Traditional uses of common herbs and their actions on body systems (*note: traditional uses/actions often not substantiated by comprehensive and high-quality evidence-based research; herbs are to be taken in accurate dosages and preparations, being mindful of possible contraindications and cautions):

Arnica (Arnica montana)

External use only- for inflammation on intact skin.

Traditional uses/actions: Analgesic (MSK injuries), anti-inflammatory (rheumatism, chronic venous insufficiency, chilblains), anti-microbial, anti-ecchymotic (bruising).

Additional information: NIH Arnica ; WebMD Arnica: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Adaptogen for nervous, MSK, immune, and reproductive function.

Traditional uses/actions: Adaptogen (debility, convalescence, anemia, muscle inflammation, builds muscle, strengthens immune function and increases white blood cells, cancer, autoimmune conditions, HIV), adrenal tonic (energizing and calming, tolerance to stress, excessive thinking, ADHD, MS), reproductive tonic (male infertility, uterine weakness and amenorrhea).

Additional information: NIH Ashwagandha

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Immune support and anti-viral.

Traditional uses/actions: Adaptogen (fatigue, post long-term steroid use), immunomodulator/immune stimulant (Post-viral recovery, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, recurrent infections, chemo/radiation support), anti-viral/anti-bacterial (chronic infections, HIV or Epstein-Barr virus).

Additional information: Decision on astragalus root extract as a supplemental ingredient in foods – Canada.ca ; Healthline – Astragalus (Huáng Qí): Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Urinary anti-microbial, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory.

Traditional uses/actions: Anti-microbial (acute and chronic UTIs, vaginal infection), diuretic (kidney stones), anti-inflammatory (bladder/kidney ulceration).

Additional information: Government of Canada – Bearberry – Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga/Actaea racemosa)

Hormone modulating and anti-inflammatory.

Traditional uses/actions: Estrogen-modulating (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, PMS, menopause, inducing labour), uterine tonic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic (arthritis joint pain), anti-spasmodic (spasmodic contractions in labour, muscle relaxant).

Additional information: Black Cohosh: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Restorative to nervous system exhaustion and anti-inflammatory.

Traditional uses/actions: Adrenal gland restorative (stress, post-steroid therapy), anti-depressive.

Additional information: Borage – PubMed (nih.gov); Borage | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (mskcc.org)

Buchu (Barosma/Agathosma betulina)

Urinary antiseptic and diuretic.

Traditional uses/actions: Urinary antiseptic (UTIs, prostatitis, kidney stones), diuretic (gout, arthritis/back pain from renal conditions) [FLOS/FOL]; Anti-inflammatory (chronic skin conditions), anti-rheumatic [SEM oil].

Additional information: WebMD – Buchu: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Healing to skin and and digestive inflammation.

Traditional uses/actions: Anti-inflammatory (digestive system inflammation, ulcers, colitis, gingivitis), anti-septic/anti-fungal (inflamed rashes, internally or externally for bacterial or fungal infections, GI infection), vulnerary (skin damage).

Additional information: NIH – An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L – PMC

Cayenne (Capsicum spp.)

Analgesic, stimulant, potent actions on circulatory and digestive systems.

Traditional uses/actions: Circulatory tonic & stimulant, analgesic & counter-irritant (neuralgic pain), rubefacient (MSK pains), diaphoretic.

Additional information: WebMD – Cayenne Pepper: Health Benefits, Macros, Recipes

Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Regulates female hormones.

Traditional uses/actions: Hormone regulator (balances progesterone and estrogen, melatonin, endometriosis, PCOS, infertility), galactagogue (increases milk production), dopaminergic (Parkinson’s, dopamine inhibits prolactin from anterior pituitary, reducing secretion of progesterone – therefore may increase progesterone).

Additional information: Chasteberry | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (mskcc.org)

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Cleanses blood in infection and inhibits tumours.

Traditional uses/actions: Lymphatic tonic (infected ulcers, tumors, cystitis, kidney stones), alterative (swollen lymphs and glands), anti-inflammatory (skin conditions, dandruff); Nutritive (Vit C – high).

Additional information: Cleavers’s therapeutic uses | Research Starters | EBSCO Research

Corydalis (Corydalis ambigua/yanhusuo)

Used for pain and to reduce spasms.

Traditional uses/actions: Analgesic (strong and fast-acting, acts on CNS, dysmenorrhea, visceral pain, MSK pain, neuralgia), antispasmodic (IBS), hypnotic/sedative (insomnia with pain).

Additional information: The Analgesic Properties of Corydalis yanhusuo – PMC (nih.gov)

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus/Viburnum americanum)

Anti-spasmodic for uterus and other body systems.

Traditional uses/actions: Anti-spasmodic (uterine contractions, dysmenorrhea, threat of miscarriage, MSK spasms/cramping, restless leg, internal organ spasms, IBS spasms, constipation with tension, bronchial spasms in asthma/bronchitis/whooping cough), anti-inflammatory.

Additional information: WebMD – Viburnum opulus: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea)

Immunomodulator, repairing tissues.

Traditional uses/actions: Immunomodulator/anti-microbial/anti-allergic (infections, autoimmune conditions including allergies, cancer), depurative/alterative (cleansing via lymphatic system and elimination of wastes), anti-inflammatory (skin conditions/tissue repair).

Additional information: NIH Echinacea

Elderflower/berry (Sambucus nigra)

Diaphoretic with uses for respiratory infections.

Traditional uses/actions: Diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal (FLOS) (respiratory infections); Diaphoretic, anti-viral (FRUC); Nutritive (Vit A, Vit C, K, Folate (Vit B9), Ca, Fe).

Additional information: WebMD – Elderflower: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Anti-microbial, with immune system and cardiovascular actions.

Traditional uses/actions: Anti-microbial (fungi, viruses, bacteria, parasites), expectorant, diaphoretic, hypotensive, anticoagulant, hypocholesterolaemic/hypolipidaemic; Nutritive (Vit B6, Vit C, Mg, Se, P, Ca, K, Fe, Cu).

Additional information: Garlic: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Circulatory stimulant and anti-inflammatory.

Traditional uses/actions: Peripheral circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, carminative, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory.

Additional information: Ginger Benefits | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ginko (Ginko biloba)

Enhances cognitive function/memory and assists with peripheral circulation.

Additional information: Ginkgo – Mayo Clinic

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Cardiovascular conditions (prevention and treatment).

Traditional uses/actions: Cardioprotective, vasodilator, hypotensive, Cardiac/vascular tonic. [FRUC – structure of heart specifically]; Nutritive (Antioxidants, Vit C, Vit B, flavonoids, beta-carotene, pectin, Ca, Fe).

Additional information: Hawthorn: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

Heartsease (Viola tricolor)

Alterative, anti-inflammatory.

Traditional uses/actions: Expectorant (soothing for respiratory conditions), alterative (chronic skin conditions), anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic (salicylates assist with gout/rheumatism).

Additional information: WebMD – Heart’s Ease: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Adaptogen that stimulates immune system and expectorant.

Traditional uses/actions: Antiseptic/antimicrobial/antiparasitic/antiviral (antihelmintic in GI for worms/parasites), adaptogen (stress, mental clarity), expectorant/anticatarrhal (bronchitis, asthma, allergies, rhinitis), diaphoretic/febrifuge (fevers, flu, HIV), anti-inflammatory.

Additional information: Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons – PMC (nih.gov)

Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

Anti-inflammatory for use in venous conditions.

Traditional uses/actions: Venous tonic (venous insufficiency/congestion-spider veins, varicose veins, chilblains, phlebitis, proctitis, hemorrhoids, DVT prevention, varicocele, dysmenorrhea), anti-inflammatory (Bell’s palsy, asthma, bronchitis, cancer-inhibit angiogenesis formation of new blood vessels), anti-edematous (edema, carpal tunnel, back injuries), anti-ecchymotic (bruising).

Additional information: Horse Chestnut: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

Nervous system, MSK, and digestive system relaxant.

Traditional uses/actions: Anti-depressant (nervous system tonic for exhaustion, shock, stress), sedative, anti-spasmodic (cooling relaxant, spasmodic IBS,MSK-rheumatism, arthritis, respiratory conditions), carminative (indigestion, motion sickness).

Additional information: Lavender: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Soothes irritated tissues of respiratory, digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems.

Traditional uses/actions: Demulcent/emollient (inflammation of digestive tract) (RAD); Demulcent/emollient (inflammation of skin, varicose veins, ulcers), expectorant (bronchitis, dry coughs) (FOL); Nutritive (Fe, Mg, Se, Cr, Vit C (RAD)).

Additional information: Healthline – Marshmallow Root: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Oats (Avena sativa)

Nutritive nervous system tonic for chronic multisystem exhaustion.

Traditional uses/actions: Nervine tonic (over-stressed nervous system, adrenal burnout, neurological pain-shingles, herpes), anti-depressive, nutritive (convalescence, MS, connective tissue structure) [FLOS/SEM].

Additional information: Healthline – Oat Straw Extract (Avena sativa): Benefits, Downsides, and Uses

Oregon Grape (Mahonia/Berberis aquifolium)

Antimicrobial and blood cleansing for GI infections and skin conditions.

Traditional uses/actions: Alterative (chronic skin conditions), cholagogue (nausea and vomiting), hepatic (chronic constipation), antimicrobial (GI infections).

Additional information: WebMD – Oregon Grape: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Sedating and anti-spasmodic.

Traditional uses/actions: Hypnotic/sedative (insomnia, panic attacks, pre-op sedation), anti-spasmodic (Parkinson’s, muscle cramps), anxiolytic (nervous tachycardia, opiate withdrawal, hysteria).

Additional information: Passionflower: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

Plantain (Plantago major)

Vulnerary for skin, digestive, and respiratory conditions.

Traditional uses/actions: Vulnerary (gastrointestinal conditions, skin conditions such as bites/stings/ulcers/psoriasis/sunburn), anti-inflammatory (congestive respiratory conditions), demulcent, astringent, Nutritive (Vit C, Fe, Ca, fiber).

Additional information: WebMD – Great Plantain: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

Astringent tonic for uterus and digestion.

Traditional uses/actions: Astringent (laryngitis gargle, conjunctivitis, wounds/skin inflammation), uterine tonic (uterine prolapse, or prostate gland tonic), partus preparator/parturifacient, hemostatic (hemorrhage in labour), rich in nutrients (Fe).

Additional information: WebMD – Red Raspberry: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Elimination of toxins, healing swollen glands, aiding coughs and for estrogen-related conditions.

Traditional uses/actions: Alterative (cleansing, skin conditions), lymphatic (gland disorders), expectorant (whooping cough and croup), estrogenic (menopause, ovary and breast cancers).

Additional information: Red Clover: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Adaptogen with immune functions for multiple body systems.

Traditional uses/actions: Adaptogen (adrenal exhaustion, anxiety, memory, fatigue, caffeine overdose, nerve and muscle pains/tensions, hepatoprotective (gastric ulcers, hepatitis), immunomodulator (autoimmune disorders), antibacterial/antiviral (flu/hepatitis/chickenpox/herpes/HIV), antitumor/anti-angiogenic (stimulates tumour necrosis factor, increases white blood cells, pre/post chemo, HPV/cervical dysplasia), anti-allergy.

Additional information: Exploring the Potential Medicinal Benefits of Ganoderma lucidum: From Metabolic Disorders to Coronavirus Infections – PMC (nih.gov)

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus/Acanthopanax senticosus)

Potent immune, energy, and cognitive enhancer acting as an adaptogen for all types of stress.

Traditional uses/actions: Adaptogen/tonic (stress, cognitive capacity, adrenal fatigue, menopause/PMS), stimulant, immunomodulator (post-op or after chemo/illness, general immune function), anti-oxidant, hypercholesterolemic, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-diabetic, anti-viral (flu/respiratory viruses, herpes).

Additional information: Siberian Ginseng Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Nervine tonic.

Traditional uses/actions: Nervine tonic (stress, fatigue, depression, PMS), sedative (insomnia from mental exhaustion), anti-spasmodic (MSK tension/tremors, epilepsy).

Additional information: WebMD – Skullcap: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nutritive tonic for allergies and toxin removal.

Traditional uses/actions: Anti-allergic (hay fever), anti-rheumatic (gout and painful joints), depurative (chronic skin conditions, dandruff & hair loss), nutritive tonic (FOL); Anti-prostatic (RAD); Kidney tonic (SEM); Nutritive (very rich mineral content – Ca, Fe, K, P, Mg, Cr, Co, Mn, riboflavin (Vit B2), Se, Si, thiamine (Vit B1), Zn, Vit A, Vit C, protein).

Additional information: Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review – PMC ; WebMD Nettle Leaf: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Preparation Information, and More

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Anti-inflammatory for digestive, MSK, and cardiovascular systems.

Traditional uses/actions: Anti-inflammatory (arthritis, soft tissue inflammations, fibromyalagia, stings, bruises with poor circulation, chemo-preventative), hepato-protective (skin conditions, psoriasis, fungal infections), choleretic/cholagogue, anti-platelet (reduces stroke/heart attacks).

Additional information: Turmeric Benefits | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Sedating and anti-spasmodic for nervous system and MSK tension.

Traditional uses/actions: Sedative (insomnia), anti-spasmodic (MSK tension, IBS spasms, dysmenorrhea, asthma), anxiolytic (mental exhaustion, stress of any kind, high blood pressure).

Additional information: Valerian: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH

White Willow (Salix alba)

Potent anti-inflammatory with pain and fever reduction.

Traditional uses/actions: Anti-inflammatory (joint conditions), anti-pyretic/febrifuge (high fevers, sweat, hot flashes), anti-rheumatic (osteoarthritis, gout), analgesic (low back pain, headache, neuralgia, pain).

Additional information: WebMD – Willow Bark: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Many uses – colds, hypertension, skin, fever, indigestion, irregular menses.

Traditional uses/actions: Diaphoretic/anti-pyretic (fevers), hypotensive, peripheral vasodilator (amenorrhea/menorrhagia), anti-inflammatory (colds, flu, wounds, skin inflammation), anti-spasmodic (GI spasm, loss of appetite, dysentery), nutritive (Vit C, Vit A, K, Zn, Mg, Ca, P, niacin-Vit B3).

Additional information: NIH Yarrow