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

www.drclare.net

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.

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. 

Cold and Flu Prevention Tips

See below some practical tips for avoiding colds and flu’s over the winter season:

1. Wash your hands

This is probably the most useful tip. Viruses are spread by direct contact. They can live for hours on surfaces like door handles, telephones and keyboards so wash your hands often.

2. Drink plenty of fluids

Drink fluids like water, herbal teas and freshly made juices. Avoid becoming dehydrated – a typical healthy adult needs around 1.5 litres of water each day.

3. Sleep well

Achieving restful sleep each night (8 hours) helps the body repair itself and build the immune system. Cut down on caffeine, especially in the afternoon.Certain foods are very good to help you sleep. Have a look at the education section of our website http://www.healthandherbs.ie/healthleaflets/ to see which ones are best.

4. Keep your diet healthy

Try to get on average 7 portions of fruit and vegetables. It is easier if you make sure to include two fruits or vegetables in each meal. Use wholegrain foods instead of white processed foods. Include plenty of prebiotic food such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus and cabbage which nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut.

5. Control stress

It is well known that stress can weaken your immune system and may make you more likely to catch a cold than your calmer counterparts. I have a lovely relax blend if you suffer with anxiety and have problems sleeping. For further information have a look at my website www.healthandherbs.ie

6. Avoid too much alcohol

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is bad for immune cells which means that you will more susceptible to colds and viruses

7. Get plenty fresh air

Try to get out for a walk every day in between those winter showers!

Herbal Trip to Iceland

I could not be more fortunate than having my first trip to Iceland in the company of my colleague Lára Jónasdóttir and her husband Tim Morrissey who is a geologist. The warm hospitality of Augusta and Jonas (Lara’s parents) framed all of the herbal and landscape outings along with the welcome of their friends and herbal colleagues along our travels.

The wild flowers were in abundance, the Blue Lagoon of hot springs and mud packs were great fun, natural geysers and a trip to meet the Director of Floral and Horticultural studies brought me to the unsuspected vision of bananas growing in Iceland.

The herbs of Iceland are both familiar and strange. Familiar because many of the same herbs are common in Ireland but the herbs are adapted to the long cold winters and short summers with long light-filled days. So the seasons are condensed. I was not prepared for the profusion of wild flowers and herbs.

The Silver Birch is much more aromatic and full of flavour and is in fact used to flavour soft cheeses. Traditional indications for the Silver Birch are similar  between our two countries for arthritis and inflammation.

Our cleavers , Galium aperine (photo to the left) are not found in Iceland, these are known as Robin Run the Hedge or Sticky Willy Back at home and are traditionally used for encouraging lymph flow. Here in Iceland they use a closely related herb called Lady’s Bedstraw ,Galium verum (photo to the right) for the same indications.

Rhodiola rosea does grow wild here and is much loved by the sheep, hence it is hard to find. I did see it growing in the Botanic Gardens in Reykjavík. This is a lovely place to visit, if only for the wonderful café.

Geum Urban

Emerging Beech

There are not many herbalists practising herbal medicine in Iceland, but they create a big impact:

Anna Rósa Róbertsdóttir has written a beautiful fully illustrated book on Icelandic medicinal herbs. She includes both the traditional therapeutics and scientific information. She has a clinical practice and a best selling range of creams available in pharmacies and health food shops throughout Iceland. She makes many of the medicines she uses in clinical practice.

Kolbrún Björnsdóttir also makes many medicines, she has a beautiful herbal dispensary in Reykjavík and dispenses mainly powders and capsules alongside her clinical practice. She has written a beautiful herbal nutrition book.

  

I am inspired to make more of the herbal riches that grow on our own doorstop. 

Helpful Herbs for Overindulging and Hangovers this Christmas

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.

Happy Chrismas to you all. Nollaig Shona Daoibh.