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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.
Skullcap
Botanical Name: Scutellaria lateriflora Family: Lamiaceae Description: Skullcap is a perennial herb that grows up to 3 feet tall. It has serrated leaves, small blue or purple flowers, and a square stem. Historical Use: Skullcap has been used traditionally in North American and European herbal medicine for its calming and sedative properties. It was used to support relaxation and reduce anxiety. Medicinal Uses: Skullcap is traditionally used to support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep. It is also used to support nervous system health and alleviate mild pain. Energetic Qualities: Skullcap is considered cooling and calming. It is believed to have soothing and harmonizing energy. Precautions: Skullcap is generally well-tolerated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to North America. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 4 to 8. Harvesting: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers).
Spruce
Botanical Name: Picea spp. Family: Pinaceae Description: Spruce is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 200 feet tall. It has needle-like leaves, small cones, and produces a resinous sap. Historical Use: Spruce has been used traditionally by indigenous peoples for its medicinal and practical properties. It was used to support respiratory health, treat wounds, and as a building material. Medicinal Uses: Spruce is traditionally used to support respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. It is also used for its antimicrobial properties and to alleviate pain. Energetic Qualities: Spruce is considered warming and stimulating. It is believed to have protective and grounding energy. Precautions: Spruce should be used with caution in individuals with allergies to coniferous trees. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 2 to 7. Harvesting: Needles, bark, and resin are harvested throughout the year and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Needles, bark, resin.
Tribulus
Botanical Name: Tribulus terrestris Family: Zygophyllaceae Description: Tribulus is a sprawling annual herb that grows up to 3 feet in diameter. It has pinnate leaves, yellow flowers, and produces spiny fruit. Historical Use: Tribulus has been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to enhance vitality, support sexual health, and improve overall strength and endurance. Medicinal Uses: Tribulus is traditionally used to support sexual health, enhance libido, and improve athletic performance. It is also used to support urinary tract health and reduce inflammation. Energetic Qualities: Tribulus is considered warming and stimulating. It is believed to enhance vitality and energy. Precautions: Tribulus should be used with caution in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World. Now found worldwide. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 6 to 10. Harvesting: Aerial parts and fruits are harvested when mature and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Aerial parts and fruits.
Vervain
Botanical Name: Verbena officinalis Family: Verbenaceae Description: Vervain is a perennial herb that grows up to 3 feet tall. It has serrated leaves, small, delicate purple flowers, and square stems. Historical Use: Vervain has been used in European herbal medicine for its calming and restorative properties. It was traditionally used to support the nervous system, promote relaxation, and enhance digestion. Medicinal Uses: Vervain is traditionally used to support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. It is also used to support digestive health and alleviate headaches. Energetic Qualities: Vervain is considered cooling and calming. It is believed to have soothing and harmonizing energy. Precautions: Vervain should be used with caution in individuals with low blood pressure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia. Now widely naturalized in North America. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 4 to 8. Harvesting: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) are harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers).
White Pine
Botanical Name: Pinus strobus Family: Pinaceae Description: White Pine is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 230 feet tall. It has long, slender needles, cylindrical cones, and a straight trunk. Historical Use: White Pine has been used traditionally by Native American tribes for its medicinal properties. It was used to support respiratory health, treat wounds, and as a building material. Medicinal Uses: White Pine is traditionally used to support respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. It is also used for its antimicrobial properties and to alleviate pain. Energetic Qualities: White Pine is considered warming and stimulating. It is believed to have protective and grounding energy. Precautions: White Pine should be used with caution in individuals with allergies to pine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to eastern North America. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 3 to 8. Harvesting: Needles, bark, and resin are harvested throughout the year and used fresh or dried. Parts Used: Needles, bark, resin.
White Willowbark
Botanical Name: Salix alba Family: Salicaceae Description: White Willow is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It has long, lance-shaped leaves and produces catkins in the spring. Historical Use: White Willow has been used for thousands of years in traditional European medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Medicinal Uses: White Willow is traditionally used to support joint health, reduce pain, and alleviate inflammation. It is also used to reduce fever and support cardiovascular health. Energetic Qualities: White Willow is considered cooling and drying. It is believed to have soothing and stabilizing energy. Precautions: White Willow should be used with caution in individuals with allergies to aspirin or salicylates. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to Europe and western Asia. Now widely naturalized in North America. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 4 to 8. Harvesting: Bark is harvested in the spring from young branches and dried for use. Parts Used: Bark.
Wild Yam
Botanical Name: Dioscorea villosa Family: Dioscoreaceae Description: Wild Yam is a perennial vine that can grow up to 30 feet long. It has heart-shaped leaves, small greenish-yellow flowers, and tuberous roots. Historical Use: Wild Yam has been used traditionally in Native American and early European herbal medicine for its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used to support women's health, particularly for menstrual and menopausal issues. Medicinal Uses: Wild Yam is traditionally used to support hormonal balance, reduce menstrual cramps, and alleviate menopausal symptoms. It is also used to support digestive health and reduce inflammation. Energetic Qualities: Wild Yam is considered cooling and moistening. It is believed to have soothing and balancing energy. Precautions: Wild Yam should be used with caution in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use. Distribution: Native to eastern North America. Growing Zones: Prefers USDA zones 4 to 9. Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall when the plant is dormant and dried for use. Parts Used: Roots.
Wormwood
Botanical Name: Artemisia absinthium Family: Asteraceae Description: A perennial herb that grows up to 3 feet tall with gray-green, feathery leaves, small yellow flowers, and a bitter taste. Historical Use: Used for centuries in Europe and Asia for its bitter tonic and digestive properties. It is also known for its use in absinthe. Medicinal Uses: Supports digestive health, stimulates appetite, reduces inflammation, antimicrobial properties, expels parasites. Energetic Qualities: Cooling and drying; believed to have stimulating and purifying energy. Precautions: Use with caution as it can be toxic in high doses. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use. Long-term use is not recommended. Distribution: Native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa; now naturalized in North America. Growing Zones: USDA zones 4 to 8. Harvesting: Harvest aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops) in late summer. Dry for use. Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, flowering tops).
Yarrow
Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium Family: Asteraceae Description: Yarrow is a perennial herb that grows up to 3 feet tall. It features finely divided, feathery leaves and clusters of small, aromatic white to pink flowers. The plant has a distinct, somewhat spicy aroma. Historical Use: Yarrow has a long history of use in traditional European and Native American medicine. It was used for wound healing, to reduce inflammation, and as a general tonic. Ancient Greeks applied yarrow to wounds to stop bleeding, a practice echoed in its botanical name, derived from the Greek hero Achilles. Medicinal Uses: Wound Healing: Promotes the healing of cuts and abrasions. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. Digestive Health: Supports digestion and relieves gastrointestinal discomfort. Menstrual Support: Reduces menstrual pain and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Respiratory Health: Used to alleviate symptoms of colds and flu, including congestion and fever. Energetic Qualities: Yarrow is considered cooling and drying. It is believed to have protective, astringent, and healing energy, making it useful in fortifying the body's defenses and promoting overall resilience. Precautions: Generally well-tolerated when used appropriately. However, individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, should use caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using yarrow. Distribution: Yarrow is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It is commonly found in fields, grasslands, and open woodlands. Growing Zones: Yarrow thrives in USDA zones 3 to 9. Harvesting: Harvest the aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) during the flowering period, typically in mid to late summer. Yarrow can be used fresh or dried for later use. Parts Used: Aerial parts, including leaves, stems, and flowers.