Acacia is a small, spiny, leguminous tree or shrub which grows in sandy soil, mostly in tropical Africa. After the rainy season ends, the stem begins to exude gum, which is collected for marketing as gum arabic. The acacia has alternate, bipinnate leaves and axillary racemes of yellow flowers arranged in globose heads. The fruit is an oblong pod.

Gum arabic's main effect is to form a protective, soothing coating over inflammations in the respiratory, alimentary, and urinary tracts. In conjunction with various astringents, it is helpful for coughs, sore throats, and catarrh, as well as in some cases diarrhea, and dysentery.

Alfalfa came from Europe, but it's been naturalized all over North America, Alfalfa contains plant world equivalents of humon estrogens so a woman, whether going through the menopause or breast feeding, may derive some benefit from it.

Chemicals called saponins can help lower blood cholesterol, it can also help towards diabetes, high cholestrol, yeast infections, arthritis, cancer, inflammation, peptic ulcers, and rheumatism.

This African-based member of the lily family is arguably one of the best known of all herbal remedies. It is useful for cuts, scrapes, burns, and other minor skin injuries.

Do not confuse aloe vera gel with products made from the juice of the dried inner leaves. A tonic and other supplements made from the gel are said to aid digestion. Can also be used for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, dermatitis,ulcers, peptic ulcers, ringworm, and also blindness, diabetes,glaucoma, hemorrhoids, syphilis, and vaginitis.

Angelica is a biennial or perennial plant that is found in well-watered mountain ravines, on riverbanks, in damp meadows, and in coastal areas of northern Europe and Asia.

Angelica can also help with, loss of appitite, a stimmulant, and a tonic. The seeds are also said to be diaphoretic and diuretic. Take angelic tea or tincture to stimulate appetite, to relieve flatulence and muscle spasms, and to stimulate kidney action. It is useful for all sorts of stomach and intestinal difficulties, including ulcers and vomiting with stomach cramps

It can also be used for intermittent fever, headaches, colic, and general weakness 

Anise grows throughout North America normally in gardens, the leaves can be used as a garnish or added to salads. The brown fruit, which looks more like a seed, contains the essential oil that serves as a liqurice-tasting spice found in candies, cough nostrums, and ouzo.

Anise can also help towards Bronchitis, colds, fever, gallbladder problems, liver problems, poor appetite, it can also help towards breast milk deficiency, colic, gas, low libido, male menopause and scabies.

Arnica also known as Leopard's bane This poisonous plant is primarily used  externally made up as a cream rubbing oil or liniment for injuries or bruises where the skin is not broken.

An oil can be made by macerating fresh or dried leaves & flowers in sesame or olive oil for 3-4 days then squeeze and strain through a cloth. Bottle and only use externally.

Arnica can also help with, coughs (under supervision), relieves pain due to muscle spasms, joint inflammation.

One of the oldest and most commonly cultivated vegetables, this herbaceous plant is known for its large, edible, thistle-like flower head. Artichoke can help with Gallbladder problems, poor appetite, arsenic poisoning, atherosclerosis, blood clotting, liver problems, tumor growth, insufficient urination, low libido, and rheumatism.

Cynarin and other compounds can stimulate bile secretion from the gallbladder, thus aiding digestion. Artichoke phytochemicals also help detoxify and regenerate the liver.

Asparagus shoots are well-known as a delicious spingtime vegetable, the root is considered one of the finest "Yin tonics" in Chinese traditional medicine. In India, "shatavari" as it is called, is used as a hormonal tonic for the female reproductive system.

Where it is prescibed to promote fertility,relieve menstrual pains,increase breast milk and generally nourish and strengthen the female reproductive system. Asparagus root makes an excellent tonic for chronic  exhaustive syndrome.

Native to northeasern China, where is's known as huang qi (yellow leader), this perennial is a member of the pea family. Medicinally, it's long, fibrous roots are the Asian equivalent of echinacea.

can be used to help Colds, kidney problems,cancer, cervical inflammation, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, HIV, side effects of chemotherapy,

An antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, astragalus fortifies the immune system on several levels, including, perhaps, by increasing the body's production of interferon.

Barberry is a deciduous shrub that grows in hard, gravelly soil in the northeastern states and sometimes in rich soils in the western states. The root is yellow on the outside and its bark has a bitter taste.

The bark of the root contains an alkaloid that promotes the secretion of bile and is therefore indicated for various liver ailments. It also tends to dilate the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. A teaspoon of the root will purge the bowels, or use an infusion of the berries with wine for the same purpose.

The fresh juice of the fruit is also said to strengthen the gums and relieve pyorrhea, when applied to the gums.

A member of the mint family, basil is an aromatic annual herb. Basil contains many antiviral compounds, which no doubt is why it's a time-honored folk remedy for warts. Other phytochemical might fight plaque formation on teeth.

It is also used for Acne, parasitic infections, arthritis, chills, depression, heart problems, pain, rheumatism, ringworm, swelling, and cramps.

It's leaves sometimes green, sometimes purplish, sometimes smooth edged, sometimes serrated- give off their characteristic scent when bruised.

This shrub grows near swamps and marshes along Lake Erie and the Atlantic coast, it gives off a pleasant fragrance when you rub them.

Can also be used to help with, Fever, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, inflammation, vaginitis.

Research shows that bayberry contains astringent and antibacterial compounds. Myricitrim, the active antibiotic, encourages sweating, which can help break a fever, larger doses tend to decrease the body's potassium level, leading to higher blood pressure and both water and sodium retention.

From the Chinese to Native Americans, people used this ground-hugging woody evergreen, to treat urinary problems.

Some of the plant substances fight bacteria and cleanse the urinary tract, others promote excretion, deter water retention, support the kidneys, and cool inflammatory reactions.

It is also used for Bed-wetting bronchitis, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea, and kidney stones.

The berries sprout from small, wiry branches on a shrub that grows predominantly in wooded areas of northern Europe and sections of Western Asia.

The anthocyanosides in billberry are big-time antioxidants that provide a lot of the medicinal punch.

The herb also shows some anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent qualities.It is also used to treat, arthritis, atherosclerosis, chest pain,gastric problems, gout, high blood sugar, and kidney problems.

A common, flowering tree throughout temperate parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States, birch has small, shiny, serrated, oval leaves. Cut a stem, and out runs a sweet juice that's long been used to make wine, beer, and vinegar. Birch contains salicylate, the compound that the pharmaceutical industry borrowed from nature to make asprin.

Birch is also used to help with bladder and kidney stones,arthritis, cancer, cystitis, fever, gout, lung problems, rheumatism, and pain.

This can also help towards baldness, dandruff, psoriasis, skin cancer, stomachache, worms, and wounds.

This thorny vine or bramble bears a sweet fruit that makes a great tasting jelly. Blackberry's flowers and both its immature and ripe fruit may appear on the vine at the same time. One species of blackberry was once known as goutberry, an indication of just one of its medicinal uses.

It can also help with, Diarrhea, gastritis, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, intestinal inflammation, mouth inflammation, minor cuts and wounds, and tissue swelling.

Black cohosh grows wild throughout the Ohio River valley and the eastern deciduous forests. Black cohosh is a herbal panacea for all sorts of female-specific health problems, in one study the plant relieved menopause-related vaginal dryness.

Some other uses of Black cohosh are for menopause, menstrual irregularities, childbirth, high blood pressure, bronchial problems, myalgia, water retention, and whooping cough.

Black cohosh matched prescription strength hormone replacement in reducing luteinizing hormone, which increases as natural estrogen declines, bringing on typical menopausal symptoms.

Blackcurrant is found all over Europe, the plants leaves and buds emit a strong, distinctive odor. A tea can be made from the leaves, but the berries contain the most health-promoting potential. The fruit can also help with chills, colds, diarrhea, flu, hoarseness, inflammation, and stomachache.

The leaves of the Black currant can be used to help inflammation, arthritis, bladder stones, colds, colic, convulsions, gout, liver problems, urinary problems, and whooping cough.

Black currant fruit is a decent herbal cold remedy, and can also reduce inflammation and secretions.

Black haw is native to North America, and Native Americans have taken advantage of its bark for gyneocologic problems, the bark contains the most therapeutic properties. The bark (cramp bark) as its known contains at least four phytochemicals that facilitate uterine relaxation, two of which (aesculetin and scopoletin)also work against muscle spasms, salicin in the herb is related chemically to asprin.

Also used to help diarrhea, headache, miscarriage, childbirth, intestinal inflammation, and menstrual pain.

Grows throughout the eastern part of the United States, other varieties grow in Great Britian, greece, and parts of the Middle East. The fruit (nut) falls in the autumn months and makes a great snack, but the bark, leaves, and nut husks also contain natural phytomedicine. Black walnut's antifungal, antiseptic, astringent, and antiviral properties, due in part to a chemical called juglone, make it a good weapon against all sorts of bugs, both that fly and inhabit your body.

Black walnut can also help with Diarrhea, fungal diseases, hemorrhoids, hypoactive thyroid, colic, and toothache.

A spring wildflower that grows in eastern deciduous forests as far west as Kansas. Sanguinarine derived from bloodroot is an excellent antiseptic that prevents bacteria from forming plaque on teeth, deterring both tooth decay and gum disease. Sanguinarine possesses anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antimicrobial properties.

In addition this herb can also help with Bad breath, bronchitis, croup, dysentery, fungal infections, gingivitis, periodontitis, arthritis, cancer, fever, and rheumatism.

Blue cohosh is not closely related to black cohosh despite the same surname, although both have traditionally been used for gynecologic disorders.

Native Americans called it papoose root, probably because of the phytochemical caulosaponin, which is capable of triggering powerful contractions of the uterus.

 Research suggests that the plant posseses some anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and antirheumatic properties. Other uses can help with anxiety, epilepsy, fever, high blood pressure, induction of labour, lung problems, miscarriage, senility, and yeast problems. This is not to be taken on your own, always consult with a qualified naturopathic physician.

An evergreen tree indigenous to Chile and reportedly established in the mountains of some Mediterranean countries.

Boldo can also help towards, Indigestion, intestinal problems, liver dysfunction, muscle tension, stomach disease, cancer, cystitis, gallstones, gonorrhea, and hardening of the arteries.

In the right amounts, active constituents in boldo leaves stimulate the entire gastrointestinal tract, making them useful for a range of stomach, intestinal, and liver complaints. 

Boneset is grown throughout much of North America. The herb is best used for fending off fevers and counteracting colds, it can also be used towards Arthritis, bronchitis, cancer, dengue, dermatitis, inflammation, pleurisy, pneumonia, tumors, urethritis.

The name is derived from the plant's traditional use to treat breakbone fever, which is now known as dengue, a viral infection that causes such intense muscle pain that sufferers think their bones will break.

Borage grows wild through the eastern United States, where it was introduced from Europe, the fresh leaves have a crisp, cucumber-like scent. Borage seeds are a source of gammalinolenic acid, the omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to make an inflammation-fighting, autoimmune-boosting prostaglandin, tests show that borage oil lowers systolic blood pressure and heart rate.

Borage can also help with Arthritis, diarrhea, heart problems, inflammation, menopause, premenstrual tension, bronchial problems, depression, jaundice, and kidney stones.  

Boswellia dates back to the ancient Holy Land, boswellia's two major phytochemicals, boswellin and boswellic acid, possess some anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. We dont know much more because we Westerners haven't been around this johnny-come-lately long enough to uncover its health potential.

Side effects are rare, but particularly sensitive people might experience diarrhea, an upset stomach, or a skin rash.

Native to Europe but now found in South America and all over North America, belongs to the pea family and has a long history as an herbal medicine.Qualified herbalists have long used this potent plant to encourage excretion, improve poor circulation, stabilize irregular heart rhythm, and treat other heart problems.

Broom can also help with Circulatory problems, heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, low blood pressure, childbirth, hemophilia, liver problems, lung problems, muscle pain, palpitations, rapid heart rate, rheumatism, sciatica, tumors, and water retention.

The primary phytochemical in broom, sparteine, is a cardiac depressant powerful enough, in sulfate form, to cause respiratory arrest, high blood pressure, and uterine contractions.

We have long relied on pharmaceuticals to encourage urinary excretion and deter water retention. In Namibia and South Africa, however, traditional medicine has relied even longer on this shrubby member of the orange and lemon family for its diuretic effect, the leaves are considered the most medicinally active part.

Buchu can also be used to help with Cystitis, prostatitis, urethral infections, water retention, heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation, and venereal disease. The diosphenol in buchu helps kill bacteria. 

Buckwheat is native to northern and central Asia but is now commonly cultivated in North America.

Buckwheat's high content of the bioflavonoid rutin makes it an excellent choice for anyone concerned about varicose veins or hardening of the arteries.

Buckwheat can also help with Chronic venous insufficiency, colon cancer, tissue swelling, varicose veins, and water retention.

Bugleweed grows in Newfoundland to Ohio, the white corkscrew-shaped root is edible, and the entire plant is used in herbal medicine.

If research is accurate, bugleweed helps your thyroid, it doesn't matter whether that the gland in your neck secretes too much or too little of its hormones. Bugleweed seems to stabilize everything.

Bugleweed also helps with Breast pain, hyperthyroidism, (graves' disease) hypothyroidism, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, cardiopathy, diabetes, lung problems, and palpitations.

Burdock came from Europe and can now be found in North America as far north as Michigan and Quebec, as far south as Pennsylvania, Illinois, and even Alabama and as far west as California. The plant's roots are considered vegetables in japan, as common as carrots in England.

Burdock can also help with Bladder stones, high blood sugar, lymphoma, psoriasis, tumors, anorexia, arthritis, backache, high blood sugar, hair loss, liver problems, scarlet fever, syphilis, seborrhea, smallpox, and wounds.

Fresh burdock roots contain phytochemicals called polyacetylenes, which can destroy certain bacteria and fungi, perhaps explaining the traditional use of this herb as a treatment for ringworm, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial onslaughts. Certain lignans might help ward off cancer.

Introduced in Europe, now grows in various parts of the eastern, central, and western United States, its leaves taste like cucumber and can be used in salads. Phytochemicals in burnet have antihemorrhagic, astringent, and stypic qualities, making it an herbal choice against ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and uterine bleeding. Its mildly antimicrobial, fights tissue swelling, and deters wound weeping, all reasons for its use on burns.

Burnet also helps with Dermatitis, dysentery, eczema, gum disease, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, boils, hot flashes, varicose veins and wounds.

Butchers broom grows throughout Europe, the northern part of Africa, and Western Asia. The whole herb, but particulary its rhizome, contains herbal medicine. Butchers broom deserves its long-standing reputation for treating hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and other vein-related problems. The two active ingredients in its rhizome, ruscogenin and neoruscogenin constrict veins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and reduce inflammation.

Butchers broom can also help with Arthritis, blood clotting, cramps, itching, pain, phlebitis, swelling, atherosclerosis, and fractures.

Calendula is native to northern Africa and the south-central portion of Europe, but can be grown elsewhere, including indoors. The phytochemicals in calendula oppose fungi, bacteria, viruses, and inflammation. They also excite white blood cells in the immune system to fight microbial invaders with a little more vigor. Calendula has been a good treatment for skin problems of all kinds, particularly cuts, scrapes, bruises, and minor wounds.

It can also help with Cancer, tumors, coughing, dry eyes, fever, frostbite, gastritis, hemorrhoids, jaundice, and other liver problems, sun burn, thrombophlebitis, toothache, and worms.

Native to eastern Asia extremely popular in nineteeth-century America and Europe. The rugged wood is a natural moth and insect repellent, while the oil was thought to releive colds and all sorts of aches, pains, and other physical complaints.

This herb can also help with Bacterial infections, bronchitis, congestion, heart disease, irregular heart rythem, arthritis, chilblains, and herpes.

The derivative of the camphor tree, known chemically as 2-bornanone and popularly as camphor, does indeed fight infections, redden the skin, ease muscle pain, and act as a counterirritant. 

Caraway is native to Africa and Eurasia but now grows wild over much of North America. If you have ever eaten a piece of rye bread, you've no doubt eaten caraway.

Caraway contains mild antihistamines, antimicrobial compounds, and muscle relaxants that help check spasms, it also cuts down on intestinal gas.

Caraway can also help with Bronchitis, fever, gallbladder problems, anemia, bacterial infections, colic, liver problems, heart disease, incontinence, nausea, and nervousness.

Cardamom grows in southern India, cultivated elsewhere as a money crop, especially in Guatemala and Costa Rica. Inside the fruit are two rows of seeds from which we obtain this aromatic spice. For centuries, people in Arab countries have used cardamom as an aphrodisiac, probably because it tends to stimulate the central nervous system.

Cadamom can also help with Bronchitis, fever, gallbladder problems, infections, liver problems, colic, fatigue, gas, stomachache, asthma, and urinary problems. Cardamom is perhaps the best source of a phytochemical called cineole, a strong antiseptic that kills bacteria responsible for bad breath, it can also help break up chest congestion.

Carob grows primarily in the Mediterranean areas of southern Europe, africa, and Asia, it is a stimulant-free chocolate substitute. The chocolate alternative comes from the pulp inside pods that grow 6 to 12 inchs long from the trees small red flowers.

Carob is high in fiber, which encourages bowel movement, the fiber makes stomach contents more viscous, thus the backflow of acid into the throat.

Carob can also help with Bacterial infections, diarrhea, indegestion, and heartburn

There are many different species of this berry-bearing tree, all the variants belong to the buckthorn family. Alder buckthorn and common buckthorn grow in Europe: cascara sagrada grows mostly in the Pacific Northwest, from the northern part of California north to British Columbia, but its been planted as far east as Maryland. All have essentially one therapeutic use: as a very strong laxative

Cascara sagrada bark is the preferred plant medicine, some say that its milder than its buckthorn relatives and safer to use.

Cascara can also help with cancer, chickenpox, flu, gas, hemorrhoids, herpes, leukemia, ringworm, shingles, liver problems, and gallstones.

Catnip's green leaves, covered with grayish down, and lavender flowers have no inebriating effect on people. If anything, the plant which is native to Europe and now grows wild all over North America, acts the opposite way.

Like many members of the mint family, catnip leaves contain considerable quantities of vitamins C and E, both are excellent antioxidants.

Catnip can also help with, cataracts, cramps, glaucoma, insomnia, bronchitis, colds, colic, diarrhea, respiratory problems, stomachache, and tissue swelling.

The stem and root of this woodyvine, a member of the madder family, are harvested in Brazil, Peru, and other parts of the Amazon region. Cat's claw contains a cornucopia of phytomedicinal substances. Its quinovic acid glycosides cool inflammation throughout the body.

Cat's claw can also help with, Allergies, arthritis, cancer, gout, hemorrhoids, HIV, immune system problems, inflammation, melanoma, prostatitis, swelling, asthma, gastritis, indigestion, intestinal problems, ulcers, and yeast infections.

Cayenne indigenous to the equatorial area of America, but now grows in the tropical and temperate gardens around the world, is probably the best-known source ot the phytochemical capsaicin. Studies have shown capsaicin value in alleviating pain and discomfort from rheumatodi arthritis and osteoarthritis, psoriasis, cluster headaches, diabetic neuropathy, mastectomy, shingles, and breast reconstruction surgery.

Cayenne can also help with, Alcoholism, chicken pox, colic, diabetes, heart disease, lung problems, impotence, and layrngitis.

The original plant, wild celery, which grows throughout Southern Europe, imparted an acrid unpleasent taste until seventeenth century Italian farmers developed what we now call celery.

The apigenin in celery seeds relax blood vessels, allowing them to open wider and permit a freer flow of blood.

Celery seed can also help with, high blood pressure, anxiety, arthritis, cystitis, heart disease, high cholestral, insomnia, stress, depression, epilepsy, and liver problems.

Nature grows two different chamomiles, German and Roman chamomile. Their flowers resemble daisies, with yellow centres and white petals. For medicinal purposes, you might prefer the German version, an annual that was introduced to North America from Europe and now occasionally grows wild from the northern East Coast and Newfoundland as far west as Minnesota.

Chamomile extract display a wide range of therapeutic powers. It's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and even anti-body odor. Chamomile can also help with, breathing, gallbladder, liver, and stomach problems, anxiety, allergies, arthritis, diarrhea, rectal problems, ulcers, gout, skin irritations, colic, and eczema.

This deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region, has a long reputation for treating menstrual disorders. It's particularly noted for putting the brakes on libido. Chasteberry works primarrily on the pituitary gland to stabilize and balance the hormonal fluctuations that women experience every month. By increasing the body's secretion of luteinizing hormone, it reduces prolactin andincreases both progesterone and follicle-stimulating hormone.

Chasteberry can also help with Depression, endometriosis, fibrocystic, breast disease, herpes, infertility, menopause, neuroses, prostate enlargement, stomach problems, vaginal problems, and yeast infections.

One of the most common weeds in the world, chickweed grows throughout temperate North America, although originated in Europe.

Chickweed's inflammation-cooling properties have never been validated scientifically, but that hasn't stopped herbal advocates from using it as an anti-inflammatory, whether for internal or external flare-ups. Compounds in the plant also help digest food and cough up mucus. The saponins in chickweed improve the absorption of topically applied substances and may even speed the internal absorption of medications.  Chickweed can also help with, Abscesses, arthritis, asthma, constipation, lung disorders, gout, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, dermatitis, and itching.

Introduced to the United States and southern Canada from Europe, it will grow almost anywhere, although it prefers a humid climate. Herbalists like to dig up the roots, but you should first stop and appreciate its pretty pale blue flowers. Chicory is an industrial source of fructose and a sugar enhancer called maltol. Consider chicory if you have a liver or heart problem. Other compounds in the plant fight inflammation and bacterial infections to a limited extent.

Chicory can also help with, Gallbladder problems, lack of appitite, constipation, high blood sugar, irregular heart rhythem, rapid heart rate, arthritis, cancer, gout, and jaundice.

Cinnamon is native to southern China, Vietnam, and Burma. This plant has small flowers arranged in trios and a pea-sized fruit. it's flowers, bark, and bark oil contain the medicinal wallop. "Real" cinnamon is indigenous to southwestern India and Sri Lanka. The natural medicine is contained primarily in the bark of younger trees and the oil squeezed from the bark and leaves.

Cinnamon can also help with, Bronchitis, fever, intestinal spasms, colic, diarrhea, hemorrhage, ulcers, yeast infections, arthritis, chills, conjunctivitis, nerve pain, orgasmic inability, toothache, uterine relaxation, vaginitis, worms, and wounds.

Cleaver grows in moist soil throughout North and South America and the vaguely defined area between Europe and Asia.

In one study cleavers extract lowered blood pressure without slowing heart rate or having any health-threatening side effects. The asperuloside in cleavers is a mild laxative.

Cleavers can also help with, Cancer, fever, jaundice, kidney stones, nerve problems, psoriasis, sores, ulcers, urinary problems, and wounds.

At first available only in the East, clove became one of the hottest commodities among early European traders. Today the evergreen is grown in, among other countries, Brazil, Jamaica, Tanzania, and Indonesia. Clove's healthful help comes courtesy of eugenol, a powerful, multifaceted phytochemical that anesthetizes, kills bacteria and fungi, fights free radical oxidation, and thins the blood. Clove oil is virtually pure eugenol. It deadens pain, destroys bacteria, and helps protect the retina from macular degeneration. Applied topically, it may even alleviate bunion pain.

Clove can also help with, Colic, yeast infections, vaginitis, pharyngitis, fever, pain,and diarrhea.