Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

Europe · Food · № 101

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus en V. vitis-idaea

Rich in anthocyanins. Dried berries are an old remedy for diarrhoea. NCCIH reports there is not enough evidence for eye, blood-vessel or other claims.

Europe · Herb · № 111

European goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea

In Europe it is used to flush the urinary tract in mild complaints and is listed in European herbal monographs as a traditional remedy. Clinical evidence is limited.

Europe · Herb · № 194

European honeysuckle

Lonicera caprifolium, L. periclymenum

The sweet-scented flowers were used as tea or syrup for coughs. The berries are poisonous. In Chinese medicine the related Japanese honeysuckle (jin yin hua) is used for fever and sore throat.

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.

Europe · Food · № 253

Strawberry

Fragaria × ananassa

The garden strawberry is a fruit rich in vitamin C. The leaf of the related wild strawberry was drunk as tea for mild diarrhoea; no medicinal effect is described for the garden strawberry itself.

Europe · Herb · № 277

Bistort

Bistorta officinalis (syn. Polygonum bistorta)

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, stops diarrhoea and bleeding, anticatarrhal.

Europe · Herb · № 57

Agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria

An astringent, tannin-rich herb traditionally used for diarrhoea, sore throats and minor wounds. Good human research is lacking.

Europe · Herb · № 523

Corn mint

Mentha arvensis

Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, carminative, stimulating, antispasmodic, promotes menstruation, antiseptic, stomachic, cooling, diuretic; leaf juice for diarrhoea and dysentery, tea for rheumatism and indigestion.

Europe · Herb · № 79

Elecampane

Inula helenium

The root is traditionally used for productive coughs and bronchitis; it is rich in inulin. Clinical evidence is limited.

Europe · Herb · № 835

Mandrake

Mandragora officinarum

A highly poisonous plant containing tropane alkaloids, used in antiquity as a painkiller and sleeping draught.

Europe · Herb · № 63

Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium

One of the most bitter herbs; traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion and against intestinal worms. Clinical evidence is limited.

Europe · Herb · № 197

Carnation

Dianthus spp.

The clove pink has fragrant, edible petals. In Chinese medicine the related Dianthus superbus (qu mai) is used for bladder infections; no medicinal effect is described for the garden carnation.

Europe · Food · № 84

Apple

Malus domestica

A fruit rich in fibre such as pectin; grated apple is an old home remedy for mild diarrhoea. No specific medicinal effect has been proven.

Europe · Food · № 296

Globe artichoke

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

Traditionally attributed effects: liver tonic and restorative, promotes bile.

Europe · Food · № 65

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis en A. racemosus

A nutritious vegetable; root and shoots were traditionally used as a diuretic. There is no good evidence for a medicinal effect.

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.

Europe · Herb · № 276

Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Traditionally attributed effects: urinary antiseptic, astringent.

Europe · Herb · № 186

Birch

Betula pendula

Traditionally attributed effects: bitter, astringent, antirheumatic.

Europe · Herb · № 67

Borage

Borago officinalis

The seed oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid, has been studied for eczema and joint inflammation with mixed results. The leaf was traditionally used to reduce fever and as a tonic.

Europe · Herb · № 93

Betony

Betonica officinalis (syn. Stachys officinalis)

Traditionally used for tension headaches and nervousness. Modern clinical research is lacking.

Europe · Food · № 270

Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

A mild onion herb with vitamin C and sulphur compounds. A medicinal effect has not been shown.

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 · Herb · № 278

Bitter candytuft

Iberis amara

Traditionally attributed effects: antispasmodic, relaxing, strengthens the digestive tract, carminative; traditionally for gout and rheumatism.

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.

Europe · Other · № 74

Bladderwrack

Fucus vesiculosus

A brown seaweed rich in iodine; formerly used for an underactive thyroid and for weight loss. Weight-loss claims are unproven.

Europe · Food · № 73

Wild strawberry

Fragaria vesca

The tannin-rich leaf was traditionally used for mild diarrhoea; the fruit is a treat rich in vitamin C. Medical evidence is lacking.

Europe · Food · № 255

Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent; for damp stomach and bowel complaints, diarrhoea, mucus; syrup or liqueur against sore throat.

Europe · Food · № 48

Stinging nettle

Urtica dioica

A food and fiber plant with a long tradition in folk medicine. Medical claims are not established.

Europe · Herb · № 283

Broom

Cytisus scoparius

Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, laxative, raises blood pressure, stimulates the uterus.

Europe · Mushroom · № 578

Chaga

Inonotus obliquus

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, adaptogen, antioxidant; regulates the immune system (also in autoimmune diseases), lowers cholesterol, balances blood sugar, anti-inflammatory.

Europe · Herb · № 225

Chicory

Cichorium intybus

Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, laxative, tonic.

Europe · Herb · № 233

Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens

Traditionally attributed effects: antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, diuretic.

Europe · Herb · № 325

Southernwood

Artemisia abrotanum

Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, antiseptic, bitter, stimulates the uterus.

Europe · Herb · № 85

Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Traditionally used for restlessness, sleep problems and a nervous stomach; externally for cold sores. Small studies suggest a mild calming effect, but evidence is limited.

Europe · Herb · № 320

Wild garlic

Allium ursinum

Traditionally attributed effects: antimicrobial, lowers blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.