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This is an alphabeticallist of plants used inherbalism.
Phytochemicals possibly involved in biological functions are the basis of herbalism, and may be grouped as:
For example, somesecondary metabolites aretoxins used todeter predation, and others arepheromones used to attract insects forpollination. Secondary metabolites and pigments may have therapeutic actions in humans, and can be refined to produce drugs; examples arequinine from thecinchona,morphine andcodeine from thepoppy, anddigoxin from thefoxglove.[1]
In Europe,apothecaries stocked herbal ingredients astraditional medicines. In theLatin names for plants created byLinnaeus, the wordofficinalis indicates that a plant was used in this way. For example, themarsh mallow has the classificationAlthaea officinalis, as it was traditionally used as anemollient to sootheulcers.[2]Pharmacognosy is the study of plant sources of phytochemicals.
Some modernprescription drugs are based on plantextracts rather than whole plants. The phytochemicals may be synthesized, compounded or otherwise transformed to makepharmaceuticals. Examples of such derivatives includeaspirin, which is chemically related to thesalicylic acid found inwhite willow. The opium poppy is a major industrial source of opiates, includingmorphine. Few traditional remedies, however, have translated into modern drugs, although there is continuing research into the efficacy and possible adaptation of traditional herbal treatments.
| Scientific name | Common name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acacia senegal | Gum arabic | A natural gum sourced from hardened sap of various species of acacia tree used inancient birth control as well as a binder and emulsifier for medicinal compounds.[3][4] | |
| Achillea millefolium | Common yarrow | Purported to be adiaphoretic,astringent,[5]tonic,stimulant and mildaromatic. | |
| Actaea racemosa | Black cohosh | Historically used forarthritis andmuscle pain, used more recently for conditions related tomenopause andmenstruation.[6] | |
| Aesculus hippocastanum | Horse chestnut | Its seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers have been used medicinally for many centuries for treating joint pain, bladder and gastrointestinal problems, fever, leg cramps, and other conditions. It may be useful for treatingchronic venous insufficiency. The raw plant materials are toxic unless processed.[7] | |
| Ageratina altissima | White snakeroot | Root tea has been used to treatdiarrhea,kidney stones, andfever. A rootpoultice can be used onsnakebites. The smoke from burning leaves is used to revive unconscious people.[8][unreliable medical source?] The plant contains the toxintremetol which causesmilk sickness, a sometimes fatal condition.[9] | |
| Alcea rosea | Common hollyhock | Believed to be anemollient andlaxative. It is used to controlinflammation, to stopbedwetting and as a mouthwash in cases of bleeding gums.[10] | |
| Alisma plantago-aquatica | Water-plantain | Used for the urinary tract.[11] | |
| Allium sativum | Garlic | Purported use to lowerblood cholesterol andhigh blood pressure.[12] | |
| Aloe vera | Aloe vera | Leaves are widely used toheal burns,wounds and otherskin ailments.[13] | |
| Althaea officinalis | Marsh-mallow | Used historically as both a food and a medicine.[2] | |
| Amorphophallus konjac | Konjac | Significant dietary source ofglucomannan,[14] which is purported for use in treatingobesity,constipation,[15] and reducing cholesterol.[16] | |
| Anemone hepatica | Common hepatica | Historically used to treat liver diseases, it is still used in alternative medicine today. Other modern applications by herbalists include treatments forpimples,bronchitis andgout.[17] | |
| Angelica archangelica | Garden angelica | Roots have been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally as tea or tincture for treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, nervous system, and also against fever, infections, and flu.[18] | |
| Angelica sinensis | Dong quai | Used for thousands of years in Asia, primarily in women's health.[19] | |
| Apium graveolens | Celery | Seed is used only occasionally in tradition medicine. Modern usage is primarily as adiuretic.[20] | |
| Arctium lappa | Burdock | Used traditionally as adiuretic and to lower blood sugar[21] and, intraditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for sore throat and symptoms of the common cold.[22][unreliable source?] | |
| Arnica montana | Arnica | Used as ananti-inflammatory[23] and for osteoarthritis.[24] The US Food and Drug Administration has classifiedArnica montana as an unsafe herb because of its toxicity.[25] It should not be taken orally or applied to broken skin where absorption can occur.[25] | |
| Astragalus propinquus | Astragalus | Long used intraditional Chinese medicine.[26] | |
| Atropa belladonna | Belladonna | Although toxic, was used historically inItaly by women to enlarge their pupils, as well as asedative, among other uses. The name itself means "beautiful woman" in Italian.[27] | . |
| Azadirachta indica | Neem | Used in India to treat worms,malaria,rheumatism andskin infections among many other things. Its many uses have led to neem being called "the village dispensary" in India.[28] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellis perennis | Daisy | Flowers have been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally as tea (or the leaves as a salad) for treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.[18] | |
| Berberis vulgaris | Barberry | Long history of medicinal use, dating back to theMiddle Ages particularly amongNative Americans. Uses have includedskin ailments,scurvy andgastro-intestinal ailments.[29] | |
| Borago officinalis | Borage | Used inhyperactivegastrointestinal,respiratory andcardiovascular disorders,[30] such as gastrointestinal (colic,cramps,diarrhea), airways (asthma,bronchitis), cardiovascular, (cardiotonic,antihypertensive and blood purifier),urinary (diuretic and kidney/bladder disorders).[31] | |
| Broussonetia kurzii | Salae | Known asSalae in Thailand where this species is valued as amedicinal plant.[32] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calendula officinalis | Marigold | Also named calendula, has a long history of use in treating wounds and soothing skin.[33][self-published source?] | |
| Cannabis | Hemp, Cannabis, Marijuana, Indian hemp, Ganja | Used worldwide since ancient times as treatment for various conditions and ailments including pain, inflammation, gastrointestinal issues such asIBS, muscle relaxation, anxiety,Alzheimer's anddementia,ADHD,autism, cancer,cerebral palsy, recurring headaches,Crohn's disease, depression, epilepsy, glaucoma, insomnia, and neuropathy among others.[34] | |
| Capsicum annuum | Cayenne | Type ofchili that has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Uses have included reducing pain and swelling, loweringtriglyceride andcholesterol levels and fighting viruses and harmful bacteria, due to high levels ofVitamin C.[35][36][37] | |
| Capsicum frutescens | Chili | Its active ingredient,capsaicine, is the basic of commercial pain-relief ointments in Western medicine. The low incidence ofheart attack in Thais may be related to capsaicine'sfibronolytic action (dissolving blood clots).[38] | |
| Carica papaya | Papaya | Used for treating wounds and stomach troubles.[39] | |
| Cassia occidentalis | Coffee senna | Used in a wide variety of roles in traditional medicine, including in particular as a broad-spectrum internal and external antimicrobial, for liver disorders, for intestinal worms and other parasites and as an immune-system stimulant.[40][41] | |
| Catha edulis | Khat | Mild stimulant used for thousands of years in Yemen, and is banned today in many countries. Contains theamphetamine-like substancecathinone.[citation needed] | |
| Cayaponia espelina | São Caetano melon | It is adiuretic and aid in the treatment ofdiarrhea andsyphilis.[42] | |
| Centaurea cyanus | Cornflower | Inherbalism, adecoction of cornflower is effective in treatingconjunctivitis and as a wash for tired eyes.[43] | |
| Chrysopogon zizanioides | Vetiver | Used for skin care.[44] | |
| Cinchona | Cinchona | Genus of about 38species of trees whose bark is a source ofalkaloids, includingquinine. Its use as afebrifuge was first popularized in the 17th century byPeruvianJesuits.[45] | |
| Citrus × aurantium | Bitter orange | Used intraditional Chinese medicine and by indigenous peoples of theAmazon fornausea,indigestion andconstipation.[46] | |
| Citrus limon | Lemon | Along with othercitruses, it has a long history of use inChinese andIndian traditional medicine.[47] In contemporary use, honey and lemon is common for treating coughs and sore throat. | |
| Citrus trifoliata | Trifoliate orange, bitter orange | Fruits ofCitrus trifoliata are widely used in Oriental medicine as a treatment for allergic inflammation.[48] | |
| Cissampelos pareira | Velvetleaf | Used for a wide variety of conditions.[49] | |
| Cnicus benedictus | Blessed thistle | Used during theMiddle Ages to treatbubonic plague. In modern times,herbal teas made from blessed thistle are used forloss of appetite,indigestion and other purposes.[50] | |
| Crataegus monogyna andCrataegus laevigata | Hawthorn | Fruit has been used for centuries purportedly forheart disease, digestive and kidney related problems.[51] | |
| Curcuma longa | Turmeric | Spice that lends its distinctive yellow color to Indian curries, has long been used inAyurvedic andtraditional Chinese medicine to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation.[52] | |
| Cypripedium parviflorum | Yellow lady's slipper | TheCypripedium species have been used in native remedies for dermatitis, tooth aches, anxiety, headaches, as an antispasmodic, stimulant and sedative. However, the preferred species for use areCyp. parviflorum andCyp.acaule, used as topical applications or tea.[53] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digitalis lanata | Digitalis or foxglove | It came into use in treatingcardiac disease in late 18th century England in spite of its high toxicity.a Its use has been almost entirely replaced by the pharmaceutical derivativeDigoxin, which has a shorter half-life in the body, and whose toxicity is therefore more easily managed.[54] Digoxin is used as anantiarrhythmic agent andinotrope.[55] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echinacea purpurea | Purple coneflower | This plant and other species ofEchinacea have been used for at least 400 years byNative Americans to treatinfections and wounds, and as a general "cure-all" (panacea). It is currently used for symptoms associated withcold andflu.[56] | |
| Echinopsis pachanoi | San Pedro cactus | The San Pedro cactus contains theentheogenmescaline and has a long history of being used inAndeantraditional medicine.[57] | |
| Ephedra sinica | Ephedra | It has been used intraditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years.[58][59]Native Americans andMormon pioneers drank a tea brewed from otherEphedra species, called "Mormon tea" and "Indian tea". It contains the alkaloidsephedrine andpseudoephedrine, which are used as breathing aids (bronchodilators anddecongestants).[60] | |
| Equisetum arvense | Horsetail | Dates back toancient Roman andGreek medicine, when it was used to stopbleeding, healulcers and wounds, and treattuberculosis andkidney problems.[61] | |
| Eriodictyon crassifolium | Yerba Santa | Used by theChumash people to keep airways open for proper breathing.[62] The US Forest Service profile[63] forEriodictyon crassifolium provides information on species distribution; taxonomic relationships; ecological and evolutionary considerations for restoration; growth form and distinguishing traits; habitat characteristics; projected future suitable habitat; growth, reproduction and dispersal; biological interactions; ecological genetics; seed characteristics, germination requirements and processing; and plant uses including agriculture, restoration, and traditional products, plus an extensive bibliography. It is part of Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District's resource materials collection on native plant recommendations for southern California ecoregions. | |
| Erythroxylum coca | Coca | Used ascoca tea or chewed, traditionally as a stimulant to overcome fatigue, hunger, thirst, andaltitude sickness.[64] Also used as an anesthetic and analgesic.[65] | |
| Eschscholzia californica | Californian poppy | Used as aherbal remedy: anaqueousextract of the plant hassedative andanxiolytic actions.[66] | |
| Eucalyptus globulus | Eucalyptus | Leaves were widely used in traditional medicine as afebrifuge.[67] Eucalyptus oil is commonly used inover-the-counter cough and cold medications, as well as for ananalgesic.[68] | |
| Euonymus atropurpureus | Wahoo | Plant is a purgative and might affect the heart.[69] | |
| Euphorbia hirta | Asthma-plant | Used traditionally in Asia to treat bronchitic asthma and laryngeal spasm.[70][71] It is used in thePhilippines fordengue fever.[72] | |
| Euphrasia | Eyebright | Used for eye problems, mental depression, oxygenation and radiation poisoning.[73] | |
| Euterpe oleracea | Açai | Although açai berries are a longstanding food source for indigenous people of theAmazon, there is no evidence that they have effectiveness for any health-related purpose.[74] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferula assa-foetida | Asafoetida | Might be useful forIBS, highcholesterol, and breathing problems.[75] | |
| Frangula alnus | Alder buckthorn | Bark (and to a lesser extent the fruit) has been used as alaxative, due to its 3 – 7%anthraquinone content. Bark for medicinal use is dried and stored for a year before use, as fresh bark is violently purgative; even dried bark can be dangerous if taken in excess.[76] | |
| Fumaria officinalis | Fumitory | Traditionally thought to be good for the eyes and to remove skinblemishes. In modern times herbalists use it to treatskin diseases andconjunctivitis, as well as to cleanse thekidneys. However, Howard (1987) warns that fumitory ispoisonous and should only be used under the direction of a medical herbalist.[77] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galanthus | Snowdrop | It contains an active substance calledgalantamine, which is anacetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Galantamine (or galanthamine) can be helpful in the treatment ofAlzheimer's disease, though it is not a cure.[78] | |
| Geranium robertianum | Robert geranium | In traditionalherbalism, it was used as a remedy for toothache and nosebleeds[79] and as avulnerary (used for or useful in healing wounds).[80] | |
| Ginkgo biloba | Ginkgo | The leaf extract has been used to treatasthma,bronchitis,fatigue,Alzheimer's andtinnitus.[81] | |
| Glechoma hederacea | Ground-ivy | It has been used as a "lung herb".[82] Other traditional uses include as an expectorant, astringent, and to treatbronchitis.[83] Theessential oil of the plant has been used for centuries as a generaltonic forcolds andcoughs, and to relievecongestion of themucous membranes. | |
| Glycyrrhiza glabra | Licorice root | Purported uses includestomach ulcers,bronchitis, andsore throat.[84] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamamelis virginiana | Common witch-hazel | It produces a specific kind of tannins calledhamamelitannins. One of those substances displays a specific cytotoxic activity againstcolon cancer cells.[85] | |
| Hippophae rhamnoides | Sea buckthorn | The leaves are used as herbal medicine to alleviate cough and fever, pain, and general gastrointestinal disorders as well as to cure dermatologic disorders. Similarly, the fruit juice and oils can be used in the treatment of liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic wounds or other dermatological disorders.[86] | |
| Hoodia gordonii | Hoodia | The plant is traditionally used byKalahariSan (Bushmen) to reducehunger andthirst. It is marketed as anappetite suppressant.[87] | |
| Hydrastis canadensis | Goldenseal | Although used traditionally byNative Americans to treatskin diseases and ulcers, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of goldenseal for treating any disease.[88] | |
| Hypericum perforatum | St. John's wort | Widely used within herbalism for depression. Evaluated for use as anantidepressant, but with ambiguous results.[89][90] | |
| Hyssopus officinalis | Hyssop | It is purported for digestive and intestinal problems, and for respiratory problems.[91] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilex paraguariensis | Yerba mate | Mate contains compounds that may improve mood.[92] | |
| Illicium verum | Star anise | It is the major source of the chemical compoundshikimic acid, a primary precursor in the pharmaceutical synthesis of anti-influenza drugoseltamivir (Tamiflu).[93] | |
| Inula helenium | Elecampane | It is used inherbal medicine as anexpectorant and forwater retention.[94] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasminum officinale | Jasmine | It is purported as either anantiseptic oranti-inflammatory agent.[95] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knautia arvensis | Field scabious | The whole plant is astringent and mildly diuretic.[96] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larrea tridentata | Chaparral | The leaves and twigs are used byNative Americans to make aherbal tea used for a variety of conditions. Chaparral has also been shown to have high liver toxicity, and has led tokidney failure, and is not recommended for any use by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration orAmerican Cancer Society.[97][98] | |
| Laurus nobilis | Bay laurel | Aqueousextracts of bay laurel can be used asastringents and even as a reasonable salve for open wounds.[99] | |
| Lavandula angustifolia | Lavender | It was traditionally used as an antiseptic and formental health purposes. It was also used inancient Egypt inmummifying bodies. There is little scientific evidence that use of lavender affects health.[100] | |
| Lawsonia inermis | Henna | ||
| Leucojum aestivum | Summer snowflake | ||
| Linum usitatissimum | Flaxseed | The plant is most commonly used as alaxative.Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions, includingarthritis.[101] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnolia officinalis | Magnolia-bark | The bark containsmagnolol andhonokiol, twopolyphenolic compounds. | |
| Malva sylvestris | Mallow | The seeds are used internally in adecoction or herbal tea[102] as ademulcent anddiuretic, and the leaves made intopoultices as anemollient for external applications. | |
| Matricaria recutita andAnthemis nobilis | Chamomile | It has been used over history for a variety of conditions, including sleeplessness and anxiety.[103] | |
| Medicago sativa | Alfalfa | The leaves are purported to lowercholesterol, and treatkidney andurinary tract ailments, although there is insufficient scientific evidence for its efficacy.[104] | |
| Melaleuca alternifolia | Tea tree oil | It has been used over history by Australian aboriginal people. Modern usage is primarily as anantibacterial orantifungal agent, but there is insufficient scientific evidence for such effects.[105] | |
| Melissa officinalis | Lemon balm | It is purported as a sleep aid and digestive aid.[106] | |
| Mentha × piperita | Peppermint | Its oil, from a cross betweenwater mint andspearmint, has a history of purported use for various conditions, includingnausea,indigestion, and symptoms of thecommon cold.[107] | |
| Mitragyna speciosa | Kratom | Kratom leaves are chewed to relieve musculoskeletal pain and increase energy, appetite, and sexual desire in ways similar tokhat andcoca.[108] | |
| Momordica charantia | Bitter melon | ||
| Morinda citrifolia | Noni | It is purported for joint pain andskin conditions.[109] | |
| Moringa oleifera | Drumstick tree | It is used for food and traditional medicine.[citation needed] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasturtium officinale | Watercress | ||
| Nelumbo nucifera | Lotus | Insufficient evidence for any biological effect.[110] | |
| Nigella sativa | Nigella, black-caraway, black-cumin, andkalonji | One meta-analysis of clinical trials concluded thatN. sativa has a short-term benefit on loweringsystolic anddiastolic blood pressure.[111] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocimum tenuiflorum | Tulsi or holy basil | It is used for a variety of purposes in traditional medicine; tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulasi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics.[112] | ||
| Oenothera | Evening primrose | Itsoil has been used since the 1930s foreczema, and more recently as ananti-inflammatory, but there is insufficient evidence for it having any effect.[113] | ||
| Origanum vulgare | Oregano |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panax spec. | Ginseng | Asian ginseng may affectglucose metabolism and lowerblood sugar levels, but the poor quality of research prevents conclusions about such effects.[114] | |
| Papaver somniferum | Opium poppy | The plant is the plant source ofmorphine, used forpain relief. Morphine made from the refined and modified sap is used for pain control in people with severe cancer.[115] | |
| Passiflora | Passion flower | ||
| Peganum harmala | Syrian Rue (common nameHarmal) | ||
| Pelargonium sidoides | Umckaloabo, orSouth African Geranium | Possibly useful for treating respiratory infections.[116] | |
| Piper methysticum | Kava | The plant has been used for centuries in theSouth Pacific to make a ceremonial drink withsedative andanesthetic properties, with potential for causing liver injury.[117] | |
| Piscidia erythrina /Piscidia piscipula | Jamaica dogwood | The plant is used in traditional medicine for the treatment ofinsomnia andanxiety, despite serious safety concerns.[118] A 2006 study suggested medicinal potential.[119] | |
| Plantago lanceolata | Plantain | It is used frequently inherbal teas and otherherbal remedies.[120] A tea from the leaves is used as a highly effective cough medicine. In the traditional Austrian medicinePlantago lanceolata leaves have been used internally (as syrup or tea) or externally (fresh leaves) for treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, skin, insect bites, and infections.[18] | |
| Platycodon grandiflorus | Platycodon, balloon flower | The extracts and purified platycoside compounds (saponins) from the roots may exhibit neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergy, improved insulin resistance, and cholesterol-lowering properties.[121] | |
| Polemonium reptans | Abscess root | It is used to reduce fever, inflammation, and cough.[122] | |
| Psidium guajava | Guava | It has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. It is traditionally used to treat diarrhea; however, evidence of its effectiveness is very limited.[123][124] | |
| Ptelea trifoliata | Wafer Ash | The root bark is used for the digestive system.[125] Also known as hoptree. | |
| Pulmonaria officinalis | Lungwort | Used since the Middle Ages to treat and/or heal various ailments of the lungs and chest.[citation needed] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quassia amara | Amargo, bitter-wood | A 2012 study found atopical gel with 4%Quassia extract to be a safe and effective cure ofrosacea.[126] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reichardia tingitana | False sowthistle | Uses in folk medicine have been recorded in the Middle East, its leaves being used to treat ailments such as constipation, colic and inflamed eyes.[127] | |
| Rosa majalis | Cinnamon rose | It yields ediblehip fruits rich invitamin C, which are used in medicine[128] and to produce rose hip syrup. | |
| Rosmarinus officinalis | Rosemary | It has been used medicinally from ancient times.[citation needed] | |
| Ruellia tuberosa | Minnieroot, fever root, snapdragon root | In folk medicine and Ayurvedic medicine it has been used as adiuretic,anti-diabetic,antipyretic,analgesic,antihypertensive,gastroprotective, and to treatgonorrhea.[129] | |
| Rumex crispus | Curly dock or yellow dock | In Western herbalism the root is often used for treating anemia, due to its high level of iron.[130] The plant will help with skin conditions if taken internally or applied externally to things like itching, scrofula, and sores. It is also used for respiratory conditions, specifically those with a tickling cough that is worse when exposed to cold air. It mentions also passing pains, excessive itching, and that it helps enlarged lymphs.[131] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salix alba | White willow | Plant source ofsalicylic acid, white willow is like the chemical known asaspirin, although more likely to causestomach upset as aside effect than aspirin itself which can cause the lining of the stomach to be destroyed. Used from ancient times for the same uses as aspirin.[132] | |
| Salvia officinalis | Sage | Shown to improve cognitive function in patients with mild to moderateAlzheimer's disease.[133][134] | |
| Sambucus nigra | Elderberry | The berries and leaves have traditionally been used to treatpain,swelling,infections,coughs, andskin conditions and, more recently,flu,common cold,fevers,constipation, andsinus infections.[135] | |
| Santalum album | Indian sandalwood | Sandalwood oil has been widely used in folk medicine for treatment ofcommon colds,bronchitis,skin disorders, heart ailments, general weakness,fever, infection of the urinary tract, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, liver and gallbladder complaints and other maladies.[136] | |
| Santolina chamaecyparissus | Cotton lavender | Most commonly, the flowers and leaves are made into adecoction used to expelintestinal parasites.[citation needed] | |
| Saraca indica | Ashoka tree | The plant is used in Ayurvedic traditions to treat gynecological disorders. The bark is also used to combat oedema or swelling.[137] | |
| Satureja hortensis | Summer savory | Its extracts show antibacterial and antifungal effects on several species including some of the antibiotic resistant strains.[138][139][140] | |
| Sceletium tortuosum | Kanna | African treatment for depression. Suggested to be an SSRI or have similar effects, but unknown mechanism of activity.[citation needed] | |
| Senna auriculata | Avaram senna | The root is used indecoctions againstfevers,diabetes, diseases ofurinary system andconstipation. The leaves havelaxative properties. The dried flowers and flower buds are used as a substitute for tea in case of diabetes patients. The powdered seed is also applied to the eye, in case of chronic purulentconjunctivitis.[citation needed] | |
| Sesuvium portulacastrum | Shoreline purslane | The plant extract showedantibacterial and anticandidal activities and moderateantifungal activity.[141] | |
| Silybum marianum | Milk thistle | It has been used for thousands of years for a variety of medicinal purposes, in particularliver problems.[142] | |
| Stachytarpheta cayennensis | Blue snakeweed | Extracts of the plant are used to ease the symptoms ofmalaria. The boiled juice or a tea made from the leaves or the whole plant is taken to relievefever and other symptoms. It is also used fordysentery,pain, andliver disorders.[143] A tea of the leaves is taken to help controldiabetes inPeru and other areas.[144] Laboratory tests indicate that the plant hasanti-inflammatory properties.[145] | |
| Stellaria media | Common chickweed | It has been used as a remedy to treat itchy skin conditions andpulmonary diseases.[146] 17th century herbalistJohn Gerard recommended it as a remedy formange. Modernherbalists prescribe it for iron-deficiency anemia (for its high iron content), as well as forskin diseases,bronchitis,rheumatic pains,arthritis andperiod pain.[147] | |
| Strobilanthes callosus | Karvy | The plant isanti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,[148] and anti-rheumatic.[149] | |
| Symphytum officinale | Comfrey | It has been used as avulnerary and to reduceinflammation.[150] It was also used internally in the past, for stomach and other ailments, but its toxicity has led a number of other countries, including Canada, Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom, to severely restrict or ban the use of comfrey.[151] | |
| Syzygium aromaticum | Clove | The plant is used for upset stomach and as anexpectorant, among other purposes. Theoil is used topically to treattoothache.[152] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanacetum parthenium | Feverfew | The plant has been used for centuries forfevers,headaches,stomach aches,toothaches,insect bites and other conditions.[153] | |
| Taraxacum officinale | Dandelion | It was most commonly used historically to treatliver diseases,kidney diseases, andspleen problems.[154] | |
| Teucrium scordium | Water germander | It has been used for asthma, diarrhea, fever, intestinal parasites, hemorrhoids, and wounds.[155] | |
| Thymus vulgaris | Thyme | The plant is used to treatbronchitis and cough. It serves as anantispasmodic andexpectorant in this role. It has also been used in many other medicinal roles in Asian and Ayurvedic medicine, although it has not been shown to be effective in non-respiratory medicinal roles.[156] | |
| Tilia cordata | Small-leaved linden | In the countries of Central, Southern and Western Europe, linden flowers are a traditional herbal remedy made into a herbal tea calledtisane.[157] | |
| Tradescantia zebrina | Inchplant | It is used in southeastMexico in the region ofTabasco as a coldherbal tea, which is namedMatali.[158]Skin irritation may result from repeated contact with or prolonged handling of the plant, particularly from the clear, waterysap (a characteristic unique toT. zebrina as compared with other types). | |
| Trema orientalis | Charcoal-tree | The leaves and the bark are used to treatcoughs,sore throats,asthma,bronchitis,gonorrhea,yellow fever,toothache, and as anantidote to generalpoisoning.[159] | |
| Trifolium pratense | Red clover | The plant is an ingredient in some recipes foressiac tea. Research has found no benefit for any human health conditions.[160] | |
| Trigonella foenum-graecum | Fenugreek | It has long been used to treat symptoms ofmenopause, and digestive ailments. More recently, it has been used to treatdiabetes,loss of appetite and other conditions.[161] | |
| Triticum aestivum | Wheatgrass | It may contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.[162] | |
| Turnera subulata | White buttercup | It is used for skin, gastrointestinal, and respiratory ailments.[citation needed] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncaria tomentosa | Cat's claw | It has a long history of use in South America to prevent and treat disease.[163] | |
| Urtica dioica | Common nettle, stinging nettle | It has been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally (as tea or fresh leaves) to treat disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, locomotor system, skin, cardiovascular system, hemorrhage, influenza, rheumatism, and gout.[18] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccinium spec. | Blueberries | They are of current medical interest as anantioxidant[164][165] and forurinary tract ailments.[166] | |
| Vaccinium macrocarpon | Cranberry | It was used historically as avulnerary and for urinary disorders,diarrhea,diabetes, stomach ailments, andliver problems. Modern usage has concentrated onurinary tract related problems.[167] | |
| Vaccinium myrtillus | Bilberry | It is used to treatdiarrhea,scurvy, and other conditions.[168] | |
| Valeriana officinalis | Valerian | It has been used since at leastancient Greece andRome forsleep disorders andanxiety.[169] | |
| Verbascum thapsus | Common mullein | It containsglycyrrhizin compounds withbactericide and potential anti-tumoral action. These compounds are concentrated in the flowers.[170] | |
| Verbena officinalis | Verbena | It is used for sore throats and respiratory tract diseases.[171] | |
| Vernonia amygdalina | Bitter leaf | The plant is used by bothprimates and indigenous peoples in Africa to treat intestinal ailments such asdysentery.[172][173] | |
| Veronica officinalis | Veronica | The plant is used for sinus and ear infections.[174] | |
| Viburnum tinus | Laurustinus | V. tinus has medicinal properties. The active ingredients areviburnin (a substance or more probably a mixture of compounds) and tannins. Tannins can cause stomach upset. The leaves when infused haveantipyretic properties. The fruits have been used as purgatives against constipation. The tincture has been used lately in herbal medicine as a remedy for depression. The plant also containsiridoidglucosides.[175] | |
| Viola tricolor | Wild pansy | It is one of many viola plant species containingcyclotides. These smallpeptides have proven to be useful in drug development due to their size and structure giving rise to high stability. Many cyclotides, found inViola tricolor arecytotoxic.[176] This feature means that it could be used to treatcancers.[177][176] | |
| Viscum album | European mistletoe | It has been used to treat seizures, headaches, and other conditions.[178] | |
| Vitex agnus-castus | Chasteberry | It has been used for over thousands of years for menstrual problems, and to stimulatelactation.[179] | |
| Vitis vinifera | Grape | The leaves and fruit have been used medicinally since theancient Greeks.[180] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Withania somnifera | Ashwagandha | The plant's long, brown, tuberous roots are used in traditional medicine. InAyurveda, the berries and leaves are applied externally to tumors, tubercular glands, carbuncles, and ulcers.[181] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xanthoparmelia scabrosa | Sexy footpath lichen | It is a lichen used for sexual dysfunction.[182] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youngia japonica | Japanese hawkweed | The plant isantitussive andfebrifuge. It is also used in the treatment of boils and snakebites.[183] |
| Scientific name | Name | Description | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zingiber officinale | Ginger | Ginger is effective for the relief ofnausea.[184][185] |
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