Herbal Medicines

Ginseng

(Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius) has been used medicinally, in particular in Asia, for over 2,000 years, and is widely used in modern society.

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum)

African treatment for depression. Suggested to be an SSRI or have similar effects, but unknown MOA.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea)

Although açai berries are a longstanding food source for indigenous people of the Amazon, there is no evidence that they have historically served a medicinal, as opposed to nutritional role. In spite of their recent popularity in the United States as a dietary supplement, there is currently no evidence for their effectiveness for any health-related purpose.

Chili (Capsicum frutescens)

Chili's active ingredient, capsaicine, is the basic of commercial pain-relief ointments in Western medicine. The low incidence of heart attack in Thais may be related to capsaicine's fibronolytic action (dissolving blood clots).

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

Kratom is known to prevent or delay withdrawal symptoms in an opiate dependent individual, and it is often used to mitigate cravings thereafter. It can also be used for other medicinal purposes. Kratom has been traditionally used in regions such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Syrian Rue (aka Harmal) (Peganum harmala)

MAOI. Can be used as an anti-depressant, but carries significant risk. Used in traditional shamanistic rites in the amazon, and is a component of Ayahuasca, Caapi or Yajé (which is actually usually Banisteriopsis caapi but has the same active alkaloids).

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

Sacred lotus has been the subject of a number of in-vitro and animal studies, exploring its pharmacologic effects, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-infective, hyperlipidemic, and psychopharmacologic activity although clinical trials are lacking.

Passion Flower (Passiflora)

Thought to have Anti-depressant properties. Unknown MOA. Used in traditional medicine to aid with sleep or depression.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Used as an abortifacient in folk medicine in some parts of Bolivia and other north western South American countries, though no evidence of efficacy exists in Western medicine. Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic, as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. A Cretan oregano (O. dictamnus) is still used today in Greece as a palliative for sore throat. Evidence of efficacy in this matter is lacking.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

a spice that lends its distinctive yellow color to Indian curries, has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation.

Lemon (Citrus limon)

along with other citruses, has a long history of use in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine. In contemporary use, honey and lemon is common for treating coughs and sore throat.

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)

although toxic, was used historically in Italy by women to enlarge their pupils, as well as a sedative, among other uses. The name itself means "beautiful woman" in Italian.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

and other species of Echinacea has been used for at least 400 years by Native Americans to treat infections and wounds, and as a general "cure-all" (panacea). It is currently used for symptoms associated with cold and flu

Blueberries (genus Vaccinium)

are of current medical interest as an antioxidant and for urinary tract ailments

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

berries and leaves have traditionally been used to treat pain, swelling, infections, coughs, and skin conditions and, more recently, flu, common cold, fevers, constipation, and sinus infections.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

dates back to ancient Roman and Greek medicine, when it was used to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis and kidney problems.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

evaluated for use as an antidepressant, but with ambiguous results.

Henna (Lawsonia Inermis)

exhibits potential anti bacterial activity. The alcoholic extract of root have antibacterial activity due to presence of flavonoid and alkaloids in it. Henna is also khown to show anti-Inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic Effects in experimental animals.

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis)

extracts show antibacterial and antifungal effects on several species including some of the antibiotic resistant strains.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) oil

from a cross between water mint and spearmint, has a history of medicinal use for a variety of conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and symptoms of the common cold.

Hawthorn (specifically Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata)

fruit has been used since the first century for heart disease. Other uses include digestive and kidney problems.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia)

has a history of use as for joint pain and skin conditions.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

has a long history of medicinal usage in Eastern and Western medicine. Uses include stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to the Middle Ages particularly among Native Americans. Uses have included skin ailments, scurvy and gastro-intestinal ailments.

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

has a long history of use in South America to prevent and treat disease.

Guava (Psidium guajava)

has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. It is traditionally used to treat diarrhea; however, evidence of its effectiveness is very limited.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

has been used as a vulnerary and to reduce inflammation. It was also used internally in the past, for stomach and other ailments, but its toxicity has led a number of other countries, including Canada, Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom, to severely restrict or ban the use of comfrey.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

has been used for centuries for fevers, headaches, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites and other conditions.

Kava (Piper methysticum)

has been used for centuries in the South Pacific to make a ceremonial drink with sedative and anesthetic properties. It is used as a soporific, as well as for asthma and urinary tract infection

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica)

has been used for more than 5,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory ailments. Products containing ephedra for weight loss, energy and athletic performance, particularly those also containing caffeine, have been linked to stroke, heart arrhythmia, and even death. Such products have been banned in the United States since December, 2003. Other dietary supplements containing ephedra were similarly banned in February, 2004.

Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis)

has been used for over 2,000 years as both a food and a medicine

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

has been used for thousands of years for a variety of medicinal purposes, in particular liver problems.

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)

has been used for thousands of years in Asia, primarily in women's health.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

has been used medicinally for centuries by Australian aboriginal people. Modern usage is primarily as an antibacterial or antifungal agent.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

has been used medicinally from ancient times.

Chamomille (Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobilis)

has been used over thousands of years for a variety of conditions, including sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

has been used since at least ancient Greece and Rome for sleep disorders and anxiety.

Evening primrose (Oenothera spp.) oil

has been used since the 1930s for eczema, and more recently as an anti-inflammatory

European Mistletoe (Viscum album)

has been used to treat seizures, headaches, and other conditions.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

has been used traditionally as a diuretic and to lower blood sugar and, in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for sore throat and symptoms of the common cold.

Asthma weed (Euphorbia hirta)

has been used traditionally in Asia to treat bronchitic asthma and laryngeal spasm. It is used in the Philippines for dengue fever.

Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus)

has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system, and is used in modern China to treat hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

has long been used to treat symptoms of menopause, and digestive ailments. More recently, it has been used to treat diabetes, loss of appetite and other conditions

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

historically used for arthritis and muscle pain, used more recently for conditions related to menopause and menstruation

Cinchona

is a genus of about 38 species of trees whose bark is a source of alkaloids, including quinine. Its use as a febrifuge was first popularized in the 17th century by Peruvian Jesuits

Khat

is a mild stimulant used for thousands of years in Yemen, and is banned today in many countries. Contains the amphetamine-like substance cathinone.

White willow (Salix alba)

is a plant source of salicylic acid, a chemical related to aspirin, although more likely to cause stomach upset as a side effect than aspirin itself. Used from ancient times for the same uses as aspirin.

Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac)

is a significant dietary source of glucomannan, which is used in treating obesity, constipation, and reducing cholesterol.

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

is a type of chili that has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Uses have included reducing pain and swelling, lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels and fighting viruses and harmful bacteria, due to high levels of Vitamin C.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

is an ingredient in some recipes for essiac tea. Research has found no benefit for any human health conditions.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)

is most commonly used as a laxative. Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions, including arthritis

Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

is the plant source of morphine, used for pain relief. Morphine made from the refined and modified sap is used for pain control in terminal patients. Dried sap was used as a traditional medicine until the 19th century.

Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii)

is traditionally used by Kalahari San (Bushmen) to reduce hunger and thirst. It is currently marketed as an appetite suppressant.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)

is used as an agent to reduce the blood glucose level.

Arnica (Arnica montana)

is used as an anti-inflammatory and for osteoarthritis.

Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina)

is used by both primates and indigenous peoples in Africa to treat intestinal ailments such as dysentery

Tulasi (Ocimum tenuiflorum or Holy Basil)

is used for a variety of purposes in Ayurvedic medicine.

Moringa oleifera

is used for food and traditional medicine. It is undergoing preliminary research to investigate potential properties of its nutrients and phytochemicals

Papaya (Carica papaya)

is used for treating wounds.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

is used for upset stomach and as an expectorant, among other purposes. The oil is used topically to treat toothache.

Ashoka (Saraca indica)

is used in Ayurvedic traditions to treat gynecological disorders. The bark is also used to combat oedema or swelling.

Coffee senna (Cassia occidentalis)

is used in a wide variety of roles in traditional medicine, including in particular as a broad-spectrum internal and external antimicrobial, for liver disorders, for intestinal worms and other parasites and as an immune-system stimulant.

Thunder God Vine (Tripterygium wilfordii)

is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation or an overactive immune system

Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia erythrina / Piscidia piscipula)

is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, despite serious safety concerns. A 2006 study suggested medicinal potential.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

is used to relieve nausea

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

is used to treat bronchitis and cough. It serves as an antispasmotic and expectorant in this role. It has also been used in many other medicinal roles in Asian and Ayurvedic medicine, although it has not been shown to be effective in non-respiratory medicinal roles.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

leaf extract has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus

Grape (Vitis vinifera)

leaves and fruit have been used medicinally since the ancient Greeks.

Chaparral (Larrea tridentata)

leaves and twigs are used by Native Americans to make an herbal tea used for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer and a number of others. Subsequent studies have been extremely variable, at best. Chaparral has also been shown to have high liver toxicity, and has led to kidney failure, and is not recommended for any use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or American Cancer Society.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

leaves are used to lower cholesterol, as well as for kidney and urinary tract ailments, although there is insufficient scientific evidence for its efficacy.

Aloe vera

leaves are widely used to heal burns, wounds and other skin ailments.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

leaves were widely used in traditional medicine as a febrifuge. Eucalyptus oil is commonly used in over-the-counter cough and cold medications, as well as for an analgesic.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

or calendula, has a long history of use in treating wounds and soothing skin

Digitalis (Digitalis lanata)

or foxglove, came into use in treating cardiac disease in late 18th century England in spite of its high toxicity.a Its use has been almost entirely replaced by the pharmaceutical derivative Digoxin, which has a shorter half-life in the body, and whose toxicity is therefore more easily managed. Digoxin is used as an antiarrhythmic agent and inotrope

Celery (Apium graveolens)

seed is used only occasionally in tradition medicine. Modern usage is primarily as a diuretic.

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers have been used medicinally for many centuries. The raw plant materials are toxic unless processed.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

shown to improve cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

used historically as a vulnerary and for urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems. Modern usage has concentrated on urinary tract related problems.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

used in India to treat worms, malaria, rheumatism and skin infections among many other things. Its many uses have led to neem being called "the village dispensary" in India.

Bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium)

used in traditional Chinese medicine and by indigenous peoples of the Amazon for nausea, indigestion and constipation.

Umckaloabo, or South African Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides)

used in treating acute bronchitis

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

used over thousands of years for menstrual problems, and to stimulate lactation.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

used to treat diarrhea, scurvy, and other conditions.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

was most commonly used historically to treat liver diseases, kidney diseases, and spleen problems

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

was traditionally used as an antiseptic and for mental health purposes. It was also used ancient Egypt in mummifying bodies. There is little scientific evidence that lavender is effective for most mental health uses.

Yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium)

was used by the Chumash people to keep airways open for proper breathing.

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

was used during the Middle Ages to treat bubonic plague. In modern times, herbal teas made from blessed thistle are used for loss of appetite, indigestion and other purposes.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

was used medicinally by the Seminole tribe

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

was used traditionally by Native Americans to treat skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea. More recently, the herb has been used respiratory tract and a number of other infections

Garlic (Allium sativum)

widely used as an antibiotic and, more recently, for treating cardiovascular disease