Herbs - General

The leaves of Bog Myrtle contain an essential oil which is rich in various terpenes. The main substances are alpha-pinene, 1,8 cineol, myrcene, and limonene. Additional substances found in the plant are beta-cadin-4-En-10-ol, 11-selina-4-ol, beta-terpinene, p-cymene, caryophyllene, 4.11-selinadien, beta-elemennon, germacrone and a trace amount of other substances. The plant also contains toxic flavon-glycosides and large […]

Oat straw contains protein (avenins), saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal compounds, vitamins B1, B2, D, E, carotene, starch, and fat. It also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron and trace elements like silicon and potassium. Oats have been an elemental food source for both humans and animals since prehistoric times. Oats uses as a […]

Wild yam root has been promoted as a “natural progesterone”. Many herbalists have raised doubts about the practical value of the plant in that regard and concerns relating to possible toxic effects of the herb. In the past, wild yam root was used as a starting material to synthesize progesterone medications such as cortisone, estrogen […]

Heather contains tannins, arbutin, saponins, karotin, and the flavonoids quercitrin and myricitrin. It also contains the alkaloid ericodin. This herb is an ancient remedy for urinary tract problems. It is thought to be good for inflammation of the urinary passages, prostate problems, such as prostate enlargement, bladder ailments and kidney stones. Tea made from the flowers is […]

The root of balloon flower is considered to have the following health properties; astringent, anti-inflammatory, digestive, expectorant, antitussive, analgesic, antibacterial and slightly sedative. The use of balloon flower in herbal medicine is primarily associated with lung and throat related ailments and the herb is often combined with Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) in that regard. The […]

Hemp comes from the same family of plants as marijuana, and has suffered some negative association as a result. Even though hemp as a plant has been legal to grow and consume for decades, it still has suffered from the stigma carried by marijuana. However, hemp flowers — and the CBD that is derived from […]

Historical records also indicate that tansy has been used as a natural face wash to lighten the skin. Historically, the most common medicinal use of tansy was as an abortifacient. It naturally stimulates blood flow to the pelvis and uterus (emmenagogue) and was used to bring on menstruation or abort an unwanted pregnancy. Tanacetum vulgare […]

The genus Euphorbia (spurge) contains over 1600 species making it one of the most species-rich plant genus in the world. The common characteristic of all these species is that they contain poisonous, milky latex-like sap that tastes strong and bitter. Since it is the sap that has been used medicinally, these species are interchangeable. Sun […]

The leaves of the sweet grass are collected during the summer months and dried by natural or artificial means. The dried leaves are then used to form braids made for burning and used as incense. The vanilla-scented smoke is important in many sacred ceremonies, both among native North Americans and some indigenous groups in Europe. […]

Angelica has for centuries been an important medicinal plant and food source, especially to the Sami or Lapps in northern Finland, Norway and Sweden and the Inuits in Greenland. The Vikings were aware of the medicinal properties of the plant, and it is mentioned in the Icelandic sagas. In Norway, the plant was cultivated in […]