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These matches come from the traditional-use notes in our library. They are not medical recommendations.

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Search common names, botanical names, and alternate terms. Entries summarize authoritative educational sources and do not tell you what to take, how much to use, or whether a product is right for you.

Showing all 20 herbs.

Wild lettuce

Lactuca virosa

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

Wild lettuce appears in historical European herbal writing and has been discussed in relation to quieting evening routines.

  • European herb books describe it in quiet evening and rest routines.
  • Some traditional accounts also mention it for temporary discomfort.
Relaxation traditionDiscomfort-relief tradition

Preparation notes

Liquid extracts and tinctures can differ in plant material and other ingredients. Product-specific details belong on the seller's own label.

Possible side effects

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, or stomach upset may occur.
  • Reliable safety information for concentrated preparations is limited.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for wild lettuce. Traditional mentions do not establish safety or benefit for a modern extract.

This history does not show that a modern wild-lettuce tincture is safe or works for sleep, discomfort, or any health concern.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

California poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

California poppy has a history in regional herbal traditions and is often described in historical accounts of evening and relaxation rituals.

  • Regional herb traditions include California poppy in evening and relaxation routines.
  • Some historical accounts also mention temporary discomfort or restless times.
Relaxation traditionDiscomfort-relief tradition

Preparation notes

Extracts vary by plant part and formula. A tincture is not interchangeable with every other California poppy product.

Possible side effects

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, or stomach upset may occur.
  • Safety information for concentrated products is limited.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for California poppy. Historical use does not show that a tincture is safe or effective for a particular person.

These historical uses do not show that a tincture helps with sleep, discomfort, or another health concern.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

Valerian root

Valeriana officinalis

Research is limited and preparation-specific.

Traditional uses

Valerian root has been used in European herbal traditions and is historically associated with evening and rest rituals.

  • European herb traditions include valerian in evening and rest routines.
  • Older writing also links the root with tense or restless times.
Sleep/relaxation traditionNervous-system tradition

Preparation notes

Valerian products may use root or rhizome preparations and can vary substantially by extract and added ingredients.

Possible side effects

  • Headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, or vivid dreams can occur.
  • Some people report next-day drowsiness.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH notes that long-term safety is unknown and that evidence for commonly promoted uses remains uncertain; findings for one product do not apply to every tincture.

Research on one preparation does not show that every valerian tincture has the same effect.

NCCIH: Valerian — Usefulness and Safety

Mullein leaf

Verbascum thapsus

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

Mullein leaf appears in European and North American folk-herbal traditions, including historical discussions of respiratory comfort.

  • European and North American folk traditions discuss mullein in relation to respiratory comfort.
  • It also appears in historical soothing and seasonal preparations.
Respiratory-comfort traditionSeasonal tradition

Preparation notes

Leaf preparations, teas, and extracts differ. A product's species, plant part, and ingredients should be checked on its own label.

Possible side effects

  • Stomach upset or allergic reactions are possible.
  • Reliable safety information for tinctures is limited.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for mullein leaf. Historical use does not establish benefit or safety for a modern extract.

Traditional respiratory language is not evidence that mullein tincture helps a breathing problem or is appropriate for a particular symptom.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Evidence is limited for commonly promoted uses.

Traditional uses

Elderberry has a history in European food and herbal traditions and is now common in seasonal wellness products.

  • European food and herbal traditions have used elderberry in seasonal preparations.
  • Historical accounts also describe berry preparations as part of general household wellness routines.
Seasonal-wellness traditionFood tradition

Preparation notes

Berry, flower, leaf, stem, and root preparations are not interchangeable. Ingredient lists and processing vary by product.

Possible side effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can occur.
  • Improperly prepared plant materials may cause more serious digestive symptoms.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH reports that research is insufficient to support most promoted uses and that preparation matters for both safety and interpretation.

Seasonal-use history does not establish that an elderberry tincture prevents, treats, or shortens illness.

NCCIH: Elderberry — Usefulness and Safety

St. John's wort

Hypericum perforatum

Medication-interaction risk is substantial.

Traditional uses

St. John's wort has a long history in European herbal traditions and is documented in historical writings about mood and nervous-system concerns.

  • European herbal writings include historical references to mood and nervous-system concerns.
  • It has also been included in traditional seasonal and topical practices.
Mood-related historical traditionNervous-system tradition

Preparation notes

Extracts vary, and product labels do not make products interchangeable. Do not infer a product's effect from a general description of the herb.

Possible side effects

  • Digestive upset, dizziness, fatigue, and sensitivity to sunlight can occur.
  • Mood changes or agitation can occur and need professional attention.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH specifically warns that St. John's wort can weaken the effects of many medicines and that product differences prevent broad conclusions about any tincture.

Historical references do not make this tincture appropriate for a mental-health concern, and product differences limit broad conclusions.

NCCIH: St. John's Wort — Usefulness and Safety

Moringa leaf

Moringa oleifera

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

Moringa has longstanding food and traditional-use histories in South Asia, Africa, and other regions where the tree is cultivated.

  • Moringa leaf has longstanding food and traditional-use histories in regions where the tree is cultivated.
  • Traditional accounts often frame the leaf as a nourishing food or household ingredient.
Food/nourishment traditionHousehold-wellness tradition

Preparation notes

Leaf powders, foods, extracts, and tinctures are different forms. Product quality and ingredients vary.

Possible side effects

  • Stomach upset can occur.
  • Safety information for concentrated leaf extracts is limited.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for moringa leaf. Available research and safety information do not support product-specific conclusions.

Food-use history does not establish the safety or effect of a concentrated leaf extract or tincture.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

Holy basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

Holy basil, also called tulsi, has a long history in South Asian foodways and Ayurvedic traditions.

  • Holy basil, or tulsi, has a long role in South Asian foodways, ritual, and Ayurvedic traditions.
  • Historical use commonly places it in everyday balance and seasonal household routines.
Everyday-wellness traditionSeasonal tradition

Preparation notes

Fresh leaf, tea, powder, and liquid extract products vary in concentration and ingredients.

Possible side effects

  • Stomach upset or allergic reactions are possible.
  • Reliable safety information for concentrated products is limited.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for holy basil. Traditional descriptions do not establish modern extract safety or benefit.

Traditional descriptions of balance or resilience are not modern medical outcomes and do not establish a tincture's effect.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

Saw palmetto

Serenoa repens

Not established for commonly promoted uses.

Traditional uses

Saw palmetto fruit has a history of use in Indigenous and later North American herbal traditions and is often marketed for urinary or prostate-related concerns.

  • Saw palmetto fruit appears in Indigenous and later North American herbal traditions.
  • It is often discussed in historical and commercial urinary or prostate-related contexts.
Urinary/prostate traditionNorth American herbal tradition

Preparation notes

Products differ in berry extract, processing, and ingredient lists. This library does not compare products or identify a product for any concern.

Possible side effects

  • Digestive upset, headache, dizziness, or fatigue can occur.
  • Safety data can differ by preparation and person.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH reports that saw palmetto has not shown benefit for the urinary symptoms most commonly studied and that product-specific safety still needs review.

Those historical and commercial categories do not establish that a tincture improves urinary or prostate symptoms.

NCCIH: Saw Palmetto — Usefulness and Safety

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

Rosemary has a long history in Mediterranean cooking and European herbal traditions.

  • Mediterranean foodways and European herbals include rosemary in culinary, aromatic, and household practices.
  • Historical accounts sometimes associate it with mental clarity, circulation, or temporary discomfort.
Culinary traditionCirculatory traditionDiscomfort-relief tradition

Preparation notes

Culinary rosemary, essential oil, and liquid extracts differ in concentration and safety considerations.

Possible side effects

  • Stomach upset or allergic reactions can occur.
  • Concentrated products can have different effects than food use.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for rosemary extract. Traditional food and herb use does not establish a tincture's safety or benefit.

Historical language about circulation or clarity does not establish that rosemary tincture changes blood pressure, circulation, memory, or discomfort.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

Nettle leaf

Urtica dioica

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

Nettle leaf has longstanding food and herbal-use histories in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.

  • Nettle leaf has longstanding food and herbal-use histories across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
  • Historical traditions include it in spring foods and fluid-balance discussions.
Food/nourishment traditionFluid-balance/diuretic tradition

Preparation notes

Fresh leaf, cooked foods, teas, and extracts are not interchangeable. Tincture ingredients and processing vary.

Possible side effects

  • Stomach upset, sweating, or skin reactions can occur.
  • Fresh plant contact can cause stinging or rash.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for nettle leaf. Traditional use and product claims do not establish benefit for an extract.

A traditional fluid-balance category does not establish that nettle tincture changes fluid status, blood pressure, or a health condition.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

Echinacea

Echinacea species

Inconclusive for commonly promoted seasonal uses.

Traditional uses

Echinacea is a North American plant with a history of traditional use that is now widely sold in seasonal wellness products.

  • Echinacea has a North American history of traditional use and is now widely used in seasonal products.
  • Historical and commercial discussions often place it in short-term seasonal routines.
Seasonal-wellness traditionNorth American traditional use

Preparation notes

Products can use different species, plant parts, extracts, and added ingredients. These differences limit broad conclusions about every tincture or supplement.

Possible side effects

  • Abdominal pain or nausea can occur.
  • Allergic reactions are possible; rashes have been reported in children.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH reports that research does not confirm a clear preventive or curative effect, and product variability makes findings hard to generalize.

Seasonal-use history does not establish that echinacea tincture prevents, treats, or shortens illness.

NCCIH: Echinacea — Usefulness and Safety

Dandelion root

Taraxacum officinale

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

Dandelion root has a history in food and European herbal traditions, where it was included in a variety of seasonal preparations.

  • European food and herbal traditions include dandelion root in seasonal preparations and digestive discussions.
  • Some historical sources use phrases such as spring cleansing or blood cleansing for these traditions.
Digestive traditionFluid-balance/diuretic traditionTraditional ‘blood-cleansing’ language

Preparation notes

Root, leaf, food, tea, and extract products vary and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Possible side effects

  • Stomach upset or allergic reactions can occur.
  • People sensitive to related plants may have a higher chance of an allergic reaction.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for dandelion root. Historical use does not establish the safety or benefit of a tincture.

‘Blood cleansing’ is historical language only—not a modern medical diagnosis or validated mechanism. It does not establish a tincture's effect on blood, the liver, kidneys, or digestion.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Evidence and safety are preparation-specific.

Traditional uses

Fenugreek seed has longstanding culinary and traditional-use histories across South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.

  • Fenugreek seed has longstanding culinary and traditional-use histories across South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.
  • Traditional accounts include digestive and food-based household uses, as well as lactation-related discussion.
Culinary traditionDigestive traditionLactation-related tradition

Preparation notes

Food, seed, powder, and extract products can differ substantially. Product form and ingredients should be reviewed on the seller's own label.

Possible side effects

  • Digestive upset, diarrhea, or allergic reactions can occur.
  • Body odor can change after use.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH notes that evidence for many promoted uses is limited and emphasizes possible side effects and medicine interactions.

Traditional use does not establish that a fenugreek tincture is effective for digestion, lactation, metabolism, or another health concern.

NCCIH: Fenugreek — Usefulness and Safety

Milk thistle

Silybum marianum

Research is limited and not product-wide.

Traditional uses

Milk thistle has a history in Mediterranean and European herbal traditions and is often discussed in historical writing about liver-related concerns.

  • Mediterranean and European herbal traditions include milk thistle in liver-related historical discussions.
  • It is also frequently marketed in modern ‘detox’ or liver-support language.
Liver-related traditionModern ‘detox’ marketing language

Preparation notes

Products may use seed extracts with different standardization and added ingredients. General herb information does not compare or endorse products.

Possible side effects

  • Bloating, nausea, gas, or diarrhea can occur.
  • Allergic reactions are possible, especially for people sensitive to related plants.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH describes insufficient high-quality evidence for many promoted uses and notes that product differences limit broad conclusions.

Traditional liver-related or ‘detox’ language does not establish that milk thistle cleanses the body, repairs the liver, or treats liver disease.

NCCIH: Milk Thistle — Usefulness and Safety

Turmeric root

Curcuma longa

Evidence is mixed and preparation-specific.

Traditional uses

Turmeric has longstanding culinary and traditional-use histories in South Asia and is widely used as a spice and in herbal preparations.

  • Turmeric has deep culinary and traditional-use histories in South Asia and is widely used in food and ceremonial preparations.
  • Traditional discussions commonly include digestion, color, and temporary discomfort.
Culinary traditionDigestive traditionDiscomfort-relief tradition

Preparation notes

Culinary spice, root powder, and concentrated extracts differ. Tincture ingredients and concentrations should be reviewed on the seller's own label.

Possible side effects

  • Stomach upset, reflux, diarrhea, or headache can occur.
  • Concentrated products may have different safety considerations than food use.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH says it is not clear whether turmeric or curcumin has meaningful benefit for most promoted uses, and product formulations vary.

Traditional use and studies of specific preparations do not establish that a turmeric tincture manages discomfort, inflammation, or any disease.

NCCIH: Turmeric — Usefulness and Safety

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Herb-specific federal education coverage is limited.

Traditional uses

Passionflower has a history in Indigenous North American and later European herbal traditions and appears in historical accounts of calming rituals.

  • Indigenous North American and later European herbal traditions describe passionflower in calming evening routines.
  • Historical accounts also place it in rest and temporary tension discussions.
Sleep/relaxation traditionNervous-system tradition

Preparation notes

Passionflower species and preparations vary. Teas, extracts, and tinctures should not be treated as interchangeable.

Possible side effects

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion can occur.
  • Safety data for concentrated products is limited.

What we know and do not know

Herbwise has not identified a dedicated federal fact sheet for passionflower. Historical use does not establish the safety or benefit of a tincture.

Historical calming language does not establish that a passionflower tincture manages sleep, anxiety, or another condition.

FDA: Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Evidence varies; not established for most promoted uses.

Traditional uses

Chamomile has a long history in European and Middle Eastern traditions and is commonly discussed in relation to calming rituals and digestive comfort.

  • European and Middle Eastern traditions include chamomile in calming rituals and digestive-comfort discussions.
  • It also has a long history as a tea and household preparation.
Sleep/relaxation traditionDigestive traditionHousehold tea tradition

Preparation notes

It is commonly encountered as a tea, liquid extract, or tincture. Product form, plant species, and added ingredients can vary.

Possible side effects

  • Nausea or dizziness may occur.
  • Allergic reactions can occur and may rarely be severe.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH notes that many promoted uses have not been clearly shown to help in research, and safety details depend on the person and product.

Traditional calming or digestive language does not establish that every chamomile tincture is effective for sleep, discomfort, or digestive symptoms.

NCCIH: Chamomile — Usefulness and Safety

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Some research exists for specific questions; results are not universal.

Traditional uses

Ginger has been used in foodways and folk traditions across many regions, including in discussions of digestive comfort and travel routines.

  • Foodways and folk traditions in many regions include ginger in digestive-comfort and travel-routine discussions.
  • It is also widely used as a culinary warming spice.
Digestive traditionTravel-routine traditionCulinary tradition

Preparation notes

It may appear as food, tea, a liquid extract, or a tincture. Research findings for one preparation do not automatically apply to another.

Possible side effects

  • Abdominal discomfort, heartburn, or diarrhea can occur.
  • Mouth or throat irritation has been reported.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH describes mixed or uncertain findings for several commonly promoted uses and advises discussing supplements with a health professional.

Evidence for specific ginger preparations cannot be generalized to every tincture, and traditional use does not establish treatment for a health concern.

NCCIH: Ginger — Usefulness and Safety

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

Preparation-specific evidence; uncertainty remains.

Traditional uses

Peppermint has been used in food, teas, and European herbal traditions and is often discussed in relation to digestive routines.

  • Food, tea, and European herbal traditions include peppermint in digestive-routine discussions.
  • Aromatic and culinary uses are also well established in many food cultures.
Digestive traditionCulinary traditionAromatic tradition

Preparation notes

Peppermint leaf and peppermint oil are different preparations. Tinctures and extracts vary, so read the label and do not assume products are interchangeable.

Possible side effects

  • Heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, or dry mouth can occur with oral peppermint oil.
  • Skin products can cause irritation or rash; allergic reactions are possible.

What we know and do not know

NCCIH says effects and safety differ by preparation, and evidence does not support extending findings from one product to every form of peppermint.

Findings for peppermint oil or other specific preparations do not establish that a peppermint tincture is appropriate for digestive symptoms.

NCCIH: Peppermint Oil — Usefulness and Safety