Science - Podcast Plant Research

Gentiana lutea (Yellowgentian) is found in the mountains of central and southern Europe. Gentian root (which can be as thick as a person’s arm) has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders. The root contains one of the bitterest substances known to science which stimulates the taste buds and brain reflexes to promote the secretion of saliva and gastric juices. As such it has been used as an appetite stimulant in the treatment of anorexia. It is said to be especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in cases of debility or weakness of the digestive system; strengthening the human system by stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system.


Prunus africana (African cherry) is found in mountain tropical forests in central and southern Africa and Madagascar and has been used for centuries for its hard and durable timber as well as for the medicinal properties of its bark, which is used to treat malaria, fevers, kidney disease, urinary tract infections and more recently prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Overall, the medicinal retail trade for P .africana is estimated to be US$220 million/year (WWF, 2001).

Rauvolfia serpentin

a (Indian snakeroot, Sarpaghanda) is member of the dogbane family, found in India, Pakistan and south east Asia But the plant is also an important healer, used for stomach disorders, snakebite and epilepsy. R. serpentine is also the source of the alkaloid resperine, which revolutionized the treatment of hypertension in the 1950s and is still commonly prescribed today. Chemically similar to serotonin, resperine was also used to treat severe mental illnesses due to its powerful sedative properties

Common flowers and plants

Most of these plants and medicines are unfamiliar with us however there are a lot more common ones in the UK such as:

The California Poppy which is an effective (anxiety reliever)

The blood flower is a type of tropical milkweed with toxic milky sap that is emetic (it makes you hurl). It’s also historically favored as a heart stimulant and worm appellant.

Alfalfa which can treat morning sickness, nausea, kidney stones, kidney pain and urinary discomfort. It is a powerful diuretic and has a bit of stimulant power, helping to energize after a bout with illness. It’s a liver and bowel cleanser and long-term can help reduce cholesterol.

When taking about plants its amazing to discover that many medicinal plants can be found in your own back garden.  After finding this out I thought I would have a look in my friends garden to see what types of plants I could find.

Aloe vera: it contains various compounds that reduce inflammation, swelling, redness, pain and itching.”

Uses: For burns, cuts and minor abrasions; also as a mild laxative

Dandelion:  a nutritious healing herb that stimulates the flow of bile. It enhances the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.

Uses: As a diuretic (may help with PMS bloating), prevents gallstones and cleanses the liver. “Dandelion leaves contain noteworthy amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene and are considered an antioxidant that help sets the stage for preventing many diseases,” says Cervone.

Lemon balm: has a calming effect on heart palpitations and an agitated state of mind.

Uses: Soothes stomach, calms nerves.

Lavender: used in both medicine and cosmetics.

Uses: As a sedative, stress reliever, to restore calm and relieve tension.

Parsley: Parsley leaves, roots and seeds all contain an oil with significant diuretic and mild laxative properties. Parsley also inhibits the secretion of histamines, a compound produced by the body that causes allergies, hives and hay fever.

Uses: Breath freshener, allergy relief, tummy troubles.