Originally found only in Eurasia, comfrey, with its bell-shaped purple flowers, now grows wild in the eastern United States and Canada. One of the main therapeutic substances in comfrey is allantoin, an anti-inflammatory that perks up the immune system, speeds wound healing, and encourages new skin and cell growth.

The tannins in comfrey are astringent, and the rosmarinic acid might contribute some anti-inflammatory assistance. Some extracts have shown the potential to decrease tumor growth. Comfrey can help with pleuritis, itching, dysentery, contusions, pharyngitis, muscle strain, fracturse, colitis, chafing, and joint sprains.

Originating in Europe, the plant now pops up in damp areas from Newfloundland south to New Jersey and Maryland and west to Minnesota. Its active ingredients help break up mucus and expel it from your respiratory system. It also hinders the body's production of an inflammatory protein called  platelet-activating factor, which narrows the air passages and promps asthma attacks.

Coltsfoot can also help with Bronchitis, hoarseness, pharyngitis, respiratory problems, lung problems, lymph gland enlargement or disease, tonsillitis and whooping cough. 

When you husk an ear of corn, you're throwing away a little medicine. those long, silky threads have traditionally been used in a variety of folk remedies.

Extracts of corn silk are potent diuretics, giving rise to their use for all sorts of kidney-related and urinary complaints. The diuretic effect comes in handy for water retention and tissue swelling, cystitis, urinary infections, or any other inflammation of the urinary tract.

Corn Silk can also help with gonorrhea, gout, hardening of the arteries, prostatits, bed-wetting, bladder stones, liver problems, and kidney inflammation.

Cranberry grows mostly in peat bogs in eastern North America, from Newfoundland south to North and South Carolina and west to the Midwest. Cranberry is top-notch "food farmacy"; all you need to do is drink the fruit juice.

It is a great antiseptic that prevents bacteria, including E. coli, from clinging to the interior of the bladder. No clinging means no infection. The arbutin in cranberry not only fights infection but also encourages urinary excretion to ease water retention and tissue swelling.

Cranberry can also help with Cystitis, kidney inflammation, water retention, and gout.

Herbal hucksters tout this shrub as an aphrodisiac, particulary for women. Its reputation is solidly established from centuries of use in Mexico and the southwestern United States, wheredamiana grows wild.

Damiana's power to perk up a lazy libido has never been validated, but there is encouraging anecdotal evidence. Extracts do display some antibacterial action and have helped lower blood sugar. Daminia can also help with Anxiety, asthma, bed-wetting, constipation, colds, depression, diabetes, headaches, kidney inflammation, menstrual irregularities, and indigestion.

Blame (or thank) our early European settlers for bringing the dandelion to North America. Native Americans welcomed it readily for all sorts of uses. The roots can be dried, ground up, and brewed like coffee; the leaves eaten in salads; and the flowers make a nice wine. Dandelion actully is a very good source of nourishment and natural medicine.

The leaves provide vitamins A and C; theflowers are one of the plant world's better sources of lecithin, a nutrient that elevates the brain's acetylcholine and may play a role in stemming Alzheimer's disease. Lecithin is also good for liver problems, and the plant is a time honored treatment for jaundice and other hepatic complaints. Don't neglect dandelion if your worried about osteoporosis.It's a great source of three bone-building nutrients: boron, calcium, and silicon.

This shrublike vine has a long history of use in southern Africa, where it is indigenous. The bitter roots have been eaten, drunk as both tea and tonic, and made into a topical ointment. The plants large, claw-shaped fruit gives rise to it's name.

Harpagoside and other phytochemicals in devil's claw have been studied extensively, notably for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular effects.Research confirms that plant extracts quell inflammation, stabilize heart rhythm, and stimulate appetite.  Devil's Claw also helps with Backache, gallbladder problems, liver problems, childbirth, cancer, fibrostis, and gout.

In Chinese medicine, only ginsing is more highly prized and esteemed, and Dong Quai, also called Chinese angelica, is commonly used for health complaints unique to women. At least nine other species of angelica, part of the parsley family, exist. They possess different medicinal traits, but the sinesis variant is the most valued.

Dong Quai roots are little phytochemical pharmacies. Thephytoestrogens work whether the body's natural estrogen concentration needs to be supplemented or constrained, making it a good treatment for a whole spectrum of female health problems, including menstrual disorders, PMS, menopausal symptoms, and uterine cramps.

Other uses are Liver toxicity, kidney disease, nerve pain, high blood pressure, palpitations, stroke, and infertility. 

This is the most popular herbal supplement in the United States today. Its the herbal equivalent of vitamin C. Nine speices of the plant, also called purple coneflower, grow perennially throughout midwestern North America, as far north as Saskatchewan and as far south as Texas.

Echinacea is a very potent immune system stimulant, a decent fighter of inflammation and viruses, and a mild antiseptic. One phytochemical, inulin, improves the white blood cells' ability to speed to tackle infections (whether viral, fungle, or bacterial).

Other uses are for Blood poisoning, cancer, canker sores, carbuncles, chemotherapy, colon cancer, crohn's disease, earache,goiter, meningitis, scarlet fever, and tuberculosis.

A member of the honeysuckle family, People have been cultivating this small tree, with its clusters of tiny white flowers and blackish purple berries. Elderberry grow in various parts of North America and Europe. The bark, berries, and flowers all have been used to make tonics said to do everything from induce sweating and treat colds to encourage excretion. The phytochemicals in European elder are good viral vanquishers, particularly in the respiratory system.

Elderberry can also help with Bronchitis, breathing problems, mucous membrane inflammation, sinusitis, laryngitis, obesity, fever, and headaches.

As a remedy for bronchial congestion, elecampane has been used since ancient Greece and Rome. In the 1800's, the roots of this pretty, garden flower were mixed with sugar, then boiled and made into cough drops.The plant also was deemed a decent digestive aid. Elecampane, notably the phytochemical inulin, is a pretty good expectorant, assisting users in coughing up phlegm and bronchial congestion.Inulin also aids in maintaining a good balance of intestinal bacteria, helps ensure regular bowel movements, and soothes inflamed tissue.

Elecampane can also help withDiarrhea, dysentery, gas, respiratory problems, diabetes, emphysema, gastric, kidney, liver, and heart disease, tuberculosis, and whoopin cough.

Whether you call it by it's American or Chinese name, this controversial plant is one of the oldest known medicines.Ephedra is a primitive, almost leafless shrub with minute, yellow green flowers.

The North American variants do not contain the medicinal compounds found in those native to China. Its active ingredients, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are strong bronchial dilators and decongestants. They narow blood vesels and constrict other smooth muscles, which is why they're used to treat bed-wetting and low blood pressure.

Other uses are for Asthma, spasms, coryza, incontinence, and obesity.

Eucalyptus, a genus with some 500 species, is on of the tallest trees in the world. Some species-indigenous to Australia and found in varoius parts of North and South America, Europe, Africa, and India can grow up to 300 feet tall.

The leaves have long been used as a aromatic treatment for respiratory problems, the oil is the next best thing to smelling salts. The vapors help break up phlegm and bronchial congestion, Its cineole is an antiseptic, eucalyptus is the active ingredient in Vicks VapoRub and other decongestants. Eucalyptus can alsp help with, Asthma, arthritit, dysentery, gallbladder problems,diabetes, intestinal disease, scarlet fever, liver disease, measles, croup, and whooping cough.

Native Americans used all parts of this plant for various teas, tonics, and poultices, and its the best source of natural medicine. Evening primrose's therapeutic value comes of its rich concentrations of three nutrients. The seed oil contains gamma-linoleic acid, (GLA) an omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to manufacture a prostaglandin vital to soothing inflammation and supporting the immune system. It also helps keep blood flowing freely, reduces high blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol.

GLA is helpful against arthritis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, eczma, endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, and premenstrual tension, among other conditions. Its also been shown to prevent and reverse impairment of diabetic neuropathy. It also contains, the bioflavonoid quercetin, which keeps blood vessels healthy, improves circulation, and eases asthma.

Eyebright grows naturally throughout the northwestern part of North America, boasts almost 200 siblings. they're tiny, no more than about 6 or so inches tall, with small, red-tinged, white flowers that somewhat resemble bloodshot eyes.

Certain phytochemicals in eyebright display antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent qualities.

Eyebright can also help with Blepharitis(eyelid inflammation), colds congestion, coughing, hoarseness, pinkeye, sinusitis, sore throat, styes.

Found in moister areas of northeastern North America, but as far south as Florida and as far west as Illinois, false unicorn root may have earned its name from its arching plume of tiny white flowers, which supposedly resembles a unicorn's horn. Native American mothers-to-be munched on the root of this plant to deter miscarriage and to treat a variety of problems unique to women.

False unicorn root can help with Infertility, labor, lack of menstruation, menopause, miscarriage, morning sickness, colic, fever, liver disease, pain, prostatitis, and worms.

Fennel stems have a sweet anise or licorice taste, can be eaten much like celery; its seeds spice up recipes for fish and other dishes and contain the most medicinal action. Indigenous to the Mediterranean, this member of the parsley family now grows all over the world. A few eastern European countries, Eygypt, and China are the major cultivators.

Fennel can also help with Bronchitis, gas, gastritis, intestinal inflammation, mucos membrane inflammation, respiratory disease, breast milk deficiency, breathing stoppage, colic, constipation, diarrhea, liver disease, low libido, menopause, nausea, obesity, stomachache, bed-wetting, cellulite, cancer, and vomiting.

Fenugreek originated in southwest Asia and southern Europe. The plant features oval, minutely serrated leaves, whitish flowers, and seeds that grow inside a pod, much like peas. In Egypt, the seeds are baked in bread; in India, they're included in curries; in africa, they're brewed as a substitute for coffee , you can eat them raw or cooked. Why eat them at all?. Because they were said to be almost a panacea- good for everything from bronchial problems, tuberculosis, and gout to general body pain, swollen glands, skin problems, and low libido.

Fenugreek can also help with Dermatitus, diabetes, high cholestrol, hair loss, cancer, high triglycerides, labor, kidney disease, and swollen glands. 

Feverfew grows wild and in gardens all over the United States and canada. Although it has been validated in reducing fevers, allergic reactions, and other inflammatory conditions, its best documented use is in preventing and alleviating migraines.

A phytochemical called parthenolide most likely is responsible, but dont discount the value of other natural compounds in the plant, together they hinder the body's release of inflammatory prostaglandins, deter a process that leads to the thickening or clotting of blood , and tone smooth vascular muscles. Feverfew can also help with Allergies, cluster headaches, opium addiction, and neuroses.

North American settlers introduced the slim stemmed, blue-flowered plant to this continent, and now grows across the northwestern parts of the United States and in Canada. A gummy liquid from the seeds was used as a poultice to treat burns and other types of inflammation.

Flax Linum can also help with Cancer, lupus, kidney diesease, lung problems, pleurisy,pneumonia, and sore throats.

Phytochemicals compounds give flaxseed its therapeutic edge. The mucilage absorbs water, which softens the stool and encourages better transport through the intestines, making it useful for a variety of gastric complaints

Fo-Ti grows almost anywhere in China, as well as in some American gardens. Processed fo-ti  root containslecithin, which can help deter cholesterol buildup in the liver, the blood, and the interior walls of the arteries. It is also said to combat fatigue and restore the body's vital energy. Unprocessed roots are said to serve as a laxative and blood purifier.

Fo-Ti can also help with, Insomnia, nervous exhaustion, schizophrenia, hardeninh of the arteries, heart disease, hepatitis, high cholesterol, tumors, allergies, anemia, athelete's foot, enlarged lymph glands epilepsy, fatigue, kidney disease, tinnitus, and tuberculosis.

Native to Europe but grows naturally in the central United States. It also thrives in Gilroy, California, the "Garlic Capital of the world". People have used garlic to treat colds and sore throats, ease intestinal discomfort, take the kink out of rheumatic complaints, and fight other infectious marauders. Allicin is the most often-cited phytomedicinal in garlic, but the bulb actually contains some 70 active ingredients with a broad range of therapeutic capabilities.

Garlic lowers the incidence of cancer, particularly in th gastrointestinal system and fortifies the body's natural defences, notably by doubling the activity of natural killer cells in the bloodstream.

Garlic can also help with heart disease, Raynaud's disease, pharyngitis, Alzheimer's disease, convulsions, sciatica, water retention, HIV, herpes, and lead poisoning.

In Medieval Europe, this herb was considered a poison antidote. Gentian roots' bitterness increase gastric secretions and makes your mouth water-for something to kill its nasty taste. Perhaps that's why they are widely used in Europe as an appetite stimulant. Gentian also promotes digestion and calms upset stomach.

The root, especially if used in excess, could generate too much gastric acid and upset your stomach.

Gentian can also help with Gas, lack of appitite, heartburn, stomach disease, tobacco addiction, ulcers, arhtritis, diarrhea, jaundice, and nausea.

Native to Asia, ginger is now grown in a number of tropical countries, including India, Nigeria, and Haiti. Jamaica is the world's leading cultivator. Ginger's well-documented, world-renowned digestive and intestinal relief comes from a number of phytochemicals. Its gingerols and shogaols quell stomach upset and gently but effectively encourage the muscle contractions that move your food through your intestines.

Ginger can also help with Dizziness, morning sickness, motion sickness, backache, blood clots, chemotherapy-related nausea,, depression, diarrhea, headache, heart disease, liver diesease, low libido, lumbago, aging, hemorrhoids insomnia, and kidney disease.

The Chinese began taking ginkgo several thousand years ago to ward off age-related mental decline. Experements in Europe have established the therapeutic value of ginkgo's phytochemicals. The bilobalides, ginkgolides, flavonoids, and other substances unique to the tree restore better blood flow to all parts of the body but particularly to the brain, allowing improved use of oxygen.They also stabilize the structure of brain and nerve cells and protect them from oxidative attacks by free radicals.

Ginkgo can also help with Alzheimer's disease, intermittent claudication, macular degeneration, anxiety, arthritis, clotting, capillary, fragility, heart disease, labor, retinal disease,and stroke.

Ginsing is arguably the best-known and one of the most extensively prescribed herb in Chinese medicine. A baker's dozen of ginsenosides along with other compounds, may explain the root's wide-ranging therapeutic properties. Either individually or collectively, the phytomedicines have been shown to both sharpen performance and alertness and slow reaction time, heighten sensitivity to stress and deaden feeling of anxiety, and reduce high blood pressure and elevate low blood pressure.

Ginsing can also help with Exhaustion, fatigue, infirmity, liver disease, stress, wasting from chronic disease, weakness, alcholism, alzheimers disease, cancer, diabetes (types 1 and 2), lung cancer,chest pain, menopause, mental derangement, neuroses, prolapse, and low libido.

When early American tax protesters tossed all that tea into Boston Harbor, the colonists turned to, among other plants, goldenrod, brewing it's long thin leaves into what was called liberty tea. They were using socially what Native Americans had long used medicinally. Americans took advantage of some of the 20 or so native species of this tall,aromatic perennial, which in the fall is topped with bright yellow flowers, but the species discussed here S. Virgaurea, wasn't one of them. Its a native of Europe, where it was a favored treatment for water retention, urninary complaints, and intestinal problems.

Goldenrod can also help with Bladderstones, inflammation, kidney stones, oral inflammation, pharyngitis, wounds eczema, gout, and hemorrhoids.

This low plant, which grows naturally only in shaded forests across the eastern and central part of the United States, bears just one green white flower, which is followed by a raspberry-like fruit.You'll have to dig deeper for the natural medicine, the roots contain the active ingredients.

Berberine and hydrastine give goldenseal its broad-spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, andall-around antimicrobial might.

Goldenseal can also help withcanker sores, crohn's disease, diabetes, eye disease, kidney inflammation, dermatitis, gonorrhea, herpes, menstrual irregularities, parasitic infections,leishmaniasis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, alcohol addiction, cancer, and sciatica.

Gotu Kola, which grows in tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia, is part of the parsley family. goto kola is used topically and internally to rejuvenate and perpetuate both brain and body, goto kola is a good skin and tissue rejuvenator. It speeds healing of wounds of all kinds, and deters scarring and keloid formation.

Gotu Kola can also help with Arthritis, burns, chronic venous insufficiency, keloids, scleroderma, stretch marks, ulcers, cellulite, cholera, cirrhosis, hair loss, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, leprosy, memory failure, psoriasis, epilepsy,and vomiting of blood.

Don't eat seedless grapes. If you do, you'll deprive yourself of some of the natural medicine in this healthful plant. The astringent leaves on this plant are used to heal such wide-ranging complaints as diarrhea and varicose veins.The unripened fruit was said to sooth sore throats, while the dried fruit helped not only sore throats but also coughs

Grapeseed can also help with Anaphylactic shock, arthritis, cancer, capillary fragility, caries, gout, hardening of the arteries, heart disease, hepatitis, high cholesterol, HIV, infections, macular degeneration, retinopathy, stomach disease, and wrinkles..

In Brazil, people drink brewed or carbonated guarana beverages as often as Americans drink coffee and cola, and for much the same reason: They contain a good deal of caffeine. Guarana is a perennial vine native to the Amazon region.

Guarana also helps with Arthritis, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, intestinal inflammation, migraine, nerve pain, obesity, dysentery, fever, maleria, menstrual irregularities, and stress.

Guarana initially tastes somewhat bitter and astringent, then rather sweet. It smells a little like chocolate.