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Melissa officinalis

This mild lemon-scented member of the mint family is a European native and is now grown throughout the world.
Its botanical name Melissa officinali is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘honey bee’. It refers to the plant being considered a favourite food of bees, with a connection to the ancient religious thought that any plant that kept bees away from their hive was considered sacred.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

• Reduce nervous unrest
• Relieve restless sleep
• Support refreshing sleep
• Relieve symptoms of stress
• Reduce symptoms of indigestion
• Support healthy digestion
• Maintain healthy gastrointestinal function
• Relieve flatulence

This herb has historically been valued as a culinary, medicinal and cosmetic herb.

Cinnamomum verum

Native to Sri Lanka, Cinnomomum verum, is a small, slow growth evergreen tree, which is now grown across the world. The spice is obtained from the inner bark of the tree and used for culinary, aromatherapy and herbal use.

Its botanical name is derived from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning ‘fragrant spice plant’.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

• Relieve symptoms of indigestion
• Reduce abdominal bloating
• Relieve digestive discomfort

Since ancient times, this spice has been used for a variety of purposes including in food preparations as well as a variety of herbal uses. It was valued as a precious commodity and was so highly prized that it was regarded a gift fit for monarchs. It is believed that its source was kept secret in the Mediterranean world by those in the spice trade to protect their monopoly as suppliers.

Althaea officinalis

Native to Europe, this perennial is now widely cultivated as an ornamental flower as well as for its medicinal properties (leaves, flowers and the root). The typical habitat for the Marshmallow plant is near marshes, riverbanks and other damp areas.

The botanical name Althaea is derived from the Greek word althein meaning “to heal” whilst Officinale is traditionally used to refer to a plant with health and medicinal properties that was sold in the apothecary.

Although the confectionary marshmallow does not contain the extract of the marshmallow plant, this was not always so. The original making of marshmallow included egg whites, sugar and the sticky contents of the marshmallow plant’s root – now evolved, today’s marshmallow no longer contains the plant’s extract.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

• Soothe irritated tissues
• Support gastrointestinal mucosal membrane health
• Relieve mild gastrointestinal tract inflammation
• Soothe gastrointestinal tract mucous membranes

Ancient Egyptians were said to mix the Marshmallow roots with nuts and honey to make a sticky treat. It was considered sacred where it was only reserved for gods and royalty.