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What an entry includes

  • Scientific + common names, parts used, primary actions, systems, preparations.
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Medical disclaimer: For general education only. Consult a qualified practitioner about individual use, especially with medications, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

Materia Medica A – Z

Our herbal encyclopedia with preparations, uses, safety notes, and research references.

Showing 1–20 of 321 entries.

A

Agaricus subrufescens (A. blazei, ABM)
Common name(s): Agaricus blazei, ABM, Himematsutake
AntioxidantImmunomodulator
Preparations: Decoction, Tincture (alcohol extract), Powder, Capsules
Safety: Generally well tolerated as food; monitor for mushroom allergies and interactions with immunomodulating therapies.
Agrimonia eupatoria
Common name(s): Agrimony, Church Steeples
Anti-inflammatoryDigestive (digestant)StypticVulnerary
Preparations: Tea (infusion), Tincture (alcohol extract), Compress / fomentation
Safety: Generally well tolerated in typical tea/tincture amounts for short periods. High tannin content may reduce absorption of medicines and non-heme iron—separate by several hours. Avoid with chronic constipation or significant GI irritation. Discontinue if hypersensitivity occurs.
Aloe vera (syn. Aloe barbadensis Mill.)
Common name(s): Aloe, Barbados aloe, Aloe vera
Anti-inflammatoryDemulcentEmollientLaxativeVulnerary
Preparations: Salve / balm, Powder, Capsules, Compress / fomentation, Poultice, Slurry drink (powder-in-water)
Safety: Avoid oral LATEX during pregnancy and lactation; contraindicated with intestinal obstruction, acute GI inflammation, or undiagnosed abdominal pain. Short-term only due to risk of cramping, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance (↓K⁺). • Drug interactions (latex): may potentiate effects/side effects with cardiac glycosides (via hypokalemia), diuretics, corticosteroids, and other laxatives; separate from oral meds to avoid altered absorption. • Gel (topical): generally well tolerated; rare contact dermatitis. Do not apply to deep, infected, or large wounds without clinician guidance. • Individuals allergic to Liliaceae/Asphodelaceae may react.
Aloysia citrodora Paláu
Common name(s): Lemon verbena, Lemon beebrush, Verveine citronnelle
AntioxidantAntispasmodicCalmative (sedative)CarminativeDigestive (digestant)Nervine (relaxant)
Preparations: Tea (infusion), Tincture (alcohol extract), Glycerite (non-alcohol extract), Syrup
Safety: Culinary amounts are generally well tolerated. Rare allergy or contact dermatitis is possible. The essential oil can irritate skin/mucosa and is not recommended internally. Limited safety data in pregnancy/lactation—use cautiously or avoid. Possible additive sedation with other sedatives; discontinue 1–2 weeks before surgery as a precaution.
Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.
Common name(s): Galangal (greater galangal), Thai ginger, Lengkuas, Laos root
AntiemeticAnti-inflammatoryCarminativeCirculatory stimulantDigestive (digestant)Expectorant
Preparations: Tea (infusion), Decoction, Tincture (alcohol extract), Powder, Syrup, Capsules
Safety: Generally recognized as safe as a food spice (U.S. 21 CFR § 182). Culinary amounts are well-tolerated; concentrated extracts may irritate sensitive GI mucosa. Limited data in pregnancy—use culinary amounts only unless advised by a clinician. No well-documented drug interactions at dietary intakes.
Angelica archangelica L.
Common name(s): Angelica, Garden angelica, European angelica
AntispasmodicCarminativeCholagogueCholereticDigestive (digestant)ExpectorantStomachic
Preparations: Tea (infusion), Decoction, Tincture (alcohol extract), Powder, Syrup
Safety: Avoid in pregnancy (traditional emmenagogue/uterine-stimulating concern). Potential photosensitivity from furanocoumarins—limit UV exposure with high intake/topical use. Possible interactions with anticoagulants/antiplatelets (coumarin content). Use caution with reflux/active ulcers (bitter/aromatic). Contraindicated with known Apiaceae (carrot/celery) allergies. Educational use only; not medical advice.
Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz.
Common name(s): Ashitaba, Tomorrow’s Leaf, Angelica keiskei
Anti-inflammatoryCarminativeDigestive (digestant)HepatoprotectiveHypoglycemic
Preparations: Tea (infusion), Tincture (alcohol extract), Glycerite (non-alcohol extract), Powder, Capsules
Safety: Food-level use is generally well tolerated. Avoid with Apiaceae allergy. Limited data for pregnancy/lactation—prefer culinary amounts. Use caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs. Stop if rash/GI upset occurs.
Anise hyssop Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Apple Cider Vinegar Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Arjuna Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Arnica (external) Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Artemisia annua Sweet Wormwood Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Artemisia dracunculus Tarragon Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Artichoke leaf Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Artist’s Conk Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Ashoka Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Astragalus (membranaceus) Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Atractylodes macrocephala Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Auricularia auricula-judae Wood Ear Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.
Avena sativa Oat Straw Coming soon
Safety: Details coming soon.

Recently updated materia

Agrimony
Updated: September 30, 2025
Agaricus subrufescens (Agaricus Blazei, ABM)
Updated: September 30, 2025
Angelica Keiskei (Ashitaba)
Updated: September 28, 2025
Meadowsweet
Updated: September 28, 2025
Angelica Root
Updated: September 25, 2025
Ginger
Updated: September 24, 2025