50 Fresh Herb Facts for Curious Minds

At Napiers the Herbalists, we believe in the power of plants. Herbal remedies have supported human health for thousands of years, and continue to play a vital role today.

Whether you're new to herbs or a seasoned enthusiast, these 50 facts will help you better understand how herbs work and why they matter.

Jump to a Section:

• General Herbal Facts
• Digestive & Gut Health
• Sleep & Nervous System
• Immune Support
• Women’s Health
• Heart & Circulation
• Skin & Detoxification
• Brain & Cognitive Health
• Herbalism & Daily Life

General Herbal Facts

1. Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of healthcare in the world, with roots dating back over 5,000 years.
2. Over 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional herbal medicine as part of their primary healthcare.¹
3. Many modern pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plant compounds — aspirin, for example, was originally derived from willow bark.²
4. In the UK, medical herbalists undergo rigorous clinical training and must be registered with professional bodies like the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.
5. Herbs often work synergistically in blends — meaning their combined effect is greater than the sum of their parts.
6. The WHO recognises the importance of integrating traditional medicine into national health systems.³
7. Unlike isolated chemical drugs, whole-plant extracts can contain hundreds of compounds that interact with the body in complex ways.
8. Herbal medicine supports the body’s natural healing processes, rather than suppressing symptoms alone.

Digestive & Gut Health

9. Peppermint is a natural antispasmodic and is clinically shown to relieve symptoms of IBS.⁴
10. Chamomile can calm digestive spasms and is often used for colicky babies and indigestion.
11. Slippery elm and marshmallow root are mucilaginous herbs that soothe the gut lining.
12. Bitter herbs like gentian, dandelion and artichoke leaf stimulate digestive enzymes and bile.
13. Ginger can improve gastric motility and reduce bloating and nausea.⁵
14. Fennel seed tea is traditionally used to ease gas and bloating after meals.

Sleep & Nervous System

15. Valerian root has been shown in studies to improve sleep latency and quality.⁶
16. Passionflower is a gentle herb often used for anxiety and sleeplessness.
17. Lemon balm is calming, mood-lifting and helps reduce restlessness.
18. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body manage chronic stress.
19. Lavender is clinically studied for anxiety and improves sleep when used as aromatherapy.⁷
20. Oat straw nourishes and strengthens the nervous system and is ideal for long-term stress.

Immune Support

21. Echinacea is one of the most studied herbs for immune support and may reduce the severity of cold symptoms.⁸
22. Elderberry contains anthocyanins which may help reduce viral replication and shorten cold durations.⁹
23. Astragalus supports white blood cell activity and immune resilience during stress.
24. Thyme is a powerful antimicrobial used for chesty coughs and throat infections.
25. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral properties.¹⁰
26. Liquorice root is both antiviral and soothing to the mucous membranes.

Women’s Health

27. Agnus castus (chasteberry) may help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce PMS.¹¹
28. Dong quai has a long tradition in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support hormonal balance.
29. Raspberry leaf tea is used to tone the uterus in preparation for labour.
30. Wild yam contains compounds that have been traditionally used to support menopausal symptoms.
31. Black cohosh may reduce hot flushes and night sweats during menopause.¹²
32. Nettle is rich in iron and used to support heavy periods or postnatal recovery.

Heart & Circulation

33. Hawthorn berry supports cardiovascular function and may prescribed by herbalists to support allopathic medicine for mild heart failure.¹³
34. Garlic may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.¹⁴
35. Cayenne pepper increases circulation and may support sluggish or cold extremities.
36. Ginkgo biloba has been studied for improving circulation and cognitive function.
37. Motherwort is a traditional heart tonic and nervous system calmative.

Skin & Detoxification

38. Burdock root is a classic blood purifier that supports skin conditions like acne and eczema.
39. Calendula is antimicrobial and promotes wound healing when used topically.
40. Milk thistle is rich in silymarin and supports liver detoxification pathways.¹⁵
41. Dandelion supports both liver and kidney function, aiding natural detox.
42. Cleavers is a lymphatic tonic, often used in spring cleanses.

Brain & Cognitive Health

43. Rosemary may help improve memory and focus , even the scent boosts alertness.
44. Bacopa (Brahmi) is a nootropic herb used to support memory and learning.
45. Sage may help support some symptoms of mild Alzheimer’s disease.¹⁶
46. Gotu kola is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for mental clarity.

Herbalism & Daily Life

47. Teas, tinctures, capsules and creams are just a few of the ways to enjoy herbs daily.
48. Many common culinary herbs like rosemary, oregano and thyme have potent antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
49. Drinking herbal teas like nettle or red clover can offer nutritional support from minerals and trace elements.
50. The scent of herbs (via essential oils) can influence the limbic system and affect mood and memory.

 References

1. WHO: Traditional Medicine
2. Mahdi, JG. (2010). Medicinal potential of willow. Research Gate
3. WHO: Traditional Medicine
4. About Peppermint Oil. NHS
5. Hu et al. (2011). World Journal of Gastroenterology. PubMed
6. Yeom et al. (2024). Herbal and Natural Supplements for Improving Sleep: A Literature Review. PubMed
7. Ghavami et al. (2022). The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis Science Direct
8. NCCIH (2024). Echinacea. NCCIH
9. Wieland et al. (2021). Research Gate
10. Ankri et al. (1999). Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic Pub Med
11. Höller et al. (2024). Use of Vitex agnus-castus in patients with menstrual cycle disorders: a single-center retrospective longitudinal cohort study. PubMed
12. NIH (2020). Black Cohosh. NIH
13. Wang et al. (2013). Effect of Crataegus Usage in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: An Evidence-Based Approach.  PubMed
14. NIH. (2025). Garlic. NIH
15. NIH. (2024). Milk Thistle. NIH
16. Lopresti A L. (2016). Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects. PubMed