Healing Properties
Ficus religiosa(Bodhi)-
Bodhi tree is known as the “tree of awakening”. It is said that the spiritual teacher Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)attained enlightenment from the Budhi tree after he meditated underneath the tree for over a month. HEALING PROPERTIES- lowers high blood pressure, internal bleeding, heart disease, abdominal disease, abscesses and constipation.
Coriandrum Sativum(Coriander)-
Coriander is one of the oldest herbs and spices on record. There was mention of coriander seeds in the bible. Coriander can grow up to 3 ft tall, it produces white flowers, with a hint of purple, light brown seeds bursting from the top. It’s been dated back to 5000 BC. People have used coriander for food and its healing properties. HEALING PROPERTIES-help lower blood sugar, Rich in immune-boosting antioxidants, benefit heart health, protect brain health, promote digestion and gut health, fight infections, and protect the skin.
Salvia officinalis (Sage)-
Has one of the longest histories of any culinary or medical herb. Ancient Egyptians used it as a fertility drug. Smudge bundles are made from Sage this is used for purification and protection, this has been used in many cultures. Sage provides value from the ecosystem and for humans. HEALING PROPERTIES- Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial, reduce muscle tension, relieves indigestion, relaxant and reduces menopausal symptoms.
Cymbalaria muralis(Kenilworth Ivy)-
Normally spread very quickly, they have small flowers that are distinctly spurred. Originally the Kenilworth Ivy were native to south and southwest Europe, which included the alps, Italy and Yugoslavia. Now they are found all over the world from their rapid growth. HEALING PROPERTIES- It is used externally as a poultice on fresh wounds to stop the bleeding. There are reports that it has been successfully used to treat some cases of diabetes in India.
Allium ursinum (Wild garlic)-
Throughout history garlic has been very important, in Romanian folklore experts believed that “garlic is human; it has a head cross, and it wears clothing”. Garlic is a Christic plant as “it bears on it the sign of the cross. It’s a sacred plant. They thought garlic is an antidote for the evil spirits and it helps the soul. HEALING PROPERTIES- boost immunity, anti-inflammatory, improves cardiovascular health, athletes foot, kills bacteria that leads to food poisoning, reduces blood pressure, combat sickness(including common cold) and lowers the risk of heart disease.
Bellis perennis(Daisy)-
Daisy's name originated from Anglo Saxon “daes eage” which translates into ‘day’s eyes’ when the sun rises daisies open to start a new day. They are native to central and north Europe. Daisy symbolises purity and innocence, Daisies have been used throughout history in medicine. HEALING PROPERTIES-
coughs, bronchitis, disorders of the liver and kidneys, and swelling (inflammation), childbirth and minor bleeding. It has also been used a lot in homoeopathy.
Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle)-
Stinging nettle is considered a bothersome pest by many, however, nettles have been used since ancient times as a source of food fibre and medical prescriptions. Europeans and Native Americans used the fibres from stinging nettles to make sailcloth, sacking, cordage and fishing nets. HEALING PROPERTIES- Contains many nutrients and vitamins, reduces Inflammation, helps treat prostate symptoms, treats hay fever, low blood pressure and aids sugar control.
Vicia sativa (Common vetch)-
Common vetch is a wildflower that quickly spreads. It's been used for many things, including feeding wild stock. It is used as green manure due to its ability to grow quickly and produce its own nitrates which makes a good fertiliser. Common vetch are easy to identify, with its beautiful pink pea shaped flowers. HEALING PROPERTIES- Used for livestock, used in medicine to treat eczema and other skin irritations, and as an antiseptic.
Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Bluebell)-In Greek Mythology, Hyacinths were said to spring from the blood of the dying Hyacinthus. The god Apollo shed tears that marked the flower's petals with the letters “AIAI” (“alas”) as a sign of his grief. Normally the first signs of spring are these elegant blue flowers and immerse from the ground.HEALING PROPERTIES- remedy for the whites [discharges or leucorrhoea. It was also commonly used as a glue to help bind things like books.
Tracheophyta (Fern)-
Fern is a member of a group of vascular plants that would reproduce via spores. First appeared in a fossil recorded about 360 million years ago. It can be a symbol of a secret bond of love. HEALING PROPERTIES- Help rheumatism, lungs, menstrual, postpartum and breastfeeding.
Campanula (Mare bell)-
Campanula is Latin for "little bell". The genus includes over 500 species and several subspecies that can be found around the world. They are easily identified with their beautiful delicate flowers. HEALING PROPERTIES- Drugs were made from roots or from the above-ground parts of flowering plants, that were dried and prepared as broths or infusions.
Wisteria sinensis (Wisteria)-
Is native to Central China, they have elegant long purple flowers, they have been a favourite of British gardeners since the early nineteenth century. Historical they symbolize long-life and immortality. They produce an intoxicating sweet smell. HEALING PROPERTIES- Can be made into an oil to help bring balance within ourselves, treatment of heart ailments, used in Chinese medicine and tea.
Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut)- Originated from Greece and Balkan Peninsula and are now all around the world. recognised by their large tower in trunks they can live up to 300 years it was first introduced to the UK from Turkey in the late 16th-century. HEALING PROPERTIES- chronic vein problems, swelling, haemorrhoids, male fertility, anti-ageing effects, antioxidant, gut health, skin protection, inflammation, swelling and lowering blood sugar levels.