Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis) is a succulent commonly grown as a potted plant, notable for its thick, fleshy leaves that contain two distinct medicinal components. Historically, the inner clear gel was used for skin conditions and to promote wound healing (NCCIH), while the bitter yellow sap from the leaf base, often called “bitter aloes,” is a strong laxative.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has bright orange daisy-like flowers.

Codonopsis is a small twining perennial growing to 5 feet with oval leaves and pendulous green and purple bell-shaped flowers marked with purple in summer. Native to northeastern China and growing throughout the region, especially in the Shanxi and Szechuan provinces, it is propagated from seed in spring or autumn, and the root is harvested in autumn once the aerial parts have died down. Codonopsis holds a central place in Chinese herbal medicine.

Guggul is a spiny shrub or tree growing to 6.5 feet with oval, serrated leaves, brownish-red flowers, and red fruits. The gum resin obtained from the bark forms pale yellow to brown 'tears' on the stems. Thriving in dry, semi-arid, and desert environments across much of the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East, it has been valued in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia. Guggul has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and it has been studied for raised blood cholesterol; MSK says evidence is lacking for weight loss, studies on cholesterol are mixed, and one study suggests it may raise cholesterol.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a tall, woody-stemmed perennial reaching about 6½ ft (2 m), with dark green leaves and cream-to-mauve pea-like flowers. Its root has a long history of use in traditional medicine for coughing, asthma and wound healing, and NCCIH says it is promoted today for digestive, respiratory and energy support. NCCIH says there isn't enough high-quality evidence to clearly support licorice for any health condition. Licorice is widely used in Chinese, European, and Western herbal medicine.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a large evergreen tree with compound leaves and white flowers, known in India as the “village pharmacy”. It is used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine for skin conditions and stomach ailments; MSK says studies on its safety and effectiveness are lacking.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial growing up to about 5 ft (1.5 m), recognized by its lance-shaped, serrated leaves and tiny greenish flowers. Though capable of “stinging,” nettle leaves and seeds are rich in protein, minerals and vitamins.

Papaya is a fast-growing tropical tree that can reach up to 26 feet in height, producing large fruits weighing up to 11 pounds. Originally native to tropical America, papaya has been widely cultivated in tropical regions throughout the world. The plant has been used in traditional Mayan medicine, and the leaves are still employed as a meat tenderizer in tropical Latin America due to their protein-dissolving enzymes.