THE 50 MOST COMMON HERBS

50 MOST COMMON HERBS

Below is a ranked list of 50 commonly used herbs and a brief, practical description of what they’re most often used for in humans. I’m focusing on evidence-informed traditional use, not claiming cures.

Important note: herbs can interact with medications, pregnancy, blood pressure, blood sugar, and the liver.

50 important herbs and what they do

1) Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

• Helps with nausea
• May reduce inflammation
• Can support digestion
• May help with motion sickness

2) Turmeric / Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

• Supports inflammation balance
• Antioxidant activity
• May help with joint discomfort
• Often used for digestive support

3) Garlic (Allium sativum)

• Supports immune function
• May help with cardiovascular health
• Has antimicrobial properties
• May modestly support blood pressure

4) Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

• Helps with indigestion
• May reduce IBS symptoms
• Can relieve nausea
• May ease tension-type headaches when used topically

5) Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla / Chamaemelum nobile)

• Supports relaxation
• May help with sleep
• Can soothe GI upset
• May reduce mild anxiety

6) Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia)

• Used for immune support
• May modestly shorten common cold duration in some studies
• Often used at early onset of respiratory symptoms

7) Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

• Used for upper respiratory support
• May help reduce duration of cold/flu symptoms
• Rich in polyphenols

8) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

• Supports stress resilience
• May improve sleep
• May help with fatigue
• Traditionally used as an adaptogen

9) Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

• May help with mental fatigue
• Used for stress adaptation
• May support exercise performance
• Sometimes used for burnout

10) Holy basil / Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum / O. tenuiflorum)

• Traditionally used for stress
• May support blood sugar balance
• May have mild anti-inflammatory effects
• Used for respiratory support

11) Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Soothes throat/upper GI tissues
• Used for cough and gastritis
• May support adrenal-stress patterns in traditional medicine
• Can raise blood pressure if overused

12) Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

• Supports liver cell protection
• Antioxidant support
• Often used for liver recovery
• Commonly used to support detoxification pathways

13) Dandelion root/leaf (Taraxacum officinale)

• Supports digestive flow
• May aid bile production
• Used as a mild diuretic
• Nutrient-rich leafy herb

14) Burdock root (Arctium lappa)

• Traditionally used for skin support
• May support liver and digestive health
• Mild prebiotic/fiber effects
• Used as a “blood purifier” in traditional systems

15) Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)

• Supports allergy symptoms in some people
• Nutrient-dense
• May help with inflammation
• Used for joint and urinary support

16) Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna, C. laevigata)

• Supports cardiovascular function
• Traditionally used for circulation
• May support heart strength
• Used in mild palpitations/heart support contexts

17) Hawthorn berry is often used similarly

• Supports circulation
• Often used for heart and vascular tone

18) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

• Helps with sleep
• May reduce sleep latency
• Used for restlessness
• Can be sedating

19) Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

• Supports calm
• May help with sleep
• Can ease nervous digestion
• Often used for mild anxiety

20) Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

• May help with anxiety
• Supports sleep
• Used for nervousness
• Sometimes combined with other calming herbs

21) St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

• Traditionally used for mild mood support
• May help with mild depression
• Has major drug interactions
• Must be used carefully

22) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

• Used for circulation
• May support cognitive function
• Sometimes used for memory
• Can increase bleeding risk

23) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis / Salvia rosmarinus)

• Supports circulation
• Antioxidant activity
• Often used for digestion
• Traditionally used for focus

24) Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• Supports throat and oral health
• May help with digestion
• Traditionally used for sweating
• Sometimes used for cognitive support

25) Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Used for respiratory support
• Traditionally helps cough
• Antimicrobial properties
• Supports digestion

26) Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

• Used for digestive and respiratory support
• Contains strong aromatic compounds
• Traditionally antimicrobial
• Can be irritating in concentrated forms

27) Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or C. cassia)

• Supports blood sugar balance
• Antioxidant activity
• Used for digestion
• Warms and stimulates

28) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

• May support blood sugar
• Can support milk production
• Used for digestion
• May help appetite regulation

29) Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

• Helps with gas
• Supports digestion
• Used for bloating
• Sometimes used for lactation support

30) Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus)

• Supports bile flow
• Helps with indigestion
• May support lipid metabolism
• Used for liver/digestive support

31) Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

• Soothes skin
• Gel may support digestive comfort
• Used topically for burns and irritation
• Oral forms should be used carefully

32) Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• Supports skin healing
• Anti-inflammatory topical herb
• Used for wounds and irritated skin
• Mild soothing action

33) Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

• Traditionally used for topical tissue healing
• May support sprains/bruises
• Not for internal use due to liver toxicity risk

34) Arnica (Arnica montana)

• Used topically for bruising
• May help with muscle soreness
• Not for internal use

35) Cayenne (Capsicum annuum / C. frutescens)

• Supports circulation
• May reduce pain when used topically
• Stimulates digestion
• Can irritate tissues if overused

36) Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

• Used for menopausal symptoms
• May help with hot flashes
• Not ideal for everyone
• Liver caution

37) Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

• Traditionally used for menopausal support
• Contains isoflavones
• May support skin and vascular health

38) Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

• Used for urinary/prostate support
• May help with urinary flow
• Common in male health formulas

39) Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

• Supports urinary tract health
• Helps prevent bacteria from adhering to urinary tract surfaces
• Used for UTI prevention, not treatment

40) Green tea (Camellia sinensis)

• Provides antioxidants
• Supports metabolism
• May aid cardiovascular and brain health
• Contains caffeine unless decaffeinated

41) Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

• Traditionally used for immune support
• May help with inflammation
• Common in herbal wellness protocols

42) Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) — medicinal mushroom, often included with herbs

• Used for immune modulation
• May support stress resilience
• Traditionally used for sleep and vitality

43) Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) — medicinal mushroom

• Antioxidant-rich
• Traditionally used for immune support
• Often used as a tea/extract

44) Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis / C. militaris) — medicinal mushroom

• Used for energy and endurance
• May support exercise tolerance
• Traditionally used for vitality

45) Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

• Used for stress adaptation
• Supports liver protection
• May improve stamina
• Often classed as an adaptogen

46) Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

• Used for immune support
• Traditionally supports resilience
• Often used in tonic formulas
• May support recovery and vitality

47) Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

• Supports circulation
• May aid wound healing
• Traditionally used for memory and connective tissue

48) Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)

• Supports memory
• Traditionally used for learning
• May reduce anxiety
• Slow-acting herb

49) Turmeric leaf / other curcuma species

• Used similarly for inflammation and digestive support
• Antioxidant activity

50) Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

• Supports respiratory comfort
• Traditionally used for cough
• Soothes throat and lungs

Full references

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9. Ulbricht C, Brendler T, Gruenwald J, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa, Actaea racemosa). J Diet Suppl. 2010;7(1):3-124. doi:10.3109/19390230903452952
10. Wieland LS, Furlan AD, Bilotta F, et al. Probiotics for preventing and treating upper respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023.
11. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Geneva: WHO; 1999–2009.