Rootwork

Digestive

Applications

AlfalfaAloe VeraAmla / Indian GooseberryAndrographisAngelicaAshitabaAstragalusBacopaBasilBirchBitter MelonBlack PepperBlessed ThistleBloodrootBlue VervainBuchuBurdockCalendulaCardamomCat's ClawCatnipCelery SeedChamomileChaste TreeChickweedCinnamonCloveCodonopsisColeus / ForskolinColtsfootComfreyCoptis / GoldthreadCorianderCranberryCuminDamianaDandelionDevil's ClawDillDong QuaiElderberryElecampaneEvening PrimroseFennelFenugreekGarlicGingerGoldensealGreen TeaGymnemaHaritaki / Black Myrobalan (Triphala representative)HawthornHemp / CBDHoly BasilHoodiaHopsJuniperLavenderLemon BalmLemon VerbenaLemongrassLicoriceLinden / TiliaLion's ManeMarshmallowMeadowsweetMilk ThistleMugwortMulleinNutmegOakOat StrawOreganoOregon GrapeOshaParsleyPartridge BerryPau D'ArcoPeppermintPlantainPu-erh TeaPygeumRaspberry LeafRed CloverRooibosRose HipsRosemarySageSassafrasSaw PalmettoSea BuckthornSelf-HealShatavariSlippery ElmSpearmintSpilanthes / Toothache PlantSt. John's WortStar AniseThymeTurmericUva UrsiValerianVanillaVioletWild CherryWild YamWillow BarkWintergreenWitch HazelWood BetonyWormwoodYarrowYellow DockYerba Mate

Plants

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Fabaceae
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

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

Amla / Indian Gooseberry

Phyllanthus emblica

Phyllanthaceae
Ayurveda: primary ingredient in Triphala, Chyawanprash, and Brahma Rasayana; the most important single fruit in AyurvedaRasayana (rejuvenating tonic): Charaka classifies amla as the best among all rejuvenatives for general health and longevityAyurvedic treatment for hyperacidity, peptic ulcer, and gastritis; cooling effect on pitta dosha

Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata

Acanthaceae
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

Angelica

Angelica archangelica

Apiaceae
Digestive disorders and poor appetiteRespiratory conditions and bronchitisNervous exhaustion and anxiety

Ashitaba

Angelica keiskei

Apiaceae
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

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus

Fabaceae
Immune system strengthening and "qi" tonificationChronic fatigue and weaknessDigestive disorders and poor appetite

Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri

Plantaginaceae
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

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

Birch

Betula spp.

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

Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia

Cucurbitaceae
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 Pepper

Piper nigrum

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

Blessed Thistle

Cnicus benedictus

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

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

Papaveraceae
Skin conditions including warts and growthsRespiratory ailments and bronchitisRheumatism and joint pain

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Verbenaceae
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

Buchu

Agathosma betulina

Rutaceae
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

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

Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

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

Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa

Rubiaceae
Immune system support and infectionsArthritis and joint inflammationDigestive disorders and ulcers

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Lamiaceae
Nervous tension and anxietyInsomnia and sleep disordersDigestive conditions and colic

Celery Seed

Apium graveolens

Apiaceae
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

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

Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus

Lamiaceae
Menstrual irregularities and PMSFertility enhancement and reproductive healthMenopausal symptoms and hormonal balance

Chickweed

Stellaria media

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

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum

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

Clove

Syzygium aromaticum

Myrtaceae
Dental pain and oral healthDigestive disorders and nauseaRespiratory infections and bronchitis

Codonopsis

Codonopsis pilosula

Campanulaceae
TCM: primary 'poor man's ginseng' tonic for spleen and lung qi deficiency; part of countless classical formulasShen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Classic): listed as a superior herb for fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of appetiteKorean traditional medicine (Hanbang): used interchangeably with Panax ginseng for qi tonification at lower cost

Coleus / Forskolin

Plectranthus barbatus (syn. Coleus forskohlii)

Lamiaceae
Ayurveda (makandi/garmar): heart tonic for congestive heart conditions, hypertension, and anginaTraditional Indian medicine: treatment of abdominal colic, urinary retention, and painful menstruationUnani medicine: used for skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema

Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara

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

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

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

Coptis / Goldthread

Coptis chinensis

Ranunculaceae
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

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

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

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

Cumin

Cuminum cyminum

Apiaceae
Digestive disorders and flatulenceRespiratory ailments including bronchitisDiabetes and blood sugar regulation

Damiana

Turnera diffusa

Passifloraceae
Nervous system support and mood enhancementTraditional aphrodisiac and libido enhancementDigestive stimulant and stomach tonic

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Asteraceae
Liver disorders and jaundiceKidney and bladder problemsDigestive disorders and poor appetite

Devil's Claw

Harpagophytum procumbens

Pedaliaceae
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

Apiaceae
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

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

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

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

Elecampane

Inula helenium

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

Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

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

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

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

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

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

Garlic

Allium sativum

Amaryllidaceae
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

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

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

Ranunculaceae
Digestive disorders and infectionsRespiratory infections and sinusitisEye infections and conjunctivitis

Green Tea

Camellia sinensis

Theaceae
Chinese medicine (TCM) used green tea for over 4,000 years to sharpen mental clarity, reduce fatigue, and aid digestionShen Nong's Bencao Jing (c. 2700 BCE legend) records tea as antidote to poisoning from 72 toxic herbsJapanese Zen Buddhist tradition uses matcha in chado (tea ceremony) for meditative focus and spiritual clarity

Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre

Apocynaceae
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

Combretaceae
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.

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

Hemp / CBD

Cannabis sativa

Cannabaceae
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

Holy Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

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

Hoodia

Hoodia gordonii

Apocynaceae
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

Cannabaceae
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

Juniper

Juniperus communis

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

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

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

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Lamiaceae
Anxiety, stress, and nervous tensionInsomnia and sleep disordersDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia citrodora

Verbenaceae
Digestive ailments and stomach upsetNervous tension and anxietyInsomnia and sleep disorders

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Poaceae
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

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

Linden / Tilia

Tilia cordata

Malvaceae
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

Hericiaceae
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

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

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

Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

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

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

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

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

Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans

Myristicaceae
Digestive disorders and nauseaInsomnia and nervous disordersArthritis and joint pain

Oak

Quercus spp.

Fagaceae
Diarrhea and digestive disordersHemorrhoids and varicose veinsWounds and skin conditions

Oat Straw

Avena sativa

Poaceae
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

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

Oregon Grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Berberidaceae
Skin conditions and eczemaDigestive inflammation and gastritisInfections and antimicrobial applications

Osha

Ligusticum porteri

Apiaceae
Respiratory ailments including altitude sicknessViral infections and immune supportDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Apiaceae
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

Rubiaceae
Pregnancy tonic and labor preparationMenstrual irregularities and painful periodsUrinary tract infections

Pau D'Arco

Tabebuia impetiginosa

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

Peppermint

Mentha x piperita

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

Plantain

Plantago major

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

Pu-erh Tea

Camellia sinensis var. assamica

Theaceae
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

Rosaceae
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

Rosaceae
Pregnancy tonic and labor preparationMenstrual irregularities and crampingDiarrhea and digestive upset

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

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

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

Fabaceae
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

Rosaceae
Scurvy prevention and vitamin C deficiencyImmune system supportDigestive ailments and diarrhea

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

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

Sage

Salvia officinalis

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

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

Lauraceae
Blood purification and "spring tonic"Rheumatism and arthritisSkin conditions and eczema

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens

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

Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

Elaeagnaceae
Tibetan traditional medicine (Sowa Rigpa) has used sea buckthorn as a primary medicinal plant for 1300+ years; used for cardiovascular, digestive, and wound healingMongols traditionally called it 'holy fruit' and used it for fatigue, wound healing, and gastric ulcers; fed to horses for stamina and coat qualityRussian folk medicine has long used sea buckthorn oil for radiation injury, burns, and gastric ulcers; Soviet space program studied it for cosmonauts

Self-Heal

Prunella vulgaris

Lamiaceae
Wound healing and cutsMouth sores and sore throatDigestive inflammation

Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

Asparagaceae
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

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

Spearmint

Mentha spicata

Lamiaceae
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)

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

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

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

Star Anise

Illicium verum

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

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Lamiaceae
Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough)Digestive complaints and poor appetiteUrinary tract infections

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

Zingiberaceae
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

Ericaceae
Urinary tract infections and cystitisKidney and bladder stonesProstate disorders and inflammation

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Caprifoliaceae
Sleep aid and treatment for insomniaAnxiety and nervous tension reliefDigestive complaints and stomach spasms

Vanilla

Vanilla planifolia

Orchidaceae
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

Violaceae
Respiratory conditions and coughsSkin conditions and inflammationEye irritations and conjunctivitis

Wild Cherry

Prunus serotina

Rosaceae
Coughs and respiratory ailmentsBronchitis and asthmaDigestive disorders and diarrhea

Wild Yam

Dioscorea villosa

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

Willow Bark

Salix alba

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

Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

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

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

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

Wood Betony

Stachys betonica

Lamiaceae
Nervous system disorders and anxietyHeadaches and migrainesDigestive weakness and poor appetite

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

Yellow Dock

Rumex crispus

Polygonaceae
Constipation and digestive sluggishnessIron deficiency anemiaSkin conditions including eczema and psoriasis

Yerba Mate

Ilex paraguariensis

Aquifoliaceae
Stimulant beverage and energy enhancementMental alertness and focusDigestive aid and appetite stimulant
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.