Medicines · the dispensary reading
Materia Medica
The same 28 plants the shop sells, filed the other way. The cabinet next door is arranged by what a herb is taken for; this index is arranged by the part that goes into the cup — flower, leaf, root, aerial parts, fruit, cone — because that is what decides how it has to be handled.
There are no prices on this page and no basket. Each entry carries the two figures a herb is dispensed on — water temperature and dose — and the cautions that belong with them. 2 of these are ruined by a kettle, so the temperature is set beside the name rather than buried under it.
Filter the index
Point at it
A question at a counter almost never arrives as a plant name. It arrives as a place — the chest, the gut, the bladder — so the index can be read that way, off the plate rather than out of an alphabet.
Traditionally taken for
Set only where a plant carries a genuinely sex-specific tradition — lady’s mantle and shepherd’s purse through the cycle, nettle root and willowherb for the prostate. The other 22 entries carry neither tag, because most herbs are not gendered and we are not going to pretend otherwise.
Plate II — the key
Pick a part of the body and the index below reduces to the herbs traditionally worked there.
Pick another part to change it.
28 entries — the whole index
Flos
Flower
01 / 06 · 6 entries
- 01
Calendula Flowers
Calendula officinalis L.
Flos Calendulae
- Skin
- Stomach
DrawerSkin & Wounds
also digestion
Water90°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1–2 tsp (≈ 1–2 g)
10 min · As a compress, 2–3× daily
Avoid if you are sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants. · For external use on unbroken or lightly grazed skin only — not on deep or infected wounds.
- 02
Chamomile Flowers
Matricaria chamomilla L.
Flos Chamomillae
- Stomach
- Gut
- Skin
- Head & nerves
DrawerDigestion
also skin & wounds, sleep & calm
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 1.5 g)
10 min · 3× daily
Avoid if you are sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants. · Do not use the infusion as an eye rinse.
- 03
Elderflower
Sambucus nigra L.
Flos Sambuci
- Chest & lungs
- Throat
DrawerAirways
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
7 min · 2–3× daily
Only the flower is used. Raw berries, bark and leaf are not suitable for internal use.
- 04
Lavender Flowers
Lavandula angustifolia Mill.
Flos Lavandulae
- Head & nerves
- Skin
DrawerSleep & Calm
also mood & nerves
Water90°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 1 g)
6 min · 1–2× daily
Do not take the pure essential oil internally.
- 05
Linden Blossom
Tilia cordata Mill.
Flos Tiliae
- Chest & lungs
- Throat
- Head & nerves
DrawerAirways
also sleep & calm
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
8 min · 2–3× daily
Drink plenty of fluids alongside if using it to encourage sweating.
- 06
Mallow Flowers
Malva sylvestris L.
Flos Malvae
- Throat
- Chest & lungs
- Gut
DrawerAirways
also digestion
Water60°C
Set in cold water
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
30 min · 3× daily
May slow the absorption of other medicines — leave a gap of an hour either side.
Folium
Leaf
02 / 06 · 6 entries
- 01
Hawthorn Leaf & Flower
Crataegus monogyna Jacq.
Folium Crataegi cum Flore
- Heart & circulation
DrawerHeart & Circulation
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 1.5 g)
20 min · 2–3× daily
Speak to a doctor before use if you are being treated for a heart condition or take cardiac medication. · Seek medical advice for chest pain, breathlessness or swelling of the legs.
- 02
Lemon Balm Leaf
Melissa officinalis L.
Folium Melissae
- Head & nerves
- Stomach
DrawerMood & Nerves
also sleep & calm, digestion
Water85°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
7 min · 2–3× daily
Speak to a doctor first if you are being treated for a thyroid condition.
- 03
Nettle Leaf
Urtica dioica L.
Folium Urticae
- Kidneys
- Bladder
- Skin
DrawerKidney & Bladder
also skin & wounds
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1.5 tsp (≈ 2 g)
10 min · 3–4× daily
Do not use as a flushing tea if you have a heart or kidney condition where fluid intake is restricted.
- 04
Peppermint Leaf
Mentha × piperita L.
Folium Menthae piperitae
- Stomach
- Gut
- Liver & gall
- Head & nerves
DrawerDigestion
also airways
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1.5 tsp (≈ 1.5 g)
8 min · 3× daily
Not suitable for infants or small children. · Best avoided if you are prone to reflux or heartburn.
- 05
Rosemary Leaf
Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Folium Rosmarini
- Heart & circulation
- Head & nerves
- Liver & gall
DrawerHeart & Circulation
also digestion, mood & nerves
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 2 g)
15 min · 2–3× daily, in the morning
Not for use in therapeutic doses during pregnancy. · Avoid high doses if you have high blood pressure.
- 06
Sage Leaf
Salvia officinalis L.
Folium Salviae
- Throat
- Skin
Women's health
DrawerAirways
also skin & wounds
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 2 g)
10 min · 2–3× daily
Not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. · Do not take the pure essential oil internally. · Not intended for prolonged daily use at high doses.
Radix
Root
03 / 06 · 5 entries
- 01
Dandelion Root & Herb
Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H.Wigg.
Radix Taraxaci cum Herba
- Liver & gall
- Kidneys
- Gut
DrawerLiver & Bile
also digestion, kidney & bladder
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tbsp (≈ 3 g)
15 min · 2–3× daily before meals
Avoid if you are sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants. · Not suitable with gallstones or an obstructed bile duct.
- 02
Liquorice Root
Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
Radix Liquiritiae
- Stomach
- Chest & lungs
- Throat
DrawerDigestion
also airways
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 1.5 g)
15 min · 2–3× daily
Do not use for more than four to six weeks without medical advice. · Not suitable if you have high blood pressure, low potassium, kidney or liver conditions. · Not for use during pregnancy.
- 03
Marshmallow Root
Althaea officinalis L.
Radix Althaeae
- Throat
- Chest & lungs
- Stomach
- Gut
DrawerAirways
also digestion
Water20°C
Set in cold water
Dose & steep1 tbsp (≈ 3 g)
60 min · 3× daily
May slow the absorption of other medicines — leave a gap of an hour either side.
- 04
Nettle Root
Urtica dioica L.
Radix Urticae
- Prostate
- Bladder
Men's health
DrawerKidney & Bladder
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 1.5 g)
20 min · 2× daily
Difficulty passing water needs a diagnosis before it needs a tea — see a doctor first. · Speak to a doctor before use if you take medication for blood pressure or for fluid retention.
- 05
Valerian Root
Valeriana officinalis L.
Radix Valerianae
- Head & nerves
DrawerSleep & Calm
also mood & nerves
Water90°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 3 g)
15 min · 1× in the evening
May affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. · Not intended for continuous use beyond a few weeks without advice. · Speak to a doctor before combining with sedative medication.
Herba
Aerial parts
04 / 06 · 7 entries
- 01
Lady's Mantle
Alchemilla vulgaris L.
Herba Alchemillae
- Womb
- Gut
- Skin
Women's health
DrawerDigestion
also skin & wounds
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1–2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
10 min · 2–3× daily
Not for use during pregnancy. · The tannins can bind other medicines — leave a gap of an hour either side. · Heavy, painful or changed bleeding needs a diagnosis before it needs a tea.
- 02
Ribwort Plantain
Plantago lanceolata L.
Herba Plantaginis lanceolatae
- Chest & lungs
- Throat
- Skin
DrawerAirways
also skin & wounds
Water90°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
10 min · 3–4× daily
Seek medical advice if a cough persists beyond a week.
- 03
Shepherd's Purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
Herba Bursae pastoris
- Womb
- Heart & circulation
- Bladder
Women's health
DrawerHeart & Circulation
also kidney & bladder
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
10 min · 2–3× daily, for a few days at a time
Not for use during pregnancy. · Speak to a doctor before use if you take medication for blood pressure or for the thyroid. · Bleeding that is heavy, prolonged or new needs a diagnosis first.
- 04
Small-flowered Willowherb
Epilobium parviflorum Schreb.
Herba Epilobii
- Prostate
- Bladder
Men's health
DrawerKidney & Bladder
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 1 g)
5 min · 1–2× daily
Difficulty passing water needs a diagnosis before it needs a tea — see a doctor first. · The tannins can bind other medicines — leave a gap of an hour either side.
- 05
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum L.
Herba Hyperici
- Head & nerves
- Skin
DrawerMood & Nerves
also skin & wounds
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
10 min · 2–3× daily
Interacts with many prescription medicines — including the contraceptive pill, anticoagulants and antidepressants. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use. · May increase sensitivity to sunlight; avoid sunbeds and prolonged sun. · Not for use during pregnancy.
- 06
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris L.
Herba Thymi
- Chest & lungs
- Throat
DrawerAirways
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1–2 tsp (≈ 1.5 g)
10 min · 3× daily
Do not use steam inhalation with young children. · Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy.
- 07
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium L.
Herba Millefolii
- Stomach
- Liver & gall
- Skin
- Womb
Women's health
DrawerDigestion
also liver & bile, skin & wounds
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep2 tsp (≈ 2 g)
10 min · 3× daily before meals
Avoid if you are sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants. · Not for use during pregnancy.
Fructus
Fruit
05 / 06 · 3 entries
- 01
Aniseed
Pimpinella anisum L.
Fructus Anisi
- Gut
- Chest & lungs
- Stomach
DrawerAirways
also digestion
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 2 g), freshly bruised
10 min · 3× daily
Avoid if you are sensitive to anethole or to Apiaceae plants. · Not intended for prolonged high-dose use during pregnancy.
- 02
Fennel Seed
Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Fructus Foeniculi
- Gut
- Stomach
- Chest & lungs
DrawerDigestion
also airways
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 2 g), freshly bruised
10 min · 3× daily
Not intended for prolonged use in infants without medical advice. · Avoid if you are sensitive to Apiaceae (celery, carrot) plants.
- 03
Milk Thistle Seed
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
Fructus Silybi mariani
- Liver & gall
DrawerLiver & Bile
also digestion
Water95°C
Poured hot
Dose & steep1 tsp (≈ 3 g), freshly ground
20 min · 3× daily
Avoid if you are sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants. · Seek medical advice for any persistent liver complaint — this is not a substitute for diagnosis.
Strobulus
Cone
06 / 06 · 1 entry
Read here, buy next door
An index is not a diagnosis.
Everything above is traditional use, set out so it can be compared plant against plant. It is not advice, and reading across a row is not the same as knowing which row is yours — if you take prescribed medication, are pregnant or nursing, or are preparing something for a child, ask a doctor or a pharmacist before you begin.