CHARLOTTE PERCIVAL speaks to a York therapist about how to seek help from Mother Nature.

FOR centuries, the Chinese have used houseplants to create "living energy" in their homes and workplaces.

Recently, people have claimed surrounding themselves with greenery removes harmful chemicals from the air, lessens dust in the home, helps hospital patients recover faster and helps them feel calm and relaxed.

In York, June Tranmer uses plants in The Healing Clinic. June warned to take advice before using the remedies,

She said: "Of course people should always consult a professional practitioner before trying most of these remedies."

Plants which could be useful in complementary therapies:

Chrysanthemum - a cooling, Chinese herb which brightens the eyes, and is good taken after a hot curry. Seek advice from a Chinese medicine practitioner who will advise on whether to take it as a tea or in tablet form.

Hawthorne - a western herb which helps high blood pressure. Can be taken as a tincture (a herbal preparation in alcohol base) or included in tablets and bought from a medical herbalist.

Lavender - has antibacterial properties and can be used as an antiseptic or to help bruises.

Best applied to skin as a compress (a cloth soaked in lavender water) or in massage oil.

Available from aromatherapists or reputable stockists (ask for lavandula angustifolia).

Star of Bethlehem - a flower essence, used for shock and included in Rescue Remedy and Emergency Essence.

Taken orally, in water or applied to bruised skin.

Available from Cosmic Trader, Gillygate, York.

Flax - a plant used for many purposes, including making the cloth for Hopi Ear Candles. It should be applied by a trained thermo-auricular practitioner and is available from The Healing Clinic.

Arnica - for bruising and shock.

Best taken internally in pill or liquid form and is also available as a cream for topical application.

Available from local homeopaths.

Helichryum Floral Waters - for bruising or can be used as an antiseptic or skin toner.

Apply to skin on face during and after facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

Available from The Healing Clinic.

Garlic - for antibacterial or antiseptic purposes, and Ginger, for digestive complaints.

Taken internally but also applied to areas of skin to warm and sooth, for earaches, tonsillitis, backache, period pains by a qualified practitioner, in poultice or compress form.

Available from greengrocers.

Olive Lead extract - an antibacterial, antimicrobial and cleansing nutritional supplement.

To be taken internally in a tablet form and is available from The Healing Clinic.

For information, visit the clinic at 33 Fulford Cross, phone 01904 679868,

log on to www. thehealingclinic.co.uk or email jtranmer@thehealingclinic.co.uk

Updated: 10:45 Friday, July 08, 2005