Herbal knowledge and the cultures that passed it on

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.

Africa · Herb · № 812

African potato

Hypoxis hemerocallidea

A corm widely traded as a tonic. The evidence for its effects is weak.

South America · Herb · № 873

Arrayán (Chilean myrtle)

Luma apiculata

The Chilean myrtle, with cinnamon-coloured bark, fragrant leaves and edible black berries. Traditionally an astringent; research is lacking.

South America · Herb · № 869

Bailahuén

Haplopappus baylahuen

A resinous shrub of the daisy family. A well-known Chilean tea for liver and bowel complaints; an effect has not been proven.

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.

South America · Herb · № 889

Bilyea

Grimolobium pubescens (syn. Otholobium pubescens, Psoralea pubescens)

A shrub of the pea family with leaves in threes. It contains bakuchiol, among other compounds; extracts lowered blood sugar in experiments with mice. Studies in people are lacking.

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.

South America · Herb · № 282

Boldo

Peumus boldus

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulates the liver, diuretic.

Europe · Food · № 48

Stinging nettle

Urtica dioica

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

Africa · Herb · № 26

Buchu

Agathosma betulina

Fragrant leaves used as a flavoring and in folk medicine; clinical evidence for treatment is lacking.

North America · Herb · № 288

Cascara sagrada

Frangula purshiana (syn. Rhamnus purshiana)

Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, digestive tonic.

South America · Herb · № 1002

Chachacomo

Escallonia resinosa (en verwante soorten, o.a. E. micrantha)

A shrub or tree of 2 to 10 metres with reddish, papery bark and small, finely toothed leaves full of resin and essential oil. Almost nothing has been studied about its effect in people.

South America · Herb · № 862

Chilco

Fuchsia magellanica

The wild fuchsia, with drooping red and purple flowers. Traditionally as a diuretic and for fever; research is lacking.

South America · Herb · № 867

Chilean strawberry (kelleñ)

Fragaria chiloensis

A wild strawberry with large, fragrant fruits, one of the parents of the garden strawberry. The leaf contains tannins.

South America · Herb · № 861

Chilean laurel (triwe)

Laurelia sempervirens

A tall evergreen tree with strongly scented leaves and wood. Traditionally for headache and as a diuretic; research is lacking.

South America · Herb · № 894

Chinchircuma

Mutisia acuminata

A climbing shrub with tendrils and striking orange-red flowers. Quercetin and arbutin are among the compounds found in it; its effect in people has not been studied.

South America · Herb · № 926

Chiricaspi

Brunfelsia grandiflora

A shrub of the nightshade family up to three metres tall, with fragrant flowers that fade from purple to white. Contains scopoletin, among others, and compounds that cause convulsions in animals. Gives a feeling of cold and tingling, and in larger amounts dizziness and paralysis.

Asia · Herb · № 124

Chrysanthemum (ju hua)

Chrysanthemum × morifolium

The flowers (ju hua) are used in Chinese medicine as a 'cooling' remedy for colds with fever, headaches and tired, red eyes. Clinical evidence is limited.

Asia · Herb · № 381

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Traditionally attributed effects: for oily hair.

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.

South America · Herb · № 378

Lemon verbena

Aloysia citrodora

Traditionally attributed effects: relaxing, helps you fall asleep.

South America · Herb · № 856

Culén

Grimolobium glandulosum (syn. Otholobium glandulosum, Psoralea glandulosa)

A shrub of the pea family with glandular, fragrant leaves. Traditionally used for digestive complaints, diarrhoea and on wounds; good research is lacking.

South America · Herb · № 1006

Escorzonera

Perezia multiflora (en verwante soorten)

A low, prickly herb with toothed leaves and yellow or white flower heads. Contains phenols, flavonoids and saponins; in the laboratory the leaf inhibits some bacteria. Research in people is limited.

Asia · Herb · № 1

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Traditionally used for nausea and digestive discomfort; it has a warming flavor.

North America · Herb · № 170

Gumweed

Grindelia camporum

The sticky herb was traditionally used for coughs, asthma and bronchitis, and externally for poison-ivy rashes. Clinical evidence is lacking.

Asia · Food · № 16

Green tea

Camellia sinensis

A brewed tea. Evidence does not establish most health claims; extracts differ from the ordinary beverage.

South America · Herb · № 879

Guayusa

Ilex guayusa

A relative of yerba mate; the leaf contains a lot of caffeine and is stimulating.

South America · Herb · № 881

Hercampuri

Gentianella alborosea (en G. nitida)

A small, very bitter herb of the gentian family. It is sold for liver, gallbladder and cholesterol complaints and for weight loss; good research is lacking.

South America · Herb · № 1010

Huamanpinta

Chuquiraga spinosa (en C. rotundifolia)

A prickly shrub with hard, pointed little leaves and orange-yellow flower heads. Contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids; animal studies point to an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.

North America · Herb · № 307

Indian tobacco

Lobelia inflata

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

Europe · Herb · № 19

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla (Duitse kamille)

Flowers are used in teas and topical or oral products. Reliable evidence is insufficient for most claimed conditions.

South America · Herb · № 1004

Kantuta

Cantua buxifolia

A much-branched shrub of 2 to 3 metres with clusters of tubular flowers in red, pink, yellow or white, pollinated by hummingbirds and bees. Little is known about its effect in people.

Oceania · Herb · № 7

Kava

Piper methysticum

The drink slightly numbs the mouth and tongue and is relaxing. Research points to a modest effect on anxiety, but results vary and the safety of supplements is disputed.

Oceania · Herb · № 23

Kawakawa

Piper excelsum

In rongoā Māori the leaf is used for toothache, skin complaints, wounds and bladder and kidney complaints. It contains myristicin among other compounds; clinical evidence for these uses is lacking.

Africa · Herb · № 806

Kinkeliba

Combretum micranthum

The leaves are drunk as an everyday tea; traditionally also for fever and digestive complaints. Little studied scientifically.