Alfalfa
Even if it took humans many centuries to determine that certain plants they consumed helped cure disease and illness, once the link was established, these medicinal herbs soon became integrated into cultures across the globe, and remain so today.
ALFALFA
This flowering perennial in the pea family—the young plant resembles clover—originated in Asia, but is now grown worldwide as a forage crop. The Arabs, who fed it to their prized horses, named it al-fac-facah or “father of all foods.” Traditional healers used it to treat the kidneys, bladder, and prostate, and to cleanse the bowels. The leaves offer antiarthritic, antidiabetic, and antiasthmatic properties. Studies suggest the plant may reduce cholesterol levels and boost the immune system. Nutritionally, alfalfa contains chlorophyll; carotene; protein; a host of minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium; all the B vitamins; and vitamins C, D, E, and K.
Alfalfa
ALOE
Aloe vera is a stemless succulent that grows wild in many tropical regions. The gel has long been used by numerous cultures as a treatment for burns and skin irritations. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and spear-like; in summer the plant produces pendulous yellow blossoms on tall spikes. Its medicinal properties include antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. Research supports the plant’s ability to soothe first- or second-degree burns and to treat genital herpes and psoriasis. Aloe juice is also an effective remedy for acid indigestion. The plant contains more than 75 active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids.
Aloe
ANGELICA
The genus Angelica features tall, robust, aromatic plants that likely originated in the temperate coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The plants can reach to nine feet in height, with large bipinnate leaves and umbels made of greenish-white flowers. Angelica archangelica is probably native to Syria; the roots, leaves, and seeds are used to treat colds, urinary ailments, indigestion, and anxiety. In Chinese medicine, Angelica sinensis is known as dong quai, or female ginseng. It may help to reduce pain, dilate blood vessels, stimulate or relax uterine muscles, and enhance the immune system. The dried root is rich in vitamin B12, zinc, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Angelica
ARNICA
This topical healing herb (Arnica montana) is a member of the large Compositae, or sunflower, family. Native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia, it is now also found in North America. It has fleecy, green leaves with daisy-like, yellow-orange blossoms. Since the fifteenth century, the flower heads have been used to make soothing creams, salves, and ointments for treating muscle aches, strains, sprains, and bruises—although it is never used on or near any open wounds. The plant contains selenium and manganese, both valuable antioxidants.
Arnica
ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), also known as milkvetch, originated in Asia. It is part of the pea family, with green pinnate leaves and lipped flowers in pink and yellow. The firm, fibrous root’s yellow core is the source of the healing herb. Known in China as huang qi, it has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years. Western healers prescribe it to reverse the effects of aging on the immune system. As an antiviral and antibacterial agent, it is also able to ward off colds and flu, benefit the liver, lungs, and spleen, and encourage new tissue growth.
Astragalus
BURDOCK
Burdock (Arctium lapa) is a wildflower that originated in Europe and Asia and came to America with French and English settlers. This tall, stout plant features large, wedge-shaped leaves and purple flowers that mature into thistle-like fruits. These give off notoriously clingy burrs. The dried root of the plant has been used for centuries as a blood purifier, to treat skin infections such as boils, to clear up acne or psoriasis, and to promote circulation. A burdock-leaf poultice is excellent for treating gout. Burdock root contains a high concentration of inulin, which strengthens the liver, and mucilage, which soothes the GI tract. It also possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Burdock
CALENDULA
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), or pot marigold, is native to southwestern Asia, western Europe, Macronesia, and the Mediterranean. Saint Hildegard of Bingen was likely the first to cultivate the herb, which became a mainstay of European herbal studies. With its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, it is considered one of the best remedies for slow-healing wounds or ulcers. It is also prescribed for abdominal cramps, constipation, women’s reproductive issues, sore throats, diaper rash, chapped lips, or split skin. In ayurvedic medicine the herb is used on minor wounds, eye irritations, and bee stings. Called jin zhan ju in Chinese medicine, calendula is used to support healthy skin.
Calendula
CHAMOMILE
Matricaria chamomilla, or German chamomile, is the variety typically used by herbalists. This daisy-like plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa; it reaches three feet in height, with green, feathery leaves and florets of small white flowers. Chamomile tea is known for its stomach-calming and sleep-inducing qualities, but the herb has also been used to treat colds, hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, migraines, menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal issues, skin irritations, and hemorrhoids. It possesses antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and emollient qualities. It can be taken in the form of teas, tinctures, lotions, capsules, or drops. Chamaemelum nobile, known as Roman or English chamomile, also has medicinal uses.
Chamomile
CLARY SAGE
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a cousin of garden sage. This perennial or biennial herb originated in the Mediterranean region and central Asia. It grows to three feet in height, with sturdy, hairy stems and clumping purple flowers. In the Middle Ages, its mucilaginous properties led to its use as an eyewash and aid to clear sight. It has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a powerful cholesterol fighter. It also helps to treat stress and poor circulation. Among the herb’s chief chemical components are sclareol, which has shown potential for fighting leukemia, and linalyl acetate, which reduces skin irritations and rashes.
COMFREY
Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) has a long history as a curative and a garden booster. Native to the riverbanks of Europe, the plant is now found in North America and western Asia. It bears broad, hairy leaves and small bell-like flowers in cream or purple; the turnip-like root is black. Comfrey, once known as boneset, was used to treat broken bones, sprains, strains, and arthritis as well as for bronchial problems, gastric distress, and varicose ulcers. The herb contains allantoin, believed to stimulate skin-cell growth and reduce inflammation. Comfrey should only be used topically as a salve or poultice, or as an essential oil.
DANDELION
Few weeds offer the nutritional and healing attributes of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), which originated in Eurasia. The plant can reach 15 inches in height, with oblong, jagged leaves and tiny yellow florets. The leaves are valuable detoxifiers, high in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron. The plant was effective for treating infections and liver problems, as a diuretic and laxative, and to improve digestion. Modern research confirms the presence of a number of flavonoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunity-boosting properties. Dandelions have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, control diabetes, aid in weight loss, treat gallbladder disorders, lower blood pressure, and treat urinary infections.
Some common names include lion’s tooth, cankerwort, milk witch, yellow gowan, Irish daisy, monkshead, priest’s crown, puffball, faceclock, pee-a-bed, wet-a-bed, swine’s snout, white endive, and wild endive.
Dandelion
ECHINACEA
A longtime herbal remedy, Echinacea purpurea is native to North America. It can reach four feet in height, displaying coarse, often hairy leaves and cone-shaped heads with purple rays, or petals. Herbalists consider it a natural curative and wellness booster and utilize all of the plant—flowers, leaves, and roots. Most of its chemical constituents—essential oils, inulin, flavonoids, and vitamin C—augment immunity. The herb is also used for treating colds, flu, sinusitis, strep throat, whooping cough, bowel pain, and headaches. Research indicates that the herb’s phytochemicals could be valuable for combating brain cancer tumors. Echinacea makes a safe, mild, natural laxative and its anti-inflammatory properties are useful against rheumatoid arthritis and uveitis.
The flower’s spiky brownish central disk is responsible for its common name: echinacea derives from the Greek ekhinos, or “hedgehog,” because it resembles a spiny animal.
Echinacea
ELDER
Sambucus nigra is native to Europe and North America. It is a large shrub with pinnate, serrated leaves and creamy, fragrant blossoms that mature into deep-purple berries. Elder was often referred to as the “medicine chest of the country people”—healers used the flowers and berries (other parts of the plant are toxic) to make healthful cordials and to treat respiratory, urinary, and digestive-tract ailments. Modern research revealed elder’s antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant’s antioxidant bioflavonoids can ease allergies and regulate blood-glucose levels. Its triterpenoids offer analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits. Elder is also effective against hospital pathogens like staphylococcus. Elderberries need to be cooked prior to use.
The name elder comes from the Anglo-Saxon aeld, or “fire.” In primitive dwellings, the hollowed stems were used to build up fires.
EVENING PRIMROSE
This herb, with its long history as a curative, is also welcomed in the garden. The plant (Oenothera biennis) produces an upright stem with narrow lanceloate leaves and buttery-yellow flowers. Traditional healers employed it to regulate hormones and nourish hair and nails; Native Americans used almost the whole plant as food and medicine. Today, research has revealed that evening primrose oil contains unusually high concentrations of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which gives the plant the potential to address hyperactivity in children and aging problems in adults; treat rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and heart disease; and ease symptoms of menopause, Multiple sclerosis, obesity, PMS, and schizophrenia.
Evening primrose
GINKGO
Often called living fossils, ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba) originated in China, where they appear in fossil remains that go back 270 million years. The trees grow from 60 to 100 feet and have lobed, fan-shaped leaves. Females produce slender flowers and pink and orange seeds, while males later display small pollen-bearing cones. Used as a tonic in Chinese medicine for millennia, the leaf extract’s many health claims are now in dispute. Still, in studies the herb helped reduce the uncontrolled movements (tardive dyskinesia) caused by antipsychotic drugs, eased migraine pain, and improved concentration in children with ADHD. Ginkgo also stabilized or slowed the mental deterioration associated with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive impairment.
Ginkgo is also known as the maidenhair tree, the fossil tree, kew tree, or silver apricot—which translate into gin kyo in Japanese,
Ginkgo
GINSENG
Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng), with its long reign as a leading remedy, continues to gain new advocates. The slow-growing perennial originated in the Manchurian mountains and is now found in cooler temperate zones. This small plant displays serrated leaflets and small greenish flowers that form red berries. The pale, fleshy root contains ginsenosides and gintonins that benefit the cardiovascular, central nervous, and immune systems. American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) was once used to treat headaches, fevers, coughs, and wounds. Some may question the herb’s touted benefits, but clinical evidence indicates it is effective for treating high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, fatigue, and memory loss.
The plant’s genus name, Panax, is Greek for “all-healing,” a measure of how much early civilizations revered this herb.
Ginseng
GOJI BERRY
Hailed as one of nature’s “superfoods,” nutrient-rich goji berries come from two species of boxthorn, Lycium barbarum or L. chinense. Also called wolfberry, the sweetly tart fruits originated in Asia. These perennials range in height from three to nine feet, with small lanceolate or ovate leaves and pink or purple trumpet-shaped flowers. Healers value the fruit’s ability to increase vigor, fight disease, and improve mood. Modern research cites their benefits to the GI and urinary tracts, and the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems. They boosts skin and eye health and may be able to increase the potency of flu vaccines in seniors, improve sexual ability, and cause tumors to undergo “cell suicide.”
Goji berry
GOLDENSEAL
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is native to North America. This low-growing woodland plant produces a pair of hairy, lobed, palmate leaves and a single greenish flower that forms a berry. Indigenous tribes used the dried root to treat colds and digestive issues, and European settlers also employed it for fatigue, fever, bleeding, and urinary problems. Goldenseal has retained much of its healing reputation into modern times, where it is acknowledged for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also contains vitamins A, C, E, and B complex, calcium, iron, and manganese.
THINK ABOUT IT!
In the emotionally rigid world of Victorian England, flowers were often used as secret symbols for different emotions. When you consider its folk names—heart’s delight, tickle-my-fancy, Jack jump-up-and-kiss-me, come-and-cuddle me, and love-in-idleness—it’s not surprising Viola tricolor represented loving remembrance and secret courtship.
HEARTSEASE
Known to gardeners as Johnny-jump-up, this flowering plant (Viola tricolor) is native to Europe. A small, creeping annual with petals of purple, yellow, and white, it is the progenitor of cultivated pansies. Medicinally, these plants have been used for thousands of years to relieve headaches and dizziness and to treat epilepsy, ulcers, and skin diseases. Today, heartsease is employed for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and expectorant properties; it can help lower cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease. It is also used to stabilize certain drugs.
Heartsease
LEMON BALM
Citrusy, aromatic lemon balm has a long history for easing stress and boosting brain power. This perennial mint (Melissa officinalis) originated in southern Europe and spread to central Asia. It may reach four feet in height, with heart-shaped, serrated leaves and delicate white flowers. Early healers used lemon balm—internally and as a tea—to increase appetite, ease pain, and support liver and digestive health. Today, lemon balm is well-regarded for its high levels of antioxidants and its eugenol, with antiseptic and anesthetic properties. Extracts of the herb had a measurable effect on lab-caused stress in human subjects. As a facial balm, it boosts the body’s defense against organisms that damage the complexion.
These richly aromatic plants are magnets for winged pollinators, and lemon balm’s generic name, melissa, comes from the Greek for “honey bee.”
Lemon balm
MILK THISTLE
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which is native to the Mediterranean, can reach ten feet in height. The pale, hairy, green leaves sprout sharp spines along the margins; the flowers form spiky red or purple crowns. For millennia this herb was used to treat canker sores, headaches, vertigo, baldness, and disorders of the liver and gallbladder. It is now recognized for its ability to draw toxins from the body and decrease or reverse liver damage caused by medications, pollution, and exposure to heavy metals. It has potential for treating kidney and gallstones and the effects of chemotherapy. The plant is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and vitamins C and E.
The name comes from the milky-white fluid that oozes from its crushed leaves—or possibly from the milky patches on the leaves.
Drinking a smoothie containing milk thistle before a night on the town, and again the next morning, is an effective way to prevent a hangover.
Milk thistle
MULLEIN
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a tall-stalked garden favorite and a valued medicinal herb. Originally native to Europe and Asia, European settlers carried it to the New World, where Native Americans used it for skin and respiratory conditions. It ranges from three to nine feet in height; second-year plants send up a spike with small, pale flowers in yellow, orange, purple, blue, brown, and white. The plant was employed by ancient cultures to treat hemorrhoids, arthritis, ringworm, burns, tuberculosis, colds, pneumonia, allergies, and sore throats. Recent Irish research supports many of these uses—the leaf extract contains antiviral, antitumor, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities. The herb is also an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.
Mullein has many fanciful names: clown’s lungwort, Bullock’s lungwort, Our Lady’s flannel, Adam’s flannel, beggar’s blanket, blanket herb, wild ice leaf, Aaron’s rod, Jupiter’s staff, Peter’s staff, Jacob’s staff, shepherd’s staff, Cuddy’s lungs, feltwort, fluffweed, hare’s beart, and old man’s beard.
Mullein
THINK ABOUT IT!
For those who enjoy “back-to-basics” camping, keep mullein in mind. The stems are said to make excellent drills for starting fires using the hand drill method—where a long stick is held between two palms and rapidly rotated against the notch in a wooden fireboard until it ignites.
PSYLLIUM
Psyllium (Plantago psyllium), or ispaghula, refers to several plants in the plantain family with mucilage-producing seeds. Native to northern India and Iran, it is a small annual with long narrow leaves and a tall stalk that produces tiny white flowers. These mature into small, dark, glossy seeds. In early Asian medicine, as now, psyllium was employed as a bulk-forming laxative—the husks and seeds are considered soluble fiber, passing through the digestive tract without completely breaking down. Their mucilage content absorbs water, helping to soften stool, which makes the seeds effective for treating irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. Recent studies indicate psyllium may also lower triglycerides and blood glucose, control cholesterol, and aid in weight loss.
Psyllium
ROSE HIPS
Rose hips, the nutrient-laden fruits of the rose plant, have been part of folk medicine for hundreds of years, and were likely ingested by Stone Age humans. Roses are a perennial, woody flowering plant, mainly native to Asia. The bloom produces a rounded hip that ripens during late summer or fall. Not all species produce large hips, but varieties that do include dog roses (Rosa canina), and common roses (R. majalis), both major sources of vitamin C. These impressive amounts of the vitamin give the immune system a boost and stimulate white blood cells. They also may reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and eliminate free radicals.
Rose hips can be used to make herbal supplements, herbal teas, jellies, jams, marmalades, beverages, syrup, pie fillings, and wine.
SAINT-JOHN’S-WORT
Longtime herbal calmative, Saint-John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It can reach two feet in height and bears erect, woody-based stems and yellow, five-petaled flowers. Early cultures used the herb in tonics and to treat sores, inflammations, burns, sprains, and nerve pain. Practitioners of American eclectic medicine in the 1800s used it as a treatment for anxiety, nervous complaints, and depression, one of its chief uses today. When studies validated its effect on mild-to-moderate depression, it was then employed to treat anxiety, insomnia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), hypothyroidism, shingles, menopausal symptoms, PMS, and bladder issues.
This plant has a long association with Saint John the Baptist—it traditionally flowers on Saint John’s Day, June 24.
Saint-John’s-wort
TEA TREE OIL
The tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), which is native to Australia, reaches an average height of 20 feet and features a bushy crown; papery whitish bark; long, smooth, oil-rich leaves; and soft masses of cream-colored or white flowers on spikes. For a hundred years, Australians have used the oil to treat fungal nail infections, acne, and psoriasis. The indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia inhaled the oil’s vapors to treat coughs and colds and applied the crushed leaves to wounds. Today, this essential oil—with its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties—treats acne outbreaks, athlete’s foot, and jock itch; combats foot odor; and relieves chicken pox rash and cold sores.
Tea tree
The fluffy blossoms account for the folk name snow-in-summer. Other names include narrow-leaved paperbark, narrow-leaved tea-tree, and narrow-leaved ti-tree.
VALERIAN
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is native to Europe and Asia and became an introduced species in North America. It can reach five feet in height and bears deeply toothed green leaves and sweetly scented pink or white flowers. It has a long medicinal history—the Greeks and Romans used it for insomnia, indigestion, anxiety, urinary infections, and liver complaints, and Indian, Arab, and Chinese physicians wrote of its curative powers. Today, healers make preparations from the roots, rhizomes, and stolons to induce sleep and to treat migraines, high blood pressure, anxiety, and muscle cramps. The herb has antiseptic, anticonvulsant, and analgesic qualities, and contains the compound gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a receptor that may boost brain power and lower stress.
Valerian
WILLOW BARK
A potent analgesic called salicin, perhaps the oldest known to humans, is derived from the bark of the willow tree. Willows range in size from tall tress to spreading shrubs, and are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The species most often harvested is the white willow (Salix alba), followed by the purple willow (S. purpurea). These trees produce thin, lance-shaped leaves, and bristling, tubular flowers called catkins. Ancient cultures chewed the bark to ease painful injuries, childbirth, and headaches, and to lower fever. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and immunity-boosting properties and is now used to treat migraines, back spasms, menstrual cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome, and to reduce the swelling of tendonitis.
Willow bark