As a medical herbalist, I am fascinated and excited by the fact that plants we can grow (easily) in our own gardens can be used for medicinal purposes to heal and improve our health. This is apart from the plants that grow in the wild that have many important uses for a medical herbalist.

I am now developing my own herb garden with some of the plants that I use in treating both myself, family and patients. This brief guide gives you some information on the herbs that are growing in our garden. If you would like more details, I would be happy to chat with you. Stephen is the growing expert, I am the one to talk to about the use of the herbs.

» Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea is one of the best known herbs, widely available in chemist shops for help to stimulate the immune system. Herbalists use this herb in exactly the same way—particularly when the immune system is low or not functioning well. It has little effect on those whose immune system is working well—so is probably a waste of money taking it if you rarely get colds or infections.

If you do tend to catch any illness going round—then Echinacea is a suitable herb to take. It is also a useful herb for younger children when they start school, to help ward off the many bugs and infections that pass between children. Echinacea should not be taken by those with an autoimmune disease—except under the supervision of a medical herbalist. Echinacea is also used by herbalists to treat skin problems such as eczema—in combination with other herbs!

» Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis

Also known as Bee Balm because it is a source of nectar and is traditionally rubbed on hives to encourage bees to return.

This is a very useful herb to have in the garden:

• It has antiviral properties (in the essential oil) which is particularly effective for the herpes simplex virus—cold sores to you and me—and to relieve the pain of shingles.
• It is a calming, soothing herb, useful for stress, anxiety, irritability and panic attacks.
• Lemon balm is a gentle enough herb to be suitable for overexcited or hyperactive children.
• The leaves can be infused as a tea.

» Mint
Mentha piperita

Peppermint leaf makes an excellent, refreshing tea. There are many varieties (species) of mint, but in all of them it is the essential oil content that gives it healing properties.

Herbalists use peppermint for:

• Reducing cramps and spasms in the digestive system, particularly the lower part. This is why it can help with wind, bloating and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Peppermint tea can help to settle an upset stomach where there is a lot of burping and acidity.
• It is a ‘cooling’ herb and works very well with elderflower and yarrow for colds and flu in the hot, shivering stages.
• Peppermint has a mild analgesic effect which is why it used, together with its cooling effect in nasal decongestants.

» Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia

Most of us are aware of Lavender oil and its use to calm and relax, helping us sleep. But did you know that you can use the flowers in cooking and baking as an
aromatic herb? Did you also know that too much lavender can act as a stimulant rather than a relaxant?

Not only is it a beautiful plant, Lavender is used by herbalists for its relaxing effects to help sleep problems, reduce muscle spasms, stress-related headaches or
stomach pains. The oil is one of the very few that can be applied directly to the
skin for burns or insect bites—it is antiseptic, reduces inflammation and helps to reduce scarring.

» Angelica
Angelica archangelica

A very vigorous, architectural plant that needs plenty of space to grow. Used by herbalists:

• As a warming tonic for digestive upsets such as wind and bloating, and sluggish digestion
• To improve circulation to hands and feet
• For chest infections to help the cough reflex The young stems can also be used in cooking to give an aromatic flavour to food such as stewed apples or rhubarb.

» Vervain
Verbena officinalis

A herb that is used for its calming effects on the nervous system, linked to its ability to improve liver function and tone. Vervain increases the flow of bile
from the liver, which in turn improves the whole digestion. Herbalists use vervain for migraine headaches, general tension and PMT.

» Valerian
Valeriana officinalis

Another herb that is a popular over the counter remedy for sleep problems. Valerian works by reducing over activity in the brain and thereby leading to a feeling of calm which aids sleep. Thus it is most suitable for those who find it difficult to ‘switch off’ at night. Valerian can also be used during the day to help reduce anxiety and muscle tension due to stress.

» Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata

A very beautiful, climbing plant that is used in many herbal mixes to improve
sleep quality. It is also helpful in reducing anxiety associated with such conditions as panic attacks, palpitations, asthma and high blood pressure. Passionflower can also be used as a mild painkiller for such problems as headaches and period pains.

» Wormwood
Artemesia absinthum

A herb with beautifully soft leaves and a good colour contrast to many other plants in the garden due to its silvery green foliage. Wormwood is extremely bitter, Bitter herbs are effective at stimulating the digestion, especially all the digestive enzymes. It is one of the strongest bitters available and is used in cases of anorexia, debility, slow or poor digestion and in convalescence.

Because of its strength, it is only used in very small amounts and, like all bitters, has to be taken before meals. It must be ‘tasted’ to obtain the effect.

» Agrimony
Agrimonia eupatoria

This herb is used for digestive upsets such as diarrhoea as well as being a tonic for the whole digestive system. It is a gentle enough herb to use for children as well as adults. Agrimony has a reputation for controlling bleeding, so is used for minor injuries, haemorrhoids, colitis etc.

It is also used, in combination with other herbs, for urinary problems such as cystitis and other bladder infections where it reduces inflammation and helps to heal the lining.

» American Cranesbill
Geranium maculatum

This herb has similar uses to Agrimony and is used for bleeding problems in the digestive tract (such as haemorrhoids), as well as to stop diarrhoea due to, for
example, irritable bowel syndrome or colitis It is a stronger herb than Agrimony for internal use and so would only be used for a few weeks at a time.

» Elecampane
Inula helenium

A biennial with magnificent, large, juicy-green leaves. The root of this herb has a
powerful antibiotic action for lung infections and helps stimulate the cough reflex to eliminate catarrh and infection. A good herb to take if you have just stopped smoking or suffer from chronic bronchitis. It also has a warming, tonic action for the digestion.

» St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum

Another very well known herb—sold for its anti depressant effects. It is indeed an excellent alternative to conventional anti depressant drugs as it does not give the same side effects. For this reason, St. John’s Wort is also used for depression associated with the menopause. Indeed, recent research shows that it can not only help mild/moderate depression, but also more severe depression. It is also used by herbalists for its antiviral and anti inflammatory effects—especially for shingles and HIV treatment.

St John’s Wort should not be taken if you are on the pill or are taking conventional medicine without seeking professional advice.

» Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica

An Indian (Ayurvedic) herb, Centella is a very versatile herb with a variety of uses:

• As a tonic for those suffering stress, Centella helps the adrenal glands recover and function normally.
• As a wound healer to reduce scarring—both externally for wounds such as varicose ulcers and for internal wounds/ ulcers in the digestive tract.
• As a herb to reduce inflammation in such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism

» Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

A small, ground-hugging plant that likes damp conditions. Bearberry is one of the strongest urinary antiseptics used by herbalists to treat infection in the bladder—both chronic and acute cystitis and urethritis. It should not be taken if there is kidney infection, if you are pregnant and, in any case, not for more that 10 days.

» Yarrow
Achillea millefolium

This is normally a wild herb rather than cultivated as it can become very invasive. Never pick yarrow in the wild, unless you really know what you are doing as it is easily confused with hemlock! As a herb, Yarrow has a multitude of uses both for more serious problems as well as for first aid. One of its common names is ‘Nosebleed’ - and depending on your source, you will hear that it either stops them or causes them!

Herbalists use it to stop bleeding especially for period problems with heavy bleeding. It is an excellent herb to improve blood flow around the abdomen and it also helps to reduce blood pressure by dilating arteries and capillaries. Improving venous circulation means that Yarrow is used to help varicose veins. Yarrow is also used in cold and flu mixes, where it marries well with elderflower and peppermint to induce sweating and thereby rid the body of infection.

It is also used as a bitter tonic following digestive infections, and to reduce inflammation in the urinary system for problems such as cystitis.

» Baical Skullcap
Scutellaria baicalensis

Not to be confused with other species of Skullcap (notably Scutellaria laterifolia), which have slightly different properties.

Baical skullcap is used to help reduce allergic reactions such as hayfever, asthma, eczema. It is also reduces blood pressure, blood clotting and lowers cholesterol.
Baical skullcap has been used for its anti-cancer activity as well as for complementary treatment during chemotherapy.

It is a powerful herb and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.

» Tormentil
Potentilla erecta

Another ground-hugging plant, with delicate, bright yellow
flowers. Tormentil contains a lot of tannins and as such is mainly used to reduce diarrhoea. In such conditions as irritable bowel, colitis, and bleeding haemorrhoids. It also makes a useful gargle for sore throats, and a mouthwash for gingivitis and mouth ulcers.

» Thyme
Thymus vulgaris

This is one of my favourite herbs because of its myriad of uses and the fact that it will grow in almost any garden and so is readily available. There are many species of thyme and the national thyme collection is housed not too far away at Chesters Walled Garden in Chollerford (just off the A69 heading towards Carlisle.)

Thyme can used for:

• Cuts, grazes, bites and stings. It is an excellent antiseptic and can be used to cleanse and dress wounds.
• It is a bitter tonic for the digestive system, stimulating the liver and the digestion.
• Its antiseptic action continues in the digestive system— useful for intestinal infections, worms etc.
• It reduces catarrh, soothes coughs, stimulates the cough reflex, and thereby helps disinfect the lungs.
• It makes an effective gargle /mouthwash for sore throats, mouth nfections and gum infections.

» Sage
Salvia officinalis

An excellent aid to the digestion of fats—it stimulates bile flow from the liver—hence its use with roast pork. Sage reduces sweating and is often used to help reduce or manage menopausal hot flushes and sweating. Sage has a reputation for helping improve memory and concentration— this is now being borne out by trials carried out at Newcastle University Medical department
into the use of sage (and lemon balm) in senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease—so much for ‘old wives’ tales’!!!!!

» Marshmallow
Althea officinalis

A versatile herb as both the root and the leaves can be used—both have a soothing, cooling action for inflamed mucous membranes: the root is used for inflammation and ulceration in the digestive tract, including the mouth and throat; the leaf for inflammation/ ulceration in the respiratory and urinary systems.

» Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba

I do not know whether the tree in our garden is male or female, but it is growing well although it will bear no fruit. The leaves are the medicinal part of this plant and are used for improving blood flow, especially to the head. This leads to improved memory and concentration. It has also been effective in some cases of
tinnitus, as well as being used in poor circulation and coronary artery disease. It helps reduce clotting in the blood and so should not be taken if you are taking aspirin everyday, or are on warfarin. Ginkgo is also used by herbalists for asthma sufferers, Chronic Fatigue and headaches.

» Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis

A shrubby herb which flowers late in the summer with a delicate blue flower. This is a classic herb for the respiratory system—for coughs and colds. It has an antiseptic action in the lungs and so is used for bronchial coughs and catarrh. Because it is a relaxing herb, it is useful for coughs which have a nervous element to them.

The herb garden is still at an early stage and will develop over time to include other herbs.

Herbs are such an exciting and fascinating study—with centuries of use. Even now, over 80% of the world’s population rely on herbs for their medicines. This is mainly because they do not have access to modern drugs—but then many modern drugs are themselves derived from plants and pharmaceutical companies are scouring rainforests and other undeveloped areas for plants that may offer new ‘cures’. The herbal supplement market in this country is worth millions, and unfortunately, is exploited by many with facile claims that ‘x, y or z’ is ‘good for’ a particular complaint. This is a very simplistic approach for the complexity and subtlety of herbs.

If you would like more information about herbal medicine, I have a website (www.northeastherbalist.co.uk) which explains more about herbal medicine and gives you links to a range of other sites about herbs. The herbs being grown in the garden were bought from Poyntzfield Herbs in the Black Isle., and they have a large range of medicinal and culinary herbs produced biodynamically.