Herbal Index

of Commonly Used Roots & Herbs

Scientific Name
Medicago sativa
Medicinal Action
Nutritive, Diuretic, Detoxifying
Medicinal Use
Alfalfa is known for its rich nutrient content, often used as a nutritive tonic to support overall health. It is also used as a diuretic, helping with water retention and detoxification. This herb is valued for its vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, making it a popular choice for promoting general well-being.
Scientific Name
Pimpinella anisum
Medicinal Action
Carminative, Expectorant, Antispasmodic
Medicinal Use
Aniseed is commonly used to aid digestion and alleviate gas. It is also an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, and an antispasmodic, useful for relieving coughs and muscle spasms. Additionally, it is often used to add flavor to herbal preparations.

Scientific Name

Withania somnifera

Medicinal Action

Adaptogen, Nervine, Immunomodulator

Medicinal Use

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, helping the body to manage stress and promote overall balance. It is used as a nervine to support the nervous system, promoting calmness and mental clarity. Additionally, it has immunomodulating properties, aiding the immune system in times of stress or illness. Ashwagandha is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for its wide range of benefits.

Scientific Name

Astragalus membranaceus

Medicinal Action

Immunostimulant, Adaptogen, Cardioprotective

Medicinal Use

Astragalus is renowned for its immune-strengthening properties, acting as an immunostimulant to support the body’s defenses against infections. As an adaptogen, it helps the body adapt to stress and promotes overall vitality. This herb is also cardioprotective, supporting heart health and circulation. Astragalus is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine for its diverse medicinal benefits.

Scientific Name

Matricaria chamomilla

Medicinal Action

Calming, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive

Medicinal Use

Chamomile is well-known for its calming effects, often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for soothing skin irritations and digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. Chamomile tea is a popular and gentle remedy for various ailments.

Scientific Name

Vitex agnus-castus

Medicinal Action

Hormone Balancing, PMS Relief, Regulating Menstruation

Medicinal Use

Chasteberry is primarily used to balance hormones, particularly in women. It is often used to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating. This herb is also known for its ability to regulate the menstrual cycle and promote overall reproductive health.

Scientific Name

Zingiber officinale

Medicinal Action

Digestive, Anti-inflammatory, Circulatory Stimulant

Medicinal Use

Ginger is a versatile herb with a wide range of uses. It is well-known for its digestive properties, aiding in digestion, reducing nausea, and soothing upset stomachs. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for joint pain and inflammation. Additionally, it acts as a circulatory stimulant, promoting healthy blood flow.

Scientific Name

Althaea officinalis

Medicinal Action

Demulcent, Soothing, Respiratory Support

Medicinal Use

Marshmallow leaf is a soothing herb known for its demulcent properties, meaning it forms a protective layer over mucous membranes, soothing irritation and inflammation. It is often used to support respiratory health, soothing coughs and throat irritation. Marshmallow leaf is also beneficial for digestive issues and skin irritations.

Scientific Name

Verbascum thapsus

Medicinal Action

Expectorant, Respiratory Tonic, Soothing

Medicinal Use

Mullein is valued for its ability to support respiratory health as an expectorant, helping to expel excess mucus from the lungs. It is often used in cases of coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. Mullein is also soothing to mucous membranes, making it beneficial for sore throats and other respiratory irritations.

Scientific Name

Urtica dioica

Medicinal Action

Nutritive, Diuretic, Allergy Relief

Medicinal Use

Nettle leaf is a highly nutritious herb, rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable nutritive tonic. It also has diuretic properties, aiding in detoxification and reducing water retention. Nettle leaf is commonly used for allergy relief, as it helps to reduce inflammation and histamine response.


Scientific Name

Avena sativa

Medicinal Action

Nervine, Nutritive, Stress Support

Medicinal Use

Oatstraw is a gentle nervine herb, calming to the nervous system and helpful for stress and anxiety. It is also highly nutritious, providing a range of vitamins and minerals to support overall health. Oatstraw is often used to promote relaxation, improve sleep, and support healthy skin.

Scientific Name

Origanum vulgare

Medicinal Action

Antimicrobial, Digestive, Antioxidant

Medicinal Use

Oregano is a potent herb with antimicrobial properties, useful for fighting infections. It also aids digestion, relieving bloating and indigestion. Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is commonly used in cooking and herbal medicine for its flavorful and medicinal qualities.

Scientific Name
Mahonia aquifolium
Medicinal Action
Liver Support, Antimicrobial, Digestive
Medicinal Use
Oregon Grape is known for its liver-supporting properties, aiding in detoxification and promoting healthy liver function. It also has antimicrobial effects, useful for fighting infections, particularly in the digestive tract. Oregon Grape is often used for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as digestive complaints.
Scientific Name
Tabebuia impetiginosa
Medicinal Action
Antifungal, Immune Support, Anti-inflammatory
Medicinal Use
Pao D’Arco is valued for its antifungal properties, particularly against Candida infections. It also supports the immune system, aiding the body in fighting off infections. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Pao D’Arco is often used as a tea or tincture for its medicinal benefits.
Scientific Name
Rubus idaeus
Medicinal Action
Uterine Tonic, Women’s Health, Nutritive
Medicinal Use
Raspberry leaf is a well-known herb for women’s health, particularly during pregnancy. It is a uterine tonic, helping to tone the muscles of the uterus and support a healthy pregnancy. Raspberry leaf is also rich in vitamins and minerals, providing valuable nutrition. It is often used to prepare for childbirth and as a postpartum tonic.
Scientific Name
Ganoderma lucidum
Medicinal Action
Adaptogen, Immune Modulator, Calming
Medicinal Use
Reishi is a revered adaptogenic mushroom, promoting balance and resilience in the body. It is an immune modulator, helping to regulate and strengthen the immune system. Reishi also has calming properties, supporting relaxation and stress reduction. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its wide range of health benefits.
Scientific Name
Rhodiola rosea
Medicinal Action
Adaptogen, Energy Boosting, Mood Enhancing
Medicinal Use
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb known for its ability to increase energy, stamina, and mental focus. It helps the body adapt to stress and promotes overall resilience. Rhodiola is also used to enhance mood, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This herb is often used to improve athletic performance and cognitive function.
Scientific Name
Rosmarinus officinalis
Medicinal Action
Memory Enhancing, Digestive, Antioxidant
Medicinal Use
Rosemary is known for its memory-enhancing properties, improving cognitive function and focus. It also aids digestion, relieving gas and bloating. Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage. It is often used in culinary dishes and herbal preparations for its flavor and medicinal benefits.
Scientific Name
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Medicinal Action
Adaptogen, Energy Tonic, Immune Support
Medicinal Use
Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb, promoting resilience and balance in the body. It is used as an energy tonic, improving stamina and reducing fatigue. Siberian Ginseng also supports the immune system, helping the body resist infections. It is often used to increase vitality and overall well-being.
Scientific Name
Ulmus rubra
Medicinal Action
Demulcent, Soothing, Digestive Support
Medicinal Use
Slippery Elm is a soothing herb known for its demulcent properties, coating and soothing mucous membranes. It is often used to relieve throat irritation, coughs, and digestive issues such as heartburn and ulcers. Slippery Elm is also nutritious, providing vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Scientific Name
Thymus vulgaris
Medicinal Action
Antimicrobial, Respiratory Support, Digestive
Medicinal Use
Thyme is a potent antimicrobial herb, effective against various bacteria and fungi. It is often used to support respiratory health, easing coughs and congestion. Thyme also aids digestion, relieving gas and bloating. This herb is commonly used in cooking and herbal remedies for its flavor and medicinal benefits.
Scientific Name
Curcuma longa
Medicinal Action
Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Digestive
Medicinal Use
Turmeric is well-known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for joint pain, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It is also a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage. Turmeric aids digestion, reducing bloating and supporting overall digestive health. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is highly studied for its diverse health benefits.

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