Living Afield LLC - Medicinal Actions

For thousands of years man has used the flora around him to heal his maladies. It was not until the late 19th century that the first pharmaceutical companies appeared. Those first mass produced medications were derived from many of the same herbal remedies topofpageed here. Early Pharmaceutical companies advertised standardized dosages. This made it easier for the average person to purchase remedies over the counter. As these companies grew in popularity it was not long before they began to vilify the very herbal remedies they used in their offerings. Their campaign of misinformation was so successful that by the early 20th century herbalism all but died out in the United States. There have continued to be those who practiced herbalism, but they were relegated to the fringes of society. As the medical community grew in knowledge and arrogance, they further vilified the Herbal community. As the herbal community began to feel more and more marginalized many developed a deep seeded dislike and distrust of the medical community. It became two divided camps, each thinking the other had little or nothing to bring to the table. If we look at the rest of the developed world, most of them realize modern medicine and herbalism each have something to offer. More and more people in the United States are beginning to realize that by utilizing both herbalism and modern medicine we will be that much healthier.

I developed this list with that end in mind. It is by no means a complete list, but it is a pretty good start. If you mouse over the action a quick definition will appear. If you click on the action you will be taken to a definition of the action, and the topofpage of corresponding herbs. Herbs that are highlighted red are those that are most recommended based upon efficacy. Herbs that are highlighted red and in BOLD text are ones I have found to be particularly effective. Herbs that are underlined are links to pages with detailed information about that individual herb.

Now for the legal stuff.

This list is meant for informative purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult qualified medical advice prior to starting an herbal regime.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Abortifacient

Cause a premature termination of pregnancy.

Plants
Angelica (Angelica sinensis)
Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera)
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Chaste Berries (Vitex agnus-castus)
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Savory (Satureja hortensis)
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Adaptogen

Herbs that improve the body's ability to adapt to stress of any sort, including infection, mental stress, or fatigue

Plants
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Astragalus Astragalus propinquus
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Asian Ginseng Panax ginseng
Damiana Turnera diffusia
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Korean Red Ginseng (Panax Red Ginseng)
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Swamp Rose Rosa palustris
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Adjuvant

Herbs that help, assist, or enhance the effectiveness of a principal component or primary medical treatment.

Plants
Peppermint Mentha piperita)

Alexiteric

Protects against infectious disease and or the effects of poison.

Plants
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major

Alterative

Herbs that restore the proper function of the body, usually through altering metabolism by improving the tissues' ability to metabolize nutrients and eliminate wastes.

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Burdock Arctium spp.
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Cleaver Galium aparine
Curlydock Rumex crispus
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Echinacea Echinacea purpurea
Figwort Scrophularia L.
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Clover-Red Trifolium pratense
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Red Sage (Dan-shen) (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Stone Root (Collinsonia canadensis)
Swamp Rose Rosa palustris
Violet (Viola orodata)

Analgesic

Herbs that relieve pain.

Plants
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Bishop's weed (Ammi majus)
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
Black Willow (Salix nigra)
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora)
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Corydalis Corydalis spp.
Cowparsnip Heracleum maximum
Crack Willow (Salix fragilis)
Creeping Snowberry Gaultheria hispidula
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Figwort Scrophularia L.
Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum officinale
Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula)
Kava Kava Piper methysticum
Meadowsweet Spiraea alba
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Passion FLower Passiflora DC.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Peony (Peony)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)
Purslane Portulaca oleracea
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Red Sage (Dan-shen) (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Sand Bar Willow (Salix exigua)
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Shining Willow (Salix lucida)
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Spearmint Mentha spicata
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Water Mint Mentha aquatica
Wild Lettuce Lactuca canadensis
Mint: Wild Mint Mentha arvensis
Willow Salix spp.,
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Anasthetic

Causes temporary loss of bodily sensations

Anhidrotic

Herbs that decrease sweating.

Anodyne

Herbs that reduce pain by reducing the sensitivity of the nerves. Synonymous with ANALGESIC

Plants
Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera)
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Corydalis Corydalis spp.
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Figwort Scrophularia L.
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Passion FLower Passiflora DC.
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Anorexiants

Herbs that supress appetite.

Plants
Barberry Berberis vulgaris

Antacid

Herbs that relieve excessive stomach acid. They may also possess demulcent effects to protect the stomach lining.

Plants
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.

Anthelmintic

Destroy or expel worms from the digestive system.

Plants
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Elecampane Inula helenium
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Top of page

Antiabortive

Herbs that help to inhibit abortive tendencies.

Plants
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.

Antiangiogenic

Herbs that reduce the growth of new blood vessels needed by tumors to grow and metastasize

Plants
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Tsugae)
Reishi Ganoderma spp.

Antiarrhythmic

Herbs that normalize heart rhythm

Plants
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Figwort Scrophularia L.
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Squill (Urginea maritima)

Antiarteriosclerotic

Reduces or eliminates arterial stiffness

Plants
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)
Garlic Allium Sativum
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Myrrh Gum (Commiphora molmol)
Red Sage (Dan-shen) (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
True Saffron (Crocus)
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antiarthritic

Relieve gout or other arthritic conditions. Generally, ALTERATIVES

Plants
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora)
Canadian Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis)
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Meadowsweet Spiraea alba
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Antiasthmatic

Herbs that relieve the symptoms of asthma.

Plants
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Bishop's weed (Ammi majus)
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Cherry - Choke Prunus virginiana
Elecampane Inula helenium
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis L.
Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Gumweed (Grindelia camporum)
Highbush Cranberry Viburnum trilobum
Lobelia Lobelia inflata
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Pheasant's Eye (Adonis vernalis)
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)

Antiatherosclerotic

Herbs that slow, prevent, or reverse the progression of arterial plaque buildup

Plants
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum

Antibacterial

Herbs that inhibit the growth of, or kill bacteria

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Brewer's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevia)
Burdock Arctium spp.
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora)
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis
Creat, Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata)
Elecampane Inula helenium
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Purple Loose-Strife (Lythrum salicaria)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Usnea Usnea spp.,

Antibilious

These herbs counter liver disorders

Antibiotic

Herbs that inhibit the growth of, or destroy, bacteria, viruses or amoebas.

Plants
Garlic Allium Sativum
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis

Top of page

Anticancer

Herbs that prevent or delay the development of cancer.

Plants
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Astragalus Astragalus propinquus
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Creat, Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata)
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
Turmeric Curcuma longa

Anticarcinogenic

Herbs that protect against mutagenic cells

Plants
Angelica (Angelica spp.)
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Pau D'Arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)

Anticatarrhal

Help remove excessive mucus, generally from the upper respiratory tract.

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Cherry - Black Prunus serotina
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum officinale
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica

Anticholesteremic

Herbs that have a tendency to lower blood cholesterol with continued use

Plants
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Garlic Allium Sativum
Plantain - Psyllium Seed (Plantago ovata)
Red Sage (Dan-shen) (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Anticholinergic

Herbs that block the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This inhibits nerve impulses responsible for involuntary muscle movements and various bodily functions.

Plants
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Anticoagulant

Herbs that break up or prevent clots.

Plants
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Peony (Peony)
True Saffron (Crocus)

Anticoccidial

Prevents or treats Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by coccidia, particularly in livestock and poultry. It can however, be zoonotic and affect humans.

Plants
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua

Anticonvulsant

Herbs that help reduce or prevent seizures.

Plants
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Kava Kava Piper methysticum
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Passion FLower Passiflora DC.
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis
Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
Valerian Valeriana officinalis

Antidepressant

Herbs that raise the mood and counteract depression.

Plants
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum

Antidiabetic

Herbs that help regulate and reduce blood sugar.

Plants
Bishop's Weed (Ammi visnaga)
Burdock Arctium spp.
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Chia Seeds Salvia hispanica
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii)
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Jerusalem Artichoke Helianthus tuberosus
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Turmeric Curcuma longa

Top of page

Antidiarrheal

Herbs which alleviate diarrhea

Plants
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Blackberry Rubus allegheniensis
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Creat, Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata)
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum officinale
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Lady's Thumb Persicaria persicaria
Myrrh Gum (Commiphora molmol)
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra)
Spearmint Mentha spicata
Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
Sweet Sumach (Rhus aromatica)
Water Mint Mentha aquatica
Mint: Wild Mint Mentha arvensis

Antidyspeptic

Herbs that help normalize digestion.

Plants
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Garlic Allium Sativum

Antiemetic

Herbs that reduce nausea and vomiting.

Plants
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis

Antiepileptic

Herbs that help reduce or prevent seizures.

Plants
Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora

Anti-Estrogenic

Blocks the production or utilization of estrogen

Plants
Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

Antifungal

Herbs which help the body destroy or resist pathogenic organisms.

Plants
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora)
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis
Elecampane Inula helenium
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Garlic Allium Sativum
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Turmeric Curcuma longa
Usnea Usnea spp.,
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa

Antihemorrhagic

Herbs which stop or prevent bleeding. Astringents are often haemostatic.

Plants
American cancer root (Conopholis americana)
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris

Antihepatotoxic

Prevents damage to the liver

Plants
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Gentian - Chinese (Gentiana scabre)
Turmeric Curcuma longa
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antihidrotic

Herbs that reduce or suppress perspiration.

Antihistamine

Herbs that oppose the action of histamines.

Plants
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Purple Loose-Strife (Lythrum salicaria)
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua

Top of page

Antihydropic

Relieves "dropsy" or fluid retention.

Plants
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata

Antihyperlipidemic

Herbs that lower blood lipid levels.

Plants
Chia Seeds Salvia hispanica
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum

Antihypertensive

Herbs that reduce blood pressure.

Plants
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Burdock Arctium spp.
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)
Chia Seeds Salvia hispanica
Cleaver Galium aparine
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis L.
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Garlic Allium Sativum
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii)
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Passion FLower Passiflora DC.
Ramps Allium tricoccum
Red Sage (Dan-shen) (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antihypothyroid

Herbs that stimulate thyroid action.

Plants
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa

Anti-Infective

Herbs that combat infections.

Plants
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Lady's Thumb Persicaria persicaria
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum

Anti-Inflammatory

Helps the body combat inflammation.

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Angelica (Angelica spp.)
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Asparagus Asparagus officinalisa
Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera)
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Cherry - Black Prunus serotina
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Black Willow (Salix nigra)
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Burdock Arctium spp.
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora)
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Chickweed Stellaria media
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Cherry - Choke Prunus virginiana
Cleaver Galium aparine
Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Crack Willow (Salix fragilis)
Creat, Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata)
Creeping Snowberry Gaultheria hispidula
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Eastern White Pine Pinus strobus
Echinacea Echinacea purpurea
Elecampane Inula helenium
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis L.
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Figwort Scrophularia L.
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Garlic Allium Sativum
Gentian - Chinese (Gentiana scabre)
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Blueberry Highbush Vaccinium corymbosum
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
American Licorice Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Linden (Tilia americanum)
Blueberry Lowbush Vaccinium angustifolium
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Meadowsweet Spiraea alba
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Pau D'Arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)
Peony (Peony)
Cherry - Pin Prunus pensylvanica
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)
Purple Loose-Strife (Lythrum salicaria)
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Clover-Red Trifolium pratense
Sand Bar Willow (Salix exigua)
Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Shining Willow (Salix lucida)
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Turmeric Curcuma longa
Huckleberry Vaccinium myrtilloides
Violet (Viola orodata)
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa
Willow Salix spp.,
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antileukemic

Herbs that work against Leukemia

Plants
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Pau D'Arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)
Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor

Antilipidemic

Herbs that lower blood lipid levels.

Plants
Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Chia Seeds Salvia hispanica
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris

Antilithic

Helps prevent the formation of stones or gravel in the urine, and can help the removal of those already formed.

Plants
Bishop's Weed (Ammi visnaga)
Black Birch Betula nigra
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Seven Barks (Hydrangea arborescens)
Stone Root (Collinsonia canadensis)
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Sweet Scented Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Birch - Yellow Betula alleghaniensis

Antimalarial

Herbs that prevent or treat Malaria.

Plants
Creat, Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata)
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum

Top of page

Antimicrobial

Helps the body destroy or resist pathogenic organisms.

Plants
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Bishop's weed (Ammi majus)
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora)
Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)
Echinacea Echinacea purpurea
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Fernleaf Biscuitroot (Lomatium dissectum)
Garlic Allium Sativum
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Kava Kava Piper methysticum
American Licorice Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Pau D'Arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Purslane Portulaca oleracea
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Tsugae)
Reishi Ganoderma spp.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Spearmint Mentha spicata
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Turmeric Curcuma longa
Usnea Usnea spp.,
Bearberry Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi
Water Mint Mentha aquatica
Mint: Wild Mint Mentha arvensis
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antimitotic

Herbs that inhibit mitosis.

Plants
Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum officinale
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major

Antimutagenic

Herbs that reduce spontaneous mutations within cells. This may help reduce incidence of cancer.

Plants
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Asian Ginseng Panax ginseng
Blueberry Highbush Vaccinium corymbosum
Blueberry Lowbush Vaccinium angustifolium
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Korean Red Ginseng (Panax Red Ginseng)
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Pau D'Arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Reishi Ganoderma spp.
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor
Huckleberry Vaccinium myrtilloides

Antineoplastic

A substance used in chemotherapy that inhibits the growth of tumors. (See Antitumor)

Plants
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum

Antinociceptive

Herbs that reduce the body's response to painful stimuli

Plants
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.

Antioxidant

Herbs that render free radicals harmless.

Plants
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Asparagus Asparagus officinalisa
Astragalus Astragalus propinquus
Autumn Olive Eleagnus umbulata
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Burdock Arctium spp.
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)
Curlydock Rumex crispus
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Elecampane Inula helenium
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Blueberry Highbush Vaccinium corymbosum
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Blueberry Lowbush Vaccinium angustifolium
Purslane Portulaca oleracea
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Tsugae)
Reishi Ganoderma spp.
Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
True Saffron (Crocus)
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor
Turmeric Curcuma longa
Huckleberry Vaccinium myrtilloides
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antiparasitic

Destroy or expel worms from the digestive system. See Anthelmintic

Plants
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Antiproliferant

Herbs that inhibit cell growth.

Plants
Elecampane Inula helenium

Antiprotozoal

Herbs that kill or inhibit the growth of protozoan parasites, treating infections caused by these single-celled organisms.

Plants
Barberry Berberis vulgaris

Antipruritic

Herbs that prevent or relieve itching.

Plants
Jewelweed Impatiens capensis

Top of page

Antipsoriatic

Herbs that alleviate symptoms of Psoriasis.

Plants
Bishop's weed (Ammi majus)
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Tsugae)
Reishi Ganoderma spp.
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Antipsychotic

Relieves the symptoms of Psychosis.

Antipyretic

Herbs that reduce fever.

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Creat, Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata)
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Pineapple Weed Matricaria discoidea
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antiretroviral

Herbs which are effective against retroviruses (RNA viruses such as HIV and HSV).

Plants
Burdock Arctium spp.
Creat, Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata)
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Turmeric Curcuma longa

Antirheumatic

Herbs that alleviate the symptoms of Arthritis.

Plants
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Canadian Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis)
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)
Chickweed Stellaria media
Cowparsnip Heracleum maximum
Creeping Snowberry Gaultheria hispidula
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis L.
Figwort Scrophularia L.
Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Meadowsweet Spiraea alba
Myrrh Gum (Commiphora molmol)
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Sweet Scented Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Violet (Viola orodata)
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Antiscorbutic

Herbs rich in Vitamin C which prevent or cure scurvy.

Plants
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Autumn Olive Eleagnus umbulata
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Curlydock Rumex crispus
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Eastern White Pine Pinus strobus
Garlic Allium Sativum
Highbush Cranberry Viburnum trilobum
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Swamp Rose Rosa palustris
Wood Sorrel Oxalis spp.

Antiseptic

Inhibit growth of bacteria, and prevent infection, putrefaction, cell decay, and pus formation.

Plants
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Sweet Sumach (Rhus aromatica)
Bearberry Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antispasmodic

Relieves or reduces spasms, especially in smooth muscle (uterus, intestine, blood vessels, bronchi)

Plants
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Angelica (Angelica spp.)
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Bishop's Weed (Ammi visnaga)
Cherry - Black Prunus serotina
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora)
Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Asian Ginseng Panax ginseng
Common Melilot (Melilotus officinalis)
Corydalis Corydalis spp.
Cowparsnip Heracleum maximum
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Garlic Allium Sativum
Gentian - Chinese (Gentiana scabre)
Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Gumweed (Grindelia camporum)
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Highbush Cranberry Viburnum trilobum
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula)
Kava Kava Piper methysticum
Korean Red Ginseng (Panax Red Ginseng)
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Lady Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Lobelia Lobelia inflata
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Passion FLower Passiflora DC.
Peach Tree (Prunus persica (Amygdalus persica))
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Peony (Peony)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Milkweed - Butterfly Asclepias tuberosa
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Purple Loose-Strife (Lythrum salicaria)
Purslane Portulaca oleracea
Clover-Red Trifolium pratense
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora
Spearmint Mentha spicata
Spring Beauty Claytonia virginica
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Valerian Valeriana officinalis
Water Mint Mentha aquatica
Wild Lettuce Lactuca canadensis
Mint: Wild Mint Mentha arvensis
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Antithrombotic

Herbs that prevent formation of blood clots.

Plants
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Antithyroid

Prevents the thyroid gland from over producing thyroid hormones.

Plants
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris

Top of page

Antitoxin

Herbs that act against the effects of specific toxins.

Plants
Cleaver Galium aparine
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata

Antitumor

A substance that inhibits the growth of tumors.

Plants
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Bishop's weed (Ammi majus)
Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Burdock Arctium spp.
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Asian Ginseng Panax ginseng
Creeping Snowberry Gaultheria hispidula
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Korean Red Ginseng (Panax Red Ginseng)
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Tsugae)
Reishi Ganoderma spp.
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Turmeric Curcuma longa
Usnea Usnea spp.,
Violet (Viola orodata)
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Antitussive

Herbs that reduce or prevent cough.

Plants
Cherry - Black Prunus serotina
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Elecampane Inula helenium
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum officinale
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Myrrh Gum (Commiphora molmol)
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra)
Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum
Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina
Sweet Sumach (Rhus aromatica)
True Saffron (Crocus)
Wintercress Barbarea vulgaris

Anti-Ulcerative

Herbs that repair or prevent stomach ulcers

Plants
Barberry Berberis vulgaris

Antivenin

Herbs that offer broad spectrum venom protection (often erroneaously referred to as Antivenom)

Plants
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major

Antiviral

Herbs that kill viruses or render them unable to replicate.

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Astragalus Astragalus propinquus
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Common Melilot (Melilotus officinalis)
Eastern White Pine Pinus strobus
Fernleaf Biscuitroot (Lomatium dissectum)
Garlic Allium Sativum
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Anxiolytic

Herbs that reduce anxiety

Plants
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Common Melilot (Melilotus officinalis)
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Kava Kava Piper methysticum
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Passion FLower Passiflora DC.
Pheasant's Eye (Adonis vernalis)
Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora
Squill (Urginea maritima)
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Valerian Valeriana officinalis

Aperient

A mild and gentle laxative. Promote only the natural bowel movement and function.

Plants
Alexandria Senna (Senna alexandrina)
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Lamb's Quarters Chenopodium album
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra
Spiderwort Tradescantia L

Aphrodisiac

Herbs that increase sexual potency or excitement.

Plants
Chaste Berries (Vitex agnus-castus)
Damiana Turnera diffusia
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum)
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe)

Aromatic

Herbs that are characterized by a strong, usually pleasant odor that stimulates the digestive system. Often used in cooking to add flavor, they also aid digestion.

Plants
Pineapple Weed Matricaria discoidea
Sassafras Sassafras albidum

Top of page

Astringent

Have a binding action on skin or mucous membranes that helps dry up mucous discharge, tone local blood vessels and varicosities, and stop bleeding.

Plants
American cancer root (Conopholis americana)
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Black Birch Betula nigra
Cherry - Black Prunus serotina
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Blackberry Rubus allegheniensis
Canadian Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis)
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Cherry - Choke Prunus virginiana
Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Curlydock Rumex crispus
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
Elecampane Inula helenium
Fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Hemp Nettle Galeopsis tetrahit
Blueberry Highbush Vaccinium corymbosum
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum officinale
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Blueberry Lowbush Vaccinium angustifolium
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Cherry - Pin Prunus pensylvanica
Pineapple Weed Matricaria discoidea
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Purple Loose-Strife (Lythrum salicaria)
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis
Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra)
Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Stone Root (Collinsonia canadensis)
Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Sweet Sumach (Rhus aromatica)
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Bearberry Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi
Huckleberry Vaccinium myrtilloides
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Birch - Yellow Betula alleghaniensis

Bactericidal

Herbs that kill bacteria.

Plants
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata

Bacteriostatic

A biological or chemical agent that stops bacteria from reproducing, while not necessarily killing them otherwise.

Plants
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major

Bitter

The bitter taste of these herbs seems to stimulate the release of digestive hormones in the gut. This stimulates appetite and is of value in convalescence.

Plants
Angelica (Angelica spp.)
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Bearberry Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi
Black Birch Betula nigra
Cherry - Black Prunus serotina
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Black Willow (Salix nigra)
Blueberry Lowbush Vaccinium angustifolium
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Buckthorn (Rhamnus Frangula)
Burdock Arctium spp.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Cherry - Choke Prunus virginiana
Crack Willow (Salix fragilis)
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)
Gentian (Gentiana luteae)
Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Blueberry Highbush Vaccinium corymbosum
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum)
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Huckleberry Vaccinium myrtilloides
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Meadowsweet Spiraea alba
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Passion FLower Passiflora DC.
Cherry - Pin Prunus pensylvanica
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Clover-Red Trifolium pratense
Red Sage (Dan-shen) (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Tsugae)
Reishi Ganoderma spp.
Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
Sand Bar Willow (Salix exigua)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
Shining Willow (Salix lucida)
Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora
Squill (Urginea maritima)
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Sweet Scented Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Unicorn Root (Aletris farinosa)
Usnea Usnea spp.,
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis
Wild Lettuce Lactuca canadensis
Willow Salix spp.,
Wintercress Barbarea vulgaris
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Birch - Yellow Betula alleghaniensis

Blood-Cleanser

Herbs that cleanses or purifies the blood.

Plants
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
, Burdock, Arctium lappa Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus

Bronchodilator

Opens up the bronchial tubes to normalize breathing.

Plants
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Lobelia Lobelia inflata

Calefacient

Produces a sensation of heat when applied to the body

Plants
Chaste Berries (Vitex agnus-castus)

Cardiac

Herbs that support normal cardiac function

Plants
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Bishop's Weed (Ammi visnaga)
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Figwort Scrophularia L.
Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
Garlic Allium Sativum
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Blueberry Highbush Vaccinium corymbosum
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Blueberry Lowbush Vaccinium angustifolium
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Pheasant's Eye (Adonis vernalis)
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Red Sage (Dan-shen) (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Squill (Urginea maritima)
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus
True Saffron (Crocus)
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Huckleberry Vaccinium myrtilloides
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa

Cardioprotective

Protects the heart or coronary arteries from injury, disease, or malfunction.

Carminative

These herbs are generally rich in aromatic oils. Their main action is to soothe and settle the gut wall, easing gripping and allowing the removal of gas.

Plants
Alexandria Senna (Senna alexandrina)
Angelica (Angelica spp.)
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Cowparsnip Heracleum maximum
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis L.
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Gentian (Gentiana luteae)
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Pineapple Weed Matricaria discoidea
Plantain - Psyllium Seed (Plantago ovata)
Milkweed - Butterfly Asclepias tuberosa
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Spearmint Mentha spicata
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Stone Root (Collinsonia canadensis)
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Water Mint Mentha aquatica
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa
Mint: Wild Mint Mentha arvensis
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Cathartic

Herbs that clean waste material from the whole digestive system, including bowels, liver, and gall bladder.

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Buckthorn (Rhamnus Frangula)
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana)
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Milkweed - Butterfly Asclepias tuberosa

Top of page

Cholagogue

These herbs stimulate the flow of bile from the liver.

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Black Birch Betula nigra
Burdock Arctium spp.
Curlydock Rumex crispus
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Pellitory Of The Wall (Parietaria Officinalis)
Spreading Pellitory (Parietaria judaica)
Birch - Yellow Betula alleghaniensis
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Choleretic

Herbs that stimulate the production of bile

Plants
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Milk Thistle Silybum marianum
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Spearmint Mentha spicata
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Turmeric Curcuma longa
Water Mint Mentha aquatica
Mint: Wild Mint Mentha arvensis
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Cicatrisant

Herbs that aid wound healing. See VULNERARIES.

Collyrium

Herbs that make effective eye washes,

Contraceptive

Herb used to prevent pregnancy

Plants
Chaste Berries (Vitex agnus-castus)
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Spring Beauty Claytonia virginica

Cytotoxic

Herbs with the ability to damage or kill cells. Usually referring to cancer cells.

Plants
Elecampane Inula helenium

Demulcent

Herbs rich in mucilage which soothe and protect inflamed or irritated tissue.

Plants
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Burdock Arctium spp.
Chickweed Stellaria media
Cleaver Galium aparine
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Eastern White Pine Pinus strobus
Elecampane Inula helenium
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Jewelweed Impatiens capensis
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
American Licorice Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Pellitory Of The Wall (Parietaria Officinalis)
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Purple Loose-Strife (Lythrum salicaria)
Purslane Portulaca oleracea
Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra
Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum
Spiderwort Tradescantia L
Spreading Pellitory (Parietaria judaica)
Violet (Viola orodata)

Deobstruent

These herbs will remove obstructions from the alimentary canal and other areas.

Plants
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Clover-Red Trifolium pratense
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Depurative

A term synonymous with ALTERATIVE

Plants
Astragalus Astragalus propinquus
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Gentian (Gentiana luteae)
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Lamb's Quarters Chenopodium album
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major

Desiccant

Herbs that will dry surfaces by absorbing moisture.

Top of page

Detoxicant

Herbs that support the liver in removing toxic substances from the body. See HEPATIC.

Diaphoretic

Herbs that promote sweating. This can help the vital function of removing waste products through the skin. Or it can help cool the body during a fever.

Plants
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Angelica (Angelica spp.)
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Burdock Arctium spp.
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Canadian Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis
Echinacea Echinacea purpurea
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Lady Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium)
Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Milkweed - Butterfly Asclepias tuberosa
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Stone Root (Collinsonia canadensis)
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Discutient

Herbs which act by dissolving abnormal growths and tumors.

Plants
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis

Diuretic

Herbs that increase the formation and flow of urine.

Plants
Asparagus Asparagus officinalisa
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
Garlic Allium Sativum
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Parsley (Petroselinum)
Pellitory Of The Wall (Parietaria Officinalis)
Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Spreading Pellitory (Parietaria judaica)
Wintercress Barbarea vulgaris
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Emetic

Herbs that cause vomiting.

Plants
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Black Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. spp. canadensis
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum
Lobelia Lobelia inflata
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra)
Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina
Sweet Sumach (Rhus aromatica)
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis
Vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla)

Emmenagogue

Herbs that stimulate menstrual flow, often used to refer to all herbs that normalise and tone the female reproductive system, although these remedies would better be called uterine tonics.

Plants
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Bishop's weed (Ammi majus)
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Canadian Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis)
Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Chaste Berries (Vitex agnus-castus)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Elecampane Inula helenium
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus
Gentian (Gentiana luteae)
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
Spearmint Mentha spicata
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
True Saffron (Crocus)
Water Mint Mentha aquatica
Mint: Wild Mint Mentha arvensis
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Emollient

See DEMULCENT...emollients have a soothing and healing effect like demulcents, but specifically on the skin.

Plants
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Cattail Typha spp.
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Chickweed Stellaria media
Cleaver Galium aparine
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Elecampane Inula helenium
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis L.
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Jewelweed Impatiens capensis
Lamb's Quarters Chenopodium album
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Oats (Avena Sativa)
Pellitory Of The Wall (Parietaria Officinalis)
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra
Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum
Spreading Pellitory (Parietaria judaica)

Estrogenic

Herbs that normalize the balance of estrogens in the body.

Plants
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Chaste Berries (Vitex agnus-castus)
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Expectorant

Herbs that help the body to remove excess mucous from the lungs.

Plants
Alexandria Senna (Senna alexandrina)
American cancer root (Conopholis americana)
Angelica (Angelica spp.)
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Chicory Cichorium intybus
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa
Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Chickweed Stellaria media
Cherry - Choke Prunus virginiana
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Eastern White Pine Pinus strobus
Elecampane Inula helenium
Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Gumweed (Grindelia camporum)
Hemp Nettle Galeopsis tetrahit
Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum officinale
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
American Licorice Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Myrrh Gum (Commiphora molmol)
Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Pellitory Of The Wall (Parietaria Officinalis)
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Milkweed - Butterfly Asclepias tuberosa
Clover-Red Trifolium pratense
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spreading Pellitory (Parietaria judaica)
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Violet (Viola orodata)

Febrifuge

Herbs that reduce fever.

Plants
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Black Willow (Salix nigra)
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Cleaver Galium aparine
Cowparsnip Heracleum maximum
Crack Willow (Salix fragilis)
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Creeping Snowberry Gaultheria hispidula
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Gentian (Gentiana luteae)
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum
Meadowsweet Spiraea alba
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Pineapple Weed Matricaria discoidea
Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)
Purslane Portulaca oleracea
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
Sand Bar Willow (Salix exigua)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Shining Willow (Salix lucida)
Siberian Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Spearmint Mentha spicata
Water Mint Mentha aquatica
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa
Mint: Wild Mint Mentha arvensis
Willow Salix spp.,
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Top of page

Fungicide

Herbs that kill fungus. See ANTI-MICROBIAL.

Galactagogue

Herbs that increase lactation.

Plants
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Milk Thistle Silybum marianum

Gastroprotective

Herbs that protect against gastropathy

Plants
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)

Hemostatic

Acts to arrest bleeding or hemorrhage. ASTRINGENTS are often haemostatic.

Plants
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Blackberry Rubus allegheniensis
Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana
Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Hepatic

Herbs that support the function of the liver.

Plants
Angelica (Angelica spp.)
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Burdock Arctium spp.
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Milk Thistle Silybum marianum
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis

Hypnotic

Herbs that help induce sleep.

Plants
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Common Melilot (Melilotus officinalis)
Kava Kava Piper methysticum
Lady Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium)
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Valerian Valeriana officinalis
Wild Lettuce Lactuca canadensis

Hypoglycemic

Herbs that help regulate and reduce blood sugar.

Plants
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius
Asparagus Asparagus officinalisa
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Burdock Arctium spp.
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Chia Seeds Salvia hispanica
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major

Hypolipidemic

Reduces the amount of lipids in the body

Plants
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Chia Seeds Salvia hispanica
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus

Hypotensive

A term synonymous with ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE

Plants
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Red Sage (Dan-shen) (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris

Immunomodulator

Herbs which modulate immune response

Plants
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Burdock Arctium spp.
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Asian Ginseng Panax ginseng
Echinacea Echinacea purpurea
Garlic Allium Sativum
Korean Red Ginseng (Panax Red Ginseng)
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Tsugae)
Reishi Ganoderma spp.
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Schisandra Schisandra chinensis
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Top of page

Immunostimulant

herbs which stimulate the immune system.

Plants
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Astragalus Astragalus propinquus
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
White Cedar Thuja occidentalis
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Creat, Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata)
Eastern White Pine Pinus strobus
Fernleaf Biscuitroot (Lomatium dissectum)
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Tsugae)
Reishi Ganoderma spp.
Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica
Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor

Insulinotropic

Agents or hormones that stimulate or enhance the production and release of insulin from the pancreas.

Plants
Burdock Arctium spp.

Laxative

Herbs that promote contractions of the bowels to stimulate removal of feces.

Plants
Aloe (Aloe Vera)
American cancer root (Conopholis americana)
Barberry Berberis vulgaris
Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum
Buckthorn (Rhamnus Frangula)
Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Cramp Bark Viburnum opulus
Curlydock Rumex crispus
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Figwort Scrophularia L.
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Japanese Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Lamb's Quarters Chenopodium album
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Pellitory Of The Wall (Parietaria Officinalis)
Plantain - Narrow Leaf Plantago lanceolata
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Purslane Portulaca oleracea
Raspberry Rubus idaeus L.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Spreading Pellitory (Parietaria judaica)
Violet (Viola orodata)

Lipolytic

Herbs that normalize lipids in the body.

Plants
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Chaga Inonotus obliquus
Chia Seeds Salvia hispanica
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis L.
Common Flax Linum usitatissimum
Garlic Allium Sativum
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Myrrh Gum (Commiphora molmol)
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Turmeric Curcuma longa

Lithotriptic

Herbs that help to dissolve and eliminate urinary and biliary stones and gravel.

Plants
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Cleaver Galium aparine
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Liverwort (Hepatica)
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Bearberry Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi

Lymphatic

Herbs that will stimulate and cleanse the lymphatic system.

Plants
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Chickweed Stellaria media
Cleaver Galium aparine
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Pokeweeds (Phytolacca americana)
Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)
Prickly Ash - Southern (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis)
Clover-Red Trifolium pratense
New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus

Narcotic

Powerful ANODYNES which often also have HYPNOTIC function.

Plants
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis
Wild Lettuce Lactuca canadensis
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Nephritic

Herbs which support proper function of the kidneys

Plants
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Parsley (Petroselinum)
Privet (Ligustrum lucidum)
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris

Nervine

Herbs that exert an effect on the nervous system.

Plants
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Astragalus Astragalus propinquus
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
Cleaver Galium aparine
Common Melilot (Melilotus officinalis)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Gentian (Gentiana luteae)
Ghost Pipe Monotropa uniflora
Joe Pye Weed Eutrochium maculatum
Kava Kava Piper methysticum
Lady Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Linden (Tilia americanum)
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Oats (Avena Sativa)
Passion FLower Passiflora DC.
Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
Sweet Annie Artemisia annua
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Valerian Valeriana officinalis
Wild Lettuce Lactuca canadensis
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

Nootropic

Herbs used to improve memory and cognition

Plants
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Top of page

Nutritive

Herbs that nourish the body. Useful in convalescence or anorexia.

Odontalgic

Herbs that relieve oral pain.

Plants
Black Willow (Salix nigra)
Cowparsnip Heracleum maximum
Crack Willow (Salix fragilis)
Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)
Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
Sand Bar Willow (Salix exigua)
Shining Willow (Salix lucida)
Sweet Birch Betula lenta
Willow Salix spp.,

Orexigenic

Appetite stimulant

Plants
Marijuanna Cannabis sativa
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris

Oxytocic

These herbs will promote and can assist in easier childbirth. See Uterine Tonic

Plants
Beth Root (Trillium erectum)
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa
Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides
Corn Smut (Ustilago)
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis
Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens)
Shepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris

Parasiticide

Herbs that destroy parasites in the digestive tract or on the skin.

Plants
Black Currant Ribes americanum
Blackberry Rubus allegheniensis
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa

Parturient

Herbs that support and facilitate the birthing process.

Pectoral

Herbs that strengthen the lungs.

Plants
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Bunchberry Cornus canadensis
Chickweed Stellaria media
Cherry - Choke Prunus virginiana
Common Mallow Malva neglecta
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis
Mullein Verbascum thapsus
Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica

Pediculicidal

Herbs that treat lice infestation

Plants
Sweet Flag Acorus americanus

Purgative

Herbs that stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.

Plants
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum

Refrigerant

An herb or substance that strongly cools the body.

Plants
Pellitory Of The Wall (Parietaria Officinalis)
Peppermint Mentha piperita
Plantain - Broad Leaf Plantago major
Spreading Pellitory (Parietaria judaica)