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Bacopa

Scientific Name: Bacopa Monnieri

Common Names: Brahmi, Coastal Water hyssop

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Part Used: Whole plant

Habitat: native to India

Benefits: brain tonic, used in Ayurvedic medicine for 1000 yrs, memory issues, ADHD, Alzheimers, Parkinson, depression, anxiety, bronchitis, anti-inflammatory

 

BALM OF GILEAD

Scientific Name: Populus spp

Common Names: Balm of Gilead , Poplar Buds

Family: Salicaceae

Part Used: buds

Habitat: native to Africa, Asia, referred to in Bible

Benefits: contain salicin (aspirin), referenced in bible, sore muscle, headaches, wounds, hemorrhoids, frostbite, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, pain

CAUTION: external use only, avoid if allergic to aspirin

 

BALSAM FIR

Scientific Name: Abies balsamea (L.)Mill.

Common Names: Balsam Fir , Christmas tree, North American fir

Family: Pinaceae

Part Used: Bark, twigs, resin, oil

Habitat: Native to North America, Canada, northeastern United States

Benefits: Christmas tree, rheumatism, kidney/bladder issues, wounds, pain, sore muscles, aromatherapy, coughs, disinfect, burns, colds

CAUTION: must dilute

 

BALSAM OF PERU

Scientific Name: Myroxylon pereirae

Common Names: Balsam of Peru , Tolu Balsam

Family: Fabaceae

Part Used: oleoresin

Habitat: native to South America

Benefits: perfumery, wounds, antiseptic, Cough syrups, parasites killer, Eczema, skin conditions

CAUTION: increases sensitivity to sunlight, can damage kidneys

 

BARBERRY

Scientific Name: Berberis vulgaris L.

Common Names: Barberry, Huang Lian, Chinese Goldthread, Daru Haridra

Family: Berberidaceae

Part Used: root, bark

Habitat: Native to Great Britain, Europe

Benefits: liver, congestion, contains berberine, anti-microbial, infections, pinkeye, yeast infections, fevers, inflammation, pain, arthritis, rash, psoriasis

 

BARLEY GRASS

Scientific Name: Hordeum vulgare

Common Names: Barley Grass

Family: Poaceae

Part Used: shoots

Habitat: referenced in earliest days of history, self-pollinating crop, 1000’s of varieties, found around the world

Benefits: super foods (green hues), lowers cholesterol, immunity booster, anticancer

CAUTION: Not recommended if pregnant or nursing, may stop lactation

 

BASIL

Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum

Common Names: Basil, Sweet Basil

Family: Lamiaceaae

Part Used: leaves, oil

Habitat: found all over the world, over 150 varieties

Benefits: digestive, appetite, disinfectant, antibacterial, insect bites/stings, colds, headaches, inflammation, malaria, wart removal

 

BASIL (HOLY)

Scientific Name: Ocimum sanctum Syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum

Common Names: Holy Basil, Tulsi, Indian Basil

Family: Lamiaceae

Part Used: Leaves, oil

Habitat: Native to India , frost free zones, does best in full sun

Benefits: used for 1000’s yrs Ayurveda medicine, colds, stomach issues, inflammation, malaria, stress, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-ulcerative, degenerative diseases

 

BASSWOOD

Scientific Name: Tilia spp

Common Names: Linden, Lime tree, Basswood

Family: TILIACEAE

Part Used: flowers

Habitat: Native to Europe, North America

Benefits: used since Middle Ages, fevers, sedative, insomnia, colds, headaches, pain

CAUTION: Consult your doctor if you have heart issues

 

BAY LAUREL

Scientific Name: Laurus nobilis

Common Names: Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay, True Laurel

Family: Lauraceae

Part Used: Leaves, fruit, oil

Habitat: Native to Mediterranean, needs lots of sun/ good drainage

Benefits: used since ancient times, flavoring, arthritis, pain, earaches, sore muscles, headaches

CAUTION: oil-never use if pregnant, berries-promotes abortion, always to dilute

 

BAYBERRY

Scientific Name: Myrica cerifera

Common Names: Bayberry, Candleberry, wax myrtle

Family: Myricaceae

Part Used: Roots, berries

Habitat: Native to North America

Benefits: astringent, antibacterial, antibiotic, fever, detox, colds, perfumes, hemorrhages of uterus

CAUTION: Avoid if pregnant, may elevate blood pressure, lowers potassium in body

 

Bearberry

Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Common Names: Uva ursi, mountain box, bears grape, kinnikinic

Family: Ericaceae

Part Used: Leaves

Habitat: Native throughout Northern Hemisphere

Benefits: urinary tract infections, astringent, diuretic, antiseptic

CAUTION: Never take if pregnant or have kidney disease, Never give to kids, may be toxic in higher doses

 

Bee Balm

Scientific Name: Monarda didyma

Common Names: Wswego tea, mountain mint, scarlet bergamot

Family: Lamiaceae

Part Used: Leaves

Habitat: native to North America

Benefits: intestinal problems, colic, flatulence, induce sweat, fevers, colds, sore throat, antibiotic, mouthwash

 

Bee Pollen

Scientific Name: Entomophile pollen

Common Names: bee pollen

Part Used: Pollen

Habitat: found on every continent (except Antarctica)

Benefits: technically not an herb, been used for 1000’s years, rich in vitamins: minerals: amino acids: enzymes, energy booster

CAUTION: NEVER CONSUME IF ALLERGIC TO BEE STINGS

 

BENZOIN RESIN

Scientific Name: Styrax benzoin

Common Names: Benzoin Resin, Friar’s balsam

Family: Styracaceae

Part Used: resin from bark

Habitat: Native to Java, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Thailand

Benefits: perfumes, sedative, congestion, expectorant, circulation, rashes, wounds, eczema, aromatherapy, colds, flu, pain, arthritis, anticancer, diuretic

CAUTION: Not for internal use: can cause drowsiness

 

BETH ROOT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scientific Name: Trillium erectum

Common Names: Beth Root, Wake-robin

Family: Liliaceae

Part Used: Root

Habitat: Native to North America

Benefits: menopausal issues, hormonal imbalance, colds, expectorant, cold, flu

CAUTION: Avoid in pregnancy

 

BILBERRY

Scientific Name: Vaccinium mytillus

Common Names: European blueberry, huckleberry, whortleberry

Family: Ericaceae

Part Used: Leaves, fruits

Habitat: Native to warm regions Northern Hemisphere

Benefits: cramps, diarrhea, diabetes, night blindness, antioxidant, varicose veins, hemorrhoids

 

BIRCH BARK/LEAF

Scientific Name: Betula alba

Common Names: White Birch, Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch

Family: Betulaceae

Part Used: Bark, leaves

Habitat: Native to cold climates

Benefits: pain, arthritis, fever, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, eczema, rash, astringent, UTI, anticancer, anti-tumor, kidney stones

CAUTION: Don’t take if: taking blood thinning medications, elderly ,pregnant or nursing

 

BITTER ORANGE

Scientific Name: Citrus x aurantium subsp. Amara

Common Names: Bitter Orange

Part Used: Peel(skin)

Habitat: Native to France for Neroli oil

Benefits: weight-loss, metabolism booster

CAUTION: Ask professional for proper uses and doses

 

Black Cherry

 

Scientific Name: Prunus serotina

Common Names: Bird cherry, rum cherry

Family: Rosaceae

Part Used: Bark

Habitat: native to North America

Benefits: coughs, worms, ulcers, burns, sore throat, pneumonia, poor appetite

 

Black Cohosh

Scientific Name: Cimicifuga racemosa

Common Names: Black snakeroot, macrotys, bugwort, bugbane

Family: Ranunculaceae

Part Used: Roots, rhizome

Habitat: native to North America

Benefits: diuretic, fatigue, tuberculosis, menstrual irregularities, rheumatism, sore throat, menopausal, sweating, depression, hot flashes

 

BLACK HAW

Scientific Name: Viburnum opulus

Common Names: Cramp Bark, Stagbush, sweet viburnum, water elder, arrow wood

Family: Carpifoiaceae

Part Used: Bark

Habitat: native to North America

Benefits: uterine cramps, helps prevent miscarriage, muscle spasms, pain, arthritis

CAUTION: may aggravate tinnitus

 

BLACK PEPPER

Scientific Name: Piper nigrum

Common Names: Black Pepper

Family: Piperaceae

Part Used: dried peppercorns

Habitat: Native to Java, Sumatra, Used in India for over 4000 years

Benefits: digestive issues, expectorant, increase metabolism, cold, lupus, nausea, arthritis, anticancer, antispasmodic, circulation, diuretic, laxative

CAUTION: slow drug metabolism in liver

 

BLACK WALNUT

Scientific Name: Juglans nigra

Common Names: Black Walnut

Family: Juglandaceae

Part Used: nut hulls

Habitat: Native to North America

Benefits: antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, rash, depression, cancer, auto-immune disorders, pain

CAUTION: Ask a professional for help , Not for long term use has carcinogenic effects

 

BLACKBERRY

Scientific Name: Rubus idaeus

Common Names: Raspberry Leaf

Family: Rosaceae

Part Used: fruit, leaves, bark

Habitat: Native to Northern Canada, Georgia, Tennessee

Benefits: colds, stomach issues, fever, cramps, decrease bleeding menstruation, anemia, sore throat, kidney issues, anticancer, diuretic, bed wetting, incontinence

CAUTION: Never use leaves not completely dry, cause nausea

 

BLESSED THISTLE

Scientific Name: Cnicus benedictus Syn. Carbenia benedicta

Common Names: Holy thistle, St. Benedict’s thistle

Family: Asteraceae

Part Used: Root, aerial parts, seeds

Benefits: digestive problems, diuretic, anticancer, anti-tumor, menstrual problems, hormone imbalance, stimulates mothers milk, bloating, colitis

CAUTION: Large doses may provoke vomiting, avoid in pregnancy

 

BLUE COHOSH ROOT

Scientific Name: Caulophyllum thalictroides

Common Names: Blue Cohosh Root, squaw root

Family: Berberidaceae

Part Used: root

Habitat: Native to United States in moist rich woods

Benefits: brings on menstruation, induce labor, cramps, anti-inflammatory, pain, arthritis

CAUTION: Do not use during pregnancy, may lead to miscarriage, seeds are poisonous

 

BLUE VERVAIN

Scientific Name: Verbena hastata, V. officinalis

Common Names: Vervain , Blue Vervain, Wild Hyssop, Simpler’s Joy, Herb of the cross

Family: Verbenaceae

Part Used: Leaves, flower head

Habitat: Native to United States and Canada in moist meadows.

Benefits: depression, pain, headache, earache, rheumatism, anticancer, antispasmodic, colds, fevers, bronchitis

CAUTION: avoid during pregnancy

 

BLUEBERRIES

Scientific Name: Vaccinium spp Syn. Vaccinium corymbosum

Common Names: Blueberries, huckleberry, lingonberry

Family: Ericaceae

Part Used: Fruit, leaves

Habitat: Native to North America

Benefits: antioxidant, dietary supplements, memory problems, boost immunity, gout

 

BOGBEAN

Scientific Name: Menyanthes trifoliata

Common Names: Bogbean, Buckbean, March Clover

Family: Menyanthaceae

Part Used: Whole herb

Habitat: Native to spongy bogs, marshes, shallow water

Benefits: digestive issues, lupus, boost immunity, diuretic, inflammation, scurvy

 

BOLDO

Scientific Name: Peumus boldus Molina

Common Names: Boldo

Family: Monimiaceae

Part Used: Leaves

Habitat: Native to Chile, South American

Benefits: Used in time of Incas, digestive problems, liver issues, infections, gallstones, heartburn, bloating, colitis, detox, parasites, antibacterial

CAUTION: Don’t use if you have gallstones, liver conditions, obstruction bile duct

 

Borage

Scientific Name: Borago officinalis

Common Names: Burrage, beebread, star flower, bee Plant, talewort

Family: Boraginaceae

Part Used: Flowers, seed oil

Habitat: native to Southern Europe

Benefits: fever, lung infections, inflammation, diuretic, anti-depressant, boost immunity

 

Boswellia

Scientific Name: Boswellia serrata

Common Names: Indian frankincense, Indian olibanum, salai guggul

Family: Bruseraceae

Part Used: Resin

Habitat: native to Africa

Benefits: Used for over 2,000 yrs in India, fevers, cardiovascular problems, rheumatism, inflammation

CAUTION: may cause nausea/diarrhea, consult doctor if pregnant, avoid if you have liver/ kidney issues

 

BROMELAIN

Scientific Name: Ananas comosus

Common Names: Pineapple

Family: Bromeliaceae

Part Used: Fruit, stem

Habitat: Tropical

Benefits: contains bromelain, pain, arthritis, sore muscles, IBS, lupus, boost immunity, inflammation

 

Buchu

Scientific Name: Agathosma betulina

Common Names: boegoe, bucco, bookoo

Family: Rutaceae

Part Used: Leaves

Habitat: native to South Africa

Benefits: diuretic, urinary tract infections, arthritis, kidney stones, gout

 

BUCKTHORN (ALDER)

Scientific Name: Rhamnus frangula Syn. Frangula alnus

Common Names: Alder Buckthorn, Alder Dogwood

Family: Rhamnaceae

Part Used: bark

Habitat: Native to Europe and eastern North America in damp woodlands.

Benefits: laxative

 

BUCKTHORN (CALIFORNIA)

Scientific Name: Rhamnus purshiana DC

Common Names: Cascara Sagrada , Buckthorn

Family: Rhamnaceae

Part Used: Bark

Benefits:  laxative

 

BUGLEWEED

Scientific Name: Lycopus spp.

Common Names: Bugleweed, Water Horehound, Gypsywort

Family: Lamiceae

Part Used: Aerial, leaves, stems, flowers

Habitat: L. americanus is the more common bugleweed in North America and is most often found in stream banks and marshes being a lover of shade and plentiful water.

Benefits: palpitations, pain, calming effect, antioxidant, diuretic, balance female hormones

 

BUPLEURUM

Scientific Name: Bupleurum chinense

Common Names: Bupleurum, chai hu, Chinese thorowax root

Family: Apiaceae

Part Used: Root

Habitat: native to Asia

Benefits: circulatory, menstrual issues, loss appetite, fever, amenorrhea, nausea, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, boost immunity

Caution: Do not use during pregnancy, getting interferon for hepatitis

 

Burdock

Scientific Name: Arctium Lappa

Common Names: gobo, burr, beggars buttons

Family: Asteraceae

Part Used: Seeds, leaves, root

Habitat: Native to United States, Europe, Japan

Benefits: wounds, infections, digestive problems, eczema, boost energy, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, detox

 

BURNET

Scientific Name: Sanguisorba minor Syn. Poterium Sanguisorba

Common Names: Salad Burnet, Lesser Burnet

Family: Rosaceae

Part Used: Leaves

Habitat: perennial, easy to grow from seed, any soil, light shade ok, self seeding, grows into the winter months

Benefits: diet, wounds, astringent, diaphoretic.

 

BUTCHER’S BROOM

Scientific Name: Ruscus aculeatus

Common Names: Butcher’s Broom, Jew’s Myrtle, Sweet Broom, Scotch Broom

Family: Liliaceae

Part Used: rhizome, aerial parts

Habitat: Native to Europe, very hardy thrives in any soil

Benefits: diuretic, blood vessel toner, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, restless leg syndrome, circulation issues, detox, infections

CAUTION: Avoid if pregnant, in children, in kidney/liver problems

 

Butterbur

Scientific Name: Petasites hybridus

Common Names: Common butterbur, coughwort, pestilence wort

Family: Asteraceae

Part Used: Leaves, rhizomes

Habitat: native to Asia, Europe

Benefits: coughs, urinary issues, fever, intestinal parasites, anti-inflammatory, migraine, muscle spasms, reduces bronchial spasms, antihistamines

 

BUTTERFLY WEED

Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa

Common Names: Pleurisy Root, Swallow-wort, Tuber root, Colic root, Orange Milkweed

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Part Used: Root

Habitat: Native to North American, perennial, grows in dry/rocky areas

Benefits: respiratory issues, pleurisy, cough, antispasmodic, expectorant

CAUTION: toxic to livestock, Do not take if pregnant/ breastfeeding/children

 

BUTTERNUT

Scientific Name: Juglans cinereal

Common Names: Butternut, White walnut, Lemon walnut

Family: Juglandaceae

Part Used: Inner bark

Habitat: Native to the Eastern US

Benefits: laxatives, parasites, analgesic, hepatic, worms

CAUTION: Do not use if you have gallstones

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