At Herb & Vine, we believe in the importance of empowering people to grow their medicine cabinets. Whether you start your healing garden from seed, root, cutting, or seedling, we want to help you. Having the knowledge about where to plant, how to care for, and especially how to harvest and use healing plants is critical. This quick reference chart is a tool to help you learn. Visit this page often to get info on some of the most common medicinal plants that grow here in North Georgia. For more in-depth information on each of the healing plants we sell, visit the Our Plant page.
| Plant Name | Botanical Name | Also Known As | ABP | Medicinal Properties | Therapeutic Actions | Parts Used | How to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agrimony | Agrimonia eupatoria | Sticklewort | Perennial | Respiratory, urinary, digestive, wound healing. | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, astringent, diuretic, bitter | Aerial parts | Infusion, decoction, gargle |
| Angelica | Angelica archangelica | Wild Carrot | Biennial | Digestion, women's health, respiratory health including colds, cough and congestion, circulation (warming so helps with cold extremities), calming stress and anxiety, nerve pain (topically) | Alterative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, bitter, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, sialagogue, stomatic | Roots, leaves, seeds, young stems | Decoction, tincture, essential oil, edible |
| Anise Hyssop | Agastache foeniculum | Licorice Mint | Perennial | Colds, cough, congestion, heart strengthening, treat burns, fevers, depression, poison ivy, gas, bloating. | Antioxidant, antiviral, aromatic, cardiac, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant. | Aerial parts | Infusion, poultice, soak, edible. |
| Arnica | Arnica chamissonis | American Arnica | Perennial | Bruises, sprains, muscle pain, stretch marks, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, acne, shampoo. | Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, rubefacient | Flowers | Infusion, tincture, salve, ointment. Do Not Eat! |
| Astragalus | Astragalus membranaceus | Milk Vetch | Perennial | Immune enhancing, cancer, blood pressure, blood sugar, improve stamina, endocrine system. | Adaptogenic, antipyretic, diuretic, tonic, vasodilator, uterine stimulant. | Roots | Decoction, tincture, edible. Do not take if you have skin disorders or acute illness. |
| Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera | Indian Ginsing | Annual | Insomnia from stress, male aphrodisiac, boost immune system. Fruit can be used as a soap substitute. Seeds curdle milk for cheese. | Abortifacient, adaptogenic, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic. | Entire plant esp. leaves and root bark. | Decoction or capsules of dried root, powder leaves and take with water. |
| Basil | Ocimum basilicum | Sweet Basil | Annual | Famous for its culinary uses. Eases flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion. Companion plant for beets, asparagus, tomatoes. | Anti-microbial, digestive, circulatory, mood-boosting. | Leaves | Edible, use essential oil externally only. |
| Bee Balm | Monarda fistulosa | Wild Bergamot | Perennial | Ease bloating, aid digestion, headaches, fever, mouth/throat infections. | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive, respiratory, gentle nervine, skin | Aerial parts | Infusion, edible. |
| Betony | Betonica officinalis | Bishops Wort | Perennial | Migraines, neuralgia, wounds, tension, circulation. | Anthelmintic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cathartic, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, sedative, tonic, vulnerary. | Leaves and flowers | Tea, tinctures, decoctions. |
| Borage | Borage officinalis | Starflower | Annual | Respiratory, premenstrual, and rheumatic issues, eczema and skin conditions. | Demulcent, diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, emollient. | Leaves and flowers. Seed oil. | Only seed oil should be taken internally. Use as a poultice, or infusion externally |
| Burn Jelly Plant | Bulbine frutescens | First Aid Plant | Succulent | Burns, rashes, blisters, bits, chapped lips, cold sores, sunburn, eczema, acne. | Antiseptic, haemostatic. | Leaves | Squeeze gel from the leaves. |
| Butterfly Pea | Clitoria ternatea | Blue Butterfly Vine | Annual Vine | Cognitive health, combat oxidative stress and free radicals, promote healthy skin and hair, digestive health, lower cholesterol, eye health and respiratory support by reducing irritated bronchial tubes. | Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, enhance memory, digestive, respiratory, stabilize blood sugar, increase skin hydration, more! | Flowers, root, leaves, seeds | Flowers: Teas, infusions, tinctures. Roots: decoctions, powdered, tinctures. |
| Calendula | Calendula officinalis | Pot Marigold | Annual | Skin remedy treats cuts, redness, burns, acne, rashes, fungal conditions, diaper rash, digestive issues, menstrual pain, detoxifying. | Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, detoxifying, estrogenic, wound healing, relieves muscle spasms. | Flower heads and petals. | Infusion, infused oil, tincture, cream, ointment. |
| Catnip | Nepeta cataria | Perennial | Sore throat, fever, headache, diarrhea, asthma, toothache, colic, wounds, gas, pest repellent. | Antispasmodic, antiflatulent, carminative, diaphoretic, nervine, mild sedative | Aerial parts | Tea, tincture. | |
| Cayenne | Capsicum frutescens | Annual | Nerve pain, arthritis, headaches, circulation, gastric infection, relieve gas and colic, sore throat, diarrhea. | Stimulant, tonic, carminative, antiseptic, analgesic, antimicrobial, rubefacient, digestive, circulatory. | Fruit | Ointment, cream, edible, powder, tincture, infused oil, gargle. | |
| Chamomile (Roman) | Chamaemelum nobile | Perennial | Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite, colic, cramps, normalize digestion. Headaches, stress. | Antispasmodic, antinflammatory, antimicrobial, fungicidal, wound healing. | Flowers | Infusion, decoction. | |
| Clary Sage | Salvia sclarea | Clear Eye | Biennial | Digestive, liver protector, also for cough and colds. Combat stress and depression. | Anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative, digestive, vulnerary. | Leaves and flowers | Infusion, decoction, essential oil |
| Comfrey | Symphytum officinale | Knitbone | Perennial | External treatment of cuts, bruises, sprains, broken bones, eczema, varicose veins, sores. | Anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, heals wounds and bones. | Aerial parts | Use externally only in salves, ointments, tincture, poultice, compress, infused oil |
| Dandelion (White) | Taraxacum albidum | Biennial | Root is traditionally used to "detoxify" the liver and gallbladder. Leaves are a powerful natural diuretic. Acts as a mild appetite stimulant and can help alleviate bloating, gas, and constipation. Sap from the stem is used topically for warts, eczema, and acne. Used to relieve joint pain, rheumatism, and muscle aches. Treat fevers, high blood pressure, diabetes, and respiratory issues like coughs and bronchitis. | Diuretic, liver tonic, digestive, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, mild laxative. | Roots, leaves, flowers. | Add greens to salads, brew coffee from roots, make tea from flowers and leaves. | |
| Echinacea (Purple) | Echinacea purpurea | Snakeroot | Perennial | A tonic for the immune system. Counters viral and bacterial infections. Prevents and treats colds, flu and cough. | Immuno-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antioxidant | Roots and flowers | Tincture, decoction, capsules, tablets |
| Elderberry | Sambucus nigra | Elder | Perennial | Treat cough, colds, allergies & congestion, arthritis, fever. | Antiviral, clears mucus, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, febrifuge | Flowering tops in Spring; ripe berries in early Fall | Infusion, cream, tincture of flowering tops. Decoction of ripe berries. |
| Elecampane | Inula helenium | Perennial | Expectorant, soothes cough, and treats chest infections and bronchitis. Good for digestive issues. | Warming tonic, circulatory stimulant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, alterative, carminative, diuretic | Roots | Decoction, syrup, tincture | |
| Feverfew | Tanacetum parthenium | Perennial | Migraines, headaches, fevers, arthritis, gynecological uses | Analgesic, anti-rheumatic, bitter, promotes menstrual flow, reduces fever | Aerial parts harvested in summer | Tincture, poultice, capsules or tablets | |
| Hybiscus Roselle | Hibiscus sabdariffa | Roselle, Sorrel, Cranberry Hibiscus | Annual | With its high levels of vitamin C, minerals, soluble fiber, and antioxidant flavonoids, hibiscus tea is one of the most healthful teas on the planet. Also known to lower cholesterol. | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, astringent, cardiotonic, demulcent, diuretic, hypotensive. | Calyx and flowers. Leaves are edible, stems used for hemp. | Tea, jam, jelly, syrup. |
| Hyacinth Bean | Lablab purpureus | Annual | Stimulant, reduce fever, reduce flatulence, stimulate digestion, antispasmodic. Also for treating cholera, vomiting, diarrhea, leucorrhoea and alcoholic intoxication. | Anticholesterolemic, antidote, antivinous, carminative, hypoglycaemic. Prolongs coagulation time. Mature seeds are anthelmintic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, digestive, febrifuge and stomachic | Tender pods, leaves and flowers. Toxic in large quantities, keep from pets. | Decoction, tincture, edible. | |
| Hyssop | Hyssopus officinalis | Perennial | Calms bronchitis, asthma and respiratory infections. Can sooth gas, bloating and indigestion. | Antimicrobial, bitter tonic | Flowering tops | Tincture, infusion, decoction | |
| Lavender | Lavendula angustifolia | English Lavender | Perennial | Alleviate anxiety, stress and aid sleep. Pain relief, treat burns and insect bites, heal wounds, help with women's issues. | Analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, sedative | Aerial parts | Aromatherapy, teas, infusions, tinctures, topical oil, salve, cream |
| Lemon Balm | Melissa officinalis | Perennial | Lift spirits, relaxing tonic, treats cold sores, shingles, nausea and stomachache, overactive thyroid | Nervine, sedative, carminative, antiviral, antioxidant, digestive | Aerial parts | Infusion, tincture, lotion, juice, ointment | |
| Lemongrass | Cymbopogon citratus | Annual | Reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, relieve stomach pain and relieve bloat. | Anti-amoebic, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antifilarial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. | Aerial parts | Tea | |
| Licorice | Glycrrhiza glabra | Perennial | Protects stomach lining, menopause, canker sores, arthritis, constipation, thrush, bronchitis | Dumulcent, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, adrenal agent, mild laxative | Roots | Tincture, powder, decoction, | |
| Lovage | Levisticum officinale | Perennial | Urinary and kidney health, digestion aid, arthritis, gout, coughs, bronchitis, expectorant, acne, eczema, women's issues | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant | Roots, rhizome, leaves, stems and fruit | Tea, tincture, topical. Aromatic herb similar to fennel used in cooking | |
| Marshmallow | Althaea officinalis | Perennial | Protects and soothes mucous membranes treating IBS and gastric/intestinal problems, dry coughs, constipation, boils, abscesses | Demulcent, diuretic, emollient, tonic, nervine, relaxant, antispasmodic, nutritive, vulnerary, endocrine restorative, expectorant | Roots, leaves, flowers | Infusion, mouthwash, ointment | |
| Meadowsweet | Filipendula ulmaria | Queen of the Meadow | Perennial | Treat acid indigestion, heartburn, and reflux, arthritis, headache, toothache | Anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, astringent, diuretic, stimulates sweating | Flowering tops and leaves | Tincture, infusion, decoction, powder, tablets |
| Mimosa | Albizia julibrissin | Silk Tree | Perennial | Heart, liver help, stabilizes mood, promote circulation, reduce pain, aid in wound healing | Carminative, digestive, sedative, tonic, anthelmintic, diuretic, antioxidant, vulnerary | Flowers and bark | Infusion, tincture |
| Moringa | Moringa oleifera | Miracle Tree | Annual | Wounds, pain, ulcers, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation. Leaves high in minerals. | Source of protein, vitamins, oils, fatty acids, micro-macro minerals elements and phenolics. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, and antihelmintic. | Leaves, bark, roots, flowers | Poultice, infusion, tincture, dried/capsules. |
| Motherwort (Official) | Leonurus cardiaca | Perennial | Stress, anxiety, cardiovascular and women's health | Anti-spasmodic, emmenagogue, nervine | Flowers, leaves | Tea, tincture, dye | |
| Motherwort (Siberian) | Leonurus sibericus | Biennial | Painful periods, post-partum bleeding, kidney stones, eczema, arthritis | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant | Seed Flower Leaf | Tea, tincture | |
| Mugwort | Artemisia vulgaris | Perennial | Improve appetite, digestion and absorption of nutrients. Increase bile flow and induce menstruation. Malaria treatment | Digestive, tonic, uterine stimulant, antiseptic | Leaves, roots | Tea, tincture |
|
| Mullein | Verbascum thapsus | Biennial | Coughs and congestion. Bronchitis, expectorant. Heals wounds, ear infections, hemorrhoids | Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, expectorant, | Leaves and flowers | Tincture, infusion, ointment | |
| Oregano | Origanum vulgare | Perennial | Culinary and medicinal, strongly antibacterial and antiseptic | Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, tonic | Aerial parts | Oil, tincture, infusion, decoction | |
| Peppermint | Mentha x piperita | Perennial | Culinary and medicinal herb for digestive problems, pain relief and infections | Antispasmodic, antimicrobial, analgesic, carminative | Leaves | Infusion, lotion, tincture, capsules, essential oil | |
| Plantain | Plantago major | Broadleaf plantain | Perennial | Insect bites, rashes, poison ivy, wild edible | Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-tumor, astringent, would healing | Leaves | Poultice, infused in oil for salve or cream, used as a tea for cough or digestion |
| Rock Rose Tauric | Cistus incanus taruicus | Perennial | Diarrhea, fever, skin issues, wounds and ulcers, Lyme disease, cardiovascular health | Anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, vasodilator | Leaves | Infusion, mouthwash, ointment | |
| Rosemary | Salvia rosmari | Perennial | Culinary and medicinal herb for circulation, nerve repair, stress recovery from illness, uplifting, migraines, sore throat | Astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nervine, stimulant, tonic | Leaves | Essential oil, tincture, infusion, strewing | |
| Sage | Salvia officinalis | Perennial | Culinary and medicinal herb for bites, stings, diarrhea, hot flashes, night sweats, mouth ulcers, sore throat, lower blood fat levels, memory and thought processing | Antiseptic, astringent, nerve tonic, estrogenic, clear mucus | Leaves | Infusion, tincture, fresh as first aid for bites/stings | |
| Self Heal | Prunella vulgaris | Heal All | Perennial | Wound healer, sore throat, IBS, diarrhea, internal bleeding | Astringent, tonic, antioxidant, antitumor, antibiotic, hypotensive, antimutagenic | Aerial parts | Infusion, gargle, powder, poultice |
| Senna | Cassia marilandica | Maryland Senna | Perennial | Constipation, worms, IBS, | Laxative, antimicrobial, blood cleanser, diuretic, and for treating inflammation | Leaves and seeds, root | Tea |
| Skullcap | Scuttelaria lateriflora | Mad Dog Weed | Perennial | Restorative nerve tonic for anxiety, depression, migraines, panic attacks | Sedative, nervine, tonic, antispasmodic, bitter | Aerial parts | Infusion, tincture, capsules |
| Soapwort | Saponaria officnalis | Perennial | Mild cleanser and shampoo, treat skin irritations including poison ivy, rashes, insect bites and sunburn | Alterative, antiscrophulatic, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, tonic | Whole plant | Decoction | |
| Sorrel | Rumex acetosa | Perennial | Detoxifying mild laxative often consumed in salads or juiced | Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, febrifuge, diuretic, anti-diarrhea | Leaves, seeds, roots | Edible leaves have a lemony flavor, Roots can be cooked and dried and made into noodles. Use seed dried & powdered in bread. | |
| Speedwell | Veronica officinalis | Perennial | Coughs, skin lesions, wounds | Alterative, astringent, diuretic, stomatic, tonic | Aerial parts | Infusion, lotion, ointment | |
| St John's Wort | Hypericum perforatum | Perennial | Wound healer and calming tonic for depression, fatigue and anxiety | Analgesic, antidepressant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, cholagogue, expectorant, nervine, vulnerary | Leaves, flowers | Infused oil, tincture, decoction, capsule |
|
| Stinging Nettle | Urtica dioica | Perennial | Edible (cooked) herb for enlarged prostate, urinary disorders, arthritis, hay fever, gout, diabetes | Diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, nutrative, alterative and tonic | Leaves, roots | Tea, creams, direct application, cooked as spinach | |
| Toothache Plant | Spilanthes acmella or Acmella oleracea | Spilanthes, Buzz Buttons, Eyeball Plant | Annual | Used to numb toothaches and mouth pain, improve skin tone, treat fungal infections | Anesthetic, analgesic, Immune-boosting, Anodyne, Antiseptic, Antifungal, Antibacterial | Flowers and leaves | Chew fresh aerial parts, tincture |
| Tulsi Rama | Ocimum tenuiflorum | Holy Basil | Annual | Reduce blood sugar levels, for nausea, vomiting, stress relief, improve vitality | Antispasmodic, analgesic, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory | Aerial parts and seeds | Tea, tincture, edible, powdered |
| Valerian | Valeriana officinalis | All Heal | Perennial | Insomnia, anxiety, cramps and muscle spasms, aromatic | Hypnotic, sedative, nervine, anodyne, anxiolytic, hypotensive, relaxant | Roots and rhyzomes | Tablet, capsules, tincture, powder, decoction |
| Vicks Plant | Plectranthus tormentosa | Mexican Oregano, Succulent Coleus | Succulent | Ease congestion, inflammation, muscle aches, bruises, arthritis | Anti-inflammatory, aromatic | Leaves | Juiced with steam, ointment |
| Vitex | Vitex agnus castus | Chaste tree | Perennial | Restore absent menstruation, regulate heavy periods, restore fertility caused by hormonal imbalance, relieve pre-menstrual tension and ease menopausal symptoms. | Anaphrodisiac, aphrodisiac, galactogogue, ophthalmic, sedative, stomachic, women's complaints. | Seeds, fruit | Tincture, tea, capsules, essential oil |
| White Horehound | Marrubium vulgare | Perennial | Wheezing, bronchitis, asthma, increases appetite, Type 2 diabetes | Coughs, bronchitis, digestion, diabetes, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant | Leaves | Syrup, candy | |
| Wild Lettuce | Lactuca virosa | Bitter Lettuce | Biennial | Hypnotic and sedative herb for all body systems | Anodyne, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, hypnotic, narcotic, sedative | Leaves, sap | Tincture, tea, dry sap, culinary (small doses) |
| Yarrow | Achillea millefolium | Perennial | Colds, wounds, stop bleeding, digestive | Styptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive | Flower Leaf |