Mentha sp. I have written several articles which have included mints but have not, as yet written a profile solely on mint. There are so many different mints and so …

Peppermint or Spearmint so many minty teas

Plantain though not the banana, the white man’s foot
Plantago major / Plantago lanceolata Family: Plantaginaceae The Plantaginaceae is a family of 253 species, 250 are Plantago species. Plantago herbs are perennial with small flowers and generally parallel veins …

Monestir de Sant Quirze de Colera – 9th Century Benedictine Monastery
Monestir de Sant Quirze de Colera The Monestir de Sant Quirze de Colera was discovered, quite by luck, on a recent trip to northern Spain. Unfortunately it was a dreich …

We so do not need the knotweed… Fallopia japonica
Fallopia japonica or Reynoutria japonica or Polygonum cuspidatum Family Name: Polygonaceae French Name: Renouée du Japon This plant is native to East Asia predominately Japan, Taiwan and northern China. In its natural habitat …

Milk Thistle not more of your dam thistles…
Carduus (or Silybum) marianus Family: Asteraceae First of all… Outlander… Well I have been avidly watching Outlander Season 3 waiting for some of my medicinal friends to arrive. I know …

White Dead Nettle without the sting!
Lamium album Family: Lamiacaeae White dead nettle is a member of the thyme or mint family. However, as the common name suggests clumps of the herb resembles the stinging nettle. …

Artemisia medicinal herbs from a busy lady !
Artemisia spp. And the name The scientific name Artemisia is often ascribed from the name of the goddess Artemis. You may see Artemis listed as the goddess of the hunt …

Dandelion teeth of the lion – for kidney, liver and digestive function
Taraxacum officinale Family: Asteraceae So why dandelion? I have sat down to write this post for a friend. Ian is a fantastic photographer. Frequently his stunning photographs include trees, squirrels …

Wood betony a revered cephalic medicinal
Stachys betonica Family Lamiaceae What is in a name? Named after its discoverers, the Vettones of Lusitania (Barker). However, de Baïracli Levy suggested the name is derived from Celtic ‘ben’ referring to head …

Linden Blossom or Lime Flower Tree though not a citrus…
Tilia sp. Family: Tilioideae (formally Tiliaceae) Tilioideae is a sub-family of Malvaceae. French common name: Tilleul Linden Blossom or Lime Flower Tree So is it a linden blossom or lime flower tree? Both names …