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

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13. Sage

Used in smudging and cleansing ceremonies throughout America by Native Americans, you might have some in your kitchen but use it only as a meat rub. Sage is an unbelievably useful herb, probably one of the most valuable ones around. It has strong anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can’t be beat. Before refrigeration, sage was used to help preserve meat. Sage helps improve digestion, eases diarrhea, reduces swelling and inflammation, dries up excess phlegm, soothes burns and cuts, kills bacteria, and helps to fight cold and flu viruses. This herb is super easy to grow and has beautifully long purple and white spiky flowers that look like velvet.

14. Cardamom

Related to the ginger family, cardamom is a group of beautifully flowering plants that can help to protect the gastrointestinal tract, improves blood circulation, removes cholesterol from the blood, and can prevent the development of certain types of cancer. This herb is a natural antimicrobial, which makes it very useful in fighting urinary tract infections and rinsing the mouth with tea can help protect the body from periodontal disease. Cardamom has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds and is a natural anti- depressant. It is also well-known for improving the functioning and overall health of the male reproductive system. On top of all this, cardamom has a beautiful floral scent and nice taste which has earned it the name of “Queen of Spices” throughout Asia. This plant can be difficult to grow, but if you are a patient and experienced gardener, you might want to give it try!

15. Brucea Javanica

This is another almost unheard of herb that has powerful medicinal compounds. This herb has been the subject of numerous studies and science confirms that this plant can treat bladder, cervical, and pancreatic cancers. Selective toxicity of Brucea Javanica has also killed up to 70 percent of breast cancer cells in some studies. Brucea Javanica needs to have more studies done to research its ability to fight and kill cancer cells.

16. Sweet Cicely

Sometimes called Garden Myrrh or Spanish Chervil, sweet cicely (myrrhis odorata) is completely edible from flowers to roots and has a licorice type of flavor. It tends to be very sweet and has a low glycemic index so the seeds are often chewed as an after dinner type of treat. Sweet cicely is great at detoxifying the urinary tract, calming the stomach and easing nagging coughs. Sweet cicely makes the perfect tea for treating high blood pressure and easing feelings of anxiety.

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