Medicinal Plant Register

Parts used: Leaf gel (inner leaf)

Active substances: Polysaccharides, anthraquinones (aloin in latex), vitamins, enzymes

Medicinal uses: Topical: burns, wounds, skin irritation; oral: mild laxative, digestive support

Evidence level: Moderate

Parts used: Roots (sometimes leaves)

Active substances: Withanolides, alkaloids (withanine), steroidal lactones

Medicinal uses: Adaptogen, stress/anxiety reduction, cortisol lowering, energy, male fertility

Evidence level: Moderate

Parts used: Dried flowers (capitula)

Active substances: Apigenin, chamazulene, bisabolol, coumarins

Medicinal uses: Calming, mild sedative, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, anxiety and sleep support

Evidence level: Moderate

Parts used: Roots, aerial parts (flowers, leaves)

Active substances: Alkylamides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, caffeic acid derivatives

Medicinal uses: Immune support, common cold, upper respiratory infections

Evidence level: Moderate

Parts used: Ripe berries (cooked), flowers

Active substances: Anthocyanins, flavonoids, lectins, sambunigrin (toxic in raw berries)

Medicinal uses: Immune support, common cold & flu symptom relief, antiviral properties

Evidence level: Moderate

Parts used: Only the hat is dried and used topically as a ticture or as a tea.

Active substances: Muscimol

Medicinal uses: Modern-day pharmacological studies and anecdotal reports from users suggest that the mushroom has analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic (anxiety-soothing), neuroprotective, and stimulant properties. A new generation of researchers now recognize that the mushroom holds an array of potentially therapeutic benefits, with one team of mycologists recently reflecting: Amanita muscaria offers а great versatility of beneficial effects in cell protection and especially in neuroprotection, cardio protection, hepatoprotection, inflammation process, oxidative stress, and may even contribute to development of new drugs in the future.

Evidence level: Moderate

Parts used: Bulb (cloves)

Active substances: Allicin, ajoene, S-allyl cysteine, sulfur compounds

Medicinal uses: Antimicrobial, cardiovascular support (blood pressure, cholesterol), immune booster, anti-inflammatory

Evidence level: High

Parts used: Rhizome (fresh or dried)

Active substances: Gingerols, shogaols, paradols, zingerone

Medicinal uses: Anti-nausea (motion sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy), anti-inflammatory, digestive aid

Evidence level: High

Parts used: Leaves (standardized extract)

Active substances: Flavonoid glycosides, terpene lactones (ginkgolides, bilobalide)

Medicinal uses: Cognitive function, circulation, memory support, vertigo, tinnitus (mixed evidence)

Evidence level: Moderate

Parts used: Leaves and flowering tops

Active substances: Eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, ocimumosides

Medicinal uses: Adaptogen, stress relief, immune support, respiratory health

Evidence level: Moderate

Parts used: Flowers and flowering tops

Active substances: Linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, cineole

Medicinal uses: Nervous system — calming restlessness, relaxing mind, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, mild sleep aid. Skin & wounds — as an antiseptic for burns, cuts, insect bites, and acne. Has a cooling and calming effect in muscles. Digestive — can relievie colic, gas, and indigestion. Respiratory — easing coughs and throat issues. Has traditionally been used as an insect repeller.

Evidence level: High

Parts used: Seeds

Active substances: Silymarin (silybin, silychristin, silydianin)

Medicinal uses: Liver protection/hepatoprotective, detoxification support, possible diabetes benefit

Evidence level: Moderate