herb of the month

Herbs of the Month - August

Nettle Seed

Earlier in the year I talked about the nutritious and medicinal properties of nettles (Urtica dioica, urens). Now autumn is fast approaching this valuable herb is producing its tassels heavily laden with seeds. These seeds may be collected and taken as a general tonic but with a special affinity to the kidneys. It has been shown through blood testing to significantly increase creatinine clearance which is an important indicator of kidney function. I have certainly seen its benefits in my practice! In improving kidney function nettle seed will have an overall tonic effect helping to clear toxins from the blood. It is best to take the seeds as they are, sprinkled onto cereals or porridge, as they cannot be made into tea; they just float on top of the water! Pick the whole nettle plant (wear gloves!) and place upside down in a large paper bag. Tie the top of the bag to prevent insects and spiders making it their home and leave them in a warm, dry place to dry out. After a week or two, shake the nettles, still in the bag, and the seeds should fall to the bottom. Once the nettles are dry there is less chance of getting stung by them although the seeds do not sting even when fresh

If you are taking prescribed medicines, are pregnant or breast feeding or have a serious medical condition, please seek advice from a qualified medical herbalist before taking herbal remedies. Only pick nettles from areas away from busy roads and where you are sure that sprays have not been used. Do not pick wild plants unless you are sure of their identification.

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

The marshmallow (Althea officinalis) in my garden is now flowering nicely. This is the plant that was originally used to make the soft doughy sweets that bring to mind roasting them over bonfires. The roots, when boiled, produce a gooey thickening agent and it was this, when mixed with sugar, formed the sweets. This property, which we know as mucilaginous, can be of use in many conditions of the digestive, urinary and respiratory tracts as well as the skin when applied externally. The slimy extract will line the digestive tract helping soothe and heal any inflammation making it useful in treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis. It may be of use in either constipation or diarrhoea. The leaves also have some mucilaginous action and a tea made from this plant can ease the discomfort of urinary tract infections or irritation. The leaves again will have an expectorant action on the lungs, helping to make dry, hacking coughs more productive thus bringing about a speedy resolution. Marshmallow leaf will also help to thin thick, sticky mucous making it a useful addition to the treatment of asthma. For boils and abscesses, splinters, wounds and ulcers a poultice of the root will help draw out any infected matter or foreign bodies to the surface. Simply grate the root and simmer gently in water until it forms a gel. Apply directly to the affected area. Marshmallow is quite rare in the wild and should only be sourced from cultivated plants. Other mallows have similar properties but may be less effective.

Only pick mallow from areas away from busy roads and where you are sure that sprays have not been used. Do not pick wild plants unless you are sure of their identification.

These notes are not meant as an alternative to seeking qualified medical advice. If you are taking prescribed medicines, are pregnant or breast feeding or have a serious medical condition, please seek advice from a qualified medical herbalist before taking herbal remedies.

Willow Herbs (Epilobium spp)

At this time of year Willow Herbs (Epilobium spp) are very prolific and can be quite a nuisance in the garden. It’s light feathery seeds dispersing widely in the slightest breeze to ensure its survival for the following year. Its medicinal properties not widely known and yet it can be very effective in a range of health problems, most noticeably prostate disorders. A tea made from this herb and taken twice daily can be of use in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and can be taken as part of the treatment regime of prostate cancer. It has also been used effectively in bladder tumours. Other traditional uses include kidney disorders, gastro-intestinal disorders, mouth sores, rectal bleeding, menstrual disorders, cystitis, urinary tract infections, bronchial infections, diarrhea, mucous colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and can be made into an ointment to soothe skin problems in children.. Some of these conditions can be serious so please seek advice from a qualified practitioner before self-diagnosing or self-prescribing. It is best to gather the plant whilst flowering and only use those willow herbs with small flowers. Do not use the large flowering Rosebay Willow Herb or the Hoary Willow Herb.If you would like to see willow herb growing come along to my Herb Garden Open Day on Sunday August 29th at Stacksmountain, Kilflynn, as part of National Heritage Week. It is open from 11am until 6pm with guided herb walks at 12 noon and 3pm..

If you are taking prescribed medicines, are pregnant or breast feeding or have a serious medical condition, please seek advice from a qualified medical herbalist before taking herbal remedies. Only pick willow herb from areas away from busy roads and where you are sure that sprays have not been used. Do not pick wild plants unless you are sure of their identification.