NextPrevious

Plant Structure, Function, and Use

Plant Uses

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine treats disease and promotes health using plant materials. For centuries, herbal medicine was the primary method of administering medically active compounds. The following lists some herbs used for medicinal purposes:

Herb

Botanical Name

Common Use

Aloe

Aloe vera

Skin, gastritis

Black cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

Menstrual problems, menopause

Dong quai

Angelica sinensis

Menstrual problems, menopause

Echinacea

Echinacea angustifolia

Colds, immune health

Evening primrose oil

Oenothera biennis

Eczema, psoriasis, menopause

Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

Migraine headaches

Garlic

Allium sativum

Cholesterol, hypertension

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba

Cerebrovascular insufficiency, memory problems

Ginseng

Panax ginseng, Panax quinquifolius, Panax pseudoginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus

Energy, immunity, libido

Goldenseal

Hydrastis candensis

Immune health, colds

Hawthorne

Crateaegus laeviagata

Cardiac function

Kava kava

Piper methysticum

Anxiety

Milk thistle

Silybum marianum

Liver disease

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome

Saw palmetto

Serona repens

Prostate problems

St. John’s Wort

Hypericum perforatum

Depression, anxiety, insomnia

Tea tree oil

Malaleuca alternifolia

Skin infections

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Anxiety, insomnia



Close

This is a web preview of the "The Handy Biology Answer Book" app. Many features only work on your mobile device. If you like what you see, we hope you will consider buying. Get the App