Herbal Database (Link)

This is a list of plants and their medicinal use.

Common Name	Parts Used	Latin Name(s)	Family	Properties & Uses	Chemical Constituents
Abelmosk	seeds	Hibiscus moschatus	Malvaceae	nervine, perfume, aphrodisiac, demulcent
Acacia	gum resin	Acacia senegal, A. vera	Leguminoseae	gum, sweets, adhesives, demulcent	gums, tannins
Agrimony	leaves	Agrimonia eupatoria	Rosaceae	dye, tonic, astringent, vulnerary, diuretic, stomachic, hepatic, antisecretory
Alfalfa	leaves, sprouts	Medicago sativa	Leguminosae	nutritive	protein
Allspice	seeds	Pimenta officinalis	Myrtaceae	spice, carminative	eugenol, cineole, caryophyllene
Allspice, Carolina	bark	Calycanthus floridus	Calycanthaceae	fragrance, spice, cinnamon substitute, antispasmodic
Aloe	leaves	Aloe barbadoensis, A. vera var. officinalis	Liliaceae	antiseptic, burn ointment, purgative, GI irritant, not for pregnant	barbaloin O-pentosides, aloinosides, chrysophanic acid, cinnamic acids
Anatto	seeds	Bixa orellana	Bixaceae	tasteless yellow food dye
Angelica	root	Angelica archangelica, A. sinensis, A. spp.	Umbelliferae	spice, candies, expectorant, carminative, diaphoretic, mild stimulant, antibacterial	angleic, fumaric, caffeic, chrorogenic acids, angelicol, angelicin
Angostura	bark	Angostura febrifuga, Galipea officinalis	Rutaceae	bitter stomachic, appetite stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, drinks	quinolines: cusparine, cuspareine, galipine, galipodine, galipoline
Anise	seeds	Pimpinella anisum	Umbelliferae	spice, carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant	anethole
Arnica	petals	Arnica montana, A. spp.	Compositeae	vulnerary, external use only	volatile oil, arnicin, arnisterol, anthoxanthine, tannin, resin
Arrowroot	root	Maranta arundinacea	Marantaceae	culinary, sweetener, anti-diarrheal	starch
Arthritis Root	root	Harpagophytum procumbens	Pedaliaceae	alterative, llithotriptic, stimulant
Asafoetida	resin	Ferula assa-foetida	Leguminoseae	carminative, expectorant, candies	ferulic, tannic esters, pinene, vanillin, gum, oil
Astragalus	various parts	Astragalus gummifer, A. glycphyullus, A. sinicus, A. spp.	Leguminosae	Chinese medicinal (A. sinica), gums, lotions (A. gummifer), some with selenium or alkaloid toxicity
Balm-of-Gilead	buds	Populus candicans, P. balsamifera	Salicace	wound sealer, expectorant, antiseptic	propolis, sap
Balsam-Apple	fruit	Momordica balsamina	Cucurbitaceae	onamental, fragrance
Barberry	bark, fruits	Berberis vulgaris	Berberidaceae	tonic, laxative, refrigerant, antiseptic, stomachic	berberine
Basil, Sweet	leaves	Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum spp.	Labiateae	spice, mild stimulant	ocimene (an open chain C-10 terpene)
Bay Leaf	leaves	Laurus nobilis	Lauraceae	spice, carminative, astringent	long-chain esters
Bayberry	bark	Myrica cerifera, M. gale, M. pennsylvanica, M. californica, M. spp.	Myricaceae	astringent, emetic, mild stimulant, sialagogue, hemostatic, dye, insecticide, candle wax fragrance	resin, tannin, gum, starch, palmitic, myristic, lauric acids
Belladonna	whole plant	Atropa belladonna	Solanaceae	antisecretory, mydriatic, antispasmodic, stimulant-depressant, hallucinogen, psychotic, delusinogen	atropine, scopolamine
Bergamot	leaves	Monarda didyma, M. citriodora, M. spp.	Labiateae	tea, fragrance, mild stimulant, carminative	l-linalool acetic ester, d- limonene, carvacrol, cymene
Betel Nuts	seeds	Areca catechu	Palmaceae	parasympathomimetic, stimulant- depressant, dye, narcotic, can cause cardiac strain	arecolines (compounds related to the tobacco alkaloids)
Betony	leaves	Stachys officinalis	Labiateae	appetite stimulant, cordial, tea
Birch	bark, sap	Betula lenta	Betulaceae	counterirritant, antipyretic, analgesic, irritates ulcers, can cause salicylate poisoning	methyl salicylate
Birthroot	root	Trillium pendulum	Liliaceae	vaginal antihemmorragic, mucous membrane irritant	trilline, trillarin (a diglycoside resembling diosgenin)
Bloodroot	sap, root	Sanguinaria canadensis	Papaveraceae	dye, demulcent, expectorant, smooth muscle stimulant, exacerbates glaucoma	sanguinarine, chelidonine
Boldo	leaves	Peumus boldus	Monimiaceae	fragrance, tea, carminative, formerly used in hepatic dysfunction, gastric stimulant	volatile oil, boldine (an aporphine)
Boneset	leaves	Eupatorium perfoliatum	Compositeae	antimalarial, diaphoretic, mucilage, emetic, depletes blood sugars, chronic toxicity	wax, tremetrol, resin, tannin
Borage	leaves	Borago officinalis	Boraginaceae	potherb, diuretic, demulcent, emollient, may have chronic toxicity	pyrrolizidines
Buchu	leaves	Barosma betulina, Agathosma spp.	Rutaceae	tea, fragrance, weak diuretic, urinary antiseptic, diaphoretic	diosphenol, volatile oils, flavonoids
Burdock	roots, leaves, stems	Arctium lappa	Compositae	diaphoretic, diuretic, demulcent	volatile oils, inulin, tannin, arctiin (a glycoside)
Burnet, Salad	leaves	Sanguisorba officinalis (Poterium sanguisorba)	Rosaceae	vulnerary, salad herb, tonic, astringent, hemostatic, diaphoretic, herb beer, cordials
Burra Gokeroo	seeds	Pedalium murex	Pedaliaceae	GI antiseptic, ganglial stimulant, male aphrodisiac, tonic, antispasmodic
Calamus	root	Acorus calamus	Araceae	anthelmintic, stimulant, carminative, mild hallucinogen, carcinogen	asarone, eugenol, pinene, camphene, caryophyllene
Calendula	flowers	Calendula officinalis	Compositeae	vulnerary, astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic	carotenoids, calendulin, a saponin of calendin
California Poppy	sap	Eschscholtzia californica	Papaveraceae	sedative, smooth muscle stimulant, exacerbates glaucoma	coptisine, sanguinarine
Calumba	root	Cocculus palmatus, Jateorrhiza palmata	Menispermaceae	bitter tonic, toxic?, smooth muscle stimulant, exacerbates glaucoma	C. indicus contains picrotoxin, menispermine, cocculine, quarternary berberine-type alkaloids
Camphor	bark	Cinnamomum camphora	Lauraceae	incense, counter-irritant, anaesthetic, antiseptic, narcotic, abuse can cause liver and kidney damage	2 - bornanone, a C-10 terpene
Capers	seeds	Capparis spinosa	Capparidaceae	spice, seasoning
Caraway	seeds	Carum carvi	Umbelliferae	spice, carminative, anti-griping agent, pedullicide, mild CNS depressant	carvone, limonene
Cardamon	seeds	Elettaria cardamomun	Zingiberaceae	spice, carminative	cineole, terpineole, terpinyl acetate
Carob	roasted seeds	Ceratonis siliqua	Leguminoseae	spice, condiment, sweetener
Carrot	whole plant	Daucus carota	Umbelliferae	spice, diuretic, purgative for bladder, antilithic	vitamin A, caryophyllene
Cascara sagrada	bark	Rhamnus purshiana	Rhamnaceae	bitter tonic, strong laxative	anthraquinone glycosides
Castor Bean	bean oil	Ricinus communis	Euphorbiaceae	purgative, source of castor oil	triglycerides of fatty acids, mostly ricinoleic and stearic
Catnip	leaves	Nepeta cataria	Labiateae	tea, feline sex stimulant, antispasmodic, nervine, mild CNS stimulant	nepetalactone, citral, limonene, geraniol, citronellal, nerol
Celery	seeds	Apium graveolens	Umbelliferae	spice, digestive aid, antiseptic, CNS agent, antispasmodic	sedonic anhydrides, nitrates
Centaury	whole herb	Centaurium erythraea, C. umbellatum, C. spp., Erythraea centaurium	Gentianaceae	aromatic, appetite stimulant, bitter tonic, stomachic, blood-purifier	erythro-centaurin (bitter principle), eritaurin, valeric acid
Chamomile, Roman	flowers	Anthemis nobilis (Chamaemelum nobile)	Compositeae	tea, mild stimulant, appetite stimulant, bitter tonic, emetic	anthemides, tiglic esters
Chamomile, German	flowers	Matricaria chamomilla	Compositeae	tea, sedative, antipyretic, mild CNS depressant	azulenes, sesquiterpenes, alpha-bisabolol
Chapparal	leaves	Larria mexicana, L. divaricata	Zygophyllaceae	antiseptic, alterative, expectorant, diuretic, antibiotic, antioxidant	NDGA (a powerful antioxidant)
Cherry, Wild	bark	Prunus serotina	Rosaceae	aroma, tea, expectorant, cough syrup, stomachic	cyanogenic glycosides, emulsin
Chervil	leaves	Anthriscus cerefolium	Umbelliferae	spice, salad herb	anise-like terpenes
Chia	seeds, sprouts	Salvia hispanica, S. columbariae	Labiateae	bulk former, nutritive
Chickweed	above- ground parts	Stellaria media, S. spp.	Caryophyllaceae	demulcent, refrigerant, poultice, nutritive
Chicory	roasted root	Cichorium intybus	Compositeae	coffee additive	fructosans
Chives	roots	Allium schoenoprasum	Amaryllidaceae	spice, potherb	allyl disulfides
Chrysanthemum, Edible	leaves	Chrysanthemum coronarium	Compositae	oriental vegetable, potherb
Chufa	rhizomes	Cyperus esculentus	Cyperaceae	flour substitute	starch
Cilantro	leaves	Coriandrum sativum	Umbelliferae	culinary herb, see Coriander for seed	linalool, malic acid, tannin, mucilage
Cinnamon	bark	Cinnamomum zeylanicum	Lauraceae	spice, tea, fragrance, perfume	cinnamaldehydes
Citronella	leaves	Cymbopogon nardus	Gramineae	insect repellant, perfume	citronellal
Citrus	peel	Citrus aurantium, C. limon	Rutaceae	candies, nutritive, spice, carminative	flavonoids, limonene, wax, ketonic acids, aldehydes, esters, alcohols
Clover, Red	tops	Trifolium pratense	Leguminoseae	tea, vitamin, protein	proteins
Cloves	dried flower buds	Syzygium aromaticum, Caryophyllus aromaticus	Myrtaceae	spice, dental anaesthetic, antiseptic, aphrosidisiac, stimulant, ~allergen	eugenol
Cocoa	woody fruit	Theobroma cacao	Sterculiaceae	cocoa drinks, candies, emollient butter, demulcent, CNS stimulant, can produce nervousness, sleeplessness	fat, mucliage, theobromine (a xanthine)
Coffee	roasted beans	Coffea arabica	Rubiaceae	CNS stimulant, can cause nervousness, irritates ulcers & mucous membranes	caffeine
Cohosh, Black	root	Cimifuga racemosa	Ranunculaceae	pesticide, bitter astringent, mild emetic, sedative	ferulic, palmitic, oleic acids, resin, tannin, cimifugin
Cohosh, Blue	root	Caulophyllum thalictroides	Berberidaceae	oxytocic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, diuretic, not for pregnant	leontin, caulophylline, saponins, resins
Cola Nuts	fruit	Cola nitida, C. acuminata	Sterculiaceae	analeptic, aphrodisiac, CNS stimulant, diuretic, astringent, irritates ulcers & mucous membranes, can cause nervousness	xanthines, gum, catechols
Coltsfoot	leaves	Tussilago farfara	Compositeae	demulcent, expectorant, emollient, smokable	tannin, saponins, resin, pectin, caotchouc
Comfrey	leaves	Symphytum officinale	Boraginaceae	poultices, internal demulcent, diuretic, laxative, ~allergen	pyrrolidizines, allantoin, mucilage, tannin
Coriander	seeds	Coriandrum sativum	Umbelliferae	spice, carminative, antipyretic, see Cilantro for leaf	linalool, malic acid, tannin, mucilage
Costmary	whole herb	Chrysanthemum balsamita	Compositae	fragrance, teas, herb pillows, soups, bitter stomachic, tonic, blood purifier
Cramp Bark	bark	Viburnum opulus	Caprifoliaceae	PMS antispasmodic, astringent, nervine
Cubeb	dried unripe fruit	Piper cubeba	Piperaceae	spice, aphrodisiac, to heal mucous membranes (as a counterirritant?)	terpenes, sesquiterpenes, furanobenze, dipentene, cadinene
Cumin	seeds	Cuminum cyminum	Umbelliferae	spice, liniment	para-substituted isopropylbenzenes, cuminaldehyde
Damiana	leaves	Turnera aphrodisiaca, T. diffusa	Turneraceae	tea, smokable, aphrodisiac, euphoriant, antipyretic, tonic, purgative, GI irritant	volatile oil
Dandelion	whole plant	Taraxacum officinale	Compositeae	hepatic tonic, diuretic, stomachic, antilithic, astringent, cholagogue	taraxerol, choline, levulin, inulin, pectin
Devil's Club	roots, bark, leaves	Oplopanax horridus	Araliaceae	stomachic, antispasmodic, vulnerary, toothache agent, tonic, charm
Dill	seeds, flowers	Anethum graveolens	Umbelliferae	spice, carminative, stomachic, nervine	dillapiole
Dita	bark	Alstonia scholaris (Echites scholaris)	Apocynaceae	tonic, astringent, anthelmintic, antimalarial, hallucinogen	chlorogenine, echitamine, echitenine, alsonine, porphyrine
Dittany, Maryland	leaves	Cunila origanoides	Labiateae	spice, herb, tea
Dittany of Crete	leaves	Origanum dictamnus	Umbelliferae	spice, antiseptic, preservative	carvacrol, thymol
Dragon's Blood	tree resin	Daemonorops draco	Palmaceae	charm, dye, tannin source	sap
Echinacea	rhizome	Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. spp.	Compositeae	alterative, contact parisiticide, antiseptic, sialogogue, analgesic, immune system stimulant	inulin, sucrose, 2- methlytetradecadienes, echinacein, caffeic glycoside
Elderberry	flowers, fruits, bark	Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis, S. cerulea	Caprifoliaceae	aperient, diuretic, dye, diaphoretic, cough syrup, PMS antispasmodic, sedative, HCN toxicity, esp. in bark of N. Am. spp.	cyanogenic glycoside, sambuline, viburnic acid, tyrosine, tannic acid
Elecampane	root	Inula helenium	Compositeae	tonic, charm, expectorant, diuretic, astringent	inulin, alantol, helenin, alantic acid, resin
Epazote	leaves	Chenopodium ambrosioides	Chenopodiaceae	seasoning, anthelmintic, toxic in quantity
Eucalyptus	leaves, pods	Eucalyptus globulus	Myrtaceae	spice, astringent, anti-diarrheal, expectorant	volatile oil, resins, tannin, eucalyptic acid, rutin
Evening Primrose	leaves	Oenothera biennis, O. spp.	Onagraceae	astringent, sedative, anti-aging agent, PMS treatment, potherb	gamma-linoleic acid (GLA,a prostaglandin precursor)
Eyebright	leaves	Euphrasia officinalis	Scrophulariaceae	alterative, astringent for eye strain	tannin, bitter principle
False Unicorn	root	Helonias dioica (Chamaelirium luteum), H. luteum	Liliaceae	formerly used for conception, sexual tonic, emetic, sialogogue, parisiticide, ~toxic to livestock
Fennel	seeds	Foeniculum vulgare	Umbelliferae	spice, digestive aid, carminative, expectorant, mild stimulant, cold treatment	anethole
Fenugreek	leaves	Trigonella foenum- graecum	Leguminoseae	spice, bulk laxative, horse's cure-all, demulcent, aphrodisiac, astringent, emollient, tonic, expectorant, galactagogue, GI irritant	protein, choline, phosphates, trigonelline, volatile oil
Feverfew	whole plant	Pyrethrum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium	Asteraceae	tonic, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, mild stimulant, emetic, can cause headache & CNS disturbances	pyrethrins, insecticidal compounds
Flax	seeds	Linum usitatissimum, L. spp.	Linaceae	demulcent, emmollient, bulk former, mucilage, laxative	mucilage, wax, tannin, gum, cyanogenic glycosides
Fleeceflower	root	Polygonum multiflorum	Polygonaceae	general and reproductive female tonic, diuretic	oxalates
Frankincense	gum resin	Boswellia carteri	Burseraceae	perfume, incense	volatile oil, resins, gum, bassorin
Galangal	rhizome	Alpinia galanga, A. officinarum, Kaempferia galanga	Zingiberaceae	respiratory stimulant, toothache agent, demulcent, antibacterial, hallucinogen	flavonoids
Ganja	flowering tops	Cannabis sativa	Cannabinaceae	appetite stimulant, antiemetic, euphoriant, mild hallucinogen, can cause tachycardia, lowers blood pressure	tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), an oxygenated terpene derivative
Garlic	bulbs	Allium sativum	Amaryllidaceae	spice, bacteriostat, alterative, antibiotic, expectorant, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, used for heart benefits, GI irritant	allyl disulfides
Gentian	root	Gentiana lutea	Gentianaceae	bitter tonic, stomachic, appetite mild stimulant, digestive aid	water-soluble phenolic glycosides, gentiopicrin, gentiamarin, gentiin
Geranium, Scented	leaves	Pelargonium odoratissimum	Geraniaceae	mouthwash, ointment	geraniol esters, citronellol, linalool
Gill-Over-The- Ground	leaves	Glechoma hederacea	Labiateae	mild stimulant, tonic, beer flavoring
Ginger	root	Zingiber officinale	Zingiberaceae	spice, carminative, diaphoretic, mild stimulant, GI irritant	citral, zingerone, sesquiterpenes, bisabolene
Ginger, Wild	rhizomes	Asarum canadense, A. caudatum	Aristolochiaceae	mild stimulant, stomachic	methyl eugenol
Ginkgo	leaves, seeds	Ginkgo biloba	Ginkgoaceae	roasted seeds as a culinary, leaves as a memory enhancer
Ginseng	root	Panax ginseng	Araliaceae	tea, mental stimulant, alterative, stomachic, tonic, can lower blood sugar	gingenosides, sapogenins, ginsenin, mucilage, resin
Goldenrod, Sweet	leaves	Solidago odora	Compositae	teas	anise-like volatile oil
Goldenseal	root	Hydrastis canadensis	Ranunculaceae	astringent, hemostatic, douche, antibiotic, emmenagogue, antiseptic, smooth muscle stimulant, dyspeptic, hypotensive	hydrastine, berberine-type alkaloids
Goldthread	root, plant	Coptis trifolia, C. groenlandica, C. spp.	Ranunculaceae	bitter tonic, oral hemostatic	berberine, coptine
Gotu-Kola	above- ground parts	Hydrocotyle asiatica var. minor, (Centella asiatica)	Umbelliferae	memory stimulant, nervine, psychic energizer, alterative, antipyretic, tonic, diuretic
Grains of Paradise	seeds	Aframomum melegueta	Zingiberaceae	spice, cordial
Gravel Root	root	Eupatorium purpureum	Compositeae	bitter, strong antilithic, diuretic, astringent
Guarana	leaves	Paulinia cupana	Sapindaceae	mild CNS stimulant, can cause nervousness, irritates ulcers, mucous membranes	xanthines
Hawthorn	fruit	Crataegus monogyna, C. spp.	Rosaceae	cardiac tonic, diuretic, astringent, antispasmodic, sedative	triterpene acids, flavonoids, choline, acetylcholine, ascorbic acid
Henna	leaves	Lawsonia inermis, L. alba, L. spinosa	Lythraceae	hair dye, externally for impotence, fungicide, ~allergen	lawsone
Hibiscus	stems, flowers	Hibiscus spp.	Malvaceae	tea, mild stimulant, fiber mats, rope	flavonoids
Hops	leaves	Humulus lupulus	Cannabinaceae	tea, used in brewing beer, antiseptic, stomachic, diuretic, nervine, carminative, anodyne, cholagogue, sedative, smokable	humulene (a sesquiterpene), lupulon
Horehound	leaves	Marrubium vulgare	Labiateae	expectorant, carminative, mild stimulant, charm, diaphoretic, tonic, candy	tannin, marrubin (a bitter hydroxy diterpene lactone)
Horse Mint	whole plant	Collinsonia canadensis	Labiateae	gentle tonic, mild stimulant, diuretic, anti-diarrheal	resin, saponin, tannin, mucilage
Horseradish	roots	Armoracia lapathifolia, A. rusticana, Rorippa armoracia, Cochleria amoracia	Brassicaceae	spice, herb, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic, expectorant	myrosin, sinigrin, choline esters of allylisothiocyanates, N-sulfates
Horsetail	foliage	Equisetum arvense, E. spp.	Equisetaceae	astringent, abrasive, diuretic, mineral source, can cause muscle weakness, abnormal pulse, hypertension	silica, nicotine, aconitic acid, equisitine
Hyssop	leaves	Hyssopus officinalis	Labiateae	pungent spice, poultice, expectorant, mild stimulant, diaphoretic	pinene, sesquiterpenes
Indigo, Wild	root, leaves	Baptisia tinctoria	Leguminoaeae	purgative, emetic, vulnerary, can cause heart arrythmias	glucosides: baptisin, baptitoxine (cytisine), alkaloid
Iris	root	Iris X florentina	Iridaceae	purgative, floral fixative, ~toxic, ~allergen	iridin, oleoresin, tannin, gum, camphoraceous substance
Irish Moss	whole plant	Chondrus crispus (various seaweeds)	Gigartinaceae (seaweed)	demulcent, nutrient, diet aid, bulk former, emollient	polysaccharides
Jalap	root	Ipomoea purga	Convolvulaceae	drastic purgative	resin, gum, sugar
Jasmine	flowers	Jasminum officinale	Oleaceae	tea, incense, florals	jasmone
Jujube	fruit	Zizyphus jujuba, Ziziphus jujuba	Rhamnaceae	flavoring for candies
Juniper	fruits	Juniperus communis	Pinaceae	urinary and general antiseptic, flavoring for gin, diuretic, overdose can cause kidney and personality disorders, convulsions, catharsis	terpinenol, alpha-pinene, camphene, cadinene
Kava-kava	root	Piper methysticum	Piperaceae	stimulant tea, or narcotic when thoroughly chewed, causes skin lesions amongst the habituated	methysticin, yangonin, dihydrokawain
Kelp	whole plant	Laminaria spp., Fucus spp., Sargassum spp., Macrosytica spp., etc.	Seaweed	nutritive, mineral source, demulcent, bulk laxative, can cause water retention	iodine, bromine, alginic acid
Khat	fresh leaves	Catha edulis	Celastraceae	CNS & spinal stimulant, can cause tachycardia & nervousness	choline, cathine, cathinone, d-norpseudoephedrine
Khus-Khus	roots	Vetiveria zizanioides, Andropogon muricatus	Gramineae	perfume fixative, insect repellant	vetiverone, a C-15 terpene, vetivenoids, palmitic, benzoic acids
Kinnikinnick	leaves	Arctostaphylos uva-ursi	Ericaceae	smokable, diuretic, antiseptic, GI astringent, mild CNS depressant	arbutin (hydrolyses to hydroquinolone), flavonoids, gallic, malic acids
Kuthmithi	whole plant	Wiltharia somnifera	Solanaceae	sedative, tranquilizer, tonic	somniferine, possibly other toxic alkaloids
Labrador Tea	leaves	Ledum palustre, L. groenlandicum, L. glandulosum	Ericaceae	bitter astringent, vulnerary, can cause cause kidney disorders	ledol
Lad's Love	leaves	Artemisia abrotanum	Compositeae	culinary, astringent, bitter tonic
Lady's Mantle	leaves	Alchemilla vulgaris	Rosaceae	astringent, hemostatic, vulnerary	tannins
Lady's Slipper	root	Cyprepedium pubescens, Cypripedium spp.	Orchidaceae	nervine, antispasmodic, sedative, overharvesting is leading to species endangerment	tannin, resins
Lavender	flowers	Lavandula vera, Lavandula spp.	Labiateae	sachets, perfumes, bath oils	eucalyptol, borneol, camphor, linalool, terpineol
Lemon Balm	leaves	Melissa officinalis	Labiateae	spice, herb, fragrance, diaphoretic, sedative	citral, linalool, geraniol
Lemon Grass	leaves	Cymbopogon citratus	Gramineae	incense, pesticide, perfume, carminative	methyl heptenone, citronellal, terpene alcohols
Lettuce, Wild	leaves	Lactuca virosa, Lactuca quercina	Compositeae	mild narcotic, analgesic, sedative	lactucarine
Licorice	root	Glycyrrhiza glabra	Leguminoseae	aphrodisiac, stomachic, aperient, expectorant, antispasmodic, androgenic steroid agent, can cause mineral retantion, hypertension	glycyrrhizin (a mild mineral corticoid), gum, tannin, pentacyclic terpenes
Life Everlasting	leaves	Gnaphalium polycephalum	Asteraceae	astringent, vulnerary for mouth
Linden	flowers, leaves	Tilia europaea, T. spp.	Tiliaceae	stomachic, sialogogue
Lobelia	leaves	Lobelia inflata	Lobeliaceae	expectorant, stimulant-depressant, emetic, can cause tolerance	Alpha-lobeline (a di-(hydroxy- ethyl-phenyl) - 2 - piperidine, a compound related to tobacco alkaloids)
Lotus	flower capsules	Nelumbo spp.	Nelumbonaceae	culinary, soup thickener	starch
Lovage	root	Ligusticum levisticum, Levisticum officinale	Umbelliferae	mild stimulant, carminative, emmenagogue, stomachic
Love Vine	whole plant	Cuscuta spp.	Cuscutaceae	laxative
Ma-Huang	leaves	Ephedra sinica	Gnetaceae	decongestant, CNS stimulant, can cause nervousness, hypertension	ephedrine
Madder	roots	Rubia tinctorum	Rubiaceae	alizarin crimson dye	anthraquinones
Magnolia	bark	Magnolia glauca	Magnoliaceae	bitter tonic, diaphoretic
Maha	flowers	Quararibea funebris	Bombacaceae	perfume, flavoring for chocolate drinks at funerals & festivals, hallucinogen	5 - membered cyclic enols and enamines
Malva	flowers	Malva spp.	Malvaceae	black potpourri color	pectin, tannin
Marjoram	leaves	Origanum vulgare	Labiateae	spice, carminative, digestive aid	limonene, other terpenes
Marshmallow	root	Althea officinalis	Malvaceae	demulcent, emollient, poultice	asparagine, mucilage, sugar, pectin
Matico	leaves	Piper angustifolium	Piperaceae	astringent, sex stimulant, urinary antiseptic (GI irritant?)	Matico camphor, asarone
Mistletoe	stems	Phoradendron flavescens	Loranthaceae	charm, emetic, hemorragic, can cause CV collapse, weak pulse, vasodilation, smooth muscle contractions	tyramine, phenethylamines
Mormon Tea	whole plant	Ephedra vulgaris, E. trifurca, E. spp.	Gnetaceae	nasal decongestant, CNS stimulant, can cause nervousness	ephedrine
Morning Glory	seeds	Ipomoea violacea, Argyriea nervosa	Convolvulaceae	hallucinogen, purgative, abortifacient, can cause gangrene	lysergamides
Motherwort	above- ground parts	Leonurus cardiaca	Labiateae	nervine, cardiac tonic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, laxative, PMS nervine
Mugwort	leaves, flowers	Artemisia vulgaris	Compositeae	acupuncture moxybustion, dream herb, nervine, diuretic, diaphoretic
Muira Pauma	wood shavings	Liriosma ovata, Acanthea virilis	Olacaceae	aphrodisiac	aromatic resin, muirapaumine, fat
Mullein	leaves	Verbascum thapsus	Scrophulariaceae	smokable, demulcent, rubefacient, astringent, counter-irritant, expectorant	saponins
Mustard	seeds	Brassica nigra	Cruciferae	spice, poultice, counterirritant, carminative, rubefacient	myrosin, sinigrin, choline esters of allylisothiocyanates, N-sulfates
Myrrh	gum resin	Commiphora myrra	Burseraceae	incense, local stimulant, antiseptic, expectorant, mouthwash, embalming fluid, carminative	resin, acetic, formic, myrrholic acids
Myrtle	leaves	Myrtus communis	Myrtaceae	fragrance, infusion, gargle	eucalyptol, d-pinene
Neem	seeds, leaves	Azadirachta indica (Melia azadirachta)	Meliaceae	timber, antibacterial, antiemetic, soap, toothpaste, insecticide, antipyretic, vulnerary	glycerides, nimbin, a terpenic ester, bitters
Nettles	leaves	Urtica dioica	Labiateae	potherb, vitamin, protein, alterative, antiseptic, hemostatic, nutritive	vitamins, A, C, protein
Nutmeg	seed, aril (as mace)	Myristica fragrans	Myristaceae	emmenagogue, spice, aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, mild hallucinogen	myristicin, elemicin, eugenols
Oat Straw	stems, leaves	Avena sativa	Gramineae	nutrient, demulcent, antidepressant, nervine, tonic, antispasmodic, digestive aid, motor ganglial stimulant	albumin, gum, protein, saponin, avenin
Onion	bulbs	Allium sativum	Amaryllidaceae	culinary, spice	allyl disulfides
Oregano	leaves	Origanum major, O. vulgare	Labiateae	spice, seasoning herb	terpenes
Osha	roots	Ligusticum porteri	Umbelliferae	stomachic, respiratory agent, antipyretic, snakebite agent
Parsley	leaves, seeds	Petroselinum crispum	Umbelliferae	herb, diuretic, can raise blood pressure	pinene, apiole
Passion Flower	leaves	Passiflora incarnata, P. edulis	Passifloraceae	smokable, spinal depressant, respiratory stimulant, nervine, antispasmodic, sedative, diaphoretic	beta-carbolines, cyanogenic glycosides, contains HCN
Patchouli	leaves	Pogostemon cablin	Labiateae	incense, cosmetic	patchoulene, azulene, eugenol, benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, sesquiterpene
Pau d'Arco		Tabebuia impetiginosa	Bignoniaceae	immune stimulant, anti-allergen, anti- carcinogen, anti-fungal, avoid if pregnant
Pennyroyal	leaves	Mentha pulegium	Labiateae	herb, carminative, diaphoretic, pedicullicide, mild CNS depressant, overdose can cause kidney damage	pulegone
Pepper, Red	fruit	Capsicum tetragonum, C. annuum, C. frutescens, C. spp.	Solanaceae	spice, GI stimulant, nerve ending stimulant, counter-irritant, irritates ulcers and mucous membranes	vanillyl noneamides, carotenoids
Peppercorns	fruit	Piper nigrum	Piperaceae	spice, digestive stimulant, mucous membrane irritant	piperidines, piperazines
Peppermint	leaves	Mentha piperita	Labiateae	tea, spice, candies, antispasmodic, carminative	menthol, terpenes
Pink Root	root	Spigelia marilandica	Loganiaceae	anthelmintic, can cause dizziness, heart palpitations	spigeline, resin, tannin
Plantain, Narrow	leaves	Plantago lanceolata	Plantaginaceae	ointment for exzema, burns, hemmorroids, bowel pain, laxative, see Psillium for Plantago seed	xylin (a xylopyranose derivative related to cellulose)
Pollen	pollen from bees	Apis mellifera	Insect product	sweetener, vitamin, nutrient	sugars, vitamins B & C, minerals, hormones
Poppy	seeds	Papaver somniferum	Papaveraceae	culinary herb	albuminoids, ethiodol, lipiodol, devoid of morphine alkaloids
Prickly Ash	stem bark	Zanthoxylum (Xanthoxyllum) americanum, Z. clava- herculis	Rutaceae	tonic, antispasmodic, flavoring, alterative, rubefacient, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, circulatory stimulant
Prickly Poppy	leaves	Argemone mexicana	Papaveraceae	smooth muscle stimulant, causes capillary dilation, can irritate glaucoma, emetic, purgative	protopine, berberine, dihydrosanguinarine, sanguinarine
Prince's Pine	whole plant	Chimaphila umbellata, C. spp.	Ericaceae	alterative, diuretic, astringent, tonic	chimaphilin, arbutin, erecolin, tannins
Psillium	fruit, husks	Plantago ovata	Plantaginaceae	antidiarrheal, bulk demulcent, laxative, emollient, expectorant, astringent, see plantain for Plantago leaf	colloidal mucilage
Pumpkin	seeds	Cucurbita pepo	Cucurbitaceae	GI stimulant, sexual hormone production stimulant	protein, unsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrate, phosphorus
Raspberry	leaves	Rubus ideaus, Rubus spp.	Rosaceae	nutritive tea, antispasmodic, astringent	citric acid, tannins
Rhubarb	stalks	Rheum officinale, R. palmatum	Polygonaceae	laxative, astringent, sialogogue, stomachic	anthraquinones
Rose	fruits (hips)	Rosa canina, R. spp.	Rosaceae	vitamin C source, tea, astringent, aperient	vitamin C, geraniol, citronellol
Rosemary	leaves	Rosmarinus officinalis	Labiateae	spice, herb, carminative, GI irritant	pinene, camphene, borneol, & esters
Rue	leaves	Ruta graveolens	Rutaceae	nervine, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, rubefacient, skin and kidney irritant	methyl nonyl ketone & esters, ketones, tannins, methyl anthranilate
Rue, Syrian	seeds	Peganum harmala	Zygophyllaceae	hallucinogen	beta-carbolines
Safflower	flowers	Carthamus tinctorius	Compositae	floral, food dye, diaphoretic	carthamin
Saffron	flower stigmas	Crocus sativus	Iridaceae	spice, dye, respiratory stimulant, aphrodisiac, rubefacient, can cause bradycardia	alpha-crocin (a gentobiose of crocetin)
Sage, Garden	leaves	Salvia officinalis	Labiateae	spice, antisecretory, insect repellant, anthelmintic, astringent, perfume	thujone, camphor, salvene
Sagebrush	leaves	Artemisia tridentata	Compositae	perfume, antibacterial	camphor
Saint John's Wort	tops	Hypericum perforatum, H. spp.	Hypericaceae	external astringent, alterative, nervine, sedative, antidepressant, antiviral, can cause dermatitis through ultraviolet light sensitivity	hypericin, an 8-ringed compound
Sandalwood	wood chips	Santalum album	Santalaceae	incense, fumigant	santalol and esters, bicyclic C-15 terpenes
Sarsaparilla	roots	Smilax officinalis, S. regelii, S. ornata, S. spp.	Liliaceae	toothache, male hormone adjunct, tonic, diaphoretic, alterative	resin, oxalates, phytosterols, adrenal hormones
Sassafrass	root bark	Sassafrass albidum	Lauraceae	spice, tea, tonic, alterative, carcinogen	safrole
Savory, Summer	leaves	Satureja hortensis	Labiateae	herb, garnish	carvacrol
Savory, Winter	leaves	Satureja montana	Labiateae	herb, stronger than summer savory, liquers	carvacrol
Saw Palmetto	fruits	Serenoa repens, S. serrulata	Palmaceae	GI stimulant, glandular stimulant, bladder analgesic, tonic, antiseptic, can cause diarrhea	fatty acids and esters
Schisandra	fruits	Schisandra glabra, S. sp.	Schisandraceae (Magnoliaceae)	ornamental, tonic, sedative
Sea Holly	leaves	Eryngium maritmum	Umbelliferae	aphrodisiac, candies, nervine, alterative, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, mild stimulant, expectorant, used in kidney & bladder disease
Senna	leaves, pods	Cassia species	Leguminoseae	laxative, anthelmintic, anti-griping agent, can cause dermatitis	sitosterol, anthraquinone glycosides, chrysophanic, flavonoids, emodins
Sensitive Plant	leaves	Mimosa pudica	Leguminoseae	smokable, sexual stimulant when touched (!)	tryptamines
Serpolet	leaves	Thymus serpyphyllum	Labiateae	spice, antispasmodic, nervine, especially for genital nerves
Sesame	seeds	Sesamum orientale, S. indicum	Pedaliaceae	spice, aphrodisiac	oil, Calcium
Shiso	leaves	Perilla frutescens	Labiateae	sushi ginger spice, herb
Skullcap	whole plant	Scutellaria lateriflora	Labiateae	smokable, sedative, antispasmodic, nervine	scutellarin (a flavonoid), tannins
Slippery Elm	bark	Ulmus fulva	Ulmaceae	astringent, nutritive for invalids, demulcent	mucilage, starch, oxalates, polysaccharides, tannins
Snakeroot, Seneca	root	Polygala senega	Polygalaceae	purgative, expectorant, stimulates secretions
Snakeroot, Indian	roots	Rauwolfia serpentina	Apocynaceae	strong tranquilizer, strong depressant action sometimes fatal	rauwolfine, serpentine
Snakeroot, Virginia	root	Aristolochia serpentaria	Aristolochiaceae	aromatic bitter, snakebite agent, emetic, can cause vertigo, abortifacient	aristolochic acid, an aromatic nitrate
Solomon's Seal	root	Convallaria multiflora	Liliaceae	tonic, demulcent, astringent, emetic, contains potent and dangerous cardioactive glycosides	constituents unknown, same genus contains cardiac glycosides
Spearmint	leaves	Mentha viridis	Labiateae	carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, herb	carvone, limonene, pinene
Speedwell	flowers	Veronica officinalis	Scrophulariaceae	tonic, alterative, diuretic, expectorant, diaphoretic
Spicebush	leaves, twigs	Lindera benzoin	Lauraceae	tea, perfume, anthelmintic, antipyretic
Spikenard, American	root	Aralia racemosa, A. spinosa	Araliaceae	mild stimulant, alterative, expectorant, flavoring	starch, pectin, resin, active compound not isolated
Star Anise	seeds	Illicium verum	Magnoliaceae	spice, mild stimulant, carminative	anethole, phellandrene
Stevia	leaves	Stevia rebaudiana	Compositae	sweetener	stevioside (a diterpene glycoside)
Storax	gum resin	Liquidambar styraciflua	Hammamelidaceae	breath sweetener	storesin, benzoates, cinnamates, cinnamic acid, styrene
Strawberry	leaves	Fragaria vesca, F. spp.	Rosaceae	mild astringent, nutritive, antihistamine catalyst	vitamin C, minerals, catechins
Strychnine	seeds	Strychnos nux-vomica	Loganiaceae	catalyst, spinal stimulant, tonic, can can cause rapid pulse, convulsions, death	strychnine
Sumac	fruits	Rhus glabra, R. aromatica, R. typhina, R. spp.	Anacardiaceae	tea, astringent	albumin, gum, tannin, resin, malic acid
Sweet Cicely	root	Osmorrhiza odorata, O. spp., Myrrhis odorata	Umbelliferae	aromatic, carminative, expectorant, stomachic	anise-like volatile oil
Tamarind	seed pulp	Tamarindus indica	Leguminosae	sour flavoring, soup thickener, curries, chutneys	citric, malic acids, potassium, gum, pectin, grape sugar
Tansy	herb	Tanacetum vulgare	Compositae	bitter tonic, anthelmintic, abortifacient, can cause convulsions	resins, thujone, camphor, borneol
Tarragon	leaves	Artemisia dracunculus, A. dracunculoides	Compositae	herb
Tea	leaves	Thea sinensis, Camellia sinensis	Theaceae, Ternstroemiaceae	CNS stimulant, anticarcinogen, can cause nervousness, can cause cardiac strain	xanthines
Tea Tree	foliage	Melaleuca quinquenervia, M. cajuputi, M. alternifolia, M. spp., Leptospermum ericoides, L. petersonii, L. scoparium, L. spp.	Myrtaceae	timber, tea, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, antiseptic, anthelmintic, mild stimulant, vulnerary, expectorant, various essential oils (cajuput, niaoli from Leptospermum spp., tea-tree oil from Melaleuca spp.), counter-irritant, elevates blood pressure	cineol, terpineol, valeric, benzoic and butyric aldehydes
Teaberry	fruit	Gaultheria procumbens	Ericaceae	tea, spice, carminative, anti- rheumatic, anticarcinogen, diuretic	methyl salicylate
Thyme	leaves	Thymus vulgaris	Labiateae	carminative, antiseptic, expectorant, rubefacient	thymol, carvacrol, cymene, pinene
Tobacco	leaves	Nicotiana tobaccum, N. attenuata, N. spp.	Solanaceae	stimulant-depressant, can cause dependance, lung cancer, heart disease	nicotine
Tonka Bean	seeds	Coumarouna odorata	Leguminoseae	perfumes, vanilla adulterant, toxic, hemmorragic	coumarins
Turmeric	rhizomes	Curcuma longa, C. domestica	Zingiberaceae	curries, condiments, dye	curcumin, cinnamoids, turmerone, alpha- phellandrene, sabinene, cineol, borneol
Valerian	root	Valeriana officinalis, V. spp.	Valerianaceae	narcotic, antispasmodic, tranquilizer, sedative	low MW bornyl esters, camphene, velerines, pinene, limonene, valepotriat
Vanilla	pods	Vanilla planifolia	Orchidaceae	spice, fragrance	vanillin, vanillic acid
Vanilla Grass	leaves	Heirochloa odorata	Gramineae	fragrance, liquers, hemmorragic	coumarins
Verbena, Lemon	leaves	Lippia citriodora, Aloysia triphylla	Verbenaceae	teas, potpourris, sachets, drinks, garnish
Vervain	flowers, leaves	Verbena officinalis	Verbenaceae	antipyretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, astringent, antispasmodic, vulnerary, galactagogue, aphrodisiac, tea	verbenalin
Violet, Sweet	above- ground parts	Viola odorata, Viola spp.	Violaceae	dye, perfume, aperient, acid-base indicator, anticarcinogen, cough syrup, nutritive, anodyne	flavonoids, salycilates
Wasabi	root	Wasabi japonica	Cruciferae	spice and condiment used in Japanese cuisine
Water Eryngo	root	Eryngium aquaticum	Umbelliferae	diuretic, mild stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant, emetic in large doses)
Willow	bark	Salix alba, S. spp.	Salicaceae	astringent, analgesic, antipyretic, ornamental, aromatic tonic, sedative, can cause ulcers	salicylates
Witch Hazel	twigs	Hammamelis virginiana	Hammamelidaceae	externally as astringent, hemostatic	gallitannins
Woodruff, Sweet	whole plant	Asperula odorata	Rubiaceae	pot pourri fixative, May wine flavor, hemmorragic, vitamin K antagonist	coumarins, asperuloside, tannins
Wormseed	tops	Chenopodium botrys	Chenopodiaceae	dried arrangements, pot pourri, anthelmintic, ~toxic	ascaridiol
Wormwood	tops, leaves	Artemisia absinthium	Compositae	cordials, narcotic, anthelmintic, antiseptic, diaphoretic	thujone
Yarrow	flowering tops	Achillea millefolium	Compositae	antiseptic, astringent, hemostatic, tonic, anti-itching agent
Yerba de Maté	leaves	Ilex paraguaiensis	Aquifoliaceae	CNS stimulant, can cause nervousness	caffeine, theobromine
Yerba de Santa	leaves	Eriodictyon californicum	Hydrophyllaceae	expectorant, tonic, cough syrup	eriodictyol

Compile by George Wooten (Botanist), ©1998-2008

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