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Herb Glossary
Below is a list of herbs, in alphabetical order, that have historically and are commonly used in specialty herbal formulations. My Apothecary Box uses only the highest quality, organically grown herbs that you will find in this list. As our apothecary expands, so will this Herb Glossary.
Gentian
Botanical Name: Gentiana lutea Family: Gentianaceae Description: Gentian is a perennial herb that grows up to 4 feet tall. It has large, opposite leaves and produces clusters of yellow flowers. The root is thick and bitter. Historical Use: Gentian has been used for centuries in traditional European medicine as a bitter tonic to support digestive health. It was also used to stimulate appetite and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. Medicinal Uses: Gentian is traditionally used to support digestive health, stimulate appetite, and promote bile production. It is also used to improve nutrient absorption and relieve indigestion. Energetic Qualities: Gentian is considered cooling and drying. It is believed to have invigorating and stimulating energy. Precautions: Gentian should be used with caution in individuals with ulcers or excessive stomach acid. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to the mountains of central and southern Europe. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 5 to 8. Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall after the plant has reached maturity. They are dried and processed for use. Parts Used: Roots.
Ginger Root
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale Family: Zingiberaceae Description: Ginger is a perennial herb that grows up to 3 feet tall. It has narrow leaves, yellow-green flowers, and a thick, aromatic rhizome (root). Historical Use: Ginger has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and cooking, particularly in Asian cultures. It was used to support digestive health, alleviate nausea, and improve circulation. Medicinal Uses: Ginger is traditionally used to support digestive health, reduce nausea, and alleviate inflammation. It is also used to promote circulation and relieve pain. Energetic Qualities: Ginger is considered warming and stimulating. It is believed to enhance digestion and circulation. Precautions: Ginger should be used with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to Southeast Asia. Now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 9 to 12. Harvesting: Rhizomes are harvested when the plant is about 10 months old. They are cleaned, dried, and processed for use. Parts Used: Rhizomes (roots).
Ginko Biloba
Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba Family: Ginkgoaceae Description: Ginkgo is a large, deciduous tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It has fan-shaped leaves and produces small, inedible fruits with a strong odor. Historical Use: Ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to support cognitive function and improve circulation. Medicinal Uses: Ginkgo is traditionally used to support cognitive function, improve memory, and enhance circulation. It is also used to support eye health and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Energetic Qualities: Ginkgo is considered neutral in energy. It is believed to enhance clarity and circulation. Precautions: Ginkgo should be used with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to China. Now cultivated in temperate regions worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 4 to 9. Harvesting: Leaves are harvested in the fall when they are fully mature. They are dried and processed for use. Parts Used: Leaves.
Gotu Kola
Botanical Name: Centella asiatica Family: Apiaceae Description: Gotu Kola is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 foot tall. It has small, fan-shaped leaves and produces tiny white or pink flowers. The plant spreads via runners. Historical Use: Gotu Kola has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its potential to enhance cognitive function, promote wound healing, and support longevity. Medicinal Uses: Gotu Kola is traditionally used to support cognitive function, promote skin health, and reduce anxiety. It is also used to improve circulation and support connective tissue health. Energetic Qualities: Gotu Kola is considered cooling and moistening. It is believed to have calming and rejuvenating energy. Precautions: Gotu Kola should be used with caution in individuals with liver conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Now widely cultivated in similar climates worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 7 to 11. Harvesting: Leaves are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Leaves.
Holy Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum (Ocimum tenuiflorum) Family: Lamiaceae Description: Holy Basil is a perennial herb that grows up to 3 feet tall. It has green or purple leaves, small white or purple flowers, and a strong, aromatic scent. Historical Use: Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic properties. It was revered as a sacred plant and used to promote overall health and well-being. Medicinal Uses: Holy Basil is traditionally used to support stress management, enhance immune function, and promote respiratory health. It is also used to improve mood and reduce inflammation. Energetic Qualities: Holy Basil is considered warming and drying. It is believed to have uplifting and balancing energy. Precautions: Holy Basil should be used with caution in individuals with blood clotting disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to India. Now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 10 to 11. Harvesting: Leaves and flowering tops are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops.
Juniper
Botanical Name: Juniperus communis Family: Cupressaceae Description: Juniper is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to 30 feet tall. It has needle-like leaves and produces small, blue-black berries. Historical Use: Juniper has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its diuretic and antiseptic properties. It was also used in culinary applications and as a flavoring agent in gin. Medicinal Uses: Juniper is traditionally used to support urinary health, promote detoxification, and reduce inflammation. It is also used for its antimicrobial properties. Energetic Qualities: Juniper is considered warming and drying. It is believed to have purifying and protective energy. Precautions: Juniper should be used with caution in individuals with kidney disorders. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using juniper. Prolonged use is not recommended. Distribution: Native to the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 3 to 7. Harvesting: Berries are harvested in the fall when they are fully ripe and dried for use. Parts Used: Berries.
Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis Family: Lamiaceae Description: Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has heart-shaped, serrated leaves and produces small white or yellow flowers. The plant has a lemony scent. Historical Use: Lemon Balm has been used since ancient times in traditional European medicine for its calming and soothing properties. It was also used to support digestive health and improve mood. Medicinal Uses: Lemon Balm is traditionally used to support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep. It is also used to support digestive health and relieve tension headaches. Energetic Qualities: Lemon Balm is considered cooling and moistening. It is believed to have calming and uplifting energy. Precautions: Lemon Balm is generally well-tolerated, but individuals with thyroid disorders should use it with caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Now widely cultivated worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 4 to 9. Harvesting: Leaves are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Leaves.
Licorice Root
Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra Family: Fabaceae Description: Licorice is a perennial herb that grows up to 5 feet tall. It has compound leaves, purple to pale blue flowers, and produces long, brownish-yellow roots. Historical Use: Licorice has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and European medicine for its sweet flavor and medicinal properties. It was used to support respiratory and digestive health. Medicinal Uses: Licorice is traditionally used to support respiratory health, soothe sore throats, and alleviate digestive discomfort. It is also used to reduce inflammation and support adrenal health. Energetic Qualities: Licorice is considered cooling and moistening. It is believed to have harmonizing and soothing energy. Precautions: Licorice should be used with caution in individuals with high blood pressure or those taking corticosteroids. Prolonged use can cause water retention and potassium depletion. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 7 to 10. Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall of the third or fourth year of growth. They are dried and processed for use. Parts Used: Roots.
Maca
Botanical Name: Lepidium meyenii Family: Brassicaceae Description: Maca is a biennial plant that grows up to 1 foot tall. It has a rosette of green leaves and produces a fleshy, radish-like root. Historical Use: Maca has been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples in the Andes for its nutritional and medicinal properties. It was traditionally used to enhance fertility, increase stamina, and support overall health. Medicinal Uses: Maca is traditionally used to support energy levels, enhance fertility, and promote hormonal balance. It is also used to support mood and reduce symptoms of menopause. Energetic Qualities: Maca is considered warming and energizing. It is believed to enhance vitality and endurance. Precautions: Maca is generally well-tolerated, but individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should use it with caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 6 to 8. Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall when they are fully mature. They are dried and processed for use. Parts Used: Roots.
Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha spp. Family: Lamiaceae Description: Mint is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has square stems, aromatic leaves, and produces small purple, pink, or white flowers. There are many species of mint, including peppermint and spearmint. Historical Use: Mint has been used since ancient times in cooking and traditional medicine. It was used by the Greeks and Romans to support digestive health and as a flavoring agent. Medicinal Uses: Mint is traditionally used to support digestive health, relieve nausea, and reduce headaches. It is also used to promote respiratory health and reduce stress. Energetic Qualities: Mint is considered cooling and invigorating. It is believed to enhance clarity and refresh energy. Precautions: Mint is generally well-tolerated, but individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should use it with caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia. Now widely cultivated worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 3 to 11. Harvesting: Leaves are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Leaves.
Muira Puama Bark
Botanical Name: Ptychopetalum olacoides Family: Olacaceae Description: Muira Puama is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 15 feet tall. It has lance-shaped leaves, small white flowers, and produces a woody bark. Historical Use: Muira Puama has been used traditionally in the Amazon rainforest for its potential to enhance sexual health and increase energy. It was also used to support cognitive function and alleviate stress. Medicinal Uses: Muira Puama is traditionally used to support sexual health, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress. It is also used to support energy levels and alleviate mild depression. Energetic Qualities: Muira Puama is considered warming and stimulating. It is believed to enhance vitality and mental clarity. Precautions: Muira Puama is generally well-tolerated, but individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should use it with caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and other parts of South America. Growing Zones: Prefers tropical regions. Harvesting: Bark is harvested from mature trees and shrubs, then dried and processed for use. Parts Used: Bark.
Nettle (Stinging)
Botanical Name: Urtica dioica Family: Urticaceae Description: Nettle is a perennial herb that grows up to 6 feet tall. It has heart-shaped, serrated leaves with stinging hairs and produces small greenish flowers. Historical Use: Nettle has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a food source. It was used to support joint health, alleviate allergies, and promote urinary health. Medicinal Uses: Nettle is traditionally used to support joint health, reduce allergy symptoms, and promote urinary health. It is also used to support skin health and alleviate inflammation. Energetic Qualities: Nettle is considered cooling and drying. It is believed to have purifying and strengthening energy. Precautions: Fresh nettle can cause skin irritation due to its stinging hairs. Cooking or drying neutralizes the stinging effect. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Now widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 4 to 9. Harvesting: Leaves are harvested in the spring before the plant flowers and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Leaves, stems, and roots.
Oat Straw
Botanical Name: Avena sativa Family: Poaceae Description: Oat is an annual grass that grows up to 4 feet tall. It has long, narrow leaves and produces seed heads containing grains. Oat straw refers to the green, leafy parts of the plant. Historical Use: Oat straw has been used in traditional medicine to support nervous system health and as a tonic for overall vitality. It was also used to support skin health and alleviate stress. Medicinal Uses: Oat straw is traditionally used to support nervous system health, promote relaxation, and improve mood. It is also used to support skin health and alleviate minor skin irritations. Energetic Qualities: Oat straw is considered cooling and moistening. It is believed to have calming and nourishing energy. Precautions: Oat straw is generally well-tolerated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia. Now widely cultivated worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 3 to 8. Harvesting: Oat straw is harvested in the late spring to early summer when the plant is still green. It is dried and processed for use. Parts Used: Aerial parts (straw)
Oregano
Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare Family: Lamiaceae Description: Oregano is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has aromatic, oval-shaped leaves and produces small pink or purple flowers. Historical Use: Oregano has been used since ancient times in cooking and traditional medicine. It was used by the Greeks and Romans to support digestive health and as an antimicrobial agent. Medicinal Uses: Oregano is traditionally used to support digestive health, improve respiratory health, and reduce inflammation. It is also used for its antimicrobial properties. Energetic Qualities: Oregano is considered warming and drying. It is believed to have invigorating and purifying energy. Precautions: Oregano should be used with caution in individuals with allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to the Mediterranean region. Now widely cultivated worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 5 to 10. Harvesting: Leaves and flowering tops are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops.
Passionflower
Botanical Name: Passiflora incarnata Family: Passifloraceae Description: Passionflower is a perennial climbing vine that can grow up to 20 feet long. It has deeply lobed leaves, large and intricate flowers with white and purple petals, and produces small, edible fruits. Historical Use: Passionflower has been used traditionally in the Americas for its calming and sedative properties. It was used to support relaxation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety. Medicinal Uses: Passionflower is traditionally used to support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep. It is also used to alleviate mild pain and support nervous system health. Energetic Qualities: Passionflower is considered cooling and calming. It is believed to have soothing and harmonizing energy. Precautions: Passionflower should be used with caution in individuals taking sedative medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to the southeastern United States. Now cultivated in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 5 to 9. Harvesting: Leaves, stems, and flowers are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers).
Rose Hips
Botanical Name: Rosa canina Family: Rosaceae Description: Rose is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall. It has thorny stems, compound leaves, and produces large, fragrant flowers followed by red to orange berry-like fruits called rose hips. Historical Use: Rose hips have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their high vitamin C content and immune-boosting properties. They were also used to support digestive and skin health. Medicinal Uses: Rose hips are traditionally used to support immune health, promote skin health, and reduce inflammation. They are also used to support joint health and improve overall vitality. Energetic Qualities: Rose hips are considered cooling and moistening. They are believed to have nourishing and protective energy. Precautions: Rose hips are generally well-tolerated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. Now widely cultivated worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 5 to 9. Harvesting: Rose hips are harvested in the fall after the first frost when they are fully ripe and dried for use. Parts Used: Fruits (hips).
Rose Petals
Botanical Name: Rosa spp. Family: Rosaceae Description: Rose is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall. It has thorny stems, compound leaves, and produces large, fragrant flowers in various colors. Historical Use: Rose petals have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and culinary applications. They were used to support skin health, promote relaxation, and as a flavoring agent. Medicinal Uses: Rose petals are traditionally used to support skin health, promote relaxation, and improve mood. They are also used to soothe sore throats and support digestive health. Energetic Qualities: Rose petals are considered cooling and moistening. They are believed to have calming and uplifting energy. Precautions: Rose petals are generally well-tolerated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. Now widely cultivated worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 5 to 9. Harvesting: Petals are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Petals.
Rosemary
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis Family: Lamiaceae Description: Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall. It has needle-like leaves, small blue or white flowers, and a strong, aromatic scent. Historical Use: Rosemary has been used since ancient times in cooking and traditional medicine. It was used by the Greeks and Romans to improve memory, support digestive health, and as a culinary herb. Medicinal Uses: Rosemary is traditionally used to support cognitive function, improve memory, and enhance digestion. It is also used for its antimicrobial properties and to reduce inflammation. Energetic Qualities: Rosemary is considered warming and stimulating. It is believed to enhance clarity and invigorate energy. Precautions: Rosemary should be used with caution in individuals with epilepsy or those taking medications for high blood pressure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to the Mediterranean region. Now widely cultivated worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 8 to 10. Harvesting: Leaves and flowering tops are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops.