Healing Herbs and Medicinal Plants List
Important. Please Read: This website is for the presentation of the historical uses of herbs and it’s contents are for informational purposes only. Never take any herb or health supplement without first consulting your doctor. Never take any herb or supplement without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant, nursing or trying to get pregnant. Never give herbs or health supplements to children without first talking to their doctor. The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. The herbs and supplements mentioned are not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent disease. Always play it safe.
Also see Herbs Listed By Health Condition
Healing Herbs and Medicinal Plants List
Agrimony
Scientific Name: Agrimonia eupatoria
Common Names: Common agrimony, church steeples or sticklewort
Family: Rosaceae
Part Used: Aerial parts
Habitat: Native to Europe, but can also be found in temperate climate in most parts of the Northern hemisphere.
Agrimony tea is soothing and good for sore throats. Sometimes used by singers to gargle with, this herb is used to refresh and clear the throat. Agrimony is sometimes used for loose bowels as well. Sometimes prescribed for fevers, digestive and bowel troubles, coughs and asthma. Can be used externally for skin sores.
Alfalfa
Scientific Name: Medicago sativa
Common Names: Buffalo grass, chilean clover, lucerne
Family: Fabaceae
Part Used: Leaves, stems, sprouts
Habitat: Native to southwestern Asia and Southeastern Europe. Also grows in North America and North Africa.
Alfalfa is known as the “Father of all foods” for good reason. It’s loaded with important vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and protein. It’s roots go down as far as 30 feet to pull valuable nutrients from the earth. This plant is commonly used for arthritis, digestive problems, as a diuretic and for reducing high cholesterol. It’s a very inexpensive source of easily digested nutrients. Alfalfa is high in beta-carotene and builds the immune system. This plant also contains chlorophyll, which is good for reducing bad breath and body odor.
CAUTION: Pregnant and nursing women should not eat alfalfa seeds due to their content of stachydrine and homostachydrine (may promote menstruation or cause miscarriage). People in general should never eat alfalfa seeds. They contain high levels of the toxic amino acid canavanine. Alfalfa is high in vitamin K and may work as an anti-coagulant so it shouldn’t be taken by people taking blood thinning medication.
Aloe
Scientific Name: Aloe vera
Common Names: Aloe, cape, barbados
Family: Asphodelaceae
Part Used: Leaves
Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean. Also grows in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The gel inside of the leaves of the Aloe plant can be used externally to treat minor burns, sun burn, cuts, scrapes and poison ivy. Aloe gel is good for moisturizing the skin and is a main ingredient of many skin care products. Many people use it to reduce acne and treat other skin problems.
CAUTION: Some people have taken Aloe internally as a laxative. The Mayo Clinic website states that this is not safe and can lead to severe cramping, diarrhea and dangerous imbalances of electrolytes even if used infrequently.
American Ginseng
Scientific Name: Panax quinquefolius
Common Names: Ginseng, xi yang shen
Family: Araliaceae
Part Used: Root
Habitat: Grows in the eastern part of North America and Canada.
American ginseng is an adaptogen. A substance which is good for the body in general and protects against stress of all types. It has been used to strengthen the immune system, increase strength and stamina, treat digestive disorders, treat diabetes, treat ADHD and as a general tonic for wellness. Many people believe that the best American ginseng comes from the state of Wisconsin in the U.S. American ginseng is considered a cooling ginseng, where Korean ginseng has a more warming effect on the body.
CAUTION: Should not be taken by people with high blood pressure or by women who are pregnant.
See our American Ginseng page for more in-depth information and pictures.
Angelica
Scientific Name: Angelica archangelica
Common Names: Garden angelica, norwegian angelica, holy ghost, wild celery, masterwort
Family: Apiacae
Part Used: Leaves, stems, seeds, roots
Habitat: Grows in Asia, Europe and the eastern U.S.
This herb has traditionally been used for menopausal troubles, flatulence, appetite loss, digestive problems, respiratory ailments and arthritis. Like it’s Chinese counterpart Angelica sinensis (dong quai), this herb is used by many women for the reproductive system. It is believed to be a hormonal regulator and uterine tonic. Angelica tea is often used to treat PMS as well.
CAUTION: Not recommended during pregnancy.
Anise
Scientific Name: Pimpinella anisum
Common Names: Anise
Family: Umbelliferae
Part Used: Seeds
Habitat: Native to Egypt
Anise tea is made from the plant’s seeds. Is has a strong licorice taste. It is consumed to improve digestion, prevent flatulence, reduce bad breath and to treat coughs.
Arnica
Scientific Name: Arnica montana
Common Names: Leopard’s bane, mountain daisy, mountain arnica
Family: Asteraceae
Part Used: Flowers
Habitat: Native to central Asia, Siberia and Europe. Cultivated in North America.
Arnica is used externally as an ointment for sore muscles, sprains and bruises. It possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-septic properties.
CAUTION: Should never be taken internally. Not recommended for long term use as it may cause skin irritation.
Ashwagandha
Scientific Name: Withania Somnifera
Common Names: Winter cherry, indian ginseng, ajagandha
Family: Solanaceae
Part Used: Roots, leaves, seeds
Habitat: Grows in India, Africa and widely cultivated around the world
Ashwagandha is sometimes called “Indian ginseng” as it has many similar health properties. This herb is very popular in the Ayurvedic system of health in India. It is considered an adaptogen. It is commonly used to relieve stress and strengthen the immune system. It has the ability to strengthen the body and increase endurance. This herb has been used in India for over 3,000 years as a rejuvenator. The seeds of this plant are thought to have a diuretic effect, while the leaves possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and sedative properties. The chemical components of the root have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immune strengthening and sedative properties. This is a great herb for athletes and active people that need to increase their energy, strength and stamina.
CAUTION: This herb has a high iron content and should NEVER be taken by women during pregnancy. May also have a mild depressant effect and should not be taken with sedatives or alcohol.
See our Ashwagandha page for more in-depth information and pictures.
Astragalus
Scientific Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Common Names: Huang qi, yellow leader, milk vetch
Family: Fabaceae
Part Used: Roots, rhizomes
Habitat: This plant is native to Mongolia and China. Cultivated in the U.S. and Canada
Astragalus is one of the most popular herbs in the traditional Chinese medicine system. It has been in use for over 2000 years. This herb is most often used as a diuretic and for lowering high blood pressure. Many people use it to treat upper respiratory infections as well as the common cold, as it seems to increase the production of white blood cells. Traditionally, this herb has also been used to increase energy, strengthen the immune system, treat excessive sweating, ulcers and diarrhea.
See our Astragalus page for more in-depth information and pictures.
Bearberry
Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Common Names: Uva ursi, mountain box, bear’s grape, kinnikinnick
Family: Ericaceae
Part Used: Leaves
Habitat: Grows throughout the Northern Hemisphere
Often taken as a tea, this herb is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections and inflammation of the urinary tract. It has astringent, diuretic and antiseptic properties.
CAUTION: This herb can be toxic in high doses. Never take if you are pregnant or if you have kidney disease. Do NOT give to children.
Bee Balm
Scientific Name: Monarda didyma
Common Names: Wswego tea, mountain mint, scarlet bergamot
Family: Lamiaceae
Part Used: Leaves
Habitat: Native to North America
Bee Balm was often used by the Native Americans to treat intestinal problems, colic and flatulence. Tea made from this plant was used to induce sweating and break fevers. Bee balm is often used to treat the common cold and sore throat as well. The leaves of this plant are a good source of essential oil that contains thymol. Thymol is an antibiotic and often used as an ingredient in mouthwash.
Bilberry
Scientific Name: Vaccinium mytillus
Common Names: European blueberry, huckleberry, whortleberry
Family: Ericaceae
Part Used: Leaves, fruits
Habitat: Grows in the warm regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Bilberry has been used for centuries by European healers to treat such things as stomach cramps, diarrhea and diabetes. Now bilberry is most often used to prevent night blindness. It seems to be able to strengthen the capillaries and protect them from free radical damage. This plant contains flavonoids called anthocyanosides. These are a powerful antioxidant. In the past, bilberry has also been used as a remedy for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and bruising.
See our Bilberry page for more in-depth information and pictures.
Black Cherry
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina
Common Names: Bird cherry, rum cherry
Family: Rosaceae
Part Used: Bark
Habitat: Native to North America
Native Americans used black cherry as a medicinal herb to treat coughs. The bark from the black cherry tree was often made into a tea or syrup and used to expel worms, heal ulcers and treat burns. They also used it as a remedy for sore throat, pneumonia and lack of appetite. Black Cherry bark contains a glycoside called prunasin. This substance quells spasms in the smooth muscles of the bronchioles, thus reducing the cough reflex.
Black Cohosh
Scientific Name: Cimicifuga racemosa
Common Names: Black snakeroot, macrotys, bugwort, bugbane
Family: Ranunculaceae
Part Used: Roots, rhizome
Habitat: Native to North America
The Cherokee Indians used black cohosh as a diuretic and as a remedy for fatigue and tuberculosis. Other native Americans used this herb to treat menstrual irregularities, rheumatism and sore throat. Today, black cohosh is used mainly to reduce the severity of premenopausal and menopausal symptoms, such as excessive sweating, depression and hot flashes.
CAUTION: Black cohosh is NOT the same as blue cohosh. Blue cohosh may be toxic and has not been tested for safety.
See our Black Cohosh page for more in-depth information and pictures.
More herbal quick facts coming soon. See the right sidebar for links to the most popular herbs and herb articles.
Be sure to visit our Herb Articles section during your visit.
To use our herbs list encyclopedia to look up a herb and learn more about how it can benefit you, just click on one of the category links. You may always return to the home page by clicking on the title “Herbs List” at the top of the page.
On each page, one herb (with picture) is featured. We list the scientific and common names of the herb as well as it’s history and traditional healing properties. We’ll also list any possible side effects of taking the herb. At the bottom of each herb page we’ll have some links to scientific studies if you’d like to read them.
A Few Recommendations
On occasion, we also recommend a few high quality health supplements Bill or I have personally tried and found effective. You can be sure, we will never recommend any product we have not personally taken ourselves or performed in-depth research on.
What Are Herbs?
Herbs are truly a gift from nature. They are very versatile and can be used as food, medicine and health supplements. Webster’s dictionary describes a herb as a plant with a fleshy stem. While this is true, herbalist also consider the following as herbs.
- Roots
- Tree and vine Bark
- Flower pollen collected by Bees
- Berries or Fruit
- Plant oil and resin
- Seeds and nuts and their husks or shells
- Some types of foods such as garlic
Herbs have been used since the beginning of human history as a food source and to cure specific aliments, increase strength and endurance and to improve overall health. Ancient people gathered local herbs for food and discovered that each herb also possessed specific healing properties.
For example: Ginseng was found to increase physical and mental strength and endurance. Reshie mushroom was found to calm the mind and spirit and so on.
There are several major healing systems that use herbs for their medicinal properties. Ayurvedic Formulas from India, Traditional Chinese medicine from China and Native American remedies from The United States Of America.
Each culture independently discovered the herbs in there area that were beneficial to health and could treat specific health conditions. They built their healing herbs list over centuries of trial and error. An example would be a herb for increased energy from China would be ginseng. In Peru, they used maca root. In the United States they consumed bee pollen. And in India they used ashwagandha. Now, with the speed of the internet, we can learn about and buy any herb from any one of these powerful healing systems.
Why Take Herbs?
If you want to dramatically improve all aspect of your health, herbs and herbal supplements can help. Herbs are a natural means of preventing and curing many types of ailments and diseases. About 25% of prescription medicine has at least one herbal component in it. These are most often potent herbal extracts. An example would be aspirin, that was first created from white willow bark.
It’s important to remember that herbs are not medicine. They are food. A very high quality food that contains a highly assimilable form of vitamins, minerals and elements that balance the body in a beneficial manner. This fact makes herbs generally much safer to take that prescription drugs.
It seems that every day modern medicine is telling us to take more prescription drugs. Yes, there’s a drug for everything. While some drugs are very useful and do save lives, there is a limit to how many of these the body can withstand. I believe that taking herbs whenever possible is the better and more healthy way to go. There are many herbs that work as well or better than prescription medicine for certain conditions. An example would be taking ginger rather than Dramamine. In scientific tests, ginger was found to be more effective in preventing motion sickness.
What Are The Side Effects Of Herbs?
Since herbs are food, there are generally no dangerous side effects of using them in there natural state. If they are herbal extracts, they are more potent then the raw herb and should be taken in smaller doses to get the desired effects. Some herbs have a cleansing and detoxifying effect on the body and can cause diarrhea and nausea if taken in large quantity. Don’t worry. It’s good to cleanse the body of toxins. Just start off slowly and you’ll get the best long term results.
How Soon Will I Experience The Health Benefits Of Taking Herbs?
This is impossible to say. Everyone is different and in a different state of health when they start taking herbs. If you’re very ill, they may take a while longer to bring about the desired results than if you were already healthy when you started taking the herbs.
When Is The Best Time To Take Herbs?
Since herbs are food and not medicine, you can take them any time you want. Of course you wouldn’t want to take an energizing herb like ginseng right at bedtime or sedative herbs first thing in the morning. You can decide for yourself if you prefer to take herbs with or without a meal. Do what works best for you. Some herbs work better on an empty stomach. You’ll have to read the label on the supplement bottle to see what is the recommended way of taking them.
Safety Precautions
No matter what it is we’re doing, it’s always best to play it safe. Never take herbs or any health supplement without first talking it over with your doctor. Especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or are suffering from a disease or illness. Never give a child any herb or health supplement without first talking to your child’s doctor. Even though herbs are all natural and usually safe when taken in moderation, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A Note From Our Editors
Hi. My name is Miranda Barros. Welcome to our website. My husband Bill and I are the editors here at HerbsList.net. We’ve been taking herbal supplements for over 25 years and have learned a lot about them through trial and error. Now, we’d like to share our passion for herbs with you, and hopefully pass on a little useful information along the way. We truly hope this information about herbs will help you discover the wonderful health benefits that are available to you right now. Thank’s for reading and please set a bookmark, as we’ll be adding more information to our herbs list on a regular basis.
Sincerely,
Miranda & Bill Barros
(Herbs List Editors)
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