Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

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 · 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.

Asia · Herb · № 123

Bitter orange

Citrus × aurantium

The dried unripe fruit (zhi shi) and peel are used in Chinese medicine for bloating and sluggish digestion. NCCIH warns that weight-loss products containing bitter orange (synephrine) pose risks to the heart and blood pressure.

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 · № 107

Wall germander

Teucrium chamaedrys

Formerly used as a digestive bitter, for gout and as a slimming aid. The risk of liver damage outweighs any possible benefit.

Europe · Herb · № 78

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

Traditionally used for coughs, colds and congestion. Clinical evidence is lacking.

Africa · Herb · № 116

Khella

Ammi visnaga

Contains khellin, a muscle relaxant that widens the airways and blood vessels. Khellin was the basis for modern drugs such as cromoglicate (for asthma) and amiodarone (for heart rhythm disorders).

Europe · Herb · № 44

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

A fragrant plant used in bath products, perfume, and aromatherapy. Evidence for medical effects is preliminary.

Europe · Herb · № 113

White horehound

Marrubium vulgare

A bitter herb traditionally used for coughs with sticky phlegm and bronchitis. In Europe it is recognised as a traditional herbal medicine; clinical evidence is limited.

Europe · Herb · № 45

Sage

Salvia officinalis

A culinary herb. A few small studies suggest possible effects on memory and blood lipids, but evidence is limited.

Europe · Food · № 61

Celery

Apium graveolens

Vegetable and spice. The seed was traditionally used for gout, joint complaints and as a diuretic. Convincing clinical evidence is lacking.

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.

Europe · Herb · № 72

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

The seed is traditionally used for wind, bloating and cramps. There are some small studies, but 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.

Asia · Herb · № 228

Anise

Pimpinella anisum

Traditionally attributed effects: gives a natural lip-plumping effect.

Europe · Food · № 296

Globe artichoke

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

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

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 · Herb · № 233

Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens

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

Asia · Food · № 221

Lemon

Citrus limon

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

Asia · Other · № 744

Dragon's blood (xue jie)

Daemonorops draco (ook Dracaena cochinchinensis)

Traditionally attributed effects: stops bleeding, resolves blood stagnation and promotes wound healing.

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.

Europe · Herb · № 300

Blessed thistle

Cnicus benedictus

Traditionally attributed effects: bitter digestive stimulant, expectorant, antiseptic, wound-healing.

Europe · Herb · № 317

Pellitory-of-the-wall

Parietaria judaica (syn. P. diffusa)

Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, soothing, calms the urinary tract lining.

Asia · Herb · № 566

Indian squill

Urginea indica

Traditionally attributed effects: in small doses expectorant, stimulates the heart, diuretic, decongestant, promotes menstruation; in large doses emetic and laxative.

Europe · Food · № 68

Cabbage

Brassica oleracea

A vegetable rich in vitamin C and fibre. In folk medicine cold cabbage leaves are placed on engorged breasts or painful joints; small studies give mixed results.

Europe · Herb · № 213

Bay laurel

Laurus nobilis

Bay leaf is a culinary herb containing cineole and eugenol. The oil of the berries was used externally for muscle pain; a medicinal effect has hardly been studied.

Europe · Herb · № 6

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

The leaf tastes of stock and celery. In folk medicine the root was used as a diuretic and for bloating; research is lacking.

Europe · Herb · № 208

Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus

An ornamental plant. In folk medicine leaves were laid as a poultice on sores and haemorrhoids; a medicinal effect has not been studied.

Asia · Food · № 238

Lime

Citrus aurantiifolia

A sour citrus fruit rich in vitamin C. The juice was given against scurvy and is used in Asia with honey or salt for coughs and sore throat.

Europe · Herb · № 291

Chaste tree

Vitex agnus-castus

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulates the pituitary gland and hormone production.

Europe · Herb · № 380

Clary sage

Salvia sclarea

The essential oil is used in relaxing baths and massages. A small study pointed to a relaxing effect when inhaled; the evidence is limited.

Asia · Herb · № 529

Oleander

Nerium indicum

Traditionally attributed effects: strongly diuretic and strengthens the heart (like digitalis), abortifacient.

Europe · Food · № 362

Olive

Olea europaea

Olive oil is the basis of the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Olive leaf extract is sold as a remedy for infections and high blood pressure; the evidence for this is limited and there is no evidence that it treats flu or other viral infections.

Asia · Food · № 689

Purslane (ma chi xian)

Portulaca oleracea

Traditionally attributed effects: cools the blood in dysentery and painful urination; externally for ulcers and insect bites.

Asia · Herb · № 133

Psyllium

Plantago ovata

The seed husks form a mucilaginous gel: an established bulk-forming fibre for constipation and mild diarrhoea that can also modestly lower LDL cholesterol.