Advice on buying herbal tea (herb list)

Here we have a list of herbs and some of their traditional use. If you are concerned using certain herb(s), please consult a health professional.

By no means this list is exhaustive and it is not intended to replace any advice from health professionals.

*Traditional use means the stated use may or may not be supported by scientific studies.

Common Name in alphabetical order: A-C, D-G, H-M, N-S, T-Z
Common Name Botanical NameParts UsedHistoric use / Precautions
AlfafaleavesDigestive aid and cleanser. Reduce fluid retention and relieve arthritis.
ApplefruitDiarrhea and constipation, rheumatism, bowel irregularities
BasilleavesCalming, cooling, nerve calming, good for stopping nausea
BirchleavesDiuretic, relief for rheumatism
BurdockrootHigh in iron. Liver and digestive system cleanser. A main ingredient in Essiac tea.
Calendula / Marigoldleaves, flowersLocal skin problem, sunburn, menstrual pains and irregularities, inflammation, gastritis, gum problem, dry eczema
CatnipleavesDisorders of the digestive system and in reducing fevers, by bringing out a good sweat
CeleryseedsWater retention, arthritis, muscle spasm, poor digestion
ChamomileflowersInsomnia, anxiety, stress, insect bites, strained eyes, mouth inflammations
Chaste BerryberriesPainful and irregular menstruation, infertility, PMS, menopausal problems, and other hormonal imbalances.
CinnamonbarkUrinary-tract infections, upset stomach, tooth decay, body warming. Pregnant woman should take with caution
Cloveleaves, rootsDigestive complaints such as colic, bloating and wind. Also makes a warming and tasty tonic tea.
Cornflowerflowers, leavesStomach problems, kidney and bladder ailments
Dandelionleaves, rootsCleanser, warts. Allergy and bladder complaints
EchinacearootsInfection, inflammation, common colds, sore throats
Elderberries, flowersElderberries: cold, cough and flu.
Elderflower: fever reducing, blood purifying and cell cleansing actions.
Fennelseeds, rootsDigestive aid, sore throat, nervous stomach
Avoid using this herb during pregnancy
Ginkgo BilobaleavesRespiratory tract ailments as well as memory loss
GingerrootsMotion sickness, nausea, morning sickness, colds, digestive aid, detoxing
Ginseng (Panax)roots, flowersFatigue, poor blood circulation (Panax/Korean Ginseng is better for men/Yang strength while Siberian Ginseng is better for women and tastes a little better). Canadian/American Ginseng is good for general wellbeing.
Pregnant woman should take with caution
Globe AmaranthflowersFlower resembles red clover, also called Thousand Day Red. Diuretic, good for after many late nights to reduce internal heat
HawfruitPoor appeitite, high cholesterol
HibiscusflowersNot to be confused with the common hibiscus in gardens. Fatigue, sore throat cold, flu. Rich in Vitamin C
JasmineflowersNervous indigestion, euphoric, uterine pain, menstrual cramps, respiratory problems, expectorant, fever-reducing
Some regard jasmine as an aphrodisiac!
Juniper BerriesberriesKidney, prostrate, and bladder complaints. Relieve arthritis
LavenderflowersPoor appetite, toothache, sprains, flatulence, oral health
Lemon Balm / Bee Balm / MelissaleavesDepression, insect bite, indigestion, gas, short attention span, weak memory, menstrual cramp
LemongrassleavesDiarrhea, vomiting, spasmodic bowels, fever, acne, oily skin
Lemon / Limeleaves, peelInflammation, damaged tissues. Rich in Vit C and anti-oxidants, it can help to reduce the risk of forming a number of cancers, particularly skin cancer
Linden / Lime Blossombark, leaves and flowersCold, boils and swelling. An age-old herb for promoting perspiration and cleanses the kidneys, bladder, and stomach. People with low blood pressure should take with caution.
LiquoricerootCoughs, congestion. Excellent herb for the liver both as a tonic and a detoxifier

Common Name in alphabetical order: A-C, D-G, H-M, N-S, T-Z

Marshmallowroots, leaves and flowersCuts and wounds, cuts, burns, respiratory system, whooping cough
Meadowsweetflowers and other parts above groundrheumatic and arthritic pains, feverish common colds, heartburn
MintleavesDigestive aid, decongestant, itching, nausea, travel sickness. Also see peptpermint.
Mulleinleaves, flowers and rootsSwollen joints, a demulcent for lung and chest problems
NettleleavesDigestive aid and hair replentisher, it can also ease leg cramps and backache. Can also relieve hayfever.
Nutmegseed (nut)Stimulant, digestive aid, helps to reduce flatulence
OsmanthusflowersSore or scratchy throat, good for the kidney
PassionflowerleavesAnxiety, insomnia, nervous disorders, spasms
PeppermintleavesCleanse and strengthen bowels. Fights bad breathe and indigestion.
RaspberryleavesGreat companion for pregnant women but don’t overuse (or it may cause rashes). Great for replentishing iron, folic acid and helps to relieve morning sickness. It can also help strengthening pelvic muscles.
Red CloverflowersSkin complaints, use as a blood purifier during prenancy and child birth by Native Americans. It is believed it can help balance blood sugar level. Menopausal discomfort and respiratory complaints.
Rooibosleaves and barkDiarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, common colds, colic
RoseflowersAnxiety, depression, menopausal and gynaecological problems
Common Cold. Great for weight management and skin toning
Rosehipships (berries)Colds, infections and bladder problems. Rosehips taste the best when boiled in hot water instead of just steeping them. Rich in vitamin A and C
RosemaryleavesIndigestion, dandruff, colds, fatigue
SafflowerleavesUnsettled stomach, warming body, enhance circulation, menstrual problems
Avoid using this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding
SageleavesMemory aid, panacea, digestive aid for fatty foods
Strawberry
(and Wild Strawberry)
leaves andfruitStrengthening and toning pelvic muscles for female and male alike. Note that if cultivated variety is used, most nourishment transfers to the fruit.
St John’s WortDepression, bladder problems, indigestion, phlem
ThymeleavesSore throat, chest infection, insect bites, unsettled stomach
ValerianrootsTranquillizer, muscle cramp, anxiety
Large dosage or ongoing usage can cause headache and blurred vision
Wild Chrysanthemum / Ye Ju HuaflowersWild Chrysanthemum has similar effacacies to Chrysanthemum, but more medical and effective in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and inhibiting infection. Sore throat, tired eyes, dizziness.
Wintersweet flower / La Mei HuaflowersBad breathe, red eyes due to late nights. Ezcema and topical skinn allergy. Baby skin rash.
Wolfberry / Goji Berryfruit(Lycium Barbarum / Gou Qi Zi) Fatigue, poor vision
Tonifies and nourishes the liver and kidney. The dried berries can be eaten like other dried fruit.
Wu Wei Zi / schisandra fruitberriesRelieve asthmatic cough, hypertension and anxiety. Over-palpitation
YarrowflowersCommon cold and fevers, hypertension, amenorrhoea, dysentery and diarrhoea. Yarrow may help to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduces heavy bleeding and eases menstrual pain.

 

Quick tip on selecting your herbal tea:

When you ask for a herb, tell your tea supplier you are looking for example Chamomile not Chamomile TEA.

We get confused sometimes, because chamomile tea means chamomile mixed with black tea, green tea, or something else.

So we recommend if you are looking for just the herb itself, you just simply ask for the herb..