Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has a long tradition as a medicinal plant. The leaves contain a clear gel that soothes irritated skin. Their latex is a harsh laxative.

Arnica

Arnica extract should generally not be ingested, but it is widely used topically to treat bruises and wounds and speed their healing.

Bilberry

Bilberry may be helpful for combatting mild diarrhea, mild inflammation, and may slow the development of macular degeneration or cataracts.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh was used by native people in North America to ease inflammation (rheumatism) and backache. Can it ease menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes?

Boswellia

The Indian herb boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties that can help people with arthritis pain or other inflammation.

Cascara Sagrada

Cascara sagrada, once a popular though harsh laxative, is no longer permitted in over-the-counter medications in the US.

Cat’s Claw

Cayenne

Chamomile

Cranberry

Dong quai

Echinacea

Elderberry

Evening Primrose

Fennel

Feverfew

Garlic

Ginger

Ginkgo

Ginseng

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a native North American herb that has a reputation for boosting the immune system.

Gotu Kola

Grapeseed

Green Tea

Guggul

Hawthorn

Extract of hawthorn flowers, berries or leaves help blood vessels dilate and may be useful in cases of mild heart failure.

Hops

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut has been used in folk medicine to treat a range of conditions from varicose veins and hemorrhoids to arthritis and coughs.

Juniper

Kava

Lemon Balm

Licorice

Ma Huang

Milk Thistle

Oregon Grape

Oregon grape (barberry) contains an intriguing chemical called berberine. It has anti-cancer activity. There is also evidence it has antibacterial action.

Passion Flower

Pau d’Arco

Psyllium

Psyllium is a soluble fiber that has a many uses including for both constipation and diarrhea. Research suggests it can lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

Red Clover

Saw Palmetto

Scullcap

Senna

Siberian Ginseng

Slippery Elm

St. John’s Wort

Stinging Nettle

Valerian

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree Berry)

Women sometimes take Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree berry, to alleviate premenstrual symptoms or to help calm hot flashes due to menopause.