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 |