Wight Herbal Medicine

05/01/2026

What if colds and flu are a biological reset?
Every winter we hear a familiar story – usually rhetoric rather than reality and one which engenders a sense of fear and vulnerability in many. Illnesses are “going around”, you have been “exposed” to infectious pathogens and then when symptoms develop they are to be suppressed with pharmaceutical products.
However given we know that flu-like symptoms can be induced by activities such as physical exertion, for example (which after we can then feel considerably better) then perhaps this seasonal malaise is more a reaction to the changes in lifestyle that the winter period brings? Central heating drying the mucous membranes, less sunlight, less physical exercise, stress, more stodgy comfort food that is inflammatory, reduced nutritive intake or exposure to increased toxic load in other forms etc. So perhaps it is worth seeing these episodes as your body taking the opportunity to detox and reset.
So take this time to listen to your body: rest, hydrate, nourish and soothe. Plants either in the form of herbal extracts, teas or essential oils have a useful place in this process – they can help ease the discomfort of congestion, help congested, dry or tickly coughs, increase temperature and perspiration to help with temperatures etc.

There are lots of home remedies which we can make from ingredients we have at home:

Composition Powder (adapted from the 19th C Herbalist Samuel Thompson)

Recipe:
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp powdered cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
½ cayenne pepper
½ tsp licorice root ground

Mix spices together and store in a jar. To use, simply add ½ cup of boiling water and 1/8 tsp of the composition powder in a cup, and drink whilst hot. Sweeten with honey and/or add lemon juice to make a soothing drink to ease the symptoms of a cold.

Whilst there are many fantastic home remedies that we can use, there is sometimes the need for a bespoke prescription, perhaps including those herbs that are restricted and potentially toxic if not dosed correctly. As a medical herbalist I also offer consultations for acute conditions that require a one-off prescription so instead of reverting to antibiotics, consider giving herbs a go!

01/01/2026

Mistletoe is a plant that has a long history of use in a variety of traditions. The famous Roman Pliny the Elder wrote in his tome Historia Naturalis “We should not omit to mention the great admiration that the Gauls have for it as well. The druids – that is what they call their magicians – hold nothing more sacred than the mistletoe and a tree on which it is growing, provided it is an oak.. They believe that mistletoe given in drink will impart fertility to any animal that is barren and that it is an antidote to all poisons.”
Mistletoe or Viscum album is parasitic plant that attaches itself to host trees to extract water and nutrients and it is one still used in contemporary medical herbalism. It is reported to have antihypertensive, sedative, diuretic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory and is often used as an immune enhancer and vasodilator in high blood pressure or cardiovascular conditions, for example. For example, it can be used as an alternative to beta blockers. It is also used in nervous system complaints such as insomnia or anxiety/panic attacks and also in cases of epilepsy and tinnitus. Albeit in animal studies, research indicates it stimulate secretion of insulin from the pancreas so may have some benefit in diabetes.
But notably, research indicates its use in cancer treatment. For many years it has been used subcutaneously and intraveously as an adjunct in cancer treatment in Germany in particular. Iscador, an extract of mistletoe was studied in over 10,000 patients and researchers found that those with colon, re**al, stomach and breast cancer treated survived 40% longer than the control group when treated with the extract. As such it is one of the most commonly used ontological drugs in Germany, for example. Furthermore a recent (2025) meta-analayses concluded that mistletoe is a scientifically validated component of integrative oncology, bridging traditional medicine with evidence-based cancer care.

Hong, C.-E., & Lyu, S.-Y. (2025). Mistletoe in Cancer Cell Biology: Recent Advances. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 47(8), 672. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080672

21/12/2025

The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s a time when the earth is shrouded in darkness before gradually moving into light. In herbal traditions, this celestial event is marked by the concept of renewal and the potential for inner growth. It is representative of an energy shift which encourages past reflection and an opportunity to set intentions for the year ahead.
It is a time when evergreen plants that survive the cold are honoured, which symbolizes strength and the promise of new life. It is also a time when warming herbs that soothe and keep us healthy during the harsh winter months can be used. This enables us to become aligned with the rhythm of nature and to connect with the wisdom the natural world has to offer. The traditions of herbs such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg being incorporated into our foods offers us this opportunity, being warming, spicy, healing, calming and enchanting. Holly is a plant that has special significance in winter solstice folklore, being a symbol of everlasting life and showing life’s enduring nature and the hope that shines bright even in the darkness.

Winter Solstice Blessings to all!

07/12/2025

Black Cohosh or Actaea/cimicifuga racemosa is a North American plant, which has a long history of use. It is famously known for female reproductive health, specifically menopausal symptoms but also dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and premenstrual dysthymia (mood changes).But it is so much more than that.
Its antispasmodic properties make it helpful for the respiratory system (ie. shallow and spasmodic breathing as seen in whooping cough or asthma) and also for relaxing blood vessel capilliaries, meaning it can be helpful in cases of headaches, migraines and even vertigo.
In herbalism we also consider the energetic of herbs: that is whether a herb is hot, cold, moist, and dry; and this is important to consider not only in terms of the energetics of the condition but also the person themselves, which we might term their constitution.
Warming herbs promote circulation and balance to conditions of coldness and stagnation; cooling herbs help to balance hot states or conditions such as inflammation, for example. Drying herbs address wet or stagnant states and excessive secretions whereas moistening herbs hydrate and soothe irritated dry tissue.
Where does Black cohosh fit into this? It is a bitter, pungent and cooling herb so applicable in hot conditions such as those of inflammation. It is regarded as being grounding, calming and relaxing and beneficial for relaxing tension in the nervous system (i.e. anxiety) but it is also helpful for muscular tension and rheumatic/arthritic complaints.

29/11/2025

Sambuccus nigra: a traditional remedy supported by contemporary scientific research

Sambucus nigra fructus otherwise known as European elderberry, has long been traditionally used for seasonal respiratory complaints. Elderberries were traditionally prepared as syrups, decoctions, wines, and cordials and used during the seasons when respiratory complaints were prevalent; and typically administered at the first signs of cold or flu symptoms. It was noted in traditional texts that use of elderberries could reduce severity or symptoms and shorten duration which is now supported by an array of scientific research.

Its effects centre around immune modulation and antioxidant protection and it is said to have anti-viral properties.

Sambuccus nigra is still a staple in any dispensary and is generally safe and well-tolerated; although it is thought that those with auto-immune conditions should consult a practitioner who can safely assess its use in their specific case. It is often combined with other herbs in an acute infection mix; again to be taken at the first sign of symptoms.

At Wight Herbal Medicine, we also offer an acute consultation/prescribing service for those cases when people have acute complaints and prefer not to resort to antibiotics. Throat infections, urinary tract infections, chest infections, hayfever, ear infections are all good examples of conditions that can successfully be treated by herbal medicine without the damaging consequences (and often unpleasant side effects) that allopathic medicine can bring.

16/11/2025

Gymnema silvestre. Gymnema has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in the management of blood sugar regulation. Its other name is gurmar which means sugar destroyer; this refers to its ability to reduce the tongue’s recognition of sweetness.

Applications and clinical indications:
• Diabetes (both insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent) and hyperglycaemia
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome X, to assist with weight loss
• Sweet cravings
• Dysglycaemia (lower doses)
• May also help to reduce hypercholesterolaemia and elevated triglycerides

Although the best approach to managing diabetes is through diet - primarily a real food, low carbohydrate diet - herbs can be also be used to support the body. This is generally a very safe herb although those already on diabetes medications would need to monitor blood glucose levels regularly.

15/11/2025

09/11/2025

A recent report found that a considerable proportion of herbal remedy texts on Amazon were most likely to be AI generated. Unfortunately this is likely to lead to innaccuracies. https://originality.ai/blog/likely-ai-herbal-remedies-books-study
The same applies to researching herbs independently through the internet as this can lead people to concluding that herbs don't work when it fact it wasn't the right herb! For simple/minor complaints there is no harm in exploring the use of herbs at home - always great to do a bit of "kitchen-witching" - but complex conditions need the detailed analysis that a consultation offers. It is not only about chosing the right herb but to match someone's energetics/constitution and ensuring that dosage is correct, that there is a synergy in a herbal mix and that there are no contraindications with existing medications.

Is the Herbal Remedies book you’re reading on Amazon real or an AI-generated fake? Discover the concerning impact of AI on herbal remedy books published on Amazon in 2025.

09/11/2025

Got one of those post-cold tickly coughs? Try one of these - I call it the "cough catcher". Half a raw onion studded with cloves next to your bed at night. Works wonders! The effects may be due to the sulphur compounds released which are thought to reduce inflammation and fight infection. Likewise clove contains a number of compounds such as eugenol which are thought to have many properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects.

01/11/2025

Herbs support the systems of the body to bring about balance and healing. Any condition that you would consult your GP about can be supported with the use of herbs and they can be safely used by any age group. Used in conjunction with dietary recommendations and lifestyle interventions, herbal medicine offers an holistic approach to a wide range of (chronic) conditions including

• digestive disorders
• skin conditions
• respiratory and cardiovascular issues
• insomnia, stress, anxiety depression
• thyroid and hormone imbalance
• autoimmune conditions
• PMS, menstrual problems and fertility issues
• cystitis and UTIs
• long term syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome
• neurological issues

Herbal medicine can also be employed very effectively to treat acute conditions such as cold/flu, upper respiratory tract infections, chest infections etc. without the negative consequences of antibiotics.

26/10/2025

With pharmaceuticals there is so often sadly a price to pay and yet herbal medicine can be so effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms without the associated health risks. https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/hormone-therapy-linked-to-higher-autoimmune-disease-risk-in-postmenopausal-women?fbclid=IwY2xjawNqpy9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHq8b9NVxbSX-9jECFgCaSGThOcVg20amgByx3SV8WQWe_O2ZrzvVzhGSjdZq_aem_NleTN_mc3DoqrYvkLzIAGQ

A large TriNetX analysis found hormone therapy use in postmenopausal women was linked to a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases.

22/10/2025

Many people aren’t aware of how herbs can be used to support conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
There are considerable studies including randomised control trials (RCT) showing evidence for a number of herbs to support individuals with some of the symptoms often associated with this diagnosis. These include:
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Saffron (Crocus sativus), Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) for example.

A testimonial from a former patient who approached me for support with ADHD:

“..I am on month 2 of using my herbal remedy created by Lucy and the results are seriously noticeable. As an aid to my chaotic mind I'm finding the herbs help with both relaxing and motivation....The herbs are amazing and I'm still learning about what they are and all the things they help achieve...”

As with all herbs, it is not a ‘one size fits all’ so it’s important to have a consultation with a herbalist to enable a bespoke prescription to be developed so that treatment can be tailored to the individual and their needs.

See www.wightherbalmedicine.co.uk to find out more about booking a consultation.

I am a consulting medical herbalist. having completed a four-year Advanced Diploma in Herbal Medicine. I have been rigorously trained in the medical sciences including diagnostic reasoning, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology of disease, clinical examinations, pharmacognosy and drug/herb interac...