Scientific name: Urtica dioica

Species information

Distribution: Cosmopolitan

Habitat: Tropical regions; tolerates poor soil and flooding.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Zingiber officinale L. (Zingiberaceae)

Ginger has long been used traditionally in the United Kingdom as a treatment for nausea. Despite not being a native plant, it is considered a traditional folk medicine of the British Isles.

Ginger has been shown to be effective for pregnancy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting, but is it is still not certain which chemical compounds are responsible. One possibility are the ginger compounds 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, which are known to suppress gastric contractions implicated in the feeling of nausea.

Species information

Distribution: Europe, Mediterranean, Asia

Habitat: Grow in deep soil

Form: Climbing herb

Scientific name: Vicia faba L. (Leguminosae)

These beans are have diuretic effects and are said to dissolves stones in the bladder and kidney.

A small proportion of people, mainly from the Mediterranean region, suffer from a hereditary condition called ‘favism’ which can result in severe anaemia and jaundice from eating raw the raw beans.

Species information

Distribution: Europe, Asia and North Africa

Habitat: Disturbed and cultivated ground.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Tussilago farfara L. (Compositae)

Coltsfoot was once widely used for medicinal purposes in the United Kingdom. A decoction of the root was taken for lung complaints, coughs, catarrh and bronchitis. Mucilage (polysaccharides) in the leaves are said to possess anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulating properties. The leaves have been smoked to ease lung complaints.

Coltsfoot should be used with care due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage.

Species information

Distribution: Europe, Asia; widely cultivated

*Habitat: *Grow in poor soil, in a dry and sunny position.

Form: Shrub

Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris L. (Labiatae)

Thyme has antiseptic and antibiotic properties. It may be taken internally to treat heart and circulatory disorders, as well as respiratory problems such as coughs and bronchitis. It also has calming properties and can be used to treat indigestion and gastritis.

Dandelion was once a very important herbal remedy in the United Kingdom: leaves were eaten in salads, the root used as a coffee substitute, and wine made from the heads.

Species information

Distribution: Cosmopolitan

Habitat: Temperate grassland.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Taraxacum F. H. Wigg (Compostiae)

The principle therapeutic use of dandelion in Britain was as a treatment for warts. The milky sap produced by the stem is repeatedly applied to the wart, causing it to turn black and eventually disappear. Dandelion contains phytochemicals belonging to the luteolin class of compound which are known to be toxic to human cells. This may explain the traditional use of dandelion as it may act to reduce cell proliferation.

Species information
Distribution: Europe, Asia

Habitat: Found in temperate meadows.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip. (Compositae)

Feverfew is mainly used for treating migraine headaches and digestive problems. The whole plant has medicinal uses,and is perhaps best known for its anti-inflammatory properties which are believed to make it useful for rheumatism and arthritis. Feverfew contains a compoud called parthenolide, which has been shown to possess antiinflmatory properties. The aromatic leaves are used as an insect repellent and for treating insect bites.

The clove tree is evergreen and may grow up to 20 meters tall. The flowers develop an intense red colour on maturity, at which point that they are collected for drying.

Species information

Distribution: South East Asia; cultivated elsewhere in the tropics.

Habitat: Humid, tropical forest.

Form: Tree

Scientific name: Syzgium aromaticum (Myrtaceae)

Cloves have a long established history in Britain as a medicinal preparation. During the middle ages poultices made from cloves were applied to lesions caused by bubonic plague.

Clove oil is rich in the fragrant compound eugenol, and is a useful remedy for toothache. Eugenol is similar in structure to the neurotransmitter dopamine and acts as a mild anaesthetic whilst simultaneously reducing infection by virtue of its antibacterial properties. A paste of clove oil and zinc has been used for many years as a dental packing material. The characteristic smell of eugenol has been referred to as dentists’ perfume for this reason.

Species information

Distribution: Mediterranean; cultivated worldwide

Habitat: Dry, sunny position and thrives in poor soil.

Form: Shrub

Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae)

Rosemary has been used for a multitude of culinary and medicinal purposes. It is taken internally for nervous complaints such as depression, apathy, tension headaches and digestive upsets caused by stress. It is applied externally for muscular injuries and complaints such as rheumatism, arthritis and neuralgia. Rosemary is also valued as an ingredient in shampoos and preparations to treat dandruff and hair thinning. In large quantities, rosemary can cause convulsions and should not be used by pregnant women.

In the United Kingdom, cordial made from blackcurrant berries was once very popular.

Species information

Distribution: Europe, Central Asia, Himalayas

Habitat: Temperate shaded or sunny situations, often on poor, shallow soil.

Form: Shrub

Scientific name: Ribes nigrum L. (Saxifragaceae)

Blackcurrant fruits are eaten raw or cooked, and are a good source of Vitamin C. They are commonly made into jams or jellies, whilst fruit extracts are used to flavour herb teas. The fruits were once widely used for the treatment of colds, mouth and throat infections, circulatory problems, and against diarrhoea.

The seed oil is a source of unsaturated fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid, and has beneficial effects in mild hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis.

Parsley can be toxic in large quantities, particularly as an essential oil; it should not be used during pregnancy or by those with kidney disease. Excesses may lead to nerve inflammation, liver and kidney problems and cause abortion.

Species information

Distribution: Cultivated worldwide

Habitat: Grow in deep, well-drained soil in sunny position.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Petroselinum crispum (Miller) A.W.Hill (Umbelliferae)

Parsley stimulates the digestion, relaxes spasms and reduces inflammations. It is used for menstrual, urinary and gynaecological complaints. Rubbing the leaves onto insect bites can help to soothe them.

Species information

Distribution: Cultivated throughout the tropics

Habitat: Deep, well-drained soils in humid tropics.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Musa L. (Musaceae)

The fruit of sweet dessert banana varieties are eaten raw, whilst the starchy and savoury varieties (plantain) are cooked as a vegetable. All bananas are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. They are used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal disorders, preventing and treating ulcers. Banana powder is in an Indian remedy for dyspepsia.

Mints grow readily in damp soil and can spread vigorously in the garden. They need to be replanted every few years to preserve their vigour. Mints hybridise easily; there are many different scented varieties, such as eau-de-cologne, lemon and even chocolate. Apple mint, with its distinctive rounded woolly leaves is the species Mentha suaveolens.

Species information

Distribution: Cosmopolitan

Habitat: Damp, shaded situations.

Form: Herb

Scientific name(s): Mentha spicata L. (Labiatae)

Mentha x piperita L. (Labiatae)_

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) has long been taken to treat digestive disturbances such as nausea, morning sickness, indigestion, gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome. However, it should be avoided by people suffering with acid reflux as it acts as a muscle relaxant which can cause stomach acid to travel up the oesophagus. Peppermint is used externally to relieve upper respiratory tract conditions, infected sinuses and catarrh, although over use can cause irritation and allergic reactions. It should not be given to young children.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is used for digestive complaints, hiccups and fever in children. Both species contain menthol, the compound responsible for the perceived ‘cooling’ properties of mints.

Species information

Distribution: Europe and Asia

Habitat: Well-drained, sandy soils in temperate climates.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae)

Lemon balm has been used traditionally as a sedative and to treat nervous and stress-related conditions. It has been taken as a tea infusion to alleviate gut disorders such as stomach cramps and symptoms of the common cold, and in baths to help alleviate skin inflammation. It is also added to potpourris and herb pillows.

Species information

Distribution: Europe, North Africa

Habitat: Sunny, well-drained situations.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Malva sylvestris L. (Malvaceae)

Teas prepared from mallow have been used to alleviate symptoms of the common cold, including coughs and sore throats. In folk medicine it has been taken for some disorders of the bladder and has been applied as a poultice to treat wounds. Mallow contains a glycoprotein called mucilage, which affords it a slimy texture; mucilaginous plants such as this species are often used for their skin soothing properties.

Umbels of greenish flowers give rise to poisonous black berries.

Ivy can cause skin irritation and breathing problems when it is being cut back; always wear long sleeves and gloves when handling ivy. People with respiratory conditions should wear a face mask.

Species information

Distribution: Europe, Mediterranean, Asia; widely cultivated

Habitat: Woodland, or grown in the garden.

Form: Woody climber

Scientific name: Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae)

A preparation of the leaves was once used externally to treat conditions affecting the peripheral nerves such as rheumatism and neuralgia, as well as skin conditions such as impetigo and scabies. Taken internally as a tincture it is purported to be effective against whooping cough. However, because ivy contains a number of potential toxins, it should only be administered by a qualified practitioner.

Species information

Distribution: Europe; cultivated worldwide.

Habitat: Dry, sunny situations on disturbed soil.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare Miller (Umbelliferae)

Fennel is widely used as a vegetable. The leaves are eaten in salads and as a garnish, particularly with fish. Fennel seeds are used to flavour bread, biscuits and sausages. Its flower is used to flavour bottled capers and the dried stems to flavour barbecued fish.

Fennel is also used as herbal tea, mouthwash or gargle for gum disease and sore throat. The root is used for urinary disorders and the seeds to promote lactation. Fennel oil is used in the food industry, and in liqueurs, and also in toothpastes, soaps and perfumes.

Species information

Distribution: Northern temperate regions

Habitat: Temperate countryside; cultivated for garden and amenity planting.

Form: Trees and large shrubs

Scientific name: Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (Rosaceae)

The flowers and fruit were once commonly used to treat heart and circulatory disorders.

Greater celandine is a perennial in the poppy plant family with yellow flowers and orange sap. It contains toxic alkaloids and should be used with great care; it is subject to legal restriction in some countries and should not be taken by pregnant women.

Greater celandine should not to be confused with lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) in the buttercup family.

Species information

Distribution: Europe, Asia

Habitat: Temperate grassland.

Form: Herb

Scientific name: Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae)

The distinctive orange sap of greater celandine was mostly used for treating skin conditions such as warts, corns and verrucae.

Qualified herbalists may administer it internally for liver and gall bladder ailments, and externally to treat cataracts.

Tea is widely grown from China to Sri Lanka, including Japan.

Species information

Distribution: Eastern Asia; widely cultivated

Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions; rich, moist soil.

Form: Shrub

Scientific name: Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae)

Tea infusions may be taken internally to treat digestive complaints and as a diuretic. Cooled tea infusions may be used externally for insect bites and sore eyes. Green tea, when taken regularly, may help in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and arteriosclerosis.

Over-consumption can lead to sleeplessness, upset stomach and irritability because tea contains caffeine and theobromine, known stimulants of the central nervous system