Pestle Herbs

19/09/2018

The earliest Egyptian medical texts actually make mention of mint as a stomach soother but the magical properties of menthol are not limited to aiding digestion and flavouring toothpastes...

When we enjoy an after-dinner mint, we’re continuing ancient customs of finishing feasts with a sprig of mint to soothe an over-worked stomach. Mint occupies an unequaled position as our favourite digestive aid but, as the source of menthol, which is found in abundance in our mouthwashes, toothpas...

04/06/2018

The liquid that is extracted and distilled from witch hazel is reached for in households around the world to heal a cut, bruise, insect bite or burns.

Latin name: Hamamelis virginiana
Amount: 50-100g
Type: Organic, Dried Leaves
Buy now for £8/50g or £16/100g

While some theories go that this incredibly useful hazel-like tree has some connection to witchcraft, such as it being used to make broom sticks or divining rods, the reality is that 'witch' is an old English word meaning flexible, which isn't quite as scary but does reflect the bendiness of the pla...

10/05/2018

An infusion of Eyebright can be enjoyed up to three times per day and can be used as an anti-inflammatory for hay fever and allergy related symptoms...

Is Hay Fever ruining your Spring? Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a condition typified by allergic reactions to tree, grass or w**d pollens that is at its worst during hay fever ‘season’, May to July. Sufferers might experience sneezing, itching and a runny nose and maybe red and ...

07/03/2018

At this time of year, due to the cold, our skin has less ability to produce its own natural moisturisers. Herbal ointments, made from Calendula or Comfrey or even Aloe Vera, can offer some relief...

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and while it’s true that many skin conditions can reflect imbalances or underlying conditions, sometimes dry skin can be caused by quite mundane circumstances such as weather, central heating or manual work such as gardening. Chronic dry skin problems su...

23/01/2018

Bio Health make an excellent range of herbal supplements that are completely FREE from additives. Check out their Arnica and Chamomile ointments as well as Ginger root and Licorice root capsules...

https://pestleherbs.co.uk/products/?product-brand=bio-health

10/01/2018

The leaf oil in Eucalyptus contains Eucalyptol which can loosen phlegm, making coughing easier but it can also soothe breething and relieve a blocked nose...

The image of a soporiphic Koala is a common image alongside Eucalyptus and as the bear's only food source it says a lot about the nutritional values of the leaves. However it's as a cold and flu remedy and natural decongestant that Eucalyptus really shines. The leaf oil contains the chemical Eucalyp...

13/09/2017

Herbal treatments for a sore throat might include gargling a tincture of Sage and/ or Thyme, which are both astringent and antiseptic...

A sore throat can range from a tickly annoyance to a tender, inflamed and extremely painful experience. Inflamation and infection of the larynx (laringitis), throat (pharyngitis) or tonsils (tonsilitis) clearly needs medical attention and treatment but a mild sore throat might just be the result of…

07/07/2017

Try two teaspoons of powdered Valerian root in a cup of hot water just before going to bed for relief from insomnia or just to relax. You might want to add lemon, honey or sugar to make the taste sweeter...

Valerian's name comes from the Latin 'valere' meaning strong and although the plant has a powerful and unpleasant odour, its reputation more likely comes from its power as a relaxant and sleep aid. In modern Europe, valerian root is used in a multitude of herbal sleep and tranquilizer remedies, but…

11/05/2017

Herbal insect repellents are made without DEET and contain alternatives such as Neem seed oil, Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint and Eucalpyptus...

Flies, midges, mosquitos and other flying insects can be the blight of any holiday in the sun, but the use of nasty chemicals such as DEET, which are present in many commercial insect repellents, gives us an added stress. DEET has been known to cause eye irritation, skin rashes, soreness and blister...

05/05/2017

Elderflower can be used on the skin for its anti-inflammatory properties for conditions such as arthritis or swollen joints and bruises but can also be used as a mouthwash to reduce swelling in the gums...

Although the Elder plant, or Sambucus, grows all over the world, its mostly found in the northern hemisphere. The flower is rich in bioflavanoids and flavanols, giving it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and making it powerful in combatting colds and flus. Latin name: Samb...

23/03/2017

This great scrub recipe contains Melissa, Clary Sage and Jasmine oils and will leave you feeling refreshed and thoroughly cleansed...

Melissa oil has been used to calm and relax since the middle Ages and this great recipe for a soothing herbal body scrub uses it to full advantage