Winston Ingram Herbs
Professor Winston Ingram has worked as a scientist, photographer, artist and musician for over fifty years. He is currently retired and resides in London. These images are from his work with herbs. He used multiple microscopy techniques including brightfield, darkfield, polarization and phase contrast. A thermal imaging camera was also used to capture images of some of the samples. Slides were prepared with liquid samples and other images are of the herbs in their original form. At the bottom of the page you can find descriptions of each of the herbs.
Chamomile
Chamomile is most widely known for its use in herbal teas. It is a common name for several plants of the Asteraceae family. Chamomile is also used as a flavoring agent in beverages and foods, and is also used in soaps and cosmetics.
Milk thistle
Scientific name Silybum marianum, is a plant in the Asteraceae family. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine to help with liver function, lower cholesterol and provide heart benefits.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the Malvaceae family. The genus encompasses several hundred species. Hibiscus is used in teas, food, and landscaping. It’s a popular shrub in landscaping as it attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Nettle
Nettle is a herbaceous flowering plant in the Urticaceae family and has hollow stinging hairs called trichomes which inject histamine and other chemicals producing a stinging sensation. Nettle has been used in traditional medicine, tea, food, and textiles.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass, scientific name Cymbopogon, is a grass of the Poaceae family. Lemongrass is commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine for its sent which resembles that of lemons.
Hyssop
Hyssop is a shrub in the mint family. It is used in traditional herbal medicine as a cough reliever, antiseptic, and an expectorant.
NOTE: Always consult your physician before using any herbs as a form of medication.