Throughout history, natural herbs and oils derived from similar plants have been used to soothe, heal, and remedy a number of ailments both physical and mental.

While we now have a plethora of pharmaceutical and medical interventions available, some tried-and-true methods introduced by alternative medicine still have a place in our kitchens and medicine cabinets.

According to Market Research Future on Reuters, the herbal medicine market is projected to reach $111 billion by the end of 2023. A large part of what appeals to so many is the absence of processing and synthetic additives, chemicals, or preservatives.

To derive the greatest benefit from herbal medicine, this guide will show what herbs and oils are best for certain symptoms and how to properly take them for their full effectiveness and safety.

Use the menu below to learn more about specific herbs and oils and how you can use them

Aloe Vera

Leaf

Africa, M. East, S. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Aloe Vera is most commonly known to treat sun burns after a long day outside in the blazing sun, however the plant also holds other skin related benefits such as clearing up acne and treating skin injuries. The plant also has been shown to can antioxidants.

Ashwagandha

Root, Berry

S.E. Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Ashwagandha also known as Indian Ginseng has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Interestingly, the plant's name can be broken down into two Sanskrit words; ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell.

Birch

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Birch oil has been used treat achy and sore muscles alongside a host of other ailments. Interestingly, the oil's scent smells similar to that of wintergreen than other oils extracted from trees.

Broadleaf Plantain

Plant

Europe

Symptoms

Method of Application

Broadleaf Plantain, or white man's foot, is one of the most widely cultivated medicinal plants throughout the world. With a variety of uses and applications for treating differing issues, the plant is a versatile one.

Calendula

Flower

Mediterranean

Symptoms

Method of Application

Calendula is infused into many lotions, face washes, and other topical applications because of its healing properties.

Catnip

Leaf

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Catnip maybe the treat that cat owners give their cats, but the herb has been used by people treat a wide variety of ailments. However, it is more commonly known for its effects on the feline species.

Chamomile

Flower

Europe

Symptoms

Method of Application

Brew in Tea

Chamomile has been used across Europe for centuries to treat a variety of issues. The herb can also be made into an oil and used most commonly in cosmetic products or aromatherapy. Interestingly, the name "chamomile" derives from the Greek word "earth apple".

Cinnamon

Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Cinnamon is spice harvested from the bark of Cinnamomum trees and has been used as aromatic in a variety of cuisines. Additionally, the spice was considered so valuable that is was treated as gifts reserved for kings.

Clary Sage

Mediterranean

Symptoms

Method of Application

Clary Sage not only promotes relaxation but has been shown to help problems such as stomach pain, help with menstruation, and prevent skin infections.

Clove

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Clove was originally used as spice in a lot of 18th century cooking, but the oils harvest from the flower buds are used to topically treat arthritis and other Joint Inflammation.

Cypress

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Cypress trees were considered both by the Ancient Greeks and Romans to be a sacred tree that was associated with their respective goddess of wisdom; Artemis or Diana.

Dandelion

Leaf, Stem, Flower, Root

Europe, Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Dandelion has been used in teas and mixed in with salads due to its high nutritional value; offering iron, folate and Vitamins A, C, K, and E.

Echinacea

Left, Flower, Root

Europe, N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Echinacea is native to areas east of the Rocky Mountains and had been used by many First Nation tribes to treat cold and flu symptoms.

Elderberry

Berry

N. and S. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Elderberry has been traditionally used to treat the flu and other conditions for hundreds of years. It is also prominent within many culinary dishes ranging from France to Central European countries where it is found is many a delicious pastry.

Eucalyptus

Australia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Eucalyptus is most popularly known as the sole food of koalas, however, the plant has been shown to help relieve cold symptoms and used as an ingredient in many insect repellents.

Fenugreek

Leaf

Europe, Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Fenugreek is most commonly used as an ingredient in many, many Asian dishes, however the plant has had a long history in traditional medicine from inducing labor to helping manage sugar levels in diabetics.

Feverfew

Leaf

N. America, Europe

Symptoms

Method of Application

Feverfew, also called bachelor's buttons, is closely related to Chamomile and like its cousin, the herb is used to offer relief to various ailments, but it can be also used a in wider variety of applications.

Frankincense

Africa, M. East

Symptoms

Method of Application

Frankincense oil has been harvested for at least 6,000 years and is mentioned in the Talmud and Torah as being used for an incense offering. Additionally the oil has been used in various skin care regimes as well.

Garlic

Clove, Root, Plant

SE Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Garlic not only flavors your dishes but has been proven to have multiple health benefits. Coming from Asia and making its way into the Europe this onion can now be found the world over.

Ginger

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Ginger has been used as both within Asian cuisine and traditional medicine for thousands of years. More specifically, the oil of the ginger root used a topical analgesic.

Ginkgo

Leaf

Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Ginkgo is not only one of the oldest cultivated herbs in human history, but also one of the oldest herbs period. Ginkgo has been found in fossils that have been dated 270 million years old.

Ginseng

Root, Leaf

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Ginseng is widely used in teas because of its beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Goldenseal

Root

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Goldenseal was originally used by First Nation tribes both as medicine and as a coloring agent by the time European colonization.

Grapefruit

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Grapefruit is often thought as a fruit to be enjoyed during breakfast, however the fruit's oil is often used for aromatherapy purposes to reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation.

Jojoba

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Jojoba is native to the desert regions of N. America and has been used as both medicine and as a food stock of the First Nation tribes that inhabited the region.

Lavender

Flower, Stem

Mediterranean

Symptoms

Method of Application

Lavender is famed for its lovely scent and color, inspiring artists the world over. Most commonly used in aromatherapy, the plant encourages a sense of well being and relaxation.

Lemon

SE Asia, S. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Lemon originally grew in northern India and is a hybrid between a sour orange and citron. While its been used to flavor dishes and cleaning products, the fruit has been used for its oil within aromatherapy.

Lemongrass

Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Lemongrass comes from the Greek word meaning sweet root; having been using in various traditional medicine practices to "harmonize" the ingredients into something a bit more palatable.

Licorice

Root, extract

Mediterranean, Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Licorice comes from the Greek word meaning sweet root; having been using in various traditional medicine practices to "harmonize" the ingredients into something a bit more palatable.

Marjoram

Mediterranean

Symptoms

Method of Application

Marjoram was originally found in Turkey, soon to the Greeks and then later the Romans who both viewed the herb as a symbol of happiness.

Milk Thistle

Plant

Europe

Symptoms

Method of Application

Milk Thistle has been used to treat liver problems since the ancient Greeks, but the plant also can be cooked and eaten many different ways.

Marshmallow

Leaf, Root

Europe, N.Africa, Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Marshmallow or althaea officinalis is the same plant that marshmallows, the sweet confectionary treat, derive from. But marshmallows and dishes similar date back all the way to the Ancient Egyptians.

Mountain Mint

Leaf, Stem

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Mountain Mint is another plant native to America and is a wonderful source of nectar for butterflies. Additionally, the plant can be used a garnish or main feature of a salad!

Mullein

Leaf, Stem, Flower

Europe, N.Africa, Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Mullein has many names; Beggar's Blanket, Blanket Leaf, Flannelflower and has been used to flavor alcoholic beverages too.

Oregano

Europe

Symptoms

Method of Application

Oregano, the ubiquitous culinary herb, but the oil for the plant has shown to fight a variety ailments ranging from reducing inflammation to pain relief.

Peppermint

Leaf, Stem

Europe, M. East

Symptoms

Method of Application

Peppermint has held a special place in human civilization, from Greek mythology to Mesopotamian cultures offering the plant in tribute to their gods. While not a naturally occurring plant, peppermint is a hybrid of the water mint and spearmint.

Pot Marigold

Flower

Europe

Symptoms

Method of Application

Pot Marigold is thought to have originally originated in southern Europe and has been used to treat heal cuts to the skin as well as stopping potential inflection. The flowers themselves were used by many cultures as a fabric dye and a garnish for salads.

Rose

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Rose fragrance and its oil have been harvested for close to 5,000 years. It's labor intensive production often makes the oil and fragrance command high prices.

Rosemary

Leaf, Stem

Mediterranean

Symptoms

Method of Application

Rosemary has also been used to season and flavor dishes the world over, yet like many herbs, the plant possesses many healing benefits. Interestingly, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans held the herb sacred and used it throughout their religious rituals.

Sage

Leaf

Mediterranean

Symptoms

Method of Application

Sage is mostly thought of as herb for various dishes, however this perennial has been harvested for its essential oils to treat different skin conditions as well. Interestingly, sage is categorized within the mint family.

Sandalwood

Asia, Australia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Sandalwood is the most expensive wood in the world and the oil that comes from it has been highly prized for centuries by royalty the world over. The oil is highly prized in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religious ceremonies.

Saw Palmetto

Berry Extract

Southern part of N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Saw Palmetto is commonly used to naturally treat urinary and reproductive ailments.

St. John's Wort

Berry Extract

Southern part of N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

St. John's Wort has been often used to treat depression and its associated symptoms, like tiredness and loss of appetite. The herb earns its name due to its summer harvest time which coincided with St. John's Feast Day on June 24th.

Sweet Orange

Asia, SE Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Sweet Orange is the world's most cultivated fruit tree and appears to have been cultivated by the Chinese dating as far back as 314 BC.

Tea Tree

Australia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Tea Tree has been used to keep hair, skin and nails strong and healthy, as well as treating skin conditions like acne.

Thieves

Europe

Symptoms

Method of Application

Thieves oil is a blend of 5 different ingredients (clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary), and comes from a story of grave robbers who miraculously remained unharmed during the Black Plague.

Thyme

Leaf, Stem

Mediterranean

Symptoms

Method of Application

Thyme was originally thought to bring courage by the Greeks, the Middle Ages it was thought to fend off nightmares, and it was also used to flavor dishes as well. However, the herb has many antimicrobial properties and medicinal benefits.

Turmeric

Root

S.E. Asia

Symptoms

Method of Application

Turmeric is popular for its incredible anti-inflammatory properties. It is used not only to flavor food, but as a medicinal herb.

Valerian

Plant

Mediterranean

Symptoms

Method of Application

Valerian has been used an herbal remedy for insomnia since the ancient Greeks with Hippocrates describing the plant treating headaches and various nervous-related ailments as well.

Vanilla

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Vanilla is derived from the Spanish word vainilla, the diminutive of the word vaina meaning "little pod".

Wintergreen

N. America

Symptoms

Method of Application

Wintergreen is an antioxidant rich oil extracted from leaves of the plant. However, pure wintergreen oil is highly toxic so its diluted with a carrier oil.

Witch Hazel

Bark, Leaves

N. America 

Symptoms

Method of Application

Witch Hazel is an indigenous plant of North America that had been used by the Native Americans for centuries before European colonizers began to come the continent. Its leaves and bark were boiled and used to treat inflammation and other ailments.

Yarrow

Africa, M. East

Symptoms

Method of Application

Yarrow has been used for thousand of years as an astringent for wounds and other traditional medicines. However, the oil is specifically used for relieving pain from arthritis and rheumatism.