Chamomile Flower

Matricaria Recutita

Anti-inflammatory,

antispasmodic, anti-bacterial

and anti-fungal

 

Traditional Uses:

Anti-inflammatories similar in action to that of non-steroidal medication. Nausea, insomnia, muscular pain, colic, nervous disorders. Useful as mouth wash.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 375ml cups of boiling water over 2-3 teaspoons of flowers. Steep for 10min. Strain and drink three times per day.

Bath: Boil 1 cup of flowers with 2L of water for steaming and washing hair and face.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. If allergic to members of the Daisy family plant, including ragweed, should not use. Can interact with warfarin or other blood thinning medication.

Corn Flower Blue

Centaurea Cyanus

General tonic, stomachic,

diuretic, anti-septic, analgesic,

anodyne, anti-parasitic, digestive

aid, antioxidants.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: The main uses of cornflowers are as a colouring ingredient in herbal teas and traditionally as a lotion to soothe irritation of the eyes. Also improves digestion, regulates the gall bladder, liver and kidneys, menstrual disorders, improves resistance to infections.

External: It can be used to clean infected wounds and as a hair wash.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoons of the herb in a cup of boiled water. Drink a max. of three cups per day.  It can also be used in a mixture of other herbal teas.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating, and children. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Stay within recommended dosages.

Corn Flower PINK

Centaurea Cyanus

General tonic, stomachic,

diuretic, anti-septic, analgesic,

anodyne, anti-parasitic, digestive

aid, antioxidants.

 

Traditional Uses:

Internal: The main uses of cornflowers are as a colouring ingredient in herbal teas and traditionally as a lotion to soothe irritation of the eyes. Also improves digestion, regulates the gall bladder, liver and kidneys, menstrual disorders, improves resistance to infections.

External: It can be used to clean infected wounds and as a hair wash.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoons of the herb in a cup of boiled water. Drink a max. of three cups per day.  It can also be used in a mixture of other herbal teas.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating, and children. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Stay within recommended dosages.

ELDER FLOWER

Sambucus Nigra

Diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal,

diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative,

anti-viral.

 

Traditional Uses:

Treatment of colds and influenza. For inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, such as hay fever and sinusitis. Catarrhal deafness may respond well. Can be used to induce sweat in feverish chills. Beneficial for purifying the blood, kidneys, liver, and skin. Cleanses mucous from the tissues. Stimulates peristaltic action in the colon. Helps for rheumatism, scrofula, gout, syphilis, epilepsy, and chronic diseases. Headaches due to colds. To sweat out a fever. Mild laxative

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of flowers. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink hot, three times a day.

Ointment: with equal parts flowers and lard. Heat, leave to infuse and strain through a cloth with pressure. Apply.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Do not use the stems of this plant. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

HAWTHORN FLOWERS

Crataegus laevigata

Cardiotonic, diuretic, astringent,

hypotensive.

 

Traditional Uses:

Best tonic remedies for the heart and circulatory system. It normalizes the heart by acting upon its need in a gentle way. Used in heart failure or weakness, for prolonged periods. It may reduce the risk of chronic heart failure, congestive heart failure and degeneration of blood vessels. Help when you have a feeling of tightness or pressure in the heart area. Lowers high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and angina pectoris. Has cholesterol lowering effects. Can be used in cases of palpitations. Acts as a tonic for the circulatory system.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 2 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of boiled water, infuse for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day. Only effective if taken for periods of 6 weeks.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not take if you already take medication for heart disease without consulting with health practitioner. Do not give to children under 12 years old. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

HIBISCUS FLOWERS

Hisbisci Flores

Diuretic, choleretic, antiseptic,

aphrodisiac, astringent,

cholagogue, demulcent, digestive,

emollient, purgative, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic and tonic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Best tonic remedies for the heart and circulatory system. It normalizes the heart by acting upon its need in a gentle way. Used in heart failure or weakness, for prolonged periods. It may reduce the risk of chronic heart failure, congestive heart failure and degeneration of blood vessels. Help when you have a feeling of tightness or pressure in the heart area. Lowers high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and angina pectoris. Has cholesterol lowering effects. Can be used in cases of palpitations. Acts as a tonic for the circulatory system.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 2 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of boiled water, infuse for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day. Only effective if taken for periods of 6 weeks.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not take if you already take medication for heart disease without consulting with health practitioner. Do not give to children under 12 years old. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

JASMINE FLOWERS

Jasminum officinalis

Astringent, antibacterial,

anti-viral, cooling, bitter herb,

hormonal balancer.

 

Traditional Uses:

Used for infections combined with high fevers. Conjunctivitis, sunstroke, dermatitis. Can be used as supportive therapy for cancer of the bones, lymphatic nodes, and breast cancer.

Use the infusion to cool inflamed, bloodshot eyes. Can be used for mouth ulcers. Essential oil from the flowers is considered an anti-depressant and relaxant, especially for postnatal depression. During childbirth it may relieve pain and strengthen contractions.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink two to three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

It may dull the mind when trying to concentrate. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

LAVENDER BLOSSOM

Lavandula Officinalis

Carminative, anti-spasmodic,

relaxing nervine, anti-depressant,

rubefacient, emmenagogue,

hypotensive.

 

Traditional Uses:

Helps for headaches especially when caused by stress. For depression, sleeplessness, anxiety. May be used to treat nervous debility as well as exhaustion. Strengthens the nervous system. Helps with digestion. Use as an anti-spasmodic and for pain. For scratches and insect bites. Helps ease sore throats.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of flowers and leave to infuse for 10min. Strain and drink three times a day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

MALLOW FLOWERS

Malva Sylvestris

Acts as a demulcent,

anti-inflammatory, expectorant,

astringent.

 

Traditional Uses:

To aid recovery of gastritis and stomach ulcers. Upper respiratory infections such as laryngitis and pharyngitis, upper respiratory catarrh, and bronchitis. Sore throats and dry coughs. May be beneficial in the treatment of emphysema. For inflammation of the larynx. The flowers are high in mucus like substance that can soothe the mouth.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of herb. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times a day. Can be added to gin to colour the gin purple.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. May delay the absorption of other drugs taken simultaneously.

MARIGOLD/

CALENDULA

Calendula Officinalis

Anti-inflammatory,

anti-spasmodic, lymphatic,

astringent, vulnerary, emmenagogue,

cholagogue, anti-fungal.

 

Traditional Uses:

Used for the treatment of infectious hepatitis (as a blood cleanser). May be used for digestive inflammation and ulcers. For gastric and duodenal ulcers. Being a cholagogue it may aid in the relief of gall bladder problems. May be beneficial for delayed menstruation and painful periods. It is a general normalizer of the process. Soothe indigestion and as a liver tonic. A purifying effect and is particularly used to deal with fungal infections, bacteria, and viruses.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 - 2 teaspoon of flowers. Stand for 10 - 15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

MULLIEN FLOWERS

Verbascum thapsus

Laxative, painkiller, respiratory,

catarrh, diuretic.

 

Traditional Uses:

Respiratory remedy. May be useful in the treatment of tuberculosis. For bronchitis with a hard cough and soreness. Beneficial for inflammation of the trachea. Colds, coughs, earache, and influenza. For colic, digestive upsets, nervous tension, and insomnia.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.

ORANGE FLOWERS

Citrus sinensis

Soothing carminative

 

Traditional Uses:

Helps to alleviate uneasiness, symptoms of shock, insomnia. For baby’s colic. Can be used to treat flatulence and digestive complaints. Contains Vit C which boosts the immune system.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons of flowers in 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10-15min. Strain and drink two to three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use or giving to babies. Can cause allergic skin reactions.

RED CLOVER

Trifolium Pratense

Tonic, expectorant,

antispasmodic, phytoestrogens.

 

Traditional Uses:

This is one of the most useful remedies for children with skin problems. Use for childhood eczema and chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. Can also be used for coughs and bronchitis and especially in whooping cough. The isoflavones may alleviate many symptoms associated with menopause. It mimics the action of female hormones in the body. It purifies the blood and may therefore help for acne.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-3 teaspoons of herb. Leave to infuse for 10 – 15min. Strain and drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use. Save for use in children. May potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs.

ROSE PETALS RED

Rosa

Astringent, antioxidant.

 

Traditional Uses:

Can be used medicinally to address emotional issues, such as depression and loss. Improving circulation and relieving muscle cramps. Rose buds are a caffeine-free herbal tea. Menstrual pain relief, weight loss.

 

Directions to use:

Infusion: 1 teaspoon of the buds in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 - 15min. Drink three times per day.

 

Safety precautions:

Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Consult with a medical practitioner before use.