Some of our garden flowers are renowned for their medicinal properties, as LINDSEY GIBSON explains.
WE all know that the Englishman's pride and joy is his garden, but how many of us stop to consider that it can also be his medicine chest? Medicinal plants can be found not only in fields and hedgerows, but also in gardens of both town and country.
Lily-of-the-Valley
Lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria majalis, has been used as a medicinal agent at least as far back as the second century. A decoction of the flowers was said to be useful in removing obstructions in the urinary canal and as a substitute for aloes, which was due to its purgative action. The dried and powdered flowers were said to excite sneezing, thus proving useful for the relief of headache and earache.
During the First World War this herb proved to be most useful in treating soldiers who had been gassed. Convallaria is used mostly as a remedy for cardiac problems, increasing the strength of the heartbeat while slowing and regularising its rate. The plant also contains a natural complex which relates to the cardio-vascular system. This encourages the arteries to dilute, and the mild diuretic effect means that it is a safe remedy for cases of renal hypertension and/or cardiac oedema. It is also used for a variety of heart conditions. This plant should, however, only ever be used by a fully qualified medical herbalist, as strict dosage regulations apply.
Another English garden favourite is lavender (Lavendula angustifolia), the flowers of which were thought to have been employed as bath salts by the Romans. Today lavender is used in many ways as it relaxes spasms, benefits digestion, stimulates peripheral circulation and the uterus and lowers fevers. It also has anti-depressant properties and is thus used to treat mild to moderate depression and to alleviate headaches, particularly those due to stress. As a gentle tonic for the nervous system, it can be effective in states of nervous debility and exhaustion. It can also be used to promote restful sleep by adding some oil to a warm bath before bed.
Lavender can be used to treat bronchial complaints, either as an infusion or inhalant. The oil has a strong antibacterial action which will reputedly kill the diphtheria, typhoid, streptococcus and pneumococcus bacteria. It can also be used as a stimulating liniment to help ease the pains of arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia.
The familiar cheery sight of the marigold (Calendula officinalis) adorns many an English garden, giving a brilliant splash of vibrant colour to the borders. Marigold petals can be added to salads in order to add colour and interest, and a decoction of petals can be added to a bath in order to soothe tired and aching limbs. Likewise, when used as a footbath it can be a most welcome relief for sore, tired and swollen feet. An infusion of fresh or dried petals can be used to bathe cuts and grazes and to help soothe chilblains.
Rose
The herbalist today is much indebted to marigold for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-histamine, antibacterial, blood-staunching and immune stimulating properties, which make it one of the most versatile and important herbal remedies. It also contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and vitamin A.
Another common sight in the garden is the nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), which is useful not only medicinally, but cosmetically and in the kitchen too. Medicinally it is a powerful antibiotic, a property further enhanced by its high vitamin C content. It can thus be used both internally and externally for all types of bacterial infection, but is especially useful for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia and influenza. It also has an affinity to the genito-urinary tract and can be useful in problems such as cystitis. The freshly extracted juice from the leaves and stems can be applied to the skin as a remedy for infection and itching. It is said that a poultice made from the crushed seeds can be used to bring persistent spots and boils to a head.
The pungent, peppery flavour of nasturtium leaves can be added to salads as an aid to general health and a remedy for skin infections. These can also be dried and powdered to be used as a pepper-like condiment, and the seed pods can be pickled as a lovely substitute for capers.
Among the constituents of nasturtiums are sulphur, mineral salts and iron, which means that it is good for the hair and scalp. Some even believe that if the fresh juice is rubbed into the scalp it can help with alopaecia.
A dramatic addition to a cottage garden border is the perennial Solidago virgaurea, commonly known as golden rod. Medicinally it has the properties of being anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antiseptic to the mucous membranes. As such it can be used for a weak stomach and nausea. It can also be effective as a gargle for oral thrush and sore throats, and to relieve upper respiratory catarrh.
This herb, like the nasturtium, has an affinity with the urinary system, being particularly useful for problems such as cystitis, urethritis and kidney stones. An infusion of the stems and leaves is mildly disinfectant and is thus useful for cleaning cuts and abrasions. The crushed fresh leaves, when applied to minor cuts, grazes and insect bites, will help to heal and relieve pain.
Which English garden would be complete without the beautiful rose? Today many hybrid varieties exist, but medicinally two particular varieties are favoured - Rosa gallica and Rosa damascena. This plant is a truly wondrous healer, having amongst its arsenal nine antiviral compounds and constituents which inhibit HIV infection. It is also said to be cardio-active, cholesterol lowering, liver protective, anti-depressant, sedative and even aphrodisiac (perhaps this is why it is associated with love and given on St Valentine's Day).
The herbalist today uses rose in cases of conjunctivitis, gingivitis, fibroids, infertility, menopause and anxiety associated with grief and depression. It is also a good healer of the skin and can thus be used to give relief in cases of eczema, dermatitis and burns (including those from radiation). Psycho-logical studies have shown that rose oil can induce “sweeter dreams and increase concentration”. Rose also has an important role as an ingredient in both cosmetic and culinary preparations.
Iris versicolor or blue flag iris is a perennial which is now a beautiful and splendid sight in many a garden. The source of a powerful drug known as iridin, this potent herb has a directly stimulating effect upon the liver and is thus used as a detoxifier in skin conditions such as eczema, acne, impetigo and psoriasis. These cleansing properties can be used in any cases which involve congestion of the lymph glands and, as it has thyroid-stimulating properties, it can also be effective in correcting a faulty metabolism.
Marigold
Today the rudbeckia species is a fashionable addition to the borders and one of this coneflower family is Echinacea purpura. This is widely marketed today as an immune enhancer, but the effect is better when the plant is taken in largish doses over short periods as its properties tail off if it is taken over long periods. Both the rhizomes and the upper parts of the plant can be used for their anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-allergenic, anti-viral and anti-neoplastic constituents. It is thus one of the prime remedies to be used in cases of microbial infections. So powerful is this herb that it has reputedly cured bad cases of appendicitis by using five drops of the liquid extract in water every one to two hours.
Last but by no means least is the proud and showy sunflower (Helianthus annus), known as the marigold of Peru from where it was introduced into this country in the 16th century. It is not only highly nutritious but also very versatile, being used as animal feed, fertiliser, fuel, bread, oil and was even used during the war in the manufacture of munitions. Sunflower seeds are high in both vitamins B and E, plus a wide range of minerals (including zinc) and linoleic acid. Regular snacking on these is said to build up physical endurance and resistance to disease. The oil from the seeds can reduce cholesterol deposits and thus help to lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. These little power packs also have expectorant and diuretic properties and have been used in cases of bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary infections, even being effective in cases of whooping cough.
And so, as you sit admiring the results of your gardening this summer, you may just begin to view these wonders of nature in a different light. •
* LINDSEY GIBSON currently holds clinics in Morpeth, Amble, Alnwick and Berwick. She is also available to give talks and workshops and can be contacted on (01665) 577670.