Mulberry Leaf (Morus alba)

Andrographis, commonly known as Green Chiretta or King of Bitters, is an upright annual herb reaching approximately 3 feet in height. Native to India and cultivated throughout northern regions of India and China, this bitter medicinal plant has been valued in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Historically used primarily for liver support and treating infections—especially malaria—it has earned recognition for its powerful immune-boosting and protective properties. The plant thrives on plains and in forest undergrowth, where its spotted pale brown or purple flowers and long seed capsules distinguish it from other medicinal herbs.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is famous for improving night vision and promoting eye health, largely due to its anthocyanidin content that supports retinal function and strengthens capillaries. It is closely related to the blueberry, and they can be used interchangeably in many cases. Bilberry fruit can help address circulatory issues, particularly in smaller blood vessels.

Catnip is a downy, aromatic perennial growing to 3 feet with heart-shaped, gray-green leaves and whorls of white flowers marked with purple spots. Native to Europe and naturalized in North America, it grows in dry wayside places and mountainous regions up to altitudes of 5,000 feet. The plant is gathered when in flower during summer and autumn. Its name comes from the Norse word 'dylla,' meaning 'to soothe,' reflecting its calming properties. Catnip has an excitatory effect on cats but a sedative effect on humans.

Osha is a powerful respiratory remedy that has been overharvested in the wild and is extremely difficult to cultivate. It is listed on the United Plant Savers at-risk list. The root has been traditionally valued for its ability to stimulate the digestive and immune systems while expelling mucus. Until wild populations stabilize, its use should be limited, with alternatives like pine, grindelia, and ginger recommended as replacements.

Pau d'arco is an evergreen tree that can reach 100 feet in height, producing pink flowers. The bark of this South American tree has been treasured for centuries in traditional medicine for its extensive health benefits. Indigenous peoples including the Incas and the Callawaya valued it as a cure-all. The tree grows in both mountainous terrains high in the Andes and in low-lying areas of Paraguay and Brazil. The prized inner bark is collected from wild-growing trees throughout the year.

Pleurisy root is an upright perennial herb growing to 3 feet tall, featuring narrow lance-shaped leaves and spikes of orange or yellow five-petaled flowers. Native to the southern United States, this plant was considered a cure-all in North American herbal medicine. Native American tribes, including the Omaha, used the raw root for bronchitis and chest conditions, while many tribes regarded it as an effective remedy for hot, dry fevers. The root is harvested in spring.

Alfalfa is a perennial herb that can grow to about 32 in (80 cm). It produces trifoliate leaves, flowers ranging from yellow to violet-blue, and spiraling seed pods. It has been called the “king of herbs,” with roots that can extend many feet into the ground to draw up minerals.

Black pepper is a perennial woody climbing vine growing to about 16 feet, with large oval leaves, spikes of small white flowers, and clusters of small round fruits that ripen from green to red. Native to southwestern India and now cultivated in tropical areas worldwide, the fruit is harvested from plants that are at least three years old. Different processing methods yield green, black, red, and white peppercorns, each with distinct flavors and uses. Cultivated as both a spice and medicine since ancient times, pepper was such a prized commodity in world trade that Attila the Hun reportedly demanded 3,000 pounds of it as ransom during his siege of Rome in 408 CE.