Herbs are a rich source of pharmacy — often containing several hundred active ingredients.
These interactions can have profound impacts on the human body — consider toxic herbs as an example. Just a few milligrams of the death cap mushroom is potent enough to kill an adult human.
Like the death cap mushroom, there are many plants strong enough to cause dramatic changes in the human body — good or bad.
The plants we use in herbal medicine fall in the latter category — offering changes to the human body that benefit us.
Quick Find — What Herb Are You Looking to Learn More About?
Herbal Monographs: Benefits, Safety, Dosage, History, & More
What is Albizzia? Albizzia is a tree in the pea family of plants (Leguminosae). The main use of albizzia in the western world is for seasonal allergies, asthma, and upper respiratory tract infections. This herb has the …
What is Aloe? Aloe is one of the most common household herbal medicines in the world. You'll find aloe in sunburn gels, topical salves and creams, and in food and beverages. The primary use of aloe is …
What is Angelica? Angelica has a long history of use in Europe where it originates from. It's one of the primary ingredients in gin — which was first formulated as a health tonic to ward off infection. This …
What is Ashwagandha? There are few herbs as useful for supporting the health of the adrenal glands as ashwagandha. This traditional ayurvedic herb is useful for alleviating a wide range of stress-related symptoms including adrenal fatigue, convalescence, …
What is Bacopa? Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb from India. It was used for protecting the brain and neurological system. This application of the herb has made it very famous in the developed world as a natural …
What is Barberry? Barberry is just one of the many medicinal plant species in the Berberis genus — which are marked by the presence of a useful antibacterial compound known as berberine. Berberine is a potent antifungal, …
What is Bearberry? Bearberry is native to the Nothern regions of North America and Europe. It's a low-growing evergreen shrub that can be found growing in dry alpine meadows. Bearberry has had a long history of use …
What is Coffee? Coffee is one of the most beloved herbs in the world — and for good reason. Some reports suggest as many as 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed each day around the world. …
What is Frankincense? Frankincense is a tough, resinous tree found growing in some of the harshest desert environments on earth. The tree can survive the scorching Somali sun and many months of drought. The aromatic resin produced …
What is Ginger? Ginger is best known for its use as a culinary herb but has a lot of benefits medicinally as well. Active compounds in ginger cause blood vessels to dilate, bringing blood flow into the …
What is Artichoke? The globe artichoke was a delicacy in ancient Rome — often featured during celebrations and ceremonies. This herb is both food and medicine. The unopened bracts are eaten with butter and lemon, while the …
What is Horsetail? Horsetail has been growing in bogs and ditches for the last 100 million years. It's the last remaining member of its family — Equisetaceae — which used to dominate forests throughout the Paleozoic era. …
What is Iris? The iris flower is a popular garden flower for its unconventional shape and vibrant colors — often resembling something more along the lines of an orchid than your standard garden variety flowers. Medicinally, iris …
What is Juniper? Juniper is a family of conifer shrubs and trees found growing in Northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. There are a few species used for medicine, but by far the most common …
What is Kava? Kava (also known as kava kava of ava) is a member of the pepper family (Piperaceae). There are a few species, but by far the most commonly used today is Piper methysticum. Kava comes …
What is Lavender? Lavender is a popular herb in cooking and herbal medicine. Its characteristic aroma can be found in everything from soap and shampoo to perfumes and e-liquids. The essential oil of lavender is used in …
What is Licorice? Licorice is very popular among both western and traditional Chinese herbalists. A few different species of the herb can be found growing in both Europe and Asia, and there are closely related species native …
What is Magnolia? Magnolia plants are estimated to be around 95 million years old — making them one of the oldest flowering plant species on earth. Unlike most flowering plant species, magnolias are pollinated by beetles. Most …
What is Manuka? The best-known form of manuka is in the famous New Zealand manuka honey. This honey is well-respected for its potent antibacterial effects. Manuka honey is made by cultivating bees that feed exclusively on the …
How to Use Our Herbal Monographs
Our herbal monographs are designed to be as simple and direct as possible.
We provide all the essential information you need to use the plant safely:
How it’s used
What actions are associated with the herb
Safety & potential side effects
Effective dosage
How to take it
Where to buy it
We also explore the scientific research behind the herb.
The information in our monographs are intended for educational purposes only — and should not be used to treat, or prevent any illness. We highly recommend you speak with an experienced health practitioner before you begin using herbs.
About Herb Info
Herb Info is intended to be an educational resource for budding herbalists or hobby herbalists.
All our monographs are based on real evidence in both practice and from the scientific literature.
Our founder, Justin Cooke, has been practicing herbal medicine for several years and spent countless hours collecting and sifting through peer-reviewed research before putting together these monographs.
