Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Europe · Food · № 264

Leek

Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

A vegetable with fibre, vitamin K and sulphur compounds, related to onion and garlic. Leek soup is an old home remedy for colds and hoarseness.

South America · Herb · № 915

Rhatany (ratania)

Krameria lappacea (syn. Krameria triandra)

A low shrub that is partly parasitic on the roots of other plants. The red root is rich in tannins and is therefore astringent. In Europe rhatany root is listed in the pharmacopoeia and used in mouthwashes and gum remedies.

Asia · Mushroom · № 690

Puffball (ma bo)

Calvatia gigantea (en Lasiosphaera fenzlii)

Traditionally attributed effects: cools lung fire in sore throat and hoarseness; the spore powder stops bleeding externally.

South America · Herb · № 888

Giant horsetail

Equisetum giganteum

A large horsetail, rich in silica. Traditionally used as a diuretic, like European field horsetail; good evidence is lacking.

North America · Herb · № 967

Red alder

Alnus rubra

A fast-growing alder with smooth grey bark that turns red after cutting. The bark is rich in tannins and astringent.

North America · Herb · № 323

Slippery elm

Ulmus rubra (syn. U. fulva)

Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, nourishing, astringent.

North America · Herb · № 964

Seneca snakeroot

Polygala senega (syn. Senega officinalis)

A low milkwort with white flower spikes. The root contains saponins that loosen phlegm and promote coughing; it is in the European Pharmacopoeia as a cough remedy.

Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 923

Sinicuichi

Heimia salicifolia

A shrub of the loosestrife family with narrow leaves and yellow flowers. Contains vertine (cryogenine), lyfoline and lythrine. Said to cause slight dizziness, a yellow tint over what one sees and the feeling that sounds come from far away.

Europe · Herb · № 43

St. John's wort

Hypericum perforatum

Research suggests it may help mild to moderate depression; evidence for other uses is insufficient.

North America · Herb · № 286

California poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Traditionally attributed effects: pain-relieving, sleep-inducing, calming.

North America · Herb · № 295

Fringe tree

Chionanthus virginicus

Traditionally attributed effects: promotes bile, stimulates the liver, tonic, diuretic.

Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 819

Tobacco

Nicotiana rustica

A ceremonial plant of many Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Tobacco is addictive and harmful to health.

Oceania · Other · № 22

Tea tree oil

Melaleuca alternifolia

An essential oil for external use. Limited research suggests possible effects for acne or athlete’s foot; evidence is preliminary.

North America · Herb · № 171

Evening primrose

Oenothera biennis

The seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid and is sold for eczema, premenstrual symptoms and hot flushes. NCCIH reports it does not help eczema and that evidence for other conditions is insufficient.

Europe · Herb · № 98

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Traditionally used for coughs and bronchitis; thymol from the oil inhibits bacteria and fungi in the laboratory. There are some studies of thyme-based cough syrups.

South America · Herb · № 892

Tola

Parastrephia quadrangularis (syn. Lepidophyllum quadrangulare, P. lepidophylla)

A resinous shrub up to two metres tall with small, scale-like leaves; typical of the dry high plateau.

North America · Herb · № 993

Tulip tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

The tallest broadleaf tree of eastern America, up to almost sixty metres, of the magnolia family, with tulip-shaped greenish-yellow flowers with an orange patch. The bark is bitter and contains the alkaloid liriodenine and sesquiterpenes that inhibit bacteria and fungi; it was formerly used as a tonic and quinine substitute. The flowers give much nectar for a dark honey.

Asia · Food · № 240

Onion

Allium cepa

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, diuretic, expectorant, skin-irritant, aphrodisiac, antiseptic; for cough, haemorrhoids, jaundice, indigestion, insect bites, boils, wounds, chilblains and sore joints.

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.

Europe · Herb · № 179

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Contains cardiac glycosides that slow the heart rate and strengthen its contractions. They gave rise to the drugs digoxin and digitoxin, still prescribed for certain heart rhythm disorders and heart failure. The margin between an effective and a toxic amount is very small.

Europe · Herb · № 94

Chickweed

Stellaria media

Traditionally used externally as a cooling ointment or compress for itching, eczema and minor skin irritation. There is hardly any clinical research.

North America · Herb · № 587

Western larch

Larix occidentalis

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, prebiotic; improves digestion and gut flora, strengthens the immune system, studied in tumours, helps with middle ear infections in children.

Africa · Herb · № 373

Frankincense

Boswellia sacra

The resin is mainly used as incense and fragrance. Extracts of related Boswellia species have been studied for osteoarthritis, with modest and variable results.

North America · Herb · № 332

Wild indigo

Baptisia tinctoria

Traditionally attributed effects: antiseptic, antibacterial, fever-reducing, laxative.

North America · Herb · № 156

Wild black cherry

Prunus serotina

The dried bark was long used in cough syrups to calm irritating coughs. Modern clinical evidence is lacking.

Asia · Herb · № 517

Wild tobacco

Lobelia nicotianaefolia

Traditionally attributed effects: antiseptic, antifungal, antispasmodic (in combination with other remedies).

North America · Herb · № 598

White oak

Quercus alba

Traditionally attributed effects: strongly astringent; strengthens lax tissue (diarrhoea, inflamed gums, chronic nasal congestion, weak bladder), stops bleeding (nosebleeds, internal bleeding).

Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 632

Yerba mansa

Anemopsis californica

Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind and dampness in joint pain that worsens in cold, wet weather, opens blocked sinuses and dries dampness in slow-healing wounds and swellings.

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.