Skin & Wound

Applications

AcaiAlfalfaAloe VeraAmla / Indian GooseberryAndrographisArjunaArnicaAshitabaBacopaBasilBhringarajBirchBitter MelonBlack WalnutBlessed ThistleBloodrootBlue VervainBorageBuchuBurdockCacaoCalendulaCat's ClawCat's Whiskers / Java TeaCelery SeedChamomileChickweedCleaversCloveColeus / ForskolinColtsfootComfreyCoptis / GoldthreadCranberryDandelionDevil's ClawEchinaceaElderberryElecampaneEvening PrimroseGarlicGoldensealGotu KolaGreen TeaGuaranaGuayusaHaritaki / Black Myrobalan (Triphala representative)Hemp / CBDHibiscusHoly BasilHopsHorsetailJuniperLavenderLemon VerbenaLemongrassLicoriceLinden / TiliaLomatiumMangosteenMarshmallowMeadowsweetMoringaMugwortMulleinNeemNettleNoniNutmegOakOat StrawOreganoOregon GrapeParsleyPartridge BerryPau D'ArcoPelargonium / UmckaloaboPeppermintPine NeedlePlantainPu-erh TeaRaspberry LeafRed CloverRed RootRooibosRose HipsSageSassafrasSea BuckthornSelf-HealShatavariSlippery ElmSpearmintSpilanthes / Toothache PlantSpirulinaSt. John's WortThymeTribulusTurmericUva UrsiVanillaVioletWillow BarkWintergreenWitch HazelWood BetonyYarrowYellow 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

Amla / Indian Gooseberry

Phyllanthus emblica

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

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 Walnut

Juglans nigra

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

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

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

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

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

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

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

Coleus / Forskolin

Plectranthus barbatus (syn. Coleus forskohlii)

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

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

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

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

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

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

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

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

Green Tea

Camellia sinensis

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

Sateré-Mawé 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

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

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

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

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

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

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia citrodora

Digestive ailments and stomach upsetNervous tension and anxietyInsomnia and sleep disorders

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

Lomatium

Lomatium dissectum

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

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

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

Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris

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

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

Pelargonium / Umckaloabo

Pelargonium sidoides

Zulu traditional medicine: root decoction for lung disease — the Zulu name 'umckaloabo' means 'heavy cough'Basotho traditional medicine (Lesotho): 'rabas' — 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

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

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

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

Sage

Salvia officinalis

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

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

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

Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

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

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

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

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

Tribulus

Tribulus terrestris

Ayurveda: Gokshura — used as diuretic, tonic for urinary tract health, and aphrodisiac; part of Dashamoola formulaTCM: Ji Li — 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

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

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

Wood Betony

Stachys betonica

Nervous system disorders and anxietyHeadaches and migrainesDigestive weakness and poor appetite

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.