ABOUT HERBS.........
(Catnip)
Herbs are Nature's gifts. Many prescription (or'Allopathic') medicines originated from Herbal sources. Aspirin, for example, and Vincristine (an anti-cancer drug) amongst others.
However, as the drugs were processed and synthesized, only certain potent elements were made use of, the remaining chemical properties of the plant ignored. This, while focussing on the main dynamic ingredients, and creating a 'magic bullet' of sorts, omitted balancing factors of the natural herb, and led to the very common appearance of side-effects.
Herbal medicines, if taken in the correct dosage and for the recommended amount of time, are usually well-tolerated by the patient. But please remember they are potent medicines, and should be treated with respect. There are cases of side-effects, and certain levels of toxicity in susceptible patients, and if the remedies are taken either indiscriminately, or for too long. In 'LINKS' we suggest a good website where you can find out information about any known problems with a listed herb, and any side effects, contra-indications, or warnings.
(Californian Poppy) 
SENSIBLE SUGGESTIONS.
Before taking any Herbal remedy, alternative or natural product, please make sure you are not allergic to any ingredient.
Consult a qualified Medical Herbalist if in any doubt about: self-medication/the use of herbs in pregnancy and breastfeeding/childrens' dosage/ combinations of herbal and prescription drugs. Be aware that a number of herbal medicines will react adversely with prescription drugs and anaesthetics. Consult your doctor and/or a qualified Herbalist in these cases. Some herbs will be appropriate for use as supportive treatment to your drug regime, but by no means all.
Just because herbs are 'natural' does not mean they are not potentially harmful if taken incorrectly, for inappropriate lengths of time, or indiscriminately. Choose wisely and research properly before taking any herbal treatment, or get expert advice. Herbs contain incredibly effective natural chemical compounds which need to be carefully respected.
Please do not discontinue the use of any prescription medication suddenly, without first asking your doctor, as to do so could be dangerous.
It's wise to discontinue any Herbal treatment (at least a week before) if you expect to go into hospital or receive general anaesthetic.
Do be careful when self-diagnosing! (One person's 'colic' could be another person's Acute Appendicitis!)
For guidance about Herbal medicines in general, and about their use and dosage, there are a number of well written books on the market, which give advice about which herbs are safe to use in pregnancy/breastfeeding/childrens' dosage/ all known contra-indications, and the safe and intelligent use of herbs. AMAZON usually has a good selection. Their web address is in 'LINKS'.
Recommended books are: * THE NEW HOLISTIC HERBAL by David Hoffman, (Published by Element Books.) *MEDICAL HERBALISM, PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES, David Hoffman. *ADAPTOGENS: HERBS FOR STRENGTH, STAMINA, AND STRESS RELIEF, David Winston and Steven Maimes. *THE BOOK OF HERBAL WISDOM: USING PLANTS AS MEDICINE, Matthew Wood. *A-Z GUIDE OF DRUG-
HERB-VITAMIN INTERACTIONS, Alan R Gaby, Forrest Batz, and Rick Chester.
So read up. Get to know your medicines. But, even better than that, why not look for them yourself in the hedgerows, fields and woodlands? Get to know when they flower, what they smell like, where do they grow? But please be respectful, and do not pick large quantities of wild plants or exploit them. If you do, they may never grow in that place again! Some British wild plants are protected, and shouldn't be picked at all. But why not take a few seeds, when they are ripe, to grow in your own garden? (Perhaps when you realise that the common Dandelion -not only as powerful a diuretic as Frusemide -but also containing Potassium (which Frusemide depletes) isn't just a weed, after all, you may consider allowing it some space in your garden? )
Also............did you know that herbal medicines work excellently for animals? Some vets prescribe herbs, and find they produce good results. It's best to get advice if you are considering herbal treatment for your animal, and Tinctures may not always be the best method of medication, owing to their alcohol content. Yet, dogs, particularly, even seem to like the taste of some quite bitter herbs!
*For info. about Veterinary products see 'LINKS'.
(Angelica)
(Burdock)
THE TRADITIONAL USE OF THE LISTED HERBAL REMEDIES....................(We would like to state that in no way are we recommending the use of these herbs for the conditions mentioned below, but only quoting from traditional sources. In no way is the information quoted intended as advice from us. To know more, obtain a trusted publication on the use of herbal remedies, or seek advice from a qualified practitioner.)
ANGELICA ROOT (Angelica Archangelica): Coughs, chest infections,loss of appetite,feverish conditions, such as 'flu.
BETH ROOT (Trillium Erectum): Heavy Menstrual bleeding, menopausal changes, as a poultice for external ulcers.
BLACK COHOSH (Cimicifuga Racemosa): Hormonal upset particularly during Menopause, rheumatic pain, osteo-arthritis, painful or delayed menstruation.
BLACK HOREHOUND (Ballota Nigra): Nausea and sickness, particularly motion sickness, nervous vomiting.
BURDOCK ROOT (Arctium Lappa): Psoriasis, dry and scaly skin conditions, eczema
CALIFORNIAN POPPY (Eschscholzia California): Colic pains, over-excitability and sleeplessness, agitation.
CAMOMILE (Matricaria Chamomilla): Anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, as a mouthwash for gingivitis, as an eyebath for inflamed or sore eyes. (Tinctures, owing to their alcohol content, are not suitable for use in the eyes.)
CATNIP (Nepeta Cataria): Colds and 'Flu, stomach upsets, feverish bronchitis.
CELERY SEED (Apium Graveolens): Rheumatism, arthritis, gout, water retention.
CORNSILK (Zea Mays): Irritation or inflammation of the urinary system, Cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis.
COUCHGRASS (Agropyron Repens): Cystitis, urethritis, enlarged Prostate, inflammation of urinary tract.
DAISY (Bellis Perennis): Catarrh of upper respiratory tract. Helpful in cases of diarrhoea, owing to this herb's astringency.
DAMIANA (Turnera Aphrodisiaca): Loss of libido, depression, epecially where there is any sexual problem, anxiety.
DEVIL'S CLAW ROOT (Harpagophytum Procumbens): Arthritis, joint inflammation, gout.
ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA: Most bacterial and viral infections, as a lotion for acne, boils, infected cuts, etc.
ECHINACEA PURPUREA: Protective whenever the immune system may be compromised, either by exposure to infection or through exhaustion or overwork. (Take care not to over-use this valuable herb. Know when NOT to take it!)
FENNEL SEED (Foeniculum Vulgare): Flatulence and colic, sluggish digestion.
(White) GINSENG ROOT (Panax Ginseng): Exhaustion, depression, lowered vitality, weakness. (NB This herb combines badly with caffeine.)
GOLDEN ROD (Solidago Virgauria): Upper respiratory catarrh, influenza, flatulent dyspepsia.
GROUND IVY (Nepeta Hederacea): Sinus catarrh, bronchial catarrh, if affecting middle ear, and causing tinnitus.
HAWTHORN BERRIES (Crataegus Oxyacanthoides); Circulatory and cardiac tonic, high blood pressure.
HOPS (Humulus Lupulus): Nervous tension, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness.
LIME FLOWERS (Tilia Europea): Nervous tension, high blood pressure, can help in feverish colds and 'flu.
LEMON BALM (Melissa Officinalis): Digestive spasms, colic pains, tension and stress, high blood pressure.
MALLOW FLOWERS (Malva Sylvestris): Gastritis, stomach ulcers, laryngitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis. As a compress for boils, abscesses, minor burns.
MARIGOLD FLOWERS (Calendula Officinalis): Can be helpful in cases of Candida, menstrual irregularities, indigestion, digestive inflammations and ulcers, as a lotion to help the healing of wounds.
NETTLE (Urtica Dioica): (Fresh nettle tops, gathered in the spring, before flowering, are an excellent source of iron and Vitamin C, when steamed as greens.) Nettle tincture can be helpful in cases of heavy menstrual bleeding, or as a general tonic for the whole body.
OATS (Seed) (Avena Sativa): Nervous debility and exhaustion, depression, general debility, sometimes effective in cases of insomnia. Oats (however they are prepared) help lower cholesterol. But it's easier and quicker to take a medicinal tincture of oats than to eat three bowls of oatmeal a day!
PRICKLY ASH BARK (Zanthoxylum Americanum): Circulatory problems, chilblains, Reynaud's syndrome, constantly cold hands and feet.
(Red Clover)
RED CLOVER (Trifolium Pratense): Coughs (mild expectorant), skin problems, eczema, psoriasis, bronchitis.
ROSE HIPS (Rosa Canina): Rose Hip Tincture is an excellent natural alternative to Vitamin C Supplements, and contains no additives, preservatives, lactose or chemicals, as over-the-counter supplements often do.
SAGE (Salvia Officinalis): Night sweats, especially when connected with menopausal changes, sore throats, mouth ulcers, laryngitis, tonsillitis, inflamed and bleeding gums.
SARSAPARILLA ROOT (Smilax Officinalis): Psoriasis, dry and scaly skin conditions, rheumatism, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
(Saw Palmetto)
SAW PALMETTO BERRIES (Serenoa Serrulata): Enlarged Prostate, possibly helpful in cases of impotence and loss of libido in males, infections of the urinary tract.
SQUAW VINE (Mitchella Repens): Tonic for the womb and whole body, especially in preparation for childbirth, mucus colitis, painful periods.
ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum Perforatum): Anxiety, tension, neuralgia, rheumatic pain and fibrositis, possibly helpful for menopausal insomnia.
THYME (Thymus Vulgaris): An excellent natural antiseptic, for any occasion where an antiseptic is needed. (Can be used both internally and externally as a lotion.) respiratory and digestive infections, bronchitis, can be helpful in cases of asthma, dyspepsia.
VALERIAN (Valeriana Officinalis): Tension, anxiety, hysteria, sleeplessness, restlessness, cramps, period pains.
(Valerian)
VIOLET LEAVES (Viola Odorata): Coughs, bronchitis (expectorant) upper respiratory catarrh, eczema, rheumatism, urinary infections.
WHITE HOREHOUND (Marrubium Vulgare): Bronchitis, where expectoration is difficult, as a lotion to promote the healing of wounds.
WHITE WILLOW BARK (Salix Alba): Natural pain relief (Not suitable for anyone allergic to aspirin or Salicylic Acid, or suffering from stomach ulcers or Gastritis.)
WILD YAM (Dioscorea Villosa): Painful periods, diverticulitis, pain at ovulation, intestinal colic, possibly useful during hormonal upsets at Menopause.
WOOD BETONY (Betonica Officinalis): Nervous debility, anxiety and tension, nervous headaches, neuralgia.
YARROW (Achillea Millefolium): Fevers, feverish colds and 'Flu, as a lotion to promote the healing of wounds.
YELLOW DOCK ROOT (Rumex Crispus): Constipation, skin problems, acne, psoriasis.