Also known as:
Mentha piperita .

Uses:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Description:
There are many varieties of peppermint which can be found. These differ in their medicinal properties, as a result of differing levels of volatile oils.

How it Works:
Menthol is one of the most prominent of the volatile oils found in peppermint. The plant as a whole works as a carminative (dispels wind), reducing the symptoms of nausea, colic, bloating and wind. It also relaxes muscle tension in the colon which helps to relieve spasms.

Research has shown that Peppermint is able to relieve the symptoms of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

When to Avoid:
No known contraindications.

Plantago

Also known as:
Plantago lanceolata, Ribwort Plantain.

Uses:
Ear infections, Glue Ear, Upper respiratory tract congestion, Catarrh.

Description:
This is a very common plant in Europe, growing in large quantities in dry meadows and fields, where it is easy to find. Plantago, a member of the Plantain family, produces a rosette of slender pointed leaves and a flowering stem which arises from the centre, carrying small flowers.

How it Works:
Plantago contains mucilage, tannins and silicic acid. It is probably the mucilage which contributes most to the action of the plant as a cough remedy.

Plantago also has the ability to reduce the amount of inflammation present in mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.

It has been noted that Plantain juice will not go mouldy during storage, although large amounts of sugar are present. It has been found that this is due to the presence of naturally occurring antibiotics. This may explain its action in conditions such as middle ear infections and glue ear.

When to Avoid:
No restrictions to use known.

Description:
Sage is commonly used to enhance the taste of food. The plant is native to the Mediterranean, although it also grows well in temperate climes.

How it Works:
Sage is one of the plants known as a phyto-oestrogen. In itself, the plant does not contain any oestrogen-like compounds but possesses the potential of influencing oestrogen activity in the body.

In addition, Sage has a separate role in preventing sweating. The combination of these two actions makes Sage an excellent preparation to help with the hot flushes which often accompany the decline in hormonal levels at the time of the menopause.

Sage has also been found to possess anti-bacterial properties, and when used as a gargle, can be very beneficial for sore throats.

When to Avoid:
Consult your doctor or practitioner before use, if you suffer from diabetes or epilepsy. Do not take if you have had breast cancer.

Description:
This is a small palm with fan-shaped leaves. The fruit are dark red and the size of olives, and contain a volatile oil known as Palmetto oil. It is the fruit that is used medicinally.

Saw Palmetto is considered by herbalists to be the prime remedy for prostate problems.

How it Works:
The condition of an enlarged prostate is commonly found in men over the age of 50. This enlargement is the result of the cells in the prostate becoming more sensitive to circulating hormonal levels in the body. Cells of the prostate enlarge, which in turn cause the whole gland to increase in size.

Saw Palmetto inhibits enzymes at the level of the prostate cells, reducing the action of hormones. This is a local effect, confined to the prostate gland.

When to Avoid:
Medical advice should be sought if the condition persists or is accompanied by bleeding or a fever.

Description:
The herb Solidago is a traditional ‘Kidney tonic’. It is a small, herbaceous plant found in temperate countries and often found in the natural flora of grassy mountainous areas.

How it Works:
Whilst Solidago has diuretic action, this is not the prime role of the plant. Solidago has been shown to have important anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antiseptic action and seems to strengthen kidney function.

This makes it useful as an agent to counter inflammation and irritation of the kidneys, when infection or stones are present. The diuretic action is also useful in helping to dissolve kidney stones.

When to Avoid:
Consult your doctor if the urinary tract condition persists, or if accompanied by bleeding, fever, nausea or vomiting.

Description:
This is another herb which is well known for its culinary use. There are many species of Thyme. The Common Thyme originates from the Mediterranean and is the most commonly used medicinal variety.

How it Works:
The primary active components of Thyme are the volatile oils, especially Thymol. These act locally on the lungs as they are eliminated from the body through the Respiratory tract, disinfecting the airways, relaxing bronchial spasm and reducing the viscosity of mucus.

These actions help the lungs expel mucus, benefiting bronchitis and chesty catarrhal conditions.

When to Avoid:
Consult your doctor if blood is present in mucus.