Medicinal Plants Encyclopedia - The Wandering Plantsman

PLANTS & MEDICINE

LIST OF PLANTS USED FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES

Achillea millefolium: Common yarrow
Purported to be a diaphoretic, astringent, tonic, stimulant, and mild aromatic.
Actaea racemosa: Black cohosh
Historically used for arthritis and muscle pain, more recently for conditions related to menopause and menstruation.
Aesculus hippocastanum: Horse chestnut
Seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers used for joint pain, bladder and gastrointestinal problems, fever, leg cramps, and more. Toxic unless processed.
Ageratina altissima: White snakeroot
Root tea for diarrhea, kidney stones, and fever. Smoke from burning leaves used to revive unconscious people. Contains the toxin tremetol.
Alcea rosea: Common hollyhock
Believed to be an emollient and laxative, used to control inflammation, bedwetting, and bleeding gums.
Alisma plantago-aquatica: Water-plantain
Used for urinary tract issues.
Allium sativum: Garlic
Purported use to lower blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera
Leaves widely used to heal burns, wounds, and skin ailments.
Althaea officinalis: Marsh-mallow
Used historically as both food and medicine.
Amorphophallus konjac: Konjac
Significant dietary source of glucomannan, used in treating obesity, constipation, and reducing cholesterol.
Anemone hepatica: Common hepatica
Historically used to treat liver diseases, also used for pimples, bronchitis, and gout.
Angelica archangelica: Garden angelica
Roots used internally for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous system disorders, fever, infections, and flu.
Angelica sinensis: Dong quai
Used for thousands of years in Asia, primarily in women’s health.
Apium graveolens: Celery
Seed used occasionally in traditional medicine, primarily as a diuretic.
Arctium lappa: Burdock
Used as a diuretic and to lower blood sugar.
Arnica montana: Arnica
Used as an anti-inflammatory and for osteoarthritis. Classified as unsafe by the FDA.
Astragalus propinquus: Astragalus
Long used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Atropa belladonna: Belladonna
Historically used in Italy for various purposes, though toxic.
Azadirachta indica: Neem
Used in India to treat worms, malaria, rheumatism, and skin infections.

Bellis perennis: Daisy
Flowers used internally for gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders.
Berberis vulgaris: Barberry
Long history of medicinal use, particularly among Native Americans.
Borago officinalis: Borage
Used in hyperactive gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders.
Broussonetia kurzii: Salae
Valued as a medicinal plant in Thailand.

Calendula officinalis: Marigold
Long history of use in treating wounds and soothing skin.
Cannabis: Hemp, Cannabis, Marijuana, Indian hemp, Ganja
Used worldwide since ancient times for various conditions including pain relief, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues.
Capsicum annuum: Cayenne
Used for reducing pain and swelling, lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and fighting viruses and harmful bacteria.
Capsicum frutescens: Chili
Active ingredient capsaicin used in pain-relief ointments.
Carica papaya: Papaya
Used for treating wounds and stomach troubles.
Cassia occidentalis: Coffee senna
Used for a wide variety of roles in traditional medicine, including as an antimicrobial and for liver disorders.
Catha edulis: Khat
Mild stimulant used for thousands of years in Yemen.
Cayaponia espelina: São Caetano melon
Diuretic and used in the treatment of diarrhea and syphilis.
Centaurea cyanus: Cornflower
Effective in treating conjunctivitis and tired eyes.
Chrysopogon zizanioides: Vetiver
Used for skin care.
Cinchona spec.: Cinchona
Bark source of alkaloids, including quinine, used as a febrifuge.
*Cinnamomum aromaticum*: Cinnamon
Used historically for a range of ailments including gastrointestinal problems, urinary issues, and menstruation.
Cissus quadrangularis: Veldt grape
Used for treating obesity and osteoporosis.
Citrus spp.: Citrus
Peels and seeds used for conditions including indigestion and high cholesterol.
Clitoria ternatea: Butterfly pea
Used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine.
Coffea spp.: Coffee
Known for its stimulant properties.
Cola nitida: Cola
Contains caffeine and theobromine, used as a stimulant.
Coleus forskohlii: Indian coleus
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating various disorders.
Commiphora myrrha: Myrrh
Used for a variety of ailments including hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and cough.
Commiphora wightii: Indian bdellium-tree
Used in Ayurveda for arthritis, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
Conium maculatum: Poison hemlock
Poisonous, historically used as a sedative and anesthetic.
Crataegus spp.: Hawthorn
Used for heart-related conditions.
Crocus sativus: Saffron
Used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including menstrual issues and depression.
Croton tiglium: Croton
Toxic seed used for inducing vomiting and purging the digestive system.
Curcuma longa: Turmeric
Contains curcumin, used for a variety of health conditions.

Datura stramonium: Thorn apple
Contains tropane alkaloids, used historically as a hallucinogen and in folk medicine.
Daucus carota: Carrot
Roots used in traditional medicine for various purposes.
Dioscorea villosa: Wild yam
Used for menstrual cramps and childbirth pain, among other things.
Drosera rotundifolia: Round-leaved sundew
Historically used for coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.
Dryopteris filix-mas: Male fern
Used historically as a vermifuge.
Duguetia confinis: Yageo de costa
Used in traditional medicine in the Amazon.
Duranta erecta: Golden dewdrop
Used in traditional medicine for various purposes.

Echinacea purpurea: Purple coneflower
Used for boosting the immune system.
Elettaria cardamomum: Cardamom
Used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders and as an aphrodisiac.
Erythroxylum coca: Coca
Source of cocaine, used traditionally by indigenous peoples of South America.
Erythroxylum vacciniifolium: Catauba
Bark used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and for other purposes.
Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus
Used for respiratory conditions and as an antiseptic.
Eupatorium perfoliatum: Common boneset
Used historically to treat dengue fever and malaria.
Euphorbia hirta: Asthma plant
Used in traditional medicine for various respiratory conditions.
Euterpe oleracea: Açaí palm
Used for various health conditions.

Ficus carica: Fig
Historically used as a laxative.
Foeniculum vulgare: Fennel
Seeds used for digestive problems.
Fumaria officinalis: Fumitory
Historically used for skin conditions, jaundice, and digestive problems.

Galium aparine: Cleavers
Historically used as a diuretic and for skin conditions.
Garcinia cambogia: Garcinia
Used for weight loss.
Gaultheria procumbens: Wintergreen
Source of methyl salicylate, used as a counterirritant.
Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo
Used for cognitive function and circulatory disorders.
Glycyrrhiza glabra: Licorice
Used for various purposes including digestive issues and sore throat.
Grifola frondosa: Maitake
Used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for immune support.

Hamamelis virginiana: Witch hazel
Astringent and used for skin conditions.
Harungana madagascariensis: Madagascar harungana
Used for malaria, wounds, and intestinal parasites.
Hedera helix: Ivy
Used for respiratory conditions.
Helleborus niger: Black hellebore
Historically used as a purgative and for melancholy.
Hippophae rhamnoides: Sea buckthorn
Used for various health conditions.
Humulus lupulus: Hops
Used for insomnia and anxiety.

Ilex paraguariensis: Yerba mate
Used as a stimulant.
Inula helenium: Elecampane
Used for respiratory conditions.
Ipomoea tricolor: Morning glory
Contains hallucinogenic alkaloids.
Iris versicolor: Blue flag iris
Historically used for liver conditions.

Justicia adhatoda: Malabar nut
Used for respiratory conditions.

Kaempferia galanga: Galangal
Used in traditional medicine for various purposes.
Kigelia africana: Sausage tree
Used for various health conditions.
L
Lactuca virosa: Wild lettuce
Contains lactucarium, used as a mild sedative.
Laminaria digitata: Kelp
Source of iodine, used for thyroid conditions.
Lavandula spp.: Lavender
Used for anxiety and insomnia.
Leonotis leonurus: Lion’s tail
Used for various health conditions.
Leonurus cardiaca: Motherwort
Used for heart conditions and anxiety.
Levisticum officinale: Lovage
Used for digestive problems.
Ligusticum porteri: Osha
Used for respiratory conditions.
Linum usitatissimum: Flax
Source of linseed oil, used for constipation and other conditions.
Lobelia inflata: Indian tobacco
Contains lobeline, used historically for asthma and smoking cessation.
Lycopersicon esculentum: Tomato
Used for various health conditions.
Lycopus europaeus: G

ypsywort

Used for hyperthyroidism and other conditions.

Magnolia officinalis: Hou po
Used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Malva sylvestris: Common mallow
Used for inflammation and digestive issues.
Matricaria chamomilla: Chamomile
Used for anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues.
Medicago sativa: Alfalfa
Used for various health conditions.
Melaleuca alternifolia: Tea tree
Used topically for skin conditions.
Melilotus officinalis: Yellow sweet clover
Used for varicose veins and other circulatory conditions.
Mentha spp.: Mint
Used for digestive issues and as a topical analgesic.
Mitchella repens: Partridge berry
Historically used in childbirth.
Momordica charantia: Bitter melon
Used for diabetes and other conditions.
Monarda didyma: Scarlet beebalm
Used for digestive issues.
Morus alba: White mulberry
Used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Myristica fragrans: Nutmeg
Used as a spice and a psychoactive substance in large doses.
Myrrhis odorata: Sweet cicely
Historically used as a digestive aid.
Myrtus communis: Myrtle
Historically used for bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.

Nasturtium officinale: Watercress
Historically used as a general tonic and as an expectorant.
Nepeta cataria: Catnip
Historically used as a mild sedative.
Nigella sativa: Black cumin
Used in traditional medicine for various conditions.

Ocimum basilicum: Basil
Used for digestive issues and as an antispasmodic.
Ocimum sanctum: Holy basil
Used in Ayurveda for various purposes.
Ocotea odorifera: Brazilian cinnamon
Used for various health conditions.
Olea europaea: Olive
Used for various health conditions.
Opuntia spp.: Prickly pear
Used for high cholesterol and other conditions.
Origanum vulgare: Oregano
Used for digestive issues and as an antimicrobial.
Ornithogalum umbellatum: Star of Bethlehem
Historically used for respiratory conditions.
Ortosiphon aristatus: Java tea
Used for urinary conditions.
Ostrya virginiana: Ironwood
Used for various health conditions.

Panax ginseng: Ginseng
Used for various health conditions, particularly fatigue and immune support.
Papaver somniferum: Opium poppy
Source of opiates.
Passiflora incarnata: Passionflower
Used as a sedative and for anxiety.
Peganum harmala: Syrian rue
Contains harmine and other alkaloids, used for various purposes.
Petroselinum crispum: Parsley
Historically used as a diuretic and for other purposes.
Peumus boldus: Boldo
Used for digestive issues.
Phyllanthus spp.: Phyllanthus
Used for various health conditions.
Physalis peruviana: Cape gooseberry
Historically used for cancer and leukemia.
Picrasma excelsa: Quassia
Used as a bitter tonic and anthelmintic.
Piper methysticum: Kava
Used for anxiety and as a sedative.
Piscidia piscipula: Dogwood
Used for pain relief.
Plantago spp.: Plantain
Used for skin conditions and cough.
Plumbago europaea: Leadwort
Used for digestive issues.
Podophyllum peltatum: Mayapple
Historically used as a cathartic and for warts.
Polypodium vulgare: Polypody
Used for respiratory conditions.
Prunus africana: African cherry
Used for urinary conditions.
Prunus amygdalus: Almond
Historically used as a demulcent.
Prunus serotina: Black cherry
Used for various health conditions.
Pueraria lobata: Kudzu
Used for alcoholism and other purposes.
Pulsatilla pratensis: Pasque flower
Historically used for respiratory conditions.

Quercus robur: Pedunculate oak
Used for various health conditions.

Rauvolfia serpentina: Indian snakeroot
Used historically for hypertension and mental disorders.
Reseda luteola: Weld
Used for skin conditions.
Rhamnus cathartica: Buckthorn
Historically used as a laxative.
Rheum palmatum: Chinese rhubarb
Historically used as a laxative.
Rhodiola rosea: Rhodiola
Adaptogen used for fatigue and stress.
Rhus coriaria: Sicilian sumac
Used for various health conditions.
Ricinus communis: Castor oil plant
Source of castor oil, used as a laxative and for other purposes.
Robinia pseudoacacia: Black locust
Historically used for respiratory conditions.
Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosemary
Used for various health conditions.
Rumex crispus: Curly dock
Historically used as a laxative.

Salix alba: White willow
Source of salicin, used as a pain reliever.
Salvia divinorum: Salvia
Hallucinogenic plant used traditionally in spiritual practices.
Salvia officinalis: Sage
Historically used for sore throat and other conditions.
Sambucus nigra: Elderberry
Used for colds and flu.
Sanguinaria canadensis: Bloodroot
Historically used as an emetic and for skin conditions.
Santalum album: Sandalwood
Used for various health conditions.
Saponaria officinalis: Soapwort
Historically used as a soap and for other purposes.
Satureja hortensis: Summer savory
Historically used as a carminative and for bee stings.
Schisandra chinensis: Schisandra
Adaptogen used for fatigue and stress.
Scilla maritima: Sea onion
Historically used for respiratory conditions.
Scrophularia nodosa: Figwort
Historically used for skin conditions.
Serenoa repens: Saw palmetto
Used for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Silybum marianum: Milk thistle
Used for liver conditions.
Solanum dulcamara: Bittersweet nightshade
Historically used for skin conditions.
Solanum tuberosum: Potato
Historically used for various health conditions.
Sorbus aucuparia: Rowan
Historically used for various health conditions.
Stachys officinalis: Betony
Historically used for various health conditions.
Stevia rebaudiana: Stevia
Used as a sweetener and for other purposes.
Symphytum officinale: Comfrey
Used for wound healing.

Tanacetum parthenium: Feverfew
Used for migraines and other conditions.
Taraxacum officinale: Dandelion
Used for various health conditions.
Taxus baccata: European yew
Historically used for various health conditions.
Terminalia arjuna: Arjuna
Used for cardiovascular conditions.
Thymus vulgaris: Thyme
Used for respiratory conditions and as an antiseptic.
Trametes versicolor: Turkey tail
Used for immune support.
Trigonella foenum-graecum: Fenugreek
Used for various health conditions.
Trifolium pratense: Red clover
Used for menopausal symptoms and other conditions.
Triticum aestivum: Wheat
Historically used as a poultice.

Ulmus rubra: Slippery elm
Used for various health conditions.

Valeriana officinalis: Valerian
Used as a sedative and for anxiety.
Verbascum thapsus: Mullein
Used for respiratory conditions.
Viburnum prunifolium: Black haw
Used for menstrual cramps and other conditions.
Vinca minor: Lesser periwinkle
Historically used for various health conditions.
Viola odorata: Sweet violet
Used for respiratory conditions.
Viscum album: European mistletoe
Historically used for various health conditions.

Withania somnifera: Ashwagandha
Adaptogen used for fatigue and stress.

Xanthorrhoea spp.: Grass tree
Historically used for various health conditions.

Zingiber officinale: Ginger
Used for various health conditions, particularly digestive issues.

PLANTS