For as long as humans have walked the earth, plants have been used to treat a host of common ailments, from allergies to headaches to heart disease and even cancer. In fact, many modern medicines have been developed by extracting the active ingredients of various plants. The table lists more than 100 of the most common and helpful herbs still in use today.
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Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/george tsartsianidis
Just because herbs are plants and serve as natural cures doesn't mean that all herbs are completely safe. Some herbs, even medicinal herbs, may be toxic. Obtain herbal remedies from reputable suppliers and carefully read and follow label instructions and warnings. If you're pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or nursing, consult your doctor before using any herbal remedies.
| Herb | Commonly Used For |
|---|---|
| Aloe | Burns, wounds, skin irritations, constipation, ulcers |
| American ginseng | Weakness, fever, cough, wheezing, increasing stress tolerance |
| Andrographis | Cold, flu, diarrhea |
| Angelica | Indigestion, gas, colic, circulation, cough, congestion |
| Anise | Indigestion, nausea, gas, bloating, colic, cough (expectorant), menstrual pain, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, scabies, lice |
| Arnica | Bruises, sprains, strains, muscle pain |
| Artichoke | Liver and gallbladder health, stomach upset, digestion, colon
conditions May help with atherosclerosis and high cholesterol |
| Ashwagandha root (mild sedative) |
Chronic stress, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, low sex drive |
| Asian ginseng | Cold, flu, heart health, physical and mental performance,
stress, erectile dysfunction, menopausal symptoms May help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and lower blood sugar for those with type 2 diabetes |
| Astragalus | Stress, bacterial and viral infection, inflammation May help prevent cancer and diabetes, improve heart function, and protect the liver and kidneys |
| Barberry | Upset stomach, diarrhea, fever May be useful for gallbladder conditions and heartburn |
| Basil | Stomach upset, cuts and scrapes (antibacterial agent), insect
repellent May help treat colds, headaches, and heart disease |
| Bilberry | Venous insufficiency, atherosclerosis, diabetes, diarrhea, eye/vision conditions |
| Bitter melon | High blood glucose levels, diabetes |
| Black cohosh | Cramps, hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, sleep
disturbances, other menopausal symptoms May help with arthritis and osteoporosis |
| Bladderwrack | May help prevent cancer, reduce cellulite, and support weight loss |
| Black walnut | Depression, heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis,
Candida/yeast infection, ringworm, other fungal/yeast infections of
the skin May be used as a deworming agent to rid the system of parasites |
| Blessed thistle | Detox, gas, bloating May have antitumor and anticancer effects and may help alleviate menopausal symptoms |
| Blue cohosh | Menstrual issues (to stimulate menstruation and improve menstrual symptoms), inducing labor |
| Boswellia (anti‐inflammatory analgesic) |
Arthritis pain, high blood pressure, heart disease, gastritis, bronchitis |
| Bromelain (pineapple extract) |
Inflammation caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, lupus |
| Bugleweed | Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) |
| Burdock (diuretic) | Digestion, detox, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS May help treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis |
| Butcher's broom | Circulation, heart problems, varicose veins, hemorrhoids |
| Calendula (anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial agent) |
Stomach upset, ulcers, menstrual cramps, burns, bruises, cuts
(speeds healing) May help with ear infections and prevent dermatitis |
| Camphor | Back pain, sore muscles, arthritis pain, congestion |
| Cascara (laxative) | Chronic constipation Note: Stop using if it causes diarrhea |
| Castor oil | Constipation, sore muscles, arthritis, nerve damage, lower back pain |
| Catnip (mild sedative) |
Sleep, digestion, menstrual cramps May help treat colds and flu by making you sweat |
| Cat's claw | Inflammation May help treat arthritis and stomach ulcers and reduce fever |
| Cayenne | Pain associated with arthritis, shingles (after blisters
disappear), and peripheral neuropathy; lower back pain May be useful in treating psoriasis, improving digestion, suppressing appetite, and improving overall circulation |
| Celery seed (diuretic) | Arthritis, gout, muscle spasms, inflammation, to calm the nerves |
| Chamomile | Bruises, sprains, strains, fractures, osteoarthritis, wounds |
| Chickweed | Detox, obesity, minor burns, skin irritation, rashes Can also be used as a gentle laxative |
| Cinnamon | Stabilizes blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, strengthens immune system response, treats yeast and fungal infections, improves digestion |
| Clove | Dental pain, gum disease, bad breath, pain from sore muscles
and arthritis, indigestion, stomach upset, nausea Sometimes used as an antiperspirant/deodorant |
| Coconut oil | Weight loss, high cholesterol, internal fungal infections, skin and hair revitalization |
| Comfrey | Sore throat, cough, respiratory illness, pain, skin irritations, ulcerations, abrasions, cuts, burns |
| Cornsilk | Urinary tract or kidney inflammation |
| Corydalis (central nervous system suppressant) | Pain, high blood pressure |
| Cranberry | Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder and kidney conditions |
| Damiana (mild stimulant) | Prostate issues (often combined with saw palmetto) May be helpful in boosting libido |
| Dandelion (diuretic and mild laxative) | Bladder, liver, and kidney conditions; detox; certain skin
conditions, including acne May help with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis |
| Devil's claw | Pain, inflammation, arthritis, muscle pain, gout |
| Dong quai | Hot flashes, cramps, night sweats, mood swings, and other menopausal symptoms; circulation; liver health; immune system function |
| Echinacea | Immune system function (shortening the duration of a cold, flu,
cough, sore throat, and fever), wound care (speeding healing and
preventing infection of cuts and abrasions) May help treat UTIs, vaginal yeast infections, and ear and sinus infections |
| Elderberry | Cold, flu, sinus infection, wound healing |
| Elecampane | Improving breathing (in cases of asthma and bronchitis) and digestion |
| Ephedra, or ma huang (decongestant) |
Asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold, hay fever, sinus infection |
| Eucalyptus (decongestant) |
Asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold, hay fever, sinus infection,
muscle and joint pain, or as a mouthwash May also be useful, when applied topically, for healing wounds and fungal infections and as an insect repellant |
| Evening primrose oil |
Bruises May also be useful in treating eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, breast pain, diabetic neuropathy |
| Eyebright | Conjunctivitis, bloodshot eyes, tired eyes, and other eye and vision problems |
| Fennel | Digestion, abdominal cramps, gas, bloating Also useful as an expectorant to make coughs more productive and clear lung infections; may also promote weight loss |
| Fenugreek | High blood pressure, high cholesterol, digestive upset, liver and pancreas health |
| Feverfew | Tension headaches, migraines, inflammation, arthritis, fever, menstrual cramps |
| Flaxseed (laxative) | Colon health, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, cancer (especially breast, colon, and prostate cancers), and a host of other conditions; good for overall health |
| Garlic (antioxidant, decongestant) | Heart disease, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, enlarged prostate, asthma, bronchitis, cold, fungal infections (ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot) |
| Gentian | Digestive health, gastrointestinal inflammation, gallbladder
problems May also help treat internal parasites and help with smoking cessation |
| Ginger root | Cold, flu, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, arthritis, colic,
heart conditions, headache, motion sickness May help lower cholesterol |
| Ginkgo biloba | Circulation, memory, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, glaucoma, macular degeneration, pain caused by reduced blood flow to the legs, anxiety, premenstrual symptoms, Raynaud's disease |
| Ginseng | Immune system health, heart health, physical and mental
performance, stress, low libido, erectile dysfunction, menopausal
symptoms May lower blood sugar for those with type 2 diabetes and help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer |
| Goldenrod | Arthritis, gout, allergies, asthma, cold, flu, inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract, kidney stones, hemorrhoids, minor wounds, eczema, inflammation of the mouth and throat |
| Goldenseal (antibiotic, often combined with Echinacea) | Cold, flu, upper respiratory infections, cold sores, minor
wounds, pink eye and other eye infections May help treat diarrhea, UTIs, vaginitis |
| Gotu kola | Circulation to the legs, varicose veins, syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, asthma, cold, upper respiratory infections, anxiety, insomnia, minor wounds, burns, eczema, psoriasis, scleroderma, scar prevention, stretch mark reduction |
| Grapeseed (antioxidant) |
Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, blood circulation in the legs, edema (swelling from an injury or surgery) May be helpful in treating Alzheimer's disease and hemorrhoids and improving vision (especially night vision) |
| Green tea | Atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, IBD,
diabetes, arthritis, liver disease May promote weight loss by boosting metabolism |
| Hawthorn | Angina (chest pain), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart failure, circulatory conditions |
| Hops | Digestion, anxiety, insomnia, bladder infections and
irritation, bruises A special extract called hops bract polyphenols may help prevent periodontal disease |
| Horehound | Cough, cold, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, digestion, gas, bloating, heart rhythm problems, pain |
| Horse chestnut | Circulation, vein and capillary health (which helps with bruising, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids), varicose veins, cellulite, wrinkles, cough, congestion |
| Horsetail (diuretic) | UTIs, kidney stones, osteoporosis, brittle nails, minor wounds and burns |
| Jamaican dogwood |
Pain relief, muscle spasms, cough, fever, inflammation, sleep
aid Warning: Is potentially toxic and used in insecticides to control lice and flea infestations; use only under a doctor's close supervision |
| Kava | Anxiety, insomnia Warning: May cause liver damage; use only under a doctor's close supervision |
| Lavender (sedative) | Anxiety, agitation, headaches, exhaustion, muscle and joint
pain, insomnia When applied to scalp, may help regrow hair in people with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss) |
| Lemon balm | Gas, bloating, colic, anxiety, sleep aid, minor wounds, insect bites and stings, cold sores from herpes simplex |
| Licorice | Digestion (helping with acid reflux and stomach ulcers), cough,
cold, bronchitis, asthma, eczema, cold sores May help promote weight loss |
| Linden | Cough, cold, sore throat, fever, anxiety, indigestion,
arrhythmia, nausea, vomiting, skin health May be helpful in treating high blood pressure |
| Lobelia | Respiratory conditions (including asthma, bronchitis, and
cough), skin infections, insect bites and stings, poison ivy, and
ringworm Warning: Potentially toxic in high doses |
| Maca root | Libido, menstrual irregularities May also help in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome |
| Maitake (mushroom) | Immune system function, liver function May help lower blood pressure and prevent cancer |
| Marshmallow | Asthma, bronchitis, cough, sore throat, indigestion, stomach ulcers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, chapped skin, skin inflammation |
| Milk thistle | Detox; liver, kidney, and gallbladder function; damage caused by alcohol abuse, acetaminophen toxicity, and mushroom poisoning; viral hepatitis (especially hepatitis C); tumors; cancer |
| Motherwort | Heart health, circulation, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, nervous system health, anxiety, menstrual problems (delayed menstruation, menstrual cramps, and premenstrual and menstrual symptoms) |
| Mullein (antibacterial pain reliever) |
Earache (when combined with garlic), sore throat, cough,
irritated lungs, damage caused by smoking May also help relieve pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis |
| Mustard | Digestion, circulation, congestion, respiratory system infection |
| Myrrh | Gingivitis, mouth ulcers, periodontal disease, laryngitis, thrush; cough, cold, and bronchitis (as an expectorant); minor wounds, abrasions, and fungal infections (applied topically) |
| Oregano (antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory) | Cancer and heart disease prevention, respiratory health, diabetes |
| Oregon grape root | Stomach cramps, diarrhea, internal parasites, eye infections, psoriasis, skin irritation, itching, inflammation; protection against bacterial, viral, and fungal infection |
| Passionflower | Anxiety, sleep aid Often combined with valerian root or kava and lemon balm |
| Pau d'Arco (antifungal, antiviral) |
candida yeast infections, cold, flu, arthritis, fever, dysentery, boils, ulcers, cancer, inflammation of the prostate, herpes simplex, internal parasites, bacterial infections, psoriasis |
| Peppermint | Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); cough, sore
throat, minor skin irritations and itching, tension headaches May also be helpful in treating headaches, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, bloating |
| Plantain | Insect bites and stings, skin irritations, minor burns, minor cuts (to stop bleeding) |
| Pomegranate (antioxidant) |
May help prevent and treat cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, and treat osteoarthritis; applied topically, may help with eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin |
| Pygeum | Enlarged prostate (often combined with saw palmetto), libido, hair loss |
| Raspberry leaf | Diarrhea, cold, stomach upset, menstrual cramps, reduction of menstrual bleeding |
| Red clover | Menopausal symptoms; eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic skin
conditions; respiratory conditions; as protection against osteoporosis and breast cancer |
| Reishi (mushroom) | Anxiety, high blood pressure, bronchitis, asthma, insomnia,
liver diseases (including hepatitis and to prevent
alcohol‐related cirrhosis) May boost immune system function |
| Rosemary | Digestion, protection against foodborne pathogens, stress, memory function, concentration, joint pain, alopecia (an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss) |
| Sage | Digestion, cold, fever, sore throat, gingivitis, sore gums, hot flashes, reduction of menstrual bleeding, wound care; also useful as a deodorant |
| Sarsaparilla (anti‐inflammatory) |
Gout, arthritis, psoriasis |
| Saw palmetto | Enlarged prostate, UTIs, sperm production, libido, hair loss
associated with male pattern baldness May help treat prostate cancer |
| Senna (laxative) | Constipation |
| Shiitake (mushroom) |
Immune system function, cardiovascular health, high cholesterol, cancer prevention and treatment, lessening the side effects of chemotherapy |
| Siberian ginseng (immune system booster) | Preventing and reducing the severity and duration of colds and flu, reducing the frequency, severity, and duration of herpes outbreaks; improving physical and mental performance |
| Skullcap (sedative) | American skullcap: Anxiety, insomnia,
convulsions Chinese skullcap: Inflammation, allergies, cancer, headaches; may also have antifungal properties |
| Slippery elm | Cough, sore throat, cold, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, acid reflux, diarrhea, wound healing, boils, burns, psoriasis, other skin conditions |
| Spirulina (highly nutritious algae) | Immune system function; also used to supplement the diet during detox fasts |
| St. John's wort | Depression, premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, seasonal
affective disorder (SAD), anxiety disorders (obsessive compulsive
disorder and social phobia, for example); fibromyalgia, lupus,
wounds, minor burns, eczema, hemorrhoids May cause loose stools and increased sun sensitivity and may trigger a shift to mania in people with underlying bipolar disorder; consult your healthcare provider before use and avoid exposure to sunlight and other sources of UV radiation |
| Stevia (natural, low‐calorie sweetener) |
Type 2 diabetes, weight loss |
| Stinging nettle (antihistamine and anti‐inflammatory) | Sinus allergies, asthma, constricted bronchial and nasal
passages, adrenal and kidney health, gout, enlarged prostate (often
combined with saw palmetto), nighttime incontinence, arthritis pain
and inflammation May help with osteoporosis and female reproductive health |
| Tea tree oil (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) |
Fungal infections (athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch),
insect bites and stings May also be useful in treating acne |
| Thuja | Common skin ailments (including psoriasis, scabies, athlete's foot, and ringworm); pain from arthritis, rheumatism, and sore muscles and joints; bronchitis, cold, and other respiratory conditions |
| Thyme | Congestion, sleep aid, sore throat, cough, digestion, oral health |
| Turmeric (anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal) |
Indigestion, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis,
osteoarthritis, heart disease, cancer, bacterial and viral
infections, uveitis (infected iris) Note: Often taken in the form of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) or with black pepper to increase availability and absorption of curcumin |
| Uva ursi (antibacterial) |
Cystitis (bladder inflammation), UTIs |
| Valerian (sedative) | Anxiety, insomnia Note: Avoid driving or operating machinery for a few hours after taking valerian; alcohol may magnify sedation |
| Vitex | Hormone balance in women, premenopausal and menopausal
symptoms, painful and irregular periods Note: Best when taken long‐term; don't take if you're using oral contraceptives |
| Wild cherry | Cough, cold, bronchitis May be helpful as a sleep agent to treat insomnia |
| Wild yam (phytoestrogen) |
Premenopausal and menopausal symptoms, nausea, morning sickness, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, stomach upset, cramps |
| Willow bark (anti‐inflammatory) |
General pain relief, bursitis, tendonitis, osteoarthritis,
menstrual cramps, headache, lower back pain May help to reduce fever |
| Witch hazel (astringent) |
Hemorrhoids, acne, abrasions, minor burns, insect bites, varicose veins, puffy eyes |
| Wormwood (bitter herb) |
Digestion, heartburn and gas prevention May be helpful in cleansing formulations to purge internal parasites Warning:May be toxic at high doses |
| Yarrow | Digestion, stomach and menstrual cramps, anxiety, insomnia, fever, wound care (slows bleeding when applied to cuts) |
| Yellow dock | Itchy skin conditions, stimulation of digestion and bowel movements |
| Yerba mate (stimulant) |
Reduction of inflammation in gout and arthritis, lowering cholesterol |
