50 Top Herbal Medicine Plants

Here’s a professional herbalist’s list of 50 top plants commonly used in Western herbal medicine. These are among the most relied-upon botanicals for their therapeutic value:

50 Top Herbal Medicine Plants

1. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – calming, digestive aid

2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – digestive, antispasmodic

3. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea/angustifolia) – immune support

4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – anti-inflammatory, nausea relief

5. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – anti-inflammatory, liver support

6. Garlic (Allium sativum) – antimicrobial, cardiovascular health

7. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – sleep and anxiety

8. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – anxiety, insomnia

9. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – nervous system tonic

10. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna/laevigata) – heart and circulation

11. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – liver protection

12. Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) – nutritive, anti-allergy

13. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – mood balance, nerve healing

14. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – liver, digestion

15. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – adrenal, respiratory, digestive

16. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – skin healing, lymphatic

17. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – relaxation, antimicrobial

18. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – circulation, memory, antioxidant

19. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – respiratory, antimicrobial

20. Sage (Salvia officinalis) – throat, memory, hot flashes

21. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – wound healing, fevers, circulation

22. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – calming, antiviral, digestive

23. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – adaptogen, stress, vitality

24. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) – adaptogen, energy, mood

25. Ginseng (Panax ginseng/Panax quinquefolius) – adaptogen, stamina

26. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) – cognitive, wound healing

27. Holy Basil/Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – adaptogen, respiratory, stress

28. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) – blood sugar balance, warming

29. Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) – antimicrobial, digestive

30. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – digestive, lactation

31. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) – digestion, circulation

32. Hops (Humulus lupulus) – sedative, digestive

33. Kava (Piper methysticum) – anxiety, relaxation

34. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) – digestion, dream tonic

35. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – antimicrobial, respiratory

36. Plantain Leaf (Plantago major/lanceolata) – wound healing, soothing

37. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) – demulcent, digestive

38. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) – soothing, mucous membrane health

39. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) – topical wound/bone healing

40. Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) – menopause support

41. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) – lymphatic, women’s health

42. Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) – women’s health, blood tonic

43. Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) – stress, muscle tension

44. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – adaptogen, endurance

45. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – circulation, memory

46. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) – antiviral, immune support

47. Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) – fevers, colds, sinus health

48. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) – urinary tract health

49. Cornsilk (Zea mays stigma) – urinary soothing

50. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – connective tissue, diuretic

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.