A to Z of Herbs
A wide selection of herbs including black cohosh, gotu-kola, guarana, ginseng and valerian root. For the best range of herbal remedies in the UK.

Acai Berry

Agnus Castus
Hippocrates, recommended Agnus Castus (Vitex) for female complaints, over 2000 years ago. Though the herb does not contain hormones, it may aid female hormone levels.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used since 1500BC, and was popular with the ancient Egyptians, especially Cleopatra

Artichoke
This plant has been very popular in Germany for its positive dietary effects. It can help the actions of the gall bladder, the liver and help to control cholesterol levels.
Scientific data from the 1930’s have shown that this plant can stimulate bile production from the liver, which helps to breakdown fat. Artichoke contains several antioxidants, such as luteolin, which may help to maintain a healthy liver.

Astralagus
For more than 2000 years astralagus has played an integral part in the traditional medicine of China. Astralagus contains a variety of compounds which may help to maintain a healthy immune system. Astralagus is believed to maintain stamina and vitality and promote wellbeing. It is also an antioxidant and may have anti-viral and antibiotic properties.

Bilberry
Interestingly, RAF pilots during the second world war noted that their vision improved after eating bilberry jam. These findings prompted scientific research into this berry, which is now recommended as a treatment for a variety of conditions

Black Cohosh
The black root of this herb was indentified more than a century ago as one of the most natural medicines for women.
Native to North America, Black Cohosh is a member of the buttercup family and is also known as bugbane, squaroot or rattle root.
Traditionally Black cohosh has been prescribed to treat menstrual problems, pain after childbirth, nervous disorders and joint pain. It is used nowadays to balance hormones in women.

Bladdewrack

Burdock
Burdock is native to Asia and Europe. The root is the primary source of many herbal preparations. The root becomes very soft with chewing and tastes sweet, with a mucilaginous (sticky) texture.

Cats Claw
Cat’s claw was first used in European medicine in the 1980’s, but has had a long history of use among the South American Indians.
Cat;’s claw is a tropical tree which grows in the rainforest. It’s name comes from the claw-like thorns at the base of its

Cayenne Pepper
Originally from South America, the cayenne plant is now used worldwide as a food and spice. Cayenne is very closely related to bell peppers, jalapeños, paprika, and other similar peppers. The fruit is used medicinally.

Chamomile
Chamomile is a soothing plant which is commonly made into a tea and has an apple-like aroma. Chamomile contains volatile oils, which may be are anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and anti-bacterial. When used orally this herb can help to relax and calm the mind and body. This may make the herb useful for people who are anxious, suffer from PMS or those who have difficulty in sleeping.

Chorella
Chlorophyll (Chorella) is the substance responsible for the green colour in plants that accomplishes photosynthesis.
Historically, chlorophyll was used to help maintain a healthy digestive tract and general wellbeing.

Citrus Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are found in a variety of fruit and can help the absorption of Vitamin C. The flavonoids found typically in citrus include Quercitin, Rutin and Hesperidin.

Cranberry
This is a native American plant closely related to the blueberry and has been used for centuries in both healing and cooking.
In traditional medicine cranberries were used for treating wounds and tumours and also to prevent scurvy, a gum and bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in Vitamin C. More recently cranberry has been used for urinary tract infections.

Damiana
Damiana has been traditionally hailed as an aphrodisiac since ancient times, particularly by the native peoples of Mexico. Other folk uses have included asthma, bronchitis, neurosis, and various sexual disorders. It has also been promoted as a euphoria-inducing substance.

Dandelion
Dandelion grows wild throughout most of the world and is cultivated in parts of Europe for medical uses. Folk healers have long prescribed dandelion root for the liver and digestive problems. The herb may help the functioning of the liver and be useful for gallstones. Dandelion can also increase transit time through the bowel, so can be used as a gentle remedy for constipation. It helps the body to absorb dietary iron from food or supplements and therefore could be useful for anemia.

Devils Claw
Numerous tribes native to southern Africa have used devil’s claw for a wide variety of conditions, such as helping to maintain a healthy digestive system and aiding the joints.

Dong Quai
Dong Quai, or Chinese angelica is a traditional tonic used in Asia to aid the female reproductive system. Dong quai is believed to help maintain a healthy uterus and to regulate the menstrual cycle. It may also widen the blood vessels and increase blood flow to various organs.

Echinacea
Echinacea was used by Native Americans for a variety of conditions, including venomous bites and other external wounds. It was introduced into U.S. medical practice in 1887 and was touted for use in conditions ranging from colds to syphilis. Modern research started in the 1930s in Germany.

Echinacea is such a popular remedy, ThinkNatural has it's own section dedicated to Echinacea products. See "Echinacea products" for more infomation.

Elderberry
Elderberries have long been used as food, particularly in the dried form. Elderberry wine, pie, and lemonade are some of the popular ways to prepare this plant as food. Native American herbalists used the plant for infections, coughs, and skin conditions.

Eyebright
Eyebright was and continues to be used by herbalists primarily as a poultice for the topical treatment of eye inflammations.

Feverfew
Feverfew belongs to the botanical family which includes daisies and sunflowers. It contains an active ingredient called parthenolide which appears to block the substances in the body which constrict blood vessels and cause inflammation.

Garlic
Garlic is among the world’s most popular flavouring agents and gives a sweet, pungent boost to an endless array of foods, with desserts being the only notable exemption.
The edible bulb or “head” grows beneath the ground and is made up of sections called cloves, each clove encased in its own parchmentlike membrane.

Ginger
For thousands of years this spice has been used as a popular aid for digestive disorders, ranging from mild indigestion and flatulence to nausea and vomiting.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living trees on earth, which has survived in China for more than 200 million years. The fan-shaped leaves contain active chemicals which have been found to be beneficial to both the circulatory and the central nervous system. It may help to increase blood flow to the brain and extremities, by regulating the tone and elasticity of the blood vessels. Ginkgo can also help to reduce blood stickiness, thereby reducing blood clotting, a contributory factor in stroke and heart disease.

Ginseng
Chinese, Korean or Asian Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to enhance longevity and quality of life. Ginseng’s health benefits derives from its root, which contains antioxidants which help to maintain a healthy immune system.

Goldenseal
Goldenseal is related to the buttercup and is native to North America. The dried root may help to maintain the health of the mucous membranes and the digestive tract.

Gota Cola
The medicinal use of Gotu kola has its root in India, where the herb continues to be part of the ancient healing tradition called Ayurveda.
Word of its therapeutic benefits for skin disorders gradually spread throughout Asia and Europe and in fact Gotu kola has been used in France since the 1880s to treat burns and other wounds.

Green Tea
Green tea appears to have been drunk since 2700BC. It contains several compounds which are high strength antioxidants which may fight infection and help to maintain a healthy immune system.

Guarana
The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine. Guaranáhas bene used traditionally for diarrhoea, to decrease fatigue and to help maintain healthy joints. It also has a history of use in treating hangovers from alcohol abuse and headaches related to menstruation.

Hawthorne
Hawthorn is commonly found in Europe, western Asia, North America, and North Africa. Modern medicinal extracts primarily use the leaves and flowers.
Dioscorides, a Greek herbalist, reportedly used hawthorn in the first century A.D. Although numerous passing mentions are made for a variety of conditions, support for the heart is the main benefit of hawthorn.

Horse Chestnut
The horse chestnut tree is native to Asia and northern Greece, but it is now cultivated in many areas of Europe and North America.

Horsetail
Reportedly first recommended by the Roman physician Galen, several cultures have employed horsetail as a folk remedy for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers, and tuberculosis. In addition, the topical use of horsetail was used traditionally to stop the bleeding of wounds and promote rapid healing. The use of this herb as an abrasive cleanser to scour pots or shave wood illustrates the origin of horsetail’s common names—scouring rush and shave grass.

Hyssop
Hyssop comes from the Greek hussopos and Hebrew esob, meaning holy herb.

Karela
Karela is a common vegetable cultivated exten¬sively all over India.

Korean Ginseng
Asian ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family, which also includes the closely related American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and less similar Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero. Asian ginseng commonly grows on mountain slopes and is usually harvested in Autumn.
The root is used, preferably from plants older than six years of age. Asian ginseng has been a part of Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The first reference to the use of Asian ginseng dates to the 1st century A.D. Ginseng is commonly used by elderly people in the Orient to improve mental and physical vitality.

Licorice root
Licorice has a long and highly varied record of uses. It was and remains one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Among its most consistent and important uses are as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) in the digestive and urinary tracts, to help maintain a healthy immune system and as a flavouring in foods. It has also been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to aid a variety of other conditions.

Lobelia
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use in herbal medicine.

Maitake

Milk Thistle
The medicinal use of Milk thistle can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Milk thistle is related to the sunflower and contains the active constituent silymarin, which contributes to 4-6% of the ripe seeds.

Muira Puama
Historically, all parts of muira puama have been used medicinally, but the bark and roots are the most-utilized parts of the plant.

Mullien Leaf
Historically, Mullein has been used by herbalists as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. The tall stalks of this plant were once dipped in tallow and lit as torches. The leaves, though somewhat irritating, were also worn in the shoes to improve circulation to the feet and to buffer thinning soles. The soft Mullein leaves have long been used by children as doll blankets. The seeds were once used by Native Americans to paralyze fish and make them easier to catch. The primary chemical constituents of Mullein include resin, saponins, glycoside (aucubin), flavonoids (hesperidin, verbascoside), choline, magnesium, saponins, mucilage, tannins, and carotene. Mullein also contains iron, magnesium, potassium, sulphur, and calcium phosphate.

Nettle
Nettle has been used traditionally by the Ancient Greeks for its healing powers, especially removing venom from snakebites.
Nettle is considered a nutritional food, containing iron and other minerals, together with Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Nettle leaves are believed to be cleansing, detoxifying and act as a diuretic. Women who become bloated just prior to their period, may find using nettle leaves beneficial.

Oatseed
The common oat used in herbal supplements and foods is derived from cultivated sources. For some herbal supplements, the green or rapidly dried aerial parts of the plant are harvested just before reaching full flower. Many herbal texts refer to using the fruits (seeds) or green tops.

Parsley Piert
This herb, also known as Lady’s Mantle and has been used traditionally for fever, urinary tract disorders such as kidney and bladder stones, and as a natural diuretic.

Passiflora
Passiflora, or passion flower, is a perennial creeping vine native to the southern United States, Mexico, Central and South America

Passion Flower
Passion flower (passiflora) is a climbing vine renowned for its beautiful white flowers with purple, blue, or pink calyx crown blooms. The plant is native to North, Central, and South America. While primarily tropical, some of its 400 species can grow in colder climates. The mystery of such a beautiful blossom emerging from an unassuming bud has been compared to the Passion of Christ. This inspired the plant’s name, which dates back to the 17th century. The leaves, stems, and flowers are used for medicinal purposes.

Pau D Arco
This herb was rumoured to be prescribed by the Incas to treat a variety of ailments. It is obtained from the inner bark of a tree which grows in the rainforests of South America.

Prune and Senna
Prune is a fruit which have been used traditionally for constipation as it may have laxative actions. It contains a high level of fibre and complex sugars which swell in the intestines and soften stools.
Senna (Cassia senna) has also been traditionally for regulating bowel movements especially by people in northern Africa, India, China, and throughout southwestern Asia.

Senna was also traditionally uses also included controlling fevers, alleviating indigestion, and helping hemorrhoids. Northern African healers prescribed it to heal stomach problems. Plant scientists have found that the effectiveness of senna as a laxative and bowel toxin cleanser is due primarily to molecules known as sennosides. These constituents have been shown to increase the functionality of the colon and thus remedy the cause of constipation.

Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is derived from maritime tree bark, which grows in pesticide free soil in Southern France.
Pycnogenol contains several water-soluble high potency antioxidants, which have shown in studies to help maintain a healthy cardiovascular and immune system. Pycnogenol can also help to maintain a healthy brain, be useful for women during their menstrual cycle and help children with hyperactivity

Quedra Pedra
Quebra Pedra has traditionally been used to stimulate bile and therefore may help the liver and detoxifying system.

Raspberry
Raspberry has traditionally been used during labour to relieve the pains of childbirth and facilitate labour.
Raspberry Leaf has a reputation among herbalists as a uterine tonic and as such has been used historically for heavy or painful menstruation. There is little scientific evidence to date that supports this use.

Red Clover
This plant grows in Europe and North America. The flowering tops are used in botanical medicine. Another plant, white clover, grows in similar areas. Both have white arrow-shaped patterns on their leaves.

Rosa Mosqueta
Rosehips is a herb with the botanical name of Rosa canina is associated with the Rosaceae family of plants.

Rutin
Rutin is usually derived from buckwheat and is a potent bioflavonoid.

Sage
Sage has one of the longest histories of use of any culinary or medicinal herb. It was used by herbalists externally to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. It was also used by herbalists for rheumatism, excessive menstrual bleeding, and to dry up a mother’s milk when nursing was stopped.

Saw Palmetto
In the early part of the twentieth century, saw palmetto berry tea was commonly recommended by herbalists for a variety of urinary tract ailments in men. Some believed the berry increased sperm production and sex drive in men.

Schisandra
Schisandra is a woody vine with numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries. It is distributed throughout northern and northeast China and the adjacent regions of Russia and Korea. The fully ripe, sun-dried fruit is used medicinally. It is purported to have sour, sweet, salty, hot, and bitter tastes. This unusual combination of flavors is reflected in schisandra’s Chinese name wu-wei-zi, meaning “five taste fruit

Siberian Ginseng
Although not as popular as Asian ginseng, eleuthero use dates back 2,000 years, according to Chinese medicine records. Referred to as ci wu jia in Chinese medicine, it was used as a respiratory aid and believed to provide energy and vitality. In Russia, eleuthero was originally used by people in the Siberian Taiga region to increase performance and quality of life and maintain a healthy immune system.
In more modern times, eleuthero has been used for stamina and endurance in Soviet Olympic athletes. Russian explorers, divers, sailors, and miners also used eleuthero for stress-related illness. After the Chernobyl accident, many Russian and Ukrainian citizens were given eleuthero to counteract the effects of radiation.

Slippery Elm
Native Americans found innumerable medicinal and other uses for this tree. Canoes, baskets, and other household goods were made from the tree and its bark. Slippery elm was also used internally for conditions such as sore throats and diarrhea. As a poultice, it was considered a remedy for many inflammatory skin conditions

Spirulina
Blue-green algae, of which spirulina is a well-known example, is a group of 1,500 species of microscopic aquatic plants. The two most common species used for human consumption are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Spirulina is particularly rich in protein and also contains carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Tumeric
Turmeric is the main ingredient of curry, and has been used in Indian and Chinese medicine for thousands of years to relieve conditions ranging from flatulence to menstrual irregularities. Turmeric has an antioxidant effect approximately equivalent to that of Vitamin C and E, which means that it may be useful for immune health.

Uva Ursi

Valerian
The tall perennial herb with pinkish flowers known as valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used traditionally as a sedative, to maintain healthy natural sleep patterns. Today this mild, non-addictive herb is quite popular both as a sleep aid and as a relaxant, particularly in Germany, France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

White willow
This herb has been used for thousands of years for fevers and headaches.
In 1928 the tree’s active constituent salicin was isolated by German and French scientists. Ten years later, European chemists manufactured salicylic acid from salicin, which is similar to the drug, aspirin.

Wild Yam
This is a native plant of North and Central America which was first used by the Aztecs and Mayas for its pain-relieving qualities. Later European settlers took advantage of its health benefits, and used this herb for colic and joint pain.
In recent years Wild Yam has been used as a mimic for natural sex hormone progesterone and may help to balance hormone levels in conditions like PMS and menopause.

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A to Z of Herbal Remedies

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