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 |
| 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 - Meadow | 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 | |
| Hyssop | Hyssopus officinalis | Perennial | Calms bronchitis, asthma and respiratory infections. Can sooth gas, bloating and indigestion. | Antimicrobial, bitter tonic | Flowering tops | Tincture, infusion, decoction | |
| 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 | |
| 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, | |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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| 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 | |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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| 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 | |
| Tarragon (Mexican) | Tagetes lucida | Annual | May hinder E.coli and Staph cultures when combined with UV light. | Digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, narcotic, sedative, stimulant | All parts | Flowers in tea or for dye, leaves in soups/sauces, roots are insect repellent, poultice | |
| 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 Basil | 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 |
| White Horehound | Marrubium vulgare | Perennial | Wheezing, bronchitis, asthma, increases appetite, Type 2 diabetes | Coughs, bronchitis, digestion, diabetes, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant | Leaves | Syrup, candy | |
| Yarrow | Achillea millefolium | Perennial | Colds, wounds, stop bleeding, digestive | Styptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive | Flower Leaf |