Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Asia · Mushroom · № 145

Shiitake

Lentinula edodes

An edible mushroom. Lentinan from shiitake is researched and used in oncology in Japan; there is little evidence for ordinary shiitake as an 'immune booster'.

Europe · Herb · № 95

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Topical preparations have been studied for bruises, sprains and back pain and appear to reduce pain. It contains allantoin, which is thought to support tissue repair.

Africa · Herb · № 467

Ivy gourd

Coccinia indica

Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, laxative (bark), antispasmodic and expectorant (leaf and stem), lowers blood sugar; for incipient diabetes, swollen glands, skin diseases, smallpox rash, gonorrhoea, bronchitis.

North America · Herb · № 152

Witch hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Strongly astringent due to tannins. Witch hazel water and ointment are used externally for minor skin irritation, bruises and haemorrhoids; there is limited but reasonably supportive evidence.

Europe · Herb · № 114

Arnica

Arnica montana

Used externally for bruises and muscle aches. Studies give mixed results. Homeopathic arnica is so diluted that it contains no active substance.

Asia · Herb · № 667

Greater duckweed (fu ping)

Spirodela polyrhiza

Traditionally attributed effects: diaphoretic and diuretic; helps rashes come out.

Europe · Food · № 21

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Berries have a folk-use history for cold and flu symptoms; clinical evidence remains preliminary.

Asia · Herb · № 694

Dittany root bark (bai xian pi)

Dictamnus dasycarpus

Traditionally attributed effects: drains heat, dampness and wind in itchy, weeping skin conditions.

Asia · Herb · № 682

Woad (ban lan gen)

Isatis tinctoria (syn. I. indigotica)

Traditionally attributed effects: root (ban lan gen) and leaf (da qing ye) cool heat and 'toxin' in viral infections, sore throat and mumps.

North America · Mineral · № 365

Zinc

An essential mineral. Zinc lozenges may make a cold slightly shorter if taken at the very first symptoms; for herpes, ADHD or other conditions the evidence is weak or absent.

Asia · Herb · № 363

Black seed

Nigella sativa

Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, diuretic and sudorific, promotes bile, stomachic, stimulating, carminative, expels worms, promotes menstruation and milk flow, antibacterial.