europe. Herbally, burdock root has been used for centuries as a detoxifier (or, to use a lovely old-fashioned term, ‘blood purifier’) to cleanse the body from within, with a particular affinity for the liver, our busiest detoxifying organ. In the tradition of herbal medicine, blood purifying herbs are used for skin problems including eczema, psoriasis and acne as well as for improving the function of liver, kidneys and bowel.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis - Calendula’s common name is Marigold, loved by gardeners for it’s chirpy yellow and orange flowers. Calendula petals have been used for centuries to heal wounds, cuts and scrapes. Calendula is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, ideal for sore throats, gum disease and ulcers. Add it to any blend where an antiseptic is required, calendula is also good externally.

Chamomile

Matricaria recutita - In Europe, Chamomile tea is commonly sipped as a digestive aid after meals. It soothes the stomach, and can be helpful for diarrhoea, nausea, reflux and abdominal cramps including period pain. Chamomile is as soothing to the mind as it is to the tummy, being mildly sedative. It was recommended in the 1600s to ‘comforte the braine’. If you are an anxious type, swapping coffee for chamomile tea is a good move.

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum zeylanicum - The inner bark of a tropical Sri Lankan tree, cinnamon has a comforting aroma, reminiscent of apple pies. It is often used in baking and confectionery. Cinnamon is also a valued spice used by herbalists to improve digestive problems, particularly where there are spasms, such as colic or tummy cramps. Cinnamon is a warming tonic, wonderful for easing winter chills, and also or people who ‘feel the cold’. You only need a little cinnamon to enhance the flavour of your herbal tisane. Cinnamon is also an essential ingredient in chai.

Damiana

Turnera aphrodisiaca - Damiana’s botanical name gives a clue as to its traditional use. A native to Central America, there is evidence the Mayans took advantage of Damiana’s properties and European herbals claim Damiana as a tonic to the ‘sexual apparatus’! However, there is much more to recommend Damiana. It is useful for nervous disorders particularly mild depression and anxiety. It has also been used to ease bladder and kidney complaints.

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale - The leaf of the dandelion makes a very good diuretic (increases urine flow) and delicious salad herb, while dandelion root has been favoured for centuries for its effect on improving liver function and sluggish bowels. Many people enjoy a cup of dandelion root tea as a substitute for coffee, perhaps because it has a black colour and tastes bitter..but it doesn’t have the kick of coffee as Dandelion does not contain caffeine.

Dong quai

Angelica sinsensis - This mellow tasting herb (trust me I’m a naturopath) is one of the best and oldest ‘female tonic’ herbs. Dong quai is a herb that helps most ‘female’ ailments from PMS, to heavy and painful periods, and even menopause. Dong quai has soothing and calming properties, just the thing for maelstrom hormones.

Echinacea

Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea - The ‘E’ herb that nobody can pronounce, Echinacea is native of the prairies of America and was used by the Sioux, Comanche and Cheyenne for snake bites, sore throats and wounds. Echinacea is able to boost the body’s immune system thus allowing our body to fight acute infection as well as boosting immune response, something antibiotics are unable to do. Echinacea is effective against both bacterial and viral infections, whereas antibiotics are specific only for bacteria. By the way, it’s pronounced Ek-in-aY-sha.

Ginger

Zingiber officinale - Ginger is one of those wonderful plants that double as medicine and food. It is a tummy tonic par excellence. Good for nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion and cramping. If you are a cold fish, ginger is also a terrific circulation tonic. Recent studies have shown that in addition to its tummy powers, ginger helps lower cortisol in the body, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. Sipping on a ginger tea has never tasted better.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba - Also known as the maidenhair tree, the Ginkgo tree has remained genetically identical for one hundred and fifty million years, and has a life span of one thousand years. No wonder it’s recommended for the effects of ageing. Gingko increases blood flow, particularly in those hard to get to places like the brain, fingers and toes. Studies show gingko improves memory, particularly in older folk. Ginkgo also has a place in helping with anxiety and depression as it increases soothing neurotransmitters.

Ginseng Korean

Panax ginseng - Panax is derived from the Greek word Panacea or ‘cure all’ and indeed this ugly hairy root has an impressive therapeutic repertoire. From infertility to protection against the harmful effects of radiation therapy, to increasing mental and physical endurance and performance. Panax ginseng is most helpful for low energy states and a less than stunning sex drive. The Chinese say Panax restores ‘yang’ energy, the energy of strength, stamina and virility. In part this is due to an increase in testosterone, the hormone that boosts libido and energy in both men and women.

Ginseng Siberian

Eleutherococcus senticosus - Not even a close rellie of Panax, Eleutherococcus was given the ‘ginseng’ tag because it has similar actions to Panax, or perhaps it’s easier to spell than Eleutherococcus. Siberian ginseng restores and strengthens the immune system while assisting the body to deal with stress. Emotionally it helps with mild depression. World class triathletes use Siberian ginseng in their training to improve endurance. Siberian ginseng helps the body defend against colds, flus and other infections. It is also good for helping recover from the effects of surgery, chemotherapy or any illness.

Gotu kola

Centella asiatica - Indian elephants love Gotu kola leaves, and everyone knows ‘elephants never forget’. Gotu kola has the marvellous combination of relaxing the body and stilling the mind, which is why for centuries it has helped Indian meditators to meditate. It is said Gotu kola strengthens the crown chakra, the energy centre at the top of the head, closest to heaven. Gotu kola is also used for arthritis, psoriasis, TB and even leprosy. Despite the similarity in name Gotu kola is not related to the kola nut, and does not contain caffeine.

Hawthorn

Crataegus oxyacantha - Hawthorn is a traditional tonic for the heart. With heart disease one of the major causes of death, hawthorn has its work cut out for it. Hawthorn can be used for conditions including high blood pressure, angina, arrhythmia, high cholesterol and heart muscle weakness. A truly lovely herb if you are wanting to prevent heart disease, it’s also helpful as an adjunct to other medicine. As always, talk to your health practitioner if you are on medication.

Hibiscus (Rosella)

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Hibiscus is usually thrown in to herbal tea blends to impart a stunning rosy colour and fruity flavour. However, hibiscus offer more than these sensory delights. They contain high levels of antioxidants, and are helpful for inflammation of mucus membranes such as sore throats, gum disease and cystitis. It has recently been found to reduce high blood pressure.

Hops

Humulus lupulus - Yes, the very same hops that brew beer happen to be extremely effective as a sleeping brew. Apart from the very bitter taste, hops are terrific for soothing anxiety, and is one of the best herbal sleeping agents, particularly combined with Passionflower and Valerian. Hops also reduce nerve pain.

Kava

Piper methysticum - Samoans don’t do stress. Perhaps it’s due to the Polynesian traditional beverage, Kava, first recorded by Captain James Cook in 1768 during his voyage to the South Seas. If you suffer from nerves, or know you are about to enter a high-stress time, sipping on kava can smooth out the edges. Kava works quickly, so it’s useful to sip if you know you have an anxious day ahead. Although it helps you sleep, Kava should not cause drowsiness. If you have ever tasted Kava you will be familiar with the tingly, numbing sensation. This is because Kava acts as local anaesthetic and analgesic, good for sore throats.

Lemongrass

Cymbogpogon citratus - A member of the Ayurvedic herbal repertoire, lemongrass is a favourite especially in food and herbal teas due to it’s delicious fresh citrusy aroma and lively taste. Lemongrass is excellent for the digestion, particularly bloating and flatulence. It is also helpful for headaches and good for nervous exhaustion. The fragrance is used in aromatherapy to improve mood.

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra - If you get your hands on a bit of licorice root, give it a suck. It’s incredibly sweet taste is due to Glycyrrhizin which is 150 times as sweet as sugar, but it actually helps stabilise blood sugar levels. Licorice not only tastes good it helps so many conditions, including; asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions and is a wonderful adrenal tonic, helping folk cope with stress. Long term use of high doses of licorice can lead to a depletion of potassium. This is unlikely drinking 2-3 cups of licorice tea daily, but check with your practitioner.

Nettle

Urtica dioica - Prickly on the outside, nettles are only guarding their rich source of nutrients within, especially iron, chlorophyll, vitamin A and silica. Traditionally, nettles have been cooked up as food as well as medicine. Nettle is a general tonic for tired and debilitated states. Particularly appropriate for those with low iron levels, nettle is also great for women who suffer heavy periods. Possibly due to its high silica levels, nettles have long been used to improve the condition of hair, skin and nails.

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata - Passionflower is the flower of the exotic passionfruit vine a native of central and South America. The passionflower was named in the 1500’s by Spanish conquistadors in Peru, who saw the flowers as symbolic of the passion of Christ, and therefore a sign of Christ’s approval of their efforts. I’m sure the locals felt differently. Passionflower has mild tranquillising properties, but will not make you drowsy. It is an excellent herb for insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, emotional and physical tension. Also for heart palpitations, high blood pressure and twitching muscles.

Peppermint

Mentha piperita - Part of mint family, peppermint was used widely by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. As well as a medicine, peppermint has a great taste and is a major player in the confectionary world. Peppermint tea is excellent for wind pains (colic) and flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, indigestion and reflux. Also good for snuffly colds as the menthol released in hot peppermint tea helps if you are clogged up. As it is the peppermint oil that is most potent, it’s best to use fresh peppermint leaves, or buy the freshest dried herb you can. Sipping cool peppermint tea helps relieve the hot flashes of menopause.

Raspberry Leaf

Rubus idaeus - Raspberry Leaf tea sounds like it should taste yummy. It doesn’t. But that hasn’t stopped it being used for centuries for pregnant mums. Sipping Raspberry leaf tea helps relieve morning sickness, but it is later in the pregnancy that raspberry leaf comes into it’s own. Rasberry leaf is traditionally taken in the last trimester of pregnancy to ‘tonify’ the womb. In fact, it is thought to build up the strength of the myometrium (uterine muscle) which leads to an easier delivery. Two to three cups a day in the last trimester.

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis - Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) is a favourite beverage in South Africa, where it is known as Red Bush due to it’s beautiful orange red colour, and is a traditional medicine and beverage of the Khoi tribe. Drunk instead of water for hydration by South African athletes. Research has shown that Rooibos is very rich in polyphenol antioxidants. Early studies are promising, suggesting rooibos may be helpful against certain cancers, heart attack and stroke.

Rose hips

Rosa canina - Rose hips are the fruit of the Dog Rose. Their ruby colour and pleasant mildly astringent taste makes rose hips a favourite in herbal tea blends. Rich in Vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Rosehip syrup is an oldfashioned cold remedy for children. Rosehip tea is good for preventing and treating sore throats and colds, also for tummy complaints especially diarrhoea.

Rose petals

Rosa damascene - Pretty, angelic-smelling rose petals are used extensively in cosmetics and the essential oil is highly regarded by aromatherapists who believe the smell can heal a heavy heart and promote happiness. Rose has antiseptic properties, but is perhaps most useful in filling the senses with the beauty of nature.

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis - A mediterranean herb with unforgettable fragrance, rosemary has a calming effect on digestion, helping bloating, flatulence. Also excellent for the circulation, helping relieve headaches and improve memory. Rosemary has a rich history often linked with rites of purification and warding off evil spirits. Always a mindful fragrance “There’s Rosemary that’s for remembrance; pray, love, remember:” (Hamlet)

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens - Named after a palm that has fronds as sharp as a Saw. Saw Palmetto used to be known as ‘old man’s friend’ as it helps with symptoms affecting the prostate gland including increased urination, dripping after urination and inflammation and irritation. Although well known for it’s prostate reducing powers, Saw Palmetto may increase libido by increasing the amount of testosterone.

Scullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora - Scullcap quietens and strengthens the nervous system. Good for restless sleep. Irritability, tension, nervous exhaustion, nervous twitches. Helping bring peace of mind. Like other mildly tranquillising herbs, skullcap will help you sleep better at night, but will not cause drowsiness if taken during the day.

Senna

Cassia angustifolia - The pods of the Senna tree are used to treat constipation. Senna is quite a harsh laxative, that can cause griping pains. Best used with calming herbs to the tummy such as chamomile, peppermint and ginger. Use with caution, irregularly.

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum - Long before it became the celebrity herb for depression, St. John’s wort was used for all afflictions of the nervous system. Since the middle ages, herbalists have prescribed St. John’s wort for nervousness, anxiety, sleep problems as well as shingles (good externally as well), herpes and any spinal or nerve damage.

St. Mary's Thistle

Silybum marianum - St. Mary’s Thistle is the ultimate herb for the liver. Research has shown that it can help to regenerate damaged liver tissue. It aso aids in the detoxification of alcohol and drugs. The active constituent, silymarin, has been found to have potent antioxidant properties. Recommened for many conditions including hepatitis (all forms), gallstones, high cholesterol, psoriasis, constipation and a ‘sluggish’ liver.

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris - Not only a delicious culinary herb, thyme has been used herbally for hundreds of years,particularly in England. An antiseptic and astringent herb, is particularly effective for tonsillitis , laryngitis coughs, urinary tract infections and flatulence.

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis - Valerian is to sleep as roses are to love. Valerian is also a marvellous muscle relaxant, so it’s good for tension headaches and muscle cramps.In the writings of Galen and Dioscorides they called this herb ‘phu’ which describes it’s smell. Stinky it may be, but Valerian is excellent for sleep. It improves both sleep quality and length. Increases slow wave sleep, while not affecting REM. Valerian reduces anxiety, and is excellent for worries that keep you up at night.

Vitex

Vitex agnus-castus - You’ve got to love a herb that goes by the name Agnes. Vitex agnus-castus (also known as Chaste Tree) has been used for hundreds of years as a herb for ‘women’s problems’. It is equally good for PMS (tender breasts, headaches, premenstrual acne irritability etc) as it is for erratic menstrual cycle, ovarian cysts and menopause. It may also help infertility and reduced lactation. Vitex is also good for boys and men who suffer from hormonal acne. These huge painful pimples tend to congregate on the back, shoulders and chest, making social intercourse a trial for the shy. Hormonal changes take time, have patience.

Withania

Withania somnifera - Withania comes from the ancient Ayurvedic repertoire of herbs. The Sanscrit name ‘ashwagandha’ refers to Withania giving the sexual stamina of a stallion. While this might be too farmyard for some, it gives credence for this herb to be included in any libido formula. However, Withania’s is known primarily as a tonic used to boost the immune and adrenal systems. Interestingly, Withania is a herb that can both increase energy and induce a restful night’s sleep. (hence the somnifera in it’s botanical name).

Zizyphus

Zizyphus spinosa - Also known as sour chinese date seed, zizyphus is a Traditional Chinese herbal remedy. It is also known as jujube and chinese date seed, and eaten as such is quite delicious. Zizyphus is mildly sedative and is used to help ease anxiety and sleeplessness. It also helps relieve palpitations and excessive sweating. Zizyphus is good for relieving all sorts of symptoms of anxiety. Including insomnia, apprehension, nervous exhaustion, palpitations, clamminess, nerve excess, night sweats and hot spells, irritability.

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