The present invention provides hemostatic compositions comprising components of the flowers of pharmaceutical chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), the leaves of dioecious nettle (Urtica dioica), kaolin, chitosan, fibrinogen and thrombin. Further inclusion of a biocompatible polymeric base, particularly an alignate, generates a composition with superior and broad spectrum hemostatic capabilities, including the ability to arrest arterial hemorrhage. The invention further provides methods of using the inventive compositions in to reduce or stop bleeding, as well as a variety of apparatuses useful in hemostatic contexts that incorporate the inventive compositions. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides hemostatic dressings in which a polymeric layer incorporating chamomile, nettle, kaolin, chitosan, fibrinogen and thrombin components is applied to a textile or fabric material, for example a non-woven viscose.