PLANT INDEX
The medical uses suggested in this list are intended only as an indication as to some of the uses of the herb and should be regarded only as information and not prescriptive or diagnostic. If you are uncertain about any plant consult a qualified herbalist or your GP, particularly if you are taking other medication.

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A native perennial common on roadsides, hedgerows and waste l Land. Faintly aromatic with downy leaves. Small yellow flowers grow up the erect spike at the end of the stem. Up to 24ins high. Hard to   cultivate. An infusion of the leaves and flowers can be taken as a tonic or diuretic. Also good externally for bathing wounds or problematic skin. Historically an important medicinal herb.

ALOE VERA

ANGELICA

ARNICA

Arnica Montana 2
Perenial. Alpine with yellow-gold flowers. Poisonous internally.
Uses. Makes good cream for bruises and sprains. Use one part leaves to two parts flowers. You can also use 1 part tincture of arnica to 10 parts witchhazel as a lotion but only on unbroken skin. More details in Bartram’s Encyclopedia. Used homeopathically for shock and injury. A very weak tincture has been used for acute anginal pain.

BASIL

Ocimum Basilicum
Tender annuals. There are now many varieties available of basil. Basil can grow indoors in a pot or outside after all threat of frost is over. Water in the morning, evening watering may result in the basil becoming cold over night. Pinch out flowers to encourage bushy leaf growth. Preserve in oil or by freezing.
Uses . The oils from the leaves are antiseptic, stimulant and good for the digestion.Thai basil and Green Ruffles lower cholestrol.

Purple Basil

BISTORT

Polygonum bistorta
Found wild in moist meadows and beside waterways. Has an erect pink flower spike. The leaves were eaten formerly as a vegetable. It is strongly astringent and rich in tannin. An attractive addition to the flower garden Propogate by root division.

BITTERSWEET or woody nightshade

Lathyrus montanus
Perennial native to upland areas of the U.K. Has pink/blue flowers.
Uses The root nodules have a liquorice like flavour and were once used as a tonic and to allay hunger. They can also be added to drinks.

BITTER VETCH

Lathyrus montanus
Perennial native to upland areas of the U.K. Has pink/blue flowers.
Uses The root nodules have a liquorice like flavour and were once used as a tonic and to allay hunger. They can also be added to drinks.

BLACK HOREHOUND

Ballota nigra
Hairy strong smelling wild perennial. Grows to a meter high. Rough toothed green leaves with grey hairs. Dull purple flowers. It is a stimulant and antispasmodic and can help with morning sickness.

BORAGE

Borago officinalis
Hardy annual that grows to 1m. Rather a rough plant that has lovely blue flowers very attractive to bees. Sometimes known as star flower.
Uses The young leaves and flowers in salads and the flowers in drinks. Historically it was considered a plant that would raise the spirits and drive away melancholy. An infusion of the leaves will aid kidney function and will help with feverish catarrh. It is diuretic, demulcent and emollient. Externally it can be used as a poultice to reduce inflammation.

WHITE BORAGE

Borago officinalis alba,
As above with white flowers.

BOX

Bu Borago officinalis alba xus semperviren fiesta
Buxus elegance variegate balls
Useful as an ornamental addition to the herb garden and as a hedging plant. Plant 8 inchs apart and trim in late spring to promote new growth. Trim for shape and topiary in summer.
A strong smelling narcotic herb that lowers fever and may have anti-rheumatic effects. Should only be used for this purpose by a professional.
Was in the past equated with quinine for the treatment of
malaria, but is now rarely used medicinally due to its toxicity.
It has been used externally as a decoction to promote hair growth but it could cause irritation. There has been an interest in using an extract of box in the treatment of AIDS. All parts of box are highly toxic if eaten and could cause death.

BUGLE

Ajuga Reptans
Native perennial found in damp woods and grassy pastures. A low growing plant with stems up to 12 inchs. Purplish-blue flowers from May to July. A decoction is helps with irritant cough.

White Ajuga Reptans Alba
A variety with very attractive white flowers

Bronze Ajuga Reptans
"Atropupurea" A variety with deep purple bronze leaves

Arctium Lappa Compositae
Large leaved hardy biennial that grows to I meter. Common native plant with small purple flowers and hooks burrs that are said to be the inspiration for Velcro. Likes some sun and rich soil.
Uses: A decoction of the roots/leaves is a powerful blood purifier and helpful for skin problems. Burdock lowers blood sugar levels. It will help with constipation with liver problems and to balance the helpful bacteria in the bowel. It enhances immunity, reduces fluid retention and is anti-imflammatory.
Roots should be harvested in the autumn.

Wild or GermanMatricaria recutita
A hardy annual with profuse white flower with yellow centres. Easy to grow and the more you pick the more the flowers will come. The most common and useful of the chamomiles. It is an annual but self-seeds prolifically.
Makes an excellent calming tea it will help with stress and insomnia. Has a soothing effect on the digestion. Is a good herb to give to hyperactive children or children with colic. It willhelp relieve the pain of arthritis and gout, and with period pain PMT and thrush. It also helps with colds catarrh, hay fever and asthma.
Used as an oil chamomile is anti inflammatory, cooling and calming. It is good for allergies, inflamed itchy skin conditions.

Salvia Sclaria
Hardy bienniale with large strong smelling leaves. Grows to 60cm or 1 m. Cream and lilac flowers in spring and summer.
Uses. Clary oil is used as a fixer in perfumery.
Clary Sage is a relaxant and tonic when taken internally and helps with stress-related problems such as headaches, insomnia and indigestion. It will relieve pain caused by spasm in the gut and uterus and can help with period pain and with contractions in childbirth. Clary sage is strengthening and is good to take after childbirth. Clary will also help with heavy perspiration during the menopause. It should not be used in pregnancy.
Externally a decoction of the seeds can be used to remove foreign bodies from the eye or skin. There is no need to boil the seeds, just soak them in the water for a few minutes and they will form a thick mucilage which can be applied to the eye. Culpepper suggests putting a seed directly into the eye until it falls out, as it will “cleanse the eye of all filth and putrid matter.”

COLTSFOOT

Allium schoenoprasum
Will multiply rapidly and form clumps. Keep well watered. Pink flower heads and fine long hollow leaves that are good in salads soups and sauces. Can infuse in white wine vinegar for fine tasting pink vinegar.
Uses Not formally used as a medicine chives are none the less efficacious in fighting infection and anaemia. They have a warming and stimulating effect on the digestion. Chives provide antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal actions.

Coriandrum sativum
Usually grown from seed as a delicious addition to a salad. Likes a well drained sunny position.
Uses Coriander is a digestive stimulant and will help with the absorption of the nutrients. It has a cooling effect on the body good fevers and hot inflammatory problems.

Primula veris
A wild flower that has been over picked in the past.
Uses Old herbalists used cowlip as a remedy for paralysis and for many other nervous afflictions. Currently the root and flower are used internally as a relaxant and a general tonic. Taken hot cowlip is a helpful decongestant for cold etc. and are anti-inflammatory and so a useful treatment for arthritis and gout.

Lysimachia nummularia
Ground cover with numerous yellow flowers.
The whole bruised herb helps to heal cuts and relieve muscular and rheumatic conditions.

Anthemis Tinctoria
A decorative herbaceous plant the bright yellow flowers produce an orange-brown dye.

Echinacea Purpurea
Otherwise known as purple cone flower echinacea is an attractive addition to a flower border with its daisy like purple pink flowers. Echinacea prefers a rich well drained soil in full sun or dappled shade.
Uses A recent addition to our medicine cabinets in Britain, echinacea tincture made from the roots of the plant has been found to be an excellent preventative tonic for colds and flu. Historically echinacea was one of the most valued medicinal plants used by the North American Indians primarily for snake bites. Taken internally as a tincture echinacea will fight off infections including measles and mumps and boils and abscesses. Echinacea has anti inflammatory properties and will bring relief to arthritis and gout sufferers. Taken as a tonic it is especially helpful for those of us who suffer from sluggish lymphatics and pimples and boils and who fall ill easily when over exhausted. The roots should be harvest four years after planting but meanwhile you can enjoy the attractive flower.

Sambucu niger
A small native deciduous tree of which nearly all the parts are useful. The leaves are good in ointments, the flowers make a tea that induces sweating, they are diuretic anti-rheumatic andlaxtive Berries used in wines and puddings. Common in the wild and grows easily in gardens. We also have a variegated variety.

Inula helenium
A handsome perennial that can grows as high as 5 feet. Large leaves and yellow flowers. Will look well at the back of a border.
Uses Use the root for a warming expectorant excellent for colds and catarrh and other chest infections. It is will bring down fevers and increase the circulation. Externally makes an antiseptic wash.

Oenothera biennis
An attractive biennial that grows up to four feet in its second year. The first year it produces a rosette of leaves close to the ground. The pale yellow flowers are produced from July to September.
Uses The fresh young leaves are good in salads. Medicinally the oil from the seeds has been subject to much research in recent years. It has a balancing effect on the hormones and is used for PMT and menopausal symptoms. It has also been shown to be beneficial in treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. It has helped with allergies and arthritis.

Foeniculum vulgare
Grow from seeds. Fennel likes a warm sheltered place.
Uses The seeds are a very good digestive aid and are well known to help with babies colic. As a diuretic fennel seeds are detoxifying and have been used to reduce cellulite

Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew has an attractive white flower not unlike chamomile, that is a useful addition to an ornamental bed as it flowers profusely in late summer when many other flowers have died back. It likes full sun.
Uses Today feverfew is well known as a remedy for headache and migraine. Up to 4 leaves eaten daily sandwiched in bread (the bitter leaves can otherwise hurt the mouth) is known to have a preventative effect on migraine. Likewise a few drops of a tincture made from the leaves and flowers. Do not mix with warfarin as feverfew also thins the blood.ss
Taken hot feverfew will bring down fevers and act as a decongestant for coughs and catarrh. It has an antihistamine action, offering allergy relief to hay fever and asthma sufferers.

Digitalis purpurea
Tall biennial with purple bell-shaped flower. Contains a heart stimulant, digitalin, that is poisonous.

Solidago Virginea
Bright yellow powdery flower. Prefers light well drained soil and sunny position with some shade.
Uses Externally stops bleeding. Taken for diarrhea and urinary infections. Detoxicant. Taken as a tea will bring down fevers and relieve nausea and period pains.

Centella asiatica
Important ayurvedic herb. Moist sheltered site. Leaves can be put in salads or used as a tonic or antirheumatic.

ithospernum officinalis
Creamy white flowered native rich in calcium. Mild contraceptive.

Viburnum opulus
Deciduous shrub with white flower, rich autumn colour and red berries (edible if cooked)Traditional antispasmodic

Sempervivum Tectorium
Hardy perennial native to mountains in Europe but now often found in gardens. Appears on walls and roofs. Succulent multiple rosette of leaves with occasional pink flower in spring.
Uses The bruised or pulped leaves will cool and soothe burns and wounds in similar way to aloe vera

Humulus lupulus
A climbing plant used for beer making. A tea from the leaves   relieves stress and can help with menopausal symptoms. Hops are diuretic and detoxicant however they can also act as a depressant.

Hyssopus Officinalis
Hardy evergreen perennial with pretty blue flowers. Likes full sun. Makes a good low (2 foot) hedging plant or a companion plant in the vegetable patch luring away the cabbage white butterfly from brassicas.
Uses Historically used as a cleansing herb, mentioned in the Old Testament as a symbol of purity. Helps fight infection, particularly in the respiratory tract and so helps with colds, catarrh and chest infections. Increases circulation causing sweating and lowering fevers.

Alchemilla vulgaris Alchemilla mollis
Hardy perennial about 12ins. Distinctive rounded, lobed leaves
with yellow-green flowers late spring. Vulgaris is trationally the one used medicinally. Almost identical to mollis the leaves are more deeply toothed.
UsesHighly astringent. A tea made from the leaves or a decoction of the roots will helpcontrol excessive menstral bleeding or diarrhea. Use it externally on wounds and boils.

Lavendula Officinalis
A bushy evergreen garden herb with beautifully fragranced mauve flowers. Like light, poor soil and sunshine. Good hedging plantor in the border.
Uses In the past lavender was used as a strewing herb in houses for its fragrance, antiseptic properties and because it is an insect repellent. More recently lavender bags put in clothes deter the clothes moth as well as scenting the clothes. Added to a pillow a lavender bag promotes a good nights sleep. The oil is one of the most common used in aromatherapy as it is wonderfully relaxing to the mind and body. It relieves stress induced symptoms such as headache and palpitations. Taken internally it will relieve wind, colic and stress induced bowel conditions. Taken hot lavender tea will bring down fevers, and detoxify. Externally it is an excellent skin healer and is one of the best for burns. Applied immediately after the burn it will reduce the chance of scarring.

Lavender angustifolia Rosea (pink)
Lavender angustifoliaGrosso
Lavender angustifoliaVera
Lavender intermedia Grey Seal
Lavender intermedia Grappenhall
Lavender angustifolia grey hedge
Lavender angustifolia Edelweiss (white)
Lavender angustifolia Blue Cushion
Lavender angustifolia Hidcote Pink
Lavender angustifolia Folgate
Lavender angustifolia Ashdown Forest
Lavender angustifolia Nana alba (white)
Lavender angustifolia Miss Katherine
Lavender stoechas Papillion

Golden Lemon Balm

EuropeanMandragora Officinalis
Likes a sheltered site. Purple-white flowers followed by yellow fruits.
Uses All the parts are now considered poisonous although in the past the mandrake had various medical uses and in Pliny’s time was used as an anaesthetic for operations. There are many superstitutions regarding the root of the mandrake which was supposed to resemble the human form as they sometime fork out like legs.

Pot marigold Calendula officinalis
Grow in the sun in any soil. Self seeds. Large orange flower from the spring onwards. Named calendula as it can flower in every month of the calendar.
Uses As a tea it is a cooling anti-inflammatory drink. A key healing herb both internally and externally. It has a cleansing effect on the body and is good to drink when recovering after illness as it stimulates lymph flow. As an ointment or cream it is very good on cuts, grazes or bites.

Sweet Origanum marjorana
All mine seem to have been killed by the frost, but I hope to have some new ones shortly. It likes fully sun and likes some protection in winter. Grows 10 inchs and flowers late summer.
Uses Was a popular strewing herb in ancient times used for warding off disease and infection.
Warming and relaxing.

Althea officinalis
A tall perennial with velvety leaves and soft pink flowers.
Likes damp salt marshes but will grow anywhere.
Uses A very soothing plant both internally and externally.
Abundant in mucilage, especially.

Filipendula ulmariaGrows in damp meadows with a frothy creamy white flower that was used inthe past in bride's bouquets.   Meadowsweet is natures aspirin. It is good for all digestive problems. A hot tea will help with colds and flu and relieve head aches.   A cool tea is soothing on inflamed skin or tired eyes.

Silybum marianus
An attractive planat with glossy green leaves with milk white veins. Grows from 1 foot to 5 foot and flowers late summer. Very prickly
Uses One of the best liver remedies, it increases the flow of the bile. All part of the plant can be used in particular the seeds. A tea can be made using less than half a teaspoonful to a cup of boiling water. Helps the flow of mothers’ milk and can prevent travel sickness.

Mentha pulegium
Creeping mint with small round leaves. Strong peppermint scent.
Erect stems with small mauve flowers.
Uses. Insect repellent including ants. Dried leaves purify water.

Leonurus cardiaca
Bushy perennial that can grow to 3 – 5 foot.Likes chalk and gravel but will grow anywhere. Likes sun.
Uses Has an affinity with the heart and will raise the spirits.
Has a relaxing and toning effect on the uterus and can be taken a week or two before childbirth. Calming effect on palpitations and irregular heart beat. Will help lower blood pressure and is particularly useful during the menopause.

Oreganum vulgare
A strong flavouring in cooking. Anti-septic, used to help bronchitis sufferers and asthma sufferers.

Pretty flower growing to 2 foot maximum. Likes sun and stony ground. Cut back to encourage growth.
Uses The leaves and flowering tops make a good infused tea. Aid digestion, good for colds, flu, mild antiseptic mouthwash and gargle. Anti-stress. Small plant Country Cream Pretty flower growing to 2 foot maximum. Likes sun and stony ground. Cut back to encourage growth.
Uses The leaves and flowering tops make a good infused tea. Aid digestion, good for colds, flu, mild antiseptic mouthwash and gargle. Anti-stress.

Petroselium Crispum
A great digestive   aid, full of nutrients and vitamin C so a good addition   to a salad. Helps the body assimilate iron so good for anaemia sufferers.

Pulsatilla Vulgaris
One of our prettiest wild flowers but uncommon in the wild. A delicate but resilient plant with silky purple flowers.
Uses A relaxant and nerve tonic. Use the leaves and the flowers internally to relieve spasm and reduce pain. Helps those suffering from nervous exhaustion, depression or insomnia. Also a remedy for colds, coughs, catarrh and ear and eye problems.

Rubus
Tea made from the leaves act as a muscle toner for the uterus and so help women with excessive menstrual bleeding and with contractions in labour.

Rosmarinus officinalis
Evergreen bush. Has pretty blue flowers. Numerous varieties. Likes sun and does not like its roots standing in water.
Uses: A tea or tincture made from rosemary helps the memory. Burning a sprig of rosemary will freshen the room and also freshen the mind. Increases circulation to the brain. Rosemary is antiseptic and makes a good hair rinse.

Ruta graveolens
Stong smelling grey plant that   can be used as a low hedge as in a knot garden. A good fly repellent (I used to tie it to my horses mane when driving her to keep the flies from annoying her) A tea made from the leaves is a stimulant for the appetite, the bile and menstrual bleeding. There are other uses suitable for herbalists

Salvia officinalis
A Mediterranean plant that likes the sun. Greyish leaves and purple blue flowers.
Uses : the leaves dry well and it is useful in cooking. An infusion of the leaves makes an excellent tonic with antiseptic, digestive and cleansing action. A good gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers. Rub the leaves on the gums and teeth to maintain health. Sage is helpful with menopausal symptoms and as a hair rinse however it is generally drying and can cause a dry scalp
Salvia officinalis tricolor
A variety with some pink and grey in the leaves. .

Sanguisorba Minor
Hardy perennial. Likes limestone.
Uses Put in salads. Good for the digestion

Scutellaria
Hardy perennial that will grow to 30 inchs. Curious blue hooded flowers from midsummer.
Uses Now considered unsafe to self administer skullcap is a useful remedy for a whole range of nervous conditions but it would be better to consult a herbalist before using. It was even considered a cure for hydrophobia and rabies.
It is a good remedy for those feeling overwrought and run down with sleepless nights and nervous headaches. A good substitute for orthodox tranquillisers or antidepressants.

Prunella vulgaris
Ornamental, hardy. Grow in sun or light shade.
Uses: use on injuries and wounds with bleeding. For conjunctivitis put squeeze 5 – 10 drops into eye bath half filled with milk. Make ointment for bleeding piles. Use the whole plant. Used in western medicine for haemorrhage and excessive bleeding during menstruation. Many other uses in Chinese medicine.

Buckler Leaf Rumex scutatus
Likes a well drained soil. Small leaves with a sharp acidic taste. Used by the French for sorrel soup. The juice can be used as a bleach for rust, mould and ink stains on linen, wicker and silver.
Medicinally the tea has been used to treat kidney and liver ailments Can help mouth ulcers.

Hypericum perforatum
Hardy perennial common in woodland and on verges. Pretty yellow flower with black dotted oil glands.
Uses an infused oil made from St. John’s Wort is a pretty red colour and offers a strong astringent, antibiotic, healing treatment for wounds, inflammations and aching joints.
The tea is good for coughs and insomnia. St.John’s Wort is prescribed for depression but do not take if you are using other antidepressants. St. John’s wort is also recommended for migraine sufferers but should not be mixed withother prescribed drugs for migraine. It effects the levels of serotonin in the body a chemical which effects anxiety, depression and migraine.

Ornithogalunm Umbellatum
A Bach Flower Remedy for shock. As a herbal treatment do not self administer.

Tanacetum vulgare
A strong hardy perennial with yellow button flowers that bloom fro mid to late summer and can be dried for decoration.
Uses Very bitter. Was once used as a strewing herb and to rid the gut of worms. Now the leaves are used as an insecticide, either bruised, dried or infused.

Thymus Vulgare
Citrodorus Silver Queen
Serpyllum Rainbow Falls
Vulgaris silver posie
Vulgaris citriodorus Archers GoldThyme is a very good antiseptic. Good for coughs and colds etc.

Melaleuca alternifolia
A bushy shrub from Australia that grows well in my tunnel if kept well watered. The essential oil is very popular as an antiseptic.

Wild Pansy Viola Tricolor
Parent to the cultivated pansy it is a native plant that grows in fields and open wasteland. A short-lived perennial or annual.
Uses A tonic that will bring down fevers. Externally can be used on wounds and ulcers.

Satureja Montana
Hardy evergreen perennial with woody stem and white or lilac flowers in late summer.
Uses Rub leaves on insect bites to relieve the pain
Used in cooking

Gaultheria Procumbens

Hamamellis virginiana
Small deciduous tree. Grow in moist light shade.
Uses Decoction of bark and leaves is highly astringent. Distilled extract produced commercially

Stachy officinalis
A wild native plant found in woods and waysides but was also prominent in mediaeval herb gardens where it was considered good for almost everything.
In Roman times it was credited with 47 different healing properties.
Today it is given for headaches due to poor circulation, sluggish liver, or tension. Tonic that can relieve tension anxiety, depression and lethargy. Soothes sciatica and joint pain. Hellps digeston and liver and relieves indigestion wind colic and diarrhoea. Decongestant. Lowers blood sugar.

Achillea millefolium
An attractive perennial with numerous feathery leaves with small white or pink flowers. Common wild flower.
Uses A good first aid plant. Leaves or flowers pressed on a cut will rapidly staunch bleeding. Chew them in your mouth and press on the wound.
Good internally for digestive problems. Regulates menstrual cycle, and is tonic for nervous system. A hot tea promotes perspiration and so good for fevers, flu and childhood infections. Helps with poor circulation and high blood pressure.

A native perennial common on roadsides, hedgerows and waste l Land. Faintly aromatic with downy leaves. Small yellow flowers grow up the erect spike at the end of the stem. Up to 24ins high. Hard to   cultivate. An infusion of the leaves and flowers can be taken as a tonic or diuretic. Also good externally for bathing wounds or problematic skin. Historically an important medicinal herb.