Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

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 · № 403

Maidenhair fern

Adiantum philippense

Traditionally attributed effects: antipyretic, diuretic, cleansing, expels worms, cooling; for cough and respiratory complaints, fever, leprosy, erysipelas.

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 · Food · № 21

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

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

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.

Europe · Herb · № 58

Lady's mantle

Alchemilla xanthochlora

An astringent herb used in folk medicine mainly for heavy periods and diarrhoea. There is little clinical research.

Asia · Herb · № 640

Fragrant Solomon's seal (yu zhu)

Polygonatum odoratum

Traditionally attributed effects: nourishes the stomach and promotes the production of body fluids; for fatigue, poor appetite, weak digestion and exhaustion.

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 · Herb · № 973

Salmonberry

Rubus spectabilis

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

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.