“Why should a person die when sage grows in his garden?” – A Medieval saying
 
Parts used:
 
The leaves
 
History:
 
Sage’s reputation as sacred herb, with miracle qualities for health and longevity goes back to Ancient times.  It’s Latin name Salvia means to “save/cure/heal”.  The burning (smudging) of Sage is well known for its ability to clear the build-up of emotional or spiritual negativity.  It is used in preparation for prayer, ceremonies, rituals and purification and to increase clarity and awareness.  We refer to “the Sage” to describe someone with wisdom and humility or we receive “Sage Advice” and this is attributed to one of its many traditional uses - to improve memory and heighten the senses.
 
Nutritional constituents:  
 
Vitamin A, C, B complex
Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Sulphur, Silicon, Phosphorus, Sodium
 
Spiritual/cleansing benefits:
 
Wisdom, Healing, Protection
 
Astrology:
 
Pisces (February 19 to March 20; Ruled by Jupiter)
 
Traditional/Current Medicinal uses:
 
Sage is a potent antioxidant and anti-microbial (antiseptic) and is used for infections and inflammation of the mouth, tongue or throat.  It can be taken internally and also helpful when used as a gargle.
 
Due to its calming and grounding effect on the nervous system, Sage can help to reduce nervous exhaustion, debility and tension headaches. Digestively it is beneficial for colic, flatulence, indigestion, gastroenteritis as it helps to relax intestinal spasms and soothe pain. 
 
Traditionally Sage was used to stimulate memory and studies have shown that it may be beneficial in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
 
Sage is an effective remedy for various hormonal conditions.  It is helpful for irregular periods and can assist with regulating pain and flow.  It is a valuable herb for menopausal hot flushes, night sweats and helping the body to adapt to the hormonal changes that take place.  It reduces breast-milk production so is best avoided while breastfeeding however, can be used when weaning to dry up milk supply.
 
How to use: 
 

1. Sage can be made into a cup of tea by adding it to hot water with lemon and honey – this is very effective for sore throats.  
2. Fresh sage leaves can be used as a first aid remedy by rubbing on stings and bites.
3. If smudging sage is not appropriate due to the smoke/smell, you can make a room spray by adding Sage essential oil to water in a spray bottle.  This can be used to clear negative vibes or to “clear out the old and make way for new” energetically which can help to lighten up the feel of a space.
4. Sage tincture can be prescribed by a qualified Medical Herbalist.

 
Culinary uses:  Sage leaves are used in sauces and stuffing’s.   It can be made into pesto.  It is delicious with Crispy Pork Belly cooked in Milk or Coconut Milk depending on dietary requirements, and aids the digestion of fat.
 

“Forgiveness is the smell that Lavender gives out when you tread on it” – Mark Twain
 
Parts used:  Flowers
 
History:  Lavender is best known for its aromatic qualities and its fragrance is commonly used in perfumes, toiletries and cosmetics.  It has been used for Centuries to help with sleep, nervousness, tension, headaches, muscle spasms and indigestion.  It was popular during the Victorian Era, and ladies carried lavender oil or water to sniff in case they felt faint.  It was prescribed to “reduce the tremblings and passions of the heart, and faintings and soothings”.  Herbalist John Parkinson (1640) quoted Lavender of being “especiall good use for all griefes and paines of the head and brain”.
 
 
Spiritual/cleansing benefits:  Love, protection, peace and purification, counteracts the evil eye.
 
Astrology:  Virgo (August 23 to September 22; Ruled by Mercury)
 
Traditional/Medicinal uses:  Lavender is still prescribed for its relaxing, soothing medicinal properties.  It is strengthening to the nervous system and is a valuable herb used for treating nervous tension/exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia and restlessness.  Lavender can help to alleviate irritability and elevate mood in depression.  It also beneficial for headaches and tension, particularly when caused by stress.
 
Lavender is an effective remedy for abdominal complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, flatulence and indigestion as it helps to relax intestinal spasms and soothe pain. 
 
Externally Lavender can help to ease aches and pains and is effective for grazes, burns, eczema and insect bites due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action.  It is also helpful to prevent scarring.
 
How to use: 

1. Dried or fresh Lavender buds and flowers can be made into a cup of tea by adding to boiling water. 
2. Lavender combines well with Chamomile, Passionflower, Skullcap, Licorice and Peppermint for a sleepy/digestive tea
3. Make a homemade dream pillow out of a drawstring bag and fill with lavender buds or you can use an old clean spare sock.
4. Add lavender essential oil or to a bath or foot bath with Epsom salts for relaxation and muscle stiffness.   
5. The essential oil is a great addition to your first aid kit. 
6. Massaging children with diluted Lavender oil or added to a diffuser before bed can help to promote deep sleep. 
7. I love using a blend of Lavender and Rosemary essential oil for calming the nervous system but keeping the mind focused and alert
8. Lavender tincture can be prescribed by a qualified Medical Herbalist.
   

 
Culinary uses:  Lavender Buds can be used to season meats such as fish, chicken and pork and combines well with basil, fennel, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, and thyme – also known as Herbs de Provence.  Fresh lavender flowers can be added to salads. Lavender buds make a comforting hot chocolate by bringing your choice of milk (1/1/2 cups per serve) and 1 teaspoon of buds to the boil gently, then adding dark chocolate and vanilla extract to taste.  It can be sweetened with honey if preferred.
 

“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray, love, remember;” William Shakespeare
 
Parts used:
 
The leaves
 
History: Rosemary has been used since ancient times to stimulate the mind, memory and the senses.  Historic records show that students in Greece wore sprigs of Rosemary in their hair while studying.  Ceremonially It was used for Remembrance.   Brides wore it as a symbol of fidelity, to show that they would always remember their families.  It was buried with the dead so that they would never be forgotten.  The aromatic branches were hung and burned to fight infection, during rampant diseases like the plague.
 
Nutritional constituents:  Vitamin A, C, E
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc
 
Spiritual/cleansing benefits: Protection and purification, confidence and courage.  It can be placed under the bed to keep nightmares away.
 
Astrology: Leo (July 23 to August 22; Ruled by the sun)
 
Traditional/Current Medicinal uses: Rosemary is a circulation stimulant which improves blood flow through the body and supports vitality in body tissues.  It improves memory by increasing the circulation of blood to the brain and can also ease headaches and migraines. 
 
Rosemary acts as a tonic to the nervous system and is uplifting to the spirit for mild depression and debility.  It helps to support the heart and cardiovascular system. 
 
Due to its bitter action, Rosemary stimulates bile flow which aids digestion of dietary fat.  It protects liver cells against toxic damage and enhances liver detoxification.  It helps to relieve flatulence and intestinal cramps and spasms. 
 
Rosemary is a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial.  Externally Rosemary can be used to ease nerve and muscular pain.
 
How to use: 
 

1. Rosemary essential oil can be used in a diffuser or oil burner for promoting mental clarity and to uplift the mood. 
2. You can also crush a sprig and inhale the goodness or make into a cup of tea by adding it to hot water.  
3. It is beneficial used topically to promote hair growth. 
4. Applied as a lotion or diluted essential oil it is an effective remedy for nerve pain and as a muscle relaxant. 
5. I love using a blend of Lavender and Rosemary essential oil for calming the nervous system but keeping the mind focused and alert
6. Rosemary tincture can be prescribed by a qualified Medical Herbalist.

 
Culinary uses:  Rosemary is used in cooking to preserve meats, and pairs especially well with Roast lamb, potatoes, salt, olive oil and garlic.  It is often used for Italian and Mediterranean cooking.  The fresh flowers can be added to salads.
 

Medicinal herbs contain vitamins, minerals, nutrients (and magic) and have an affinity for specific organs, systems and functions of the body, enhancing the body’s ability to help itself.  

Traditional Herbalism recognises that we are all unique.  We focus treatment on the person, not the disease.  We dig deep to look at the underlying cause, rather than just treating the symptom.  When treating Eczema for example, we take into account factors like diet, gut health, stress levels (both physical and emotional), nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and would formulate a herbal tincture that helps to bring the body back into balance, rather than just applying a topical ointment.

Immune boosting herbs like Echinacea can be taken during the Winter months to help to prevent colds and Influenza.  Herbs can also be prescribed at the onset of illness to help speed up recovery. Viruses such as Glandular Fever are well known for lingering symptoms of post viral fatigue or swollen glands and Herbal Medicine has a lot to offer to address these symptoms.

Mother Nature has a treasure chest full of tried and tested (for centuries!) remedies for both acute and chronic conditions.  Have a chat with your local Herbalist as a full consultation is not always necessary, and they can advise the best option for you. 

Herbal medicine is particularly effective for digestive disorders, stress and tension, mood and nervous system disorders, immune related conditions/auto-immunity, hormone imbalances, thyroid support, inflammatory conditions, migraines, skin conditions and the list goes on. 

The beauty of Herbal Medicine is that it can be tailored to your individual needs.  It can be prescribed for all ages and can be used safely alongside pharmaceutical medication and in pregnancy/lactation, under the supervision of a qualified Medical Herbalist.
 

“Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better” – Albert Einstein

herbal medicine
n.

1. the art or practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease
   
2. a plant or plant part or an extract or mixture of these used in herbal medicine
   

 
Herbal medicine is a holistic system of health care, based on the use of plants or plant extracts taken orally or applied to the skin. Since ancient times, the potent healing properties of herbs have been used by many cultures throughout the world to treat illness. 
 
Herbal Medicine blends traditional knowledge with modern science to provide gentle, non-invasive and effective healing.  Traditional Herbalism focuses on the treating underlying imbalance within the body, rather than treating the symptom alone.  Herbs are used to raise vitality of the patient, enhancing the body’s own ability to fight infection, or to correct an imbalance without the side effects commonly experienced with pharmaceutical medication.  Many pharmaceutical drugs were originally derived from plant constituents.  An example of this is the salicylic acid from the Meadowsweet plant, that was isolated to form Aspirin. 
 
The beauty of Herbal Medicine is that it can be tailored to your individual needs. Herbalists recognise that we are all unique individuals and need to be treated as such.  Herbal Medicine focuses treatment on the person, not the disease.  Herbs can be used to treat all ages and can be used safely alongside pharmaceutical medication, to address a wide variety of medical conditions from acute conditions to chronic disease.  The use of herbs in pregnancy and lactation is safe, under the supervision of a qualified Medical Herbalist.