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 |