Medicinal Healing Herbs : Properties and Uses

Balm of Gilead

Inflammation is both a root cause and a symptom in a wide variety of health conditions. Herbs and herbal oils can be used to decrease inflammation and painful swelling in skin irritations, arthritis pain, and more.

Common Name

Botanical Name

Other Names

Detail	Alfalfa	Medicago sativa L.
	: dried leaves, stems, unopened flowers, sprouts : : The cut and sifted form of this herb is a popular tea having a very soft, delicate flavor that melds very nicely with mint. ...

Detail	Aloe	Aloe vera
	: Juice of the inner leaf : Greek : Aloes was employed by the ancients and was known to the Greeks as early as the forth century B.C. Uses by Dioscorides, Celsus ...

Detail	Ashwagandha	Withania sonmiferum	Ashwaganda
	: root : 7 : It is often touted as the Indian version of ginseng because,like ginseng, ashwaganda is revered as a non-specific tonic, an adaptogen that is used alo ...

Detail	Balm of Gilead	Populus spp	Popular buds
	: Leaf buds : : The dried, unopened buds of the poplar tree are used in ointments and skin treatments to reduce pain and inflammation ...

Detail	Balsam, Peru	Myroxylon pereirae
	: : : Peru balsam is collected from wild trees along the coast of El Salvador. A large and beautiful tree with a valuable wood like ...

Detail	Barberry, Common	Berberis vulgaris L.	Huang Lian, Chinese Goldthread, Pepperidge-bush
	: bark, root-bark : : The Barberry used to be cultivated for the sake of the fruit, which was pickled and used for garnishing dishes. ...

Detail	Bayberry	Myrica cerifera	Candleberry, wax myrtle
	: Roots, berries : 8 : Early American colonists used the wax covering the plants berries to make candles. ...

Detail	Bilberry	Vaccinium myrtillus	Huckleberry
	: The ripe fruit. The leaves : 1 : The huckleberry of North America and the Bilberry of England are all closely related to the cranberry and blueberry. ...

Detail	Birch	Betula alba	White Birch, Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch
	: Bark, leaves : : Teas of the birch bark contain salicylate, the compound found in aspirin. Salicylate relieves inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, rh ...

Detail	Blessed Thistle	Carbenia benedictus	Holy thistle, St. Benedict's thistle
	: Root, aerial parts and seeds : Medieval : Medieval monks held this plant in high esteem, as the name suggests and considered it a cure for everything from smallpox to ...

Detail	Boldo	Peumus boldus Molina
	: leaves : South American : The Incas used the herb to treat are used to treat bladder and urinary tract infections, the same uses as you will find it recommended for today ...

Detail	Boneset	Eupatorium perfoliatum	Common Thorough wort, Agueweed, Indian Sage
	: Aerial parts : American : Only the advent of aspirin displaced boneset as the popular choice for colds and fever. ...

Detail	Borage	Borago officinalis
	: seed oil, leaves,flowers : : Borage oil should not be heated, and must be used cold to take full advantage of its health benefits. For topical applications, either apply directly, ...

Detail	Boswellia	Boswellia thurifera	Olibanum, Indian Frankincense, Arabic Frankincense, and Salai guggal
	: gum resion : Middle East : Boswellia or Indian frankincense is one of the Ayurvedic gum resins which are referred to collectively as guggals. ...

Detail	Broom, Butcher's	Ruscus aculeatus	Jew's Myrtle, Sweet Broom
	: rhizome : : The matured branches used to be bound into bundles and sold to butchers for sweeping the blocks, hence the name. ...

Detail	Bupleurum	Bupleurum chinense	chai hu, Chinese thorowax root
	: root : Chinese : Bupleurum is an important Chinese tonic herb for the liver and circulatory system ...

Detail	Calendula	Calendula officinalis	Pot marigold
	: flowers and leaves : : Calendula flower oil is one of the first herbs to consider in minor first aid applications. Particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, a ...

Detail	Cat's Claw	Uncaria tomentosa	una de gato
	: bark : South American : Cat's claw bark is traditionally used for inflammatory arthritis and intestinal complaints such as stomach ulcers ...

Detail	Chamomile	Matricaria recutita	Camomile
	: Flowers : : The seemingly endless list of problems chamomile is said to help can all be traced to its effects of the nervous system and digestive system, as well ...

Detail	Chickweed	Stellaria media	Starweed
	: whole herb : : Chickweed is best known for it's ability to cool inflammation and speed healing for internal or external flare-ups. Herbalists often recommend it as ...

Detail	Cinnamon	Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. aromaticum	Cassia Bark
	: Dried bark : : The distinct, spicy aroma of cinnamon bark, Cassia, or Chinese cinnamon, is the spice sold as cinnamon in the United States. ...

Detail	Clary Sage	Salvia sclarea	Clarysage
	: : : Clary sage has a special affinity with the female system in general and is recommended for women ...

Detail	Coleus Forskohlii	Plectranthus barbatus	Forskolin, Indian Coleus, False Boldo
	: root : Ayurvedic : Traditional Ayurevedic medicinal plant used to treat high blood pressure, help in losing weight, improving digestion and nutrient absorption, fighting ...

Detail	Copaiba Balsam	Copaifera Officinalis	balsam, copaiva, Jesuit's balsam, copal, palo de aceite, capivi
	: oleoresin obtained from the trunk : : Copaiba is used topically to relieve inflammation and help heal athlete's foot, eczema and psoriasis, and heals damaged skin with minimal scarring. ...

Detail	Coptis	Coptis chinensis	Chinese goldthread, Huang Lian, Figwortflower, Picrorhiza Rhizome
	: root : : Coptis root is used in much the same manner as other berberine containing herbs,barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root. ...

Detail	Corn Silk	Zea mays	Indian Corn
	: silk : Mayan : Corn silks are the silky tassels running the length of an ear of corn. Those same strings you work so hard to get out of an ear of corn soothe and rel ...

Detail	Couch grass	Agropyron repens	Twitch grass, witchgrass, dog's grass, scutch, quick grass, triticum
	: Rhizome : Greek : Couch grass it valued by herbalists for its mucilage rich rhizome. ...

Detail	Cumin	Cuminum cyminum	cummin
	: Seeds : : Cumin is aromatic, containing up to 4 percent essential oil, warm, spicy and slightly sweet. ...

Detail	Devil's Claw	Harpagophytum procumbens	grapple plant, wood spider
	: tuberous root : Africa : This herb has an extensive history of use as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and digestive stimulant ...

Detail	Echinacea	Echinacea angustifolia	Purple coneflower
	: Most often roots, stems and flowers are also used but are weaker : North American : There are dozens of dozens of biochemical compounds that act in therapeutic synergy in this complex plant that support disease resistance in several ...

Detail	Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus globulus	Eucalyptus
	: Leaves, oil : Australian : Eucalyptus is best known for it's ability to relieve congestion and ease breathing in colds. The essential oil of eucalyptus contains cineole, a pote ...

Detail	Feverfew	Tanacetum parthenium
	: arial parts : Europe : Feverfew inhibits platelet aggregating in the bloodstream, thus preventing blockage of small capillaries, one of the reasons behind feverfew's popular ...

Detail	Geranium	Pelargonium graveolens
	: Leaves : Africa : Many people still call pelargoniums by their common name, scented geraniums ...

Detail	Ginkgo biloba	Ginkgo biloba L.
	: Leaves and Nuts : China : Today gingko is one of the most commonly prescribed herbs and is a great example of a tonic herb - one that balances ...

Detail	Hops	Humulus Lupulus	Hops
	: flowers : Europe : The Hop was first mentioned by Pliny who speaks of it as a garden plant among the Romans, who ate the young shoots in spring ...

Detail	Immortelle	Helichrysum angustifolium	Everlasting, Strawflower
	: flowers : : Helichrysum is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative properties. ...

Detail	Joe-pye weed	Eupatorium purpureum	Gravel or kidney root, Trumpet weed, purple or tall boneset
	: Rhizome and roots : : Gravel root, reflects its main use as a diuretic used to treat urinary infections and stones ...

Detail	Lavender	Lavandula officinalis
	: Flowers, leaves and stems : : Lavender is arguably the most versatile of the essential oils, indispensable for healing burns, scalds and as a sleep aid. ...

Detail	Lemongrass	Cymopogon citratus, C.flexuosus	lemongrass
	: stalk, essential oil : : Lemon grass herb is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for poultry, fish, and seafood. The essential oil can be used in ma ...

Detail	Mallow, Marsh	Althaea officinalis L.	Marshmallow, Wymote
	: Primarily root, the leaves and flowers to a lesser extent : Europe, N. America : Marshmallow is a soothing and healing plant mainly due to it's high mucilage content. ...

Detail	Milk Thistle	Silybum marianum L.
	: ripe seeds : Europe, N. America : Whole seeds of milk thistle or a tincture made from them are now used in the United States as well as Europe, for both protection and regeneration of ...

Detail	Mullein	Verbascum, various species	Flannel Leaf, Mullein Dock, Aaron's Rod
	: Leaves, flowers, roots : : Traditionally used as a tea, and is frequently combined with other herbs in mixtures for treating cough. ...

Detail	Myrrh	Commiphora myrrha
	: Resin : : Natural myrrh resin is one of the oldest known perfumery materials. Myrrh has been used as a cleansing, purifying agent since ancient times. ...

Detail	Oats	Avena sativa L.	Groats. Oatmeal. Oatstraw
	: Leaves and stems of the preflowering plant : Europe, N. America : Oats have always had a reputation as a wholesome, healthy food. The grain is a rich source of complex sugars used by the body. Green oatstraw teas, oa ...

Detail	Oregon Grape	Mahonia aquifolium	Mountain Grape, holly leaved barberry
	: root : N. America : Oregon grape shared many of the properties of goldenseal,but is not botanicaly related. ...

Detail	Papaya	Carica papaya	Papaw, Melon Tree, Papaya Vulgaris
	: fruit,seeds : S.America : Papaya fruit offers not only the luscious taste but is a rich source of antioxidants. Papaya leaf is used as a dewormer. ...

Detail	Rooibos	Aspalathus linearis	Redbush Tea, Red tea
	: Leaves : Africa : Rooibos is naturally caffeine free and therefore suitable for children, infants and breast-feeding mothers ...

Detail	Rose	Rosa centifolia
	: Hips, flower petals, leaves, bark : : Attar of rose is the steam-extracted essential oil from rose flowers that has been used in perfumes for centuries. Rose water, made from the rose oil, ...

Detail	Sarsaparilla	Smilax sarsaparilla	zarzaparrilla
	: Root : Americas : The spicy, pleasant smelling root is what gave old fashioned root beer its bite and is the part used medicinally ...

Detail	Soapwort	Saponaria officinalis	Bouncing Bet, Fuller's herb, Sweet William, Bruisewort, Old Maids Pink
	: Rhizome : : The common name of this member of the carnation family indicates it's traditional uses in washing ...

Detail	Spearmint	Mentha spicata	Spear mint
	: Leaves, essential oil : : Spearmint has much the same properties as peppermint, but is milder and good for use with children's complaints ...

Detail	Tamanu Oil	Calophyllum inophyllum
	: seed oil : Asia : Fiji natives use Tamanu oil for joint pains, arthritis, bruises, oozing wounds, chapped lips and preventing diaper rash. In ...

Detail	Turmeric	Curcuma longa L.	Curcuma, Indian saffron
	: rhizome : Ayurvedic : Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards.The curcumin in turmeric has recently been shown effective ...

Detail	Uva Ursi	Arctostaphylos uva-ursi	Bearberry
	: Leaves : 8 : Uva ursi contains a considerable amount of tannins ( up to 40 percent) making it one of natures most powerful astringents. Uva usi is a strong herb th ...

Detail	White Willow	Salix Alba
	: Bark : : White willow has been used to combat fevers and pain for thousands of years, it may be the oldest herb known to treat pain an ...

Detail	Wild Cherry	Prunus serotina	Black Cherry, chokecherry
	: bark : N. America : Black cherry is an very effective herbal cough remedy. The main use of the bark main use is to still irritated, nagging coughs. ...

Detail	Witch Hazel	Hamamelis virginiana	Spotted Alder, Winterbloom, Snapping Hazelnut
	: Bark, leaves : Europe,N.America, S.Amercia : A general and all purpose remedy for abrasions, burns, scalds, insect bites and other inflammatory conditions of the skin. ...

Detail	Yarrow	Achillea millefolium	Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Nosebleed
	: aerial parts, essential oil : Europe, N. America : Yarrow is one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers, and bleeding. The chemical makeup of yarrow is complex, and it contains many active medici ...