Bupleurum

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. MSK notes that it has been studied mostly for colds, flu and upper respiratory infections. 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.

Bitter melon is an annual climbing vine reaching about 6.5 feet, characterized by deeply lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and distinctive orange-yellow fruit. Native to southern Asia and now common throughout tropical regions worldwide, it is harvested year-round. Its edible fruit is used both as food and in medicine to treat diabetes in regions including Asia, East Africa and the Caribbean; MSK says data on whether it lowers blood sugar are limited.

Boldo is a strongly aromatic multi-branched evergreen shrub or tree growing to 20 feet. It has egg-shaped leathery leaves with a lemony scent, clusters of white or yellow bell-shaped flowers, and small yellow berries. Native to Chile and Peru, it has become naturalized in the Mediterranean region and the West Coast of North America, where it grows on dry sunny slopes and in mountain pastures in the Andes. It is widely cultivated, and its leaves are gathered throughout the year.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a pervasive perennial weed growing to about 20 in (50 cm), with jagged basal leaves, hollow flower stalks, and bright gold blossoms. Its flowers, leaves and root have traditionally been used in Mexican and other North American medicine, and oral products are promoted for indigestion; NCCIH says there is no compelling scientific evidence for using dandelion for any health condition.

Fringe tree is a deciduous shrub or tree growing to 33 feet with elliptical dark green leaves, long flowering stems bearing spikes of white flowers, and dark blue oval fruits. Native to the United States and now also found in eastern Asia, it grows from Pennsylvania south to Florida and Texas and thrives on riverbanks and in damp shrubby areas. The root is unearthed in spring or autumn, mostly in Virginia and North Carolina.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, sometimes Carduus marianus) is a tall biennial with spiny, white-veined leaves and purple, thistle-like flower heads. The main constituent of milk thistle extract is silymarin, and milk thistle was historically used for liver disorders and to increase breast milk production. NCCIH says trials in liver diseases, including hepatitis and fatty liver disease, have been conflicting or too limited to reach conclusions.

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) is a perennial growing to about 1-2 ft (30-60 cm), with sticky leaves and purple tubular flowers. It is one of the best-known herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where both the raw and the prepared root are used.

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also known as wu wei zi (“5-flavored herb”), is a woody vine that can grow up to 26 ft (8 m). It has pink blossoms and clusters of bright red berries, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine for liver conditions and as a tonic for vitality. MSK says only a small number of human studies exist and they are too limited to draw conclusions.