At Chrysalis Natural Medicine Clinic in Delaware, my wife Nai-shing and I keep over 1,000 herbs from all parts of the world in stock.
Here are monographs on many of the ones we use the most often. (For more information on how I designed this list, read the article Understanding Herbs from our free online course in herbal medicine.)
WHAT IT DOES: Aguru wood is bitter in taste and hot in action. It increases blood circulation to the lungs and head area, and tonifies and warms the entire body.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Agastache is aromatic, pungent in taste, and slightly warming in action. It stops nausea and vomiting by dissolving mucus in the stomach ...
WHAT IT DOES: Alfalfa is sweet and slightly bitter in taste and cooling in action. It nourishes the blood ...
WHAT IT DOES: Aloe vera gel is bitter in taste, cold in action and mucilaginous. It heals and soothes skin irritations.
...
WHAT IT DOES: American ginseng root is sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and cooling in action. It is an adaptogenic (balancing) tonic that nourishes, moistens and cools the body; strengthens the lungs; reduces weakness and fatigue; and strengthens and calms the nervous system ...
WHAT IT DOES: Amla fruit is sour, sweet and astringent in taste, and cooling in action. It is a rasayana tonic that promotes longevity, and is especially good for the heart. It strengthen the lungs, helping to fight chronic lung problems as well as upper respiratory infections.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Arjuna bark is astringent in taste, cooling in action, and light and dry in property. It is an anti-poison agent that tonifies, strengthens and protects the heart and musculo-skeletal system ...
WHAT IT DOES: Ashwagandha root is bitter in taste, warming in action, and a strong rasayana tonic for longevity. It calms and strengthens the nervous system (Vata); reduces stress; strengthens immunity and vitality; supports adrenal function; increases sexual energy; and improves cognition and memory, nourishes thyroid ...
WHAT IT DOES: Astragalus root is sweet in taste and slightly warming in action, It strengthens the vital force (Qi), boosts the immune system, and strengthens the heart and lungs ...
WHAT IT DOES: Bala is sweet in taste and hot in action. It nourishes and strengthens immunity, heals the nerves, reduces pain and stimulates formation of healthy new tissue.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Beet root is sweet in taste and detoxifying in action. It nourishes the liver, intestines and other internal organs and protects them from toxins. ...
WHAT THEY DO: Bilberries and blueberries are sour in taste and cooling in action. They remove inflammation and congestion from tiny blood vessels, strengthening vessel integrity and microcirculation; they prevent oxidative stress damage to the eye and to neuronal cells.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Boswellia gum is pungent and bitter in taste, and warm in action. It reduces pain, swelling, mucus and inflammation in the lungs, liver, skin, intestines and joints ...
WHAT IT DOES: Bromelain is pungent and slightly sweet in taste, with a strong long-lasting penetrating quality. It reduces inflammation and breaks up mucus, improves digestion and absorption, speeds wound healing, and helps fight tumors.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Bupleurum root is bitter and pungent in taste, and cooling (anti-inflammatory) in action. It releases internal tension and lowers mental stress, anxiety and anger (including PMS); reduces dizziness and vertigo; warms coldness of hands and feet caused by tension; stimulates the immune system; improves circulation; reduces fever and liver inflammation; stimulates bile flow; protects the liver; and improves digestion.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Burdock root is bitter and slightly pungent in taste, and cooling in action. It improves digestive, liver and bowel functions, reduces heat and inflammation, and helps detoxify poisons. It also heals the skin ...
WHAT IT DOES: Carthamus flower is pungent in taste and warming in action. It promotes blood circulation and helps reduce pain.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Externally, castor oil stimulates lymph drainage. Internally, it is a laxative ...
WHAT IT DOES: Chaga mushroom has a bitter, coffee-like flavor. It stimulates the immune system and draws the life force out of tumors ...
WHAT IT DOES: Chaste tree berry is bitter and pungent in taste and cooling in action. It helps regulate female hormones and relieves symptoms associated with PMS and menopause.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Chrysanthemum flower is sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and slightly cold in action. It reduces heat and congestion in the liver, lungs and eyes, eases coughs and colds, fights viral illness and infection.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Cocoa bean is bitter in taste and warming in action. It stimulates the mind and elevates mood.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Cordyceps mushroom is sweet and bland in taste, and warming in action. It strengthens immunity and fortifies and heals the lungs, heart and kidneys. Used as a tonic for weakness in the elderly and to promote longevity ...
WHAT IT DOES: Dandelion is bitter, slightly pungent and sweet in taste. It speeds removal of inflammation and dampness from the liver, intestines and gall bladder, and detoxifies the blood. The leaf promote urination.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Dang gui root is sweet, pungent and bitter in taste, and warming in action. It nourishes the female essence, tonifies blood, helps form healthy new blood, and catalyzes circulation (moves the blood) ...
WHAT IT DOES: Deer antler is sweet and salty in taste and very warming in action. It tonifies and stimulates deficient Yang metabolic energy, increases sex drive and strengthens the heart, bones, and blood. It increases the ability to work ...
WHAT IT DOES: Eclipta is cooling in action. Ayurvedic eclipta (bhringaraja) is bitter in taste, while Chinese eclipta (han lian cao) is sweet and sour in taste. Both reduce inflammation, obstructive swelling and pain from the liver and blood. They also calm stress and nourish the hair roots ...
WHAT IT DOES: Elderberry fruit is sour in taste and cooling in action. Elderberry flower is pungent and bitter in taste, and has similar activity to the
fruit. Elderberry reduces heat and inflammation, and strengthens the immune system to fight viral infections, including influenza.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Ephedra is pungent and slightly bitter in taste, and warming in action. It relaxes the muscles surrounding the lungs, dilates the surfaces vessels of the skin and increases metabolism. SPECIAL NOTE: THIS HERB HAS BEEN BANNED FOR USE IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Epimedium herb is pungent and sweet in taste, and warming in action. It increases sperm production and motility, increases sex drive and fertility, enhances metabolism and strengthens the bones. ...
WHAT IT DOES: Fennel seed is sweet in taste, carminative and aromatic. It strengthens the digestion, freshens the breath, reduces gas and relieves lower abdominal pain.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Feverfew is sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and slightly cold in action. It reduces heat and inflammation and prevents headaches and dizziness.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Flaxseed oil is sweet and sour in taste and warming in action. It nourishes and moistens cell membranes and reduces inflammation.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Garlic bulb is pungent in taste, and warming in action. It penetrates deeply into the system to protect the internal organs and vessels against infection and blockage. It stimulates appetite, improves circulation, fights infection, breaks up mucus and aids in the digestion of fats and oils.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Ginger root is pungent in taste, and warming, and mildly tonic in action. It improves digestion, reduces nausea and mucus, settles the stomach, and reduces inflammation.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Purified ginkgo leaf is bitter and astringent in taste, and stimulating and warming in action. It increases oxygen and blood flow to the brain and extremities, and increases nutrient and oxygen absorption by nerve
tissue.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Ginseng root is sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and warming in action. It strengthens the vital force (Qi), tonifies the digestive and immune systems, reduces fatigue, strenghtens muscles and bones, sharpens the mind and slows aging.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Gotu Kola is bitter and astringent in taste and cooling in action. It is a brain and memory tonic, and an anti-poison, and very useful for wound and skin healing.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Guduchi stem is bitter in taste and warming in action, and is a rasayana tonic for good health and longevity. It has strong anti-toxin and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces mucus, protects the liver and has a calming, stabilizing effect on the nervous system (Vata).
...
WHAT IT DOES: Guggul gum is bitter and pungent in taste, and hot in action. It is a longevity tonic that stimulates metabolism and the breakdown of mucous, tumors, fat and cysts.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Gymnema is bitter in taste, and cooling in action. It improves blood sugar control in diabetics, numbs the taste of sweet completely (for about 20 minutes), and decreases appetite (for about 90 minutes).
...
WHAT IT DOES: Haritaki fruit is sweet, sour and astringent in taste, as well as slightly bitter and pungent. It is hot in action. It strengthens immunity while exerting a mild laxative effect. ...
WHAT IT DOES: Hawthorn berries and flower buds are sour and sweet in taste, and slightly warming in action. Hawthorn nourishes the heart, increases oxygen flow to the heart muscle, reduces blood vessel lining inflammation and helps digest fats and oils ...
WHAT IT DOES: Isatis root and leaf are bitter in taste and cold in action. They reduce fever and heat, cool the blood and throat, and reduce activity of virulent virus' and microbes.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Kava root is bitter, pungent and slightly astringent in taste and warming in action. It tranquilizes the mind, calms anxiety and reduces skeletal and bladder muscle spasms and pain. Also used to help deepen sleep ...
WHAT IT DOES: Kudzu is sweet in taste and cooling in action. The root is a general tonic that calms the nerves and heart, relaxes tension and spasms in the upper body. The flower reduces alcohol cravings.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Lemon is sour in taste, and cooling in action. It stimulates the internal organs, and helps resolve kidney stones and gall stones.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Licorice root is sweet in taste and cooling in action. It detoxifies poisons from the blood and liver, and reduces general inflammation and pain. It moistens and heals the lungs and digestive tract. ...
WHAT IT DOES: Long pepper is pungent in taste and hot in action, and tonic. It improves appetite and digestion, helps control coughs and asthma, reduces mucus and increases absorption of food, nutrients and herbs
...
WHAT IT DOES: Maitake Mushroom is sweet in taste and neutral in energy. It is a nourishing adaptogenic tonic that helps nourish the immune system and identify, target and destroy invaders, including cancer cells ...
WHAT IT DOES: Milk thistle seed is sweet in taste and cooling in action. It strongly protects, repairs and nourishes the liver, stomach and intestines.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Milky oat seed is sweet in taste, nutritive, and calming. It restores strength and energy to the nervous system when exhausted. It also can be used to reduce craving for tobacco and drugs. ...
Latin: Millettia species, Spatholobus suberectus Chinese: Ji xue teng English: Chicken blood vine WHAT IT DOES: Millettia stem is sweet ...
WHAT IT DOES: Muira puama is sweet in taste and warming in action. It increases sex drive and stimulates nervous system energy.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Myrrh gum is bitter in taste, aromatic, and cooling in action. It invigorates the blood and reduces pain and swelling caused by blood stasis.
...
WHAT IT DOES: Neem leaf is very strong, bitter in taste and cold in action. Internally it reduces fever and inflammation, reduces itching, and kills microbes and fungus. Neem oil is used externally to heal wounds and boils ...
WHAT IT DOES: Oregano oil is pungent in taste, aromatic and warming. It penetrates into the system, breaks up congestion and kills microbes. Oregano leaf stimulates appetite and detoxifies food ...
WHAT IT DOES: Peppermint leaf is sweet and peppermint oil is sweet and slightly pungent in taste. Both are aromatic and cooling in action. Peppermint leaf cools and soothes the throat, lungs, stomach and mind. Peppermint oil reduces intestinal spasms internally, and calms itching externally ...
WHAT IT DOES: Phellodendron bark is bitter in taste and cold in action. It reduces inflammation and dampness, especially from the lower parts of the body. It has broad-spectrum anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity, and has been found useful for autoimmune conditions ...
WHAT IT DOES: Pinellia tuber is pungent in taste and warming in action. It dries up and dissolves mucus in the lungs, stomach and intestines, and stops nausea and vomiting ...
WHAT IT DOES: Poria mushroom, actually the sclerotium (hardened mass enveloping the mushroom), is bland and sweet in taste, and neutral in action. It promotes fluid discharge and strengthens digestion ...
WHAT IT DOES: Prickly ash bark is pungent in taste and hot in action. It stimulates the circulation and breaks up blood congestion ...
WHAT IT DOES: Raspberry is a gentle astringent and blood nourishing tonic good for the immune system and the eyes. Chinese raspberry is good for bedwetting ...
WHAT IT DOES: Rauwolfia root is bitter in taste and cooling in action. It lowers blood pressure, tranquilizes the mind, and promotes sleep ...
WHAT IT DOES: Red clover blossom is sweet and slightly salty in taste, and cooling in action. It thins the lymph, cools, nourishes and detoxifies the blood, and reduces respiratory irritability. ...
WHAT IT DOES: Rehmannia root strengthens and nourishes the blood and Yin, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the kidneys ...
WHAT IT DOES: The fruiting body of reishi mushroom is sweet in taste and neutral to slightly warming in action. It calms the spirit, soothes nerve irritation; strengthens immunity; slows aging; strengthens the heart, lungs and liver; and relaxes spasms. ...
WHAT IT DOES: Rhubarb root is sour and bitter in taste, and cooling in action. It is a stimulant laxative that drains inflammation from the liver, large intestine and kidney ...
WHAT IT DOES: Salvia root is bitter in taste, and slightly cold in action. It promotes blood circulation while reducing general of blood vessel inflammation. It has anti-arteriosclerotic properties ...
WHAT IT DOES: Sarsaparilla root is sweet and bland in taste, and neutral in action. It removes toxins from the bowel, and reduces inflammation and dampness from the blood, liver, urinary system and skin ...
WHAT IT DOES: Schisandra berry is sour in taste, astringent and warming. It calms the mind and nerves, nourishes the Yin, generates fluids, strengthens general vitality and tonifies and protects the heart, liver and lungs ...
WHAT IT DOES: Scullcap is bitter in taste and cooling in action. It soothes and calms the nerves ...
WHAT IT DOES: Scute root is bitter in taste and cold in action. It drains heat and inflammation from the liver, lungs, blood and intestines. It also reduces allergy symptoms ...
WHAT IT DOES: Shalaparni is sweet in taste and mildy warming in action. It is calming, strengthening and anti-inflammatory. It restores balance to the system when other herbs fail ...
WHAT IT DOES: Shilajatu is bitter and slightly pungent in taste, and mildly warming in action. Shilajatu is a rasayana (longevity) tonic that strengthens immunity; reduces fatigue; slows aging; tonifies the brain; cleanses the blood; improves blood sugar regulation: and strengthens the liver and kidneys ...
WHAT IT DOES: Shou wu root is bitter, sweet and astringent in taste, and slightly neutral in action. It nourishes the blood, protects the liver and heart, reduces toxic heat, and fertilizes the hair roots. It promotes longevity ...
WHAT IT DOES: Siberian eleuthero (formerly called Siberian ginseng) is sweet and slightly pungent in taste, and neutral in action. It nourishes the adrenal glands, supports liver metabolism and increases energy and endurance against stress and pollution ...
WHAT IT DOES: Slippery elm inner bark is sweet in taste and neutral in action. It soothes the throat and coats and soothes the intestines ...
WHAT IT DOES: St. John's wort is bitter and astringent in taste and cooling in action. It elevates the mood, soothes the nerves, aids the liver in detoxification, and strengthens immunity. ...
WHAT IT DOES: Stevia leaf is sweet in taste and neutral in action. It sweetens without adding calories and contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation ...
WHAT IT DOES: Stinging nettle leaf is bitter in taste and cooling in action. It cleanses the blood. Nettle seed nourishes and removes toxins from the kidneys ...
WHAT IT DOES: Stoneroot is sour and spicy in taste, and warming in action. It relaxes constriction and clears venous congestion and inflammation from the mouth, throat and lungs, down through the lower bowel and anus ...
WHAT IT DOES: Tangerine peel is aromatic, warm and pungent in taste, and warming in action. It aids digestion, dries up mucus and reduces nausea ...
WHAT IT DOES: Tea leaf is bitter and astringent in taste, and stimulating in action. There are two different types of this medicinal tea. Black tea directly neutralizes external viral outbreaks, while green tea prevents cancer, strengthens immunity, stimulates the nerves and neutralizes bacterial, chemical and radiation poisons ...
WHAT IT DOES: Tea tree oil is sweet and pungent in taste, with a penetrating and drying action. It is an effective topical anti-bacterial & anti-fungal ...
WHAT IT DOES: Tien chi root is sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and warming in action. It stops bleeding while simultaneously reducing blood congestion and clotting. It also relaxes, detoxifies and repairs blood vessels, and speeds wound healing. It is a mild tonic ...
WHAT IT DOES: Turmeric root is bitter in taste and warming in action. It strongly reduces inflammation and mucus in all parts of the body, protects the liver, lungs and intestines, and helps prevent and treat cancer. For medical use, products which concentrate extracts of both curcumin and tumerones are best ...
WHAT IT DOES: Valerian root is bitter, slightly sweet and pungent in taste. It is warming in action with a strong odor. It calms the nerves and muscles and helps induce restful sleep ...