Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Europe · Herb · № 330

White bryony

Bryonia alba

Traditionally attributed effects: antirheumatic, laxative.

Europe · Herb · № 301

Horse chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum

Traditionally attributed effects: anti-inflammatory, astringent.

North America · Herb · № 986

Yellowroot

Xanthorhiza simplicissima

A low shrub of the buttercup family, one of the few woody species in that family. Root and stem are bright yellow from berberine, a bitter substance also found in goldenseal and barberry that inhibits bacteria and fungi.

South America · Herb · № 980

Yoco

Paullinia yoco

A woody liana of the soapberry family, related to guarana. The bark contains caffeine and theobromine; 0.1 to 3.6 percent caffeine has been measured, most in the inner bark of the stem. It is one of the few plants whose bark, rather than its seed or leaf, gives a caffeine drink.

North America · Herb · № 973

Salmonberry

Rubus spectabilis

A bramble with pink flowers and yellow-orange to red berries. Leaves and bark contain tannins and are astringent.

South America · Herb · № 324

Soap bark

Quillaja saponaria

Traditionally attributed effects: expectorant, cleansing, anti-inflammatory.

Europe · Herb · № 187

English oak

Quercus robur

The bark contains a lot of tannins and is astringent. It is used as a decoction for diarrhoea, as a mouthwash for inflamed gums and as a sitz bath for haemorrhoids.

North America · Herb · № 209

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Sunflower seeds and oil are rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid. The oil is used for dry skin; claims about scars or skin ageing have not been shown.

North America · Herb · № 971

Black twinberry

Lonicera involucrata

A honeysuckle with yellow flowers in pairs, which later form two shiny black berries in red bracts. Effects not studied.

North America · Herb · № 576

Black walnut

Juglans nigra

Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, laxative, astringent, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal; cleanses and strengthens the large intestine, for skin problems, traveller's diarrhoea, sinusitis, underactive thyroid.

Europe · Food · № 10

Bergamot

Citrus bergamia

The peel yields bergamot oil, a fragrance in perfume and Earl Grey tea. The oil contains bergapten, which makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Health claims are not well studied.

Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 347

Mexican marigold

Tagetes erecta

Traditionally attributed effects: curbs sebum in oily skin, calms and prevents dehydration in dry skin, hydrates and keeps wrinkles at bay in combination skin; spiritual symbol of inner fire.

Asia · Herb · № 340

Ajwain

Trachyspermum ammi

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, carminative, tonic, aromatic, antispasmodic, antiseptic; for flatulence, indigestion, colic, diarrhoea, cholera, intestinal cramps; source of thymol; against worms.

Asia · Herb · № 376

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Traditionally attributed effects: calming and moisture-restoring for dry skin.

South America · Food · № 916

Algarrobo (Peruvian mesquite)

Neltuma pallida (syn. Prosopis pallida)

A thorny tree of the pea family, related to mesquite, with sweet pods full of sugars. With its deep roots the tree holds the dry forest together.

Asia · Food · № 223

Almond

Prunus dulcis

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

Asia · Herb · № 349

Amla

Phyllanthus emblica

Traditionally attributed effects: fresh fruit cooling, diuretic, laxative, stomachic; bark astringent; for lung and eye inflammation, hair growth, asthma, bronchitis, bile complaints, bleeding, diarrhoea, dysentery, anaemia, jaundice.

Asia · Herb · № 414

King of bitters

Andrographis paniculata

Traditionally attributed effects: stomachic, tonic, fever-reducing, cleansing, expels worms, promotes bile; for flatulence, lack of appetite, intestinal complaints in children, diarrhoea, dysentery, sluggish liver, nerve pain, recovery after fever.

Asia · Herb · № 228

Anise

Pimpinella anisum

Traditionally attributed effects: gives a natural lip-plumping effect.

Africa · Herb · № 450

Apple of Sodom

Calotropis procera

Traditionally attributed effects: root bark for dysentery and elephantiasis; leaves for intermittent fever; milky sap irritant and laxative; flowers for colds, cough, asthma and indigestion.

Africa · Herb · № 371

Gum arabic (acacia)

Acacia senegal

A soluble fibre that forms a mucilaginous solution in water. It soothes the throat and stomach and is being studied as a prebiotic; it can cause wind and bloating. There is no evidence that it treats viral infections such as HPV.

Africa · Herb · № 422

Worm killer

Aristolochia bracteata

Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, promotes menstruation, cleansing, antipyretic, expels worms; strengthens contractions, for colic, absent or painful menstruation, intermittent fever, worms, skin diseases.

South America · Herb · № 873

Arrayán (Chilean myrtle)

Luma apiculata

The Chilean myrtle, with cinnamon-coloured bark, fragrant leaves and edible black berries. Traditionally an astringent; research is lacking.

Asia · Herb · № 401

Indian atees

Aconitum heterophyllum

Traditionally attributed effects: bitter tonic, astringent, fever-reducing, stomachic, aphrodisiac; for weakness after fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, cough, indigestion; in children against cough, colds, fever and vomiting.

Europe · Other · № 597

Usnea

Usnea barbata

Traditionally attributed effects: antimicrobial, antifungal, immunomodulating, soothing, laxative, nourishing; against streptococci (sore throat), staphylococci, cellulitis and infected wounds, antiviral (HPV), yeast infections.

Africa · Herb · № 398

Babul tree

Acacia nilotica

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, soothing, aphrodisiac, nourishing, expectorant; for cough, diarrhoea and dysentery, sore throat and spongy gums, wounds and skin diseases, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, prolapse of anus and uterus.

Asia · Herb · № 404

Bael fruit

Aegle marmelos

Traditionally attributed effects: ripe fruit cooling, nourishing, mildly laxative; unripe fruit astringent and aids digestion; for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, asthma (leaves), intermittent fever, melancholy and palpitations.

South America · Herb · № 869

Bailahuén

Haplopappus baylahuen

A resinous shrub of the daisy family. A well-known Chilean tea for liver and bowel complaints; an effect has not been proven.

Africa · Herb · № 413

Pellitory root

Anacyclus pyrethrum

Traditionally attributed effects: promotes salivation, strengthens the nerves; for toothache and caries, sore throat, tonsillitis, epilepsy, rheumatism.

Asia · Herb · № 465

Bhant

Clerodendrum infortunatum

Traditionally attributed effects: bitter tonic, antipyretic, expels worms, laxative, promotes bile; externally for tumours and skin diseases, root for sluggish bowels.

Asia · Herb · № 563

Bibhitaki

Terminalia bellerica

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, tonic, expectorant, laxative (unripe fruit), cleansing.

Europe · Herb · № 64

Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris

Traditionally used as a digestive bitter and to bring on delayed periods. Clinical evidence is largely lacking.

Europe · Herb · № 513

Henbane

Hyoscyamus niger

Traditionally attributed effects: intoxicating, narcotic, pain-relieving, calming, antispasmodic, dilates the pupils.

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.

Asia · Herb · № 439

Blepharis

Blepharis edulis

Traditionally attributed effects: resolvent, diuretic, aphrodisiac, expectorant; for impotence, blood, chest, lung and liver diseases; leaves for fever, urinary discharge, leucoderma; root regulates menstruation.

Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 265

Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris

A legume rich in protein and fibre. Raw or undercooked beans contain the toxic phytohaemagglutinin; thorough cooking is needed. Beans are otherwise mainly food, not medicine.