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Herb Library Index

Learn about herbs with thought to have medicinal value and general health benefits, including important details such as background, history, active ingredients, uses, does, precautions and adverse effects.

An aloe vera plant in a pot

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has a long tradition as a medicinal plant. The leaves contain a clear gel that soothes irritated skin. Their latex is a harsh laxative.

Arnica flower in bloom

Arnica

Arnica extract should generally not be ingested, but it is widely used topically to treat bruises and wounds and speed their healing.

Bilberry plant

Bilberry

Bilberry may be helpful for combatting mild diarrhea, mild inflammation, and may slow the development of macular degeneration or cataracts.

Black Cohosh in flower

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh was used by native people in North America to ease inflammation (rheumatism) and backache. Can it ease menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes?

A bowl of Boswellia resin, also known as frankincense

Boswellia

The Indian herb boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties that can help people with arthritis pain or other inflammation.

Drawing of cascara sagrada leaves

Cascara Sagrada

Cascara sagrada, once a popular though harsh laxative, is no longer permitted in over-the-counter medications in the US.

Cat’s Claw

Cayenne pepper and flakes

Cayenne

Chamomile tea in a glass cup

Chamomile

A large pile of cranberries

Cranberry

Dong quai

Echinacea Purpurea with bees

Echinacea

Ripe elderberries, also known as Sambucus berries, growing on a shrub; source of elderberry extract

Elderberry

Pink evening primrose flowers

Evening Primrose

Fennel seeds

Fennel

Feverfew

Heads and cloves of garlic

Garlic

Ginger root

Ginger

A ginkgo leaf

Ginkgo

Ginseng root

Ginseng

Goldenseal plant

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a native North American herb that has a reputation for boosting the immune system.

Gotu Kola

Grapeseed

Raw green tea leaves in a basket

Green Tea

Guggul

Hawthorn berries

Hawthorn

Extract of hawthorn flowers, berries or leaves help blood vessels dilate and may be useful in cases of mild heart failure.

Hops plants

Hops

Horse-chestnuts on conker tree branch - Aesculus hippocastanum fruits.

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut has been used in folk medicine to treat a range of conditions from varicose veins and hemorrhoids to arthritis and coughs.

Juniper

Kava

Lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm

Dried licorice root fragments may ease IBS symptoms

Licorice

Ma Huang

Milk Thistle

Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape or Oregon grape) is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to western North America, source of berberine

Oregon Grape

Oregon grape (barberry) contains an intriguing chemical called berberine. It has anti-cancer activity. There is also evidence it has antibacterial action.

Passion Flower in bloom

Passion Flower

Pau d’Arco

Bowl of psyllium husks, an excellent source of dietary fiber, to help you get off a PPI

Psyllium

Psyllium is a soluble fiber that has a many uses including for both constipation and diarrhea. Research suggests it can lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

Red Clover

Saw Palmetto

Scullcap

Senna

Siberian Ginseng

Slippery Elm

St. John's Wort flower

St. John’s Wort

Stinging nettle on a cutting board

Stinging Nettle

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) in bloom

Valerian

Yellow and black butterfly lights on Vitex agnus-castus flowers

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree Berry)

Women sometimes take Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree berry, to alleviate premenstrual symptoms or to help calm hot flashes due to menopause.

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