Herb Library

Schwenckia americana

West African and South American herb used in Yoruba traditional medicine (Nigeria) as sedative, for insomnia, and convulsions in children. Whole plant decoction for epilepsy. Contains withanolides. One of the lesser-known Solanaceae medicinals.

Sclerocarya birrea (bark)

Southern African marula tree bark (distinct from the fruit/oil) used in Zulu, Venda, and Tswana medicine for malaria, dysentery, and diarrhea. Contains procyanidins and gallotannins. Bark decoction is astringent and antimicrobial. Important ethnoveterinary medicine.

Scopolia carniolica

Traditional medicinal plant used for anodyne, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypnotic, mydriatic, narcotic, poison, sedative.

Onopordum acanthium

Native American medicinal plant used as emetic, poison, witchcraft medicine. Documented among Iroquois.

Pinus sylvestris

Pine needles are rich in vitamin C and have been used in European folk medicine for respiratory support, circulation, and as a winter tonic.

Silene scouleri

Native American medicinal plant used as analgesic, emetic, gastrointestinal aid, veterinary aid. Documented among Gosiute.

Hypericum scouleri

Native American medicinal plant used as analgesic, dermatological aid, orthopedic aid, toothache remedy, venereal aid. Documented among Paiute, Shoshoni.

Salix scouleriana

Native American medicinal plant used as dermatological aid, gynecological aid, hemostat, orthopedic aid, pediatric aid, antidiarrheal. Documented among Bella Coola, Okanagan-Colville, Sanpoil.

Equisetum hyemale

Native American medicinal plant used as veterinary aid, kidney aid, urinary aid, laxative, disinfectant, abortifacient. Documented among Blackfoot, Carrier, Cherokee.

Corydalis aurea

Native American medicinal plant used as antidiarrheal, dermatological aid, disinfectant, gynecological aid, veterinary aid, stimulant. Documented among Navajo, Kayenta, Ojibwa.

Prosopis pubescens

Native American medicinal plant used as ear medicine, eye medicine, dermatological aid, gynecological aid. Documented among Apache, Mescalero, Apache, Western, Paiute.

Dichanthelium oligosanthes

Native American medicinal plant used as ceremonial medicine, disinfectant. Documented among Navajo, Ramah.

Scutellaria baicalensis

A major heat-clearing TCM herb containing baicalin. Used for respiratory infections, inflammation, and liver support. Different from American Skullcap.

Mucuna gigantea

Native American medicinal plant used as laxative. Documented among Hawaiian.

Suaeda sp.

Native American medicinal plant used as dermatological aid. Documented among Cahuilla.

Hippophae rhamnoides

A nutrient-dense berry rich in omega-7 fatty acid, used for skin health, mucous membrane support, and cardiovascular wellness.

Hippophae rhamnoides

A Tibetan/Himalayan berry rich in omega-7 (palmitoleic acid). Used for skin, mucous membranes, cardiovascular health, and radiation protection.

Pancratium maritimum

Traditional medicinal plant used for emetic, purgative, splenitis.

Hibiscus tiliaceus

Native American medicinal plant used as gynecological aid, laxative, pediatric aid, pulmonary aid, throat aid. Documented among Hawaiian.

Glaux maritima

Native American medicinal plant used as sedative. Documented among Kwakiutl.

Chondrus crispus (gel)

Blended sea moss gel — the trending superfood preparation. Add 1-2 tbsp to smoothies daily. Provides 92 minerals. Must be refrigerated. Viral on social media.

Postelsia palmaeformis

Native American medicinal plant used as strengthener, anticonvulsive, psychological aid. Documented among Hesquiat, Nitinaht, Nootka.

Lathyrus japonicus

Native American medicinal plant used as poison, antirheumatic (external). Documented among Eskimo, Inupiat, Iroquois.

Rhytidophyllum tomentosum

Jamaican bush tea for colds, chest congestion, stomach pain, and menstrual disorders; endemic to Jamaica.

Lupinus littoralis

Native American medicinal plant used as pediatric aid, sedative. Documented among Kwakiutl.

Plantago macrocarpa

Native American medicinal plant used as tonic. Documented among Aleut.

Triglochin maritima

Native American medicinal plant used as poison. Documented among Blackfoot.

Eriogonum latifolium

Native American medicinal plant used as cold remedy, cough medicine, analgesic, eye medicine, gastrointestinal aid, gynecological aid. Documented among Costanoan, Round Valley Indian.

Senecio pseudoarnica

Native American medicinal plant used as dermatological aid. Documented among Aleut.

Artemisia maritima

Traditional medicinal plant used for ascaricide, fatality, stomachic, tonic, tumor, vermifuge.

Securidaca longipedunculata

Widespread African medicinal tree used in traditional medicine for snakebite, coughs, chest complaints, inflammatory conditions, and as a purgative. The root bark is highly valued but contains toxic saponins requiring careful dosing.

Carex sp.

Native American medicinal plant used as antidiarrheal, abortifacient. Documented among Cherokee, Songish.

Sedum sp.

Native American medicinal plant used as dermatological aid, febrifuge, throat aid, urinary aid, hemorrhoid remedy. Documented among Costanoan, Makah, Thompson.

Mimulus guttatus

Native American medicinal plant used as analgesic, herbal steam, orthopedic aid, dermatological aid, gastrointestinal aid. Documented among Kawaiisu, Shoshoni, Yavapai.

Baccharis sp.

Native American medicinal plant used as antirheumatic (external), analgesic. Documented among Hualapai, Keres, Western.

Salvia divinorum

Traditional medicinal plant used for divination, hallucinogen.

Prunella vulgaris

A common lawn herb that is a traditional wound healer and immune tonic. Used for sore throat, herpes simplex, and as a gentle all-purpose remedy.

Polygala senega

Traditional medicinal plant used for alterative, asthma, bite(snake), bronchitis, cancer, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, and other conditions. Known from ethnobotanical records across multiple cultures.

Senegalia senegal

Sahelian tree producing gum arabic — used in Sudanese traditional medicine as demulcent for sore throat, diarrhea, and as nutritional supplement. Prebiotic fiber supporting gut microbiome. Contains arabinogalactan protein. Sudan produces 70% of world supply.

Dalbergia sissoo

Tibetan and Ayurvedic herb used for skin diseases, blood disorders, and diarrhea. The heartwood is used in traditional fever formulations.

Senna alexandrina

OTC stimulant laxative — FDA-approved for short-term constipation. Contains sennosides (anthraquinone glycosides). Works in 6-12 hours. SHORT-TERM USE ONLY (max 1-2 weeks). Chronic use causes melanosis coli and dependency.

Senna italica

North African and Middle Eastern wild senna used in Saharan and Sudanese traditional medicine as laxative, for skin diseases, and fever. Milder than Alexandrian senna. Contains sennosides A and B. Bedouin remedy for constipation and stomach complaints.

Senna alexandrina

An FDA-approved OTC stimulant laxative. Effective but for SHORT-TERM USE ONLY. Contains anthraquinones that stimulate peristalsis.

Mimosa pudica

Has antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and aphrodisiac properties. Used to relieve hemorrhoid and arthritis pain, stop bleeding, treat uterine infections, and increase sexual desire and libido.

Onoclea sensibilis

Native American medicinal plant used as antirheumatic (internal), blood medicine, dermatological aid, gastrointestinal aid, gynecological aid, pediatric aid. Documented among Iroquois, Ojibwa.

Aristolochia serpentaria

Traditional medicinal plant used for alterative, bite(snake), cardiotonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, fever, gastrotonic, and other conditions. Known from ethnobotanical records across multiple cultures.

Serratia peptidase (enzyme)

A proteolytic enzyme originally from silkworms. Used for inflammation, sinus congestion, and scar tissue. Take on empty stomach for systemic effects.

Berberis jaeschkeana

Tibetan mountain barberry used for liver-bile disorders, eye infections, and wound healing. Contains berberine and is used as a substitute for endangered species.