celebrating nature’s alchemy and fragrance

common in your immediate surroundings. The process of creating a

herbal proﬁle will help you to appreciate that the trees and “weeds” that

grow around you are capable of feeding and healing you. You’ll realize

only too clearly that the whole body can be balanced and maintained by

using what is to be found commonly growing. (See appendix 3 for further

instructions and guidance if you wish to make your own herbal proﬁle.)

On the pages that follow, I give brief proﬁles of

sixteen plants widely available in Britain; most are

also common in the United States, or are similar to

species grown there. Be aware that some of the

herbs described here do carry contraindications.

burdock (arctium lappa)

Parts used: root and seed

Burdock is used as a root vegetable in Japan. Highly

nutritious, it will sustain the pancreas and spleen

while balancing blood sugar levels. It is a strong general immune-

boosting herb, rich in tumor-inhibiting chemistry. As a prime blood

cleanser it will clear the skin, bloodstream, lymph, and colon of poisons. It

is best used in combination with dandelion to safeguard the elimination

of collected toxins.

dandelion (taraxacum officinale)

Parts used: ﬂower, leaf, and root

This is a wonderful herb for the liver, heart, and

kidneys. It helps stimulate liver function in general,

aiding digestion as it does. It is also a prime kidney

herb, helping to relieve water retention without

exhausting the kidneys. It treats gallbladder problems, edema, high blood

pressure, heart weakness, skin problems, and many other conditions.

elder (sambucus nigra)

Parts used: fruit, ﬂower, leaf, and bark

The elderberry is now recognized as a strong anti-

viral, though this knowledge has long been part of

ancient Native American lore. The berries, leaves,

and ﬂowers are useful for treating fevers and

inﬂammation, thanks to their anti-inﬂammatory

chemistry. All parts of the plant clean and clear the

bloodstream and aid the clearing of mucus from the

lungs.When applied externally, the ﬂowers and bark

Home Guide to Herbs - davies