List of Herbs

 

Herbs for health list of herbs a-z. The range of herbs which can be used to help preserve and improve your health is enormous.

New uses for these remarkable plants are being discovered all the time.

With each new piece of research, it seems as though a little more of the power of herbs is being unlocked.

Relax with a cup of mint tea or a glass of lemon balm-infused water and enjoy the feeling that it’s also helping to preserve your health. Below you will find a list of herbs a-z.

How To Use This Page.

The information below is split into 2 parts. The first part puts each herb into a category. Some herbs will be in only 1 category. Where as, other more versatile herbs will be in a number of different categories and help with a number of different conditions.

The category a herb is in gives you a understanding of what each herb is able to help with. For example herbs classed as Bitter’s will help you with digestive problems. If you find a herb that you want more information about.

The second part of this page gives you a information table on the more Commonly available herbs and the main conditions they treat.

Adaptogen

Adaptogen or Adaptogenic in herbal medicine is considered as a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress. Moreover Adaptogenic herbs increased mental and physical stamina while promoting performance.

Borago officinalis (Borage)
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng)
Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng)
Rhodiola rosea (Arctic rose)
Schizandra chinensis (Wu Wei Zi)
Withania somniferum (Ashwagandha)

Alterative

Alteratives herbs are believed to restore the bodies functions back to its proper state. These herbs have the ability to help the lungs, liver and kidney’s eliminate waste. Thus helping to increase your vitality and health.

Galium aparine (Cleavers)
Urtica diocia (Stinging Nettle)
Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Rumex crispus (Yellow Dock)
Iris versicolor (Blue Flag)
Taraxacum off.radix (Dandelion)
Trifolium pratense (Red clover)

Anthelmintics

Anthelmintic or Antiparasite herbs work by stopping the parasitic worms form reproducing or preventing their growth. The anthelmintic(expel) properties can also kill or expel the parasitic worms. This is often described as vermicide(killing) , vermifuge(stunning).

Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Thuja occidentalis (Cedar)
Juglans nigra (Black Walnut)

Anti-catarrhal

Anti-catarrhal herbs can help your body remove excess mucous. These are mostly used for ear, throat and nose infections. Which are also symptom’s normally associated with the common cold and coughs.

Euphrasia sp. (Eyebright)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Solidago virgaurea (Golden rod)
Plantago major/lanceolata (Plantain)
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
Sambucus nigra (Elderberry & flower)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)

Anti-emetic

Tummy Trouble or Digestive Disorders then you need Anti-emetic herbs. The herbs help reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting. These herbs are also Carminatives and hence can be used to help with digestive problems in the stomach.

Melissa off. (Lemon Balm)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory Herbs have the ablities to treat and reduce inflammation or swelling. These herbs can also be helpful in reducing pain (analgesics) by reducing this inflammation.

Allium cepa (Onion)
Allium sativa (Garlic)
Brassica niger / alba (Black/white mustard)
Boswellia serrata (Frankincense)
Bryonia dioica/alba (White bryony)
Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne)
Guaiacum officinalis (Lignum-vitae)
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Betula alba (Silver birch)
Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
Populus spp. (Poplar)
Salix spp (Willow)
Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Viburnum prunifolium (Black haw)
Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam)
Smilax sp. (Sarsaparilla)
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Calendula off. (Marigold)
Panax Ginseng (Korean/Chinese Ginseng)
Borago officinalis (Borage seed)
Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose seed)
Ribes niger (Black currant seed)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Matricara recutita (Chamomile)
Cinnamonum zeylanicum (Cinnamon)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry)
Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry/Blueberry)
Crataegus oxycantha (Hawthorne)
Rubus ideaus (Red Raspberry)
Sambucus nigra (Elderberry)

Anti-lithic

Antilithic herbs help to prevent the formation or development of stones (calculi) in the urinary tract system. These herbs also help to remove the stones from the urinary system.

Coughgrass (Agropyrum repens)
Corn Silk (Zea mays)
Eupatorium purpureum (Gravel root)
Parsley (Petroselinum hortense)
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi)
Betula alba (Silver birch)
Apium graveolens (Celery)
Hydrangea arborescens (Hydrangea)

Anti-microbial

Antimicrobial herbs help to kill microorganisms and/or stop them growing. These herbs are Natural antibiotics.

Allium sativum (Garlic)
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Ligusticum porteri (Osha)
Lomatium dissectum (Lomatium)
Echinacea angustifolia (Echinacea)
Commiphora molmol (Myrrh)

Antispasmodic

Antispasmodic herbs help smooth muscle spasms and are natural muscle relaxers. The herbs are also useful for gastrointestinal tract problems (smooth the stomach).

Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Humulus lupulus (Hops)

Anodyne

Anodyne herbs help to lessen pain by reducing the sensitivity of the nervous system or brain. Similar to analgesics.

Eschscholzia california (California Poppy)
Lactuca virosa (Wild lettuce)
Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican Dogwood)
Valeriana off. (Valerian)
Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade)
Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane)
Datura stramonium (Thorn Apple)
Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium)

Aromatic

Aromatic herbs are known for their fragrance and aroma. This in its self can bring health benefits. Many of these herbs also have other health benefits apart from their amazing aroma.

Pimpinella anisum (Aniseed)
Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)

Astringent

Astringents herbs (Styptics) have natural healing abilities and help in healing wounds by tightening of the skin tissue. The herbs can also treat affected wounds reducing inflammation and stopping minor bleeding.

Rubus idaeus (Red Raspberry)
Quercus sp (White/Red Oak)
Geranium maculatum (Cranesbill)
Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s Purse)

Bitter Herbs

Bitter Herbs aid digestion. These herbs are categorized into two parts; hepatoprotectants which protect and repair the liver of overexposure to toxins, and cholagogues. These enhances the flow of bile which in turn helps digestion.

Artemesia absinthium (Wormwood)
Gentiana lutea (Gentian)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Angelica archangelica (Angelica)
Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Taraxacum off. (Dandelion)

Cardiac Tonic

As the name suggests these herbs help the heart and circulatory system. Cardiac Tonic or Heart Tonic herbs stimulate and strenghten the heart. The herbs are also called cordials. The herb Hawthorne is considered the number one herb for the heart and circulatory system.

Crataegus sp. (Hawthorne)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Convalleria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Carminative

Carminative herbs don’t carm you down. But their do carm your stomach down. These herbs help the digestive system. The herbal remedies help in two way’s. First they prevent gas forming in the gastrointestinal tract. Second they help the expulsion of any gas that is formed. Hence it’s a good remedy for flatulence.

Pimpinella anisum (Anise)
Foeniculum off. (Fennel)
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Melissa off. (Lemon balm)
Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
Rosmarinus off. (Rosemary)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Cinnamonum sp. (Cinnamon)

Cholagogue

Cholagogues herbs are good for the gall bladder and liver. These herbs increase the flow of bile in the gall bladder to the intestines. Bitter herbs can also be cholagogues (see bitter herbs above). One of the most noted cholagoues is Turmeric.

Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Chionanthus virginicus (Fringetree)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)

Choleretic

Choleretic herbs increase the amount of bile from the liver. These herbs are similar to Cholagogues. Herbs with this ability can also be Bitters or Alteratives.

Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Chionanthus virginicus (Fringetree)
Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)

Demulcent

Demulcent herbs are rich in mucilage. Herbs with this property can soothe and protect irritated/inflamed internal tissues. One of the best herbs with this mucilage ability is Slippery Elm.

Agropyron repens (Couch grass)
Althea off. (Marshmallow leaf or root)
Zea mays (Corn silk)
Symphytum off. (Comfrey)
Ulmus fulvus (Slippery Elm)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

Diaphoretic

Herbal diaphoretics are types of herbs that actively induce involuntary perspiration this promotes circulation. This perspiration or sweating helps you get rid of harmful toxins in the body.

Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)
Capsicum minimum (Cayenne)
Sambucus niger (Elderberry & flower)
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Nepeta cataria (Catnip)

Diuretic

Diuretic Herbs help promote diuresis, this means it increases the production of urine. The increase in urine expels water and salt from your body. This can also lower blood pressure.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry)
Juniperus communis (Juniper)
Apium graveolens (Celery)
Betula alba (Silver birch)
Petroselinum crispum (Parsley)
Agropyron repens (Couch Grass)
Zea mays (Corn silk)
Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Taraxacum officinalis folia (Dandelion leaf)

Emetic

Emetic herbs induce emesis or vomiting. The main use for these herbs is to empty the stomach contents. This is used when poisoning is suspected. Used in herbal medicine historically more than it is today. Works by irritating the stomach. Emetic herbs work best in combination.

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuahana)

Emmenagogue

Herbal Emmenagogues boost the blood flow of pelvic area and uterus. The herbs are used mainly when you have delayed Menstruation. As Emmenagogues herbs encourage Menstruation.

Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh)
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue Cohosh)

Emollient

Emollient herbs are used externally to protect the skin and also soften and soothe the skin. Some of these herbs are ingredients in major skin care products. The herbs also help moisturize dry skin.

Plantago major/lanceolata (Plantain)
Aloe barbadensis (Aloe)
Stellaria media (Chickweed)

Expectorant

Expectorant herbs help to loosen mucus and increase the water content of mucus. This makes it easier for you to cough up the mucus. These are a important herbal remedies for coughs and congestion.

Inula helenium (Elecampane)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)
Hyssopus off. (Hyssop)
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia)
Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)
Plantago lanceolata/major (Plantain)
Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)

Febrifuge

Febrifuge Herbs which can also be called antipyretic. These herbs are very important for reducing fever. This is a useful treatment for colds/flu and even viral infections.

Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Sambucus nigra (Elderberry & flower)
Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
Salix alba (Willow)

Galactagogue

Galactagogue herbs help to increase breastmilk production in mothers. The most common herbal remedy used for this purpose is Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek).

Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)
Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry)
Medicago sativa (Alfalfa)
Humulus lupulus (Hops)
Galega off. (Goat’s Rue)
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)

Hepatic

Hepatic in medical terms means “relating to the liver”. The function of the liver is to detoxify the blood and also removing impurities. Hepatic herbs help to strengthen and support the functions of the liver.

Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion root)
Silybum marianum (Milk thistle)
Cynara scolymus (Artichoke)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)

Hypnotic

Hypnotic herbs help you to relax and sleep. These herbs have sedative properties and can help with insomnia. The herbs will not put you in a hypnotic trance, despite the meaning of the naming of these herbs.

Piper methysticum (Kava Kava)
Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower)
Eschscholzia california (California Poppy)
Lactuca virosa (Wild lettuce)
Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican Dogwood)
Valeriana off. (Valerian)

Laxative

Herbal laxatives will help you if you suffering from constipation. These herbs have been used for thousands of years to alleviate constipation. Herbal laxatives can be considered as a “natural laxative” alternative to conventional medications.

Cassia angustifolia (Senna)
Rheum palmatum (Turkey Rhubarb)
Rhamnus purshiana (Cascara)
Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
Linum usitatissimum (Flax)
Plantago psyllium (Psyllium seed)
Althea off. (Marshmallow)

Nervine

Nervine herbs help the nervous system and are used to calm nerves. These herbs can be further classed into three categories: nervine stimulants, nervine tonics and nervine relaxants.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinale)
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Oats (Avena sativa)
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla patens)
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Vervain (Verbena officinalis)
Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa)
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Rubefacient

Rubefacients herbs cause reddening and irritation of the skin. This is because it increases blood flow to the area (vasodilation). This in turn helps with the treatment of pain.

Capsicum sp.(Cayenne)
Brassica alba/niger (Mustard seed)
Ricinis communis (Castor Oil Bean)
Allium sativa (Garlic)

Sedative

Herbal Sedatives calm the nerves relieve tension and are sleep-inducing. These herbs also have other properties: pain-relief, antidepressants, antispasmodics and some are also Nervine Relaxants.

Piper methysticum (Kava Kava)
Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jasmine)
Eschscholzia california (California Poppy)
Lactuca virosa (Wild lettuce)
Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican Dogwood)
Valeriana off. (Valerian)

Stimulant

Stimulant herbs help increase activity of the body and have a stimulating effect on the body. They boost your metabolism, the most famous stimulant that you know is probably coffee/Caffeine. These Natural stimulant herbs can help increase your energy levels.

Coffea arabica (Coffee)
Camellia sinensis (Green/Black tea)
Yerba mate
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Centella asiatica (Gotu kola)
Rosmarinus off. (Rosemary)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly Ash)
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Capsicum sp. (Cayenne)
Panax ginseng (Korean Ginseng)

Tonic

Herbal tonics are used in herbal medicine to help boost general health. They also help to restore and invigorate your body. Hence giving you feelings of well-being.

Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet)
Euphrasia off. (Eyebright)

Trophorestorative

Trophorestorative herbs are generally referred to as a restorative or nutritive restorative. These are similar to Herbal tonics, but they only act on a specific organ or system.

Avena sativa (Oats)
Turnera diffusa (Damiana)

Vulnerary

Vulnerary Herbs help with wound healing and also inflammation These herbal remedies help bring about healing in wounds and inflammation. These herbs help with internal wounds (Demulcents) and external wounds (Emollients).

Calendula off. (Marigold)
Plantago lanceolata/major (Plantain)
Symphytum off. (Comfrey)

List of Commonly Available Medicinal Herbs

Below you will find a list of the most commonly available herbs. A full and detail description of the herb and it’s benefits can be found by clicking on the title. The total list of herbs and their uses:

Medicinal Uses of Herbs

Medicinal Herbs	Main Use	Additional Uses
Aloe vera - Aloe Barbadensis Miller	Skin care	Eczema, Constipation
Aniseed - Pimpinella anisum	Indigestion	Nausea, Bloating
American Ginseng - Panax quinquefolius	Stimulation	Infections, colds and flu
African Dream Herb - Silene capensis	Induce dreams	Infections, induce vomiting
ASHWAGANDHA - Withania somnifera	Strengthing immune system	Stress, depression and anxiety reduction.
Basil - Ocimum basilicum	Anti-Bacterial	sickness and Nausea
Cardamom - Elettaria cardamomum	Anti-Carcinogenic	Anti-microbial, Hypertension
Chamomile - Matricaria Recutita	Anxiety	Insomnia, Heart Health
Chives - Allium schoenoprasum	Cholesterol	High Blood Pressure, Digestive Problems
Dill - Anethum graveolens	Heartburn	Insomnia, Headaches
Damiana - Turnera diffusa	Aphrodisiac	Treating diabetesI
Echinacea - Echinacea purpurea	Fighting infections	Alleviating pain, Boosting the immune system
Elderberry - Sambucus nigra	Lower cholesterol	Boosting the immune system
Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare	High Blood Pressure	Immunity, Increase Metabolism
Feverfew - Tanacetum parthenium	Migraine and Headaches	Reduce Stress, Analgesic
FoTi Herb - Polygonum multiflorum	Anti-Aging Herb	Aphrodisiac, Hair loss
Garden Cress - Lepidium sativum	Coughs	Vitamin C deficiency, constipation
Garlic - Allium sativum	Lower Blood Pressure	Skin Problems, Cold and Flu
Gentian - Gentiana lutea	Digestive	Anemia, Antispasmodic
Ginger - Zingiber officinale	Nausea	Anti-inflammatory, Digestive Problems
Ginkgo - Ginkgo Biloba	Stroke prevention	Increase in blood circulation, Depression management
Guarana - Paullinia cupana	Natural stimulant	Weight loss, Energy Booster
Hawthorn - Crataegus	Cholesterol	Angina, high blood pressure
Kratom - Mitragyna speciosa	Relieving pain	Curing common addictions.
Marsh Mallow - Althaea officinalis	Sore throats and coughs	Wound treatment, Anti-inflammatory
Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris	Digestion	Diuretic, Moxibustion
Milk Thistle - Silybum marianum	Detox the Liver	Prevent Gallstones
Lavender - Lavandula	Skin	Antibiotic, Hair loss
licorice Root - Glycyrrhiza glabra	Managing Cholesterol	Skin Disorders, Weight Loss
Rose hip - Akuna	Antioxidant	Skin Disorders, Digestive
Sage - Salvia officinalis	Anti-inflammatory	Anti-convulsont, Analgesic
Stevia - Stevia rebaudiana	Weight loss	Diabetes Management, Lowering blood pressure
sorrel - Rumex acetosa	Anti-inflammatory	Diuretic, Herbal cancer treatment "Essiac"
Thyme - Thymus	Respiratory	Antibiotic, Eczema
Tarragon - Artemisia dracunculus	Digestive	Metabolism, Rheumatism
Turmeric - Curcuma longa	Anti-inflammatory	Skin Disorders, Immune System
Oregano - Origanum vulgare	Anti-inflammatory	Detoxifing, Anti-fungal
Osha Root - Ligusticum porteri	Digestive problems	Natural painkiller
Parsley - Petroselinum crispum	Anti-oxidant	Immune system, Diabetes
Passionflower - Passiflora incarnate	Anti-inflammatory	Sedative and antispasmodic.reduce blood pressure
Peppermint - Mentha piperita	Anti-bacterial	Antispasmodic, sedative

List of Medicinal herbs with there common name follow by the scientific name. Also lists there main medical use and the secondly uses. The full article of the herb is available by clicking the herbs title.