Gentian (Gentiana lutea)

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous perennial in the onion family, recognized for its sharp flavor and characteristic odor. It is widely used in cooking, and crushed fresh garlic contains allicin. NCCIH says garlic supplements may lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar to a small extent, but very little research has tested claims that they boost immunity.

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.

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.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a large, aromatic biennial herb growing up to about 6½ ft (2 m), with ridged hollow stems, bright green divided leaves, and greenish-white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters (umbels).

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to about 65 ft (20 m). It features leathery, dark green, lance-shaped leaves, small yellow flowers, and shiny black berries. The plant is well known for its culinary use (“bay leaves”) as well as its medicinal history in ancient Greece and Rome.

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.

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.

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.