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

Results

17 herbs

No. 001Medicinal

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. 002Medicinal

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. 003Medicinal

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. 004Medicinal

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. 005Medicinal

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. 006Medicinal

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. 007Medicinal

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. 008Medicinal

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. 009Medicinal

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. 010Medicinal

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. 011Medicinal

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. 012Medicinal

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

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

No. 013Medicinal

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. 014Medicinal

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. 015Culinary

Sage

Salvia officinalis

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

No. 016Medicinal

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. 017Medicinal

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.