HERBAL DIRECTORY
The directory is displayed under common herb names and the latin name in italics next to the name.

Please note: The information documented on herbs is for general interest and readers should not use this information for self diagnosis or self treatment.

Alfalfa - Medicago sativa: Contains 8 essential amino acids, calcium, magnesium, chlorophyll, phosphorus, iron, potassium, trace minerals and several digestive enzymes. It has vitamins A, D, E, B6, K and beta carotene. It is also a good source of protein. It alkalizes and detoxes the body especially the liver. It contains an anti fungus agent. Used in Nutri-support, Energee.

Angelica - Arcangelica senensis: uterine stimulant and tonic. It increases the function of the ovarian hormones. It is a good regulator and has a high iron content which will help heavy menstrual flow. It can be used after childbirth, as a general tonic.

Barberry - Berberis vulgaris: Antispetic herb, beneficial for gastrointestinal upsets, useful for the liver, gall bladder and chronic skin conditions. Has an astrigent effect and helps to contract tissues making it beneficial in prolapse.

Bearberry - Arctostaphylos uva ursi: A good antiseptic, fights infection and helps neutralize acidic urine. Acts as a urinary anti-inflammatory.

Bladderwrack - Frucus vesiculosis: Contains iodine which helps maintain a healthy thyroid, hormone production is increased by the thyroid, which increases the body's metabolism and ability to burn off fat through exercise, stamina is boosted. It has wonderful cleansing properties as it can bind with most of the dangerous pollutants in our intestines, preventing them from being absorbed.

It normalises thyroid function. It also contains ploysaccharides which are immune stimulant. Increases the metabolic rate, by regulating thyroid hormone production. Speeds up the metabolism, absorbs pollutants in our intestines(chemicals from foods), reduces bloating, aids water retention, improves circulation. Used in Weight loss formula, Formula VAC, Thyroid formula

Black cohosh - Cirmicifuga racemosa: Contains Isoflavones which do not increase estrogen production by the body but fill the receptor sites on cells meant for estrogen. All isoflavones stop the growth of young malignant tumours. It is used to aid both menstrual and menopausal conditions. Has an anti inflammatory effect which benefits menstrual pain and arthritis particularly associated with menopause. Aids tinnitis(ringing in the ears) Combines well with St Johns wort for hot flushes.

Buchu - Barosma betulina: Helps fight infections related to the urinary system. Has a stimulating effect on the kidneys.

Burdock - Arctium lappa: Purifies and strengthens the blood. Enhances liver and gall bladder function. Has anti biotic, antifungal and diuretic properties. Has been found to inhibit tumour growth. An excellent all round detoxrfier, it purifies the blood, acts as a diuretic to aid the flushing out of toxins from the system, and as a diaphoretic works on excreting wastes via the skin. A great cleanser for acne and pimples

Catnip - Nepeta cataria: A member of the mint family therefore has soothing actions on the gastro-intestinal tract, it is highly anti- flatulent, it aids digestion and is pleasant tasting.

Celery - Apium graveolens: Has good antioxidant properties and is an excellent blood cleanser. It helps break down uric acid crystals which have collected in the joints. Being a cleanser and purifier, celery also has diuretic properties, and as it breaks down the deposits it will help flush them out of the system and aid in water retention and also high blood pressure. Combines well with lemon juice for an energising alkaline drink to help clear uric acid and alkanalise the system. Used in Joint formula and Gout formula.

Chamomile - Chamomilla recutita: Gentle digestive remedy, valuable for pain, indigestion, acidity, gastritis, wind, bloating, and colic. Good for nervous tension and any nervous related conditions. Will help insomnia, anxiety and any inflammations. It contains spiroether which relaxes tense, aching muscles. It helps to relieve irritability in children and promotes sleep. Eases spasms and tension. Calms the bowel.
Used in Nerve support and Digesto 1.

Chaste Tree - Vitex-agnus castus: Acts on the pituitary gland to stimulate and normalize hormonal function, thereby regulating hormonal cycle. It helps to lengthen short cycles and shorten long cycles. It is especially beneficial for premenstrual stress and hormone related disorders. It can be used to aid the body to regain a balance after the use of the contraceptive pill. A progesterogenic herb.
Balances the pituitary glands release of lutenizing hormone and thereby helps to balance estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries, having a primal progesterogenic action on the body, balances estrogen excess usually present in polycystic ovarian condition and ammenorhoea. Helps to lengthen a short cycle and shorten a long cycle. Agnus is also anti-androgenic(male hormones) making it beneficial for facial hair growth. Very beneficial for PMS symptoms as it balances the hormones and decreases high estrogen levels aiding tender breasts. Decreases Prolactin secretion and lowers Estrogen to Progesterone ratio.

It is especially beneficial during menopause and in alleviating hot flushes and all the unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause. Regulates erratic hormones. Does not reduce libido during menopause. Used in Hormone Formula, Formula VAC, Femina plus.

Cleavers - Galium aparine: It is a detoxying agent and is used to treat skin conditions and is a great detoxing herb to assist weight loss. Has a strong diuretic action. Used in Weight loss formula.

Coltsfoot - Tussilago farfare: A soothing expectorant and anti spasmodic due to it’s high zinc content. Helps to relieve bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma. It contains polysaccharides which have an anti inflammatory, anti spasmodic and immuno-stimulant action making it useful in the treatment of spasmodic coughs and wheezing. Used in Wet and Dry cough formulas.

Cornsilk - Zea mays: Aids any irritation and infection of the prostate, urethras and bladder. A soothing diuretic and anti inflammatory, which directly reduces painful symptoms and swelling. Cornsilk has a high potassium content and being a urinary antiseptic, soothes urinary tubules and bladders and relieves inflammation, irritation and difficulty in passing of urine. Helps to reduce kidney stone formation and aids chronic cystitis. Aids any irritation and infection of the prostate, urethra and bladder. A soothing diuretic and anti inflammatory, which directly reduces painful symptoms and swelling.

Damiana - Turnera diffusa: Restorative to both male and female sexual organs. A good tonic and aphrodisiac. It is thymoleptic herb- having a life enhancing action on the body and mind. Helpful for headaches linked to menstruation. Enhances sexual activity and is a good sexual stimulant. Slightly testosterogenic, helping to treat premature ejaculation and impotence. Being a thymoleptic herb it is a nerve tonic, useful for anxiety and depression. Used in Fem lib and Male formulas.

Dandelion - Taraxacum offinales: A great cleanser and improves liver and pancreatic function. Reduces serum cholesterol levels and uric acid levels. Lowers blood pressure due to the dilation of the peripheral vessels it will also aid any water retention related to high blood pressure. Stimulates bile production and is well balanced to aid steady elimination of toxins. Detoxes the liver, to improve energy, flushes the kidneys, has been found to absorb fat, thereby lowering serum cholesterol levels. Benefits constipation, gall bladder problems.

A well balanced remedy for detoxing and slimming. It has major therapeutic benefits for many ailments including constipation, skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and arthritic conditions such as arthritis and gout. Clears wastes and toxins from the blood stream, which may have accumulated due to infection or pollution and works directly on the liver, enhancing function and improving health and vitality. Dandelion is the most powerful natural diuretic because with conventional diuretics, vital potassium is excreted via the kidneys, dandelion is rich in potassium and does not allow the body to lose much of this vital mineral. Used in Weight loss formula, HBP formula, Formula Vac, Hormone Formula.

Devils Claw - Harpagophytum procumbens: found to be have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving actions. Thereby making it beneficial for assisting arthritic and rheumatic conditions. Used in Joint formula.

Echinacea - Echinacea purpurea: Increases the ability of white blood cells to surround and destroy bacterial and viral invaders in the blood. Stimulates our own defenses to overcome a disease or illness. Has an immune boosting effect, for allergy eczema, slowly builds the immune system. Enhances the immune system, inhibits inflammation and suppresses many viruses. Enhances the function of the spleen and increases the body’s production of T-lymphocytes. Increases serum white blood cells, when low and helps to prevent the reocurrence of candida albicans. Used in Immune-aid, Skin formula.

Elderflower - Sambucus nigra: The herb is most beneficial for catarrh and allergies. It has a high vitamin C content and helps to reduce hayfever and allergy symptoms which causes an increase in mucous and aggravates chest conditions. Elderflower also aids post nasal drip and is immuno stimulant, naturally contains vitamin C. Used in Wet cough formula and Sinu-ease.

Eyebright - Euphrasia officinales: Helps to reduce catarrh, making it effective in reducing allergy related conditions affecting the eyes, sinuses, middle ear and nasal passages. By toning the nasal passages, it helps to prevent nosebleeds. Used in Sinus formula.

Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare: Helps to suppress the appetite. Aids the digestive process, relieves bloating and gas. A well known aid to weight loss and longevity. Very effective against flatulence in adults and children, used for colic in babies. It also contains oils that settle the stomach and intestines, helps prevent griping associated with constipation and diarrhoea. Used in Weight loss formula and Digesto 1.

Feverfew - Tanacetum parthenium: One of the best known herbs to help ease a migraine and headaches. Feverfew has been extensively researched, but despite this, it's exact action is not known, it seems that the constituent parthenolide, appears to inhibit the release of serotonin, which is thought to trigger migraines. It is also beneficial in easing tinnitis and dizziness as well as having anti inflammatory actions in arthritic and rheumatic pain. It lowers temperature and can be taken as a preventative at the first signs of an attack. Useful for headaches associated with menstruation.

Fenugreek - Trigonella Foenum-graecum: has appeared to reduce fasting and postprandial blood levels of glucose, glucagons, somatostatin, insulin, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increases HDL.
- It may reduce after meal glucose levels during meal tolerance(non-insulin dependent diabetes).
- It may also improve glucose tolerance and reduce urinary glucose excretion(insulin dependent diabetes)
- It is rich in lecithin, choline, inositol, aiding LDL and triglyceride cholesterol levels.
Fenugreek lubricates the intestines contributing to it’s laxative action and is great for the eyes(beneficial for Diabetics). Used in C/D formula.

Ginger - Zingiber officinale: Most beneficial for nausea, indigestion, wind and colic. Gastro intestinal infections especially food poisoning respond well to ginger. A warming tonic for the bowel. Used in Digesto 1.

Ginkgo biloba: A circulatory aid, aids Diabetes and improves peripheral circulation for cholesterol sufferers. Dilates blood vessels to the brain, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the brain and so the memory is enhanced. Gingko is also high in anti oxidants and bioflavonoids which benefits the arteries and aids in preventing degeneration thereof. Aids glucose utilization. Used in C/D formula and Vein formula.

Ginseng - see Siberian Ginseng

Golden Seal - Hydrastis canadensis: A potent remedy for mucous membranes, in particular those of the ear, nose, throat and eye. Reduces inflammation and a potent immune stimulant, has anti bacterial properties Has demonstrated anti cancer activity. Strengthens the immune system and enhances the function of the pancreas and spleen. Reduces the proliferation of intestinal parasites and inhibits many types of detrimental bacteria and fungi. Improves the functioning of the lymphatic system. Used in Sinus formula, Immune formula.

Green Tea - Camellia sinensis: Contains catechins which stimulate the metabolism and stimulates the satiety centre in the brain to suppress the appetite. Also contains anti oxidants which boost the immune system. Has strong antioxidant activity. Used in Weight loss formula and Energee.

Hawthorn - Crataegus oxycantha: Rich in antioxidants, choline, inositol and flavanoids for circulatory and cholesterol aid. Strengthens the heart and cardiac muscles, cells. Dilates coronary blood vessels, improves circulation and helps to normalize blood pressure. Beneficial in heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats and beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels. A good cardio tonic. Strengthens the heart and cardiac muscles, cells. Hawthorn is rich in bioflavonoids which relax and dilate arteries, especially coronary arteries. It increases flow of blood to the heart muscles. Hawthorn is also high in anti oxidants which help to reduce or prevent blood vessel degeneration. Hawthorn is used for chronic heart failure as it helps to improve heart beat rate and lowers blood pressure. Has been shown to improve an irregular heartbeat. Used in HBP formula and C/D formula.

Horsetail - Equesetium arvense: Contains large amounts of silica which supports the regeneration of connective tissue. It has an astringent effect on the urinary system and is especially useful if there is bleeding within the urinary tract. Useful diuretic for chronic swelling of the legs. Speeds up the recovery of damaged connective tissue.

Liquorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra: adrenal stimulant and slightly estogenic, providing a tonic effect to the female hormonal system. Exhibits anti inflammatory and antiallergic effects. It’s anti inflammatory effects are due to constituents it contains which act similar to hydrocortisone and other cortico steroid hormones. High anti-inflammatory actions helps speed the healing of ulcerated surfaces. Contains glycosides and sapponins which help to reduce excess acidity by soothing gastric mucous membranes and gastritis. Is a great detoxer and cleanses the body. Used in Skin formula, Fem lib formula.

Linden blossomes - Tilia spp: Has a relaxing effect on the circulatory system, making it useful for raised blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and nervous tension. Has anti spasmodic and diuretic actions. Contains flavanoids, which improve vascular health and benefits circulation.. Helps to ease nervous tension and is useful in lowering blood pressure when there are emotional factors involved. High flavonoid content which improves circulation and nervous palpitations. Is a good nervine and tonic, indicated in restlessness, hysteria, shock. Helpful for headaches and insomnia. Used in HBP formula and Nerve support.

Lungwort - Pulmonaria officinales: has a high mucilage content which helps to soothe inflamed bronchial passages, helps reduce any mucous and allergy related symptoms(sneezing, runny eyes, nose, coughing etc ). Used in Wet and Dry cough formulas and Sinus formula.

Milk thistle - Carduus marianus: A most potent liver detoxifying herb. Used in all problems associated with the liver and gall bladder. Most beneficial for severe liver damage, especially chemotherapy or radiation, helps to restore liver function. It exerts a highly protective function on the liver and is able to renew liver cells. Good for just about any liver condition resulting from alcoholism, infection, pollution. Aiding the liver aids eye conditions such as blurred vision, failing eye sight. A cooling remedy for any excess heat, detoxes skin, kidneys an all round detox. Helps detox chemical estrogen(xeno-estrogen) from the liver. Used in Femina Plus, Liver-clear, Thyroid formula.

Mistletoe - Viscum album: A relaxant for nervous tension and has a relaxing effect on the cardiovascular system. Lowers blood pressure, eases anxiety and many stress related conditions. Mistletoe improves concentration and is beneficial in epileptic states. Much research is being done on mistletoe as an anti-cancer and anti-tumour herb. Used in HBP formula.

Nettle - Urtica dioica: Slightly detoxes the liver and is rich in iron, calcium and potassium. A good astringent for heavy menstrual bleeding. A good tonic. Rich in flavanoids, increases elimination of waste products, reduces swelling and water retention. Improves kidney function necessary in acidic conditions. Has a good detoxing ability. Because of it’s high vitamin and mineral content, nettle is invaluable when treating skin conditions. It cleanses the system as well as soothes inflammation. It has a high mineral content, which helps many disorders of the skin. aids the elimination of toxins and aids many conditions such as skin problems and arthritis, especially when poor kidney function and fluid retention are a feature. Rich in flavanoids and minerals and aids heavy menstrual bleeding, especially if anaemia is a problem, to control heavy menstrual bleeding. Used in Skin formula, Nutri support, Energee.

Oatstraw - Medicago sativa: Good tonic, it contains B vitamins and is rich in calcium, making it a nerve food. A good protein source, it helps to maintain muscle function and improves stamina during exercise Effective for treating debility, raises energy levels and provides support for the nervous system.
High in nutrients, aids Pituitary gland function and aids diabetes. Included as a carminitive needed when balancing metabolism, to decrease any palpitations which may be experienced when stimulating an over active metabolism. Used in Nerve support, Thyroid formula, Nutri support, Energee.

Olive leaf - Olea europaea: Olive leaf is the leaf from the same plant that bears the well known olive fruit.
Olive leaf has found to possess anti oxidant properties, it increases blood circulation to the heart and lowers blood pressure in Hypertension patients. It also lowers the LDL(bad) cholesterol. It has been used as a general tonic for blood pressure, cholesterol. It’s major benefit appears to be to the immune system.
It is effective against many types of bacterial infections(Bacillus subtilis, Eschericia coli, Salmonella typhimurium), and has great anti viral actions, in particular HIV, Epstein Barr, Herpes simplex 1 &2, Hepes zoster( causes Shingles), Influenza and common cold viruses. It has shown to inhibit replication of viruses. Olive leaf has also found to alleviate chronic sinusitis and some physicians have reported a total cure from sinusitis symptoms. Stimulates the production of phagocytes and inhibits or suppresses many viruses due to it’s content of Calcium elenolate. Used in Immune formula.

Peppermint - Mentha x piperita: Contains volatile oils that calms upset stomachs, aids digestion, constipation , diarrhoea, eliminates heartburn, and is a good at normalizing any gastric condition and activity. It may be used for chronic and acute gastritis, enteritis, reduces cramping as it has an anti-spasmodic effect on the gut muscles, thereby soothing colic and an irritable bowel. Used in Digesto 1, Memoree.

Red clover - Trifolium pratense: Most useful for almost any skin condition especially eczema. Has anti cancer properties and generally cleanses and clears toxins from the skin. Has hormonal actions. Used in Skin formula.

Rosemary - Rosmarinus officnales: Circulatory stimulant, improves weakness associated with poor circulation. Used in Recover, Vein-tone and Memoree.

Sage - Salvia officinales: Reduces sweating and is most beneficial for night sweats, estrogenic in nature, aids hormones and in weaning off HRT. A good digestive stimulant and is traditionally associated with longevity and memory enhancing. Stimulates the gall bladder.
Used in Hormone formula, Recover.

Sarsaparilla - Smilax spp: Tones up the body, regulates hormones and increases energy. Nourishes the reproductive system. Used in Male formula.

Saw palmetto - Sabal serrulata: Promotes sexual health and is used to treat nearly all problems of the reproductive system. It builds new tissue and enhances cell function of the prostate and testes. Saw palmetto: Has hormonal actions on the prostate, due to the presence of steioidal constituents. Saw palmetto strengthens and builds body tissues. It is known as the man's herb and will benefit enlargement, infection and debility, associated with the prostate. It has been shown to benefit conditions such as impotence, testicular atrophy. Tones the male reproductive system. This "plant catheter" has the ability to strengthen the neck of the bladder and reduce enlarged and infected prostate glands. Combines well with Nettle. Used in Male formula.

Siberian ginseng - Eleutherococcus senticosus: A well established adaptogenic herb, which enhances the body’s ability to cope during stress by stimulating the adrenocortical system which enables the body to cope more efficiently. . Elevates the mood, improves psychological performance, reduces fasting blood sugar levels. A regulator. A powerful tonic herb. Works well with herbs targeting the hormones and helps to improve stamina and mood. Has gentle aphrodisiac actions. Increases the body’s ability to cope with stress and stimulates the sex glands making it beneficial in impotence. Used in Male formula, Fem lib formula, Energee, Memoree, C/D formula.

Shepherds Purse - Capsella busa-pastoris: One of the most potent remedies for aiding heavy menstrual bleeding. It is an astringent herb and is useful for nosebleeds, blood in urine and also disinfects the urinary system, making it helpful for cystitis. It has anti inflammatory effects.

St Johns wort - Hypericum perforatum: used for mild depression, has immuno stimulant effect, useful for herpes outbreaks. Slightly estrogenic, very beneficial in conjunction with chaste tree in improving hormonal vitality and in helping to control heavy menstrual bleeding and anxiety and depression premenstrually. Useful anxiety, nervous tension, irritability, emotional upsets, especially if associated with hormonal irregularities. Used in Hormone formula and Femina Plus.

Thyme - Thymus vulgaris: Eases sore throats and soothes irritable coughs, has antiseptic properties which stimulate the immune system and aid in chest infections. Reduces mucous in lungs and nasal passages and will help if phlegm is present. Its invigorating qualities balance the sedative effect of many herbs used for asthma. Used in Wet and Dry cough formulas.

Valerian - Valerian officinales: Relaxes tension and stress, reduces mental over activity and nervous excitability. Also helpful for stress related conditions such as anxiety, tremors, palpitations, insomnia. Also used for epilepsy as it calms the mind and does not sedate.

Willow bark - Salix alba: Contains natural forms of aspirin which are completely safe and are useful in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis Being anti inflammatory and pain relieving useful for any inflammatory condition. Being a natural anti inflammatory, it is safe, with no adverse effect on stomach lining. Used in Femina Plus, Joint formula, Gout formula.

Yarrow - Achillea millefolium: Main constituent Chamazulene exhibits an anti inflammatory effect, it regulates the menstrual cycle, eases menstrual pain and reduces heavy bleeding. Repairs and tones the vein walls. Also aids pain and inflammation of the veins, tones varicose veins. Improves circulation. Used in Vein-formula.