Asteraceae
Sunflower/Daisy family
16 medicinal plants in this family
Plants
Arnica
Arnica montana
Asteraceae
Bruises, sprains, and trauma injuriesMuscle soreness and inflammationWound healing and cuts
Bhringaraj
Eclipta prostrata
Asteraceae
Ayurveda: primary herb for all hair conditions; stimulates hair growth, prevents premature graying, and strengthens hair follicles; Bhringaraj taila (oil) is cornerstone of Ayurvedic hair careAyurveda: liver tonic and treatment for jaundice, hepatitis, and liver enlargement; classified as hepatoprotective rasayanaTCM: Mo Han Lian — used for liver and kidney yin deficiency causing dizziness, blurred vision, premature graying; hemostatic herb
Blessed Thistle
Cnicus benedictus
Asteraceae
Digestive stimulant and appetite enhancementLiver and gallbladder supportLactation support in nursing mothers
Burdock
Arctium lappa
Asteraceae
Skin conditions including eczema and psoriasisBlood purification and detoxificationLiver and kidney support
Calendula
Calendula officinalis
Asteraceae
European folk medicine for wound healing, skin conditionsTreatment of cuts, burns, bruises, and inflammationEye infections and conjunctivitis
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Asteraceae
European folk medicine for digestive disorders, insomnia, anxietyChildren's remedy for colic, teething pain, restlessnessWound healing and skin inflammation treatment
Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara
Asteraceae
Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Throat inflammation and laryngitisLung congestion and phlegm
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Asteraceae
Liver disorders and jaundiceKidney and bladder problemsDigestive disorders and poor appetite
Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
Asteraceae
Native American remedy for snakebites, wounds, infectionsTreatment of respiratory infections and coldsImmune system support during illness
Elecampane
Inula helenium
Asteraceae
Respiratory conditions (bronchitis, asthma, coughs)Digestive disorders and poor appetiteSkin conditions (scabies, eczema, wounds)
Gravel Root
Eutrochium purpureum
Asteraceae
Iroquois traditional medicine: root decoction as primary kidney and urinary tract remedy; used for kidney stones, urinary gravel, and painful urinationCherokee use: roots for fevers, typhoid, and as a diuretic tonicEclectic physicians (19th–20th century USA): 'Joe Pye Weed' widely prescribed for kidney stones, gravel, and urinary calculi; considered a specific for dissolving calcium oxalate stones
Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum
Asteraceae
Liver protection and regenerationTreatment of liver diseases and jaundiceGallbladder disorders and bile flow stimulation
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Asteraceae
Digestive disorders and appetite stimulationMenstrual irregularities and labor inductionNervous conditions and epilepsy
Spilanthes / Toothache Plant
Acmella oleracea (syn. Spilanthes acmella, S. oleracea)
Asteraceae
Brazilian indigenous use: fresh flower heads applied directly to teeth and gums for toothache — the most universal traditional useIndian Ayurvedic and folk medicine: treatment of toothache, gingivitis, and oral infections; used in traditional dentistryNepalese traditional medicine: treatment of malaria, fever, and stomach parasites
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Asteraceae
Digestive disorders and poor appetiteIntestinal parasites and wormsLiver and gallbladder conditions
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Asteraceae
Wound healing and bleeding controlFever reduction and diaphoreticDigestive disorders and poor appetite
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.