Tag: homemade

  • What is Polymyalgia rheumatica? Can herbs help?

    What is Polymyalgia rheumatica? Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition, often linked to Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). The condition occurs mainly in women over 60, and the cause is not known. Symptoms include muscle aches, stiffness in hips, shoulders, neck and mid body, weakness, general tiredness, and weight loss. Some people get swelling in…

  • Chaga – remember to be sustainable

    It’s interesting to revisit this blog from a couple of years ago as I think things are starting to change. There does seem to be more awareness of sustainability, how to source herbs (and mushrooms safely). If you’re in the UK I highly recommend checking out the work done by the UK Herb grower network and…

  • Making herbal gifts for the festive season

    Making herbal gifts for the festive season

    If you’re into making presents, take a look at the following ideas for some herbal themed gifts. 1. For budding cooks and chefs – herbal oils and vinegars. A really simple one to start, simply add a herb such as rosemary, thyme, chilli or garlic to a bottle of oil or vinegar and it will…

  • Herb and health research – October and November 2016

    This month the following research articles on herbs and health have caught my eye. 1. In laboratory studies, an extract of the medicinal mushroom Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) was found to protect liver cells. 2. In another medicinal mushroom study this month Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) was found to not only protect against dementia but…

  • Herbal Medicine Research blog – September 2016

    It’s been a little while since I’ve written a research blog but here are some research articles that have interested me recently. 1. A new trial is currently taking place in Australia, where young adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are being given water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) instead of pharmaceutical drugs. 2. A follow…

  • Herbal remedies for children – new distance learning course

    Would you like to know more about treating children with herbs? If you enjoyed my blog on herbs for children, you might be interested to know I have now written a herbal remedies for children distance learning course! As with all of my distance learning courses you will be emailed the course material to work…

  • Rediscovering British herbs with Native Awareness

    Rediscovering British herbs with Native Awareness

    A few years ago I decided to go on a Native Awareness course, native skills one, which is an introduction to bushcraft skills and the skills of native peoples’. Learning those native skills really got me thinking about how medicinal plants are used by native people across the world as well as our ancestors in…

  • Frequently asked questions – what to herbalists get asked?

    Frequently asked questions – what to herbalists get asked?

    Here are some of the most common questions I get asked and the answers I give. 1. Can herbs be used to treat children? The simple answer is yes but with everything that depends on what the situation is, is the child taking medication? For more information on herbs and children take a look at…

  • Herbal Medicine research blog – Nov – Dec 15

    In November and December the following health research has caught my eye. 1. A new study showed that Andrographis reduced triglyceride levels in patients with raised triglyceride levels (one of the measurements of high cholesterol). 2. A new study of celery seed has shown that when given to patients with arthritis, it reduced pain and…

  • Eczema blog part 2 – What role does diet play in eczema?

    Herbalists have made the link between diet and skin health for some time but it’s taking modern research a little while to catch up. Dairy products, are they bad for eczema? As far as I am aware (please send me the link if I’m incorrect), there isn’t currently a published study can shows the link…