Last week-end we re-visited Herstmonceux to see how the plants were getting on now Spring is really here. Would the flowers surprise us? Judge for yourself in this video.
Herbal Health Information on Oak (Quercus Rubus)
February 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
If someone said to you “name an English tree” the Oak would be the first one you would think of. It is so beautiful with large spreading branches and pretty wavy edged leaves. The fruit is the Acorn and it is this, as well as the bark that is used medicinally.
These parts of the oak are very high in tannins (same as in tea). Tannins are astringent, meaning they tone up membranes. The oak also has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties.
It makes an excellent mouthwash and is used to tone up the gut in cases of chronic diarrhoea and colitis.
Acorns can be dried and roasted then ground up to make a coffee. They are bitter, though, so are an acquired taste but I do know they were used extensively during the war as a coffee substitute, or to make coffee go further.
An example can be seen in the Herstmonceux video click here
Linda Bostock
Medical Herbalist
Herbal Health Information on Chickweed (Stellaria Media)
November 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
This is such a cute little plant with a tiny white star shaped flower that you would not normally bother to look at. It contains saponin glycosides coumarins and is a source of Vitamin C. You can see it in the Herstmonceaux video.
All Herbalists will tell you it makes the best cream for Eczema because it is moisturising, soothing, healing and anti itch.
I do not use it internally but it is the base of all my Eczema creams.
Linda Bostock
Medical Herbalist/Herbal Health Information.
