Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Asia · Herb · № 643

Chinese raspberry (fu pen zi)

Rubus chingii

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidneys and liver; for poor vision, frequent urination and impotence.

Asia · Food · № 572

Chinese jujube

Zizyphus vulgaris

Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, lowers blood sugar, soothing, soothing to the chest.

Asia · Food · № 802

Chinese chestnut

Castanea mollissima

Traditionally attributed effects: dried, peeled chestnuts give sweet soups such as the eight-treasure soup their sweetness; in Chinese food therapy they strengthen spleen and kidneys.

Asia · Food · № 635

Chinese yam (shan yao)

Dioscorea polystachya (syn. D. opposita)

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens spleen, stomach and lungs, helps regulate the hormone system in women and is said to lower blood sugar.

Asia · Food · № 445

Chironji

Buchanania lanzan

Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, cleansing, laxative, diuretic; seeds nutritious, gum for diarrhoea, ointment for itching and skin blemishes, oil for swollen neck glands, substitute for almond oil.

Asia · Food · № 221

Lemon

Citrus limon

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

Asia · Herb · № 639

Codonopsis (dang shen)

Codonopsis pilosula

Traditionally attributed effects: reduces fatigue, supports the production of blood cells and strengthens spleen, stomach and lungs.

Asia · Mushroom · № 147

Caterpillar fungus (cordyceps)

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis)

A fungus that parasitises caterpillars. Used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine for fatigue, lung complaints and low libido. Studies are small and there is no convincing evidence.

North America · Food · № 13

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

A food berry. Products may help lower recurrent UTI risk for some women, but findings are mixed; it does not treat an existing UTI.

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.

Europe · Food · № 245

Grape

Vitis vinifera

Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, laxative, cooling, stomachic, diuretic; for bilious indigestion, bleeding, painful urination, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, gout; juice for constipation in children.

Europe · Mushroom · № 115

Penny bun (porcini)

Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, Morchella esculenta, Pleurotus ostreatus

A prized edible mushroom with protein, fibre and minerals. Medicinal claims are unproven.

Oceania · Food · № 177

Emu berry (dysentery bush)

Grewia retusifolia

The small fruits are edible; the name dysentery bush refers to its traditional use for diarrhoea. There is no clinical research.

Asia · Food · № 260

Peas

Pisum sativum

A legume rich in protein and fibre. In Chinese medicine (wan dou) the pea is regarded as a mild remedy for the spleen and for mild diarrhoea.

Africa · Herb · № 118

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

The seed has been studied for blood sugar and for increasing breast milk. NCCIH reports there is not enough strong evidence for these uses.

Africa · Food · № 360

Bottle gourd

Lagenaria siceraria

Young fruits are eaten as a mild, easily digestible vegetable. Medical claims, for example about the heart or peace of mind, have not been studied.

Europe · Food · № 90

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

The fruit is a nutritious berry. Raspberry leaf has been used in folk medicine in late pregnancy to ease labour; convincing evidence is lacking.

Europe · Herb · № 297

Goat's rue

Galega officinalis

Traditionally attributed effects: lowers blood sugar, stimulates insulin, promotes milk flow, diuretic.

Asia · Food · № 269

Barley

Hordeum vulgare

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, light; good for skin and hair.

Asia · Food · № 827

Ghee

Clarified butter used in Ayurveda as food and as a carrier for herbs.

Asia · Herb · № 37

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

There is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo helps any health condition. A modest effect on dementia symptoms is possible, but results are inconsistent.

Asia · Herb · № 315

Glossy privet (nu zhen zi)

Ligustrum lucidum

Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, diuretic, stimulates the immune system.

Asia · Herb · № 649

Glehnia root (sha shen)

Glehnia littoralis

Traditionally attributed effects: nourishes the lungs and is good for the stomach; for persistent dry cough and to dissolve phlegm.

Asia · Food · № 637

Goji (Chinese wolfberry)

Lycium barbarum, L. chinense

Traditionally attributed effects: sweet tonic that according to tradition strengthens the yang energy, strength and stamina and supports the hormone system.

Asia · Food · № 343

Pomegranate

Punica granatum

Traditionally attributed effects: root and stem bark astringent and strongly expel tapeworm; flowers and peel astringent and stomachic; juice cooling.

Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 257

Grapefruit

Citrus × paradisi

A citrus fruit rich in vitamin C. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice inhibit enzymes that break down many medicines. The essential oil is used in skin and hair products, but effects on cellulite or hair growth have not been shown.

Asia · Food · № 16

Green tea

Camellia sinensis

A brewed tea. Evidence does not establish most health claims; extracts differ from the ordinary beverage.

North America · Food · № 962

Ground plum

Astragalus crassicarpus

A low legume with purple-pink flowers and thick, round pods that lie on the ground like small plums. Only the young pods are edible.

Europe · Herb · № 62

Greater burdock

Arctium lappa

In Europe the root was considered a 'blood-cleansing' herb for skin problems such as eczema and acne; the seed is used in Chinese medicine for sore throats. Clinical evidence is weak.

Oceania · Herb · № 174

Gumbi gumbi

Pittosporum spp.

Leaves, seeds or wood were steeped in hot water and drunk or used externally, for example for colds, coughs, eczema and cramps. Laboratory research points to antimicrobial compounds; clinical studies are lacking.

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.

Europe · Food · № 196

Hazel

Corylus avellana

The nuts are nourishing and rich in unsaturated fats and vitamin E. Hazelnut oil is a light oil for the skin; a medicinal effect has not been shown.

Europe · Herb · № 69

Shepherd's purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Traditionally used to slow bleeding, such as heavy periods or nosebleeds. Clinical evidence is very limited.

Asia · Food · № 518

Ridged gourd

Luffa acutangula

Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, diuretic, bitter tonic, nourishing, expectorant, lowers blood sugar; seeds emetic and laxative; for enlarged spleen, dysentery; leaves on ulcers, ringworm, haemorrhoids, leprosy, insect and snake bites.

Africa · Food · № 807

Honeybush

Cyclopia intermedia

A caffeine-free, sweetish tea related to rooibos. Health effects have not been established.

Asia · Food · № 697

Hyacinth bean (bian dou)

Lablab purpureus (syn. Dolichos lablab)

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the spleen and drains dampness in summer heat with diarrhoea and vomiting.