herbs a to z

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Traditional Uses of herbs an A to Z

Clearly the basis of herbal medicine is an extensive understanding of the herbs that form the herbalist's armoury. We recently heard of a native North American herbalist who had studied for 18 years and had an intimate knowledge of 600 herbs! In the UK, a medical herbalist registered with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists studies full-time for 4 years, covering around 200 herbs. Clearly in a web page we cannot begin to convey the details and uses of a herb that a practitioner knows.

In this section we will give some general information on some of the herbs we stock as essential oils, dried herbs or in remedies. We also stock other herbs as tinctures that are available to herbalists and their patients, we may therefore include some herbs that are not available over the counter or by mail order.

If you find the herb you want please either Contact Us, phone or email for advice and prices. Not all of our herbs are listed, and if you do not find the herbs you are looking for please contact us, we may have it in stock or we will try to get hold of it for you.

Index A to Z by common name

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Herb Name *Latin*	Brief description, origins	Traditional uses	Stock
Agrimony *Agrimonia eupatoria*	Part of the Rose family. It consists of an erect stem topped with a spike of bright yellow flowers. It is common in most of Europe.	Commonly used as an aid for gastrointestinal disorders, as well as urinary problems.	Dried Herb Tincture

Angelica *Angelica archangelica*	This damp loving plant can grow up to 1m tall and is topped with flower-heads consisting of many small white flowers.	Well known as a confection, it was also used as a respiratory expectorant, particularly if associated with fevers.	Dried Herb Tincture
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Borage *Borago officinalis*	Also known as 'Starflower' because of the shape of its blue flowers that grow in drooping clusters.	Used as a tonic herb, when the body is under stress. The oil from the seeds is used as a source of gamma linoleic acid.	Dried Herb Tincture Cream Oil

Burdock root *Arctium lappa (rad)*	With large leaves in a rosette at the bottom of the plant, and the flowers covered in stiff hooks which attach to clothes (the burs). Common in the British Isles.	Used to cleanse the body, particularly related to skin conditions. N.B. It can have very strong effects, so it is normally used in small doses or with professional guidance.	Dried Herb Tincture
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Chamomile (German) *Chamomilla recutita*	Both German and Roman Chamomile have small daisy-like flowers. German chamomile is an annual plant which can grow up to 40cm.	German chamomile is more commonly used medicinally than Roman chamomile. As taken by Peter Rabbit, it is useful in stomach upset and as a relaxing herb.	Dried Herb Tincture Cream

Chamomile (Roman) *Chamaemelum nobile*	A low growing perennial chamomile with double flowers which are slightly larger than the German chamomile. It is more commonly used as an ornamental flower.	Roman chamomile is not often used as a medicine, but its essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for its relaxing effects.	Dried Herb Tincture Essential Oil

Celery *Apium graveolens*	The celery plant is well known, as it is eaten as a vegetable (raw or cooked). The seeds are very small (about 1mm long).	Traditionally used as a diuretic, particularly when there is a build up of uric acid. Therefore it has been used for arthritis and gout.	Dried Herb Tincture Plant juice

Chickweed *Stellaria media*	A common 'weed' found in all waste or wild ground. It is a low growing plant with small white flowers on long stalks.	Often used externally to soothe inflamed skin conditions.	Cream Dried Herb Tincture Cream

Cleavers *Galium aperine*	The common 'sticky willie' or 'goosegrass', it grows all over the UK. It has very small white flowers.	Traditionally used to support and cleanse the lymph system.	Dried Herb Tincture

Coltsfoot *Tussilago farfara*	At first the yellow florets appear, then after they have changed to white downy spheres (similar to the dandelion) the large leaves appear at the base.	The flowers were traditionally used to soothe coughs; known for its relaxing and expectorant qualities.	Dried Herb Tincture

Comfrey *Symphytum officinalis*	Comfrey is a great addition to any garden as it is useful as a fertilizer as well as pretty. The plant is covered with short stiff hairs and has bell shaped flowers.	With two of its common names being 'knitbone' and 'boneset' it was traditionally used to treat broken bones and other wounds. The root and leaf are both used externally.	Dried Herb Tincture Cream

Cornsilk *Zea mays*	Cornsilk is the threads that cover the 'corn-on-the-cob'; it is the stigma and styles of the plant. It is a golden colour when fresh, but darkens on drying.	Established use is for urinary tract infections.	Dried Herb Tincture

Couchgrass *Agropyron repens*	Couchgrass is an invasive grass. The rhizome, which consists of yellowy/brown hollow stems, is used in herbal medicine.	Dogs go instinctively to couchgrass when they are ill. Humans are more likely to use it for problems with the urinary tract, which it soothes.	Dried Herb Tincture
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Dandelion (leaf) *Taraxacum off. (fol)*	The yellow flower and fluffy 'clock' of the dandelion is well known throughout Britain.	The French name for dandelion is 'Piss-en-Lit' and it is known as a diuretic. But it is also a rich source of minerals, such that the body does not end up depleted in minerals.	Dried Herb Tincture Plant Juice

Dandelion (root) *Taraxacum off. (rad)*	See above.	The root of the dandelion is traditionally used as a tonic for the liver.	Dried Root Tincture

Damiana *Turnera diffusa*	Native to Central America, damiana is a shrub which grows up to 2m high, with small yellow-green leaves.	The old Latin name for damiana was Turnera aphrodisia can you guess what it was used for? Nowadays it is more likely to be used as a nerve tonic, an uplifting herb.	Dried Herb Tincture

Devils Claw (root) *Harpagophytum proc.*	A native to the desert areas of Africa, Devil's Claw has violet to red foxglove like flowers & spiked fruits.	It was traditionally used in Africa for digestive problems and rheumatic problems.	Dried Root Tincture

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Elderflower *Sambuccus nigra*	The black elder bush/tree is common all over the UK. It has clusters of small white flowers in the spring and black berries in the autumn.	It is one third of the traditional 'flu mix (elderflower, peppermint and yarrow). Elderflower was considered the part that worked on the upper respiratory tract.	Dried Herb Tincture

Eyebright *Euphrasia officinalis*	A small bushy herb, with small toothed leaves and colourful flowers at the top of the plant.	As its name implies eyebright has an affinity to the eyes and was commonly used for eye problems. N.B. Do not use with dry eyes.	Dried Herb Tincture
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Fennel seed *Foeniculum vulgare*	This green feathery plant has large 'umbels' of flowers at the top of the plant.	Used to alleviate wind problems (both up and down)!	Dried Herb Tincture

Fenugreek seed *Trig. foenum-grecum*	A native North African plant that grows to about 80cm. It has trifoliate leaves and yellow pea-like flowers. The pods contain 5-20 seeds.	A herb used to sooth the digestive tract. It is helpful when digestion & nutrition are poor.	Dried Herb

Feverfew *Tanacetum parthenium*	Originally from south Europe, feverfew is now prevalent all over the UK. It has large daisy like flowers and yellowy-green leaves.	In the 1970's and 80's feverfew leaves became popular as a prophylactic herb for migraines.	Dried Herb Tincture Tablet/Capsule
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Ginger *Zingiber officinale*	Native to Asia, the rhizome of the plant is used.	Many of us have experienced the heat from ginger. Dried ginger is hotter then fresh ginger which is sweeter. Was added to a tea during winter to combat colds & chills.	Dried Powder Tablet/Capsule Essential Oil

Ginkgo *Ginkgo biloba*	Ginkgo is believed to have been growing about 190 million years ago. The fan-shaped leaves appear to grow directly off the trunk and branches.	Despite being the most ancient tree still in existence its use as a medical herb was discovered fairly recently. In the mid 20th Century it was shown to improve peripheral circulation.	Dried Herb Tincture Tablet/Capsule

Goldenrod *Solidago virgaurea*	Goldenrod was once rare and a valuable medicinal herb, but once found growing wild in Hampstead (London) its popularity diminished! Goldenrod grows up to 60cm, with spikes of yellow flowers and narrow toothed leaves.	It is used by herbalist's for cattarrh.	Dried Herb Tincture
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Hawthorn flowers *Crataegus oxycantha*	A deciduous tree with large thorns over the branches and bunches of pink or white flowers, followed by bright red berries.	Rich in bioflavonoids, it is considered a "food for the heart". N.B. Do not use with existing heart conditions without consulting a medical professional.	Dried Herb Tincture Tablet/Capsule Plant Juice

Heartsease *Viola tricolor*	Also known as wild pansy, the plant is small and delicate with 3 coloured petals (yellow, purple and white).	The name refers to its colour not its medical use. Herbalists use it for skin conditions.	Dried Herb Tincture

Hops *Humulus lupus*	A large climber, which can grow up to 6 m high. The flowers are either male or female, and it is the female 'strobiles' that are used by herbalists and brewers.	The hops in beer are the part that helps us fall asleep, due to its sedative qualities.	Dried Herb Tincture

Horsetail *Equisetum arvense*	This primitive green plant resembles a brush in the summer, thus its common names of horsetail and bottlebrush.	Rich in silica, a mineral that is an important constituent of connective tissues i.e. hair, skin and nails.	Dried Herb Tincture

Hyssop *Hyssopus officianalis*	A small bushy herb with narrow leaves and small blue and violet flowers.	As far back as the first century Dioscorides recommended Hyssop for respiratory problems and coughs.	Dried Herb Tincture
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Herbs with begining with I	None Available
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Herbs with begining with J	None Available
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Herbs begining with K	None Available
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Lady's Mantle *Alchemilla vulgaris*	Found in meadows all over Britain, lady's mantle has large kidney shaped leaves and small green flowers on top of long stalks.	Alchemilla is from the Latin word for alchemy, which translates as "cure all". As the common name suggests it was used for female conditions.	Dried Herb Tincture

Lavender *Lavandula angustifolia*	Many people recognise lavender, the silvery/green coloured plant topped with whorls of purple flowers. The strong scent is well recognised.	Infused as a tea or used as the essential oil to relax, soothe headaches and to calm nerves.	Dried Herb Tincture Essential Oil

Lemon Balm *Melissa officinalis*	The plant looks similar to the mint plant (it is from the same family), with tiny white flowers and an unmistakable lemony scent.	Lemon balm was traditionally used to uplift the spirits. Luckily it also tastes good.	Dried Herb Tincture Essential Oil

Lemon Verbena *Lippia citriodora*	Native to South America, lemon verbena is a bush which can grow up to 2m. The leaves are long and lemon scented, with pale green to mauve flowers.	Similar qualities to lemon balm.	Dried Herb

Limeflower *Tilia europea*	Limeflower does not taste of limes. It is the flowers of the Linden tree, often found lining avenues.	It has many uses and is one of the best herbs in a herbalist's armoury.	Dried Herb Tincture

Linseed *Linum usitatissimum*	Also known as flaxseed, the plant is a tall annual, with narrow leaves and topped with blue flowers.	Linseed is commonly used as a laxative, as well as being an important source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. N.B. Laxatives are only to be used for occasional constipation.	Dried Herb

Liquorice *Glycyrrhiza glabra*	Native to south-east Europe and Asia, liquorice is a tall perennial plant with narrow leaves and blue toned to white flowers.	Often used as flavouring. Herbalists use it for many conditions including stress and digestive disorders.	Dried Herb Tincture Tablet/Capsule

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Marigold *Calendula officinalis*	A bright orange flower, with a similar shape to the daisy and bright green leaves.	One of the best known herbs for external use. Often used for skin complaints or cuts and grazes.	Dried Herb Tincture Cream Oil

Marshmallow (herb) *Althea off. (herba)*	This tall (up to 1.2 m high) perennial is native to marshy areas. Its leaves are velvety and its hollyhock like flowers are coloured white to pale pink	Similar to the root (see below) but was used more for soothing respiratory complaints.	Dried Herb Tincture

Marshmallow (root) *Althea officinalis (rad)*	See above.	Chew a piece of root and you will see why it has a reputation for soothing membranes, including the stomach and skin.	Dried Root Tincture

Meadowsweet *Filipendula ulmaria*	Also known as Queen of the Meadow, the plant is common in many meadows and roadsides, and is topped with a cloud of small creamy-white flowers.	The old latin name for meadowsweet was Spiraea and was the origin of the name aspirin.	Dried Herb Tincture

Milk Thistle Seed *Carduus marianus*	Native to south and western Europe, the leaves are variegated with white veins and prickles. Each plant has a single drooping (thistle) flower.	Milk thistle is often recommended to aid the liver and this is the reason it is used by some as a hangover cure.	Dried Herb Tincture Tablet/Capsule

Motherwort *Leonurus cardiaca*	An erect plant with toothed leaves, prickly seed cases and whorls of white to pink flowers at the top of the plant.	As its Latin name suggests it has long been associated with the heart. In the 17th Century Culpeper said; "there is no better herb to drive away melancholy vapours from the heart".	Dried Herb Tincture

Mugwort *Artemisia vulgaris*	The leaves of mugwort are lobular and are coloured dark green above and yet are silver and hairy underneath. The flowers are a greeny-yellow colour.	Herbs in the Artemisia genus are bitter to taste, for this reason they are considered digestive and tonic herbs.	Dried Herb Tincture

Mullein (flowers) *Verbascum thapsus*	The mullein plant is very tall, and can grow up to 3.5 m high. The leaves are pale (almost silver in colour) and furry, and the flowers grow in a yellow spike at the top of the plant.	Historically used for irritating dry or painful coughs. It was also used to make eardrops.	Dried Herb Tincture Infused Oil
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Nettle *Urtica dioica*	Nettles are well recognised in UK, due to their stinging action. The plant is a deep green, the leaves are covered with hairs which contain the sting and the flowers are green.	A very good source of minerals, especially iron. It also contains a source of histamine and so is used by some people for allergies.	Dried Herb Tincture Capsules
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Oat Straw *Avena sativa*	Oats can be found wild or cultivated. It is a grass, with straight hollow stems. The seeds are situated at the top of the plant held on to small spikes.	Oats are very nutritious and developed a reputation for aiding and building up the nervous system. The seeds (oats) are used or the oatstraw (harvested when the seeds are ripe).	Dried Herb

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Pasque Flower *Anenome pulsatilla*	The foliage is a silky silver green colour. Each plant has a solitary purple flower, in the early spring.	Traditionally used in France to help sleep. It is also used as a calming herb.	Dried Herb Tincture

Passion Flower *Passiflora incarnata*	The herb is the aerial parts of the passion fruit plant, which is native to South-East America. The flowers are purple tinged yellow or pink.	Used as a sedative and relaxing herb, especially when the sleeplessness is due to restlessness and irritability. N.B. The name does not indicate any aphrodisiac qualities!	Dried Herb Tincture Tablet/Capsule

Pau D'Arco *Tabebuia impetiginosa*	A south American tree, preferring mountainous regions. The herb is normally collected from the wild.	Prized by the native South Americans as a cure all. In the UK its reputation is as an anti-fungal herb.	Dried Herb Tincture

Pellitory of the Wall *Parietaria diffusa*	Normally growing out of walls and stony ground, the plant can grow up to 30 cm in length, with downy leaves.	For over 2000 years pellitory of the wall has been prized as a diuretic and for its soothing properties.	Dried Herb Tincture

Peppermint *Mentha piperita*	Peppermint plants look similar to nettle plants, but the leaves are shiny smooth, often with a purple tinge. The flowers are purple.	Its many traditional uses include as a digestive herb and to prevent nausea.	Dried Herb Tincture Essential Oil Tablet/Capsule

Plantain *Plantago lanceolata*	Plantain is wild in two forms (P. lanceolata and P. major). Both have a rosette of green leaves, with a stalk growing from the centre topped with a green/brown flower. P. laceolata (also known as ribwort) has thinner leaves and a longer stalk and flower than P. major.	In Gaelic this herb is known as the healing plant. It is used by herbalists for cattarrhal conditions.	Dried Herb Tincture Plant Juice

Psyllium Husk (powder) *Plantago psyllium*	The plant requires a lot of sun, therefore here in Scotland we do not have much experience of it!! It is commonly grown in South Europe, North Africa and Asia.	Interestingly, psyllium has traditionally been used for both constipation and diarrhoea! N.B. Only occasional constipation or diarrhoea is suitable for self treatment.	Dried Herb Powder
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Herbs with begining with Q	None Available
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Raspberry Leaf *Rubus idaeus*	The raspberry plant is well known in the UK for its red juicy fruit. It is a bush with prickly stalks, pale green leaves and white flowers.	Like many plants in the Rose family raspberry leaf has been used to aid healing of wounds. It is often used as a gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers.	Dried Herb Tincture

Red Clover Flowers *Trifolium pratense*	The clover leaves have 3 leaflets, the more common form has cream flowers. Red clover is larger, with dark pink to red flower heads.	Red clover was traditionally used for skin conditions; more recently it has been found contain phyto-oestrogens.	Dried Herb Tincture

Rhodiola Root *Rhodiola Root*		Rhodiola has a long history of use in Russia for condions as varied as depression, low energy and as an adaptogen	Dried Herb Tincture

Rose Petals *Rosa spp.*	Roses have changed considerably through cultivation. Originally the flowers were pink to red, with the fruit appearing as red hips in the autumn. The stalks are covered in thorns.	Although commonly used nowadays in cosmetics, rose was a very popular medicinal herb in the middle ages, mainly used by females.	Dried Herb Essential Oil Floral Water

Rosemary *Rosmarinus officinalis*	Originally native to south Europe, it can now be found all over Europe. The leaf is needle like, resinous and leathery and the flowers are pale blue.	There is a long tradition of Rosemary being used to improve memory and as a tonic herb, increasing energy.	Dried Herb Tincture Essential Oil
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St Johns Wort *Hypericum perforatum*	The St John's Wort bush has many bright yellow flowers throughout the summer, the leaves contain glands with a red oil (lift the leaf to the light and you will see the oil glands).	Many people have heard that St John's Wort can be used in mild to moderate depression. But it is also used by herbalists for nerve pain (applied externally).	Dried Herb Tincture Infused Oil Tablet/Capsule

Sage *Salvia officinalis*	A small bush with silver green to purple furry leaves and purple flowers. It has a distinctive aroma.	Historically sage has been used for many reasons, but it is more likely to be used now as a gargle for sore throats or for excessive sweating. It is often recommended for hot flushes.	Dried Herb Tincture Tablet/Capsule

Senna Pods *Cassia angustifolia*	Native to south Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the senna plant leaves consists of pairs of leaflets, with the yellow flowers at the tip of the stem. The fruits (pods) are flat and oblong, each containing about six seeds.	Senna has been the basic ingredient in many laxative products. N.B. Laxatives are only to be used for occasional constipation.	Dried Herb

Siberian Ginseng *Eleutherococcus sent.*	Native to Korea, China and the far east of the old Soviet Union. The root of the bush is used.	There are several varieties of ginseng. All are used as tonics, often for reputed property of increasing energy levels. N.B. It is often recommended that it Ginseng is not used for more than 6 weeks at a time.	Dried Herb Tincture Capsules

Skullcap *Scutellaria lateriflora*	Native to North America, the plant is a perennial which grows up to a metre in height. The flowers are serrated and the flowers are pale blue and shaped like a scull-cap.	Historically skullcap was used to treat a number of conditions, but modern research into its use has been very limited. It is commonly used nowadays to aid relaxation.	Dried Herb Tincture

Slippery Elm (powder) *Ulmus fulva*	A small tree with rough branches, long serrated leaves and clusters of small flowers.	Take some slippery elm and you will realise why it is used to sooth the digestive tract (it is very mucilaginous).	Dried Herb Tablet/Capsule
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Thyme *Thymus vulgaris*	A small aromatic shrub, with small leaves on woody stems. It flowers early, with pink to lilac flowers.	Medieval herbalists used thyme to treat respiratory conditions. This tradition has carried on to modern herbal medicine.	Dried Herb Tincture Essential Oil
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Uva Ursi *Arctostaphylos uva-ursi*	An evergreen shrub native to Europe, with dark glossy leaves, small bell shaped flowers (which are pink or white) and bright red berries.	Uva Ursi is one of the herbs commonly used for urinary infections. N.B. Do not self treat a urinary tract infection if there is a possibility of a kidney infection.	Dried Herb Tincture
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Valerian *Valeriana officinalis*	An erect plant with large leaves and topped with pink funnel shaped flowers. On drying, the roots of the plant have a very pungent smell.	Valerian has long been used for sleep problems, research recently has confirmed that the herb can be effective in this area.	Dried Herb Tincture Plant Juice Tablet/Capsule Organic Teabags

Vervain *Verbena officinalis*	A delicate looking plant, with many long branches, slender leaves and long slender spikes of tiny white flowers.	Vervain was used as part of ancient religious ceremonies and sacred rights. It is more commonly used nowadays to relieve anxiety & stress.	Dried Herb Tincture
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White Dead Nettle *Lamium album*	Despite not being a nettle it looks very similar, but it has white labiate flowers.	White Dead Nettle is traditionally used for a wide range of menstrual problems.	Dried Herb Tincture

White Willow *Salix alba*	The willow prefers damp ground, such as by rivers. The flowers are catkins and the leaves are serrulate. There are many different varieties, the best way to find out how useful a willow variety is medicinally is to taste the bark and see how similar to aspirin it tastes.	It is well known that willow contains a similar constituent to aspirin; like aspirin herbalists use it as an anti-inflammatory and pain-killer.	Dried Herb Tincture

Wild Lettuce *Lactuca virosa*	Native to western & southern Europe, and north Asia, wild lettuce can grow up to 2 metres high.	Wild lettuce has a reputation as a sedative and calming agent. It was used for nervous and sleep disorders.	Dried Herb Tincture
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Herbs with begining with X	None Available
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Yarrow *Achillea millefolium*	Also known as 'milfoil', because of its appearance of many leaves (the leaves are fern like). The flowers are also numerous, appearing in tiny white clusters.	One of the three herbs used in the traditional cold/flu mix (Elderflower, peppermint and yarrow). It is used by herbalists in treatment of catarrh and fevers.	Dried Herb Tincture

Yellow Dock (root) *Rumex crispus*	A dock with long narrow leaves, which curl at the edges, and whorls of green flowers at the top of the stem.	Yellow dock has a long history as a cleansing herb, particularly for itching skin conditions.	Dried Herb
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Herbs with begining with Z	None Available