This week’s herb is Gotu kola, this humble herb carries remarkable therapeutic benefits. Not only in increasing our resilience to stressors, reducing anxiety and supporting mood1all while supporting and improving the function of the nervous system.2  Studies have shown it is able to significantly reduce the startle response3, which could be likened to our bodies alarm system, that can be set off by something sudden or unexpected and can sometimes

A favourite at Herbs on the Hill this week, the beautiful Passiflora incarnata or commonly known as Passionflower (sometimes a herbal medicine as beautiful as this one feels like it needs a formal introduction using its botanical name). While the flower holds its beauty, its stems and leaves that hold its medicinal actions. Passionflower is a favourite for many reasons, it can be a wonderful addition to a herbal mix

The next herb in our series is another one that may be hiding out in your kitchen, turmeric. While turmeric is well known for it benefits when used as a food, when used as a liquid herbal medicine or in tablet form it gives us the ability to get the most from its the active constituent, known as Curcumin.(1) While mainly being known for its anti-inflammatory effects,(2) it also holds

Withania somnifera, more commonly known as ashwagandha, may not be one readily available in your home but it is one you may have seen in health food stores or heard about for its calming effects. While it is often promoted for stress support, this is only one aspect of its wide-ranging benefits. Withania has been used for more than 3,000 years,(1) and this long history guides how it is used

Many people believe the common (and logical) misconception that eating fat makes you fat. However, current research shows us that high fat, high protein and low carbohydrate diet reduces hunger, increases energy levels, assists with weight loss, improves athletic performance, and in some cases, may even reduce the need for diabetes medication. Scientists have encouraged us to follow the Australian food pyramid guidelines, which recommend that we reduce fat and

A nice bowl of oats is always a great way to start the day, but did you know that they make a wonderful liquid herbal medicine as well? Both the seed (a bit like what is in your breakfast bowl),1 and the whole fresh green plant,2 are a beautiful supportive medicine. Evidence indicates that oats, when used as a herbal medicine, can help with improving concentration,3,4 cognitive performance and improve

The second herb in our series is the fabulous Lavender. For some, Lavender holds memories of nana, or maybe it is one of those herbs that you know well for helping you get to sleep. But did you know there is research to back up the benefits of our beautiful lavender? Lavender contains over a hundred constituents, responsible for the effects.(1)   On its own lavender has been shown to

Surprise! Its Christmas! How did we get here? If you are feeling like this (as we are) you may be thinking about some herbs to help calm the farm. Over the next few weeks, we will be taking a brief look at the evidence for some of the common herbs you may already use or have heard of, this week, let’s get to know of the most likely herb to

The beauty and magic of herbal medicine is its wondrous capacity to nourish, tone, regulate, and stimulate the body’s own innate healing capacity without suppressing or over-riding any system or organ.  Ultimately our bodies want to heal and be well.  They are constantly healing and renewing themselves or parts of themselves in order to maintain wellness. We see this with the turnover of all different types of cells.  Skin cells,