Steam and bath

Herbs on this site whose description mentions this preparation. That does not mean every herb is safe to prepare yourself: read the safety information for each one.

• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 277

  Bistort

  Bistorta officinalis (syn. Polygonum bistorta)

  Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, stops diarrhoea and bleeding, anticatarrhal.

  Western herbal medicine
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 79

  Elecampane

  Inula helenium

  The root is traditionally used for productive coughs and bronchitis; it is rich in inulin. Clinical evidence is limited.

  Greco-Roman medicine+4
• Caution

  Africa · Herb · № 4

  Aloe vera

  Aloe vera

  The gel from the leaf is used externally to soothe the skin and for minor burns. Research on wound healing gives mixed results; the gel is no substitute for wound care.

  Kallawaya healing knowledge+6Folklore
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 63

  Wormwood

  Artemisia absinthium

  One of the most bitter herbs; traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion and against intestinal worms. Clinical evidence is limited.

  Greco-Roman medicine+5
• Caution

  South America · Herb · № 896

  Altamisa

  Ambrosia peruviana

  An aromatic, hairy ragweed. In its native range it is used as a painkilling, anti-inflammatory, deworming and antiseptic remedy; good research is lacking.

  Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
• Caution

  Asia · Food · № 223

  Almond

  Prunus dulcis

  Traditionally attributed effects: sweet almond soothing, stimulating, nourishing, strengthens the nerves; bitter almond soothing, laxative, calming in cough.

  Ayurveda+2Folklore
• Caution

  North America · Herb · № 932

  American basswood

  Tilia americana

  A large broadleaf tree with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers, related to the European lime. The flowers contain mucilage and flavonoids. The wood is soft and easy to carve; the inner bark gives strong fibre.

  Haudenosaunee medicine+1
• Caution

  Europe · Food · № 84

  Apple

  Malus domestica

  A fruit rich in fibre such as pectin; grated apple is an old home remedy for mild diarrhoea. No specific medicinal effect has been proven.

  Western herbal medicine+2Folklore
• Caution

  Africa · Herb · № 8

  Basil

  Ocimum basilicum

  Traditionally used as an aromatic food plant and in herbal preparations.

  Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
• Caution

  Asia · Herb · № 123

  Bitter orange

  Citrus × aurantium

  The dried unripe fruit (zhi shi) and peel are used in Chinese medicine for bloating and sluggish digestion. NCCIH warns that weight-loss products containing bitter orange (synephrine) pose risks to the heart and blood pressure.

  Chinese medical traditions+2
• Caution

  Europe · Mineral · № 9

  Epsom salt

  Magnesium sulphate. In sufficient amounts it acts as a laxative because it holds water in the bowel. In a bath it is used to relax muscles; that magnesium is absorbed through the skin has not been shown.

  Western herbal medicine
• Caution

  Oceania · Herb · № 176

  Cajeput and niaouli

  Melaleuca cajuputi, M. viridiflora, M. leucadendra e.a.

  Both relatives of tea tree yield an essential oil used externally for muscle pain and in inhalations for colds. Clinical evidence is limited.

  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge+2
• Caution

  North America · Herb · № 931

  Eastern hemlock

  Tsuga canadensis

  An evergreen conifer with short, flat needles. The bark is rich in tannins and was once used to tan leather. Medicinal effects have not been studied.

  Haudenosaunee medicine+1
• Caution

  South America · Herb · № 1002

  Chachacomo

  Escallonia resinosa (en verwante soorten, o.a. E. micrantha)

  A shrub or tree of 2 to 10 metres with reddish, papery bark and small, finely toothed leaves full of resin and essential oil. Almost nothing has been studied about its effect in people.

  Kallawaya healing knowledge
• Caution

  South America · Herb · № 890

  Chilca

  Baccharis latifolia (en verwante soorten, o.a. B. pentlandii)

  A fast-growing, densely branched shrub with glossy, sticky leaves. Little is known from research about its effect in people.

  Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 233

  Cypress

  Cupressus sempervirens

  Traditionally attributed effects: antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, diuretic.

  Greco-Roman medicine+2Folklore
• Caution

  Asia · Food · № 221

  Lemon

  Citrus limon

  Traditionally attributed effects: anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, diuretic, strengthens the veins.

  Ayurveda+3Folklore
• Caution

  South America · Herb · № 378

  Lemon verbena

  Aloysia citrodora

  Traditionally attributed effects: relaxing, helps you fall asleep.

  The Guaraní and the mate tradition+4Folklore
• Caution

  North America · Herb · № 579

  Chaparral

  Larrea divaricata

  Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, stimulating, cleansing, diuretic; detoxifies the liver and body, anti-inflammatory, for arthritis, strengthens bladder and kidneys, externally for haemorrhoids, boils, bedsores and bruises.

  Western herbal medicine
• Caution

  South America · Herb · № 856

  Culén

  Grimolobium glandulosum (syn. Otholobium glandulosum, Psoralea glandulosa)

  A shrub of the pea family with glandular, fragrant leaves. Traditionally used for digestive complaints, diarrhoea and on wounds; good research is lacking.

  Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
• Caution

  North America · Herb · № 189

  Pine

  Pinus spp.

  The scent of needles and resin is experienced as fresh and cleansing. Pine buds and needles contain essential oil and vitamin C; a medicinal effect has hardly been studied.

  Haudenosaunee medicine+3Folklore
• Caution

  North America · Herb · № 966

  Devil's club

  Oplopanax horridus

  An ivy-like shrub with large, hand-shaped leaves and spines over the whole stem and the leaf veins. Research into a blood-sugar-lowering effect is at an early stage.

  Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 56

  Yarrow

  Achillea millefolium

  Traditionally used to stop bleeding from minor wounds, for fevers and colds, and as a digestive bitter. Clinical evidence is limited.

  Greco-Roman medicine+6Folklore
• Caution

  Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 820

  Estafiate (white sagebrush)

  Artemisia ludoviciana

  A bitter, aromatic herb used in Mexico for stomach ache and digestive complaints.

  Curanderismo+1
• Caution

  Oceania · Herb · № 172

  Eucalyptus

  Eucalyptus globulus

  Eucalyptus oil is used for coughs and blocked noses with colds and externally for muscle pain; the European Medicines Agency recognises these as traditional uses. Strong clinical evidence is limited.

  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge+4Folklore
• Caution

  Asia · Herb · № 1

  Ginger

  Zingiber officinale

  Traditionally used for nausea and digestive discomfort; it has a warming flavor.

  Ayurveda+6Folklore
• Caution

  Europe · Food · № 66

  Oats

  Avena sativa

  Oat flakes provide beta-glucan, a fibre that according to approved health claims can help maintain normal cholesterol. Oatmeal is also used in baths for dry, itchy skin. Its traditional role as a nerve tonic is unproven.

  Western herbal medicine+1
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 78

  Hyssop

  Hyssopus officinalis

  Traditionally used for coughs, colds and congestion. Clinical evidence is lacking.

  Western herbal medicine+2Folklore
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 103

  Vervain

  Verbena officinalis

  Traditionally used for nervousness, exhaustion and as a digestive bitter. Scientific evidence is largely lacking.

  Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
• Caution

  Asia · Herb · № 126

  Jasmine

  Jasminum officinale / J. grandiflorum

  Best known as a fragrance and in jasmine tea; jasmine aromatherapy is used for relaxation. Medical claims are unproven.

  Ayurveda+4Folklore
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 81

  Juniper

  Juniperus communis

  The berries are traditionally used as a diuretic, for digestive complaints and externally for joint pain. Clinical evidence is limited.

  Western herbal medicine+5Folklore
• Caution

  North America · Other · № 384

  Jojoba

  Simmondsia chinensis

  The liquid wax from the seeds resembles the sebum of human skin and is quickly absorbed. It is used for dry skin and hair; medical claims have been little studied.

  Indigenous healing traditions of North America
• Caution

  North America · Herb · № 970

  Barestem lomatium

  Lomatium nudicaule (in Boas: Peucedanum)

  An umbellifer with blue-green leaves and yellow umbels. The seeds are strongly aromatic; related lomatiums are being studied for antiviral effects.

  Kwakwaka'wakw medicine
• Caution

  Asia · Other · № 141

  Camphor

  Cinnamomum camphora

  Used externally in rubs for muscle pain, itching and blocked noses; it gives a cooling, numbing feeling. There is some evidence of short-term relief.

  Ayurveda+3
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 19

  Chamomile

  Matricaria chamomilla (Duitse kamille)

  Flowers are used in teas and topical or oral products. Reliable evidence is insufficient for most claimed conditions.

  Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
• Caution

  Asia · Food · № 38

  Cinnamon

  Cinnamomum verum

  A spice made from inner bark. Research on health effects is preliminary; cinnamon is not a treatment.

  Ayurveda+8Folklore