List of plants used in herbalism

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Crocosmia Aurea at Chelsea Physic Garden - geograph.org.uk - 1429573.jpg
The Chelsea Physic Garden has cultivated medicinal plants since 1673. The plant
shown here is montbretia (crocosmia aurea), used as a remedy for dysentery.

This is a list of plants that have been used as herbal medicine. The ability to
synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to perform
important biological functions, and to defend against attack from predators such
as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals is called herbal medicine. Many of
these phytochemicals have beneficial effects on long-term health when
consumed by humans, and can be used to effectively treat human diseases. At
least 12,000 such compounds have been isolated so far; a number estimated to
be less than 10% of the total.[1][2] These phytochemicals are divided into (1)
primary metabolites such as sugars and fats, which are found in all plants; and
(2) secondary metabolites compounds which are found in a smaller range of
plants, serving a more specific function.[3] For example, some secondary
metabolites are toxins used to deter predation and others are pheromones used
to attract insects for pollination. It is these secondary metabolites and pigments
that can have therapeutic actions in humans and which can be refined to produce
drugsexamples are inulin from the roots of dahlias, quinine from the cinchona,
morphine and codeine from the poppy, and digoxin from the foxglove.[3]
Chemical compounds in plants mediate their effects on the human body through
processes identical to those already well understood for the chemical compounds
in conventional drugs; thus herbal medicines do not differ greatly from
conventional drugs in terms of how they work. This enables herbal medicines to
be as effective as conventional medicines, but also gives them the same
potential to cause harmful side effects.[1][2]

In Europe, apothecaries stocked herbal ingredients for their medicines. In the

Latin names for plants created by Linnaeus, the word officinalis indicates that a
plant was used in this way. For example, the marsh mallow has the classification
Althaea officinalis, as it was traditionally used as an emollient to soothe ulcers.[4]
Ayurvedic medicine, herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are other
examples of medical practices that incorporate medical uses of plants.
Pharmacognosy is the branch of modern medicine about medicines from plant
sources. Plants included here are those that have been or are being used
medicinally, in at least one such medicinal tradition.

Modern medicine now tends to use the active ingredients of plants rather than
the whole plants. The phytochemicals may be synthesized, compounded or

otherwise transformed to make pharmaceuticals. Examples of such derivatives

include Digoxin, from digitalis; capsaicine, from chili; and aspirin, which is
chemically related to the salicylic acid found in white willow. The opium poppy
continues to be a major industrial source of opiates, including morphine. Few
traditional remedies, however, have translated into modern drugs, although there
is continuing research into the efficacy and possible adaptation of traditional
herbal treatments.

Contents
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
A[edit]

Aloe vera
Abscess root (Polemonium reptans) is used to reduce fever, inflammation, and
cough.[5]
Aai (Euterpe oleracea) Although aai berries are a longstanding food source for
indigenous people of the Amazon, there is no evidence that they have historically
served a medicinal, as opposed to nutritional role. In spite of their recent
popularity in the United States as a dietary supplement, there is currently no
evidence for their effectiveness for any health-related purpose.[6]
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaves are used to lower cholesterol, as well as forum
kidney and urinary tract ailments, although there is insufficient scientific
evidence for its efficancy.[7]
Aloe vera leaves are widely used to heal burns, wounds and other skin ailments.
[8][9]
Arnica (Arnica montana) is used as an anti-inflammatory[10] and for
osteoarthritis.[11]
Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) might be useful for IBS, high cholesterol, and
breathing problems.[12]
Ashoka tree (Saraca indica) is used in Ayurvedic traditions to treat gynecological
disorders. The bark is also used to combat oedema or swelling.[13]
Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta) has been used traditionally in Asia to treat
bronchitic asthma and laryngeal spasm.[14][15] It is used in the Philippines for
dengue fever.[16][17]
Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus) has long been used in traditional Chinese
medicine to strengthen the immune system, and is used in modern China to treat
hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer.[18]

B[edit]
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to
the Middle Ages particularly among Native Americans. Uses have included skin
ailments, scurvy and gastro-intestinal ailments.[19]
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), although toxic, was used historically in Italy by
women to enlarge their pupils, as well as a sedative, among other uses. The
name itself means "beautiful woman" in Italian.[20]
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) used to treat diarrhea, scurvy, and other
conditions.[21]
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is used as an agent to reduce the blood
glucose level.[22]
Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is used by both primates and indigenous
peoples in Africa to treat intestinal ailments such as dysentery[23][24]
Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) used in traditional Chinese medicine and by
indigenous peoples of the Amazon for nausea, indigestion and constipation.[25]
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) historically used for arthritis and muscle pain,
used more recently for conditions related to menopause and menstruation.[26]
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) was used during the Middle Ages to treat
bubonic plague. In modern times, herbal teas made from blessed thistle are used
for loss of appetite, indigestion and other purposes.[27]
Blueberries (genus Vaccinium) are of current medical interest as an
antioxidant[28][29] and for urinary tract ailments[30]
Burdock (Arctium lappa) has been used traditionally as a diuretic and to lower
blood sugar[31] and, in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for sore
throat and symptoms of the common cold.[32]
C[edit]

Chili peppers
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has a long history of use in South America to
prevent and treat disease.[33]
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is a type of chili that has been used as both food
and medicine for thousands of years. Uses have included reducing pain and
swelling, lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels and fighting viruses and
harmful bacteria, due to high levels of Vitamin C.[34][35][36]
Celery (Apium graveolens) seed is used only occasionally in tradition medicine.
Modern usage is primarily as a diuretic.[37]

Chamomille (Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobilis) has been used over
thousands of years for a variety of conditions, including sleeplessness, anxiety,
and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.[38]
Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) leaves and twigs are used by Native Americans to
make a herbal tea used for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer and
a number of others. Subsequent studies have been extremely variable, at best.
Chaparral has also been shown to have high liver toxicity, and has led to kidney
failure, and is not recommended for any use by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) or American Cancer Society.[39][40]
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) used over thousands of years for menstrual
problems, and to stimulate lactation.[41]
Chili (Capsicum frutescens)'s active ingredient, capsaicine, is the basic of
commercial pain-relief ointments in Western medicine. The low incidence of heart
attack in Thais may be related to capsaicine's fibronolytic action (dissolving blood
clots).[42]
Cinchona is a genus of about 38 species of trees whose bark is a source of
alkaloids, including quinine. Its use as a febrifuge was first popularized in the
17th century by Peruvian Jesuits.[43]
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is used for upset stomach and as an expectorant,
among other purposes. The oil is used topically to treat toothache.[44]
Coffee senna (Cassia occidentalis) is 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.[45][46]
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has been used as a vulnerary and to reduce
inflammation.[47] 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.[48]
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) used historically as a vulnerary and for
urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems.
Modern usage has concentrated on urinary tract related problems.[49]
D[edit]

Dandelion flower
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) was most commonly used historically to treat
liver diseases, kidney diseases, and spleen problems[50]

Digitalis (Digitalis lanata), or foxglove, came into use in treating cardiac disease
in late 18th century England in spite of its high toxicity.a Its use has been almost
entirely replaced by the pharmaceutical derivative Digoxin, which has a shorter
half-life in the body, and whose toxicity is therefore more easily managed.[51]
Digoxin is used as an antiarrhythmic agent and inotrope[52]
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) has been used for thousands of years in Asia,
primarily in women's health.[53]
E[edit]
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) berries and leaves have traditionally been used to
treat pain, swelling, infections, coughs, and skin conditions and, more recently,
flu, common cold, fevers, constipation, and sinus infections.[54]
Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) has been used for more than 5,000 years in traditional
Chinese medicine for respiratory ailments.[55] Products containing ephedra for
weight loss, energy and athletic performance, particularly those also containing
caffeine, have been linked to stroke, heart arrhythmia, and even death. Such
products have been banned in the United States since December 2003. Other
dietary supplements containing ephedra were similarly banned in February 2004.
[56]
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) leaves were widely used in traditional medicine
as a febrifuge.[57] Eucalyptus oil is commonly used in over-the-counter cough
and cold medications, as well as for an analgesic.[58]
European mistletoe (Viscum album) has been used to treat seizures, headaches,
and other conditions.[59]
Evening primrose (Oenothera spp.) oil has been used since the 1930s for eczema,
and more recently as an anti-inflammatory[60]
F[edit]
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has long been used to treat symptoms of
menopause, and digestive ailments. More recently, it has been used to treat
diabetes, loss of appetite and other conditions[61]
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries for fevers,
headaches, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites and other conditions.[62]
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is most commonly used as a laxative. Flaxseed
oil is used for different conditions, including arthritis[63]
G[edit]

Garlic bulbs

Garlic ()(Allium sativum) widely used as an antibiotic[64][65][66][67] and,

more recently, for treating cardiovascular disease[68][69]
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is used to relieve nausea[70]
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaf extract has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis,
fatigue, and tinnitus[71]
Ginseng (Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius) has been used medicinally, in
particular in Asia, for over 2,000 years, and is widely used in modern society.[72]
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) was used traditionally by Native Americans to
treat skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea. More recently, the herb has been used
to treat the respiratory tract and a number of other infections[73]
Grape (Vitis vinifera) leaves and fruit have been used medicinally since the
ancient Greeks.[74]
Guava (Psidium guajava) has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. It is
traditionally used to treat diarrhea; however, evidence of its effectiveness is very
limited.[75][76]
Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) might be useful for dental plaque and weight loss.
[77]
H[edit]
Hawthorn (specifically Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata) fruit has
been used for centuries for heart disease. Other uses include digestive and
kidney problems.[78]
Henna (Lawsonia inermis) exhibits potential antibacterial activity. The alcoholic
extract of the root has antibacterial activity due to the presence of flavonoid and
alkaloids. Henna is also thought to show anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and
analgesic effects in experimental animals.[79]
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii) is traditionally used by Kalahari San (Bushmen) to
reduce hunger and thirst. It is currently marketed as an appetite suppressant.[80]
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers have
been used medicinally for many centuries. The raw plant materials are toxic
unless processed.[81]
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) dates back to ancient Roman and Greek medicine,
when it was used to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis
and kidney problems.[82]

J[edit]

Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia erythrina / Piscidia piscipula) is used in traditional

medicine for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, despite serious safety
concerns.[83] A 2006 study suggested medicinal potential.[84]
K[edit]
Kava (Piper methysticum) has been used for centuries in the South Pacific to
make a ceremonial drink with sedative and anesthetic properties. It is used as a
soporific, as well as for asthma and urinary tract infection[85]
Khat is a mild stimulant used for thousands of years in Yemen, and is banned
today in many countries. Contains the amphetamine-like substance cathinone.
Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) is a significant dietary source of glucomannan,
[86][87] which is used in treating obesity,[88] constipation,[89] and reducing
cholesterol.[90]
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Kratom is known to prevent or delay withdrawal
symptoms in an opioid-dependent individual, and it is often used to mitigate
cravings thereafter. It can also be used for other medicinal purposes. Kratom has
been traditionally used in regions such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) African treatment for depression. Suggested to be
an SSRI or have similar effects, but unknown mechanism of activity.
L[edit]

Lavender blossoms
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) was traditionally used as an antiseptic and for
mental health purposes. It was also used ancient Egypt in mummifying bodies.
There is little scientific evidence that lavender is effective for most mental health
uses.[91]
Lemon (Citrus limon), along with other citruses, has a long history of use in
Chinese and Indian traditional medicine.[92] In contemporary use, honey and
lemon is common for treating coughs and sore throat.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of medicinal usage in Eastern
and Western medicine. Uses include stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat,
as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.[93]
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Sacred lotus has been the subject of a number of invitro and animal studies, exploring its pharmacologic effects, including
antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-infective, hyperlipidemic,
and psychopharmacologic activity[94] although clinical trials are lacking.
M[edit]

Marigold (Calendula officinalis), or calendula, has a long history of use in treating

wounds and soothing skin[95]
Marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis) has been used for over 2,000 years as both a
food and a medicine[4]
Moringa oleifera is used for food and traditional medicine. It is undergoing
preliminary research to investigate potential properties of its nutrients and
phytochemicals

MoringaplantinGarden
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for thousands of years for a
variety of medicinal purposes, in particular liver problems.[96]
N[edit]
Neem (Azadirachta indica), used in India to treat worms, malaria, rheumatism
and skin infections among many other things. Its many uses have led to neem
being called "the village dispensary" in India.[97]
Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has a history of use as for joint pain and skin conditions.
[98]
O[edit]
Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the plant source of morphine, used for
pain relief. Morphine made from the refined and modified sap is used for pain
control in terminally ill patients. Dried sap was used as a traditional medicine
until the 19th century.[citation needed]
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Used as an abortifacient in folk medicine in some
parts of Bolivia and other northwestern South American countries, though no
evidence of efficacy exists in Western medicine. Hippocrates used oregano as an
antiseptic, as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. A Cretan
oregano (O. dictamnus) is still used today in Greece as a palliative for sore throat.
Evidence of efficacy in this matter is lacking.
P[edit]
Papaya (Carica papaya) is used for treating wounds.[99]
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) oil, from a cross between water mint and
spearmint, has a history of medicinal use for a variety of conditions, including
nausea, indigestion, and symptoms of the common cold.[100]
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and other species of Echinacea has been
used for at least 400 years by Native Americans to treat infections and wounds,
and as a general "cure-all" (panacea). It is currently used for symptoms
associated with cold and flu[101][102]

Passion Flower (Passiflora) - Thought to have Anti-depressant properties.

Unknown MOA. Used in traditional medicine to aid with sleep or depression.

R[edit]
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is an ingredient in some recipes for essiac tea.
Research has found no benefit for any human health conditions.[103]
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been used medicinally from ancient times.
S[edit]
Sage (Salvia officinalis), shown to improve cognitive function in patients with mild
to moderate Alzheimer's disease[104][105]
Syrian Rue (aka Harmal) (Peganum harmala) - MAOI. Can be used as an
antidepressant, but carries significant risk. Used in traditional shamanistic rites in
the amazon, and is a component of Ayahuasca, Caapi or Yaj (which is actually
usually Banisteriopsis caapi but has the same active alkaloids).
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), widely used within herbalism for
depression. Evaluated for use as an antidepressant, but with ambiguous results.
[106][107][108]
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) was used medicinally by the Seminole tribe[109]
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracts show antibacterial and antifungal
effects on several species including some of the antibiotic resistant strains.[110]
[111][112]
T[edit]
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used medicinally for centuries by
Australian aboriginal people. Modern usage is primarily as an antibacterial or
antifungal agent.[113]
Thunder God Vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) is used in traditional Chinese medicine
to treat inflammation or an overactive immune system[114]
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is used to treat bronchitis and cough. It serves as an
antispasmotic and expectorant 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.[115]
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum or Holy Basil) is used for a variety of purposes in
medicine.[116]
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a spice that lends its distinctive yellow color to Indian
curries, has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to aid

digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation.
[117]
U[edit]

Valerian flowers
Umckaloabo, or South African Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides), used in treating
acute bronchitis[118]
V[edit]
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used since at least ancient Greece and
Rome for sleep disorders and anxiety.[119]
Velvetleaf (Cissampelos pareira) is used for a wide variety of conditions.[120]
Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is used for sore throats and respiratory tract
diseases.[121]
Veronica (Veronica officinalis) is used for sinus and ear infections.[122]
Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is used for skin care.[123]
W[edit]
Wafer Ash (Ptelea trifoliata) root bark is used for the digestive system.[124] Also
known as hoptree.
Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a purgative and might effect the heart.[125]
Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) contains constituents that may affect the heart.
[126]
Water Dropwort (Oenanthe aquatica) seeds are used for coughs, intestinal gas,
and water retention.[127]
Water Germander (Teucrium scordium) has been used for asthma, diarrhea, fever,
intestinal parasites, hemorrhoids, and wounds.[128]
Water Hemlock (Cicuta virosa) Despite being one of the most poisonous plants in
the world, it is sometimes used for pain and inflammation.[129]
Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) is used for the urinary tract.[130]
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) may be diuretic and antibacterial.[131]
Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) may contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
compounds.[132]

White willow (Salix alba) is a plant source of salicylic acid, a chemical related to
aspirin, although more likely to cause stomach upset as a side effect than aspirin
itself. Used from ancient times for the same uses as aspirin.[133]
X[edit]
Xanthoparmelia scabrosa is a lichen used for sexual dysfunction.[134]

Y[edit]
Yerba Santa santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium) was used by the Chumash people to
keep airways open for proper breathing.[135]