Herbal Home Remedies

Home & Natural Remedies (A–Z)

Informational guide: below are herbs, foods, and traditional preparations people commonly use at home. Click through to explore related products where available.

Acacia (Acacia farnesiana / vera)

Traditionally used as an astringent; simple teas are used for mild digestive discomfort.

Achiote (Annatto / Bixa orellana)

Beloved in Mayan cooking; in folk use it appears in teas and tonics for general wellness.

Agar-agar

Seaweed gel rich in fiber; used in homemade jellies and to add fullness to recipes.

Agave

Agave nectar is a gentle-tasting sweetener; inulin is a naturally occurring prebiotic fiber.

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Classic astringent tea in European herbals, often sipped after meals.

Basil (Albahaca)

Fragrant infusions enjoyed for a calming, fresh finish to the day.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Sprouts and leaves in salads or teas; associated with a light, “green” taste.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Gel is applied to minor skin irritation; inner juice is consumed in moderation.

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)

Ancient grain with protein and minerals; enjoyed popped (alegrías) or in porridges.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Sweet, aromatic tea commonly sipped after hearty meals.

Arnica (Arnica montana)

Used externally in gels and salves for gentle massage on targeted areas.

Avocado (Persea americana)

Versatile fruit; folk uses include leaf teas with a pleasant, toasty aroma.

Barley

Base for light broths and drinks; a staple when eating “on the light side.”

Bay Leaf (Laurel)

Kitchen classic; also used in simple compresses in traditional households.

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)

Complex plant. Requires professional guidance; not recommended for home use.

Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Strong, aromatic tea customarily sipped after rich foods.

Cactus Nopal (Nopal)

Naturally high in fiber; eaten grilled, in salads, or blended into juices.

Calamus (Acorus calamus)

Referenced in historic herbals; modern use is limited and cautious.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Petals in teas and salves; a gentle, traditional comfort herb.

Castor Oil

Historically used as a stimulant laxative; modern use is conservative and measured.

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Amazonian vine popular in supplements for general wellness routines.

Chamomile (Manzanilla)

Bedtime favorite; a mild, soothing tea for a calm evening.

Chaya

Traditional Yucatán green; always cooked before eating; added to soups and stews.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

Bright herb for salsas and broths; a fresh finishing note at the table.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum)

Warming spice for teas, atoles, and desserts—classic comfort flavor.

Coffee

Energizing beverage enjoyed in moderation for focus and pep.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Baja California Sur tradition; aromatic herbal tea for relaxed evenings.

Echinacea

Common in seasonal wellness blends (tinctures, teas, capsules).

Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides)

Iconic bean and soup herb in Mexican cooking; prized for its distinct aroma.

Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis)

Old-world herb noted in classic herbals; used today primarily in traditional contexts.

Garlic

Kitchen essential; macerations and food use are common in folk traditions.

Ginger

Grated into hot water with honey and lemon; a cozy, steamy cup.

Ginkgo biloba

Modern herbal supplement often used for perceived cognitive support.

Ginseng (Panax)

Tonic root from Asian traditions; now common in teas and capsules.

Green Tea

Antioxidant-rich beverage folded into daily hydration habits.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa / Jamaica)

Tart ruby infusion; enjoyed hot or iced across Mexico.

Honey

Natural sweetener for teas; often paired with lemon and cinnamon in home recipes.

Horsetail (Equisetum)

Traditional tea; typically consumed occasionally and with care.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

Historic herb for warm honeyed teas.

Jojoba

Liquid wax used in skincare as a light, breathable moisturizer.

Kava kava

Pacific-island tradition; seek professional guidance before any use.

Kidney Wood (Palo Azul)

Northern Mexican tisane known for its amber-blue hue.

Lavender

Aromatic oil and tea for wind-down rituals and restful spaces.

Lemongrass

Bright, citrusy tea; also appears in aromatic oils.

Lemon Verbena (Cedrón)

Fragrant evening tea commonly enjoyed after supper.

Lentils

Nourishing legume for “spoon soups” and hearty stews.

Lingonberry

Tangy red berry popular in modern antioxidant blends.

Nutmeg (Myristica)

Warm spice used sparingly in beverages and desserts.

Nopalitos

Tender cactus strips for eggs, salads, and sautés—naturally high in fiber.

Oatmeal (Avena)

Classic high-fiber breakfast; pairs with cinnamon, fruit, and honey.

Oregano

Bold herb for sauces and broths; sometimes brewed as a simple tea.

Papaya

Soft, lightly sweet fruit for breakfasts and smoothies.

Passion Flower (Passiflora)

Common in nighttime relaxation blends.

Plantain (Plantago / Llanten)

Leaves appear in historic poultices and simple teas.

Pomegranate

Juice and arils brighten beverages, marinades, and dressings.

Psyllium (Zaragatona)

Husk rich in soluble fiber; always take with ample water.

Quince (Membrillo)

Cooked into pastes and compotes—pantry staple in many cuisines.

Rose Hips

Used in teas and facial oils; a cozy, tart cup when brewed.

Rosemary

Mediterranean herb for stocks and steams; also brewed as a fragrant tea.

Rue (Ruda)

Very traditional plant. Use sparingly; avoid in pregnancy.

Shan zhu yu / Shu di huang

Classic Chinese herbs; modern use is typically guided by specialists.

Spearmint (Hierbabuena)

Fresh after-meal tea; also used in simple steam inhalations.

Spirulina

Algae powder/tablets added to smoothies and green juices.

Stevia

Plant-based zero-calorie sweetener for drinks and desserts.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum)

European herb found in supplements; check for drug interactions.

Thyme

For soups, steams, and teas; robust and comforting aroma.

Uva ursi (Pingüica)

Berry used in traditional herbals; applied cautiously and briefly.

Valerian

Root used in capsules and bedtime teas; earthy aroma.

Violet (Viola tricolor)

Appears in syrups and gentle teas in traditional recipes.

Yerba Santa

Aromatic leaf used in cuisine and classic home respiratory teas.

Yohimbine

Potent alkaloid; do not use without medical supervision.

Zapote (Sapote)

Traditional fruit; folk references note varied household uses.

Vitamins & Minerals from Whole Foods

• Vitamin A: carrots, melons, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes.
• Vitamin B6: bananas, lentils, tuna, salmon, whole grains, seeds.
• Vitamin B12: meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy.
• Vitamin C: citrus, berries, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, greens.
• Vitamin D: fortified dairy/juices, salmon, mackerel, sunlight (moderate).
• Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, vegetable oils, whole grains, avocados, nuts.
• Copper, Selenium, Zinc: shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds.

Explore more in our Natural Home Remedies section.