Rootwork

Immune Support

Applications

AcaiAloe VeraAndrographisAngelicaArjunaAshitabaAshwagandhaAstragalusBasilBirchBitter MelonBlack PepperBlack WalnutBlessed ThistleBloodrootBlue VervainBuchuCalendulaCardamomCat's ClawCat's Whiskers / Java TeaCelery SeedChamomileChlorellaCinnamonCloveCoptis / GoldthreadCorianderCranberryCuminDillDong QuaiEchinaceaElderberryElecampaneEleutheroFennelGarlicGingerGinsengGoldensealGravel RootGreen TeaGuaranaGuayusaGuduchi / GiloyGymnemaHaritaki / Black Myrobalan (Triphala representative)He Shou WuHibiscusHoly BasilHopsHorsetailJuniperLavenderLemon BalmLemongrassLinden / TiliaLion's ManeLomatiumMangosteenMoringaMulleinNeemNoniNutmegOreganoOregon GrapeOshaParsleyPau D'ArcoPelargonium / UmckaloaboPeppermintPine NeedlePlantainPu-erh TeaRed RootRehmanniaReishi MushroomRhodiolaRose HipsRosemarySageSchisandraSea BuckthornSelf-HealShatavariSpearmintSpilanthes / Toothache PlantSpirulinaSt. John's WortStar AniseThymeTribulusUva UrsiVanillaWheatgrassWhite Peony RootWormwoodYarrowYellow Dock

Plants

Acai

Euterpe oleracea

Arecaceae
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 aΓ§aΓ­') 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

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

Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata

Acanthaceae
Ayurveda: Kalmegh β€” liver tonic, bitter digestive, antimalarial, and anti-infective; used in Kalmegh asava and other classical formulasTCM: Chuan Xin Lian β€” clears heat and toxins; used for upper respiratory infections, sore throat, and dysenteryThai traditional medicine: Fah Talai Jon β€” 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

Arjuna

Terminalia arjuna

Combretaceae
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)

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

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

Solanaceae
General tonic and rejuvenative (Rasayana in Ayurveda)Stress, anxiety, and nervous exhaustionInsomnia and sleep disorders

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus

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

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

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

Juglandaceae
Eastern Woodland Native American peoples (Cherokee, Iroquois, Ojibwe) used hull and bark for skin parasites (ringworm, scabies), worms, and as a laxativeIroquois tradition used bark tea as a cathartic and anthelmintic; hull poultice for wounds and fungal infections19th-century Eclectic physicians prescribed black walnut hull for intestinal parasites, syphilis sores, and skin conditions

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

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

Cat's Whiskers / Java Tea

Orthosiphon aristatus

Lamiaceae
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

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

Chlorella

Chlorella vulgaris

Chlorellaceae
No ancient traditional use as it was not discovered until 1890 by Beyerinck and has only been used medicinally since the 1950sJapanese post-WWII use: studied as a protein source alternative to meet post-war food scarcity needs; Hiroshima radiation recovery protocols included chlorellaJapanese longevity tradition: chlorella tablets widely taken as daily tonic since the 1960s in Japan where per-capita consumption remains highest globally

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

Coptis / Goldthread

Coptis chinensis

Ranunculaceae
Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Huanglian' β€” 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) β€” classic formula for fever, dysentery, and sepsis involving Coptis with three other bitter herbsHuang Lian Su (berberine) β€” 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

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)

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

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

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)

Eleuthero

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Araliaceae
Traditional Chinese Medicine: tonic for spleen and kidney qi deficiency, fatigue, and lower back weakness (wu jia pi)Russian folk medicine: general tonic for stamina and endurance among forest workers and huntersSoviet-era adaptogen: extensively used by athletes, cosmonauts, and military personnel to enhance performance under stress (1960s–1980s research by Brekhman)

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

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

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

Ginseng

Panax ginseng

Araliaceae
Traditional Chinese Medicine for qi deficiency, fatigue, weaknessAdaptogen for stress resistance and longevityCognitive enhancement and memory support

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

Ranunculaceae
Digestive disorders and infectionsRespiratory infections and sinusitisEye infections and conjunctivitis

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

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

Guarana

Paullinia cupana

Sapindaceae
SaterΓ©-MawΓ© people of Brazil used roasted seed paste as a stimulant beverage for centuries before European contactTraditional Amazonian use to reduce fatigue and increase endurance during hunting and long journeysUsed by indigenous tribes to suppress appetite during food scarcity

Guayusa

Ilex guayusa

Aquifoliaceae
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

Menispermaceae
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

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 β€” 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

He Shou Wu

Reynoutria multiflora

Polygonaceae
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

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Malvaceae
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

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

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

Horsetail

Equisetum arvense

Equisetaceae
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

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

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-limΓ£o (lemongrass) tea for anxiety, insomnia, and hypertension

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) β€” 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 β€” 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

Lomatium

Lomatium dissectum

Apiaceae
Plateau Native American peoples (Nez Perce, Yakama, Okanagan): primary antiviral and pandemic medicine; roots used during 1918 influenza pandemic with reports of high survival ratesCrow and Shoshone: dried and powdered root inhaled or smoked for respiratory infectionsGreat Basin Native Americans: root decoctions for syphilis and gonorrhea

Mangosteen

Garcinia mangostana

Clusiaceae
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

Moringa

Moringa oleifera

Moringaceae
Ayurveda: Shigru β€” 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

Meliaceae
Ayurveda: Nimba β€” 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

Noni

Morinda citrifolia

Rubiaceae
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

Myristicaceae
Digestive disorders and nauseaInsomnia and nervous disordersArthritis and joint pain

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

Pau D'Arco

Tabebuia impetiginosa

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

Pelargonium / Umckaloabo

Pelargonium sidoides

Geraniaceae
Zulu traditional medicine: root decoction for lung disease β€” the Zulu name 'umckaloabo' means 'heavy cough'Basotho traditional medicine (Lesotho): 'rabas' β€” root used for acute respiratory infections, cough, and diarrheaHistorical use: brought to England in early 20th century by Charles Stevens who was cured of TB by a Basotho healer

Peppermint

Mentha x piperita

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

Pine Needle

Pinus species

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

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

Red Root

Ceanothus americanus

Rhamnaceae
Lymphatic system congestionSore throat and respiratory infectionsSpleen disorders and enlargement

Rehmannia

Rehmannia glutinosa

Orobanchaceae
Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Di Huang' β€” 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 β€” 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

Reishi Mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum

Ganodermataceae
Spiritual enhancement and longevityRespiratory conditions and asthmaLiver protection and detoxification

Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea

Crassulaceae
Physical and mental fatigue reductionHigh altitude adaptation and oxygen utilizationDepression and anxiety relief

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

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

Schisandraceae
Liver protection and regenerationLung disorders and chronic coughKidney weakness and frequent urination

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

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 β€” 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

Phormidiaceae
Aztec civilization: 'tecuitlatl' harvested from Lake Texcoco and dried into cakes; major protein source for the population; documented by Spanish conquistador Bernal DΓ­az del Castillo in 16th centuryKanem-Bornu Empire (Lake Chad region, 9th–19th century): 'dihe' β€” dried spirulina cakes β€” 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

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

Tribulus

Tribulus terrestris

Zygophyllaceae
Ayurveda: Gokshura β€” used as diuretic, tonic for urinary tract health, and aphrodisiac; part of Dashamoola formulaTCM: Ji Li β€” liver tonic; used for headache, dizziness, eye redness, and skin conditions from 'liver yang rising'Bulgarian folk medicine: used as male sexual tonic and athlete performance enhancer since 1970s–80s

Uva Ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

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

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

Wheatgrass

Triticum aestivum

Poaceae
Ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian records suggest consumption of young grain shoots for vitalityModern tradition largely initiated by Ann Wigmore in the 1970s as part of 'Living Foods' diet at the Hippocrates Health InstituteNaturopathic tradition: wheatgrass juice promoted as a 'complete food' and blood-building tonic due to chlorophyll's structural similarity to hemoglobin

White Peony Root

Paeonia lactiflora

Paeoniaceae
Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Bai Shao' β€” one of the most widely used herbs; nourishes Liver blood, softens and soothes the Liver, relieves pain; used for dysmenorrhea, muscle cramping, and chronic fatigue from blood deficiencyClassical formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan: Peony combined with cinnamon, poria, peach seed, and tree peony for gynecological blood stasis conditionsSi Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction): Bai Shao + Rehmannia + Angelica + Ligusticum β€” foundational TCM blood tonic formula used for over 1,000 years

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