Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

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 · № 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.

South America · Food · № 250

Pineapple

Ananas comosus

Traditionally attributed effects: fever-reducing, cleansing, bitter tonic; ripe fruit diuretic, induces sweating, cooling, digests protein; leaf laxative and expels worms; unripe fruit strongly diuretic, promotes menstruation and abortifacient.

Africa · Herb · № 371

Gum arabic (acacia)

Acacia senegal

A soluble fibre that forms a mucilaginous solution in water. It soothes the throat and stomach and is being studied as a prebiotic; it can cause wind and bloating. There is no evidence that it treats viral infections such as HPV.

Africa · Herb · № 422

Worm killer

Aristolochia bracteata

Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, promotes menstruation, cleansing, antipyretic, expels worms; strengthens contractions, for colic, absent or painful menstruation, intermittent fever, worms, skin diseases.

Asia · Herb · № 17

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

An Ayurvedic medicinal plant. Some preparations have been studied for stress and sleep, but evidence is limited and products vary.

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 · № 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.

Asia · Herb · № 551

Marking nut

Semecarpus anacardium

Traditionally attributed effects: pungent, stimulating, aids digestion, antispasmodic, cleansing, strengthens the nerves, caustic, strengthens the heart; for leprosy, scrofula, syphilis, skin diseases, epilepsy, nervous weakness, nerve pain, asthma, indigestion, haemorrhoids, enlarged spleen.

Europe · Herb · № 64

Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris

Traditionally used as a digestive bitter and to bring on delayed periods. Clinical evidence is largely lacking.

North America · Herb · № 280

Blue cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, stimulates the uterus, diuretic, antirheumatic.

North America · Herb · № 372

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, emetic, expectorant, restorative; part of escharotic treatment for cervical dysplasia, warms lungs/stomach/uterus, promotes coughing up.

Europe · Herb · № 283

Broom

Cytisus scoparius

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

North America · Herb · № 34

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

There is not enough evidence to determine whether goldenseal helps any health condition.

South America · Herb · № 852

Canelo (Winter's bark)

Drimys winteri

A tree with a peppery, bitter bark. As Winter's bark it was a remedy for scurvy for centuries; otherwise its effects are little studied.

Asia · Herb · № 120

Dong quai (dang gui)

Angelica sinensis

In Chinese medicine one of the most important herbs to 'nourish the blood', especially for menstrual complaints. Western studies found no clear effect on menopausal symptoms.

Asia · Herb · № 137

Chinese rhubarb

Rheum palmatum

The root (da huang) contains anthraquinones, making it a strong laxative. In small amounts its tannins have the opposite, binding effect. Its mechanism is well understood.

Europe · Herb · № 325

Southernwood

Artemisia abrotanum

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

North America · Mineral · № 364

Colloidal silver

Silver particles in water. There is no evidence that colloidal silver treats infections, HIV or other diseases; it can, however, cause argyria, a permanent blue-grey discoloration of the skin and organs.

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 · Food · № 90

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

The fruit is a nutritious berry. Raspberry leaf has been used in folk medicine in late pregnancy to ease labour; convincing evidence is lacking.

Asia · Herb · № 344

Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

Traditionally attributed effects: aromatic, pungent, strengthens the heart, stomachic, laxative, diuretic, carminative; for asthma, bronchitis, haemorrhoids, bladder complaints, flatulence, cramps from laxatives, dizziness, indigestion, vomiting.

Oceania · Herb · № 174

Gumbi gumbi

Pittosporum spp.

Leaves, seeds or wood were steeped in hot water and drunk or used externally, for example for colds, coughs, eczema and cramps. Laboratory research points to antimicrobial compounds; clinical studies are lacking.

Africa · Herb · № 536

Syrian rue

Peganum harmala

Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, antipyretic, stimulating, promotes menstruation; against tapeworm, intermittent fever and chronic malaria, pain-relieving in asthma, colic, jaundice; promotes milk and menstruation; gargle for sore throat; against head lice.

Europe · Herb · № 82

Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Traditionally used for stress-related palpitations, nervousness and menstrual complaints. Clinical research is scarce.

Europe · Herb · № 69

Shepherd's purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Traditionally used to slow bleeding, such as heavy periods or nosebleeds. Clinical evidence is very limited.

Europe · Herb · № 78

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

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

Europe · Herb · № 103

Vervain

Verbena officinalis

Traditionally used for nervousness, exhaustion and as a digestive bitter. Scientific evidence is largely lacking.

North America · Herb · № 307

Indian tobacco

Lobelia inflata

Traditionally attributed effects: relaxing, expectorant, induces sweating, emetic, antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic.

Asia · Herb · № 302

Japanese pagoda tree (huai jiao)

Styphnolobium japonicum (syn. Sophora japonica)

Traditionally attributed effects: stops bleeding, laxative.

Europe · Herb · № 81

Juniper

Juniperus communis

The berries are traditionally used as a diuretic, for digestive complaints and externally for joint pain. Clinical evidence is limited.

South America · Herb · № 33

Cat's claw

Uncaria tomentosa

There is no conclusive scientific evidence that cat's claw helps any health condition.

North America · Herb · № 370

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, purifies the blood, tonic, stimulating, supports the liver; improves appetite and digestion, promotes liver and bile secretion, purifies the blood, helps with skin problems, sudden diarrhoea and chronic constipation.

Europe · Herb · № 239

Mistletoe

Viscum album

Traditionally attributed effects: slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, antitumour.

Europe · Herb · № 96

Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

Best known for preventing migraine. NCCIH notes the evidence is conflicting: some studies find a small effect, others do not.