Look at any list of medicinal herbs and you’re likely to see some familiar plants. Below are a few examples of common herbs and conditions they might be used to treat. (For more on growing and using medicinal herbs, read Homegrown Medicine.)
*Plants designed at risk for overharvesting by United Plant Savers.
| Blackberry (Rubus villosus) | Treat sore throat |
| *Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) | Treat premenstrual discomfort |
| Calendula (Calendula officinalis) | Heal wounds |
| Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) | Prevent peptic ulcers |
| Chamomile, German (Matricaria recutita) | Encourage digestion |
| Cleavers (Galium aparine) | Reduce inflammation |
| Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) | Treat bruises, sprains |
| Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) | Relax muscles |
| Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) | Diuretic |
| *Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) | Stimulate immune system |
| Elder (Sambucus nigra) | Treat cold symptoms |
| Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) | Encourage digestion |
| Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) | Treat motion sickness |
| *Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) | Reduce inflammation |
| Gumweed (Grindelia spp.) | Treat cold symptoms |
| Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacanthus) | Promote heart health |
| Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) | Treat sore throat |
| Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) | Stimulate digestion |
| Mullein (Verbascum spp.) | Treat sore throat |
| Nettle (Urtica spp.) | Diuretic |
| Peppermint (Mentha piperita) | Stimulate digestion |
| *Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata) | Treat urinary track infections |
| Plantain (Plantago lanceolata or P. major) | Heal wounds |
| St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) | Treat depression |
| Scullcap (Scutellaria spp.) | Ease muscle tension |
| Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) | Sleeping disorders |
| Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) | Treat prementrual discomfort |
| Willow Bark (Salix alba) | Treat osteoarthritis |
| Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | Reduce inflammation |
| Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) | Stimulate digestion |
