Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Bitter melon is an annual climbing vine reaching about 6.5 feet, characterized by deeply lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and distinctive orange-yellow fruit. Native to southern Asia and now common throughout tropical regions worldwide, it is harvested year-round. Its edible fruit is used both as food and in medicine to treat diabetes in regions including Asia, East Africa and the Caribbean; MSK says data on whether it lowers blood sugar are limited.

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.

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.

White peony is an upright perennial growing to 6.5 feet with large white flowers and divided, dark green leaves. Its history of use in China stretches back at least 1,500 years, and it is one of the herbs in 'Four Things Soup.' The plant is cultivated throughout northeastern China and Inner Mongolia, propagated from seed in spring or from root cuttings in winter. The root of 4- or 5-year-old plants is harvested in spring or autumn.

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.

Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to about 13 ft (4 m). It has lobed leaves, clusters of white flowers, and red oval berries.

Dill is an aromatic annual growing to 30 inches with an erect hollow stem, feathery leaves, and numerous yellow flowers in umbels. Its very lightweight, pungent fruit (seeds) are harvested in late summer. Native to southern Europe and central and southern Asia, dill grows wild in open areas and is widely cultivated - notably in England, Germany, and North America. The leaves are picked as a culinary herb. Dill was commonly used as a charm against witchcraft in the Middle Ages, when it was burned to clear thunderclouds. Its name comes from the Norse 'dylla,' meaning 'to soothe.'

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), also known as Hydrocotyle asiatica, is a creeping perennial reaching up to about 20 in (50 cm). It sports fan-shaped leaves, often used in salads across parts of India. It is used for wound healing, scars, varicose veins and venous insufficiency; MSK says only a few studies suggest it may help wound healing, and the evidence is not strong enough to support its use for cognitive function.