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Herbs

Herb stories

Learn more about remedies that have stood the test of time.

Perhaps start with our downloadable self care guide?

To delve further into the qualities of individual herbs, The list below are links to pages on the leading herb resource Herbal Reality.

 These have been written to introduce the remedies, initially by taste and other qualities, so that we can to step into the world of our ancestors as they discovered these medicines, and learn how their experience translates into modern use.

Each link will open up in a different window.

Agnus castus

the classic women’s remedy from the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans

Andrographis

the ‘king of the bitters’ used in convalescence and now for infections

Artichoke leaf

one of the best liver cleansers

Ashwagandha

helps to adapt to stress and the fatigue and depletion that can follow

Astragalus

an ancient remedy for fatigue and depressed immunity

Bacopa (brahmi)

a classic Ayurvedic calming restorative

Baical skullcap

an old remedy with exciting new prospects

Bilberry

contains pigments which protect blood vessels and retina

Burdock

a traditional detox

Calendula

one of the great healing remedies

Cardamom

helps restore a depleted digestive system

Celery seed

an effective joint cleansing remedy

Chamomile

a popular calming remedy that also helps with digestion

Cinnamon

one of the most valued remedies in history

Dandelion

a gentle yet broad acting liver, digestive and urinary remedy

Devil’s claw

from the deserts of South Africa a traditional remedy for inflammation

Echinacea

a favourite Native American protection against infection

Elecampane

brought to Britain by the Romans to help them fight off the cold

Fennel

a warming digestive and women’s remedy

Ginger

the most valuable natural remedy in history – focused warming

Ginkgo

a widely prescribed medicine for the circulation

Ginseng (Panax)

the most popular tonic in Chinese tradition

Gotu kola

a powerful healing remedy from India

Hawthorn

the prime heart and circulatory remedy

Licorice

wide range of properties and benefits and naturally sweet

Limeflower

very familiar European calming remedy for the whole family

Meadowsweet

aspirin’s inspiration though with healing effects on the stomach

Mint

a cooling and settling standby

Motherwort

a reliable calming remedy

Myrrh

a biblical treasure with powerful antiseptic and inflammation-reducing properties

Nettle

nourishing, with many different applications

Rehmannia

a classic Chinese tonic very useful in adrenal fatigue

Rhodiola

a great calming tonic to help cope with stress

Rosemary

gentle stimulation for the brain and circulation

St John’s wort

a traditional calming restorative

Saw palmetto

from southern USA a favourite men’s remedy now used for prostate health

Shatavari

India’s favourite women’s remedy

Siberian ginseng (Eleuthero)

helps to adapt to stress and calm at the same time

Skullcap

a favourite calming remedy from native North American tradition

Thyme

useful for chest and digestion

Valerian

a convalescent tonic especially when sleep is poor

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