154
Total Plants
14
Main Categories
83
Sub Categories
Antihyperlipidemic Herbs
Hyperlipidemia 7 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Artichoke |
Cynara scolymus |
Leaves |
Caffeic acid derivs., Flavonoids, Sesquiterpene lactones |
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase; reduces cholesterol synthesis and LDL oxidation |
| Fenugreek |
Trigonella foenum-graecum |
Seeds |
Fiber, saponins, flavonoids |
Increases bile acid excretion; reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption |
| Garlic |
Allium sativum |
Bulbs |
Allicin, ajoene |
Inhibits cholesterol synthesis; increases TG degradation via lipase; raises HDL |
| Gugulipid |
Commiphora mukul |
Resin (from bark) |
Guggulsterones |
Increases hepatic uptake of LDL/VLDL; inhibits cholesterol synthesis; increases bile excretion |
| Psyllium |
Plantago psyllium |
Seeds |
Mucilage, fiber |
Reduces cholesterol absorption via binding and slowed diffusion |
| Red Yeast Rice |
Monascus purpureus (fermented rice) |
Fermented rice |
Monacolin K (lovastatin) |
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase |
| Soy |
Glycine max |
Soy lecithin (from beans) |
Phospholipids, phytosterols |
Reduces cholesterol absorption and synthesis |
Antioxidant
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Soybean |
Glycine max |
Seed |
Isoflavones |
Antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Garlic |
Allium sativum |
Bulb |
Allicin |
Antioxidant, reduces MDA, anti-atherosclerotic, reduces CRP |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Green Tea |
Camellia sinensis |
Leaves |
Catechins, caffeine, theobromine, polyphenols |
Antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, CNS stimulation, antiplaque |
Oxidative Stress 6 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Aloe vera |
Aloe vera |
Gel, latex |
Polysaccharides, anthraquinones |
Antioxidant, reduces oxidative stress |
| Chamomile |
Matricaria chamomilla |
Flowers |
Apigenin, bisabolol |
Antioxidant |
| Ginger |
Zingiber officinale |
Rhizome |
Gingerols, shogaols |
Antioxidant, reduces MDA |
| Parsley |
Petroselinum crispum |
Leaves, root |
Apigenin, myristicin |
Antioxidant |
| Spearmint |
Mentha spicata |
Leaves |
Menthol, polyphenols |
Antioxidant, reduces MDA |
| Stonebreaker |
Phyllanthus niruri |
Whole plant |
Phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin |
Antioxidant, reduces oxidative stress |
Oxidative Stress, Atherosclerosis 2 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Grape |
Vitis vinifera L. |
Fruit, seed, leaf, juice |
Proanthocyanidins (PAC), resveratrol, flavonoids |
Antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, vascular effects, hair growth promotion |
| Pomegranate |
Punica granatum |
Fruit, peel |
Polyphenols, punicalagins |
Antioxidant, reduces MDA, reduces CRP |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Turmeric |
Curcuma longa |
Rhizome |
Curcumin |
Antioxidant, reduces MDA, reduces CRP |
Cardiovascular Disease
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Danshen |
Salvia miltiorrhiza |
Root |
Tanshinones |
Coronary vasodilator, antiplatelet, anti-ischemic |
CHF 6 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Adonis |
Adonis vernalis |
Aerial part |
Cardenolides, flavonoids |
Mild positive inotropic |
| Arjun tree |
Terminalia arjuna |
Bark |
Tannins, steroids, flavonoids |
Cardioprotective, anti-ischemic |
| Foxglove |
Digitalis purpurea |
Leaf |
Cardiac glycosides |
Strong positive inotropic |
| Ginseng |
Panax ginseng |
Root |
Triterpene saponins |
Cardiotonic, vasodilator |
| Hawthorn |
Crataegus laevigata |
Flower, leaf, fruit |
Flavonoids, proanthocyanidins |
Positive inotropic, vasodilator, antiarrhythmic, hypolipidemic |
| Lily-of-the-valley |
Convallaria majalis |
Aerial part |
Cardenolides |
Mild positive inotropic |
Chronic Venous Insufficiency 4 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Bilberry |
Vaccinium myrtillus |
Fruit |
Anthocyanins |
Capillary integrity, antiplatelet |
| Gotu kola |
Centella asiatica |
Leaf, stem |
Triterpenoids |
Increases collagen synthesis, improves venous elasticity |
| Horse chestnut |
Aesculus hippocastanum |
Seed |
Aescin, flavonoids |
Venotonic, anti-inflammatory, reduces edema |
| Pycnogenol (Pine bark) |
Pinus pinaster |
Bark |
Procyanidins |
Antioxidant, venotonic, improves microcirculation |
Hypertension 3 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Garlic |
Allium sativum |
Bulb |
Alliins |
Vasodilator, antiplatelet, hypolipidemic |
| Onion |
Allium cepa |
Bulb |
Alliins, flavonoids |
Mild antihypertensive |
| Snakeroot |
Rauwolfia serpentina |
Root |
Reserpine, ajmaline |
Sympatholytic, vasodilator |
Dermatology
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Tea Tree |
Melaleuca alternifolia |
Essential Oil |
Terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene, cineol |
Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Oats |
Avena sativa |
Seeds, Straw |
Saponins, Sterols, Flavonoids, Starch, Proteins, Vitamins |
Emollient, Anti-inflammatory, Soothing, Cleansing |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Witch Hazel |
Hamamelis virginiana |
Bark, Leaf |
Flavonoids, Tannins, Volatile oils |
Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Wound Healing |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Marshmallow |
Althaea officinalis |
Root, Leaves, Flowers |
Mucilage (11%), Pectin (11%), Flavonoids, Phenolic acids |
Skin Soothing, Anti-inflammatory |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Arnica |
Arnica montana |
Flower |
Sesquiterpene lactones, Flavonoids, Triterpenes, Pyrolizidine alkaloids |
Anti-inflammatory, Anti-ecchymotic, Analgesic |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Comfrey / Knitbone |
Symphytum officinale |
Herb, Radix |
Allantoin, Mucilage, Rosmarinic acid, Tannins |
Demulcent, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Wound Healing |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Marigold / Calendula |
Calendula officinalis |
Flower |
Flavonoids, Triterpenes, Volatile oil, Phytosterols |
Anti-inflammatory, Wound Healing, Astringent, Relieves muscle spasms |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Aloe Vera |
Aloe vera (syn. Aloe barbadensis) |
Leaf Gel |
Polysaccharides, Glucomannan, Enzymes, Saponins, Tannins |
Wound Healing, Emollient, Anti-inflammatory |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Lavender |
Lavandula angustifolia |
Flowers - Essential oil |
Linalyl acetate, Linalool, Cineole |
Antimicrobial, Wound Healing, Anti-inflammatory |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Lemon Balm |
Melissa officinalis |
Aerial Parts |
Volatile oil (citral), Flavonoids, Polyphenols, Tannins |
Antiviral, Anti-herpetic |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| German Chamomile |
Matricaria recutita |
Flower Heads |
Volatile oil (proazulenes, alpha-bisabolol), Flavonoids, Coumarins |
Anti-inflammatory, Anti-allergenic, Wound Healing |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Gotu Kola / Hydrocotyle |
Centella asiatica |
Aerial Parts |
Triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside), Flavonoids, Volatile oils |
Wound Healing, Anti-inflammatory, Peripheral Vasodilator |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| St. John’s Wort |
Hypericum perforatum |
Herb (Macerated oil) |
Phloroglucinols (hyperforin), Polycyclic diones (hypericin), Flavonoids |
Wound Healing, Anti-inflammatory |
Digestive System
Constipation 4 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Frangula |
Frangula alnus |
Bark |
Anthraquinone glycosides |
Stimulant laxative |
| Psyllium |
Plantago psyllium |
Seeds |
Mucilage (10–30%) |
Bulk-forming laxative |
| Rhubarb |
Rheum palmatum |
Rhizome/root |
Anthraquinone glycosides |
Laxative |
| Senna |
Cassia angustifolia |
Leaves, pods |
Sennosides A & B |
Stimulant laxative |
Diarrhea 4 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Bilberry |
Vaccinium myrtillus |
Fruit |
Tannins, flavonoids |
Antidiarrheal, astringent |
| Blackberry |
Rubus fruticosus |
Leaves |
Tannins (14%), flavonoids |
Antidiarrheal, astringent |
| Green banana |
Musa paradisiaca |
Unripe fruit |
Pectins |
Antidiarrheal, SCFA production |
| Tea |
Camellia sinensis |
Leaves |
Tannins, caffeine |
Astringent, antidiarrheal |
Dyspepsia, Indigestion & Appetite Stimulation 11 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Amla |
Emblica officinalis |
Fruit pericarp |
Tannins, vitamin C |
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant |
| Anise |
Pimpinella anisum |
Fruit |
VO (anethole) |
Carminative, digestive |
| Bitter orange peel |
Citrus aurantium |
Fruit peel |
VO, flavonoids, synephrine |
Choleretic, anti-inflammatory |
| Blessed thistle |
Cnicus benedictus |
Herb |
Cnicin |
Stimulates gastric secretion |
| Caraway |
Carum carvi |
Fruit |
VO (carvone, limonene) |
Carminative, spasmolytic, antimicrobial |
| Centaury |
Centaurium erythrea |
Aerial parts |
Iridoid glycosides |
Bitter digestive, appetite stimulant |
| Chili pepper |
Capsicum annuum |
Fruit |
Capsaicin |
Desensitizes neurons, reduces pain |
| Fennel |
Foeniculum vulgare |
Fruit |
VO (anethole, fenchone) |
Carminative, digestive |
| Gentian |
Gentiana lutea |
Root |
Iridoid glycosides |
Bitter stimulant, increases gastric secretion |
| Ginger |
Zingiber officinale |
Rhizome |
Gingerols, shogaols |
Antiemetic, prokinetic, anti-inflammatory |
| Wormwood |
Artemisia absinthium |
Aerial parts |
Absinthin, VO (thujone) |
Bitter digestive, choleretic |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Peppermint oil |
Mentha piperita |
Volatile oil |
Menthol, menthone |
Antispasmodic, carminative |
Oral Inflammation & Ulcers 4 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Aloe gel |
Aloe vera |
Leaf parenchyma |
Mucilage, anthraquinones, polysaccharides |
Anti-inflammatory, wound healing |
| Marshmallow |
Althaea officinalis |
Roots |
Mucilage (25–35%) |
Demulcent, protects mucosa |
| Myrrh |
Commiphora myrrha |
Oleogum resin |
Resin, gum, VO, sesquiterpenes |
Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial |
| Propolis |
- |
Resin |
Flavonoids, CAPE |
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, ulcer healing |
Gynecological Disorders
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Soybean |
Glycine max |
Seeds (soybean) |
Isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) |
Phytoestrogenic; cholesterol-lowering; anticancer potential |
Menopause Symptoms 2 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Black Cohosh |
Cimicifuga racemosa |
Rhizome / roots |
Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside) |
Estrogen-like effect; suppresses LH; mild sedative |
| Red Clover |
Trifolium pratense |
Flower heads |
Formononetin, flavonoids, coumarins |
Phytoestrogenic; relieves vasomotor symptoms |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Chasteberry |
Vitex agnus-castus |
Ripe berries |
Casticin, iridoid glycosides, volatile oil |
Dopaminergic action; reduces prolactin, enhances progesterone |
Hemorrhoids
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Ginkgo / Maiden hair tree |
Ginkgo biloba |
Leaves |
Terpenoids (bilobalide, ginkgolides), flavonoids |
Antioxidant, anti-PAF, improves cerebral and peripheral blood flow, used in dementia, tinnitus, claudication |
Hemorrhoids 5 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Butcher's broom |
Ruscus aculeatus |
Root |
Steroidal saponins (ruscogenin), benzofuranes |
Improves venous tone, used for hemorrhoids |
| Horse chestnut |
Aesculus hippocastanum |
Seed |
Flavonoids, triterpene saponins (aescin), coumarins |
Improves venous tone, anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, used for hemorrhoids |
| Poplar |
Populus alba, P. nigra, P. tremula |
Bark, leaf |
Glycosides and esters yielding salicylic acid |
Likely anti-inflammatory (not specified in detail) |
| Sweet clover |
Melilotus officinalis |
Aerial parts |
Coumarins, flavonoids, triterpene saponins |
Not specified in detail (likely circulatory support) |
| Witch hazel |
Hamamelis virginiana |
Leaf, bark |
Tannins, procyanidins |
Astringent, reduces itching, soreness, bleeding in hemorrhoids |
Immune System
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Umckaloabo |
Pelargonium sidoides |
Aerial parts |
Polyphenols, coumarins |
Antimicrobial, immunomodulatory |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Andrographis |
Andrographis paniculata |
Aerial parts |
Diterpenoid lactones (andrographolides), flavonoids |
Immune enhancing; antigen-specific and non-specific immune stimulation |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Echinacea |
Echinacea spp. |
Root, aerial parts, flowers |
Polysaccharides, caffeic acid derivatives (cynarin, cichoric acid), alkylamides |
Immunostimulant; enhances phagocytosis, increases T-cell proliferation |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Astragalus |
Astragalus membranaceus |
Root |
Triterpene saponins (astragalosides), isoflavonoids, polysaccharides |
Immunomodulating, antiviral, memory improvement, hepatoprotective |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Elder |
Sambucus nigra |
Fruit |
Anthocyanins, flavonoids, organic acids |
Antiviral (influenza A and B), anti-inflammatory |
Inflammatory Diseases
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Frankincense |
Boswellia serrata |
Resin |
Boswellic acids, volatile oils (α-thujene, p-cymene) |
5-LOX inhibition, leukotriene biosynthesis inhibition, elastase inhibition |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Stinging nettle |
Urtica dioica |
Aerial parts |
Flavonoids (quercetin), amines (histamine, serotonin), glucoquinone, minerals |
COX and LOX inhibition, cytokine inhibition |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Rosehip |
Rosa canina |
Fruit with seeds and hypanthium |
Galactolipid fraction, Vitamin C |
Anti-inflammatory, chondroprotective; NO and IL-1β inhibition |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Devil's claw |
Harpagophytum procumbens |
Root |
Iridoids (harpagoside, harpagide), phytosterols, triterpenes (oleanolic acid), phenols |
Anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, analgesic; 5-LOX inhibition |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Willow |
Salix spp. |
Bark |
Salicylic glycosides (salicin, salicortin) |
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic; converted to salicylic acid |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Ginger |
Zingiber officinale |
Rhizome |
Volatile oils (shogaol, zingiberon), sesquiterpene lactones |
COX-1/COX-2 inhibition, 5-LOX inhibition, iNOS inhibition, T-cell proliferation inhibition |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Turmeric |
Curcuma longa |
Rhizome |
Curcuminoids |
COX and LOX inhibition, proinflammatory cytokine inhibition, NF-κB inhibition |
Liver Disorders
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Milk thistle |
Silybum marianum |
Seed |
Flavonolignans (Silymarin: silybin, silydianin, silychristin), flavonoids |
Antioxidant, free-radical scavenger, stimulates RNA polymerase I, enhances liver regeneration, hepatoprotective |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Black catnip |
Phyllanthus amarus |
Aerial part |
Tannins, flavonoids, lignans (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin) |
Antiviral effect, hepatitis B treatment |
General Hepatoprotection 5 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Liquorice |
Glycyrrhiza glabra |
Root |
Triterpene saponins, flavonoids |
Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory |
| Picrorhiza |
Picrorhiza kurroa |
Rhizome |
Iridoids |
Hepatoprotective |
| Schizandra |
Schizandra chinensis |
Fruit |
Volatile oil, ascorbic acid, lignans |
Hepatoprotective, adaptogenic |
| Soy |
Glycine max |
Soy lecithin from beans |
Phospholipids, phytosterols, fatty oil |
Hepatoprotective, lipid metabolism support |
| Turmeric |
Curcuma longa |
Rhizome |
Volatile oil, curcuminoids |
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Globe artichoke |
Cynara scolymus |
Leaves |
Phenolic acids (cynarin) |
Hepatoprotective, hepatoregenerating, hypolipidaemic |
Metabolic Disease
Diabetes 6 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Bitter Melon |
Momordica charantia |
Fruit |
Charantin, Polypeptide-P, Momordicin |
Acts on hepatic insulin receptors (PI3K pathway); hypoglycemic. |
| Fenugreek |
Trigonella foenum-graecum |
Defatted Seeds |
Galactomannans (soluble fiber) |
Delays carbohydrate absorption, influences insulin activity, improves lipid profile. |
| Garlic |
Allium sativum |
Bulb |
Allicin, sulfur compounds |
Lowers blood glucose, increases serum insulin. |
| Ginseng |
Panax ginseng |
Root (6-year-old) |
Glycans (Panaxans), Ginsenosides |
Increases insulin secretion & receptor count; decreases insulin resistance; inhibits hepatic glucose output. |
| Gymnema |
Gymnema sylvestre |
Leaves |
Gymnemic acids, Gurmarin |
Increases insulin secretion and glucose uptake; reduces intestinal glucose absorption; suppresses sweet taste. |
| Onion |
Allium cepa |
Bulb |
Allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) |
Lowers blood glucose, increases serum insulin. |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Cinnamon |
Cinnamomum spp. |
Bark |
Cinnamaldehyde, Procyanidins |
Inhibits α-amylase/glucosidase; increases glucose uptake; insulin sensitizing. |
Obesity 4 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Bladderwrack |
Fucus vesiculosus |
Thallus |
Iodine salts, Polysaccharides |
Provides iodine for thyroid hormone synthesis (T3, T4), which stimulates metabolism. |
| Ephedra |
Ephedra sinica |
Aerial Parts |
Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine |
CNS stimulant; increases metabolic rate & thermogenesis in adipose tissue. |
| Garcinia |
Garcinia cambogia |
Fruit Pericarp |
Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) |
Inhibits citrate lyase, suppressing fatty acid synthesis and promoting glycogen storage. |
| Guarana |
Paullinia cupana |
Seeds |
Caffeine (4-8%), Catechins |
CNS stimulant; reduces appetite and food intake. |
Obesity, Hyperlipidemia 2 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Guar Gum |
Cyamopsis tetragonolobus |
Seed Endosperm |
Galactomannan (fiber) |
Reduces glucose & cholesterol absorption; bulk-forming agent. |
| Psyllium |
Plantago psyllium |
Seed Husk |
Mucilage |
Bulking agent; increases satiety, slows sugar absorption, binds cholesterol/bile acids. |
Nervous System
Anxiety, Insomnia 5 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Chamomile |
Matricaria recutita |
Flowers (capitulum) |
Apigenin, Bisabolol, Chamazulene |
Mild sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory |
| Kava |
Piper methysticum |
Root, rhizome |
Kavapyrones (Kavain) |
Anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, GABA receptor binding |
| Lavender |
Lavandula angustifolia |
Flower buds |
Linalool, Linalyl acetate |
Sedative, anticonvulsant, calming |
| Lemon Balm |
Melissa officinalis |
Leaves |
Volatile oil, flavonoids |
Calming, anxiolytic, digestive aid |
| Passionflower |
Passiflora incarnata |
Flowering aerial parts |
Flavonoids, Maltol |
Anxiolytic, sedative, GABA receptor ligand |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| St. John's Wort |
Hypericum perforatum |
Flowering herb |
Hypericin, Hyperforin |
Antidepressant, MAO inhibitor, neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Hops |
Humulus lupulus |
Strobiles |
Lupulone, Humulone, 2-Methyl-3-buten-2-ol |
Mild sedative, calming |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Valerian |
Valeriana officinalis |
Root, rhizome |
Valerenic acid, Valepotriates |
Anxiolytic, sedative, GABAergic effect |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Feverfew |
Tanacetum parthenium |
Leaves, aerial parts |
Parthenolide |
Antimigraine, anti-inflammatory, platelet inhibition |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Ginkgo |
Ginkgo biloba |
Leaves |
Ginkgo flavon glycosides, terpene lactones |
Cerebral circulation improvement, neuroprotective |
Respiratory System
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Butterbur |
Petasites hybridus |
Leaf, root |
Sesquiterpenes (petasin, isopetasin), volatile oils |
Antispasmodic, vasoactive; inhibits leukotriene synthesis |
Bronchitis, Cough 2 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Cowslip |
Primula veris |
Root |
Triterpene saponins (primulasaponins), phenolic glycosides |
Expectorant; reflex stimulation of respiratory secretion |
| English ivy |
Hedera helix |
Leaf |
Saponins (hederasaponin B and C), sterols, flavonoids (rutin), caffeic acid esters |
Expectorant, spasmolytic; increases bronchial secretions |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Thyme |
Thymus vulgaris |
Aerial parts |
Volatile oils (thymol, carvacrol), flavonoids, saponins, bitter compounds |
Secretolytic, secretomotor, broncholytic, antibacterial |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Eucalyptus |
Eucalyptus globulus |
Leaf |
Volatile oils (eucalyptol=1,8-cineol 85%), flavonoids (rutin, hyperin), phenolics |
Mucolytic, expectorant, antiseptic, febrifuge |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Anise |
Pimpinella anisum |
Fruit (volatile oil) |
Volatile oil (anethole) |
Expectorant, spasmolytic |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Licorice |
Glycyrrhiza glabra |
Root |
Triterpene saponins (glycyrrhizic acid), flavonoids (liquiritin, glabrol) |
Expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Linden |
Tilia spp. |
Inflorescence |
Mucilage, flavonoids, volatile oils (linalool) |
Anti-inflammatory, antitussive, diaphoretic, emollient |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Iceland moss |
Cetraria islandica |
Thallus |
Mucilage (50%), lichenin, isolichenin |
Demulcent, antitussive, nutritive |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| English plantain |
Plantago lanceolata |
Leaf |
Mucilage (2-6%), rhamnogalacturonan, arabinogalactans |
Demulcent, antitussive |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Mullein |
Verbascum densiflorum |
Flower |
Mucilage (3%), xyloglucan, arabinogalactans |
Demulcent, antitussive; soothes throat irritation |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Marshmallow |
Althaea officinalis |
Root, leaf |
Mucilage (5-10%), galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid |
Demulcent, antitussive; forms protective layer on mucosa |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Ipecac |
Cephaelis ipecacuanha |
Root |
Alkaloids (emetine, cepheline) |
Expectorant (low dose), emetic (high dose) |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Niaouli |
Melaleuca viridiflora |
Leaf (volatile oil) |
Eucalyptol (50-70%), terpinenol (15%), nerolidol, linalool |
Antiseptic, expectorant; used in inhalation therapy |
Urinary Tract
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) 2 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Pumpkin |
Cucurbita pepo |
Seed |
Fatty oils, Beta-sitosterol, Cucurbitacins |
Anti-inflammatory. Used in early-stage prostatitis and BPH. |
| Saw Palmetto |
Serenoa repens |
Fruit |
Fatty acids, Phytosterols (Beta-sitosterol) |
Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase. Anti-inflammatory. Reduces BPH symptoms (nocturia, dysuria). |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Stinging Nettle |
Urtica dioica |
Leaf |
Flavonoids, Minerals (Potassium, Iron), Silicic acid |
Diuretic (contains potassium), supports adrenal and kidney functions. Often used in BPH combinations. |
Diuretic 5 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Bermuda Grass |
Cynodon dactylon |
Rhizome |
Starch |
Diuretic, Laxative. |
| European Goldenrod |
Solidago virga-aurea |
Flowering herbs |
Triterpene saponins, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids |
Diuretic. Enhances kidney function and fluid elimination. Used in acute nephritis with oliguria/anuria. |
| Horsetail |
Equisetum arvense |
Aerial parts |
Flavonoids, Silica (SiO2), Caffeic acid esters |
Mild diuretic. Used for urinary system problems, kidney stones, and static edema. |
| Java Tea |
Orthosiphon stamineus |
Leaf |
Flavonoids (Sinensetin), Potassium salts, Caffeic acid derivatives |
Strong diuretic. Enhances elimination of fluids, nitrogenous waste, and NaCl. Useful in chronic nephritis. |
| Witch Grass (Couch Grass) |
Elymus repens (Agropyron repens) |
Rhizome |
Mucilage, Osmotic sugars (Fructans, Mannitol), Agropyrene (in Volatile Oil) |
Gentle osmotic diuretic. Sugars in glomerular filtrate carry water, increasing urine output. Also has urinary antiseptic properties. |
Diuretic (Cautious Use) 2 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Common Juniper |
Juniperus communis |
Fruit |
Volatile Oil (0.2-2%), Juniperin (bitter component) |
Diuretic. Used for enuresis in children. Caution: Kidney irritation with long-term use. |
| Parsley |
Petroselinum crispum |
Leaf, Seed |
Flavonoids (Apigenin, Myristicin), Volatile Oil (Apiol), Vitamins |
Diuretic (increases urine volume, not electrolytes). Seeds have stronger effect. Caution: May increase Na+ retention. |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Heather |
Calluna vulgaris |
Leaf |
Tannins, Phenolic glycosides (including low arbutin) |
Urinary disinfectant, diuretic, astringent. Used in weight-loss teas. |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Corn Silk |
Zea mays |
Style (Stigma) |
Flavonoids, Potassium salts, Allantoin |
Mild diuretic, soothes urinary tract mucosa. Adjunct in weight-loss diets. |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Strawflower |
Helichrysum sp. |
Flowers |
Flavonoids |
Diuretic, urinary antiseptic. Reported dissolving effect on calcium oxalate stones. |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Crampbark (Guelder Rose) |
Viburnum opulus |
Fruit |
Anthocyanins, Tannins, Organic acids (Isovaleric acid) |
Diuretic. Used traditionally against kidney stones. |
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) 2 plants
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Bearberry |
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
Leaf |
Phenolic glycosides (Arbutin, Methylarbutin), Gallotannins, Flavonoids |
Urinary antiseptic. Arbutin is hydrolyzed to hydroquinone in alkaline urine (pH>8) for antibacterial activity. |
| Cranberry |
Vaccinium macrocarpon |
Fruit, Fruit juice |
Proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins), Organic acids (Malic, Quinic, Benzoic), Anthocyanins |
Inhibits bacterial (esp. E. coli) adhesion to the urinary tract mucosa. Prevents recurrent UTIs. |
| English Name |
Latin Name |
Part Used |
Main Constituents |
Function & Effect |
| Celery |
Apium graveolens |
Seed |
Flavonoids, Furanocoumarins, Fatty oil |
Urinary antiseptic. Alleviates symptoms of BPH. |