Medicinal Plants
All Medicinal Plants
Please note that some plants, or their parts thereof, are poisonous, especially if used excessively. Therefore, please consult a recognised Herbal or other authorative publication for details of preparation and dosage prior to attempting to use the listed plants.
| Medicinal Plants | Uses | ||
| Adiantum capillus-veneris | menstruation anomalies, treating enteritis, externally leaves as a poultice for kidney problems, collect May-August, leaves as infusions and syrups as a malacic and expectorant, chest and respiratory infections | ||
| Adonis species | tonic, strong stimulant effect on action of heart muscle, tea for dropsy but use frugally | ||
| Ailanthus altissima | infusion from leaves and bark against intestinal parasites, powder of dry leaves to treat haemorrhages | ||
| Ajuga species | against gout or for abortion | ||
| Allium ampeloprasum | diuretic, hypotensive, against internal parasites | ||
| Allium neapolitanum | for quick healing of injuries, hypotensive, prevents arteriosclerosis,anthelmintic, antiseptic, against internal parasites, prevention of pestilential diseases like cholera, influenza | ||
| Allium sphaerocephalon | antiseptic, rich in vitamins A and C, antipestilential properties, hypotensive , diuretic | ||
| Amygdalus communis | (Prunus dulcis) almond oil as emollient and laxative, prevents stenosis and constipation, for nose ulcers, vitamin E | ||
| Anagallis species | poisonous, seeds very toxic, lowers blood pressure and level of adrenalin, slows heart action | ||
| Anagyris foetida | used as a purgative | ||
| Anemone coronaria | tincture from flowers | ||
| Arbutus andrachne | infusion of leaves for diarrhoea, cystitis. Leaves and bark contain tannic and gallic acid | ||
| Arbutus unedo | leaves contain antiseptic used for treating ailments of the urinary tract | ||
| Arisarum vulgare | aroine irritates skin and affects the central nervous system | ||
| Aristolochia sempervirens | to aid birth, treat snakebites, induce sleep: an antidote to poison, relief from asthma, rickets, ruptures, convulsions,to drive out splinters but can cause disorders of digestive tract, vomiting, diarrhoea and miscarriage | ||
| Artemisia arborescens | infusion of leaves and flowers as tonic for digestive system and stimulant, tincture to treat epilepsy, inducing abortion, regulation of menstrual cycle, for diabetics, antipyretic, diuretic, antiseptic, spasmolytic, expectorant, aphrodisiac | ||
| Arum hygrophilum | preparation from tubers to treat respiratory conditions and snakebite | ||
| Asphodelus aestivus | tubers used to treat intestinal disorders. A first-aid styptic | ||
| Asphodelus fistulosus | roots used to treat dermatitis | ||
| Asparagus species | for treating rheumatic and respiratory conditions, controlling heart rhythm, diuretic, good for anaemia but can cause insomnia, rich in calcium, potassium phosphate, iron, manganese and cobalt | ||
| Berberis cretica | root and bark for treating liver and bile anomalies, berries for jelly for upset stomach, tincture from root for enteritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago, pyelitis | ||
| Bongardia chrysogonum | for epilepsy | ||
| Borago officinalis | to treat rheumatism, respiratory infection, to dispel melancholy | ||
| Bryonia cretica | purgative from dried root, a toxic plant, dried tuber a purgative but juice causes bloody stools and abdominal pain, possibly anti cancerous | ||
| Brugmansia suaveolens | dried leaves and petals for cigarettes against asthma, leaves flowers fruits against arthritis and rheumatic pains | ||
| Calamintha incana | tea for nephritis and kidney diseases, cataplasm for kidney pain | ||
| Calendula arvensis | extracts of resins and essential oils to treat ulcers and inflammation | ||
| Calycotome villosa | infusion to treat mouth ulcers | ||
| Capparis spinosa | buds and roots for antiseptic, diuretic and tonic, arteriosclerosis treatment, colds, cataplasm for eye infections | ||
| Capsella species | infusions for internal and external bleeding and menstrual disorders | ||
| Cardopatium species | once used to treat cardiac pains and extracts from roots and stems used as pain killers for stomach and belly aches | ||
| Celtis australis | infusion as astringent, emetic, anti-diarrhoid, stomachic | ||
| Centaurea aegialophila | diuretic, digestive, infusions or cataplasms for treatment of eye infections | ||
| Centaurea hyalolepis | malachis, purgative, diuretic, digestive, infusion from flowers to treat kidney and bladder stones, eye inflammations | ||
| Chrozophora tinctoria | emetic in cases of fungus poisoning | ||
| Chrysanthemum coronarium | infusion of flowers versus intestinal parasites | ||
| Cichorium spinosum | for chololithiasis, jaundice, liver diseases, kidney inflammations, reduces gallstones, treats diabetes due to 20% insulin content, increases appetite, purgative, anti-pyretic, aphrodisiac | ||
| Citrullus colocynthis | purgative from dried pulp, anthelmintic using juice from crushed fruits | ||
| Cistus creticus | ladanum exported to Egypt for medicinal purposes | ||
| Cistus monspeliensis | ladanum a multi remedy, smoke good for eyes, used against the plague | ||
| Clematis cirrhosa | homeopathic treatment for gout and rheumatic pains, but can ulcerate skin, cause vomiting, intestinal pains, crushed leaves for leprosy, use with Nerium oleander to treat psoriasis and dermatitis, seeds in water for phlegm | ||
| Cnicus benedictus | drug used in treating gastric disorders | ||
| Colchicum troodi | tinctures and infusions as analgesics and muscle relaxants, emetic | ||
| Convolvulus althaeoides | root, leaves and flowers as a purgative, children with constipation given the flowers | ||
| Convolvulus arvensis | flowers and buds collected and dried for an infusion against constipation and a purgative, boil in water and add carob syrup | ||
| Cordia myxa | extract as cough cure | ||
| Corydalis rutifolia | infusion from tubers collected when at rest for neurological disorders and insomnia but can bring on epileptic symptoms | ||
| Crataegus azarolus | infusions from dried fruit effective against diarrhoea, young stem tops used as an anti pyretic counteracting fever | ||
| Crataegus species | flowers in tincture as a cardiac tonic | ||
| Crithmum maritimum | digestive and purgative, treatment for thyroid conditions as rich in iodine | ||
| Crocus species | induces abortion but toxic and overuse leads to serious bleeding. A few grams can be a fatal dose | ||
| Cupressus sempervirens | resin for bowel troubles and anaemia | ||
| Cuscuta palaestina | expectorant and treatment for respiratory infections, melancholia and nervous disorders | ||
| Cyclamen persicum | cyclamine is readily absorbed by the intestine for an effective purgative, against arthritis, rheumatism and haemorroids | ||
| Cynara cardunculus | for stiff joints, sore throats and haemorroids | ||
| Cynoglossum creticum | pulmonary infections and tuberculosis | ||
| Datura innoxia | species are poisonous and narcotic, a tincture used for coughs, chronic laryngitis, dried leaves as cigarettes against asthma | ||
| Datura stramonium | highly toxic alkaloides causing delusions, insanity, death, but extracts and smoke from dried leaves used to treat asthma, and a hallucinogen (Am.Indians) | ||
| Delphinium peregrinum | infusion of buds and flowers for compresses to speed healing of wounds, seeds and flowers as diuretic and anthelmintic, ointment from flowering tips for lice infestation, psoriasis, and scorpion stings | ||
| Ecballium elaterium | purgative and treats rheumatism, shingles, and dropsy | ||
| Ephedra fragilis | ephedrine, like adrenalin, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Use an infusion of the flowers for asthma, a powerful bronchial dilator and convulsant, an infusion for pregnant women to facilitate delivery | ||
| Equisetum ramosissimum | an effective diuretic, treat T.B.due to silicic acid, but contains enzyme thiamaze which breaks down vitamin B | ||
| Eriobotrya japonica | juice containing citric acid and mineral salts has astringent and expectorant properties, digestive, good for the intestine, effective in treating canker sores, fruits rich in sucrose, tannin, and malic acid | ||
| Eruca sativa | strengthening and nutritious oil, uretical and digestive | ||
| Eryngium creticum | fleshy roots used against snake bite in humans and animals, crushed roots used as a cataplasm | ||
| Eryngium maritimum | rhizome used to treat stomach disorders and flatulence, candied root as an aphrodisiac and against male impotence | ||
| Eucalyptus camaldulensis | oil from leaves as a parasiticide, expectorant and antiseptic for the urinary system, decoction of leaves and bark as an inhalation or leave feet in it to relieve pains | ||
| Eucalyptus torquata | balsamic fragrant oil, antibiotic, beneficial for respiratory infections, bronchitis and asthma, reduces secretion of fluids | ||
| Eucalyptus species | decongestive so used for sinus infections | ||
| Euphorbia dimorphocaulon | highly dangerous abortifacient | ||
| Euphorbia helioscopia | extracts once given to purge the blood | ||
| Ficus carica | milky juice used to treat boils, warts and insect stings | ||
| Fumaria species | infusions as laxative | ||
| Galium aparine | tincture from fresh stems and leaves for hypotensive use, inflammations, treatment of wounds and ulcers | ||
| Geranium tuberosum | a drug from the plant has diuretic and astringent properties for skin and eye care and mouth inflammations | ||
| Gladiolus species | corms dissolved in Commandaria for male and female sterility, corms to animals to ensure conception | ||
| Hedera helix | antispasmodic, for coccitis, fruits and young leaves as purgatives, tincture for rhinitis and treatment of cataracts | ||
| Heliotropium species | treating scorpion stings, prevent conception, induce abortion by means of pounded leaves | ||
| Herniaria species | treating hernia | ||
| Hyoscyamus species | highly toxic seeds used in poisons and love potions, painkiller and dried leaves for asthma, tranquilisers, to treat neuralgia, diminish convulsions, crushed leaves as a cataplasm to alleviate pain | ||
| Hypecoum procumbens | contains opium, orange juice in the stem has strong narcotic properties so acts as a sedative for coughs and bronchitis | ||
| Hypericum perforatum | infusion from flowering tops to treat external wounds and injuries, speeding healing and preventing microbial growth | ||
| Hypericum species | antidiarrhoid and sedative action, antiflogistic, infusion used against lung and urinary tract infections, strengthener | ||
| Hypericum triquetrifolium | essential oils used to treat ulcers and burns | ||
| Inula graveolens | stomach disorders | ||
| Inula viscosa | powder or infusion as tonic for stomach, expectorant, diuretic, treating gonorrhoea and enteritis, dry leaves for burns | ||
| Ipomoea stolonifera | root extracts as purgative | ||
| Iris germanica | dry rhizome given to babies to chew as a sedative, mollient creams for the breast | ||
| Juglans regia | astringent leaf infusion used to treat skin diseases, extract from leaves to promote appetite, cure constipation, confer strength and heal wounds | ||
| Juniperus phoenicea | diuretic and stomach tonic, for urinary infections and cystitis, external use for dermatitis, infusions as an antiseptic | ||
| Lagoecia cuminoides | chewed to relieve toothache | ||
| Lamium amplexicaule | an expectorant, for treatment of prostatis and uterus disorders, tincture for respiratory infections and bronchitis | ||
| Lamium moschatum | an infusion from stem tips as a styptic, also as above | ||
| Laurus nobilis | oil of bay, pressed from berries, for rheumatism, stomach pains, lice infestation, leaves to aid digestion, perspiration, an antiseptic. Oil for rheumatism and to promote urinary activity | ||
| Lavandula stoechas | tonic, spasmolytic, antiseptic especially for external wounds and injuries, flowers in bath for skin and relaxation | ||
| Leontice leontopetalum | epilepsy, migraine, soap substitute | ||
| Liquidambar styraciflua | balsamic resin for psoriasis, effective in treating lice infestation, used externally as hemostatic and healing agent | ||
| Lonicera etrusca | toxic but infusion of bark as emetic for food poisoning | ||
| Lonicera species | bark used for diuretic and perspirant qualities, berries toxic causing somnolence and fatigue | ||
| Malva sylvestris | raw leaves for nettle stings, infusion of leaves and flowers for intestinal disorders and inflammation | ||
| Mandragora officinarum | aphrodisiac, narcotic and poisonous, makes one inactive and idle, painkiller during operations, fertility bestower | ||
| Marrubium vulgare | stimulant, expectorant and febrifuge, infusion for colds, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, respiratory infections, tea for cough | ||
| Matricaria recutita | infusion for sore throats, stomach aches, inflamed eyes (European chamomile) | ||
| Medicago marina | used against bleeding and anaemia, a source of calcium in ointment form | ||
| Melia azedarach | narcotic from all parts of the tree | ||
| Mentha longifolia | menthol for massage, against migraine, excellent antiseptic for nose and pharynx, gargle with tea for tonsillitis, infusions from fresh or dried leaves or essential oils for gastric aches, headache, dizziness, sleeplessness | ||
| Mentha pulegium | spasmolytic and cholagogue, stimulant and tonic action, antiseptic for oulitisand mouth infections, cure for male impotence, high doses for aphrodisiac, gets rid of garlic and onion smells to chew Pennyroyal leaves | ||
| Mentha spicata | infusions for stomach pains | ||
| Mespilus germanica | syrup of fruits as laxative, astringent, infusion of flower buds and tender leaves as antilithic, against bladder stones, fruits and seeds once used instead of quinine for treating malaria | ||
| Morus alba | infusions or tinctures against toothache, is hyperglycemic and astringent, juice of mature fruits is toxic and stimulant | ||
| Muscari comosum | bulb is a cure for 'luxations and grietes of the joints', for bruises and splinters, gangrenes and gouts, bulbs are eaten raw or boiled to lower cholesterol level, as antiseptic and anthelmintic | ||
| Myrtus communis | fruit is anti-diarrhoeic, appetite stimulant, styptic; powder of dried leaves for rashes or skin injuries, oil from bark leaves and flowers as antiseptic and nasal decongestant | ||
| Narcissus tazetta | narcotic, painkiller, tranquiliser, bulb as a powerful emetic, essential oil for rhinitis, bronchitis, whooping cough. Poisonous | ||
| Nasturtium species | expectorant, hypoglycemic, against odontalgia. Chew a bunch for toothache or to prevent scurvy | ||
| Nerium oleander | contains alkoids of medicinal value. Extracts treat psoriasis and heart conditions | ||
| Nicotiana glauca | rich in alkaloides, cures for cystitis and dermatitis, fresh leaves a styptic | ||
| Odontites species | prescribed for toothache | ||
| Olive | laxative, suppressant, external emollient | ||
| Onosma fruticosum | infusion of dried flowers for respiratory ailments, bronchitis, influenza, tuberculosis | ||
| Opopanax hispidus | resin from stems seen as a panacea | ||
| Opuntia ficus-indica | infusions and cataplasms, diuretic, antispasmodic, emollient | ||
| Orchis italica | tubers for tonics and remedies, infusions and jellies for the weak and recovering, and for cases of intestinal problems | ||
| Origanum majorana | tea for colds, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, an expectorant and to treat dyspepsia | ||
| Oxalis corniculata | for asthma and diseases of throat, quinzy, blood purifier, infusion from fresh plants as tonic and laxative, for digestion | ||
| Oxalis pes-caprae | pleasant tasting digestive compounds, against dermatitis and irritable alimentary canal | ||
| Paeonia mascula | painkiller and tranquillizer | ||
| Pancratium maritimum | emetic for mushroom poisoning by drinking the liquid from crushed bulbs | ||
| Papaver rhoeas | syrup from fruits and flowers used as an emollient and sedative for whooping cough, provides eye lotions from fruits | ||
| Papaver setigerum | narcotic containing morphine and codeine, painkiller, strengthener in babies` milk | ||
| Parietaria judaica | infusion of stemtops for psammiasis, kidney stones. Diuretic, against gall bladder disorders and gallstones, Dry for burns | ||
| Paronychia species | ancient treatment of whitlows | ||
| Passiflora caerulea | sedative, antispasmodic, hypnotic and tranquiliser, infusion from flower buds against nervous disorders and insomnia | ||
| Petroselinum crispum | remedy for gallstones | ||
| Phytolacca pruinosa | fruits and red flowers for ink. Roots leaves and fruit a purgative | ||
| Pinus nigra | resin and infusions of leaves as a diuretic, balsamic, expectorant and antiseptic | ||
| Pistacia lentiscus | remedy for halitosis, used for stomach complaints and external injuries | ||
| Pistacia terebinthus | balsamic and antiseptic | ||
| Plantago coronopus | to treat gallstones | ||
| Plantago lanceolata | crushed leaves on sores and injuries, syrup for respiratory ailments | ||
| Polygonum aviculare | astringent, used to check bleeding, effective in treating pulmonary problems like tuberculosis | ||
| Populus alba | buds used in preparation of ointment for haemorrhoids, infusion and extracts for rheumatism, arthritis, cystitis | ||
| Populus species | tea from buds used against urinary tract infections, as an analgesic, diuretic and expectorant, tea from buds used to prevent conception, juice from leaves cures earache | ||
| Portulaca oleracea | cholagogic properties, used against chololithiasis, diuretic and anthelmintic qualities, beneficial for colitis, amoebiasis | ||
| Poterium verrucosum | treat warts, and an aphrodisiac | ||
| Prunus dulcis | bitter almonds taken in small quantities as an emollient or cough reliever, high dose poisonous | ||
| Ptilostemon chamaepeuce | good for the `griefs of the loins`, treating lumbago, arthritis and rheumatism with an infusion from flowerheads | ||
| Pulicaria dysenterica | thought to cure dysentry | ||
| Punica granatum | tannin rich bark to expel internal parasites | ||
| Pyracantha coccinea | finely ground roots used as a cataplasm to draw out splinters and thorns from the skin | ||
| Ranunculus asiaticus | treats dermatitis, shingles, rheumatism and arthritis | ||
| Ranunculus bullatus | tincture for eczema | ||
| Ranunculus muricatus | tincture for colds | ||
| Reseda lutea | dried plants for intestinal disorders for sheep and cattle | ||
| Rhamnus oleoides | constipation cure with crushed `peppers`, excess leads to bloody stools, severe diarrhoea, fever due to time for cure | ||
| Rhus coriaria | a styptic against diarrhoea and intestinal trouble, also treats dermatitis | ||
| Ricinus communis | castor oil is an effective natural purgative, also stimulates peristalsis, an emollient | ||
| Robinia species | bark with emetic properties, infusion of flowers as an emetic | ||
| Roemeria hybrida | yellow sap used as an emollient, and a sedative for whooping cough, a painkiller, calmative for neurosis and mental disorders | ||
| Rosa canina | infusions act as a tonic for nursing mothers, and during recovery, petals against constipation, enteritis, haemorrhage | ||
| Rosmarinus officinalis | infusion from leaves as a digestive, to treat arthritis, bruises and injuries, an insecticide, antiseptic and spasmodic | ||
| Rubia tinctorum | once used for dyes, now with medicinal use | ||
| Rubus sanctus | infusion from fresh leaves as a styptic, for diarrhoea, intestinal infections, internal haemorrhage, ulcers and injuries | ||
| Ruscus aculeatus | removal of bladder stones, infusion of crushed tender stems and leaves has blood purifying and diuretic action | ||
| Ruta chalepensis | exulcerator, antiseptic, uretic bringing out menstrua, seeds in wine as an antidote to poisons, preparations for earache, infusion from leaves and flowers as a spasmolytic and perspirant, tonic for the stomach and an aborticied | ||
| Salsola kali | ash for treating stomach aches and hyperchloridriasis, cystitis | ||
| Salvia fruticosa | infusions for sore throats, tinctures for neural disorders and dizziness. | ||
| Sambucus ebulus | infusion for treating colds | ||
| Sambucus nigra | bark is a purgative, infusions and extracts as antispasmodic, antirheumatic, tea for colds, fever, pharyngitis, tonsillitis | ||
| Sarcopoterium spinosum | infusion of crushed fresh ripe fruits as a tonic containing vitamin A, with antiflogistic and diuretic properties | ||
| Schinus molle | extracts improve digestion and appetite and have antiseptic and diuretic properties, leaves chewed to treat internal or external infections, seeds used as black pepper | ||
| Scolymus hispanicus | for smelly armpits | ||
| Scrofularia species | treating tuberculus skin disease, scrofula, with nodular tubers. | ||
| Senecio vulgaris | tincture from fresh plants for cystitis, urinary tract infections, menstruation anomalies, rhinorrhagia | ||
| Serapias vomeracea | remedy for whooping cough and dysentery, and an aphrodisiac | ||
| Sinapis arvensis | crushed seeds a purgative, to treat arthritis, sore joints and bruises | ||
| Sisymbrium orientale | infusion from crushed seeds and dried flowerheads for cold, influenza and bronchitis, recommended for sore joints, arthritis, mix with Salep from Serapias tubers for a general purpose tonic for the weak and recovering | ||
| Smilax aspera | diuretics and perspirants, a poison antidote, moves urine and is a causer of troublesome dreams, preparations from roots and young shoots are used as tonics which accelerate metabolic rate and intestinal absorption | ||
| Smyrnium connatum | juice in sweet wine beneficial for nephro lithiasis or for cases of painful and interrupted urination, cystitis, prostatis | ||
| Solanum villosum | sedative to alleviate pain, or narcotic paste from mature berries for children suffering from stomach and belly aches, paste from berries for childrens' stomach ache and teething pain | ||
| Solanum nigrum | toxic solanine is used as a sedative, to alleviate pain, as a narcotic, for bruises and skin irritations | ||
| Sonchus oleraceus | calmative and tranquilliser, effective laxative | ||
| Spartium junceum | purgetive, emetic and diuretic, an infusion of flowers used for liver problems and nephrotis, and for snake bites | ||
| Styrax officinalis | for chronic cystitis, gonorrhea, enteritis, TB, with warming and mollifying and conconting qualities | ||
| Taraxacum cyprium | leaves as a remedy for gallstones and jaundice, roots and leaves for gall bladder infections, cirrhosis, jaundice and liver diseases | ||
| Taxus baccata | used in cancer treatment | ||
| Teucrium micropodioides | infusion from leaves and flowers for stomach ache, gastritis, jaundice, liverbile disorders, tonic, diuretic | ||
| Thymus capitatus | antiseptic properties so a component of cough syrups, toothpaste, soaps | ||
| Thymus integer | thymol is an antiseptic and bactericide, infusion for dysentery and diarrhoea, anthelmintic and antipyretic | ||
| Tordylium aegyptiacum | diuretic, beneficial for kidneys, bladder, abortion induction causing convulsions of the uterus so also facilitates delivery, extract from seeds as a digestive, against jaundice asthma and coughs | ||
| Trifolium purpureum | flowerhead tea for purifying blood, diuretic, activating the function of the liver, beneficial for sore throats | ||
| Trifolium stellatum | infusion of fresh leaves and flowers for rheumatism, activating liver, appetite, sore throat | ||
| Trigonella foenum-graecum | medicinal use | ||
| Urginea maritima | foul-smelling bulbs for cardiac and circulatory problems, for kidney insufficiency, ear ache, bulbs for cough mixtures and pesticides. Ash and oil grows hair | ||
| Urtica pilulifera | infusions for mouth ulcers and nose bleeding, flagellation with fresh branches for rheumatism | ||
| Verbascum sinuatum | extracts from flowers and roots for gargles, coughs, respiratory infections, roots for diarrhoea and eye inflammations | ||
| Verbena officinalis | bruised leaves on septic wounds, infusion for fevers, stomach troubles | ||
| Viola odorata | flowers and rhizomes as expectorants, against coughs, as emetic and hypostatic | ||
| Viola sieheana | diuretic, expectorant and laxative, infusion against pimples | ||
| Vitex agnus-castus | a herbal medication for stomach ache, eye troubles, (women`s replacement for SRT?) | ||
| Willow species | salicin for inflammation and pain, aspirin | ||
| Withania somnifera | narcotic and diuretic | ||
| Ziziphus lotus | fruit used to treat diarrhoea and skin troubles, as chest emollients and to treat coughs | ||
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