Summer is nearly here …… I truly love this time of year 😊

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Written by Lara Jonasdottir

Medical herbalist BSc, Clinical Education MSc

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.

Overcoming the pressures Christmas brings

The Christmas season can be an emotional rollercoaster, with festive cheer mixed with much stress and worry. Many of us can feel the pressure in relation to decorating the house, buying presents, attending all the pre-Christmas get-togethers, managing any family tensions, and so on. The joy of the moment and watching happy memories being created can help override any negativity where it might exist, but not always.

Christmas can be a painful time for a variety of reasons, with increased feelings of isolation for some, stress of the in-laws coming to visit or feeling anxious about socialising. Medical Herbalist, Lara Jonasdottir of Dr. Clare’s Apothecary & Clinic in Galway explains how the right lifestyle and the help of relaxing herbs can come to the rescue. “As a medical herbalist these are the things that crop up in clinical practice as individuals have a full hour to discuss their concerns during their first appointment. A distinct pattern seen is that existing medical conditions including chronic stress and anxiety can flare up during the Christmas season.”

Buy the Dr Clare Relax Time Hamper (pictured above)

“It is therefore helpful in the approach to Christmas to manage expectations all round and to focus on the smaller positive things that do not involve major commitments. Time invested in oneself at this point including regular exercise, eating healthily, having relaxing baths, and getting more sleep can help to build up the energy needed to face the world and navigate through any expected or unexpected choppy waters.”

“Herbal medicine can also be helpful with many relaxing herbs available such as chamomile (Matricaria recutita), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), linden flowers (Tilia europea), lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). These can be taken as teas or tinctures.” (links go to Dr Clare's Shop product offer)

Many of us have a laundry list of symptoms and a central role of the medical herbalist is to take the time to listen and help to make sense of these with a view to providing a beneficial course of action. For some this might involve a combination of more straightforward lifestyle changes and useful additions like herbal teas, creams, or other off-the-shelf products. For others this might involve an individualised herbal therapeutic plan in combination with a comprehensive review of potential contributing factors to ill health and any follow-on referrals. The aim in all cases is to find an appropriate level of intervention that delivers sustained improvement without causing any additional problems. 

So when approaching the stresses that unfold this Christmas think about yourself first, without looking after you, you cannot look after anyone else.

For more information on stress free Christmas go to drclare.ie or call Lara on 091 583260.

Dr Clare's Top Antimicrobial Herbs

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: 

Elderberry and Flowers 

Elderberry is 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 Blend http://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 Yan^{a, b}, Cheng Jin^a, Xiao-He Xiao^a, 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

July 2008, Volume 51, Issue 7, pp 640-645

Herbal antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals are anti-infection superheroes

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. 

Preventing Spina Bifida by supplementing with Folic Acid.

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.