1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Uses: Skin irritations, wounds, anti-inflammatory.
- Properties: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, healing.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; perform a patch test for allergies. Avoid if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
- Uses: Calming, digestive issues, skin irritations.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, calming.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; avoid large doses during pregnancy and if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
- Uses: Skin conditions, burns, digestive aid.
- Properties: Soothing, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing.
- Safety Considerations: Use gel only; internal use of latex can cause severe cramps and diarrhea.
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Uses: Calming, skin health, insect repellent.
- Properties: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, calming.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; essential oil should be diluted before use.
5. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
- Uses: Nutritional support, anti-inflammatory, allergy relief.
- Properties: Rich in vitamins and minerals, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; fresh nettles can cause skin irritation, so use dried or cooked.
6. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
- Uses: Liver support, digestive aid, urinary health.
- Properties: Diuretic, detoxifying, rich in vitamins.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; consult a doctor if you have gallbladder or bile duct problems.
7. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- Uses: Nutritional supplement, digestive health, arthritis relief.
- Properties: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, and proteins.
- Safety Considerations: Safe for most people; avoid large amounts during pregnancy due to phytoestrogen content.
8. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis)
- Uses: Nutritional supplement, immune support.
- Properties: High in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; avoid if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or autoimmune diseases.
9. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Uses: Antioxidant, skin health, digestive aid.
- Properties: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
- Safety Considerations: Safe in culinary amounts; high doses can cause gastrointestinal upset.
10. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
- Uses: Digestive aid, deworming.
- Properties: Anthelmintic, digestive stimulant.
- Safety Considerations: Use cautiously; can be toxic in large doses or with prolonged use. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
11. Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)
- Uses: Deworming, nutritional support.
- Properties: Contains cucurbitacin, which paralyzes and expels worms.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; ensure seeds are raw and unsalted.
12. Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Uses: Antimicrobial, immune support, heart health.
- Properties: Antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; high doses can cause gastrointestinal upset and affect blood clotting.
13. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Uses: Antimicrobial, respiratory health, digestive aid.
- Properties: Antimicrobial, antifungal, digestive support.
- Safety Considerations: Safe in culinary amounts; high doses can cause digestive upset.
14. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Uses: Digestive health, bloating relief, respiratory health.
- Properties: Carminative, antispasmodic, digestive support.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; avoid if you have hormone-sensitive conditions.
15. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
- Uses: Calming, anxiety relief, sleep aid.
- Properties: Sedative, calming.
- Safety Considerations: Safe in small amounts; avoid prolonged use. May cause drowsiness.
16. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Uses: Calming, digestive health, anxiety relief.
- Properties: Mild sedative, calming.
- Safety Considerations: Safe for most people; may interfere with thyroid medications.
17. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
- Uses: Anxiety relief, calming, sleep aid.
- Properties: Calming, anti-anxiety.
- Safety Considerations: Safe in small amounts; avoid during pregnancy.
18. Oat Straw (Avena sativa)
- Uses: Nervous system support, calming, nutritional support.
- Properties: Nourishing, calming.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; gluten-free but consult with a healthcare provider if you have celiac disease.
19. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
- Uses: Digestive health, soothing the digestive tract, anti-inflammatory.
- Properties: Soothing, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; ensure sustainability of sourcing.
20. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
- Uses: Digestive health, soothing mucous membranes.
- Properties: Soothing, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; may interfere with blood sugar control.
21. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Uses: Digestive aid, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory.
- Properties: Anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; may cause heartburn or digestive upset in large amounts.
22. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
- Uses: Immune support, respiratory health.
- Properties: Immune-boosting, antimicrobial.
- Safety Considerations: Generally safe; avoid in autoimmune conditions and during prolonged use.
23. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Uses: Digestive aid, respiratory health, headache relief.
- Properties: Carminative, antispasmodic.
- Safety Considerations: Safe in small amounts; essential oil should be diluted. Avoid if you have GERD.
24. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Uses: Respiratory health, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, soothing.
- Safety Considerations: Use in moderation; prolonged use can cause high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
25. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
- Uses: Respiratory health, decongestant.
- Properties: Antimicrobial, decongestant.
- Safety Considerations: Essential oil should be used in moderation and properly diluted; avoid internal use.
