Anti-inflammatory

Applications

AcaiAlfalfaAloe VeraAndrographisArjunaArnicaAshitabaBacopaBasilBhringarajBirchBitter MelonBlack CohoshBlack PepperBlessed ThistleBlue CohoshBlue VervainBorageBuchuBurdockCacaoCalendulaCardamomCat's ClawCat's Whiskers / Java TeaCelery SeedChamomileChickweedCinnamonCleaversCloveColtsfootComfreyCoptis / GoldthreadCorianderCranberryCuminDandelionDevil's ClawDillDong QuaiEchinaceaElderberryElecampaneEvening PrimroseFennelFenugreekGarlicGingerGoldensealGotu KolaGravel RootGuayusaGuduchi / GiloyGymnemaHaritaki / Black Myrobalan (Triphala representative)HawthornHe Shou WuHemp / CBDHibiscusHoly BasilHoodiaHopsHorsetailJiaogulanJuniperLavenderLemongrassLicoriceLinden / TiliaLion's ManeMangosteenMarshmallowMeadowsweetMilk ThistleMoringaMulleinNeemNettleNoniNutmegOakOat StrawOreganoOregon GrapeParsleyPartridge BerryPau D'ArcoPeppermintPine NeedlePlantainPu-erh TeaPygeumRaspberry LeafRed CloverRed RootRehmanniaRooibosRose HipsRosemarySageSaw PalmettoSelf-HealShatavariSlippery ElmSpearmintSpilanthes / Toothache PlantSpirulinaSt. John's WortStar AniseTurmericUva UrsiVanillaVioletWild CherryWild YamWillow BarkWintergreenWitch HazelYarrowYellow DockYerba Santa

Plants

Acai

Euterpe oleracea

Caboclo and ribeirinho peoples of the Amazon have consumed acai as a primary dietary staple for generations; a bowl of thick acai pulp ('vinho de açaí') may constitute 40% of daily caloric intakeTraditional use in the Amazon as a source of energy for workers, fishermen, and farmers performing heavy laborIndigenous Amazonian use of root bark tea as a febrifuge and to treat liver disease and jaundice

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Mu Xu' used as a diuretic and for kidney stones, urinary infections, and edemaAyurvedic tradition: used as a nutritive tonic, diuretic, and to treat arthritis and digestive weaknessArab herbalism: first described as 'al-fisfisa' for horses but also used by humans for fatigue and vitamin deficiency

Aloe Vera

Aloe barbadensis

Ancient Egyptian medicine for wound healing, skin conditionsTraditional Chinese Medicine for heat clearing, liver supportFolk medicine worldwide for burns, cuts, skin inflammation

Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata

Ayurveda: Kalmegh — liver tonic, bitter digestive, antimalarial, and anti-infective; used in Kalmegh asava and other classical formulasTCM: Chuan Xin Lian — clears heat and toxins; used for upper respiratory infections, sore throat, and dysenteryThai traditional medicine: Fah Talai Jon — treatment of fever, cold, flu, and infections; widely sold as OTC herbal supplement in Thailand

Arjuna

Terminalia arjuna

Ayurveda: primary cardiac tonic (hridaya daurbalya); described in Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita for heart failure, palpitations, and anginaUnani medicine: used as mufarreh qalb (cardiac tonic) and for wound healingTraditional Indian medicine: treatment of fractures and bone injuries (accelerates callus formation)

Arnica

Arnica montana

Bruises, sprains, and trauma injuriesMuscle soreness and inflammationWound healing and cuts

Ashitaba

Angelica keiskei

Hachijojima Island tradition: consumed daily as a longevity vegetable by the famously long-lived island population; 'tomorrow's leaf' symbolizing vitality and renewalTraditional Japanese Kampo medicine: used for general debility, blood purification, and to invigorate the body; classified as warming and tonifyingTraditional use in Izu Islands for colds, fever reduction, and respiratory infections

Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri

Ayurveda: classified as medhya rasayana (intellect-promoting rejuvenative); used in Charak Samhita for enhancing memory, learning, and intelligenceAyurveda: treatment of epilepsy, anxiety, and psychological disorders; component of Brahmi ghrita formulation for mental healthTraditional use in India for asthma and bronchitis; expectorant and bronchodilator properties recorded

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Digestive disorders and stomach upsetRespiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitisNervous tension and stress relief

Bhringaraj

Eclipta prostrata

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

Birch

Betula spp.

Arthritis and joint painSkin conditions including eczema and psoriasisUrinary tract infections and kidney stones

Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia

Ayurvedic medicine: 'Karela' used for thousands of years for prameha (diabetes), fever, skin diseases, and intestinal wormsTraditional Chinese medicine: 'Ku Gua' used for heat conditions, digestive complaints, fever, and as a bitter tonic for liverWest African traditional medicine: used for malaria, fever, skin infections, and intestinal parasites

Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

Menstrual irregularities and painful menstruationMenopause symptoms and hot flashesChildbirth facilitation and labor pains

Black Pepper

Piper nigrum

Digestive disorders and poor appetiteRespiratory conditions including coughs and asthmaArthritis and joint pain

Blessed Thistle

Cnicus benedictus

Digestive stimulant and appetite enhancementLiver and gallbladder supportLactation support in nursing mothers

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Labor induction and facilitation of childbirthMenstrual regulation and relief of dysmenorrheaTreatment of rheumatism and arthritis

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Iroquois, Ojibwe, and other Algonquian peoples used blue vervain as a bitter tonic for digestive complaints and as a liver herbCherokee traditional medicine used root decoctions for stomach ailments, suppressed menstruation, and to expel wormsEastern Woodland tribes used blue vervain poultices for headaches, rheumatic joints, and skin eruptions

Borage

Borago officinalis

Inflammation and fever reductionRespiratory ailments and coughsSkin conditions and wound healing

Buchu

Agathosma betulina

Khoikhoi and San indigenous use: buchu leaves rubbed on the body as insect repellent and perfume; earliest recorded use dates to 1650sCape Malay and Afrikaner folk medicine: buchu brandy (leaves steeped in grape spirit) for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and 'gravel'Traditional South African use for digestive complaints: gas, bloating, and stomach cramps

Burdock

Arctium lappa

Skin conditions including eczema and psoriasisBlood purification and detoxificationLiver and kidney support

Cacao

Theobroma cacao

Maya civilization: xocolatl (bitter cacao drink) consumed by elite warriors and royalty for energy, endurance, and ritual purposes; documented in Dresden CodexAztec tradition: cacao beans used as currency; frothy drink mixed with chili, vanilla, and spices used as a stimulant and tonic for staminaAmazonian indigenous traditions: fresh cacao pulp and seeds consumed for nutrition and sustained energy during hunting

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

European folk medicine for wound healing, skin conditionsTreatment of cuts, burns, bruises, and inflammationEye infections and conjunctivitis

Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

Digestive disorders and stomach upsetRespiratory ailments including asthma and bronchitisBad breath and oral hygiene

Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa

Immune system support and infectionsArthritis and joint inflammationDigestive disorders and ulcers

Cat's Whiskers / Java Tea

Orthosiphon aristatus

Indonesian traditional medicine (Jamu): 'Kumis Kucing' (cat's whiskers) tea used as primary kidney tonic, diuretic, and urinary antiseptic for hundreds of yearsMalaysian folk medicine: brewed as tea for kidney stones, urinary tract infections, gout, and high blood pressureVietnamese traditional medicine: used for edema, liver conditions, and as a general cleansing tonic

Celery Seed

Apium graveolens

Ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine uses ajmod (celery seed) for gout, arthritis, rheumatism, kidney disease, and urinary disordersAncient Egyptian and Greco-Roman use: Dioscorides recommended celery seed as a diuretic, for urinary stones, and to regulate menstruationTraditional use throughout South Asia for hypertension, high uric acid, and as an anti-inflammatory

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

European folk medicine for digestive disorders, insomnia, anxietyChildren's remedy for colic, teething pain, restlessnessWound healing and skin inflammation treatment

Chickweed

Stellaria media

Caryophyllaceae

Skin conditions and eczemaWounds, cuts, and burnsEye irritations and conjunctivitis

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum

Digestive disorders and stomach complaintsCold and flu symptomsMenstrual irregularities and reproductive health

Cleavers

Galium aparine

Lymphatic drainage and detoxificationUrinary tract conditions and kidney supportSkin conditions and eczema

Clove

Syzygium aromaticum

Dental pain and oral healthDigestive disorders and nauseaRespiratory infections and bronchitis

Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Throat inflammation and laryngitisLung congestion and phlegm

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Bone fractures and bone healingWounds, cuts, and bruisesSprains and muscle injuries

Coptis / Goldthread

Coptis chinensis

Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Huanglian' — one of the 50 fundamental herbs; used for over 2,000 years for dampness-heat conditions, dysentery, high fever with delirium, gastric ulcers, and inflammatory conditionsClassical TCM formula: Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Detoxifying Decoction) — classic formula for fever, dysentery, and sepsis involving Coptis with three other bitter herbsHuang Lian Su (berberine) — isolated in 1930s China; used clinically for bacterial dysentery since then

Coriander

Coriandrum sativum

Digestive disorders and dyspepsiaUrinary tract infections and kidney stonesArthritis and joint inflammation

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Urinary tract infections and kidney problemsScurvy prevention during long sea voyagesStomach ailments and digestive disorders

Cumin

Cuminum cyminum

Digestive disorders and flatulenceRespiratory ailments including bronchitisDiabetes and blood sugar regulation

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Liver disorders and jaundiceKidney and bladder problemsDigestive disorders and poor appetite

Devil's Claw

Harpagophytum procumbens

San and Khoikhoi traditional medicine (primary users): root decoctions for pain, fever, malaria, and digestive upsetBantu traditional medicine: poultices for sores, ulcers, boils, and skin lesionsTraditional use for childbirth complications: root used to ease delivery and postpartum pain in southern Africa

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Ancient Egyptian medical texts (Ebers Papyrus, 1550 BCE) mention dill as a soothing herb for digestive painAncient Greek and Roman physicians used dill as a carminative, digestive aid, and galactagogue (to promote milk flow in nursing mothers)Traditional Ayurvedic use (shatapushpa) for digestive complaints, hiccups, flatulence, and to increase milk production in nursing women

Dong Quai

Angelica sinensis

Menstrual irregularities and painful menstruationMenopausal symptoms and hormonal balanceBlood deficiency and anemia (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

Native American remedy for snakebites, wounds, infectionsTreatment of respiratory infections and coldsImmune system support during illness

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Cold and flu treatment and preventionFever reduction and respiratory infectionsImmune system support during illness

Elecampane

Inula helenium

Respiratory conditions (bronchitis, asthma, coughs)Digestive disorders and poor appetiteSkin conditions (scabies, eczema, wounds)

Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

Women's health and menstrual disordersSkin conditions including eczemaDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Digestive complaints (gas, bloating, colic)Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis)Lactation support and milk production

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Diabetes and blood sugar regulationLactation support for nursing mothersDigestive disorders and constipation

Garlic

Allium sativum

Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman medicine for infections, woundsTraditional Chinese Medicine for yang deficiency, parasitesEuropean folk medicine for respiratory infections, high blood pressure

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Traditional Chinese Medicine for digestive disorders, nausea, cold conditionsAyurvedic medicine for digestive fire (agni), respiratory conditionsMotion sickness and morning sickness relief

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

Digestive disorders and infectionsRespiratory infections and sinusitisEye infections and conjunctivitis

Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica

Ayurveda: classified as medhya rasayana; used for improving memory, concentration, and intelligence; central to Brahmi ghrita formula (note: also used interchangeably with Bacopa monnieri as 'Brahmi')Traditional Southeast Asian medicine: wound healing and skin regeneration; leaves applied topically to cuts, burns, and ulcersTCM: Chi Xue Cao — diuretic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying; used for urinary tract infections and dysentery

Gravel Root

Eutrochium purpureum

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

Guayusa

Ilex guayusa

Kichwa people of Ecuador brew guayusa as a pre-dawn 'dreaming tea' consumed communally before 3 AM to interpret dreams and plan the dayShuar and Achuar peoples use guayusa to increase alertness and stamina for long hunting expeditionsTraditional emetic use: large quantities consumed to induce vomiting as ritual purification by Amazonian hunters

Guduchi / Giloy

Tinospora cordifolia

Ayurveda: Rasayana (rejuvenator) and Tridosha-balancing herb; classified as bitter tonic and immunomodulator in Charaka SamhitaAyurvedic treatment for chronic fever, malaria, and typhoid; Sanskrit name 'Jwarghna' means fever destroyerTraditional treatment for diabetes (Madhumeha) in Ayurveda; used continuously for thousands of years

Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre

Ayurvedic medicine: 'Gurmar' (sugar destroyer) used for over 2,000 years for madhumeha (diabetes); Charaka Samhita references it for urinary disorders and sweet cravingsTraditional Indian folk medicine: leaves chewed to suppress sugar cravings and appetite for sweets; used for weight managementSouthern Indian tribal medicine: used for snake and scorpion bites as an antidote

Haritaki / Black Myrobalan (Triphala representative)

Terminalia chebula

Ayurveda: Haritaki — primary component of Triphala alongside Phyllanthus emblica (amla) and Terminalia bellirica (vibhitaki); used for digestion, detoxification, and rejuvenationTibetan medicine (sowa rigpa): the most important medicinal plant; depicted in the hands of the Medicine Buddha; used in thousands of formulasAyurvedic laxative and colon cleanser (virechana): unripe fruit is stronger laxative; ripe fruit is gentler tonic

Hawthorn

Crataegus spp.

Heart conditions and cardiovascular supportHigh blood pressure and circulationAnxiety and nervous heart conditions

He Shou Wu

Reynoutria multiflora

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): tonifies Liver and Kidney yin; used for premature graying of hair and hair lossTCM: anti-aging tonic; associated with longevity in classical texts including Bencao Gangmu (Li Shizhen, 1578)TCM: nourishes blood and essence (jing); used for weakness, dizziness, soreness of lower back and knees

Hemp / CBD

Cannabis sativa

Ancient Chinese medicine (Shennong Bencao Jing): seeds used as tonic food and to treat constipation and wasting diseasesAyurvedic tradition: 'Vijaya' used to stimulate appetite, relieve pain, and as a sleep aidEuropean folk medicine: poultices of seeds and leaves applied for skin inflammation and joint pain

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

West African tradition (Senegal, Mali, Nigeria): hibiscus flower tea (bissap, zobo, sobolo) consumed daily as a cooling tonic and heart tonicAyurvedic medicine uses hibiscus to treat high blood pressure, liver disorders, and as a diureticEgyptian and Sudanese traditional medicine uses karkadeh tea for fever reduction and sore throat

Holy Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Respiratory conditions (colds, cough, asthma, bronchitis)Stress reduction and mental clarityDigestive disorders and stomach problems

Hoodia

Hoodia gordonii

San Bushmen (primary traditional users): stems chewed during long hunts and migrations to suppress hunger and thirst; one of the most well-documented food-use ethnobotanical recordsSan practice: travelers and hunters on extended journeys through the Kalahari carried dried Hoodia stemsKhoikhoi pastoral use: eating stems to endure long drives with livestock across arid regions

Hops

Humulus lupulus

European monastic brewing tradition used hops since 9th century CE to preserve beer and add bitterness; previously gruit herb blends were usedGerman folk medicine used hops in sleep pillows for insomnia since the Middle Ages; pickers noted somnolence from contact with lupulinEnglish herbalists including Nicholas Culpeper (1653) recommended hops for insomnia, nervous tension, and digestive complaints

Horsetail

Equisetum arvense

Indigenous North American use (Cherokee, Iroquois): diuretic tea for kidney and bladder conditions and as a remedy for urinary infectionsNative American topical use: scraped stems applied to fresh wounds to stop bleedingTraditional European use (Dioscorides, Roman medicine): wounds, fractures, and bleeding; 'stanching blood' is among the oldest recorded uses

Jiaogulan

Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Guizhou Province, China: consumed as daily tea by mountain populations with documented longevity and low rates of hypertension and cancerTCM (relatively recent adoption): adaptogenic, anti-fatigue, cardiovascular tonic; used since Ming Dynasty (15th century) in GuizhouJapanese traditional medicine (Amachazuru): fatigue remedy and longevity tea; widely sold as 'immortality herb' supplement

Juniper

Juniperus communis

Urinary tract infections and kidney disordersDigestive problems and poor appetiteArthritis and joint inflammation

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

European folk medicine for nervous conditions, insomnia, headachesWound healing and antiseptic applicationsDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Ayurvedic tradition uses lemongrass (bhustrina) for fever, respiratory infections, and digestive disorders; one of the classical fever herbsThai and Southeast Asian folk medicine uses lemongrass tea for colds, flu, stomach problems, and headachesBrazilian traditional medicine uses capim-limão (lemongrass) tea for anxiety, insomnia, and hypertension

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Digestive disorders (gastritis, ulcers, constipation)Adrenal exhaustion and chronic fatigue

Linden / Tilia

Tilia cordata

European folk medicine used linden flower tea for colds, flu, and fever since at least the Middle Ages; referenced in Hildegard von Bingen's writings (12th c.)French tisane de tilleul remains a bedtime relaxant and sleep aid in widespread popular useGerman Commission E-approved for use in cold and cough remedies

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

TCM: Hou Tou Gu (Monkey Head Mushroom) — stomach tonic, digestive aid, and general debility treatment; used since at least the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)Japanese traditional cuisine and medicine: Yamabushitake — named for the Yamabushi Buddhist monks who wore straw robes resembling lion's mane; used for digestive health and energyTraditional Chinese medicine for gastric ulcers, chronic gastritis, and digestive cancers

Mangosteen

Garcinia mangostana

Traditional Malay medicine used dried pericarp decoction for diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections for centuriesThai folk medicine uses pericarp for wound healing, skin diseases, and as an astringent for mouth soresCambodian and Indonesian traditional medicine uses bark and root for fever, gonorrhea, and urinary infections

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, sore throat)Digestive inflammation (gastritis, ulcers, colitis)Urinary tract irritation and cystitis

Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory conditionsDigestive disorders and stomach ulcersRheumatism and arthritis

Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum

Liver protection and regenerationTreatment of liver diseases and jaundiceGallbladder disorders and bile flow stimulation

Moringa

Moringa oleifera

Ayurveda: Shigru — used for 300+ conditions including fever, inflammation, joint pain, and respiratory disorders; all parts used medicinallyIndian folk medicine: root bark applied as rubefacient; used for cardiac and circulatory stimulationAfrican traditional medicine: leaves used as nutritional supplement in malnutrition recovery, especially for children and pregnant women

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Scrophulariaceae

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Throat inflammation and laryngitisEar infections and earache

Neem

Azadirachta indica

Ayurveda: Nimba — broad anti-infective, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory; one of the most widely used plants in classical Ayurvedic textsOral hygiene: neem twigs (datun) used as natural toothbrush across South Asia and Africa; antimicrobial against Streptococcus mutans and periodontal pathogensAyurvedic treatment for skin diseases including eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, and scabies

Nettle

Urtica dioica

Arthritis and joint painAllergies and hay feverUrinary tract health and prostate issues

Noni

Morinda citrifolia

Polynesian traditional medicine used noni (nonu/nono) for over 2000 years for infections, wounds, inflammation, and as a general tonicHawaiian traditional healing (la'au lapa'au) uses noni leaves for joint pain, skin conditions, and cardiovascular supportSamoan and Tongan folk medicine uses noni fruit for colds, flu, and as a pain reliever, particularly for arthritis

Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans

Digestive disorders and nauseaInsomnia and nervous disordersArthritis and joint pain

Oak

Quercus spp.

Diarrhea and digestive disordersHemorrhoids and varicose veinsWounds and skin conditions

Oat Straw

Avena sativa

European folk medicine: oat preparations for nervous exhaustion, depression, and 'neurasthenia'British herbal tradition (Gerard, Culpeper): oat preparations for melancholy, wasting diseases, and convalescenceTraditional Scottish use: oatmeal and oat water as nourishing foods for the sick and convalescent

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Digestive disorders and poor appetiteMenstrual irregularities and painful periods

Oregon Grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Skin conditions and eczemaDigestive inflammation and gastritisInfections and antimicrobial applications

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Ancient Greek and Roman use: parsley was sacred to the dead, used in funeral rites; Hippocrates prescribed for kidney stones and as a diureticMedieval European monks used parsley for urinary tract complaints, kidney stones, and menstrual irregularitiesAyurvedic tradition uses parsley for urinary disorders, jaundice, and as a digestive carminative

Partridge Berry

Mitchella repens

Pregnancy tonic and labor preparationMenstrual irregularities and painful periodsUrinary tract infections

Pau D'Arco

Tabebuia impetiginosa

Infectious diseases and immune system supportCandida and fungal infectionsCancer and tumor conditions

Peppermint

Mentha x piperita

European folk medicine for digestive disorders, nausea, flatulenceRespiratory conditions including colds, coughs, bronchitisHeadache and tension relief

Pine Needle

Pinus species

Scurvy prevention and vitamin C deficiencyRespiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis)Urinary tract infections and kidney stones

Plantain

Plantago major

Wounds, cuts, and skin injuriesInsect bites and stingsRespiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitis

Pu-erh Tea

Camellia sinensis var. assamica

Traditional Chinese medicine: used for centuries in Yunnan to aid digestion, reduce fatty foods burden, and resolve phlegmHistorically traded along the Ancient Tea Horse Road (Cha Ma Gu Dao) as a tonic and digestive aid for Tibetan and Himalayan populations consuming high-fat dietsTibetan tradition: mixed with yak butter and salt as 'butter tea' (Po Cha) for caloric sustenance and altitude adaptation

Pygeum

Prunus africana

Zulu and Sotho traditional medicine (South Africa): bark decoction for urinary complaints, kidney disease, and stomach disordersCameroonian traditional medicine: treatment of gonorrhea and other STIsEast African traditional medicine: treatment of malaria, fever, and chest pain

Raspberry Leaf

Rubus idaeus

Pregnancy tonic and labor preparationMenstrual irregularities and crampingDiarrhea and digestive upset

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalancesSkin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, wounds)Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis)

Red Root

Ceanothus americanus

Lymphatic system congestionSore throat and respiratory infectionsSpleen disorders and enlargement

Rehmannia

Rehmannia glutinosa

Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Di Huang' — foundational yin tonic; one of the 50 fundamental herbs; used for over 2,500 years; primary herb to replenish Kidney essence (Jing) and nourish Liver bloodLiu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Flavor Rehmannia Pill): one of the most widely prescribed Chinese classical formulas worldwide; Shu Di Huang as the chief herb; used for Kidney yin deficiency — tinnitus, blurred vision, sore lower back, night sweats, heat in the palmsZhi Bai Di Huang Wan: Liu Wei formula plus Phellodendron and Anemarrhena for more pronounced heat-clearing yin tonic action in menopausal women

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

Khoikhoi and San peoples: harvested wild rooibos as a beverage and medicine long before European contact; used as a digestive remedyAfrikaner farming communities: adopted as a tea substitute during WWII when imported teas were unavailableSouth African folk medicine: used for infantile colic, eczema, and skin allergies in babies — mothers added rooibos tea to infant formula

Rose Hips

Rosa canina

Scurvy prevention and vitamin C deficiencyImmune system supportDigestive ailments and diarrhea

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Memory enhancement and cognitive functionCirculation problems and poor blood flowDigestive complaints and loss of appetite

Sage

Salvia officinalis

Menopausal symptoms and hot flashesExcessive sweating and night sweatsSore throat and mouth inflammation

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens

Urinary tract disorders and difficult urinationProstate enlargement and inflammationReproductive health and libido enhancement

Self-Heal

Prunella vulgaris

Wound healing and cutsMouth sores and sore throatDigestive inflammation

Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

Ayurveda: primary rasayana (rejuvenating tonic) for female reproductive system; used for menarche, fertility, pregnancy, lactation, and menopauseAyurveda: galactagogue to promote breast milk production in nursing mothersCharaka Samhita (ancient Ayurvedic text): recommended for conditions involving bleeding, inflammation, and nervous disorders

Slippery Elm

Ulmus rubra

Digestive disorders (diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ulcers)Respiratory conditions (sore throat, coughs, bronchitis)Skin conditions (wounds, burns, boils, inflammation)

Spearmint

Mentha spicata

Ancient Greek and Roman use: spearmint strewn on floors, used to flavor food, and prescribed by Hippocrates and Dioscorides for nausea and digestive complaintsMedieval European monks cultivated spearmint in physic gardens for digestive disorders, flatulence, and indigestionAyurvedic tradition uses spearmint (pudina) to treat digestive disorders, nausea, hiccups, and as a cooling agent for pitta

Spilanthes / Toothache Plant

Acmella oleracea (syn. Spilanthes acmella, S. oleracea)

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

Spirulina

Arthrospira platensis

Aztec civilization: 'tecuitlatl' harvested from Lake Texcoco and dried into cakes; major protein source for the population; documented by Spanish conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo in 16th centuryKanem-Bornu Empire (Lake Chad region, 9th–19th century): 'dihe' — dried spirulina cakes — sold in markets and used as a food staple and medicine for malnutritionNomadic Kanembu people of Chad: still harvest and consume spirulina daily as part of traditional diet; up to 12 g per person per day

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

European folk medicine for melancholy, anxiety, nervous disordersWound healing and treatment of burns, cutsRespiratory conditions and bronchitis

Star Anise

Illicium verum

Digestive disorders and bloatingRespiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitisInfluenza and viral infections

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

Ayurvedic medicine for inflammation, digestive disorders, skin conditionsTraditional Chinese Medicine for blood stagnation and qi circulationWound healing and antiseptic applications

Uva Ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Urinary tract infections and cystitisKidney and bladder stonesProstate disorders and inflammation

Vanilla

Vanilla planifolia

Totonac civilization of Veracruz (pre-Columbian): Tlilxochitl ('black flower') was a sacred plant used to flavor cacao drinks and as a medicinal aromaticAztec tradition: combined with cacao and chili in xocolatl; used as an aphrodisiac and tonic for fatigue and heart complaintsMesoamerican traditional medicine: vanilla pod smoke and preparations used for headaches, nausea, and fever

Violet

Viola odorata

Respiratory conditions and coughsSkin conditions and inflammationEye irritations and conjunctivitis

Wild Cherry

Prunus serotina

Coughs and respiratory ailmentsBronchitis and asthmaDigestive disorders and diarrhea

Wild Yam

Dioscorea villosa

Menstrual irregularities and uterine conditionsLabor pain and childbirth assistanceDigestive cramping and colic

Willow Bark

Salix alba

Pain relief for headaches, arthritis, and muscle achesFever reduction during illnessAnti-inflammatory treatment for joint conditions

Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory conditionsRheumatism and arthritisMuscle and joint pain

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Hemorrhoids and varicose veinsCuts, bruises, and minor woundsInsect bites and stings

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Wound healing and bleeding controlFever reduction and diaphoreticDigestive disorders and poor appetite

Yellow Dock

Rumex crispus

Constipation and digestive sluggishnessIron deficiency anemiaSkin conditions including eczema and psoriasis

Yerba Santa

Eriodictyon californicum

Hydrophyllaceae

Chumash, Yokuts, and other California Native peoples: primary respiratory medicine for coughs, colds, asthma, and tuberculosis; leaves smoked or made into teaSpanish missionaries in California: adopted the herb enthusiastically, giving it the name 'yerba santa' (holy herb)Costanoan tradition: poultice of warmed, resinous leaves applied to rheumatic joints and sprains

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.