Common Name |
Parts Used |
Latin Name |
Family |
Properties & Uses |
Chemical Constituent |
Abelmosk | seeds | Hibiscus moschatus | Malvaceae | nervine, perfume, aphrodisiac, demulcent | |
Acacia | gum resin | Acacia senegal, A. vera | Leguminoseae | gum, sweets, adhesives, demulcent | gums, tannins |
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, Indian | 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 |
Source: researchgate.net
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I’ve not yet seen any detailed information on FASTING. Does dr Sebi or you recommend cold turkey with only water, a progressive fasting to water only or a water and tea fast, what is the process to come out of fasting, short to long fasting, long to short fasting, intervals of fasting? Really wish there was a DONATE/PITCH IN button. You are providing priceless information. I look forward to my financial situation shifting in a manner that will support my lifestyle adjustments as it regards fueling my body. Amazing work. Many thank yous!!!
Hi ClassyGlobal, sorry for the late response. I wouldn’t recommend cold turkey water fasting unless you are already on a plant-based diet. Dr Sebi actually recommended fasting using the herbs, especially incorporating the Green Food Plus. He noted in a video that everyone should fast at least 12 days per year, using the Green Food Plus and also drinking juices. That being said, water fasting is very effective. If you have never fasted before it could be tough – but, because of it’s ability to help the body heal faster, it’s worth doing. For longer periods of water fasting (beyond 7 days) make sure you have supportive people around you. Some people have to build up to a longer fast, while some people prefer to just go for it. If you are eating a standard diet, then do at least one week raw, then a week of smoothie and juices, then go into your water fast. If you’re already on a plant based diet, do 3 to 7 days all fruits or juice or smoothie before doing your water fast.
If you need more personal help, please feel free to email me at julie@italisvital.info.
Love and blessings 🙂
NB. In future I will put a donate button up, thank you.
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