Our Blog is a selection of various topics on herbs, foods, attitudes and much more that overlap between Dr Clare's Clinic and her separate bricks & mortar store and online Apothecary shop products.
It is the start of May and the plant growth is in full swing here in Ireland. I really like this time of year when the weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. The leaf growth on the trees is so rapid that it is hard to keep track of it and the same goes for all other plant growth. Some of the most commonly used medicinal plants are in full growth here in Ireland. These include Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Cleavers (Galium aparine) (also known as Robin-run-the Hedge or Stickleback), Daisy (Bellis perennis), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), ….and many more. Many of these herbs, especially the Stinging nettles, Cleavers, Lemon balm and Dandelion are all herbs that I would frequently use in my clinic practice and I have seen their benefit on repeated bases for many of those attending our clinic. Each of these plants are used for different reasons. Let’s look at two of these in a bit more detail…
Daisy (Bellis perennis): is a low (approximately 10cm) growing plant of the Daisy plant family (Asteraceae) which can be found growing in lawns, along roadsides, and in other short grasslands throughout Ireland.
The leaves and flowers can be used. Daisies can be made into a salve which can be applied to bruises, sores and skin swellings to aid the healing as well as to ease tired muscles. Infusion of daisy can be used for coughs as well as joint pain.
It is also important to mention the lovely tradition of making daisy chains which is therapeutic in its own right 😊
Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica):can grow up to approximately 1m high and have opposite and heart-shaped leaves. The whole plant is covered in small hairs which give the nettle its characteristic sting. Stinging nettle leaves should be harvested when the plants are young. If the leaves have gone too mature or the plant has gone into flowering then it can be cut right back to stimulate new leaf growth for second harvesting.
I use Stinging nettles very frequently in my clinical practice (commonly in formulations) with consistently successful outcomes for my patients. The seeds, young leaf tops and roots can be used although each is used for different reasons. The leaves are rich in a variety of essential elements including iron, zinc, calcium, and many more nutrients which makes this plant very popular for hair growth, skin health, bone support, as well as for general wellbeing. It is also frequently used for allergies and hayfever. These are, however, only a few of the health benefits the amazing stinging nettle can offer. The following diagram offers a good overview of the numerous health benefits of nettles that is, itself, not an exhaustive list.
Diagram as presented by Khuma Kumari Bhusal, et al. (2022).
One well-known spring cleanse that has been recommended for centuries is a combination of cleavers, nettles and dandelion leaves. This is made into an infusion which is then drunk throughout the day. See recipe below.
All of the herbs mentioned in this post are commonly found in the wild in Ireland, except perhaps Lemon balm which would be more commonly found grown in gardens. I, therefore, invite you to see if you can spot them all next time when you are out walking. Just remember that if you intend to forage herbs for use to be 100% certain about identification of the plants that you harvest. Feel free to get in touch with us in Dr. Clare’s clinic at any stage if you have any questions (www.drclare.ie or by phone 091 583260)
Warm wishes …. or as we say in Iceland hlýjar kveðjur
Lara Jonasdottir 😊
Medical herbalist BSc, Clinical Education MSc
Ref: Khuma Kumari Bhusal, et al. (2022) Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review. Heliyon, Volume 8, Issue 6, ISSN 2405-8440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717.
As discussed in my last blog, the worldwide crisis on the emergence of superbugs is unfolding. It appears that genius microbes are outwitting our ability to eradicate them with single constituent. In comparison herbs are multi-constituent and multi-action complex vegetation that have co-evolved with microbes over millions of years. The following herbs are my top antimicrobial herbs:
Elderberryand Flowers Elderberryis nature’s very own anti-viral on our doorstep. The active ingredients include the flavonoids quercetin and the anthocyanins cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside. Elderberry may increase immune system activity against influenza showing 93% more rapid recovery from influenza in general (1) and specifically types A and B (2). It is more useful once an infection has taken hold, rather than for preventing infections when you are well. One suggestion of how elderberry works is that it may ‘blunt the spikes’ on the outside of viruses and stop them from entering the cells where they reproduce (3). Elderberry also shows promise at inhibiting the H5N1 avian influenza virus (so-called ‘Bird Flu’) in preliminary laboratory experiments (4). You will find elderflower in my immune support blend http://www.healthandherbs.ie and it is one of the herbs I use in my children's soothing Tea http://www.healthandherbs.ie
Thyme
Your common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) showed antimicrobial activity in different extract amounts against four common bacterial strains and two types of fungal infestion with Candida albicans. This study provides useful information on the use of Thyme as a natural and economical antimicrobial in food preservation and as a medicine (5).
Of course this is why you stuff your meat with thyme, because it stops your meat from spoiling. Imagine food poisoning before en suite toilets. Because it also acts as an antispasmodic[6] Thyme is particularly useful for chest and sinus infections, make `thyme tea and drink a cup every 2-3 hours from the onset of a chest infection. This is why you will find Thyme in my Chest and Sinus Blendhttp://www.healthandherbs.ie Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is used in the same way as Thyme to stop the spoilage of foods. `it has a sticky feel to the leaves which gives a hint to the presence of sticky resins. These stick to the lining of mucous membranes making them particularly helpful for infections of the mouth, throat and tonsils. Gargle sage teas for tonsillitis and use as a mouthwash for infected gums.
For tonsilitis a small clinical research study supports traditional scientific knowledge by demonstrating that the application of a combination spray product containing common sage and echinacea every 2 hours up to 10 times daily for up to 5 consecutive days improves symptoms as effectively as a chlorhexidine-lidocaine spray in patients with sore throat due to acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis (7). Sage is one of the main herbs that I use in my throat spray. http://www.healthandherbs.ie
For Coldsores, caused by the virus Herpae Simplex research shows that in combination with Turkish Rhubarb it has been found to be as effective as the pharma alternative acyclovir (Zovirax) (8). Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium)
Oregon grape contains a substance known as berberine, which can stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of the intestine and urinary tract. It is a common garden shrub in Irish gardens. When used as a tea, it is a wonderful way to wash away urinary tract infections. It can be used in dried capsules or liquid tincture to treat digestive tract conditions like infectious diarrhea.
Coptis Chinensis. This Chinese herb deserves a mention as I use it in preference to Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis). Unlike Goldenseal it is not being overharvested from the wild. It is another Berberine containing herb with anti-bacterial effects (9,10,11).It is also anti-inflammatory and pain relieving so it is truly multifunctional.
[1]Fan-kun Kong (2009) Pilot Clinical Study on a Proprietary Elderberry Extract: Efficacy in Addressing Influenza Symptoms, J Pharmacol Pharmacokin 5: 32‐43 [2]Zakay-Rones et al. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections’. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40 [3] Mumcuoglu. 1995. Sambucus nigra (L), Black Elderberry Extract: A breakthrough in the treatment of influenza. RSS Publishing. 20Mumcuoglu. In vitro Laboratory Tests show Sambucol neutralizes Common and Avian Flu Virus H5N1’. Research undertaken by Retroscreen Virology Ltd in association with the University of London Jan 2006 (unpublished) [4] Serkedjieva, J., Manolova, N., Zgórniak-Nowosielska, Phytotherapy Research.Antiviral activity of the infusion (SHS-174) from flowers of Sambucus nigra L., aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., and roots of Saponaria officinalis L. against influenza and herpes simplex viruses.
Volume 4, Issue 3, pages 97–100, June 1990 [5] Dababneh BF. Antimicrobial activity and genetic diversity of Thymus species on pathogenic microorganisms. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment Vol.5 (3&4) : 158-162. 2007 [6]Van Den Broucke, C. O. and Lemli, J. B. 1983. Spasmolytic activity of
the flavonoids from Thymus vulgaris. Pharmaceutisch Weekblad
Science 5:9-14 [7] Schapowal A, Berger D, Klein P, et al. Echinacea/sage or chlorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: a randomized double-blind trial. Eur.J Med Res 9-1-2009;14:406-12. [8] Saller R
1, Büechi S, Meyrat R, Schmidhauser C. Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis.Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2001 Dec;8(6):373-82. [9] Dan Yana, b, Cheng Jina, Xiao-He Xiaoa, Antimicrobial properties of berberines alkaloids in Coptis chinensis Franch by microcalorimetry. Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods
Volume 70, Issue 6, 24 April 2008, Pages 845–849 [10] Wei-Jun Kong, Yan-Ling Zhao, Xiao-He Xiao. .Spectrum–effect relationships between ultra performance liquid chromatography fingerprints and anti-bacterial activities of Rhizoma coptidis. Analytica Chimica Acta
Volume 634, Issue 2, 23 February 2009, Pages 279–285 [11] Dan Yan, XiaoHe Xiao, Cheng Jin, XiaoPing Dong Microcalorimetric investigation of the effect of berberine alkaloids from Coptis chinensis Franch on Staphylococcus aureus growthScience in China Series B: Chemistry
How does one herb save millions of lives? The worldwide crisis on the emergence of superbugs is unfolding. It appears that genius microbes are outwitting our ability to eradicate them with single constituent single action super-chemicals made in factories. Maybe the drugs are too simple and the bugs not all that clever. In comparison herbs are multi-constituent and multi-action complex vegetation that have co-evolved with microbes over millions of years. Complex herbs match the less than genius bugs.
Many common ailments such as sinus problems, sore throats, simple urinary tract infections and superficial wounds do not need drugs in most cases. Many times, these can be effectively treated with the right lifestyle changes and herbal medicines. More complex disease may need professional treatment form a well qualified herbalist. This is not a modest claim, the time for underestimating and playing a modest hand for herbs is over. Witness the role of the plant Artemisia annua for malaria which I have been using in my clinic for almost 20 years. The current Nobel Prize Winner Dr Tu Youyou has rediscovered the role of this plant in the teeth of a worldwide malaria crisis due to super-drug resistance.
The 2015 Nobel Prize winner TuYouyou rediscovered the use of Artemisia in the treatment malaria, According to the Nobel committee, her work saves more than 100,000 lives in Africa alone every year. The World Health Organization says modern malaria treatments — which include some form of an artemisinin have saved more than 3 million lives since 2000.
Figure 4: Youyou Tu searched ancient literature on herbal medicine in her quest to develop novel malaria therapies. The plant Artemisia annua turned out to be an interesting candidate, and Tu developed a purification procedure, which rendered the active agent, Artemisinin, a drug that is remarkably effective against Malaria. Youyou Tu was born in 1930 in China and is a Chinese citizen. She graduated from the Pharmacy Department at Beijing Medical University in 1955. From 1965-1978 she was Assistant Professor at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from 1979-1984 Associate Professor and from 1985 Professor at the same Institute. From 2000, Tu has been Chief Professor at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In my next blog I will talk about my top Antimicrobial herbs.
Can
I remind women to take care of themselves and their families with a reminder
regarding preventing Spina Bifida. We had a major public health campaign a few
years ago but recent study shows that a reminder might be helpful. Mention it
to friends, daughters, daughters-in-law and nieces where appropriate.
Eating
steamed greens is good for all ages so
Steam those Greens.
Three out of four women in Dublin do not
have enough folic acid to prevent Spina Bifida in their babies according to a
recent University College Dublin Study at the Coombe Maternity Hospital.
Eighty families each year in Ireland cope
with the distress of dealing with this condition affecting one of their own.
Spina Bifida affects the spinal cord and can cause paralysis.
Ireland has a particularly high incidence
of Spina Bifida. Many cases can be prevented by supplementing with Folic Acid
for at least 3 months before you try
to conceive and while you are trying to get pregnant. Continue the supplement
throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
‘Fol’ in folic acid is the Latin for ‘leaf’
and this vitamin is high in green leaves. Folic acid (known as folate in its
natural form) is one of the B-group vitamins.
There is more folic acid remaining in steamed leaves rather than boiled leaves.
It can be hard to get all the folic acid consistently
in your diet so it is recommended to take 400 micrograms per day continuously if
you are not using relatively foolproof contraception.
A lack of folic acid could lead to anaemia.
What
does Folic Acid do?
•It works together with vitamin
B12 to form healthy red blood cells
•It helps to reduce the risk of
central nervous system defects, such as spina bifida, in unborn babies
Herb sources of Folic Acid.
Nettle leaf is loaded with folic acid
and calcium, lots of minerals, and tons of vitamins, including E. It
strengthens hair, blood vessels, and the kidney/adrenal complex. It is
considered as safe as kale.
Food sources of Folic acid
Folate is found in small amounts in
many foods including:
•broccoli
•brussels sprouts
•kale
•liver
•spinach
•asparagus
•peas
•chickpeas
•fortified breakfast cereals.
Folic
acid cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every
day.
Osteoporosis is a silent process of losing minerals from
your bones. They become brittle and fracture easily.There is no pain unless you experience a fracture which is
why it is important to look after your bone health with preventive measures.
Good bone health is achieved by ensuring that you have an
adequate intake of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium, preferably through diet. It is also important to do regular gentle weight building exercise.
I have created a Bone Building Tea that includes a range of herbs that are naturally
rich in minerals and helpful in supporting strong healthy bones. Many of these herbs can be found in your back garden. The amount of vitamins and minerals you can get from these plants is significant.
Boneset (Eupatorium) Boneset helps build healthy bone mass as well as helping to treat with arthritis. It is also used as a pain reliever for broken bones and may help them heal faster. This wonderful herb is also used for the body pains and aches you get with influenza and helps to reduce fever. Boneset has a very bitter taste.
Mallow
Mallow looks beautiful and tastes great. The whole plant can be used but the root has the most virtue. It contains phytoestrogens which help in bone remodelling.
The leaves are a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins ( calcium, iron, vitamin c, copper traces and more. They also release soothing mucilage.
Yellow Dock Root
Yellow dock has been used as a multi-purpose plant for centuries. Today it can often be found as an ingredient in toothpastes. The plant is also known as narrow dock, curled dock and curly leaf dock.
The leaves contain high levels of organic oxalic acid which is no problem to eat raw in very small quantities but if eaten in large quantities can lock up other nutrients in the food. The leaf stalks are used in salads. The root is used as medicine.
Oxalic acid readily combines with calcium and helps the digestive assimilation of the calcium.
Alfafa
Alfalfa is a nutritional powerhouse. It is a high source of vitamins A,C, E and K4. It is also high in minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and easy to assimilate. It contains essential amino acids which are not made by the body but must be obtained from foods sources.It contains one of the highest chlorophyll content of any plant.
It is also a useful alternative for helping to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Because of it's high magnesium and calcium it is wise to use it for keeping bones strong. It is also good for arthritis and joint issues. As with most herbs, alfafa should be used with caution is on blood thinning agents.
Nettle Leaf
Nettle is found all along the roadsides and in most people's back garden. I believe stinging nettle to be Ireland's nutritional powerhouse herb. It contains several nutrients and active constituents. The leaves have significant amounts of carotene, vitamin A,C, D, K, potassium and calcium, all in a form that is easy for the body to use. The boran in nettles helps protect bones. Stinging nettles is one of natures best nutraceuticals.
Dandelion Leaf
Although you probably think of dandelion as a weed, the plant has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for centuries all over the world.
Dandelion root is a great digestive tonic and is used for stimulating bile. The leaf is a great source of vitamins A,B, C and D and the minerals iron, potassium, calcium and zinc. Dandelion leaves can be picked from your back garden and put into your salad.
To establish your risk of bone fracture see the FRAX index. This is a simple academic and WHO (world health organisation) approved index of bone fracture risk. Check out the websitehttp://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/ for Bone Density under calculation tools. On the website there is a questionnaire to answer. You will be asked for your weight and height on the right side of the page so it is better that you have this information to hand before you start. On the dropdown "select BMD" you are asked to put the results of your bone scan into your T score (if you have had one done). Otherwise you can leave it blank. It is wise to check this index before starting medication and discuss with your health provider. For diet and exercise advice see betterbones.com
Longer days, later nights, over-eating, too much alcohol and increased socialising gives your immune and digestive system extra work to do.
With this in mind I created a blend of herbal bitters to help combat the effects of over-eating and hangovers. The bitters are great for any type of digestive issues and can be used as a general tonic. It is especially good if you feel that your body is in need of a detox.
The blend comprises of the following herbs:
Dandelion root
Dandelion root is a great digestive tonic and is used for stimulation the bile. Bile regulates healthy functioning of the bowels. The dandelion is a a great source of vitamins A, B, C and D and the minerals iron, potassium and zinc. The root is generally richer in minerals than the leaf which is richer in vitamins.
Gentian
Gentian is a common flavouring for bitter foods and drinks.
You may have tasted bitters on your travels abroad as they are common after dinner aperitifs. Gentian has a beautiful flower and is commonly used to stimulate digestive juices. There is an abundance of Blue Gentian to be found in the Burren in the West of Ireland, but do not pick it as it is protected! For medicines we use Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea).
Use caution if you have excess stomach acid (digestive upset relieved by antacids) although in my experience Bitters in a blend with other digestive herbs rarely causes problems. Introduce them very slowly and see how you get on.
Ginger
Probably the best known of the herbs, ginger is a great herb for any type of sickness or nausea. It is also used to promote sweating and to get the circulation going. In my opinion it also tastes great. The parts of the ginger used for medicinal purposes are the rhizome
(root like system) and the root.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has enjoyed a great reputation as the herbal cure for hangovers and is used for chemical toxic liver damage, jaundice, and inflammatory liver disease. It improves liver enzyme function and this action is supported by research. For digestive issues it works well for loss of appetite, dyspepsia and gallbladder complaints, diabetes and diseases of the spleen. Like all herbs, milk thistle works better with the right blend of certain herbs for the specific ailment than alone. In particular I rarely use Milk Thistle without accompanying Dandelion Root.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is a common wild flower in Ireland. It has a form of salicylates that are not damaging to the gut. In fact other constituents of the herb are soothing for the gut. It flowers between June and September and can be found on roadsides, damp meadows and near streams. It has a beautiful perfume. It is a helpful for indigestion and heartburn. It also promotes urine flow..
Peppermint
Everyone knows the taste of Peppermint from toothpaste or chewing gum. The leaves and the stems are used as medicines. Peppermint helps with belly cramps and wind. It is also a good herb for tension headaches and gallbladder complaints because of it's antispasmodic effects.
Peppermint is cooling because it disperses heat via sweating if you have a fever, this accounts for its widespread use in management of 'Flu (along with Yarrow and Elderflower.
Silver Birch
Both the leaves and the bark of the silver birch trees are used in herbal medicine. The main reason I chose the silver birch tree is because it is a great herb for aiding eliminatory processes.
I hope that you find this blog post helpful. Summer is a great time to see Ireland in full bloom and to have a go at foraging some of nature's natural medicines.
Why not start by picking a few of the dandelions in your garden and make a tea out of it?
Your health is precious leading up to Christmas. Over indulgance, extra activities, travel and cold weather gives your immune and digestive system extra work. Thankfully, there are herbal remedies can help you stay healthy and have fun this Christmas.
For the festive season, I recommend Bitters (a.ka hangover bitters) to help with sluggish digestion, low energy, and hangovers. It works well with Detox Tea.
To enjoy a good time without the after effects, take a dose before you go out, another when you come home and again in the morning. See http://www.healthandherbs.ie for more information on Bitters and to be prepared.
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