Garlic (Allium sativum)

Triphala is not a single herb but a traditional Ayurvedic blend of three fruits: haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and amalaki or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis). Haritaki is described in Ayurveda as having five flavors (bitter, sour, astringent, salty, and sweet). Bibhitaki is described as pungent and warming. Amalaki is also described as having five flavors (sour, astringent, sweet, pungent, and bitter) and contains small amounts of anthraquinones.

For many people the scent of eucalyptus conjures up days spent in bed during childhood with eucalyptus and other oils smothered on the chest. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies.

Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a robust, upright perennial growing to about 4 ft (1.2 m), with bright yellow, star-shaped flowers and oval leaves. Known for its exceptionally bitter constituents (particularly gentiopicroside and amarogentin), gentian has long been a key ingredient in aperitifs and digestifs.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a low-growing North American perennial, recognized by its thick yellow root and a short erect stem up to about 1 ft (30 cm). Native Americans historically used goldenseal for digestive disorders, wounds, skin and eye conditions, and cancer, and NCCIH says it is promoted today for colds and other upper respiratory infections, hay fever, diarrhea and constipation. NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to know whether goldenseal helps any health condition.

Osha has been overharvested in the wild and is extremely difficult to cultivate. It is listed on the United Plant Savers at-risk list. Until wild populations stabilize, its use should be limited.

Arjun is an evergreen tree that can grow up to about 100 ft (30 m) high, bearing pale yellow flowers and cone-shaped leaves.

Bacopa, also known as Water Hyssop or Brahmi, is a creeping succulent perennial that can grow to about 20 inches. It features spatula-shaped fleshy leaves and pale blue or white flowers on slender stalks. It thrives in marshlands and along the edges of mangrove swamps in warmer temperate and tropical climates, especially southern Asia, where it forms dense mats on mudflats.

Caraway is an aromatic annual herb growing to 2 feet with a ridged stem, feathery leaves, and umbels of white flowers in midsummer. Exploding capsules release two small narrow seeds. It grows wild in Europe, North Africa, and Asia, preferring sunny sites up to 6,600 feet above sea level. Cultivated in Europe, Russia, North Africa, and the United States, the seeds are harvested ripe in late summer. The seeds are commonly used in cooking.