Herb Encyclopedia

Overview and Health Benefits Black cohosh, a tall and graceful plant of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) found in North American woodlands, has a long history of traditional use, particularly by Native Americans (Salmón, 2020). It has found its place in...

Overview and Health Benefits Cleavers (Galium aparine), also known as "goosegrass" or "stickyweed," is particularly valued in herbal medicine for its benefits in supporting the lymphatic system, promoting detoxification, and aiding urinary health. Traditionally used as a spring tonic, cleavers...

Overview and health benefits Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is a highly valued medicinal plant, particularly prized in aromatherapy for its essential oil. Known for its soothing properties, Roman chamomile essential is an excellent anti-inflammatory oil used to treat various ailments,...

Overview and Health Benefits Soothing, nourishing and balancing, shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its adaptogenic and rejuvenating properties. Traditionally known as a female tonic, it has been used for centuries to support reproductive...

Overview and Health Benefits Calendula officinalis, commonly known as calendula or pot marigold, has been valued as a medicine since Roman times for digestive problems, infections and even the plague (McIntyre, 2019). In modern Western herbal medicine, it is prized for...

Overview and Health Benefits Couch grass (Agropyron repens or Elymus repens) has a long-standing reputation in herbal medicine for its diverse therapeutic benefits. Although it is often regarded by gardeners as an annoying weed, couch grass has significant medicinal value....

Overview and Health Benefits Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, has long been valued in various traditional medicinal systems, particularly for its digestive, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant originated in Europe, but it has also been used extensively...

Overview and Health Benefits Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries, valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Traditionally favoured to support women's health, lady's mantle is often used to regulate menstrual cycles,...

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Overview and Health Benefits When hearing the term “marshmallow”,’ many might think of the sweet treat, but the actual marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) has been known for its soothing properties long before it became a candy ingredient. Althaea officinalis has...

Overview and Health Benefits Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is celebrated both in traditional medicine and modern herbalism for its wide range of therapeutic properties. This plant is utilised primarily for its essential oils, which are extracted from its leaves – but...

Overview and Health Benefits Oats (Avena sativa) are renowned not only as a nutritious food but also for their significant medicinal properties, including nervous system support, stress relief, immune support and skin health. Scientific studies corroborate the multiple health benefits...

Overview and Health Benefits Crataegus species, more commonly known as Hawthorn, is a well-established traditional remedy. It has long been used as a heart tonic (Grieve, 1931) as well as for emotional support through grief and heartbreak (McIntyre, 2019). Its...

Overview and Health Benefits Centella asiatica is better known as Gotu Kola and has been used in India for cerebral and cognitive support for many years. Not only does it work on repairing and protecting the brain cells, it also...

Overview and Health Benefits Cayenne (Capsicum annuum), with its potent active compound capsaicin, is widely used in herbal medicine for its diverse therapeutic applications. It is particularly valued for its ability to stimulate circulation, alleviate pain, support digestive health, and...

Overview and Health Benefits The subtle aroma of freshly brewed Camellia sinensis has long been a hallmark of cultural traditions and medicinal practices, enjoyed in the form of green tea or black tea. Revered for its potent polyphenol content, particularly...

Overview and Health Benefits Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a highly valued herb across traditional health practices around the globe, notably for its liver and gallbladder support. Modern clinical trials have also brought additional insights into its effects. Barberry has a...

Overview and Health Benefits Bearberry, also known as uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), is most renowned for its efficacy in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic properties. It has a long documented history of use...

Overview and Health Benefits Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a versatile herb widely used in traditional and modern herbal medicine. Renowned for its detoxifying, cleansing and mildly laxative properties, it has been employed for centuries to treat various ailments (McIntyre, 2019)....

Overview and Health Benefits  Mountain arnica (Arnica montana) is renowned for its extensive therapeutic benefits, particularly in alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and facilitating recovery from injuries. Traditional wisdom, corroborated by scientific research, highlights its efficacy in addressing conditions involving pain...

Overview and Health Benefits Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), also known as the “king of bitters”, is a powerful herb prized in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is renowned for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and liver-supporting hepatoprotective effects (McIntyre, 2019; Mills...