Herbal hike teaches walkers about remedies we take for granted

Herbalist Linda Smith, of Berkeley Court, Weybridge, has taken walkers on the free guided tour regaling tales of traditional and modern uses, and folklore for the last three years. She wants to encourage people to try herbs as an alternative way of healing ailments and treating diseases.

Linda, 47, gave up her job in personnel in 2006 to embark on the career with herbs. She has a degree in herbal medicine and claims to have successfully treated a number of cases of chest infections this year.

She said: "I like to pass on some of the stories and knowledge since herbal medicine is in danger of becoming a lost art and yet it was fundamental to the treatment of diseases and still is in many parts of the developing world."

Linda always liked complementary medicine and didn't like some of the side effects that orthodox drugs gave.

Now she even makes some of her own herbal medicines from plants grown in her allotment.

We started at a bunch of stinging nettles and although I have heard of people drinking nettle tea it was interesting to hear it is good to purify the blood and for people who are convalescing to get over trauma.

Throughout the day there was many tales to be told I particularly liked the idea of pinning a red rose in a red piece of cloth into your inner garments. It was thought to attract a lover! Maybe I should try it?

But it is also good for women who are suffering the menopause and to heal a broken heart.

Fifteen people joined the walk, along with some dogs, and Linda was happy to answer any questions.

I felt better being out in the fresh air and it was good to learn about all the healing properties of herbs you often see but take for granted.

The walk ended with a class of Elderflower juice made by Linda from berries picked at Newlands Corner the week before.

It was very good and although I was told the milk thistle is good to cure a hangover because it helps the liver, I think the Elderflower drink, which tasted delicious helped me out.

Just some of the herbs we found and what they are good for:
Nettles - diuretic to purify the blood, helps internal bleeding, convalescing, hayfever, good for things like gout to clear out toxins and roots are used against prostate cancer.
Fox Glove - Not used any more but was used to treat heart conditions or renal failure.
Oak bark - stops bleeding good for open wounds.
Elderflower - hayfever, brings out a fever if drunk hot, good against catarrh build up, berries are high in Vitamin C.
St Johns Wart - depression, if yellow leaves are put in olive oil and left in the sun they turn bright red and is a good ointment for sunburn, or to rub on backache.
Rig wart - rig wart for respiratory problems, build up of catarrh, bruises and stings.
Agrimony - gentle effect to treat diarrhoea. Used to be used to treat the eyes.
Red Clover - flowers and leaves used traditionally and today taken internally as a blood cleanser - eczema and skin conditions. Helps against stress, the menopause and used topically against tumours e.g. breast cancer.
The flowers can be used in a tincture or as a syrup to moisten and ease dry coughs.
Hawthorne - circulation increases nutrients and oxygen to heart.
Dandelion - reduces high blood pressure, used for kidney problems and root used for liver.
Wild Marjoram - clears stomach upset and brings out fever.
Blackberries - leaves used against diarrhoea, ulcers and sore throats.
Honeysuckle - diluted in water helps people who are dwelling in the past.