Calendula
- Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
- Healthful Use: Calendula is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It’s often applied topically to treat minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations.
- Safety: Generally safe for topical use. Internal use should be approached with caution, especially during pregnancy.
Catnip
- Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
- Healthful Use: Catnip is traditionally used to relieve stress, promote relaxation, and aid sleep. It can also be used to alleviate digestive issues like gas and bloating.
- Safety: Generally safe when used in moderate amounts. Large doses may cause headaches or upset stomach in some individuals.
Cayenne
- Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
- Healthful Use: Cayenne pepper is known for boosting metabolism, improving circulation, and relieving pain through topical application.
- Safety: Safe when used in culinary amounts. Excessive intake can cause stomach irritation, and topical use may lead to skin irritation.
Celandine
- Botanical Name: Chelidonium majus
- Healthful Use: Celandine is commonly used to treat digestive disorders, liver problems, and skin conditions like warts and eczema.
- Safety: Use with caution, as it can be toxic to the liver in high doses or with prolonged use. It should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Chamomile
- Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile
- Healthful Use: Chamomile is commonly used to promote relaxation, aid digestion, and soothe skin irritations. It’s also used as a mild sleep aid.
- Safety: Generally safe, but can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or related plants.
Chaste Tree
- Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus
- Healthful Use: Chaste Tree is often used to support hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause.
- Safety: Generally safe, but may interact with hormonal medications. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Chervil
- Botanical Name: Anthriscus cerefolium
- Healthful Use: Chervil is used to support digestion, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. It’s also used topically to soothe irritated skin.
- Safety: Safe in culinary amounts. Individuals allergic to other Apiaceae family plants should use it cautiously.
Chickweed
- Botanical Name: Stellaria media
- Healthful Use: Chickweed is known for its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, often used to treat skin conditions like eczema and minor wounds. It is also used as a mild diuretic.
- Safety: Generally safe when used in moderation. Large quantities can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Cilantro
- Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
- Healthful Use: Cilantro is known for its detoxifying properties, particularly in binding heavy metals, and is also used to aid digestion.
- Safety: Safe in culinary amounts. Large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
Cinnamon
- Botanical Name: Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon) or Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia)
- Healthful Use: Cinnamon is widely recognized for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health.
- Safety: Ceylon cinnamon is considered safer for long-term use. Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver in large doses.
Cleavers
- Botanical Name: Galium aparine
- Healthful Use: Cleavers is known for its diuretic and detoxifying properties, often used to support the lymphatic system and treat urinary tract infections.
- Safety: Generally safe, but should be used with caution by individuals with diabetes or those taking diuretic medications.
Clove
- Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum
- Healthful Use: Clove is widely used for its analgesic and antiseptic properties, especially in dental care for relieving toothaches and gum infections.
- Safety: Safe when used in culinary amounts. Essential oil should be used cautiously, as it can cause skin irritation and is toxic in large doses.
Comfrey
- Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale
- Healthful Use: Comfrey is traditionally used to promote wound healing and treat bone fractures, sprains, and bruises.
- Safety: Use with extreme caution. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver and can cause serious harm if ingested. External use should also be limited.
Coriander
- Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
- Healthful Use: Coriander seeds are known for aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health.
- Safety: Safe in culinary amounts. May cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with a sensitivity to plants in the Apiaceae family.
Cramp Bark
- Botanical Name: Viburnum opulus
- Healthful Use: Cramp Bark is commonly used to relieve muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, and spasms.
- Safety: Generally safe, but should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially during pregnancy.
Cranberry
- Botanical Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Healthful Use: Cranberry is well-known for preventing and treating urinary tract infections and supporting overall urinary tract health.
- Safety: Safe when consumed in food amounts. Excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset or increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
Cumin
- Botanical Name: Cuminum cyminum
- Healthful Use: Cumin is used to aid digestion, boost immunity, and improve respiratory health. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Safety: Safe in culinary amounts. Excessive use may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Curry Leaf
Safety: Safe when used in culinary amounts. Excessive consumption might cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
Botanical Name: Murraya koenigii
Healthful Use: Curry leaf is known for its antioxidant properties and is often used to support digestive health, manage diabetes, and improve heart health.
Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbs for medicinal purposes, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.