The back-garden pharmacy

The back-garden pharmacy

From boosting the immune system to soothing skin disorders and rheumatic pains, many common flowers and plants offer effective alternatives to over-the-counter medication. Whatever the size of your garden, a home-grown medicine cabinet will allow you to treat aches and ailments in the most natural way possible.

The tradition of the kitchen pharmacy started thousands of years ago with the ancient Greeks and Egyptians who used home-grown remedies for everything from allergies to indigestion

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

What is it? A herb containing salicylates, which turn into anti-inflammatory salicylic acid in the digestive tract.

How does it help? An excellent digestive remedy, it protects and soothes the gut\'s mucous membranes, reduces acidity and alleviates nausea. It can ease heartburn, acid stomach and gastritis.

How do I use it? Take 2.5-3.5g of the flower, or 4-5g of the plant as a tea or infusion each day.

Other benefits? Salicylic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory against rheumatic pain. It can also be used in facial steaming and bathing to help clear up pimples and boils, while the infusion is a good wash for wounds or inflamed eyes.

What\'s the evidence? \'This herb is under-researched, but we know it contains high levels of salicylates, which are aspirin-like compounds,\' says Dr Ann Walker, Director of The British Herbal Medicine Association. \'Herbal practitioners use it for joint pain but, unlike aspirin, it is not only safe in the stomach but it\'s actually used to reduce acidity and acid reflux.\'

Quick fix? Skye Meadowsweet Miracle Lotion for joint and muscle pain (£6.90, 50ml), from www.naturesense.co.uk; 0870 850 1797.

St John\'s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

What is it? Perennial with yellow flowers. It contains glycoside, thought to help increase production of the so-called happy hormones serotonin and dopamine - and the flowers contain hypericin, which has antiviral properties.

How does it help? It is used to treat mild depression.

How do I use it? Make an infusion using 25g of the herb in half a litre of water, and then take doses of 1 to 2 tablespoons. Or make an infusion of the flowers in olive oil to massage stiff joints. It\'s been shown to interfere with certain prescription drugs, so always check with your doctor. Ingesting the plant can cause sun sensitivity in some people.

What\'s the evidence? ‘Many well-designed trials attest to the effectiveness of St John\'s wort in reducing mild-to-moderate depression,\' Dr Walker says. ‘Herbalists use it for a wide range of conditions, including menopause, sciatica and shingles. As it can interact with modern drugs it\'s always advisable to consult a herbal practitioner before taking it.\' For a list of herbal practitioners, visit www.phytotherapists.org or www.nimh.org.uk.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

What is it? Bright orange annual pot marigold (not to be confused with African, French or Mexican marigolds). Its chemical constituents include flavonol glycoside, whichhas an antioxidant effect.

How does it help? It can relieve pain and swelling of skin conditions including acne, sunburn, eczema, grazing, scalds and insect bites.

How do I use it? Rub flowers and leaves on your skin. 

Other benefits? An infusion of its fresh flowers promotes sweating and reduces fever.

What\'s the evidence? ‘The best evidence rests with its use as a topical cream or ointment,\' says Dr Mark Atkinson, one of the UK\'s leading integrated medical doctors and author of \'The Mind Body Bible\' (Piatkus, £12.99). ‘It\'s excellent for promoting the healing of wounds and for settling the inflammation of nappy rash in babies.\'

Quick fix? Try Nelsons Calendula Cream (£4.15, 30g), from Boots, Holland & Barrett and all good pharmacies.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

What is it? A perennial bushy plant with aromatic flowers.

How does it help? As a general tonic, and for relief from migraines and neuralgia.

How do I use it? Infuse 25g of herbs in half a litre of boiling water, cool and take frequently in doses of half a teacup. Don\'t use if pregnant.

Other benefits? It\'s a mild sedative and is thought to regulate menstrual flow.

What\'s the evidence? ‘This herb has been shown to reduce the symptoms of migraine in clinical trials,\' says Dr Walker. ‘In France it has been used to alleviate painful periods. No doubt its strong anti-inflammatory properties contribute to these effects.\'

Quick fix? Try MedicHerb\'s MigraHerb (£7.99, 30 tablets), the only feverfew medicine in the UK licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Available from www.medicherb.co.uk and larger Boots.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)

What is it? An herbaceous plant, with dark green leaves, sturdy branching stems, and daisy-like flowers.

How does it help? It\'s a fantastic immune booster and studies have shown it can even help lessen the duration and symptoms of a cold.

How do I use it? Take the leaves or root from a two to three-year-old plant while it\'s in bloom. There are two ways to make tea - infusion or decoction (using the root). For the infusion, place 5-10g of dried echinacea or 10-20g of the fresh herb in teapot, add boiling water, and steep for 15-20 minutes. For a decoction, place 10g of dried root and 250ml of water in a pot, cover, boil, then simmer for 20-60 minutes. Strain before drinking.

Other benefits? Can help insect bites, eczema and psoriasis.

What\'s the evidence? ‘Echinacea\'s traditional use by North American native people was to counter infections,\' Dr Walker says. ‘Modern research is showing that constituents in the herb have multiple effects which make the immune system more effective.\'

Quick fix? Try Pharmacy2U\'s echinacea standardised extract (£9.75, 90 tablets); from www.netdoctor-pharmacy.co.uk.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

What is it? Small hardy evergreen shrub, with strong scent and grey-green leaves. Its main active constituent is the greenish-yellow volatile oil, which is extracted from the dried leaves by steam distillation.

How does it help? Sage is a veritable panacea for stomach and menopausal problems, such as hot flushes.

How do I use it? As an infusion using either dried or fresh leaves, and if you dislike the strong flavour, add honey. Not suitable for epileptics.

Other benefits? It\'s a great relaxant in a herbal bath. It can help reduce sweating and, mixed with olive oil, it\'s an effective insect repellent. A recent study has shown it can help keep your memory sharp, too.

What\'s the evidence? ‘This herb is traditionally used to reduce sweating, so it\'s often recommended to alleviate menopausal symptoms,\' Dr Walker says. ‘It also works as a mouthwash for combating throat infections.\'

Quick fix? Viridian\'s Organic Sage 400mg (£6.36, 30 capsules), www.nutricentre.com or 020 7436 5122.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

What is it? A hardy, bushy perennial of the mint family, with clusters of small, light yellow flowers.

How does it help? It\'s a mild sedative, so can help ease tension and anxiety, and also has antibacterial qualities.

How do I use it? After harvesting, tie bundles of five stems and hang in a warm place, such as an airing cupboard. Once dry, strip off the leaves to store in a covered container, and use them as required in an infusion.

Other benefits? As a salve, it may reduce the redness and swelling of cold sores.

What\'s the evidence? ‘Lemon balm is helpful for soothing the digestive and nervous systems, and clinical trials have shown that it can relieve anxiety,\' Dr Walker says. ‘It\'s been used for sleep problems and its anti-viral properties make it a valuable remedy for the common cold.\'

Quick fix? Herbs of Grace Lemon Balm Leaf (£15.80, 100 capsules), from www.nutricentre.com or 020 7436 5122.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

What is it? Fast-growing tall perennial herb that contains allantoin, which is thought to speed formation of new cells.

How does it help? It can reduce swelling.

How do I use it? Use externally - make a compress with leaves and crushed roots in a clean cotton or linen cloth, and place on sprains and bruises.

Other benefits? Also known as knitbone, some believe it speeds the healing of bone fractures.

What\'s the evidence? There is scientific evidence that supports topical anti-inflammatory action, but it\'s inconclusive for other uses such as bone healing.

Quick fix? Comfrey Cream (£4.75, 35g), from www.avogel.co.uk or 01294 277344.