Herbs for Health
At-a-Glance Reference for 170+ Herbs & Growing!
See the list below for descriptions of herbs covered on this Herbs and Natural Remedies site. Click on the linked herb name for more information on each. Descriptions include health benefits, what each is used for, where it grows, preparations, dosages, precautions, pictures, and a bit of history and/or folklore, as well as FAQs.
If you’re into healthy living, you may also want to check out
Eat-Well-To-Be-Well.com to learn more about Holistic Nutrition.
-A-
- Acai – heart health, improved brain function, and a healthy immune system, to name just a few…
- Agnus Castus –See Chasteberry
- Alfalfa – Has protein and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K.
- Aloe – This versatile herb has been used for over 5,500 years – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties
- Agrimony – Aids recovery from winter colds and flu.
- Angelica – A warming herb and more.
- Arnica – soothes sore muscles and reduces pain and inflammation.
- Ashwagandha – Uses in traditional Indian and Ayurvedic medicine are extensive.
- Asparagus Root – It could also help you fall in love all over again
- Astragalus – Chinese immune system booster.
-B-
- Bach Flowers – Helps balance emotional states.
- Bee Balm – Antiseptic and rich in antioxidants.
- Berberine – weight loss supplement and much more
- Bergamot – anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, stress, anxiety, mood, pain, cardio
- Bilberry – A circulatory enhancer and diabetic aid.
- Bitterwort – For the digestive issues, lack of appetite, anorexia, and dyspepsia.
- Black Cohosh – A powerful antispasmodic herb and muscle relaxer, alleviates menopausal discomforts.
- Black Currant – for metabolic conditions – diabetes, eye health, kidney and gut
- Black Sesame – Reduce Inflammation, heart health, muscle and joint health, cholesterol
- Borage – Diuretic and blood purifier / cleanser used in cases of arthritis and infections of the respiratory tract.
- Boswellia – Anti-inflammatory action.
- Burdock – The tenacious tonic.
- Butcher’s Broom – For hemorrhoids and varicose veins, gallstones, atherosclerosis, circulation problems, leg cramps, edema.
- Butterbur – allergies, nasal congestion, headaches, migraines.
-C-
- Calendula – Also known as the pot marigold. Internally and externally, a useful herb.
- Capsaicin – for chronic inflammation/ pain relief, boosts energy, burns fat, lowers LDL, digestive issues, IBS
- Cascara Sagrada – A safe, mild and effective natural laxative, unmatched, especially for chronic constipation.
- Cat’s Claw – for immunity, cardiovascular health, digestive, osteoporosis, inflammation, pain relief
- Cayenne – A spice so hot yet has soothing medicinal properties.
- CBD – provides relief for a variety of physical and mental ailments.
- Cinnamon – lowers blood sugar levels, offers anti-diabetic effects, reduces cholesterol, and more!
- Chamomile – Need help sleeping? Try a cup before bedtime.
- Chasteberry – Also known as Agnus Castus and Vitex, this herb can handle PMS!
- Chickweed – Natural appetite suppressant. Also use for insect stings, bites, eczema and other skin problems.
- Cleavers – A powerful restorative for the lymphatic system.
- Coffee – Yes! Coffee is an herb!
- Comfrey – One use is to promote more rapid repair of broken bones.
- Cordyceps – energy, stamina, brain function, respiratory, blood sugar, immunity
- Cranberry – Useful as a preventative for urinary tract infections.
- Cumin – improve digestion, cardiovascular health, supports and may help prevent type 2 diabetes
- Cutch Tree – promotes a healthy inflammatory response and much more.
-D-
- Damiana – Hailed as an aphrodisiac since ancient times
- Dandelion – To treat liver, gallbladder, kidney and joint problems.
- Devils Claw – Alleviates joint pain.
- Devils Club – for regulating blood sugar levels / diabetes.
- Dong Quai – The female ginseng.
-E-
- Echinacea – Enhances the immune system. Try it instead of a flu shot!
- Eleuthero – stress, anxiety, and fatigue
- Elderberry – Internally and externally, a versatile herb.
- Ephedra – banned by the FDA in 2004
- Evening Primrose – Supplies many essential fatty acids.
- Eyebright – To soothe irritated eyes, promotes general eye health.
-F-
- Fairy-wand – for abdominal cramps, irregular or painful menstruation, and menopausal symptoms
- Fennel – If you like the flavor of anise or licorice, try this as a tea.
- Fenugreek – Help for high cholesterol
- Feverfew – Helps reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
- Flax Seed / Oil – helps reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Forsythia fruit – secret power to help rid the body of toxins.
- Fo-Ti – May help prevent premature aging and slow the aging process.
-G-
- Garlic – A natural antibiotic! It’s antibacterial action is equivalent to 1% penicillin.
- Gentian – Supporting and nurturing the digestive system.
- Ginger – An ancient Indian proverb, “everything good is found in ginger”.
- Ginkgo Biloba – Improves circulation and decreases risk of heart attacks and stroke.
- Ginseng – Primarily for men. Dong Quai is the equivalent for women.
- Ginseng – Asian, American, Siberian – each has its own special emphasis on our health
- Glucosamine Chondroitin – This combination is most often used for arthritis, and a common type called osteoarthritis
- Goji Berries – boosting the immune system, to increasing energy levels, and improving the quality of sleep.
- Goldenseal – keep it in your herbal medicine chest.
- Gotu Kola – A relaxant and nervous system restorative. May promote longevity.
- Grape Seed – A powerful antioxidant.
- Green Tea Leaf – The number one drink in the world. Plus, see Black versus green tea, the benefits, click here.
- Guarana – A potent energy source.
-H-
- Haritaki – Known for its rejuvenating, stress-relieving, and purifying qualities.
- Hawthorn – The new hope for heart health.
- Heal All (Self Heal) – Herpes, high cholesterol, diabetes.
- He Shou Wu – Age-defying wellness.
- Hemp See Oil – heart health, skin health, anti-inflammatory.
- Holy Basil – Diabetes, Cholesterol, Anxiety, Mental Clarity +
- Hoodia – the weight loss herb.
- Hop – An ingredient in beer has long been known as a sedative.
- Horehound – for circulation, blood sugar, cholesterol, arthritis, coughs, appetite.
- Horse Chestnut – For strengthening and toning of the circulatory system.
- Horsetail – Silica-rich Horsetail is for hair, skin, and nails, strengthens connective tissue.
- Horny Goat Weed – aphrodisiac, erectile function, fatigue and menopausal discomfort.
- Hyssop – for age-related conditions like cataracts, heart disease, and strokes
-I-
- Ivy Leaf – Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, COPD
-J-
- Juniper – Best known for gin, an excellent remedy for urethral and bladder infections.
-K-
- Kratom – pain relief, alleviates anxiety and depression, eases opiate withdrawal.
- Kombucha – loaded with probiotics, detoxifies your system, aids liver function
- K2 Vitamin – Anti-aging, health super charger!
- Kava Kava – Similar to drinking a glass of wine, a calming herb – well-known for its anti-anxiety effect.
- Kudzu – Helps inhibit the desire for alcohol.
-L-
- Lavender – In the middle ages, it was thought to be an herb of love.
- Lemon Balm – Brush its leaves and your fingers will smell like lemon mint.
- Licorice Root – antibacterial, antiviral, and more
- Lion’s Mane – brain function
- Lobelia – Indian tobacco, but be careful!
- Lomatium – Reputed to have antiviral effects.
- Lovage – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, for digestive issues, fever, infections, psoriasis, acne, aging skin
-M-
- Maca Root – boosts energy, promotes healthy cells, supports metabolism.
- Mandrake – Nerve issues, antidepressant, inflammation.
- Marshmallow – Long used by herbalists to treat coughs and sore throats.
- Meadowsweet – Used by herbalists to treat rheumatism in joints and muscles.
- Milk Thistle – A restorative herb for the liver.
- Mint – aids digestion, respiratory issues. antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
- Mother of Herbs – Coughs, sore throats, nasal congestion, infections, and asthma. Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory.
- Mullein – The respiratory soother.
- Myrrh – Soothing effect on inflamed tissues in the mouth and throat.
-N-
- Neem is an blood purifier and detoxifier, it supports healthy glowing skin,anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
- Nettle – Keeps the body from making inflammatory chemicals (prostaglandins).
- NMN – for bone health, cardiovascular health, blood clotting, and more.
- Nigella Sativa – Studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer properties. Also immune support, heart health and antidiabetic effects.
-O-
- Oats – Treats nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and “weakness of the nerves”.
- Oat Straw – Recognized for its soothing properties, particularly in the context of mild to moderate anxiety.
- Onion – Prevention of atherosclerosis.
- Oregon Grape – Useful for mild infections.
- Oregano Oil – infections, inflammation, boost the immunity, digestive health, headaches, to name a few!
-P-
- Palmarosa – Enhances skin health, bacteris, fungi, viruses, even soothes the mind.
- Parsley – Think twice before you ignore this token herb on your dinner plate.
- Passion Flower – Has a slightly narcotic effect, may impart a marijuana type high.
- Pau d’arco – A good remedy for fungus infections.
- Peppermint – Soothes indigestion.
- Phyllanthus – Used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years.
- Poppy / California Poppy – natural painkiller and sedative.
- Psyllium – Supplies dietary fiber.
- Purslane – Fights wrinkles, moisturizes and brightens your complexion.
- Pygeum – Helps men with BPH, improves urinary flow and other symptoms.
-Q-
- Quince – Sent as presents, or shared, were tokens of love.
- Queen of herbs (Tulsi) – Boosts immunity, reduce stress, respiratory health, reduced risk of heart disease, managing diabetes, digestive health.
-R-
- Red Clover – Produces gradual beneficial changes in the body.
- Red Raspberry – Connected to female health, including pregnancy.
- Rehmannia glutinosa – shines in its ability to address various diabetic disorders, helping regulate blood sugar levels (and much more).
- Rhodiola for increasing energy and mental capacity, improving athletic performance, resisting the effects of stress, and managing depression and anxiety
- Rosemary – improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, ease anxiety–
-S-
- Saffron – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mood-enhancing
- Sage – (aka Salvia) powerful natural remedy for improving cognitive function
- St John’s Wort – Natural anti-depressant that really works!
- Sarsaparilla – Used for arthritis, cancer, skin diseases, and a host of other conditions.
- Saw Palmetto – For prostrate health in men.
- Schisandra chinensis: A mood elevator helping one be happier, healthier.
- Senna – A cleansing herb.
- Shea Butter – skin dryness, flakiness, stretch marks, inflammation, redness
- Shatavari – For female health – reproductive, hormonal, menstrual, menopause and more.
- Skullcap – An herb for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, a relaxant, calming nerves, and more
- Slippery Elm – An ingredient in some commercial cough drops.
- Sorrel – Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Detox, Diabetes, Heart, Immunity, Inflammation.
- Soy – A sedative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, with hormonal balancing effects, and benefit to the liver and circulation.
- Spearmint – Used to relieve hiccough, flatulence, nausea, vomiting and colic.
- Stevia – Sweeter than sugar.
-T-
- Tart Cherry – Inflammation, Muscle Recovery, Sleep Quality
- Tea Tree – The oil kills fungus and bacteria.
- Terminalia Genus – Antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral properties, analgesic.
- Thunder God Vine – is used to treat arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis
- Thyme – Treats respiratory problems, skin conditions, and digestive disorders.
- Thuja – Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.
- Touch Me Not herb – fertility, depression, convulsions.
- Tribulus Terrestris – From edema to gastrointestinal issues, sexual dysfunction to eye problems, and more.
- Triphala – to nourish and detoxify gently, and feel good overall.
- Tulsi – Boosts immunity, reduce stress, respiratory health, reduced risk of heart disease, managing diabetes, digestive health.
- Turmeric – an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall health!
-U-
- Uva Ursi: a natural tonic for the urinary system.
-V-
- Valerian – Nature’s answer to valium.
- Vervain – Potent anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
- Vitex (aka Chasteberry)
-W-
- White Willow – The Herbal Aspirin.
- Wild Yam – eproductive health. Hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, difficulties getting pregnant
- White Mulberry – Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar control.
- Witch Hazel – The astringent that isn’t.
- Wormwood – Very interesting herb. Be sure to read about it.
-Y-
- Yarrow – Can also keep wounds from becoming inflamed.
- Yellow Dock – Excellent liver and gallbladder tonic.
- Yerba Mate – Boosts energy, mental alertness, immuity, and aids digestion, weight loss, lowers LDL
- Yohimbe – Be careful of this one!
-Z-
- Zedoary – Indigestion, flatulence, colic.