The botanical journal
Herbs, plants & natural wellness – explained with science.
Evidence-based guides to herbal teas, natural remedies, medicinal plants and the fascinating world of botany. Written for curious minds in the UK, US and beyond.
Latest from the journal
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Stinging Nettle: Benefits, Nettle Tea and How to Forage It Safely
Stinging nettle is a nutritious wild green and traditional remedy for hay fever, joint pain and prostate symptoms. Learn why…
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St John’s Wort: Benefits for Mood and Its Serious Drug Interactions
St John’s wort has good evidence for mild-to-moderate depression, but it interacts with the contraceptive pill, antidepressants, warfarin and many…
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How to Store Fresh Herbs So They Last Up to 3 Weeks
Stop throwing away slimy herbs. Learn the jar method for soft herbs, the damp-towel method for woody herbs, why basil…
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Herb Pairing Guide: Which Herbs Go With Which Foods
Not sure which herb to use? This herb pairing chart matches basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, dill, tarragon, coriander, mint and…
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Fresh vs Dried Herbs: Conversion Chart and When to Use Each
How much dried herb equals fresh? Use the 3-to-1 rule plus our herb-by-herb conversion chart (US and metric), and learn…
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The Oldest Trees in the World: Ancient Survivors and Their Secrets
From Methuselah, a 4,800-year-old bristlecone pine in California, to Britain’s ancient churchyard yews and Utah’s clonal aspen grove Pando, meet…
Herbal Teas
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Rooibos Tea Benefits: The Caffeine-Free Red Tea From South Africa
Rooibos is a caffeine-free, low-tannin red tea from South Africa rich in unique antioxidants like aspalathin. Discover its benefits, green…
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Ginger Tea Benefits and How to Make It With Fresh Root
Ginger tea is one of the best-evidenced natural remedies for nausea, and may ease period pain and indigestion. Learn the…
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Hibiscus Tea and Blood Pressure: Benefits, Dosage and Risks
Hibiscus tea has some of the best evidence of any herbal tea for lowering blood pressure. Here is how much…
Natural Remedies
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St John’s Wort: Benefits for Mood and Its Serious Drug Interactions
St John’s wort has good evidence for mild-to-moderate depression, but it interacts with the contraceptive pill, antidepressants, warfarin and many…
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Herbs for Digestion and Bloating: 9 Natural Remedies That Help
From peppermint and ginger to fennel, caraway and artichoke, these nine herbs have real evidence for easing bloating, wind and…
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Herbs for Anxiety: 8 Natural Remedies With Real Evidence
Which herbs actually help with anxiety? We review eight natural remedies – lavender oil, chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, ashwagandha, saffron,…
Our editorial promise
We summarise clinical trials, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NHS, NCCIH and EMA – and we say clearly when evidence is weak.
Every remedy guide lists side effects, drug interactions and who should avoid a herb.
Plants are more than products. We celebrate their history, ecology and science.
Plant Profiles
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Stinging Nettle: Benefits, Nettle Tea and How to Forage It Safely
Stinging nettle is a nutritious wild green and traditional remedy for hay fever, joint pain and prostate symptoms. Learn why…
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Valerian Root for Sleep: How It Works, Dosage and Side Effects
Valerian root is one of the oldest herbal sleep aids. Here is how it may work on GABA, what studies…
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Lemon Balm: Benefits, Uses and How to Grow This Calming Herb
Lemon balm is a lemon-scented mint-family herb used for stress, sleep, digestion and cold sores. Discover the research, how to…
Grow & Garden
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How to Grow Mint (Without It Taking Over Your Garden)
Mint is easy to grow but notorious for spreading. Learn how to grow mint in pots or in the ground…
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Companion Planting With Herbs: What to Grow Together (and What Not To)
Use herbs as natural pest control and pollinator magnets. This companion planting chart shows which herbs to grow with tomatoes,…
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How to Dry Fresh Herbs: 5 Easy Methods Compared
Learn how to dry fresh herbs by air-drying, oven, dehydrator, microwave and freezing. Includes which herbs dry well, when to…
Plant Curiosities
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The Oldest Trees in the World: Ancient Survivors and Their Secrets
From Methuselah, a 4,800-year-old bristlecone pine in California, to Britain’s ancient churchyard yews and Utah’s clonal aspen grove Pando, meet…
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How Carnivorous Plants Work: Traps, Digestion and Why They Eat Insects
Venus flytraps count, pitcher plants drown and sundews glue their prey. Discover the five types of carnivorous plant traps, why…
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12 Poisonous Garden Plants That Look Harmless
Foxglove, lily of the valley, monkshood, yew and oleander are common in UK and US gardens – and seriously toxic.…
Culinary Herbs
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How to Store Fresh Herbs So They Last Up to 3 Weeks
Stop throwing away slimy herbs. Learn the jar method for soft herbs, the damp-towel method for woody herbs, why basil…
-
Herb Pairing Guide: Which Herbs Go With Which Foods
Not sure which herb to use? This herb pairing chart matches basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, dill, tarragon, coriander, mint and…
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Fresh vs Dried Herbs: Conversion Chart and When to Use Each
How much dried herb equals fresh? Use the 3-to-1 rule plus our herb-by-herb conversion chart (US and metric), and learn…
