Glossary of
Phytomedicine
Phytomedicine is herbal medicine or plant medicine. Herbs and other plants contain medicinal properties that can be preventive and therapeutic – thus, phytoceuticals are plant extracts that are used for medicinal purposes. Phytoceuticals have been used for centuries to stimulate and strengthen the body’s natural functions, supporting the body to heal itself.
We have created a Glossary of Phytomedicine* for your reference to familiarize yourself with the historical properties of some well-known healing herbs. We are dedicated to learning continuously and will update our information accordingly. There is a myriad of medicinal plants and we have decided to start with sharing about those featured here. As always, we encourage you to incorporate this information under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Everyone is different, and with so many herbal choices, there is definitely a “best” choice that will optimally support your healing process. For customized guidance, please visit our Telemedicine Portal.
*This information in our Glossary of Phytomedicine is intended only as a general reference and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Alfalfa offers a rich array of major and trace minerals, which offer alkalizing and anti-inflammatory properties. The rich mineral content also maintains healthy growth of hair, skin, and nails. Alfalfa […]
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
American Ginseng may offer a powerful energy boost, helping increase physical endurance, stamina, and libido. The root of this plant has been used to balance the heart, lungs, lymph, respiration, […]
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
Angelica supports balance in the reproductive system. The root of this plant has been used to ease symptoms related to menstrual cycles and menopause.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Anise supports balance in the digestive system that may ease cramping and reduce gas and mucus production in the colon. On an energetic level, anise helps release physical and emotional […]
Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricot kernels provide B17, a nutrient that may help boost the immune system by supporting the scavenging of unhealthy cells.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Sometimes referred to as “Indian Ginseng,” Ashwagandha is a vitality tonic herb that supports overall energy and rejuvenation through its adaptogenic properties. Best known for boosting physical endurance and libido, […]
Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare)
High in B-vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium, barley grass has potent alkalizing properties to balance the acidity of the digestive system and accelerate nutrient absorption in the small intestines.
Belize Bitters (Neurolaena lobata)
Belize bitters, locally known as Jackaz bitters, may offer potent antiparasitic and antifungal properties that help support the body during times of infection. Image credit: Dick Culbert
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
Blessed Thistle has been used to help support the growth of healthy breast tissue and lactation.
Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)
Blue flag root supports the integrity of the upper respiratory system, boosting detoxification and immunity. It has been used to help support healing of the tonsils.
Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Rich in minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids and alkaloids, cacao stimulates the entire endocrine system, helping to support the balance of all hormones in the body.
Centaury (Centaurium erythraea)
Centaury leaves activate the digestive system and help support the healing of the stomach and small intestines. Centaury has also been revered for its effect on the electromagnetic or etheric […]
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile flowers may have a soothing effect on the nervous system and have been used for calming irritability and restlessness. Chamomile supports healing of the brain. It also stimulates gentle, […]
Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
Chaste tree berries may support the body in regulating sex hormone levels, particularly progesterone, and may be beneficial for those suffering from irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or menopausal discomfort.
Coffee (Coffea arabica)
Papua New Guinea coffee beans offer potent alkalizing and detoxifying properties that help draw toxins from the body into the colon for elimination. Furthermore, this particular coffee does not exacerbate […]
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cranberries offer potent antioxidants and bioavailable vitamin C to help support flushing of lymphatic fluids and the integrity of the urinary tract.
Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia)
Echinacea boosts the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production and promoting detoxification through the lymphatic system.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek leaves stimulates energy in the body and supports sex hormone production. It has also been used to support balanced blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Garcinia Cambogia (Garcinia cambogia)
Garcinia Cambogia fruit helps boost metabolism and nutrient absorption to assist in weight loss while also blocking the conversion of excess carbohydrates into fat. Garcinia may also act as an […]
Garcinia Indica (Garcinia indica)
Garcinia Indica fruit supports energy flow throughout the body. It helps activate and accelerate deep healing by amplifying the effects of other medicinal herbs.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger rhizome boosts circulation and digestion to help ease the discomfort of nausea, motion sickness, migraine headaches, mental haziness, and jetlag. It has also been used to support the healing […]
Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)
Goldenrod supports the healing of the lymphatic system and helps maintain the integrity of the respiratory tract.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal helps boost the immune system during acute infections or stress. Image credit: James Steakley/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Gotu Kola supports healthy brain function and may boost memory, mental acuity, concentration, and focus.
Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn berries support healthy circulation and may have a balancing effect on blood pressure.
Hawthorn Leaf (Crataegus laevigata)
Hawthorn leaf supports the healing and detoxification of the liver and promotes healthy circulation.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
Holy Basil helps the body maintain balance during stress and supports a healthy psychological and emotional response.
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Hops flower cones help support deep restful sleep by encouraging calming of the mind especially from patterns of overthinking.
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Horseradish root stimulates circulation and has been used to support healing of the spinal cord and nerves. Horseradish may also offer antibacterial properties.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
Horsetail supports the integrity of joints, tendons, and ligaments by offering high amounts of organic silica – which is also known as the beauty mineral that supports healthy hair, skin, […]
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
Juniper Berries support the flushing of acidic joint fluid to help soothe painful, inflamed joints.
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava kava offers sedative properties that help relax and calm the nervous system.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm promotes a sense of calm and wellbeing by supporting the body in gently cleansing on a physical and energetic level. It may also offer potent antiviral properties.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Lobelia supports the respiratory system and may ease breathing by opening up the airway and relaxing muscles.
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Marigold supports a healthy inflammatory response and may have expectorant properties to support elimination of excess mucus. Energetically, marigold stimulates the opening of the crown chakra and an increase in […]
Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Marjoram supports the health of the sinuses and may reduce congestion.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow has been used to support the healing and integrity of the mucosal membranes, helping to soothe the lining of the mouth, lungs, and intestines.
Mustard (Brassica alba)
Mustard seeds support the health of the pineal gland and may offer antiviral properties.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Myrrh resin boosts the immune system and may offer potent antiviral and antifungal properties.
Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
Noni fruit boosts physical stamina and promotes a robust immune response. It may also offer antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive Leaf (Olea europaea)
Olive leaf supports the immune system and may help reduce recovery time from infection.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano offers antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to stimulate and rejuvenate the body.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower supports the healing of the nervous system, especially after trauma. It may offer soothing, relaxing, and calming properties.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint stimulates circulation and digestion. It also promotes general detoxification through the lymphatic system.
Red Beet (Beta vulgaris)
Red beet root offers minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that support detoxification of the liver. It may also have a blood purifying effect and enhance the uptake and utilization of iron […]
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Red clover offers nutritional support by supplying a rich array of vitamins and minerals. It also supports the healing and integrity of the immune system.
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Red raspberry leaves support the maintenance of healthy muscle tone throughout the body. It has been used as a tonic herb for the mucosal membranes of the digestive system and […]
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushroom has been used as a vitality tonic to support healthy cell turnover, strengthening of the immune system, and boosting overall life force.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary offers potent antioxidant activity and may have a stimulating effect. It has been used to support healing of thyroid imbalance.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage has been used to support blood purification during times of heavy toxin load or infection. Sage may also offer some antiparasitic properties.
Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata)
Sarsaparilla root supports the healing of the kidneys and adrenals and has been used to boost overall strength and vitality. Sarsaparilla may have potent cleansing properties to assist in neutralizing […]
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Schisandra berries offer adaptogenic properties to help support balance in the body through stressful times. On an energetic level, schisandra promotes the integration of more light into the body.
Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)
Also called “Amazonian ginseng,” suma root promotes balance of the body’s natural biorhythms. It has been used to help reduce inflammation and regulate the reproductive system. Image credit: CostaPPPR
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme supports the digestive system and has been used to promote healing of the pancreas. Thyme has an energizing effect on the body and may offer potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory […]
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric root supports the health of the immune system. It has also been used to boost brain function and reduce inflammation in the body.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian root supports restful sleep by promoting deep relaxation in the physical body.
White Willow (Salix alba)
White willow bark may support the body with managing pain and inflammation. It has also been used to support healing of the skin.
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
Wild yam root has been used to support the balance of the female reproductive system.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Witch hazel has been used to support blood purification and healing of the spleen.
Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum)
Yerba santa offers a soothing, nurturing energy to promote healing. On a physical level, it has been used to support healing of the heart and lungs.