.

On 31 October 2005 the EU Herbal Directive came into force which means that herbal medicines will have to be registered or else they cannot be sold in the EU. Manufacturers have until March 2011 to produce a dossier that proves the efficacy of the remedies using evidence of traditional use. This is expensive and some small companies may not be able to afford to do it, but there are mixed views about the Directive and many people feel that it will ensure that consumers can be sure of the safety of products. The first product to be granted a licence is A. Vogel (Bioforce's) Arnica Gel, and now their Echinacea and Devil's Claw is also licensed.

**Always consult your doctor if taking medication before taking herbs. If in doubt consult a medical herbalist**

• The National Institute of Medical Herbalists, 01392 426022, www.nimh.org.uk
• Plantlife: 01722 342730, www.plantlife.org.uk

Frances Ive won the Potter’s Herbal Medicine Journalist of the Year Award 2002/2003; and achieved Distinction in the Bioforce Phytotherapy Course.

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TOP TEN HERBS IN THE UK

Arnica: The Arnica flower is native to the Alps but its qualities for healing bruises have been recognised for many years. It cannot be taken as a herb internally but is available as a homeopathic tablet. Arnica Gel or cream is excellent for healing bruises and also for soothing stiff joints, aching muscles and osteoarthritis.

St John's Wort: has become a popular choice for depression but people have to be careful about taking it in conjunction with other medication or even with light boxes (that are used for Seasonal Affective Disorder - see Features, SAD).  Also known as Hypericum which is used as a cream to heal wounds.

Echinacea: taken as a tincture or tablets it boosts the immune system. The native Indians have used it for thousands of years to put on snake bites and other wounds. More often used now to help resistance to colds, flu and other infections, but has been proven in trials to be effective against respiratory infections.

Ginkgo biloba: from one of the oldest trees in the world the Ginkgo tree was one of the first prehistoric plants on the earth over 150 million years ago. Best known for enhancing circulation and thereby improving the memory it has other uses too. The leaves are used to make tinctures to improve circulation and the function of the brain as well as asthma. The seeds are used by Chinese doctors for urinary problems and wheezing. Read more in Features/A Herb to Remember

Milk Thistle:  protects the liver from toxic chemicals and is often useful around Christmas when over-indulgence is the norm. It is sometimes used when people have liver disease but can't be used as a cure-all for heavy drinkers!  It was called Milk Thistle because it was taken by nursing mums to help encourage the flow of milk. 

Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum): found in the Kalahari desert the natives have traditionally used this herb for digestive complaints. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore very suitable for arthritis, rheumatism and sports injuries. Fears that the herb would become extinct have been alleviated by schemes to grow it sustainably in southern Africa.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus): good old conkers that so many children enjoy collecting have another use - they have excellent properties as an astringent to help to prevent and soothe varicose veins. It can be taken as a tincture or the gel can be rubbed into the legs.

Saw Palmetto: originating in North America saw palmetto has been used by native Americans for thousands of years to help ease chronic congestion. Recent research has shown it to be effective for prostate problems in men without the side-effects of prescription drugs.

Valerian-Hops: 19th century poets and other creative types were known to use Valerian. Combined with unpollenated hops which are renowned for their calming qualities it is a useful herb for helping you sleep or for generally calming down without making you feel dopey in the day.

Sage: is particularly recognised as being helpful for hot flushes. You can gather some leaves from the garden, put them in a teapot and sip them if you are going through the menopause or purchase a tincture or tablets. It is also helpful as a gargle for sore throats.

Source: A. Vogel

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PLANT POWER

• Marigold
• The Tamanu Tree
• Essential Oils
• Horse Chestnut
• Sage and Cypress
• Mastic Gum
• Dandelion
• Garlic
• Aloe Vera
• Ginger

The power of plants to heal has been recognised for thousands of years. As more and more people travel the world, magical remedies which have been used by small communities are coming to light and being used everywhere.

MARIGOLD

All kinds of feet problems can be treated on the NHS using a preparation of Marigold at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital:

• bunions
• athlete’s foot
• corns
• fungal infections
• gout
• post-operative complications
• sports injuries to the feet are all treated with Marigold at the Royal Homeopathic Hospital.

Dr Taufiq Khan spent 30 years carrying out research on marigold and uses the Tagetes variety of the flower directly on the feet. The treatment is available on the NHS on referral from a GP.

Dr Tariq Khan (Taufiq’s son), runs the marigold clinic and claims:

‘I am currently having great results using a combination of marigold and a preparation from the white cedar family of conifers to treat warts and veruccas.’

A compress using a preparation of marigold is applied to bunions for three weeks with patients going back each week for the dressing to be changed. The fluid comes out of the bunion, and although the bone doesn’t move the discomfort disappears.

The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, 020 7391 8864

THE TAMANU TREE

Rosalind Blackwell

‘A green oil with a pungent smell – a bit like cumin,’ is how naturopath, Rosalind Blackwell, describes Calophyllum oil from the nut of the Tamanu tree found in Madagascar and other Pacific areas.

The locals:

• dry the nut in the hot sun;
• then cold press it to extract the oil;
• put the oil on wounds and sores.

Rosalind Blackwell, uses Calophyllum oil for skin problems such as acne, eczema, allergic reactions, and piles. ‘I use it neat, in cream or in suppositories for haemorrhoids and it works very well.’

Rosalind Blackwell is a naturopath and medical herbalist who practises in Crickham, Somerset, 01934 712848, rblackwell@thebarnpractice.co.uk, www.thebarnpractice.co.uk

ESSENTIAL OILS

Instead of being given a sedative injection to calm them down patients at the Mental Health Learning Disabilities Network of the Borders Primary Care Trust in Melrose, Scotland, are given a massage using lavender or chamomile oil.

Jan Beattie, Superintendent Physiotherapist and an aromatherapist, says:

• ‘We put Lavender oil on a pad under their pillows at night so they need not take sleeping pills and wake up feeling drowsy;
• We also use Black pepper and Benzoin oils in massage for pain relief;
• Peppermint oil mixes in the shower to wake up and refresh them first thing;
• Tea tree and lavender oils to heal wounds.’

The team of trained aromatherapists make sure that every patient’s medical records are checked to ensure that the oils they use aren’t going to cause a reaction.

‘For instance, if someone suffers from epilepsy it wouldn’t be safe to use rosemary oil.’

HORSE CHESTNUT

Ask any child to recognise a horse chestnut tree and they will think of conkers. Less known are the medicinal qualities of the seeds – conkers , leaves and bark in soothing varicose veins.

In Germany Horse Chestnut or Aesculus is often prescribed by doctors and favoured over surgery on varicose veins.

Horse chestnut is taken in a tincture or in tablets or used in a gel:

• It has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation in the veins and can also relieve muscular aches and pains;
• It also acts as an astringent toning the walls of the veins to make them stronger and reducing the fluid held in the tissues;
• Gel is soothing and cooling when rubbed directly on the veins, while reducing swelling and strengthening them.

SAGE AND CYPRESS

Menopausal women find hot flushes very embarrassing. As heat floods through the body they often feel as if they are on fire, going red and sweating.

A natural alternative to HRT are the phyto-oestrogens found in plants. One of the easiest ways to get them into the bloodstream is through essential oils which are absorbed through the skin.

Naturopath, Rosalind Blackwell, mixes cypress, clary sage and Greek sage oils which are high in oestrogen.

‘Under my supervision they put the preparation on their stomachs every morning for two weeks each month, and the hot flushes ease. It is also helpful to drink a herbal tea made from home grown sage leaves to relieve these symptoms.’

Rosalind Blackwell is a naturopath and medical herbalist who practises in Crickham, Somerset, +44(0)1934 733040 and +44 (0)20 7193 0104, rblackwell@thebarnpractice.co.uk, www.thebarnpractice.co.uk

MASTIC GUM

The inhabitants of the Greek island of Chios have been chewing gum for thousands of years. But their gum has medicinal purposes and it takes away bad breath.

• Mastic gum is a resin from the sap of a small evergreen tree in the pistachio family, the mastic tree;
• It grows in the Mediterranean but particularly in Chios where Homer was born.

A few years ago it was discovered that in most cases the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, was responsible for peptic ulcers and other gastric disorders.

High doses of antibiotics kill the bacteria but also produce side effects. Mastic gum has no side-effects and now it is available in powder form for non Greeks!

DANDELION

The dandelion got its name from the French dent de lion – lion’s tooth because of its jagged leaves. Gardeners curse them, children like to blow away their seeds, but the dandelion has many healing properties.

‘The root helps to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and as bile is nature’s laxative, it eases constipation, and helps the liver to detoxify,’ according to Rosalind Blackwell.

• It eases indigestion;
• Soothes arthritis and rheumatism;
• The flower can be used in cough syrup.

Rosalind mixes extract of dandelion leaves with other herbs to alleviate bladder problems as dandelion is a powerful diuretic which helps to flush out bacteria.

While herbalists make dandelions into tincture the leaves can be eaten raw in salad or steamed with the flowers and eaten like vegetables.

GARLIC

Eat a clove of garlic a day and keep the doctor away – but you might not have many friends either. Garlic is an all round antibiotic which has been used since Egyptian times to heal or prevent illness.

• It stops blood platelets sticking together which prevents clots forming and lessens the chances of strokes and heart disease;
• It is an excellent tonic for preventing illness;
• It can also clear up colds, catarrh, viruses and fever;
• And quickly heal sores and spots.

Eating a raw clove brings tears to the eyes, but it can be crushed into hot soup or taken in capsule form.

Crush the clove and benefit from garlic’s antiseptic properties by rubbing the neat juice on cold sores, skin lesions, spots or any fungal growth such as athlete’s foot.

ALOE VERA

Cleopatra’s good looks can apparently be attributed to her bathing in aloe vera and goat’s milk! The spiky cactus-like plant is found in very hot countries in desert terrain, but it does thrive in the UK indoors on the window sill.

Break off the spiky leaf and open it up to scoop out the gel which is sticky and colourless and put it directly on to the skin.

• It helps to heal burns, eczema, cuts, ulcers, psoriasis, scars and sunburnt skin.
• It moisturises skin, increases collagen and stimulates cell production;
• If put directly on the hair it cures dandruff, cleanses the scalp, soothe itching and make the hair shiny.

GINGER

Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine use ginger widely for medicinal purposes but eating it is also popular in this country. The Chinese use it for its warming and restorative tonic properties.

• Often used in natural travel sickness preparations;
• It is also good for morning sickness;
• Taken as a tea it is invaluable for colds;
• Combats respiratory infection;
• Improves circulation and eases joint pain;
• Helps the body to release toxins.

Even ginger ale, ginger beer or biscuits can quell queasy feelings!

According to Rosalind Blackwell, ‘Ginger stimulates the circulation and is excellent for people with cold feet, it helps ease indigestion and flatulence, and can be used in water to gargle when someone has a sore throat.’

Ginger can be chopped up in stir-fries, used in curries and casseroles but also drunk as a tea. About one inch of the fresh root should be peeled, chopped and boiled in water for 20 minutes, or just put a slice in your normal tea.

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ENERGISING HERBS

• Astralagus
• Gingko
• Licorice
• Ginseng
• Nettle
• Rosemary
• Green Tea
• Milk Thistle

Life is frantic as we try to be superwoman, run the home, hold down a job, and look after the children. No wonder we’re exhausted! Needing a quick fix we grab another cup of coffee and a bar of chocolate and instantly feel better. But don’t be fooled.

• The quick rush of energy from sugar and caffeine is followed by a dip when blood sugar levels drop.
• An excess of sugar and caffeine cause health problems like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

So what can we do? Eat a diet rich in fresh fruit and veg and drink plenty of water – about two litres a day as a simple way to improve health.

There are also several energising herbs which can replace the quick fixes and tackle the root cause of the problem.

Jenny Jones, herbalist, emphasises that it is essential to address our lifestyles, ‘Have plenty of sleep, drink a lot of water and have a healthy diet as well.’

Astralagus

A well known tonic in Chinese medicine, it is also used in Ayurvedic medicine. The Asians use Astralagus to strengthen the immune system and boost energy, particularly for someone feeling weak due to illness or suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

• It increases the production of white blood cells that boost the immune system;
• As an antiviral and antibacterial agent it prevents us getting colds and flu in winter;
• It is even believed to slow down the growth of cancer cells;
• Can help people whose poor circulation makes their feet and hands cold.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo photo courtesy of A.Vogel Bioforce

Believed to be the oldest tree on the planet the Ginkgo Biloba or Maidenhair Tree was native to China, survived the Ice Age and can now be found in many countries including this one.

The leaves of the Ginkgo tree are used to make tincture and tablets which are prescribed in Germany particularly to provide energy to the brain and restore memory.

• It increases the flow of oxygen to the brain;
• Increases circulation;
• Improves the way the brain cells burn sugar and operate, keeping people mentally alert.
• It is also effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease, depression, strokes, poor circulation, tinnitus and vertigo.

Licorice

In our modern world the adrenal glands are frequently exhausted due to the amount of adrenalin pumped around when we get stressed. ‘Licorice has the effect of regulating the adrenaline produced by the adrenal glands to replenish the body,’ according to Jenny Jones. ‘But it shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy,’ she warns. It is also good for poor digestion but not the sweet kind which contains sugar!

Ginseng

Often recognised as boosting your sex life Ginseng is effective at promoting fertility in both men and women.

• It helps the body to adapt to stress and fatigue by stimulating the nervous system;
• It improves concentration and brainpower;
• By stimulating the circulation it allows more blood to get to the brain and wakes you up.

There are various types of Ginseng, but the best known come from Korea and Siberia.

Jenny Jones says: ‘The Korean ginseng seems to be male orientated and Siberian is good for women. It is important not to take too much, but it shouldn’t be taken at all during pregnancy.

‘It is very stimulating so I suggest taking it for three weeks and then have three weeks off, or you could overstimulate the body. It is best to take it when you know a stressful period is coming up, such as exams, a driving test or a particularly busy spell at work.’

Nettle

The common or garden stinging nettle we all try to avoid in case it stings us, is a well respected herb! It takes vitamins and minerals from the soil and stores them in its leaves and is recognised as a health tonic.

Usually taken as a tea or tincture it:

• Cleanses the blood and helps the kidneys;
• Stimulates digestion.

Jenny Jones explains, ‘Nettle has gained a reputation for helping people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which starts at this time of year when daylight is short.’

Rosemary

Shakespeare suggested ‘Rosemary is for remembrance’ and a few drops of the essential oil in the bath are excellent for helping you to wake up in the morning or revive you before a night out.

‘The action of rosemary makes you alert,’ explains Jenny Jones. ‘It is like ginkgo too in that it improves circulation to the brain.'

• Rosemary can be grown in the garden easily;
• Its leaves can be used in cooking – with lamb and on new potatoes;
• Or made into a tea.

‘Put half a teaspoonful of dried herbs or a handful of fresh rosemary in a teapot and add boiling water to make a stimulating tea. If you want to put it straight in a cup put a saucer over so that the steam with the essential oil in doesn’t evaporate.’

Green tea

The young leaves and buds of the tea plants are used to make green tea, as opposed to the older ones from which normal tea is made.

• Green tea is full of antioxidants which prevent disease and cancer;
• It is effective at eliminating toxins;
• And it boosts energy levels.

The only down side to green tea is that it contains caffeine so shouldn’t be drunk in copious quantities.

However, a moderate amount can have amazing health benefits - preventing arteries getting furred up and causing heart attacks and strokes.

Milk Thistle photo courtesy of A.Vogel Bioforce

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has almost become known as a hangover cure, but in reality it:

• Cleanses the liver;
• Clears out the toxins left over by alcohol;
• Boosts energy.

‘Both dandelion and milk thistle energise by cleansing out the liver to help the metabolism work properly,’ according to Jenny.

‘It stops us feeling sluggish and gets our metabolism working well and we are eliminating toxins properly.’

SUMMING UP:

Jenny Jones says:

• ‘For someone who doesn’t know why they are lacking energy they could try a mixture, taking one of each different type of herbs – one for the adrenals and another for the liver.
• 'They can try Ginseng, Milk Thistle and Licorice to tackle whatever the cause of the lack of energy is, but don’t take licorice if you suffer from high blood pressure. All herbal medication should be stopped a week before any surgery.’

It is preferable to consult a qualified herbalist if you have persistent health problems.

Jenny Jones is a herbalist at Head to Toe Health, Knowle, Solihull, 01564 771616

The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH): 01392 426022, www.NIMH.org.uk

Suzanne Woodward practises in Melksham, Wilts, 01225 707380, www.equine-natural-health.co.uk

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A HEALING HERB GARDEN

• German Chamomile
• Lavender
• Garden Sage
• Bronze Fennel
• Comfrey
• Lemon Balm
• Pot Marigold
• Garden Thyme
• Parsley
• Nettle
• Mint

At Prince Charles’ Highgrove estate herbs grow informally in the vegetable garden, celebrity chef Anthony Worrell Thompson grows his own varieties for cooking, and singer and TV gardener, Kim Wilde has a thriving herb garden.

Herb gardens are not just the preserve of the rich and famous, and nor are they just grown for eating. Most of them have medicinal qualities too and if your garden isn’t big enough, they can be grown in pots

Organic gardener and writer, John Hargreaves, has a few tips for starting your own herb garden:

• Put it somewhere prominent because herbs look and smell lovely and attract butterflies.
• If they are near the kitchen door, you don’t have to wade through mud on a wet night to pick some herbs.
• They need full sun with protection from strong winds.
• They do better in soil that drains well but is not particularly rich.

John suggests digging some well rotted compost into the soil. 

• To make it look good a bronze fennel can be the focal point, with tall herbs like lavender at the back and smaller ones like thyme near the front.
• Herbs don’t need much watering or weeding so they’re easy to grow, but slugs often eat seedlings so it is better to keep them under cover until they become more robust.

German chamomile

Trudy Norris

The daisy-like flower of the Matricaria chamomilla is the part needed for medicinal purposes.

According to Trudy Norris, President of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, ‘You need to grow a lot of Chamomile because it takes about five or six flowers to make an infusion. She says:

• Chamomile is anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and very calming;
• Sipping the tea reduces wind and soothes a nervous tummy and irritable bowel.

‘Once cooled it can be applied to cotton wool or lint to make a compress for eyes which are itchy and inflamed due to hay fever.’

Lavender

Its colour and aroma make lavender an asset to any herb garden, and it’s perennial and hardy.

Lavender is anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory and reduces wind
It is particularly good if you’re feeling tired and headachey
The tea can help you sleep.

Just a teaspoon of fresh flowers or leaves per half pint of water or half a teaspoon of dried lavender can be used to make a tea.

Seeds and plants are available but a cutting from another plant can be rooted by placing it in a well watered pot of compost.

Garden Sage

Like the other varieties of sage, Salvia officinalis, is a perennial which can be grown from seed or plant.

‘Rub aching teeth or gums with a leaf to relieve pain and act as an antiseptic,’ says Trudy Norris.

‘To make a strong infusion of sage rub five leaves so that the tissue on the leaf is broken and put them in a pot with half a pint of boiling water.

Once cooled:

• It is excellent for sore throats as a gargle which can be swallowed;
• It can be an antiseptic mouthwash;
• And eases menopausal hot flushes.

Bronze Fennel

The long feathery leaves of the perennial Foeniculum vulgare can be cut up and half to one teaspoonful put in a pot to make a tea.

‘You can also use two or three of the seeds slightly crushed.’   Trudy advises:

• One of the best uses of bronze fennel tea is for increasing milk flow in breastfeeding mothers.
• It is also a mild diuretic which helps to ease fluid retention;
• Used as a compress on cotton wool, it relieves itchy and inflamed eyes.

Bronze fennel can be grown from seed and its leaves can be added to soups and salads.

Comfrey

John Hargreaves says, ‘There are many different varieties of comfrey which is a perennial.

‘When my back’s a bit uncomfortable after a hard day in the garden and I’ve got cuts all over my arms and legs, I like to soak in a comfrey bath.

• Take a big handful of leaves and put them in a tea pot;
• Add boiling water and pour it into the bath.

It shouldn’t be taken internally without consultation with a herbalist, as there are some chemicals in comfrey root which can be toxic.

Lemon balm

Easy to grow from seed, the perennial lemon balm or Melissa officinalis leaves make a tea which is refreshing and tasty quite apart from its medicinal qualities.

Trudy Norris suggests:

• Lemon balm soothes the digestive system;
• It calms the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety;
• Its antiviral properties mean that it can be used topically on cold sores.

Pot marigold

Also known as Calendula officinalis, the pot marigold is an annual that  can be easily grown from seed.

Trudy claims that:

• Marigold hasantifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties;
• It is helpful to place on a compress for burns, cuts and grazes.

‘Just take two of the flowers and put them in a pot with boiling water.’ The bright orange flowers can also be eaten in a salad.

Garden Thyme

Thyme is easy to grow from seed or plant and can be used for cooking and health. Trudy Norris suggests Thymus vulgaris for medicinal purposes:

• It is anti-bacterial and antifungal, and is useful for sore throats – particularly combined with sage;
• It helps to ease respiratory infections, catarrh, and post-viral coughs which hang around.

‘Just chop up about a teaspoonful of thyme leaves to make a pot of tea, strain and sip.’

Although it’s perennial it is better to replace thyme plants about every three years.

Parsley

Easy to grow from seed, any variety of parsley can be kept on the kitchen window sill or transferred out when the frost is over.

John Hargreaves says, ‘Parsley is a biennial plant, but it is much more abundant in its second year.’

Apart from its culinary uses, Trudy claims that Parsley:

• Can be chewed raw to take away the smell of garlic on your breath;
• Is a general health booster containing Vitamin C and plenty of micronutrients.
• It is a soothing diuretic for fluid retention, bladder and kidney problems;
• It is rich in calcium and potassium and strengthens hair and nails.

Nettle

Stinging nettles or Urtica dioica have considerable health benefits and the sting is removed when they are boiled.

To stop them taking over the herb garden they might be better grown in their own container.

‘Two torn up leaves make a pot of nettle tea which acts as a gentle blood tonic,’ according to Trudy. Its other benefits include:

• It is also rich in micronutrients;
• Helps kidney and bladder problems and prostate enlargement;
• Relieves chronic toxic states such as arthritis or severe skin complaints.

‘I make a nettle soup in the summer and use the same recipe as leek and potato soup but replace the leeks with nettles by using half a stem full of leaf and stem,’  Trudy Norris. 

Mint

There are many varieties of mint which are also grown for culinary purposes and for their delightful aroma. Mentha piperita is good for therapeutic use.

Trudy Norris suggests, ‘Tear up or gently bruise three to five mint leaves to make a tea.’   The tea is good for:

• chronic sinusitis
• respiratory complaints
• an uncomfortable digestive system.

‘However,’ Trudy adds, ‘It is very bitter so shouldn’t be used for people who have high acidity in the gut. A compress on the skin helps to relieve itchiness.’

• Mint roots spread fast so it might be better confined to its own patch.

• Organic Gardening Catalogue, 0845 130 1304; www.OrganicCatalog.com

National Institute of Medical Herbalists, 01392 426022, www.nimh.org.uk

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