Oats (avena sativa)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), with its bright orange daisy-like flowers, is among the most versatile herbs in Western herbal medicine. Its petals contain antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary properties, making it excellent for speeding tissue repair in wounds, burns, bruises, and various skin irritations. Calendula is also used internally for gastrointestinal inflammation (e.g., Crohn’s disease, colitis, gastritis).

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. The inner clear gel is renowned for its soothing and wound-healing properties, while the bitter yellow sap from the leaf base (often called “bitter aloes”) has a strong laxative effect. Historically, aloe vera has been prized for treating skin irritations, burns, and ulcers. It can also be taken internally (as juice) to support digestion and immune function. Whole leaf aloe juice has been used to help fight arthritis, AIDS, cancer, and other chronic conditions, though the outer leaf portion containing anthraquinones is typically filtered out to avoid harsh laxative effects.

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a coarse, hairy annual that grows to about 2 ft (60 cm), featuring a succulent stem, large basal leaves, and distinctively bright blue star-shaped flowers. The seeds yield an oil exceptionally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) - a form of polyunsaturated fatty acid beneficial for inflammatory and skin conditions. Traditionally, borage leaves and flowers are associated with uplifting mood and supporting adrenal function.

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a low-growing, sprawling plant, typically reaching about 6 in (15 cm) high. It has softly hairy stems, oval leaves, and small, starlike white flowers. Known for its soothing, mucilaginous quality, chickweed is sometimes taken as a mild appetite suppressant (when consumed 1 hour before meals). It is often applied topically as a poultice or in salves to relieve skin irritations and reduce itchiness. The tea can be used as an eyewash and may help with mild weight management by breaking down fats.

Cleavers is a straggling, square-stemmed annual growing to 4 feet with whorls of lance-shaped leaves, clusters of small white flowers, and small round green fruits covered with hooked prickles. The name refers to the plant's ability to cling (or cleave) to fur or clothing. Common throughout Europe and North America and found in many other temperate regions including Australia, it grows prolifically in gardens and along roadsides. The Greek physician Dioscorides in the 1st century CE considered it useful for countering weariness and noted that shepherds used the stems to make sieves for straining milk.

Lemon (Citrus limon) is a small, evergreen tree with light-green, toothed leaves, fragrant white blossoms, and bright yellow fruit. Its high vitamin C content supports immune function, while lemon juice has an alkalizing effect in the body despite its acidity. Lemon is commonly used for colds, flu, and circulatory support, as well as for improving the flavor in countless foods and beverages.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a large evergreen tree with compound leaves and white flowers, considered in India as a “village pharmacy” for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Both leaves and seeds are used to treat infections, skin conditions, and other ailments.

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) is a perennial growing to about 1-2 ft (30-60 cm), with sticky leaves and purple tubular flowers. One of the most prized herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s considered both cooling (raw) and nourishing (prepared), supporting liver, kidneys, blood, and longevity.