(angelica sinensis) Dong quai, often referred to as the “female ginseng,” is occasionally recommended for alleviating cramps, regulating menstrual cycles, addressing irregular periods, managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and addressing menopausal symptoms, despite the limited scientific studies available on its efficacy. Dong quai is a member of the celery family. Greenish-white flowers bloom from May to …
(echinacea purpurea, echinacea angustifolia, echinacea pallida) Echinacea, or purple coneflower is a herb native to North America. It has been used by the American Indians for wound healing and snake bites for many centuries. There are 3 mains species used medicinally which have very similar properties. The root and/or the above-ground part of the plant …
(sambucus nigra) Numerous species of elder or elderberry grow in Europe and North America. Only those with blue/black berries are medicinal. The flowers and berries are both used. Species with red berries are not medicinal. Elderberries have long been used as food, particularly in the dried form. Elderberry wine, pie, and lemonade are some of …
(Eucalyptus globulus) Eucalyptus is a blue gum and an evergreen tree native to Australia but is cultivated worldwide. The plant’s leaves—and the oil that is steam-distilled from them—are used medicinally. Eucalyptus was first used by Australian aborigines, who not only chewed the roots for water in the dry outback but used the leaves as a …
(euphrasia parthenium) In the wild, European eyebright grows in meadows, pastures, and grassy places in Eastern Europe. Eyebright is also grown commercially in Europe. The plant flowers in late summer and autumn. The whole herb is used in herbal medicine. Eyebright was and continues to be used by herbalists primarily as a poultice for the …
(Foeniculum vulgare) The fennel plant came originally from Europe, where it is still grown. Fennel is also cultivated in many parts of North America, Asia, and Egypt. Fennel seeds are used in herbal medicine. According to the Greek legend of Prometheus, fennel was thought to have bestowed immortality. Fennel seeds are a common cooking spice, …
(trigonella foenum-graecum) Fenugreek is one of the oldest known medicinal plants and its use dates back to the ancient Egyptians. It originates from southe east Europe and western Asia, but grows in many hot climates round the world. The seeds are used in herbal medicine. A wide range of uses were found for fenugreek in …
(tanacetum parthenium) Feverfew is a member of the chrysanthemum family, native to southern Europe. Today is grows all over Europe, the UK and North America. It has masses of white and yellow flowers which resemble daisies. The leaves are used in herbal medicine. Feverfew was mentioned in Greek medical literature as a remedy for inflammation …
(allium sativum) Garlic is the single most versatile, powerful and widely used medicinal plant in the world. A relative of onions, spring onion, leeks and chives, it has been used for over 5,000 years and is a key plant in Chinese Medicine. Slaves building the pyramids were paid in garlic, as were Roman soldiers. Garlic …
(Gentiana lutea) Gentian originally comes from meadows in Europe and Turkey. However, it is now also cultivated in North America. The root is used in herbal medicine. Gentian root and other highly bitter plants have been used for centuries by herbalists in Europe as digestive aids (the well-known Swedish bitters often contain gentian). Other folk …
