Tag: naturalised
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Wormwood Monograph
TOXIC herb requiring extreme caution. Thujone causes seizures, organ damage, death. Professional supervision essential. Maximum 2-4 weeks use. Gentler alternatives (dandelion, gentian, blessed thistle) preferred for digestive support. Historical significance (absinthe) but rarely used in modern practice. Essential oil highly toxic—never use internally.digestive-support
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Hawthorn Monograph
Heart-protective shrub supporting cardiovascular function. Traditionally used for heart health, circulation, and emotional wellbeing. Flowers, leaves, and berries all medicinal. Gentle, long-term tonic requiring consistent use. Safe, well-researched cardiovascular support. Beautiful addition to hedgerows and gardens. Heart tonic in every sense.
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White Clover Monograph
Common lawn plant with gentle medicinal properties. Flowers make pleasant tea supporting respiratory and skin health. Traditional alterative for chronic conditions. Nutritive, mineral-rich. Grows everywhere in NZ lawns. Free medicine often overlooked. Related to red clover but milder actions. Accessible daily tonic.
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Catnip Monograph
Gentle nervine herb excellent for children and adults. Calms anxiety, supports sleep, and eases digestive upset. Traditionally used for fevers, colds, and restlessness. Mint family member making pleasant tea. Safe for children in appropriate doses. Easy to grow, cats love it, humans benefit medicinally.
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Cleavers Monograph
Spring tonic supporting lymphatic drainage and urinary health. Mild diuretic reduces swelling and supports detoxification. Traditional spring cleansing herb. Fresh plant juice or tea most effective. Helps clear skin conditions through lymphatic action. Forageable in NZ gardens and damp areas. Seasonal medicine for renewal.
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Purslane Monograph
Succulent weed exceptionally high in omega-3 fatty acids for plant source. Nutritious, edible leaves support cardiovascular health. Cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. Grows wild in gardens throughout NZ. Free superfood often overlooked. Traditional food and medicine across many cultures. Remarkable nutritional profile.
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Willow Monograph
Nature’s aspirin providing pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. Excellent for arthritis, back pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain. Gentler on stomach than aspirin with longer duration. CRITICAL: Never give to children with viral infections (Reye’s syndrome risk). Shares aspirin’s contraindications. Naturalised along NZ waterways.
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St. John’s Wort Monograph
Bright yellow flower supporting mood and nerve health. Well-researched antidepressant for mild to moderate depression. Topically benefits nerve pain and wounds. Requires consistent use over weeks. Significant drug interactions require professional guidance. Sunlight sensitivity possible. Powerful plant requiring appropriate use and professional oversight.
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Chickweed Monograph
Common garden weed with cooling, soothing properties for skin and digestion. Nutritious edible green high in vitamins. Topically soothes itching, rashes, and minor irritations. Fresh plant makes pleasant salad or poultice. Grows abundantly in NZ. Free medicine and food overlooked in many gardens.
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Red Clover Monograph
Nutritive flowering herb supporting hormonal balance and blood purification. Isoflavones provide gentle phytoestrogenic effects. Traditional alterative for chronic conditions. Supports lymphatic health and skin conditions. Makes pleasant tea. Common meadow plant naturalised in NZ. Long-term tonic for women’s health and detoxification.