Examples of Herbal Medicines

Originally from North America, it has long been used in Native American practices to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, burns, toothaches, sore throat, and upset stomach (2Trusted Source).

Most parts of the plant, including the leaves, petals, and roots, can be used medicinally — though many people believe the roots have the strongest effect.

Echinacea is usually taken as a tea or supplement but can also be applied topically.

2.Ginseng•Ginseng is a medicinal plant whose roots are usually steeped to make a tea or dried to make a powder.

It’s frequently utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation and boost immunity, brain function, and energy levels.

Several varieties exist, but the two most popular are the Asian and American types — Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, respectively. American ginseng is thought to cultivate relaxation, while Asian ginseng is considered more stimulating (5Trusted Source).

3.Gingko biloba•Ginkgo biloba, also known simply as ginkgo, is an herbal medicine derived from the maidenhair tree (8Trusted Source).

Native to China, ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and remains a top-selling herbal supplement today. It contains a variety of potent antioxidants that are thought to provide several benefits (8Trusted Source).

The seeds and leaves are traditionally used to make teas and tinctures, but most modern applications use leaf extract.

4.Elderberry•Elderberry is an ancient herbal medicine typically made from the cooked fruit of the Sambucus nigra plant. It has long been used to relieve headaches, nerve pain, toothaches, colds, viral infections, and constipation (10).

Today, it’s primarily marketed as a treatment for symptoms associated with the flu and common cold.

Elderberry is available as a syrup or lozenge, although there’s no standard dosage. Some people prefer to make their own syrup or tea by cooking elderberries with other ingredients, such as honey and ginger.

5.St. John's wort•St. John’s wort (SJW) is an herbal medicine derived from the flowering plant Hypericum perforatum. Its small, yellow flowers are commonly used to make teas, capsules, or extracts (16Trusted Source).

Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece, and SJW is still frequently prescribed by medical professionals in parts of Europe (16Trusted Source).

Historically, it was utilized to aid wound healing and alleviate insomnia, depression, and various kidney and lung diseases. Today, it’s largely prescribed to treat mild to moderate depression.

6.Turmeric•Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an herb that belongs to the ginger family (18Trusted Source).

Used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine alike, it has recently garnered attention for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcumin is the major active compound in turmeric. It may treat a host of conditions, including chronic inflammation, pain, metabolic syndrome, and anxiety (18Trusted Source).

In particular, multiple studies reveal that supplemental doses of curcumin are as effective for alleviating arthritis pain as some common anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (18Trusted Source).

7.Ginger•Ginger is a commonplace ingredient and herbal medicine. You can eat it fresh or dried, though its main medicinal forms are as a tea or capsule.

Much like turmeric, ginger is a rhizome, or stem that grows underground. It contains a variety of beneficial compounds and has long been used in traditional and folk practices to treat colds, nausea, migraines, and high blood pressure (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).

Its best-established modern use is for relieving nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, and medical operations (19Trusted Source).

8.Valerian•Sometimes referred to as “nature’s Valium,” valerian is a flowering plant whose roots are thought to induce tranquility and a sense of calm.

Valerian root may be dried and consumed in capsule form or steeped to make tea.

Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was taken to relieve restlessness, tremors, headaches, and heart palpitations. Today, it’s most often utilized to treat insomnia and anxiety (21Trusted Source).

Still, evidence supporting these uses isn’t particularly strong (22Trusted Source).

One review found valerian to be

9.Chamomile•Chamomile is a flowering plant that also happens to be one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world.

The flowers are most often used to make tea, but the leaves may also be dried and used for making tea, medicinal extracts, or topical compresses.

For thousands of years, chamomile has been used as a remedy for nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, urinary tract infections, wounds, and upper respiratory infections (24Trusted Source).

This herb packs over 100 active compounds, many of which are thought to contribute to its numerous benefits (24Trusted Source).

•I hope it help•