The Herbal Library

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Browse every herb in the database by name, category, or the body system it's traditionally associated with.

All categories Aromatic Culinary Medicinal

Full collection

268 herbs

No. 001Medicinal

Abrus Precatorius

Abrus precatorius

Rosary pea or jumbee bead, a vine whose leaves are used in traditional medicine. Its bright red-and-black seeds contain abrin, one of the deadliest poisons known.

No. 002Medicinal

Ackee Leaf

Blighia sapida

Leaves of the ackee tree, whose fruit is Jamaica's national dish. The leaves are used in folk medicine for pain, fever and stomach problems. Unripe ackee fruit is poisonous.

No. 003Medicinal

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

A widely used food and animal-feed crop, promoted as a supplement for many uses, including lowering cholesterol. Extracts have been studied on skin cells in the lab, but not on skin in people.

No. 004Medicinal

Aloe

Aloe vera

A succulent whose leaf gel is used on burns and skin conditions. Gel on the skin may speed burn healing; aloe taken by mouth carries real risks.

No. 005Medicinal

Botanical illustration of Alysicarpus Vaginalis

A small creeping plant of the pea family, called medina in Jamaica, where it's one of the herbs boiled into the "strong back" root tonic drunk by men for stamina. Research so far is only in the lab and in animals.

No. 006Culinary

Amaranth

Amaranthus spp.

A group of fast-growing plants grown worldwide for their nutritious seeds (grain) and leaves, eaten in soups, sauces and baked goods. The grain is rich in protein, and researchers are studying its possible health benefits.

No. 007Medicinal

American Ginseng

Panax quinquefolius

North American ginseng, a root studied for preventing colds. Taken for 8 to 16 weeks, it shortened colds in healthy adults in a small number of trials.

No. 008Medicinal

Amla

Phyllanthus emblica

Indian gooseberry, a fruit rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, used in Ayurveda and as one of the three fruits in Triphala. Trials suggest it may lower cholesterol, blood sugar and a marker of inflammation.

No. 009Medicinal

Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata

A bitter herb used across Asia for infections and fevers, and traditionally for skin inflammation and wounds. It has mainly been studied for colds and flu.

No. 010Medicinal

Angelica

Angelica archangelica

Garden angelica, an aromatic plant used to flavour food and known in folk medicine as the "angel plant". Research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 011Medicinal

Arnica

Arnica montana

A yellow mountain daisy whose flowers are made into creams and gels, recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for bruises, sprains and muscle pain. For use on unbroken skin only.

No. 012Medicinal

Artichoke Leaf

Cynara cardunculus

Leaves of the artichoke plant, recognized in Europe for indigestion, fullness and bloating. Several small trials suggest it may lower liver enzyme levels in fatty liver disease.

No. 013Medicinal

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

A root from Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to help the body cope with stress.

No. 014Medicinal

Aster Root

Aster tataricus

Zi wan, the soft purple root of Aster tataricus, a classic Chinese, Japanese and Korean remedy to moisten the lungs and relieve cough and phlegm.

No. 015Medicinal

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus

A root (huang qi) used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and promoted to strengthen the immune system. There isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether it helps any condition.

No. 016Medicinal

Atractylodes Macrocephala

Atractylodes macrocephala

Bai zhu, a Chinese tonic rhizome for weak digestion and an unsettled pregnancy. Formulas built around it and white peony helped IBS in trials of moderate quality.

No. 017Medicinal

Avocado Leaf

Persea americana

Leaves of the avocado tree, made into a tea and used in Caribbean folk medicine for high blood pressure. They lowered blood pressure in rats but haven't been tested in people.

No. 018Medicinal

Bai Zhi

Angelica dahurica

Angelica dahurica root, used in China, Korea and Japan for colds, headache, blocked sinuses, toothache and skin sores. Research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 019Medicinal

Bamboo Leaf

Lophatherum gracile

Dan zhu ye, the Chinese "bamboo leaf" herb from a bamboo-like grass, used as tea and medicine for feverish thirst, painful urination and tongue sores.

No. 020Culinary

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

A fragrant, warm-weather kitchen herb central to Italian and Southeast Asian cooking.

No. 021Medicinal

Batana

Elaeis oleifera

An oil from the nuts of the American oil palm, used for generations by the Miskito people of Honduras to care for hair and skin. There's no good evidence that it regrows hair.

No. 022Culinary

Bayberry

Myrica rubra

Chinese bayberry (yangmei), a red fruit grown in China for over 2,000 years. Parts of the tree have been used as folk medicine, but research is limited to the lab and animals.

No. 023Medicinal

Bearded Scutellaria

Scutellaria barbata

Ban zhi lian, a Chinese herb first used for snake bites and now listed for sores, sore throat, swelling and jaundice. In China it's used alongside cancer treatment; most research is in the lab.

No. 024Medicinal

Bee Balm

Monarda didyma

A red-flowered North American mint, also called Oswego tea, used by the Cherokee as a tea and as a poultice for colds and headaches. Human research is very limited.

No. 025Medicinal

Belladonna

Atropa belladonna

Deadly nightshade, a poisonous plant whose alkaloids can cause confusion, a racing heart, seizures, coma and death.

No. 026Medicinal

Berberine

Berberis vulgaris

A natural compound found in barberry (shown here) and other plants such as goldenseal. It is widely used in China for diarrhea, and has been studied for H. pylori infection and blood sugar.

No. 027Medicinal

Bermuda Grass

Cynodon dactylon

A common lawn grass, known as durva in India, traditionally used for women's hormonal problems. Research on its juice (durva swaras) so far is in rats and mice. Its pollen is a common allergy trigger.

No. 028Culinary

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Dried bilberries are a traditional EU herbal medicine for mild diarrhea and mouth inflammation. Trials of supplements for blood sugar and heart health are small and inconclusive.

No. 029Culinary

Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia

The fruit of Momordica charantia, the same species as cerasee, studied mainly for diabetes. Trials disagree on whether it lowers blood sugar.

No. 030Medicinal

Black Cohosh

Actaea racemosa

A root used traditionally by Native Americans and recognized in Europe for menopausal hot flushes. Rare liver problems have been reported.

No. 031Medicinal

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

A North American tree whose nut hulls contain juglone and other compounds. Black walnut hull is an ingredient in herbal gut formulas, but it hasn't been studied on its own in people.

No. 032Medicinal

Bladderwrack

Fucus vesiculosus

A brown seaweed recognised in the EU as a traditional herbal medicine to help weight loss alongside a reduced-calorie diet. It can affect the thyroid.

No. 033Medicinal

Bloodwiss

Vitis tiliifolia

A wild grapevine. Old Mexican records list it for increasing urination, fever and gout, and the vine has been used as a source of drinking water. Very little research exists.

No. 034Medicinal

Blue Lotus

Nymphaea caerulea

A water lily that was used in rituals in ancient Egypt. It's now sold as teas, vapes and gummies for calming or euphoric effects, and has sent some users to the emergency room.

No. 035Medicinal

Bobinsana

Calliandra angustifolia

A small Amazonian riverbank tree with pink powder-puff flowers. Indigenous communities use it for tiredness, stomach aches and bites, and it's one of the "teacher plants" used alongside ayahuasca. It has barely been studied.

No. 036Medicinal

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

A North American wildflower long used as a tea for fever, flu, colds and coughs. In the lab, an extract stopped flu viruses from infecting cells, but it hasn't been tested in people.

No. 037Medicinal

Boswellia

Boswellia serrata

Indian frankincense, a gum resin from a tree used for centuries in Ayurveda for inflammation. It is marketed for arthritis and colitis, and has been studied with curcumin for IBS bloating.

No. 038Medicinal

Brahmi

Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa, long used in Ayurvedic medicine for nerve and behavior problems. Reviews of trials suggest it may modestly improve memory and attention speed.

No. 039Medicinal

Burdock

Arctium lappa

A plant whose root has been eaten as food in Asia for centuries. It is traditionally used as a "blood purifier" and for skin problems, but there is little evidence in people.

No. 040Culinary

Butterfly Pea Flower

Clitoria ternatea

A vivid blue flower used as a colour-changing tea and food colouring, and traditionally in South Asia to boost memory and for headache and eye infections.

No. 041Medicinal

Calamus Root

Acorus calamus

The root of sweet flag, a marsh plant used in traditional medicine around the world for stomach cramps and asthma. It contains beta-asarone, which caused cancer in animal studies; adding it to food is banned in the US.

No. 042Medicinal

Calea Zacatechichi

Calea zacatechichi

A Mexican shrub in the daisy family, known as dream herb, used in rituals to bring on vivid dreams and in folk medicine for coughs, asthma and stomach problems. Its safety hasn't been properly studied.

No. 043Medicinal

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

The pot marigold, used in creams and ointments to soothe the skin. It is recognized in Europe for minor skin inflammation such as sunburn and to help minor wounds heal.

No. 044Culinary

Caraway

Carum carvi

A carrot-family plant whose fruit (seeds) is used as a spice and, in Europe, as a traditional tea for bloating and wind.

No. 045Medicinal

Cardiospermum Halicacabum

Cardiospermum halicacabum

Balloon vine, a climbing plant with papery, balloon-like seed pods, eaten as a leafy vegetable in India and used in traditional Indian medicine for rheumatism, pain, coughs and skin diseases.

No. 046Medicinal

Cascara Sagrada

Rhamnus purshiana

The dried bark of a tree, accepted in the EU as a stimulant laxative for short-term use in occasional constipation. It shouldn't be used for more than a week.

No. 047Medicinal

Castor Oil

Ricinus communis

Oil pressed from castor seeds, a strong traditional laxative also used to bring on labour. The seeds themselves contain ricin, one of the most toxic plant substances.

No. 048Medicinal

Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa

A woody vine from the Amazon rainforest, named for its hooked thorns, used by Indigenous Amazonian peoples for centuries and now promoted for arthritis. There's no conclusive evidence it helps any health condition.

No. 049Medicinal

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

A plant in the mint family traditionally used for colic, coughs, asthma and nervous upset. Its oil is also an effective mosquito repellent.

No. 050Medicinal

Caulis Spatholobus

Spatholobus suberectus

Ji xue teng, or "chicken blood vine", a woody vine whose cut stem oozes red sap. It's used in Chinese medicine for anemia, irregular periods and rheumatic joint pain.

No. 051Culinary

Cayenne

Capsicum frutescens

Hot chili pepper. In the EU, cayenne extract in skin plasters and creams is an accepted medicine for muscle pain such as low back pain.

No. 052Medicinal

Cedar

Thuja occidentalis

Northern white cedar, or arborvitae, a North American evergreen. Indigenous people in Canada showed it to 16th-century explorers as a remedy for scurvy. Its fresh leaves contain thujone and can be poisonous.

No. 053Medicinal

Cerasee

Momordica charantia

A bitter plant known in Jamaica as cerasee and elsewhere as bitter melon, widely used as a folk remedy for diabetes and high blood pressure.

No. 054Medicinal

Ceylon Betel Leaf

Piper betle

The heart-shaped leaf of the betel vine, chewed across Asia and used in folk medicine for the mouth, skin and joints. Betel quid, the leaf wrapped around areca nut, causes mouth cancer.

No. 055Medicinal

Chaga

Inonotus obliquus

A dark, crusty fungus that grows on birch trees, long used as a folk remedy in Siberia and Russia for immunity. It is very high in oxalate, and long-term use has caused kidney damage.

No. 056Medicinal

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

A daisy-like flower, usually made into tea, traditionally used for relaxation and digestive comfort.

No. 057Medicinal

Chanca Piedra

Phyllanthus niruri

A plant traditionally used in Malay, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for kidney stones and liver problems. It has been studied for both, with mixed results.

No. 058Medicinal

Chaney Root

Smilax balbisiana

A Jamaican climbing plant related to sarsaparilla. Its root is boiled into the popular "root tonic" drunk for stamina, and into teas for colds and flu. It hasn't been studied in people.

No. 059Medicinal

Chasteberry

Vitex agnus-castus

The berries of the chaste tree (vitex), recognized in Europe for easing PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

No. 060Culinary

Chia Seeds

Salvia hispanica

Seeds rich in fibre, protein and omega-3 fats that form a gel in water. In trials they reduced waist size and blood pressure slightly, but not cholesterol or blood sugar.

No. 061Medicinal

Chickweed

Stellaria media

A wild weed found worldwide, eaten as a leafy green and traditionally used for skin problems such as burns, cuts and scratches. It hasn't been studied in people.

No. 062Medicinal

Chinaberry Bark

Melia azedarach

Bark of the chinaberry tree, whose compound toosendanin was developed in China as a roundworm medicine. The plant is toxic: toosendanin damages the liver, and chinaberry has poisoned many kinds of animals.

No. 063Culinary

Cilantro

Coriandrum sativum

A fresh, citrusy kitchen herb. Its seeds, sold as coriander, are traditionally used to support digestion.

No. 064Culinary

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum

A warm kitchen spice made from tree bark, traditionally used for digestive complaints. Research on its effects on blood sugar and cholesterol is mixed.

No. 065Medicinal

Cleavers

Galium aparine

A sticky, fast-growing plant traditionally used to increase urination and relieve bloating, and for swollen glands, fever and wounds. In the lab, an extract helped skin cells heal a scratch.

No. 066Medicinal

Clematis Root

Clematis chinensis

The root of a Chinese climbing plant, known as wei ling xian, used in traditional Chinese medicine for rheumatic joint pain and stiff, numb limbs. It can be toxic.

No. 067Medicinal

Cloves

Syzygium aromaticum

A kitchen spice from the clove tree, whose oil is recognized in Europe for toothache and minor mouth and throat inflammation. In the lab, clove oil kills bacteria and fungi.

No. 068Medicinal

Codonopsis

Codonopsis pilosula

Dang shen, a Chinese tonic root used alongside or in place of ginseng for about 1,000 years to strengthen the spleen, stomach and lungs. Research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 069Medicinal

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

A plant whose root is made into creams for minor sprains and bruises, recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy. Never take comfrey by mouth: it contains substances that damage the liver.

No. 070Medicinal

Common Garden Moss

Brachythecium rutabulum

Rough-stalked feather-moss, a common lawn and garden moss probably used in 17th- and 18th-century Europe for dressing wounds and stopping bleeding.

No. 071Medicinal

Contribo

Aristolochia trilobata

An Aristolochia vine used in Caribbean and Latin American folk medicine for stomach aches, colic and asthma. It contains aristolochic acids, which cause kidney failure and urinary tract cancer.

No. 072Medicinal

Cordyceps

Ophiocordyceps sinensis

The Chinese caterpillar fungus, used for over 700 years as a lung and kidney tonic. Low-quality Chinese trials suggest cultured cordyceps products may help people with kidney disease on dialysis.

No. 073Medicinal

Corn Silk

Zea mays

The silky threads of the corn plant, used in traditional Chinese medicine since at least 1476 to increase urination and reduce swelling. Lab and animal studies suggest it may affect blood sugar, blood fats and blood pressure.

No. 074Medicinal

Cornelian Cherry

Cornus officinalis

Shan zhu yu, the sour fruit of an Asian dogwood, used in Chinese medicine for about 2,000 years as a liver and kidney tonic and for dizziness, ringing in the ears, frequent urination and heavy sweating. Research so far is in the lab and in animals.

No. 075Medicinal

Cramp Bark

Viburnum opulus

The bark of the guelder rose, traditionally used for bleeding from the stomach or uterus and for haemorrhoids; the plant is used for coughs, colds and kidney problems. Research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 076Culinary

Cucumber Blossom

Cucumis sativus

The yellow flower of the cucumber vine. The flowers have barely been studied: one lab study found a flower extract slowed some bacteria and fungi, an effect the researchers called almost comparable to standard medicines.

No. 077Medicinal

Cuscuta

Cuscuta chinensis

Dodder, a leafless-looking parasitic vine. Its seed, tu si zi, is a top-grade Chinese tonic for the liver and kidneys, eyesight, fertility and keeping pregnancies stable.

No. 078Medicinal

Cynomorium Songaricum

Cynomorium songaricum

Suo yang, a parasitic desert plant used in Chinese medicine to "tonify kidney yang" and enrich the blood. Lab and animal studies suggest effects on metabolism.

No. 079Medicinal

Da Huang

Rheum palmatum

Chinese rhubarb root, a Chinese medicine used for thousands of years as a purgative, and accepted in the EU as a stimulant laxative for occasional constipation, for no more than a week.

No. 080Medicinal

Damiana

Turnera diffusa

A plant used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac. Lab and animal studies suggest effects on sexual function, but it hasn't been tested on its own in people.

No. 081Medicinal

Dan Shen

Salvia miltiorrhiza

The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, widely used in Chinese medicine for the heart and circulation. Small trials suggest possible heart benefits, but it raises bleeding risk with blood thinners.

No. 082Medicinal

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

A plant whose root and leaves have long been used for indigestion and, historically, for problems with bile flow. There is very little research on it in people.

No. 083Medicinal

Devil's Claw

Harpagophytum procumbens

A southern African root recognised in the EU as a traditional medicine for minor joint pain and mild digestive problems. Trials of variable quality suggest it helps osteoarthritis and back pain.

No. 084Medicinal

Devil's Horsewhip

Achyranthes aspera

Prickly chaff flower, a weedy plant used in folk medicine around the world, including for menstrual problems and fertility control. Research so far is in lab and animal studies.

No. 085Culinary

Dill

Anethum graveolens

A feathery, tangy kitchen herb often paired with fish and pickles. Its seeds are traditionally used for gas and upset stomach.

No. 086Culinary

Dog's Blood

Rivina humilis

A small plant with red berries, known in Jamaica as dogberry and elsewhere as pigeon berry or blood berry. Its leaves are cooked as a leafy green; research so far is in the lab and in rats.

No. 087Medicinal

Dong Quai

Angelica sinensis

A root that is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for women's health, including period pain and menopause.

No. 088Medicinal

Drynaria Rhizome

Drynaria fortunei

Gu sui bu, the rhizome of a fern used in Chinese medicine to prevent and treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis. In rats it helped bone formation.

No. 089Medicinal

Duppy Gun

Ruellia tuberosa

Ruellia tuberosa, also called Mexican bluebell, a folk medicine for diabetes in Asia. It lowered blood sugar in diabetic rats but hasn't been tested in people.

No. 090Medicinal

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

A purple coneflower traditionally used to support the immune system, especially for colds.

No. 091Medicinal

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

The European elder, whose berries are used in folk medicine for colds and flu and whose flowers are recognized in Europe for early cold symptoms. Raw berries, leaves and stems are poisonous.

No. 092Medicinal

Elecampane

Inula helenium

A root used for centuries in European medicine, including medieval Ireland, for coughs, bronchitis and other chest complaints. Germany's Commission E didn't approve it, citing weak evidence and possible side effects.

No. 093Medicinal

Eleuthera

Croton eluteria

The bitter, aromatic bark of a small Bahamian tree, also called cascarilla. It was once a standard medicine for indigestion, gas, diarrhea and vomiting, and is now mainly a flavoring for drinks.

No. 094Medicinal

English Plantain

Plantago lanceolata

A plant (also called ribwort plantain) whose leaves are recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for coughs, sore throats and minor skin inflammation.

No. 095Medicinal

Epazote

Dysphania ambrosioides

An herb used in Jamaican and Latin American folk medicine against worms. It can cause serious, even deadly, poisoning, especially in children.

No. 096Medicinal

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

Leaves of the eucalyptus tree, taken as tea or inhaled in steam, and recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for cough with a cold.

No. 097Medicinal

Evodia Fruit

Tetradium ruticarpum

Wu zhu yu, a Chinese medicine fruit used to dispel cold, relieve pain and stop vomiting and diarrhoea, including for headache and period pain. It's mildly toxic and has caused liver damage.

No. 098Medicinal

Eyebright

Euphrasia officinalis

A plant traditionally used on the eyes and in nasal ointments for colds. European regulators declined to approve it because its benefits aren't documented and home-made eye washes aren't safe.

No. 099Culinary

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

An anise-flavored plant whose seeds and bulb are both widely eaten. The seeds are traditionally used for digestion.

No. 100Medicinal

Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

A daisy-like herb recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy to help prevent migraines. Research results are mixed. Don't take it during pregnancy.

No. 101Culinary

Flaxseed

Linum usitatissimum

Small seeds rich in fiber and the omega-3 fat ALA, eaten whole, ground or as oil. Research suggests flaxseed may lower blood pressure and cholesterol slightly.

No. 102Medicinal

Fo-Ti

Reynoutria multiflora

He shou wu, a popular Chinese root traditionally taken to darken graying hair, as an anti-ageing tonic, and for dizziness and constipation. Hundreds of cases of liver injury have been linked to it, a few of them fatal.

No. 103Medicinal

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

A tall garden flower and the source of digitalis heart medicines. All parts of the plant are poisonous and affect the heart.

No. 104Medicinal

Gambir Hook Vine

Uncaria rhynchophylla

Gou teng, the hooked stems of a climbing shrub used in Chinese medicine for over 1,500 years for convulsions, tremors, and high blood pressure with headache and dizziness.

No. 105Culinary

Garlic

Allium sativum

A pungent kitchen bulb traditionally used for heart and circulation health. Research suggests garlic supplements may lower blood pressure and cholesterol a little.

No. 106Medicinal

Gastrodia Elata Rhizome

Gastrodia elata

Tian ma, the tuber of an orchid recorded over 2,000 years ago and used in Chinese medicine for headache, dizziness, high blood pressure and stroke. Research is mostly in the lab and in animals.

No. 107Medicinal

Giloy (Guduchi)

Tinospora cordifolia

An Ayurvedic climbing vine promoted in India as an immunity booster, including during COVID-19. Cases of liver injury have been reported, though some may involve a look-alike plant.

No. 108Medicinal

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

A spicy, warming root traditionally used for nausea and inflammation. Research suggests it may help with nausea during pregnancy.

No. 109Medicinal

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

Leaves of the ginkgo tree, sometimes called the fossil tree, traditionally used in Europe for minor circulation problems and in Chinese medicine for cough.

No. 110Medicinal

Ginseng

Panax ginseng

A root long used in traditional Chinese medicine as a calming herb and an adaptogen. Research on its effects is mixed.

No. 111Medicinal

Glehnia Root

Glehnia littoralis

Bei sha shen, a root recorded in the Shennong Herbal Classic and used to clear the lungs, ease dry cough and dry mouth, and help the stomach.

No. 112Culinary

Goji Berry

Lycium barbarum

Small red berries known in China for over 2,000 years as a tonic, now a popular health food. Small trials suggest they may slightly lower triglycerides and raise "good" cholesterol.

No. 113Medicinal

Gold Coin Grass

Lysimachia christinae, Desmodium styracifolium

A name used in traditional Chinese medicine for two plants, Lysimachia christinae (jin qian cao) and Desmodium styracifolium (guang jin qian cao). Both are used for gallstones and urinary stones; a large trial found a Desmodium extract helped small stones pass.

No. 114Medicinal

Golden Eye Grass

Curculigo orchioides

Kali musli or xian mao, an endangered herb valued in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine as a tonic and aphrodisiac, and used for rheumatic conditions. Research so far is in the lab and in animals.

No. 115Medicinal

Goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea

European goldenrod, recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy to increase urine flow alongside treatment for minor urinary complaints.

No. 116Medicinal

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

A North American plant with a bright yellow root, used by Native Americans on wounds and for skin and eye conditions. There isn't enough research to know whether it helps any health condition.

No. 117Medicinal

Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica

A plant used in traditional medicine for circulation, wounds and memory. Small studies suggest possible benefits for anxiety and thinking, but the evidence isn't strong.

No. 118Medicinal

Grape Leaf

Vitis vinifera

Grapevine leaf, recognized in Europe as a medicine for long-term poor circulation in the leg veins, with swollen, heavy legs and varicose veins.

No. 119Medicinal

Green Tea

Camellia sinensis

Unfermented leaves of the tea plant, drunk for thousands of years. Drinking the tea is considered safe, but concentrated green tea extract supplements have rarely caused serious liver damage.

No. 120Medicinal

Grindelia

Grindelia robusta

Gumweed, a daisy-family plant whose above-ground parts are recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for cough with a cold in adults.

No. 121Medicinal

Gui Pi Wan

Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica sinensis and 9 other herbs

A classical 12-herb Chinese formula used to tonify qi and blood, for palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, poor appetite and tiredness. Small Chinese trials suggest it may help heart failure and anaemia alongside standard treatment.

No. 122Culinary

Gungo Peas

Cajanus cajan

Pigeon peas, a major food crop around the world. The leaves are used in Chinese medicine for bone conditions.

No. 123Medicinal

Gynostemma

Gynostemma pentaphyllum

A plant from the cucumber family, known in China as jiaogulan and used in traditional medicine and teas. It has been studied for lowering cholesterol.

No. 124Medicinal

Haritaki

Terminalia chebula

The dried fruit of the chebulic myrobalan tree, called the "king of Tibetan medicines" and one of the three fruits in Triphala. It's used for constipation, digestion, coughs and dental health.

No. 125Medicinal

Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

A flowering shrub of the rose family, traditionally used for the heart. Recognized in Europe for nervous heart complaints such as palpitations.

No. 126Medicinal

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

The tart red calyces of this flower are made into a tea known as roselle or sour tea. Reviews of trials suggest it may lower blood pressure.

No. 127Medicinal

Holy Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Tulsi, a highly revered plant in India used in Ayurveda for stress, coughs, asthma and many other conditions. Small studies suggest it may ease stress and anxiety.

No. 128Medicinal

Honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica

Japanese honeysuckle, or jin yin hua, is a widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine, taken for fevers, sore throats, skin sores and infections. Most research so far is in the lab and in animals.

No. 129Medicinal

Hops

Humulus lupulus

The cone-like flowers of the hop vine, best known for flavoring beer. Recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for mild stress and to help sleep.

No. 130Medicinal

Horehound

Marrubium vulgare

White horehound, a bitter mint-family herb recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine to help bring up phlegm with a cold, and for indigestion and poor appetite.

No. 131Medicinal

Horsetail

Equisetum arvense

A plant recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for minor urinary complaints and, as a wash or dressing, for superficial wounds. One small trial found a horsetail ointment helped episiotomy wounds heal.

No. 132Medicinal

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

A blue-flowered herb of the mint family, used for colds, coughs and poor appetite and as a flavoring. Its essential oil can cause seizures at high doses.

No. 133Medicinal

Iceland Moss

Cetraria islandica

A lichen, not a true moss, recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine to soothe throat irritation and dry cough, and for temporary loss of appetite.

No. 134Medicinal

Indian Trumpet Tree

Oroxylum indicum

An Asian tree with huge sword-shaped seed pods, called shyonaka in Ayurveda, where its root bark and seeds are used for diarrhea, fever, coughs and joint pain. Its safety hasn't been studied in detail.

No. 135Culinary

Irish Moss

Chondrus crispus

Sea moss, a red seaweed used as food and medicine, though no medicinal benefit has been proven. It's a source of carrageenan, a food thickener.

No. 136Medicinal

Isatis Root

Isatis indigotica

Ban lan gen, a Chinese medicine root used for centuries for flu and viral infections, fever, cough and sore throat. Its compounds acted against viruses in lab studies.

No. 137Medicinal

Jack in the Bush

Chromolaena odorata

One of Jamaica's most popular bush teas for colds and flu, also used in Africa and Asia for fever, wounds and diabetes. Research so far is in the lab and in animals.

No. 138Medicinal

Jamaican Rat Ears

Peperomia pellucida

A small weed of damp, shady places, also called shining bush, used in Caribbean folk medicine as a cooling remedy and for skin sores. Research so far is limited and often weak.

No. 139Medicinal

Jasmine

Jasminum sambac

Arabian jasmine, a fragrant white flower. Jasmine flowers placed on the breasts have been tested as a way to stop breast milk after childbirth, and a trial found they worked about as well as a standard medicine.

No. 140Medicinal

John Charles

Hyptis verticillata

A Caribbean bush in the mint family, used since Maya and Aztec times for breathing, digestive, women's health and skin problems. It hasn't been tested in clinical trials.

No. 141Medicinal

Ju Hua

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Chrysanthemum flowers, drunk as tea in China for over 3,000 years and used in Chinese medicine for colds, dizziness, headaches and the eyes. It hasn't been tested on its own in clinical trials.

No. 142Medicinal

Kadsura Pepper Stem

Piper kadsura

Hai feng teng, the stem of a pepper plant, used in East Asian medicine for over 2,000 years for rheumatism and joint pain.

No. 143Medicinal

Katuki

Picrorhiza kurroa

Kutki, a bitter root used in Ayurveda for thousands of years for fever, jaundice, the liver and breathing problems. It is now endangered in the wild.

No. 144Medicinal

Kava

Piper methysticum

A root from the South Pacific, drunk in ceremonies for thousands of years. It may ease anxiety short term, but it has been linked to rare, sometimes fatal, liver damage.

No. 145Medicinal

Korean Bellflower

Platycodon grandiflorus

Jie geng or doraji, the root of the balloon flower, eaten as a vegetable and used since the Han Dynasty to clear phlegm, ease sore throats and treat cough.

No. 146Aromatic

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

A purple-flowered herb prized for its scent and traditionally used to relax.

No. 147Medicinal

Leaf of Life

Bryophyllum pinnatum

One of Jamaica's most popular bush medicines, used for colds and flu. In Switzerland, tablets made from its leaf juice have been studied for overactive bladder and sleep.

No. 148Medicinal

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

A lemon-scented relative of mint, traditionally used to ease stress and help with sleep.

No. 149Medicinal

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia citrodora

A lemon-scented shrub whose leaves make a herbal tea. It's recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for mild stress, to help sleep, and for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and gas.

No. 150Culinary

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

A lemon-scented grass, called fever grass in Jamaica, brewed as a tea for colds and flu and used in cooking. In a Brazilian study, lemongrass tea didn't help people sleep or feel less anxious.

No. 151Medicinal

Lesser Galangal

Alpinia officinarum

Gao liang jiang, an aromatic ginger-family rhizome used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to warm the stomach and relieve stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

No. 152Medicinal

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

A root used since ancient times in Egyptian, Greek, Chinese and Indian medicine for coughs, asthma and wounds. Recognized in Europe for cough with a cold and for indigestion, but too much can raise blood pressure and upset heart rhythm.

No. 153Medicinal

Linden

Tilia cordata

Flowers of the lime (linden) tree, traditionally made into tea for colds, stress and nervous heart complaints.

No. 154Medicinal

Lindera Root

Lindera aggregata

Wu yao, the root of a laurel-family shrub used in China for thousands of years for digestive, urinary and inflammatory problems; its leaves are drunk as tea. Research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 155Medicinal

Lion's Ear

Leonotis nepetifolia

A plant in the mint family, known as shandilay in Trinidad, where it's a popular traditional remedy for colds and coughs. Research so far is limited to lab and animal studies.

No. 156Medicinal

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

An edible mushroom studied for memory and mood. Small trials suggest it may help thinking in older adults with mild memory problems.

No. 157Medicinal

Maca

Lepidium meyenii

A root vegetable from the high Andes of Peru, used for centuries as food and to boost energy and fertility. Its effects haven't been proven in rigorous trials.

No. 158Medicinal

Magnolia Bark

Magnolia officinalis

Hou po, the bark of a magnolia tree used in Chinese medicine to ease bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea and asthma, often paired with coptis root.

No. 159Medicinal

Mango Leaf

Mangifera indica

The leaves of the mango tree, made into a folk tea in Asia and Africa and traditionally used for diabetes, breathing problems and diarrhea. Research is mostly in the lab and in animals.

No. 160Medicinal

Maral Root

Rhaponticum carthamoides

Russian leuzea, a plant whose root has been used for centuries in eastern Russia. Researchers have suggested it may be an adaptogen, but most research is from Russian lab and animal studies.

No. 161Medicinal

Marigold

Tagetes erecta

The orange-flowered Mexican marigold, or cempasúchil, used in folk medicine from Mexico to India for fevers, colds, stomach upsets and skin sores. It's a different plant from calendula (pot marigold).

No. 162Culinary

Marjoram

Origanum majorana

Sweet marjoram, a culinary herb of the mint family, used in traditional medicine for digestive, breathing, heart, joint and nerve complaints. Research so far is in the lab and in animals.

No. 163Medicinal

Marshmallow Root

Althaea officinalis

A root recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for mouth and throat irritation with a dry cough, and for mild stomach and gut discomfort.

No. 164Culinary

Mauby Bark

Colubrina arborescens

The bark used to make mauby, a bitter Caribbean drink and folk remedy. A very small study suggested it may lower blood pressure in some people.

No. 165Medicinal

Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum

A tall, purple-flowered thistle from Europe, long used for liver problems. Studies of it and its extract silymarin in liver disease have been conflicting or too limited to show a clear benefit.

No. 166Medicinal

Milky Oats

Avena sativa

The green oat plant, sold as milky oats or oat herb. Oat herb harvested before flowering is recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for mild stress and to help sleep.

No. 167Medicinal

Mistletoe

Viscum album

European mistletoe, used for centuries for seizures and headaches. Injected extracts are widely prescribed in Europe for people with cancer, but it isn't a proven cancer treatment.

No. 168Medicinal

Mitragyna

Mitragyna speciosa

Kratom, a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves act like a stimulant at low doses and like an opioid at higher doses. People use it for pain and opioid withdrawal, but the FDA has warned against it and it can cause dependence.

No. 169Medicinal

Moringa

Moringa oleifera

A nutritious tree used as food and traditional medicine, including for stomach and gut problems. In animal studies it helped heal stomach ulcers; in people it has been studied mainly for blood pressure and blood sugar.

No. 170Medicinal

Mosla Herb

Mosla chinensis

Xiang ru, an aromatic mint-family herb used in China for about 1,500 years to bring on sweating and treat summer colds, heatstroke and diarrhoea.

No. 171Medicinal

Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

A plant from the mint family, traditionally used as a heart tonic and for women's health. Recognized in Europe for nervous heart complaints such as palpitations.

No. 172Medicinal

Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris

A common plant called the "mother of herbs" in the Middle Ages, when it was used on wounds. It is also used in Chinese moxibustion. Mugwort is a major cause of pollen allergy and can cause skin allergies.

No. 173Medicinal

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

A plant whose flowers are made into tea and recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for sore throat with a dry cough and cold.

No. 174Medicinal

Neem

Azadirachta indica

A South Asian tree used in Ayurvedic medicine on the skin and for oral hygiene. Neem works against lice, and a small trial found a neem lotion worked as well as standard treatment for scabies.

No. 175Medicinal

Nettle

Urtica dioica

A stinging plant eaten as a spring vegetable and traditionally used for joint pain and urinary complaints.

No. 176Medicinal

Olive Leaf

Olea europaea

Leaves of the olive tree, recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for mild water retention. In one trial, olive leaf extract lowered blood pressure about as much as a standard medicine.

No. 177Medicinal

Ophiopogon Root

Ophiopogon japonicus

Mai dong, the small tuberous roots of a clumping plant, and one of the three herbs in the classical Chinese heart formula sheng mai. Its main compound has been studied in the lab and in animals.

No. 178Culinary

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

A pungent Mediterranean kitchen herb central to pizza and pasta sauces.

No. 179Medicinal

Osha

Ligusticum porteri

A root from the Rocky Mountains, long used by Hispanic and Native American peoples for colds, flu and chest infections. It has only been studied in the lab.

No. 180Culinary

Osmanthus Fragrans

Osmanthus fragrans

Sweet osmanthus, a plant from southwestern China, Japan and Korea traditionally used for cough and asthma, bad breath, toothache, stomach ache, diarrhoea and rheumatism.

No. 181Culinary

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

A versatile, mild kitchen herb used as both a garnish and a flavor base.

No. 182Medicinal

Passion Flower

Passiflora incarnata

A climbing vine from the Americas, used as a calming herb since at least the 1500s. It is recognized in Europe for mild stress and to help sleep, and small studies suggest it may ease anxiety.

No. 183Medicinal

Penny Royal

Clinopodium brownei

Jamaican pennyroyal, one of the island's popular bush medicines for breathing and digestive problems. It is a different plant from European pennyroyal, but its oil contains the same toxic compound, pulegone.

No. 184Medicinal

Pepper Elder

Piper amalago

A plant in the pepper family whose leaves are made into a Jamaican bush tea for colds and flu. Research so far is mostly in rats.

No. 185Medicinal

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

A cooling, menthol-rich herb traditionally used for digestion and headaches. Research suggests peppermint oil may help IBS symptoms.

No. 186Medicinal

Periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus

Madagascar periwinkle, a garden plant used in Caribbean folk medicine for diabetes and the source of two cancer drugs. The plant can be poisonous.

No. 187Medicinal

Pine Needles

Pinus spp.

Needles of pine trees, brewed into a tea popular in Japan, Korea, China and Russia, and used in folk medicine for coughs, colds and flu. Some pines contain a substance that causes miscarriage in cattle.

No. 188Medicinal

Pineapple Leaf

Ananas comosus

The leaves of the pineapple plant, traditionally used for diarrhoea, pain, swelling and infections. Research so far is only in rats.

No. 189Medicinal

Pleurisy Root

Asclepias tuberosa

A milkweed whose root was traditionally used for breathing problems and to loosen mucus. It contains heart-affecting compounds, and its sap has injured people's eyes.

No. 190Culinary

Plum Flower

Prunus mume

The blossom of the Japanese apricot (Prunus mume), an edible flower and herbal medicine (Mume Flos) rich in antioxidants. Research is in the lab and in mice.

No. 191Medicinal

Pokeberry

Phytolacca americana

American pokeweed, a tall plant with purple-black berries. All parts are poisonous, especially the root. Some people eat the young leaves as "poke sallet" after boiling them twice, but this doesn't guarantee safety.

No. 192Medicinal

Polygonatum Sibiricum

Polygonatum sibiricum

Huang jing, a relative of Solomon's seal used in China for over 2,000 years as food and as a tonic for tiredness, weakness and slow-healing wounds. Research is in the lab.

No. 193Medicinal

Polyporus Umbellatus

Polyporus umbellatus

Zhu ling, an edible medicinal fungus used in Chinese medicine for swelling, scanty urine, urinary problems, jaundice and diarrhoea. In animal studies it increased urination.

No. 194Medicinal

Poppy

Papaver rhoeas

The red corn poppy, a common field weed, used in folk medicine for coughs, sleep problems, diarrhea and pain, and eaten in salads. Eating it has poisoned adults, causing seizures and loss of consciousness. It's a different plant from the opium poppy.

No. 195Medicinal

Poria Cocos

Wolfiporia cocos

Fu ling, an edible fungus used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to promote urination, reduce swelling, aid digestion and calm the mind. It's in nearly 15% of Chinese Pharmacopoeia preparations.

No. 196Medicinal

Prickly Ash

Zanthoxylum americanum

The "toothache tree", a thorny North American shrub whose bark Native Americans used for toothache, rheumatism, fevers, colds and coughs.

No. 197Medicinal

Prunella Vulgaris

Prunella vulgaris

Self-heal, called xia ku cao in China, a mint-family herb used in Chinese medicine since the Han Dynasty and eaten as a vegetable and tea. Low-quality trials suggest it may help when added to standard treatment for an overactive thyroid.

No. 198Culinary

Purslane

Portulaca oleracea

A leafy plant eaten as a vegetable and used as a folk medicine, called pussley in Trinidad. Reviews of trials found it may lower fasting blood sugar a little and improve cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.

No. 199Medicinal

Qiang Li Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan

Lonicera japonica, Forsythia suspensa and other herbs

A Chinese patent medicine based on Yin Qiao San, a honeysuckle and forsythia formula used early in colds and flu for fever, sore throat and headache.

No. 200Medicinal

Queen Anne's Lace

Daucus carota

Wild carrot, whose seeds have long been used in folk medicine to prevent pregnancy. It hasn't been proven safe or effective, and it looks like deadly poison hemlock.

No. 201Medicinal

Quercetin

Plant flavonoid (found in apples, onions and other foods)

A natural plant compound found in apples, onions, grapes, citrus and parsley, and sold as a supplement. In a trial of 1,002 people it didn't prevent colds overall.

No. 202Medicinal

Ra-Moon

Trophis racemosa

Ramoon, a Jamaican tree whose bark is made into tea and roots drinks as a traditional remedy for libido, and whose leaves feed livestock. It hasn't been studied in people.

No. 203Medicinal

Ramie Root

Boehmeria nivea

Zhu ma gen, the root of a nettle-family plant used in Chinese medicine for threatened miscarriage, colic in pregnancy and skin infections. It hasn't been tested on its own in people.

No. 204Medicinal

Raspberry Leaf

Rubus idaeus

Leaves of the raspberry plant, made into tea. Traditionally used for period cramps and widely used in pregnancy, though its safety in pregnancy hasn't been proven.

No. 205Medicinal

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

A pink-flowered clover traditionally used for skin problems and whooping cough. It has been studied for menopausal hot flashes, with inconsistent results.

No. 206Medicinal

Red Peony Root

Paeonia lactiflora

Chi shao, a root from Paeonia lactiflora, used to "cool the blood" and relieve "blood stasis" and pain: for nosebleeds, sore eyes, period pain and injuries. Research is in animals.

No. 207Medicinal

Reed Rhizome

Phragmites australis

Lu gen, the underground stem of the common reed, used in Chinese medicine to clear heat and increase urination, for fever, nausea and urinary problems.

No. 208Medicinal

Rehmannia Root

Rehmannia glutinosa

Di huang, a Chinese medicine root used raw or steamed black, recorded in the Shennong Herbal Classic for injuries, joint pain and as a "kidney" tonic. Research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 209Medicinal

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

A mushroom prized for centuries in traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean medicine. A Cochrane review found it didn't lower heart disease risk factors.

No. 210Medicinal

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea

Golden root, recognised in the EU as a traditional herbal medicine for stress symptoms such as tiredness and exhaustion. Small trials suggest it may help exercise performance.

No. 211Culinary

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

A South African shrub whose leaves make a caffeine-free red tea. A few small studies in people have mixed results, and there are rare reports of liver injury.

No. 212Medicinal

Rosehips

Rosa canina

The fruit of wild roses such as the dog rose, rich in vitamin C. Rosehip seed oil and powder have been studied for scars and wrinkles in small trials.

No. 213Culinary

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

A woody, pine-scented kitchen herb popular in roasted dishes and hair care.

No. 214Culinary

Saffron

Crocus sativus

A costly spice made from the red threads of the saffron crocus flower, used for thousands of years in Chinese and Persian medicine. Small trials, all in Iran, suggest it may help depression.

No. 215Culinary

Sage

Salvia officinalis

A silvery-leaved kitchen herb with a savory, slightly peppery flavor, traditionally used for sore throats and indigestion.

No. 216Medicinal

Sarsaparilla

Smilax ornata

A plant whose root is boiled into Jamaican roots tonics and used for colds and flu. Research on sarsaparilla plants is mostly preliminary lab and animal work.

No. 217Medicinal

Sceletium Tortuosum

Sceletium tortuosum

A South African succulent, known as kanna, chewed for centuries by the San and Khoi peoples to ease hunger, thirst and tiredness and to lift mood. Small trials of an extract found it well tolerated.

No. 218Medicinal

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

A fruit known in Chinese as wu wei zi ("five-flavor fruit"), long used in traditional Chinese medicine for the liver, coughs and energy. Studies in people are few and small.

No. 219Medicinal

Scrophularia Root

Scrophularia ningpoensis

Xuan shen, a Chinese medicine root recorded in the Shennong Herbal Classic and used for sore throat, abscesses and constipation. Research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 220Medicinal

Scutellaria Baicalensis

Scutellaria baicalensis

Chinese skullcap, or huang qin, a root used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years for diarrhoea, bleeding, sleeplessness and lung infections. Most research is in the lab or on multi-herb formulas.

No. 221Medicinal

Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

An orange berry eaten as juice, oil and food, and used in traditional Chinese medicine for cough and digestion. Trials suggest it may improve blood fats in people with abnormal levels.

No. 222Medicinal

Search Mi Heart

Rhytidophyllum tomentosum

A Jamaican plant whose dried leaves are made into a bush tea, traditionally used for colds and flu, the heart, breathing problems and digestion. It hasn't been studied in research.

No. 223Medicinal

Serpentina

Rauvolfia serpentina

Indian snakeroot, the root that gave the blood pressure medicine reserpine. Doctors used it widely for high blood pressure in the 1940s and 1950s until side effects, especially depression, made it fall out of favour.

No. 224Culinary

Sesame Seeds

Sesamum indicum

A common food seed and oil. Trials suggest sesame products may lower long-term blood sugar and inflammation. Sesame is a major food allergen.

No. 225Medicinal

Shame O' Lady

Mimosa pudica

The sensitive plant, whose leaves fold up when touched. TRAMIL, the Caribbean traditional-medicine network, recommends it as a tea for period cramps.

No. 226Medicinal

Shan Zha

Crataegus pinnatifida

Chinese hawthorn fruit, eaten and used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years for indigestion, especially after meat, and for high blood fats. Research is mostly in the lab and in animals.

No. 227Medicinal

Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

A root used in Ayurveda as a tonic and to increase breast milk. Research on it is limited.

No. 228Medicinal

Sheep Sorrel

Rumex acetosella

A common weed best known as one of the four herbs in Essiac, a tea sold as a cancer remedy. The US National Cancer Institute found no good evidence that Essiac works against cancer.

No. 229Medicinal

Sheng Mai Yin Wan

Panax ginseng, Ophiopogon japonicus, Schisandra chinensis

A classical Chinese formula of ginseng, ophiopogon and schisandra, used for about 1,000 years to "supplement qi and yin" and for heart symptoms. Low-quality trials in viral myocarditis suggest possible benefit.

No. 230Medicinal

Shi Hu

Dendrobium nobile

Dendrobium, the fleshy stem of an orchid ranked a premium herb in the Shennong Herbal Classic and used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the eyes and nourish yin. Research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 231Culinary

Shiso Perilla Seeds

Perilla frutescens

Seeds of the perilla (shiso) plant, an East Asian oilseed. They're about 30–45% oil, rich in an omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid. Perilla seeds can cause serious allergic reactions, especially in young children.

No. 232Medicinal

Siamese Cassia

Senna siamea

A tree whose leaves are eaten in Thailand, where it is called khi lek and traditionally used for sleep. A calming product made from it caused cases of hepatitis.

No. 233Medicinal

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

A North American mint-family herb, taken as a tea or extract for anxiety, stress and sleep. It has been linked to rare cases of liver injury, often in mixed products.

No. 234Medicinal

Slippery Elm

Ulmus rubra

The inner bark of a North American elm, taken by mouth for sore throat and stomach upset and used on the skin for rashes. It is generally recognized as safe.

No. 235Medicinal

Snake Gourd Root

Trichosanthes kirilowii

Tian hua fen, a Chinese medicine root used for centuries for diabetes, swelling and menstrual problems. Its protein, trichosanthin, ends pregnancies and was once widely used in China for abortion.

No. 236Medicinal

Snakeroot

Ageratina pichinchensis

A plant native to Mexico, known there as axihuitl, long used in traditional Mexican medicine for skin problems and wounds. Small trials in Mexico have tested extracts for fungal skin and nail infections and leg ulcers.

No. 237Medicinal

Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus

A Mediterranean garden flower. In Iraqi folk medicine the whole plant is boiled for liver problems and as a wash, and in lab tests its flower extract slowed some bacteria and fungi.

No. 238Medicinal

Solomon's Seal

Polygonatum odoratum

Angular Solomon's seal, or yu zhu, a root eaten as both food and medicine in China for over 2,000 years, used for dry coughs, thirst and a dry throat. Most research is in the lab and in animals.

No. 239Medicinal

Sophora Root

Sophora flavescens

Ku shen, a bitter root used in Chinese medicine for over 1,700 years for dysentery, jaundice and skin diseases. Low-quality trials of a Chinese capsule containing it suggest it may help ulcerative colitis.

No. 240Medicinal

Soursop

Annona muricata

A tropical fruit (graviola) used in folk medicine for stomachache, diarrhea and intestinal parasites. Eating it has been linked to more severe Parkinson's disease in the Caribbean.

No. 241Medicinal

Spanish Moss

Tillandsia usneoides

A flowering plant in the pineapple family, not a true moss, that hangs from trees. Traditionally used for diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatism; research so far is only in the lab and in mice.

No. 242Medicinal

Speranskia

Speranskia tuberculata

A Chinese medicinal herb used to "dispel wind and dampness", promote circulation and relieve pain. Very little research has been published on it.

No. 243Medicinal

Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum spp.

Peat moss, a very absorbent bog moss used in Europe for centuries as a wound dressing and as nappies and bedding for babies.

No. 244Medicinal

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

A yellow-flowered herb traditionally used to support mood. It interacts with many common medicines.

No. 245Culinary

Star Anise

Illicium verum

The star-shaped fruit of an evergreen tree, used as a spice and in traditional Chinese medicine. Don't give star anise tea to babies: it has made infants seriously ill.

No. 246Medicinal

Stemona Root

Stemona species

Bai bu, the root of Stemona plants used across South and East Asia for cough and asthma, and to kill lice and other pests.

No. 247Culinary

Stinging Nettle Seeds

Urtica dioica

The seeds of the stinging nettle plant. They give an edible oil rich in linoleic acid, but their medicinal use hasn't been studied.

No. 248Medicinal

Strong Back Root

Morinda royoc

Redgal, a root boiled into Jamaica's "strong back" roots tonic, used by men for impotence and stamina. It hasn't been studied in people.

No. 249Culinary

Susumber

Solanum torvum

Turkey berry, a small berry from the nightshade family cooked in Jamaican dishes and used in traditional medicine in Asia, Africa and South America. Some batches of berries have caused serious poisoning.

No. 250Culinary

Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus

A kitchen herb used in traditional medicine in Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and India for digestive problems, pain, sleep and worms. Its essential oil is high in estragole, a substance of concern, though water extracts contain very little.

No. 251Culinary

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

A small-leaved, earthy herb used widely in savory cooking and traditionally in cough remedies.

No. 252Medicinal

Trichosanthes Peel

Trichosanthes kirilowii

Gua lou pi, the dried fruit peel of the snake gourd plant, used in Chinese medicine for about 2,000 years for heart conditions such as angina and for cough with phlegm.

No. 253Medicinal

Triphala

Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula

A classic Ayurvedic blend of three dried fruits (amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki), used as a cornerstone of digestive care and as a laxative. Research in people is limited.

No. 254Medicinal

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor

A mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic. Extracts from it are used alongside cancer treatment in Japan and China.

No. 255Medicinal

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

A golden root used in curries, known for its natural compound curcumin and traditionally used for inflammation.

No. 256Medicinal

Uva Ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry leaf, recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for mild, repeated bladder infections in adult women. Use it for no more than a week.

No. 257Medicinal

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

A root traditionally used to help with sleep.

No. 258Culinary

Vanilla

Vanilla planifolia

The cured pods of a Mexican climbing orchid, the source of vanilla flavor. Known as tlilxochitl to the Aztecs, it was one of the first Mexican plants with medicinal uses recorded after the Spanish arrived.

No. 259Medicinal

Vervain

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Called vervain in Jamaica and vervine in Antigua and Trinidad, a weedy plant whose leaves make a "cooling" tea used for the stomach, colds and coughs, and to clean wounds.

No. 260Medicinal

Wereke

Ibervillea sonorae

The root of a wild gourd from northwestern Mexico, sold as dried "chips" and boiled into a tea for diabetes in Mexican folk medicine. Lab and animal studies suggest it may lower blood sugar, but it hasn't been tested in people.

No. 261Medicinal

White Willow

Salix alba

Willow bark, a natural source of salicin, a relative of aspirin. Recognized in Europe for short-term lower back pain, and traditionally for joint pain, fever and headache.

No. 262Medicinal

Wild Cherry

Prunus serotina

Black cherry (capulín), a North American tree used in Mexican folk medicine for cough, high blood pressure and digestive problems. Its seeds and leaves contain compounds that can release cyanide.

No. 263Medicinal

Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium

A bitter herb recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for temporary loss of appetite and mild heartburn and stomach and gut complaints.

No. 264Medicinal

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

An herb recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for loss of appetite, mild digestive problems, period cramps and small wounds.

No. 265Medicinal

Yellow Dock

Rumex crispus

Curly dock, a plant whose root and leaves are traditional laxatives and tonics, also used for skin problems and jaundice. Research is in the lab and in rats.

No. 266Medicinal

Yerba Santa

Eriodictyon californicum

A shrub from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico whose leaves have been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries, especially for breathing problems.

No. 267Medicinal

Yohimbe

Pausinystalia johimbe

The bark of a central and west African tree, promoted for erectile dysfunction, sports performance and weight loss. There's little research in people, and yohimbine, its main compound, has been linked to heart attacks and seizures.

No. 268Medicinal

Yucca Root

Yucca schidigera

A desert plant of the southwestern US and northern Mexico, used by Native Americans for arthritis. It's rich in soapy compounds called saponins and is approved as a food additive in the US, but evidence for arthritis is weak.