Medicinal Plants Encyclopedia

PLANTS & MEDICINE

LIST OF PLANTS USED FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES

A

• 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.

B

• 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.

C

• 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.

D

• 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.

E

• 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.

F

• 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.

G

• 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.

H

• 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.

I

• 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.

J

• Justicia adhatoda: Malabar nut
• Used for respiratory conditions.

K

• 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.

M

• 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.

N

• 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.

O

• 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.

P

• 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.

Q

• Quercus robur: Pedunculate oak
• Used for various health conditions.

R

• 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.

S

• 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.

T

• 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.

U

• Ulmus rubra: Slippery elm
• Used for various health conditions.

V

• 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.

W

• Withania somnifera: Ashwagandha
• Adaptogen used for fatigue and stress.

X

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

Z

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