Mullein
Botanical name: Verbascum thapsus
Common name: Clown’s Lungwort, Torches, Jacob’s Staff,
Our Ladies Flannel, Candlewick plant
Part used: Leaf
The flowers and leaves of Mullein have been used as healing remedies for centuries, with the
dried leaves traditionally smoked to relieve irritation of the respiratory mucous membranes
and asthma.
Mullein is invaluable for a wide range of problems in the respiratory tract including dry,
hoarse coughs, as well as coughs associated with abundant discharge. It helps ease a cough,
aids mucus removal and soothese and heals irritated inflamed mucus membranes in the
respiratory tract.
A number of studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory action of Mullein, with a recent
pharmacological study demonstrating antibacterial activity for extracts of Mullein against a
variety of bacteria.
Kiwiherb products containing this herb:
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Children's Chest Syrup
Herbal Chest Syrup
Hyssop
Botanical name: Hyssopus officinalis
Common name: Hyssop
Part used: Herb
Hyssop has been used as a medicinal herb since classical antiquity & its
name is believed to be of Greek origin. It is referenced in the Bible over a
dozen times – most notably in verse 7 of Psalm 51 – ‘Thou shalt purge
me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean’.
As with many herbs, Hyssop has a variety of actions which act
synergistically to achieve its therapeutic effect. The volatile oil of Hyssop
is believed to be largely responsible for its therapeutic action due to its
anti-spasmodic activity. It has traditionally been used for coughs,
bronchitis, chronic catarrhal conditions & to help reduce fever. It has also
been used as a nervous system tonic to help calm nervous anxiety & as a
gentle sedative, making it an ideal herb for children.
Kiwiherb products containing this herb:
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Children's Chest Syrup
Thyme
Botanical name: Thymus vulgaris
Common name: Common Thyme
Part used: Leaf
Thyme has a long history of traditional use for respiratory tract
conditions including sore throats and coughs, helping to aid the removal
of mucus and ease spasmodic coughing. It has also been used for
inflammatory conditions of the mouth, gastrointestinal upsets, and
topically as an anti-microbial and counter-irritant.
Extracts of Thyme have demonstrated antibacterial activity against a
wide range of bacteria, and against some yeasts and moulds. The broad
spectrum of antibacterial activity against bacteria involved in upper respiratory tract
infections supports the long use of Thyme in the treatment of these conditions.
Kiwiherb products containing this herb:
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Children's Chest Syrup
Children's Throat Syrup
Herbal Throat Spray
Herbal Throat Formula
Manuka Paint
Marshmallow
Botanical name: Althaea officinalis
Common name: Mallow, Mallards, Mauls, Schloss Tea,
Mortification Root, Sweet weed
Part used: Root
Today most people are familiar with the confectionary
Marshmallow but are unaware of it’s botanical namesake. The sap
from the root of the Marshmallow plant was originally a vital
ingredient in Marshmallow candies until it was replaced by gelatin
and starch. Marshmallow root was highly valued as a food and
medicine by many cultures including the Ancient Greeks, Romans
and Egyptians. The root contains high levels of a slippery
substance called mucilage, which makes it particularly suitable for soothing a scratchy throat
and easing dry, irritating coughs.
Kiwiherb products containing this herb:
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Children's Chest Syrup
Herbal Chest Syrup
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand and is produced from
the nectar of the Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and Kanuka
(Kunzea ericoides) trees.
Honey has long been used topically as a healing agent for wounds and ulcers. Recently there
has been renewed interest in the medicinal applications of honey, particularly for the
treatment of slow healing wounds in hospitalised patients.
Whilst all honey possesses healing properties, Manuka Honey is considered superior in this
regard. This is because Manuka Honey has a powerful antiseptic property not found in other
types of honey - this property is termed Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).
Research has shown Manuka Honey to be effective at killing a variety of pathogens including
Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori, and even some strains of bacteria which are
resistant to antibiotics.
Safety of honey in infants
There is some concern around the safety of using honey in infants under 1 year old relating to
the possible presence of Clostridium botulinum spores in honey. This bacteria is responsible
for an extremely rare condition in infants, infant botulism. This illness typically affects babies
between 3 weeks and 6 months old as they lack the gut microflora which controls the
replication of the bacteria after ingestion of the spores. The bacteria is typically harmless to
older children and adults as their digestive systems are more mature. 94% of cases of infant
botulism have occurred in infants under 6 months.
Worldwide the level and frequency of spores found in honey is generally low and 90% of the
reported cases of infant botulism have occurred in the US and especially California.
There have been no notifications of human botulism in New Zealand through the notifiable
disease surveillance system since records began in 1987. While extraction and processing
practices are used as the principle control measures, we undertake full testing on all honey
used in Kiwiherb products, including for Clostridium spores, to ensure it can safely be
incorporated into our products.
Kiwiherb products containing Manuka Honey:
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Echinature
Herbal Throat Spray
Children's Chest Syrup
Children's Throat Syrup
Herbal Chest Syrup
WinterGuard
Herbal Allergy Formula
Ginger & Kawakawa Tonic