Seasons Greetings to you all!

As the nights draw in and the temperature plummets we recognise that the first month of the winter season is upon us. For those of us who are prepared to wrap up warm and brave the cold this is a lovely time to get out and brave the elements

The frosty days illuminated by the bright winter sun create a sparkling beautiful and magical landscape. Traditionally at this time of year people venture out to collect Holly leaves and berries and other evergreens to decorate your homes for the festive season. The brave and agile would scale the fruit and poplar trees to collect samples of mistletoe

Mistletoe (Viscum Album) has along history of use in herbal medicine as well as having a reputation as a magical herb and having specific importance in the Druidic traditions. The Roman writer Pliny wrote that the Celts referred to this plant as ‘all healing’ noting at least eleven conditions for which this herb could be employed. Mistletoe that grows on Oak trees was said to have the most potent healing properties. In modern herbal medicine Mistletoe is mainly used as cardiac tonic, as well as bringing down high blood pressure it has been shown to have an affect on peripheral circulation strengthening blood vessel walls, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, recently several pharmaceutical organizations have shown interest and are revisiting this plant and have been running clinical trials.

To kiss ones sweetheart under the mistletoe is said to bring good luck and happiness in relationships, a tradition still as strong as its always been.

Mistletoe possesses significant toxicity and should be used with caution only under the guidance of a qualified medical herbalist.

Festivities aside, this time of year sees an increase in the circulation of coughs, colds and flu viruses. There is an enormous array of herbs that can be employed in the treatment and prevention of these conditions but I would like to focus on two very important ones, Echinacea and Thyme

Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia/purpurea)

So much has been written about this herb over the last ten years or so that many people are now familiar with its properties.Echinacea owes its name to the Greek word ‘Echinos’ meaning sea urchin, of which the dried seed head of the plant resembles. The two most commonly used varieties are the augustifolia and the purpurea as they have the strongest medicinal properties.

Echinacea is native to North America where it has a long tradition as a treatment for blood poisoning and snakebites. The victim would have chewed the roots and leaves of the plant swallowing the juice which would then start to work systemically within the body. The masticated plant was then spat out and applied as a poultice directly to the site of the bite.

For those interested in the science bit here, snake venom contains a substance called hyaluronidase, this substance acts as a carrier for other dangerous components within the venom and allows them to permeate the system. Echinacea works by inhibiting this component and therefore inactivating this process. In the unlikely event of anyone in this country being bitten by a venomous snake we would quite rightly get ourselves to the nearest A&E department. That said Echinacea is an extremely useful herb for treating and preventing a host of viral and bacterial conditions

Echinacea’s main action is its various effects on the immune system, in fact it is impossible to fully appreciate its effects without having a good understanding of the immune system and how it functions. Overall, Echinacea stimulates the immune response mechanisms within our bodies to produce and circulate more white blood cells (these cells being responsible for fighting infection).

Echinacea is used in the treatment of flu and other upper respiratory viruses, it is also very effective against Herpes virus as well as stomach bugs and urinary tract infections. As it is such a powerful blood cleanser it is also active against bacterial infections and even septicaemia (blood poisoning). It is useful in many skin conditions especially where there is infection, such as boils, abscesses, ulcers ,burns and irritated eczema. Echinacea’s soothing properties are in part owing to its cortisone like effects of reducing inflammation, it also promotes tissue healing.

Echinacea may be taken as a tincture, tablet or tea, it may also be applies to the skin as a crème or balm. Echinacea baths are lovely and soothing for those with skin problems or if you feel like you may be ‘coming down with something‘. Echinacea is also shown to be effective against Candida Albicans which is a fungal infection. Echinacea combined with Elderflowers and Peppermint makes a wonderful cold remedy, this makes an especially nice tea, you could also ad some ginger and chilli (if you can take it) to this mix to warm the body and help circulation.

Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)

We all know this one, perhaps more in a culinary sense than a medical one. This incredibly important herb has a rich history of use and tradition throughout the ancient world. Thyme comes from the Greek word thyein meaning ‘to smoke’, this was because it was used to make incense probably for its insecticide properties rather than for its perfume. The ancient Egyptians used it in the embalming process of their mummies, the Romans were said to sleep on beds of it to ward off melancholy. In Europe it was used in times of plague as a strewing herb.

Thyme contains a substance called thymol which is a powerful antiseptic, it is used to medicate surgical gauzes and dressings. It is also used in deodorants. Thymol resembles carbolic acid in its actions.

As said before, Thyme is a powerful antiseptic, whether taken as a tea or tincture internally, used topically as a crème or inhaled as an oil. Thyme oil can be toxic in overdose, do not use the pure oil internally for any reason, for this reason home use should be restricted to bath oils and crèmes, small amounts may be given internally but only by your herbalist. A lovely way to enjoy the benefits is to use it in the bath, it stimulates circulation and is good for chills and lethargy, its strong aromatic aroma is especially good for bronchitis, pleurisy, coughs and colds, and pneumonia, it helps shift phlegm owing to its expectorant properties

Thyme crème can be rubbed on to the chest to help you breathe more easily especially at night before bed when the symptoms of flu always feel at their worst. Culpepper describes it as a ‘notable strengthener of the lungs’. Another important respiratory property of thyme is its use as a bronchodilator making an excellent addition to asthma medicine, it also has a long tradition of being used for whooping cough in children.

Thymes antiseptic properties can also be made use of in gastroenteritis and other ‘tummy bugs’, as well as fighting the infection it also helps to restore and encourage the growth of healthy gut flora (as found in natural yoghurt). Thyme is also valuable for easing colic associated with Irritable bowel syndrome, peppermint and camomile can be added in this case.

Many urinary tract infections can be treated with Thyme, although you should get advice from your GP or herbalist in this instance as these kinds of infections may need investigation and to be kept a check on. Thyme also has a local anaesthetic effect so it can be used as a crème or balm externally for rheumatic conditions, arthritis, and aching muscles. This anaesthetic effect teamed with its antiseptic properties make it a great gargle for sore throats and as a douche for thrush.

Around the house Thyme can be mixed with dried lavender flowers to preserve linen from moths, hung in bunches around the house it wards of most insects.

These two herbs deserve presence in all medicine cabinets, they are wonderful combined together. A tincture or tea of these two herbs is a great way to kick start your immune system in dealing with the cold winter months ahead

The best thing about this time of year is that it is party season, most of us will have an excuse to pamper and prepare ourselves for a night on the town. A great way to start your party preparations is with a long soak in a hot sensuous Rose or Lavender bath, this will leave you feeling glowing and pampered. You can take this feeling with you by applying these sensuous herbs as a crème.

That way not only will you smell lovely but it will give your dry winter skin a much need re-hydration and nourishment.

Rosa Species

With their bittersweet mix of sharp thorns and delicate blooms, the rose has always been associated with love, beauty, and romance. Think of sleeping beauty’s prince who had to battle through the thorn forest to reach his sweetheart

There are over 10,000 cultivated species of Rose, a figure which increases each year. Colours and styles vary enormously, but what is interesting to note is that there are only three noted aromas of rose, these being Damask (damascena), Tea Rose (Indica), and Cabbage Rose (centifolia)

All of these scents have been used throughout the world in perfumery and of course still are. There is so much folklore and tradition relating to Rose. In Ancient Greece Aphrodite was said to trod on a white damask rose cutting her foot on a thorn, her blood dyed the rose red creating the first red rose. In Islam the red Rose symbolises the blood of Mohammed and is therefore a flower associated with martyrs

In ancient Rome flowers were strewn across the floors during feasts and rose petals were added to wine to prevent drunkenness. They also made sweet pastilles out of rose oil to freshen the breath and ladies rubbed rose oil on their lips, eyelids and cheeks in the pursuit of beauty. In fact according to Pliny the Romans listed at least 32 uses for Rose.

As mentioned before Rose is best known for its perfume used extensively in beauty products and perfumes, it does also possess some medicinal properties. During the second world war rose hips were gathered and made into syrups for children in order to strengthen their immune systems and ward off coughs and colds, medicines were rationed at this time and alternatives were regularly sort out and applied

It is interesting to note that rose hips contain one of the most abundant sources of vitamin C found in the plant kingdom, alongside this Vitamins A,B and K can also be found.

Both the leaves and petals of the Rose are very cooling to the system and are excellent as a tea or tincture for fevers, coughs and colds and for strengthening the immune system. They are also diuretic making them useful for kidney problems and as a liver cleanser. Rose contain high levels of tannins which make them very astringent, this means that they staunch bleeding( ulcers) and help with heavy menstrual flow. This astringent property also helps with diarrhoea, phlegm and other exudative conditions.

Externally rose crème is very soothing on sore dry skin, it protects against the elements and makes a wonderful body and face crème for winter. Rose water is both cleansing and toning, it reduces the redness and inflammation seen in acne and other similar problems. Rose water can also be used as a mouthwash.

Introducing rose products to ones beauty regime benefits all skin types and ages as well as giving a feeling of luxury. Oil of rose has found use in emotional problems, either by applying to the wrists and temples or by using it in an oil burner (Caution pure rose oil is extremely expensive and can be a potential allergen so it is often sold blended with other oils.) It is very effective against feelings of anxiety and depression. So next time you run a bath, make like the ancient queens of Egypt and ladies of Rome and ad some rose oil for beautiful skin and a happy calm mind

Lavandula officinalis

Lavender is one of the best loved scented herbs. Its named is derived from the Latin ‘lavare’ which means ‘to wash’. Used in the bath it has a restorative effect on the body and mind, the soothing oils are beneficial to sore skin problems, especially burns. Lavender has an antidepressant affect and promotes restful sleep. A Lavender bath or Lavender drops on the pillow are a must for insomniacs. Another notable effect is the relief of headache and nervous exhaustion, here the oil can be applied to the temples or used as an inhalant, and the flowering tops make a lovely tea.

The Romans added Lavender to their baths and also to perfume their linen, a practice still employed by people throughout the world today, especially as it is a good preventative against moths

Just like Rose, lavender was employed during WW2 as an additive to wound swabs for soldiers. As well as being strongly antiseptic, Lavender oil has the ability to stimulate tissue repair and minimize scarring, it is also active against many strains of bacteria, notably pneumococcus and streptococcus. Today Lavender is common in the medicine cabinets of French households where it is used as a domestic remedy for bruises, sprains, bites etc.

A good old English recipe exists for Lavender conserve, this was placed on tables to ad to food to prevent indigestion. Lavender flowers were also commonly soaked in Brandy or Gin for giddiness and faintness ( this was actually bottled and inhaled as opposed to drunk). Its antiseptic properties have always been known, in times of plague the dried plants were strewn about the floors of houses and churches

Today herbalists use lavender internally for colds, catarrh ,chest infections and nervous conditions though again a word of caution Lavender is poisonous in high doses and should be used with care, never take lavender tincture internally without consulting a herbalist

As discussed before Lavender is wonderful as a crème for infective skin problems and burns and for cuts, bites and stings, mix with marshmallow crème for maximum benefits

Throughout this article we have focused on herbs, however I think it is important to mention the inclusion of spices which are so key to this time of year owing to their warming qualities and ability to ward of viruses. Most of us enjoy a glass of mulled wine this time of year. Make sure you add nutmeg, ginger, cloves, capsicums and pepper and mustard seeds to your spice rack, these medicinal accompaniments work well in nearly all winter dishes both sweet and savoury. Look out for crèmes and oils containing spices to add kick to your bath and provide inner warmth and glow.

As Christmas approaches this is the ideal time to treat friends and family to the health giving and luxurious properties of these herbs. Bath oils and crèmes make lovely gifts and are a good introduction for those who would like to start incorporating the benefits of herbs into their day to day lives.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy festive season and will return in Spring, until then stay healthy indulge and enjoy!

With Love
Resident Medicinal Herbalist