Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Corydalis is a small herbaceous perennial growing to 8 inches with narrow leaves and pink flowers. Native to Siberia, northern China, and Japan, it is commonly cultivated in eastern and northeastern parts of China. Propagated from seed in early spring or autumn, the rhizome is harvested in late spring and early summer when the aerial parts have withered. It has been part of Chinese herbal medicine since at least the 8th century.

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a trailing perennial native to southern Africa, named for its hooked, woody fruits. Its tuber has long been used in traditional medicine for pain, fever, and stomach complaints; MSK says no scientific evidence supports its use for digestive disorders. Today it is mostly taken for joint and back pain; MSK says small studies suggest it may help osteoarthritis of the hip or knee and back pain, but larger studies are needed.

Lobelia is an annual herb growing to 20 inches with lance-shaped leaves and pale blue, pink-tinged flowers. It was used as a 'puke weed' to induce vomiting. Lobelia was also smoked as a substitute for tobacco and was reputed to share some of its magical qualities. Indigenous to North America, especially eastern parts of the United States, it grows by roadsides and in neglected areas, preferring acid soil. The aerial parts are harvested in early autumn when the seed capsules are most numerous and are carefully dried. Its use was later championed by the American herbalist Samuel Thomson (1769-1843), who made the herb the mainstay of his therapeutic system, mainly using it to induce vomiting.

Arnica is an aromatic perennial, usually about 1 ft (30 cm) high, with downy, oval-shaped leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Its flowers and roots have traditionally been used for bruises, sprains, arthritic pain and muscle aches, and a highly diluted form is used in homeopathy; MSK says a few clinical trials suggest topical arnica may help osteoarthritis and bruising, but rigorous research on homeopathic arnica is still needed. Arnica taken internally can be toxic (see precautions).

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a tall herbaceous perennial, growing up to about 8 ft (2.5 m) with creamy-white flower spikes. Its thick, knobby root has a bitter, acrid taste and a distinctive odor. Native Americans used the root for a variety of conditions, including menstrual cramps, kidney ailments and sore throat; NCCIH says research has focused on menopause symptoms, and there aren't enough reliable data on other uses.

Blue cohosh is an upright perennial herb reaching 3 feet in height, with large three-lobed leaves, yellow to purple flowers, and striking blue berries. It grows wild in much of eastern North America from Manitoba to Alabama, preferring woodland valleys and damp, north-facing slopes. The name 'cohosh' comes from the Algonquin language, and the plant was a popular remedy among many Native American tribes.

Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) is a tropical pepper known for its hot, pungent taste.

Biennial herb growing to 8 in (20 cm). Has red blotches on stem, crinkled lance-shaped leaves, 4-petaled yellow flowers, and elongated seed capsules.