Herbs
The Holistic Health Centre has a well stocked herbal dispensary. The list below is just a fraction of the medicinal herbs from which a herbalist may choose to make an individual prescription.
These links will take you to the approprate page on Nikki's herbalist website, which will open in a new screen, and you will find further information including research references:
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) Agrimony was used as a wound healing herb as it staunches bleeding and encourages clot formation. It may be used by herbalists as a gentle digestive tonic as it has a mild bitter action. Also helpful for diarrhoea, sore throats, hoarseness, urinary tract infections and arthritis ... more
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) provides easily assimilated nutrients for convalescents ... more
Allspice (Pimenta officinalis) mainly used as a condiment and spice. Useful as an adjunct in the treatment of flatulence, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea and minor inflammation of the upper respiratory tract such as the common cold ... more
Aloe vera Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years to soothe and promote healing of wounds. Modern research confirms that aloe vera is also useful for reducing the pain of scalds and burns as well as speeding their healing. The aloe vera juice scraped from the leaf and used fresh is probably more effective than the purchased aloe gel which contains additives to ensure preservation ... more
Burdock (Arctium lappa) Burdock root is used by herbalists as a detoxifying herb as it helps to increase elimination of waste products by improving lymphatic, liver and kidney function. In chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema, and arthritic conditions, burdock may be useful, especially when there is other evidence of poor elimination. Burdock root can contain up to 45% inulin, a source of fructo-oligosaccharides, which are known to help normalise bowel flora, by promoting growth of beneficial bacteria ... more
Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) Though its sedative action is mild chamomile is often used to help alleviate insomnia. The gentle action of chamomile means it can be helpful for fretful children as well as sleeplessness in adults. It has often been used for babies and children with colic and teething problems ... more
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) As it's name suggests Cramp bark is used as an antispasmodic for cramps, including menstrual cramps, as well as spasms of the bladder, low back pain and restless leg syndrome. It may also be used by herbalists with other herbs to help reduce high blood pressure ... more
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) Herbalists have traditionally used Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) in joint pain, rheumatism, arthritis, gout and chronic back pain ... more
Elder (Sambucus nigra) Herbalists use elderflowers for upper respiratory problems such as the common cold, influenza, chronic nasal catarrh and sinusitis. The berries of the elder are helpful in the treatment of viral respiratory infections such as colds and influenza. They are nutritious when cooked but should not be eaten raw. They are mildly laxative and can be useful combined with other treatments for constipation, they are also helpful for diarrhoea ... more
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Fennel has many uses. The volatile oil of fennel is antispasmodic and carminative, this makes fennel an excellent herbal remedy for flatulent dyspepsia, cramps, wind, colic, nausea, travel sickness and loss of appetite. Try a tea made from bruised fennel seeds to aid digestion, prevent heartburn or relieve constipation ... more
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Ginkgo biloba has been shown to improve circulation throughout the body and especially to the brain and lower extremities. It is thought that this improvement in blood flow enhances mental functioning, ability to concentrate and memory. Improved blood flow to the eyes may help to delay vision loss associated with ageing. It has also been suggested that Ginkgo biloba may help relieve the symptoms of tinnitus and vertigo. As Ginkgo may help prevent blood clots it can be used alongside other herbs in treatment of peripheral vascular disease such as in diabetes, and problems related to poor circulation such as Raynaud's syndrome, varicose veins and phlebitis ... more
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Hawthorn berries have long been used to treat digestive problems and as a nervine for problems like insomnia. Later it was discovered that they were beneficial to the cardiovascular system, and especially the heart. Studies show hawthorn improves blood flow in the coronary arteries by dilating the coronary arteries. Hawthorn is rich in bioflavonoids and together with vitamin C these bioflavonoids help to strengthen blood vessels. Hawthorn also dilates the peripheral arteries, a property which helps to explain its hypotensive action and benefit in high blood pressure. These effects are thought to be at least partly due to the presence of the biogenic amines. Overall hawthorn improves heart function by helping to improve the blood supply to the heart itself, and strengthening heart muscle ... more
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) Horse chestnut seed has a tradition of use for conditions associated with venous congestion and related symptoms of throbbing pain and fullness in the veins. Thus herbalists use Horse chestnut seed for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, haemorrhoids and venous oedema. Modern research confirms that treatment with Horse chestnut seed reduces the pain, tension, swelling and itching associated with chronic venous insufficiency ... more
Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) The properties of Iceland Moss are mainly due to the water-soluble mucilaginous polysaccharides and the bitter lichen acids. Traditionally Iceland Moss has been used for soothing coughs and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, such as in bronchitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis, and as a demulcent and bitter tonic for the gastrointestinal tract. The bitter tonic and demulcent combination is unusual in herbs, therefore herbalists value Iceland Moss for its effects on the gastrointerstinal tract in irritable bowel syndrome, gastric and duodenal ulcers and other chronic digestive problems. Iceland Moss was also traditionally used for morning sickness. The emollient properties of Iceland Moss make it useful as a wash for skin inflammations and irritations such as eczema, and for wounds ... more
Juniper (Juniperus communis) The volatile oils are mainly responsible for the actions of Juniper. For centuries Juniper has been used for urinary tract problems including acute and chronic cystitis and urinary retention, as well as for gallstones, gout and topically for rheumatic pains in muscles and joints. Juniper is also improves digestion and helps relieve wind and cramps of the gastrointestinal tract. Juniper berries are widely used as the flavouring for gin and other drinks ... more
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) Kava is traditionally used in the Pacific Islands to make a ceremonial psychoactive beverage. It is an extremely useful herb for a number of conditions. However, it is not available in the UK at the moment. Kava has skeletal muscle relaxant properties, it helps to relieve cramping due to muscle spasms, and is useful in conditions such as fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome. As it relaxes the central nervous system Kava promotes general relaxation and helps to induce a restful sleep, which can be particularly beneficial in times of stress. Its relaxing properties make Kava popular for calming anxiety and relieving nervousness ... more
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Lavender essential oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy. However, lavender flowers also provide a fragrant aromatic herbal remedy in tea or tincture form, which is useful for nausea, motion sickness, flatulence, colic, bloating, gut dysbiosis and irritable bowel syndrome. As a nervine, lavender is well known for its soothing and calming properties. It is useful with other herbs for mild anxiety, depression, tension, restlessness and for insomnia as it helps improve sleep quality. An infusion of lavender may also help headaches, or try massaging a small amount of lavender essential oil diluted in a carrier oil onto the temples ... more
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) This bright yellow or orange flowered common garden plant has very useful properties especially for skin care and healing. It can also be used internally where its antiinflammatory and healing properties are often useful with other herbs for conditions such as gastric and duodenal ulcers. A cream or ointment made from marigold flowers heals minor wounds, skin ulcers and rashes. An infusion of marigold flowers is helpful as a lotion for burns, including sunburn. However, modern research also shows that Marigold flowers can also aid healing of skin wounds and burns when taken internally, this may be due to the antioxidant properties ... more
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) One of the most sacred of the Druid herbs, meadowsweet is used by herbalists for gastrointestinal problems especially those related to chronic excessive gastric acid secretions, such as heartburn, gastritis, gastro-oesophageal reflux and peptic ulcer. Meadowsweet is also helpful for other gastrointestinal conditions such as flatulence, bloating, colitis and diarrhoea. As an analgesic and mild urinary antiseptic meadowsweet can help to reduce the pain of cystitis, and because it helps eliminate uric acid it may be helpful, used with other herbs in gout. The pain relieving effects of meadowsweet are due to the aspirin like constituents. However, meadowsweet does not have the blood thinning effects or the gastrointestinal irritation associated with aspirin. Meadowsweet's gentle pain relieving effects can be helpful in the relief of menstrual cramps, and the pain of arthritis, rheumatism, fibrositis, as well as for headaches ... more
Nettle (Urtica dioica) The Romans used to flail themselves with stinging nettles to ease their arthritic pain. Modern research has confirmed that nettles can ease inflammation in arthritis and other conditions, follow the links to see the research articles. Nettle tops were traditionally eaten as a spring tonic, in soups or as a vegetable similar to spinach. Research confirms their nutritive value as nettles have been found to be rich in iron and many other minerals and vitamin C. Other research into nettles confirms that this well known folk remedy is effective for relieving allergy symptoms ... more
Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) Oregon Grape is a bitter tasting herb which helps to stimulate digestion therefore finds use in conditions such as gastritis, dyspepesia, dysbiosis and constipation. As a liver tonic and cholagogue, oregon grape is helpful in cholecystitis, hepatitis and jaundice. Oregon grape is also useful for chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne rosacea, acne, boils, dandruff and eczema, and for chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis. As an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, oregon grape is helpful in infections such as urinary tract infections, as well as for strep and staph infections ... more
Pellitory of the wall (Parietaria diffusa) Herbalists use wall pellitory for a number of urinary problems including painful urination, cystitis, pyelitis and kidney stones and gravel. Pellitory is useful for fluid retention and has been used as a diuretic for centuries, as it increases the flow of urine and soothes the urinary tract. Its demulcent action means it may also be helpful in chronic coughs. An ointment of pellitory has been used for shingles ... more
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Peppermint tea is a traditional remedy for aiding digestion, and as such is used in many formulas for indigestion, nausea and flatulence. Its antispasmodic and carminative effects having being confirmed by modern research. As an antispasmodic, peppermint is a useful herb for intestinal spasms and so can be used to help ease the symptoms of colic and irritable bowel syndrome ... more
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) The Vikings used rhodiola as a strengthening tonic and modern research confirms that it can improve physical and work performance, attention span, memory and alertness. Herbalists use rhodiola as an adaptogenic herb, with other herbs, to relieve symptoms of chronic stress such as insomnia, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Rhodiola may also be of benefit in heart disease as it has been shown to reduce C-reactive protein, and to prevent stress induced cardiac damage. In animal studies Rhodiola reduces the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents but enhances their anticancer effects ... more
Sage (Salvia officinalis) Sage is a well known culinary herb. However, it has also been traditionally used as a herbal medicine especially for digestive problems, throat and mouth infections or inflammation and for drying up excessive secretions, including excessive sweating and for reduction of breast milk production during weaning. Herbalists use sage for many types of digestive problems, such as sage tea for indigestion with flatulence. Sage tea can also be used as a gargle for sore throats, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sore gums, mouth ulcers and thrush. Sage also reduces excessive perspiration so can be useful in menopausal flushes and sweats and for night sweats. Sage tea has long been used for reducing production of breast milk when weaning, its property of drying up secretions also makes it useful for reducing excess mucous production in the sinuses and upper respiratory tract. As a diaphoretic sage may also be helpful for colds, flu and fevers ... more
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Thyme is a well-known and commonly used culinary herb, however it has also long been used by herbalists as a medicinal herb. Herbalists have traditionally used both garden thyme and wild thyme for lung conditions, such as bronchitis, productive coughs, spasmodic coughs, whooping cough and asthma, as well as for viral infections and digestive troubles such as gastritis, flatulence, bloating, heartburn and dyspepsia. As antispasmodic herbs, both wild thyme and garden thyme can also be used in spasmodic conditions of the bowel such as colic and irritable bowel syndrome ... more
Uva-ursi (Arctostaphlos uva-ursi) Herbalists use uva ursi along with other herbs for urinary tract conditions, such as cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, lithuria and pyelitis, especially if there is blood or mucous in the urine. In urinary tract infections the urinary antiseptic hydroquinones are the active constituents. The hydroquinones are produced in the kidney under alkaline urine conditions and are strongly antibacterial. Under the right conditions the urinary antiseptic action takes effect within 3 to 4 hours of taking the uva ursi. Uva ursi also increases excretion of uric acid from the body and so may be helpful in gout ... more
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Valerian is a calming, non-addictive herb used for insomnia, nervous stomach, anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness, nervous headaches, tension headaches, irritability and excitability. Valerian can help to improve the quality of sleep and lessens nighttime awakenings, without causing daytime sedation or lack of concentration. Valerian reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, particularly in older people and habitually poor sleepers. Valerian is also good for periods of extreme emotional stress. As an antispasmodic herb Valerian is helpful for muscle tension and muscle pain and so finds a use in muscle spasms, palpitations, tremors and muscle cramps especially when related to stress, menstrual cramps, intestinal cramps and IBS, PMS, restless leg syndrome, back pain and bruxism ... more
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Witch hazel is an essential item for every home first aid cabinet. Distilled witch hazel extract is useful as a soothing and healing application for the treatment of minor scrapes, cuts, wounds, sprains, swellings, bruises, insect stings and bites, spots and blemishes. Witch hazel also relieves pain and inflammation when applied to haemorrhoids and varicose veins ... more
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) In Roman times yarrow was carried by soldiers to be used as a topical wound healer and haemostatic. In modern times it may be used with other herbs for ulcers, skin irritations and rashes. Yarrow in the form of a hot infusion acts as a stimulating diaphoretic, useful for fever management in the common cold and influenza. However, cold yarrow tea has a wide range of application for digestive complaints, stimulating the appetite, and relaxing intestinal spasms. Yarrow's antiinflammatory properties combining with the antispasmodic activity, making yarrow a useful addition to formulas for gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and diarrhoea. As an aromatic bitter yarrow may be useful for conditions such as dyspepsia. While yarrow's astringent and haemostatic nature finds a use in gastric ulcers. Taken cold yarrow is also helpful for itching and bleeding haemorrhoids. Herbalists may also use yarrow with other herbs to help regulate the menstrual cycle. As a mild emmenogogue it may be used in amenorrhoea, however it is also helpful for reducing excessive bleeding in menorrhagia. Chewing yarrow root or fresh leaves is helpful for easing the pain of toothache ... more