Guide to the properties and benefits of plants in herbal medicine
All the properties of phytotherapy plants in a single table! For each plant, our herbal medicine guide tells you the properties and benefits of the main plants as well as the possible uses.

All the properties of phytotherapy plants in a single table!

In capsules, powder or leaves, here are the properties of the main plants used in herbal medicine (the most common and practical use being in capsules).


General precautions

  1. Keep out of reach of young children. Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Use reserved for adults and adolescents over 15 years old. This product cannot replace a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
  2. If in doubt or for prolonged use, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  3. Follow the instructions for use appearing on the sales sheet for your product.
  4. Read the specific precautions for each product.

This information comes from our summaries on phytotherapy, it does not in any way constitute medical information, nor does it engage our responsibility. If in doubt, only your doctor can advise you.

Legend:
+++ : Optimal use / maximum efficiency
+ : Recommended use / good effectiveness
No plus: less common use but also recommended.

GARLIC BULB


IN SHORT :
  • A versatile plant, garlic helps fight respiratory infections, intestinal parasites and fungal infections. It reduces circulatory disorders and lowers cholesterol levels.
PROPERTIES :
  • Antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic
  • Hypotensive and blood thinner
  • Hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic
  • Antioxidant
CUSTOMS:
  • Respiratory infections +
  • Hypercholesterolemia +++
  • Atherosclerosis +++
  • Circulatory disorders +++
  • Hypertension +++
  • Diabetes +
  • Intestinal parasites and worms +

ARTICHOKE


IN SHORT :
  • Digestive plant par excellence, the artichoke protects the liver in particular; it stimulates digestive secretions, helps fight against nausea and bloating.
PROPERTIES :
  • Choleretic (increases bile secretion)
  • Stimulates liver cell regeneration and eliminates toxins
  • Hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic
CUSTOMS:
  • Liver failure +++
  • Poor digestion of fats +++
  • Constipation +
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Diabetes

HAWTHORN


IN SHORT :
  • Hawthorn, considered the plant of the heart, calms anxieties, anxiety and insomnia by acting on the heart, in particular by reducing palpitations. It would also reduce the symptoms of angina and mild to moderate heart failure.
PROPERTIES :
  • Cardiac and circulatory tonic
  • Increases blood flow to the heart
  • Regulates heart rate (hypotensive and hypertensive)
  • Antioxidant
  • Calming action on the central nervous system
CUSTOMS:
  • Angina pectoris (angina) +++
  • Palpitations +++
  • Mild to moderate heart failure +++
  • Heart rhythm disturbances +++
  • Hypertension (hypotension) +
  • Memory loss
  • Insomnia +++
  • Nervousness, anxiety +++

CANNEBERGE


IN SHORT :
  • Cranberry or the plant for the prevention of cystitis and recurrent urinary infections.
PROPERTIES :
  • Inhibits the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder wall
  • Prevents Helicobacter pillory infections
  • Antioxidant
  • Acts on cholesterol and the proper functioning of blood vessels
CUSTOMS:
  • Prevention of cystitis +++
  • Urethritis +++
  • Urinary tract disinfection +++
  • Gastritis and gastric ulcer
  • Dental caries, gingivitis
  • Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

CARROTS


IN SHORT :
  • Perfect for beautifying the skin, carrot is a powerful anti-spot, brightens the complexion, prepares the skin for tanning and promotes the regeneration of epithelia.
PROPERTIES :
  • Brightens the complexion and prepares the skin for tanning
  • Antitaches
  • Healing and regenerating
  • Improves night vision
  • Antioxidant
  • Depurative
  • Diuretic
  • Intestinal regulator
CUSTOMS:
  • Dull skin +++
  • Pregnancy spots and mask (not to be used during pregnancy) +++
  • Scars, fragile skin +++
  • Acne, dartres
  • Tan preparation +++
  • Night vision problems +
  • Irregular transit +
  • Mild hepatic impairment +

CASSIS


IN SHORT :
  • Blackcurrant is recognized as a powerful anti-inflammatory and diuretic which makes it very useful for rheumatic pain, arthritis or gout attacks.
PROPERTIES :
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Diuretic
  • Eliminates toxins and uric acid
CUSTOMS:
  • Joint and rheumatic pain +++
  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis +++
  • Gout attack +++
  • Hypertension

MILK THISTLE


IN SHORT :
  • Milk thistle contains 3 main molecules: silybin, silychristin and silydianine. This hepato-protective complex par excellence is known under the name of silymarin.
PROPERTIES :
  • Liver protector
  • Regenerates liver cells
  • Protects the liver from the effects of chemotherapy without reducing the effectiveness of the treatment (under medical supervision!)
  • Antioxidant
  • Hemostatic
CUSTOMS:
  • Liver failure +++
  • Cirrhosis of the liver +++
  • Gallstones +
  • Alcohol abuse +++
  • Chronic viral hepatitis +++
  • In addition to chemotherapy +
  • Heavy periods and nosebleeds

CURCUMA


IN SHORT :
  • A plant with multiple virtues used in cooking for centuries, it is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Particularly appreciated for its beneficial effects on inflammation without major side effects.
PROPERTIES :
  • Anti-inflammatory without the side effects induced by classic anti-inflammatories on the stomach and acidity
  • Antimicrobial
  • Antioxidant
  • Neuroprotective
CUSTOMS:
  • Joint pain, rheumatism and tendonitis +++
  • Osteoarthritis and arthritis +++
  • Irritable bowel +++
  • Gastrointestinal disorders +
  • Cardiovascular disorders +
  • Helicobacter pylori ulcer +
  • Anti-cancer therapy supplement
  • Aging-related disorders
  • Neurodegenerative diseases
  •  

ECHINACEA


IN SHORT :
  • Echinacea is the ideal immune stimulant to prevent and treat winter ailments: repeated infections, viral illnesses, colds, ENT conditions.
PROPERTIES :
  • Stimulates the immune system: prevents winter viral infections
  • Antiviral
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Sweat
  • Antiseptic
CUSTOMS:
  • In winter, in case of repeated infection +++
  • Immune deficiency +++
  • Cold, flu, viral ENT conditions +++
  • Acne, boils, abscesses

ESCHOLTZIA


IN SHORT :
  • The ideal plant for restful sleep, without nightmares or nocturnal awakenings. Helps to calm anxiety and anxiety in adults and children.
PROPERTIES :
  • Mild sedative
  • Mild analgesic and anxiolytic
  • Promotes restful sleep
  • Calms stress
CUSTOMS:
  • Difficulty falling asleep +++
  • Insomnia +++
  • Nocturnal awakenings +++
  • Nightmares +
  • Nocturnal enuresis
  • Anxiety and anxiety +++
  • Migraines of nervous origin

ROYAL JELLY AND POLLEN


IN SHORT :
  • This complex helps in cases of convalescence and general fatigue, it stimulates, strengthens and allows you to get back on your feet after a winter infection.
PROPERTIES :
  • Fortifying and stimulating physically and intellectually
  • Stimulates immune defenses
  • Increases resistance to cold and fatigue
CUSTOMS:
  • Cold, flu, winter ailments +++
  • Convalescence +++
  • Physical and intellectual fatigue +++
  • Immunity decreasing +++
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Depressed

GINGER


IN SHORT :
  • A versatile plant, it is useful against nausea and motion sickness, it stimulates digestion and helps with a drop in general tone.
PROPERTIES :
  • Antiemetic
  • Cholagogue and choleretic
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Stimulating and revitalizing
  • Hepatoprotective
  • Anti-inflammatory
CUSTOMS:
  • Motion sickness +++
  • Nausea +++
  • Digestion difficile +++
  • Pancreatic insufficiency
  • Migraine
  • Loss of tone +
  • Sexual fatigue +

GINKGO


IN SHORT :
  • By acting positively on general and cerebral blood circulation, ginkgo helps in cases of vascular disorders as well as in cases of problems linked to aging such as memory loss.
PROPERTIES :
  • Antioxidant
  • Vasodilator
  • Increases microcirculation in the capillaries
  • Prevents the formation of clots
  • Increases oxygen supply to tissues
  • Improves peripheral circulation
CUSTOMS:
  • Cardiovascular diseases +++
  • Memory loss linked to aging and cognitive alterations +++
  • Cerebral circulatory disorders +++
  • Improves learning abilities +++
  • Atherosclerosis +
  • Dizziness, ringing in the ears
  • Reynaud's disease (cold extremities) +

GINSENG


IN SHORT :
  • Ideal in cases of overwork or physical or intellectual fatigue. It improves performance and tone in general.
PROPERTIES :
  • Adaptogen: improves the body's adaptation to external or internal attacks
  • Tonic and revitalizing
  • Improves memorization and reflexes
  • Hormonal regulator
  • Stimulates immune defenses
  • Aphrodisiac
CUSTOMS:
  • Physical efforts +++
  • Intellectual fatigue +++
  • Convalescence +++
  • Overwork +++
  • Period of stress +++
  • Reduced immune defenses +

GUARANA


IN SHORT :
  • Richer in caffeine than tea and coffee (up to 7% caffeine!), guarana improves tone and helps fight obesity and excess weight.
PROPERTIES :
  • Tonic and psychostimulant
  • Slimming: stimulates basic metabolism and increases energy expenditure
  • Vasodilator
CUSTOMS:
  • Obesity or excess weight +++
  • Loss of tone +++
  • Mild depression
  • Headaches +
  • Mild diarrhea

HARPAGOPHYTUM


IN SHORT :
  • Also called devil's claw and native to South Africa, Harpagophytum was discovered late by Westerners. Since then, it has been a remedy of choice thanks to its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties.
PROPERTIES :
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Analgesic
  • Improves flexibility and joint mobility
  • Digestive stimulant
CUSTOMS:
  • Osteoarthritis and arthritis +++
  • Tendonitis +++
  • Rheumatism and painful joints +++
  • Digestive problems and lack of appetite
  • Fibromyalgia and muscle weakness

KONJAC


IN SHORT :
  • Thanks to glucomannan which can absorb up to 100 times its weight in water, konjac swells in the stomach to form a gel and provides a feeling of satiety. Ideal as an appetite suppressant, it is not absorbed by the digestive tract.
PROPERTIES :
  • Natural appetite suppressant, it reduces the quantity of food ingested
  • Reduces the absorption of fats in the intestine
  • Facilitates intestinal transit
  • Would have a positive effect on cholesterol
CUSTOMS:
  • Overweight +++
  • Cravings and feelings of hunger +++
  • Constipation +
  • Slimming diets +++
  • Cholesterol level too high

YEAST


IN SHORT :
  • Rich in B vitamins, brewer's yeasts are microscopic fungi. Widely used for dull skin and brittle hair, brewer's yeast also helps replenish the intestinal flora.
PROPERTIES :
  • Probiotic action: helps replenish the intestinal flora
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals ideal for beautiful skin and hair
  • Stimulates the immune system
CUSTOMS:
  • Dry and dull skin +++
  • Dry hair and brittle nails +++
  • Diarrhea +++
  • Reduced immune defenses
  • Irritable bowel syndrome +
  • Gastric ulcer
  • Acne, eczema +++
  • Fatigue, overwork

LIN


IN SHORT :
  • Flaxseed oil, contained in the seeds, contains a high level of omega 3 useful in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to the mucilages and fibers it contains, it fights against constipation and fragile intestines.
PROPERTIES :
  • Mild laxative
  • Emollient and softening
  • Rich in omega 3
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Reduces cholesterol levels
  • Improves skin suppleness
CUSTOMS:
  • Constipation +++
  • Gastritis and colitis
  • Prevention of cardiovascular diseases +++
  • Boils, abscesses
  • Too high cholesterol level +++

MACA


IN SHORT :
  • This plant, known to the Incas for millennia, improves physical and intellectual performance and helps with sexual fatigue.
PROPERTIES :
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Adaptogen
  • General tonic
  • Immune booster
CUSTOMS:
  • Sexuality disorders
  • Lowered immunity
  • Stress, fatigue +++
  • Menopause-related disorders
  • Reduced libido +++

INDIAN BROWN


IN SHORT :
  • Regulator of the vascular system, it helps fight against venous insufficiency of all types: heavy legs, varicose veins or hemorrhoids
PROPERTIES :
  • Mainly venous vascular regulator
  • Reduces the permeability of capillaries and strengthens their resistance
  • Astringent
  • Vasoconstrictor
  • Anti-inflammatory
CUSTOMS:
  • Edema and water retention +++
  • Heavy legs +++
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Hemorrhoids +++
  • Varices +++
  • Diarrhea
  • Bruises, bruises +

St. John’s Wort


IN SHORT :
  • A natural antidepressant, it has almost the same mode of action as allopathic antidepressants. Perfect when used alone, however, it interacts with many medications.
PROPERTIES :
  • Powerful plant antidepressant
  • Mild sedative
  • Liver activator
CUSTOMS:
  • Anxiety and nervousness +++
  • Mood disorders +++
  • Mild to moderate depression +++
  • Seasonal depression +++
  • Stress +++
  • Sleep problems +
  • Liver weakness

PRICKLY PEAR


IN SHORT :
  • Plant of choice in slimming diets, it suppresses hunger and captures dietary fats and sugars. Also useful in cases of diarrhea, it also fights against bad cholesterol.
PROPERTIES :
  • Anti diarrheal
  • Cuts the feeling of hunger
  • Lowers bad cholesterol levels
  • Slimming action
  • Captures fats and reduces absorption of dietary glucose
  • Antioxidant
CUSTOMS:
  • Diarrhea +++
  • Slimming diet +++
  • Colitis and intestinal irritations +
  • Gastrointestinal pain
  • Too high level of bad cholesterol +
  • Mild diabetes
  • Skin aging

ONAGRE


IN SHORT :
  • Rich in essential fatty acids including gamma-linolenic acid (10%), evening primrose oil acts on a hormone, prolactin and thereby reduces premenstrual symptoms.
PROPERTIES :
  • Cell membrane protector
  • Fight against cholesterol
  • Mild anti-inflammatory
CUSTOMS:
  • Premenstrual disorders: breast tension, mood disorders, migraines, water retention +++
  • Dry skin +++
  • Eczema, psoriasis, scabs, itching +++
  • Arthritis

NETTLE


IN SHORT :
  • Very rich in vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, C and E, silica, zinc, magnesium), it is perfect for dull hair and brittle nails. Zinc also helps with acne.
PROPERTIES :
  • Depurative
  • Diuretic
  • Tonic
  • Astringent
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
CUSTOMS:
  • Skin fragility +++
  • Brittle hair and nails +++
  • Acne, eczema +++
  • Arthritis, joint pain, rheumatism +
  • Hay fever +
  • Urinary disorders

PASSIONFLOWER


IN SHORT :
  • Anxiolytic and sedative, passionflower is also known to reduce nighttime awakenings and improve the quality of sleep. It also helps when weaning off classic painkillers.
PROPERTIES :
  • Sedative
  • Antispasmodic
  • Anxiolytic
  • Relaxing and soothing
  • Calms heart palpitations
CUSTOMS:
  • Anxiety, stress, irritability +++
  • Non-restorative sleep +++
  • Nocturnal awakenings +++
  • Weaning off classic hypnotics and anxiolytics +++
  • Muscle spasms
  • Tachycardie, palpitations

PROPOLIS


IN SHORT :
  • Produced by bees from resins and buds, propolis serves as cement within the hive. Antiseptic and anti-infectious, it also stimulates the immune system.
PROPERTIES :
  • Antibacterial
  • Immunostimulant
  • Respiratory antiseptic
  • Healing
  • Antifungal
  • antivirals
CUSTOMS:
  • Decrease in immune defenses +++
  • Winter respiratory infections: bronchitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, laryngitis... +++
  • Acne, slight burns, small wounds
  • Herpes, mycoses

BLACK RADISH


IN SHORT :
  • The plant par excellence for detoxifying the liver, draining the body and digesting easily. Ideal in case of excess food or change of season
PROPERTIES :
  • Cholagogue, choleretic
  • Stimulates intestinal motility
  • Depurative
  • Detoxifier: eliminates toxins and waste
  • Expectorant and mucolytic
  • Antioxidant
CUSTOMS:
  • Liver and biliary disorders +++
  • Difficult digestion: bloating, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea +++
  • Detox treatment +++
  • Fatty cough

MEADOW QUEEN


IN SHORT :
  • Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid as an active molecule, from which the famous “aspirin” is derived. Remarkable anti-inflammatory, it is also analgesic.
PROPERTIES :
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Analgesic
  • Vasodilatatrice
  • Heart tonic
  • Diuretic
  • Stimulates perspiration
  • Cholagogue
CUSTOMS:
  • Joint pain and rheumatism +++
  • Osteoarthritis +++
  • Febrile states
  • Cellulite +++
  • Water retention and edema +
  • As a complement to slimming diets

SAGE


IN SHORT :
  • Sage is one of the natural treatments for menopause-related disorders such as hot flashes as well as premenstrual disorders. It also facilitates digestion.
PROPERTIES :
  • Phytooestrogens
  • Antispasmodic
  • Choleretic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiseptic
  • Antisudorale
CUSTOMS:
  • Hot flashes and excessive sweating +++
  • Menopause-related disorders and premenstrual syndrome +++
  • Gingivites, stomatites
  • Digestion difficile +++
  • Diarrhea +

SPIRULINA


IN SHORT :
  • Forty times richer in iron than spinach and having up to 60% of its weight in proteins, spirulina is ideal for athletes and people lacking vitality.
PROPERTIES :
  • Stimulates natural defenses
  • Antioxidant
  • Slightly reduces cholesterol levels
  • General tonic
  • Rich in beta carotene, trace elements and minerals
CUSTOMS:
  • Decreased immunity +++
  • Chronic fatigue +++
  • Physical fatigue +++
  • Sport +++
  • High cholesterol
  • Convalescence +

GREEN TEA


IN SHORT :
  • Green tea is a complement of choice for slimming diets: it helps to lose excess pounds and fights against the loss of tone experienced during low-calorie diets.
PROPERTIES :
  • Increases thermogenesis and energy expenditure
  • Reduces circulating lipid levels (cholesterol)
  • General stimulant and tonic
  • Antioxidant
  • Diuretic
CUSTOMS:
  • Obesity, overweight +++
  • Slimming diets +++
  • Loss of tone, fatigue +++
  • High cholesterol
  • Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

VALERIAN


IN SHORT :
  • Well known for its sedative and calming action, valerian is also an excellent supplement to help with smoking cessation.
PROPERTIES :
  • Sedative
  • Relaxing
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Calms anxiety and nervousness accompanying quitting smoking
CUSTOMS:
  • Anxiety, stress, anxiety +++
  • Insomnia +++
  • Smoking cessation +++

RED VINE


IN SHORT :
  • Due to its numerous actions on the vascular system, red vine is ideal in cases of chronic venous insufficiency, heavy legs, hemorrhoids, varicose veins or cutaneous circulatory problems.
PROPERTIES :
  • Decreased capillary permeability
  • Increases ship resistance
  • Venous tonic
  • Promotes blood return to the heart
  • Vasoconstrictrice
  • Antioxidant
CUSTOMS:
  • Heavy legs +++
  • Varices +++
  • Hemorrhoids +++
  • Bruises, rosacea +++
  • Chronic venous insufficiency +++
  • Prevention of cardiovascular diseases



The data summarized here is given for information purposes and cannot engage our responsibility.
The table above only describes the properties and uses. For further information on use, instructions for use, precautions to take and uses advised against, please refer to the product sales sheet.
Not all of the plants described here are safe and without possible interactions with other medications or treatments. It is therefore very important to respect the recommended doses and to tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking these products: only he or she will be able to determine if any interactions exist between the food supplement and another treatment or medication that you may be taking.
The pathologies cited in this article are illnesses that can be serious or even life-threatening. A visit to a doctor remains essential. Only he will be able to make a precise diagnosis and, if necessary, provide you with the most appropriate treatment.

Bibliography

  • Pierre M, Gayet C My bible of herbalist secrets. Ed. Leduc. S 2016
  • Pierre M The bible of healing plants. Ed. Du Chêne 2017
  • The little Larousse of healing plants: 500 plants and their remedies. Ed. Larousse 2016
  • Larousse of medicinal plants: identification, preparations, care 550 plants described. Ed. Larousse 2017
  • Festy D My illustrated primer on essential oils. Ed. Leduc.s 2015
  • Lefief A The complete guide to essential oils. Ed. ESI 2017


NOTE: This article was written by a pharmacist. The data summarized there come from the scientific literature and the references cited above. For medical advice, in the event of specific or prolonged symptoms, please consult your doctor. Only he will be able to make a precise diagnosis and provide you, if necessary, with the most appropriate treatment.


Guide to plants in herbal medicine classified by needs
For each need (circulation, detox, digestion, joints, hair, etc.), our guide to phytotherapy plants tells you what the properties are and the best plants to treat you.