The Public Herbarium

Tag: topical

  • Mullein Monograph

    Mullein Monograph

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    Tall biennial with powerful respiratory support. Leaves and flowers soothe coughs and clear congestion. Expectorant and demulcent actions benefit lungs. Traditional remedy for respiratory conditions. Fuzzy leaves require straining when making tea. Common naturalised plant in NZ. Essential herb for coughs and respiratory support.

  • Hyssop Monograph

    Hyssop Monograph

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    Aromatic Mediterranean herb supporting respiratory health. Powerful expectorant and antispasmodic for productive and spasmodic coughs. Steam inhalation provides immediate relief. Biblical purification herb. Essential oil requires caution—high-pinocamphone varieties can trigger seizures. Avoid in epilepsy. Beautiful bee plant with culinary uses.

  • Comfrey Monograph

    Comfrey Monograph

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    Powerful wound-healing herb for external use only. Allantoin speeds tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and heals bones. Traditional knitbone for fractures, sprains, and wounds. Modern safety concerns limit internal use. Topical applications safe and highly effective. Poultices, salves, and compresses accelerate healing dramatically.

  • Lemon Balm Monograph

    Lemon Balm Monograph

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    Gentle nervine herb with calming and antiviral properties. Eases anxiety, supports sleep, and lifts mood. Traditionally used for cold sores and viral infections. Lemon-scented leaves make delicious tea. Safe for all ages. Easy to grow, self-seeds readily. Essential herb for nervous system support and stress management.

  • Yarrow Monograph

    Yarrow Monograph

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    Versatile wound herb with multiple applications. Stops bleeding, reduces inflammation, and supports wound healing. Traditional fever remedy. Bitter digestive tonic. Cold and flu support. Common naturalised plant in NZ. Powerful medicine for first aid, digestion, and immunity. Essential addition to herbal first aid kit.

  • Rose Monograph

    Rose Monograph

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    Beloved flower offering beauty and medicine. Petals astringent and soothing for skin and digestive system. Rich in vitamin C. Rosehips support immune health. Traditional heart-opening herb for emotional wellbeing. Used as tea, honey, oil, and hydrosol. Gentle, safe, universally loved medicine and food.

  • Kawakawa Monograph

    Kawakawa Monograph

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    Most important traditional rongoā plant in NZ. Aromatic leaves support digestion, pain relief, and skin health. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Used as tea, topical preparation, and traditional steam bath. Heart-shaped leaves with insect holes indicate strongest medicine. Essential NZ native herb for household use.

  • Plantain Monograph

    Plantain Monograph

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    Common weed with powerful wound-healing properties. Leaves soothe stings, bites, and minor wounds. Fresh plant poultice traditional first aid. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Grows everywhere in NZ lawns and paths. Free medicine underfoot. Essential plant for outdoor first aid and skin conditions.

  • Scots Pine Monograph

    Scots Pine Monograph

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    Evergreen tree with respiratory and antimicrobial support. Needles make tea rich in vitamin C. Resin traditionally used for wounds. Essential oil benefits respiratory conditions. Various species used medicinally. Aromatic steam inhalations support breathing. Common tree throughout NZ. Accessible medicine from abundant tree.

  • Radiata Pine Monograph

    Radiata Pine Monograph

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    NZ’s most accessible medicinal plant—radiata pine covers 1.6 million hectares. Needle tea provides vitamin C, expectorant support for coughs and congestion. Steam inhalation clears sinuses immediately. Topical applications relieve muscle pain. Free medicine growing everywhere. Ensure correct identification—never confuse with toxic yew trees.