Nettle Seed – Urtica doica
Nettle Seed (Urtica dioica) is sometimes known as Stinging Nettle or Common Nettle. It is a perennial plant native to Europe, Asia and Africa and some parts of the USA. Five of the six subspecies sting with hypodermic like needles which inject histamine and other chemicals when in contact with skin. There are over 500 species of nettles, some of which have a sting so bad, it lasts for months and may cause death. The plant grows to 2 or 3 feet and in covered with down as well as stinging hairs. The leaves are heart-shaped and come to a point. The...
Myrtle Leaves – Myrtus communis
Myrtle Leaves come from the common Myrtle. Sometimes known as True Myrtle which is a native all across the Mediterranean, particularly on Corsica and Sardinia. Not to be confused with the only other Myrtle (Myrtus Nivellei) which is better known as Saharan Myrtle Constituents of Myrtle Leaves:- Myrtle Leaves (Myrtus communis) are very rich in polyphenols. In particular, galloyl-glucosides, ellagitannins, galloyl-quinic acids, flavonol glycosides and hydrolysable tannins (galloyl-glucosides, ellagitannins, galloyl-quinic acids). Myrtle extracts have a potent antioxidant activity mainly due to the presence of galloyl derivatives. Myrtle leaves as well as the volatile oil (Myrtii Oleum; MO) obtained from the...
Roman Wormwood – Artemisia pontica
Artemisia pontica, the Roman Wormwood or Small Absinthe, is a lesser known cousin of Grand Wormwood and the preferred herb used in the production of absinthe and vermouth. Originating in southeastern Europe (the specific name refers to the Pontus area on the shores of the Black Sea). It is naturalised over much of Eurasia from France to Xinjiang, and is also found in the wild in northeastern North America. It is called Little or Small Absinthe because it is smaller in stature and leaf than the Grand Absinthe (Artemisia absinthium) also known as Grand Wormwood. It grows as a rhizomatous...
Orris – Traditional Uses and History
ORRIS ROOT ( Iris florentina ) Orris Root (#Iris germanica, Iris florentina, and Iris pattida) is a perennial plant with sword-shaped leaves and highly scented, pale blue flowers. The fleshy rootstock (rhizomes) grow just below and along the ground. The rhizomes are dug up in August and freed of the rootlets and brown outer bark, and then they are dried. The whole dried Orris Root is incredibly hard and doesn’t always have a strong aroma until shaved or grated. Ours is quite aromatic.Rather than attempt to grind it yourself – It will ruin your grinder, if you are using Orris...
Red Poppy Petals – Papaver rhoeas – Traditional Herbal Uses
Papaver rhoeas from which Red Poppy Petals are obtained are also called the Common Poppy, Corn Poppy, Corn Rose, Field Poppy Flanders Poppy or just Red Poppy is an annual herbaceous species of flowering plant in the poppy family, Papaveraceae. This poppy is commonly thought ofas an agricultural weed (hence the common names including “corn” and “field”) but after World War I, The Great War, as a symbol of armistice and remembrance (but not in all countries) Traditional Uses for Red Poppy Petals:- The flowers of the corn poppy have a very long tradition of medicinal usage, especially for ailments...
Pomegranate Flowers – Punica granatum – Traditional Herbal Uses
Pomegranate Flowers (Punica granatum) can have a beneficial effect for overall general health. The tree will bloom abundantly although little blossom will set fruit in cooler climes and blossom fall is common, however the flowers are generally sun dried and then the blossoms can used to make a herbal tea. A tea made from the flowers is generally believed to be beneficial for specific cardiac health, to reduce the symptoms of diabetes and good for general health. The flowers have astringent effects and can be used to help prevent acne. A toner or face pack made using the flowers is...