11. Goldenseal
Goldenseal, a member of the buttercup family, is typically found alongside echinacea in natural cold–relieving products. Prepared as a tea, it can be used to treat eye infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, canker sores, and vaginitis thanks to an antibacterial and antifungal compound called berberine. This compound also fights parasites and boosts immune response (16).
Best of all, goldenseal can be grown in your own background. While it has many benefits, the herb should not be used by pregnant women or anyone suffering from high blood pressure, liver disease, or heart disease.
12. Myrrh
Myrrh is a natural gum extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree that’s been used since biblical times. Traditional medicine uses it to cure indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, cancer, leprosy, spasms, and syphilis (17). Plus, it’s a viable treatment for inflammation, fungal infection, and cancer (18).
Myrrh essential oil can be used alongside honey and other essential oils, but it should not be taken for more than 2 weeks at a time (19).
13. Echinacea
Echinacea is perhaps the most well-known herb native to eastern and central North America. The leaves, flowers, and root can all be used medicinally.
Echinacea is great for treating infections such as the cold and flu and other upper respiratory infections. It can be taken to prevent infection as well as cure it.
The herb can be used against (20):
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Herpes
- HIV/AIDS
- Human papilloma virus (HPV)
- Bloodstream infections (septicemia)
- Tonsillitis
- Streptococcus infections
- Syphilis
- Typhoid
- Malaria
- Ear infection
- Swine flu
- Warts
- Nose and throat infections (diphtheria)
The herb also works against anxiety, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines and much, much more. Unfortunately, very few echinacea products on the market actually contain the herb and most are contaminated with arsenic and lead, so it’s important to only buy the herb from a reputable source or grow your own.