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 |
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