20 of the Most Underused and Little Known Healing Herbs on the Planet

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5. Feverfew

You might have seen this herb, although it’s not as popular as it used to be in years past. The name alone says “I’m medicinal and I reduce fevers!” Feverfew (tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries all around the world, but many people still are unaware of all the benefits this herb has to offer beyond controlling fevers. This herb is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and drinking the tea regularly can help stop the pain and swelling of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Feverfew is also one of the few herbal remedies that actually works when it comes to fighting migraine headaches. When it comes to relieving body aches and general pain, or for relieving anxiety and tension, including tension headaches, very few herbs are as effective as Feverfew.

6. Lovage

This herb has a wonderful flavor, something like a cross between a lemon, a celery, and anise. It’s a member of the carrot family, but doesn’t taste anything like a carrot. Its wonderfully unique flavor makes it a joy to cook with. Lovage (levisticum officinale) is also a great digestion soother along with cleansing abilities to the gastrointestinal tract. Lovage can also help to ease the pain caused from stomach ulcers. You can even add lovage to your bath water to help ease the pain and discomfort of inflammatory skin problems. This plant has thick, dark green foliage that would complement any garden.

7. Sweet Marjoram

This herb is closely related to oregano but has its own set of unique health benefits. This herb has delicate flavor is very tasty in vegetable dishes but it has powerful anti-microbial compounds. Like other leafy herbs, sweet marjoram (origanum majorana) is full of valuable nutrients and powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, A, K, and minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

8. Tansy

This is an ancient herb that in our modern day world is often considered to be a weed. Tansy (tanacetum vulgare) is a pretty flowering plant when grown in a controlled garden. This plant is a naturally powerful insect repellant against garden pests such as ants, potato bugs, and mosquitoes. In fact, this herb is perhaps Mother Nature’s most perfect mosquito repellant. Simply rubbing the leaves on your skin will stop mosquitoes and other biting insects better than most of those toxic chemical bug sprays. Drinking tea from this plant can remove parasites from the body. Be very careful that you don’t consume too much tansy, however, as large quantities can be toxic, even deadly.

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