Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis

Origin: Native to North Africa and widely cultivated globally

Traditional Uses: Applied to burns, wounds, and dry skin

Benefits: Soothes irritation, hydrates skin, promotes healing

Common Forms: Gel, juice, extract

Caution: External use is generally safe; internal use should be supervised

Botanical Name: Phyllanthus emblica

Origin: India and Southeast Asia

Traditional Uses: Supports hair growth and immune function

Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidant, rejuvenates skin and scalp

Common Forms: Powder, oil, capsules

Caution: Generally safe when used as a supplement or topically

Botanical Name: Argania spinosa

Origin: Morocco

Traditional Uses: Skin and hair nourishment, anti-aging oil

Benefits: Rich in vitamin E, improves elasticity, moisturizes

Common Forms: Oil

Caution: Avoid if allergic to tree nuts

Botanical Name: Persea americana

Origin: Central America and Mexico

Traditional Uses: Skin and hair masks, nutritional health

Benefits: Moisturizes deeply, rich in fatty acids

Common Forms: Oil, mashed pulp, extract

Caution: Safe for topical and dietary use; check for allergies

Origin: Produced by honeybees

Traditional Uses: Sealing balms, lip care, skin protection

Benefits: Locks in moisture, forms protective barrier

Common Forms: Pellets, blocks, added to salves and balms

Caution: Not vegan; avoid if allergic to bee products

Origin: Formed from volcanic ash, found mainly in the U.S.

Traditional Uses: Detox for skin, scalp, and internal cleansing

Benefits: Absorbs toxins, reduces oil and blemishes

Common Forms: Powdered clay mask

Caution: For external use only unless under professional guidance

Botanical Name: Eclipta alba

Origin: India and Brazil

Traditional Uses: Hair oil for promoting growth

Benefits: Strengthens follicles, may reduce hair loss

Common Forms: Oil, powder, extract

Caution: Test for skin sensitivity before use

Botanical Name: Bacopa monnieri

Origin: India

Traditional Uses: Cognitive support and mental clarity

Benefits: Adaptogen, supports focus and memory

Common Forms: Capsules, powder, tea

Caution: May interact with thyroid or sedative medications

Botanical Name: Arctium lappa

Origin: Europe and Asia

Traditional Uses: Blood purifier, skin health

Benefits: Detoxifies liver, supports acne-prone skin

Common Forms: Tea, tincture, capsules

Caution: Use with caution if allergic to ragweed family

Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

Origin: Mediterranean region

Traditional Uses: Wound care, rash relief

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, heals skin gently

Common Forms: Oil, cream, dried petals

Caution: Patch test if allergic to daisies or marigolds

Origin: Northern Mexico and Southwestern U.S.

Traditional Uses: Vegan alternative to beeswax in skincare

Benefits: Forms a protective barrier on skin and lips

Common Forms: Wax pellets, added to balms and lotions

Caution: Generally considered safe; check for sensitivities

Botanical Name: Daucus carota

Origin: Europe and Asia

Traditional Uses: Skin rejuvenation and sun care

Benefits: High in beta-carotene, antioxidants, and vitamins A & E

Common Forms: Essential oil, infused oil

Botanical Name: Ricinus communis

Origin: India and East Africa

Traditional Uses: Hair thickening, digestive aid (with caution)

Benefits: Promotes hair growth, conditions scalp

Common Forms: Oil

Caution: Do not ingest unless advised by a healthcare provider

Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum

Origin: Central and South America

Traditional Uses: Boost circulation, pain relief in topical salves

Benefits: Stimulates blood flow, relieves joint pain

Common Forms: Powder, infused oil

Caution: Can irritate skin and eyes; use gloves when handling

Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus

Origin: Mediterranean and Central Asia

Traditional Uses: Hormone regulation, menstrual support

Benefits: May ease PMS and support hormonal balance

Common Forms: Tincture, capsules, tea

Caution: Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy

Botanical Name: Stellaria media

Origin: Europe and North America

Traditional Uses: Skin soother, anti-itch remedy

Benefits: Reduces inflammation and helps minor skin conditions

Common Forms: Salves, infusions

Caution: Patch test before use

Origin: Extracted from cocoa beans, native to South America

Traditional Uses: Skin moisturizer and softener

Benefits: Deeply hydrating, reduces stretch marks

Common Forms: Solid butter, lotion, balm

Caution: Avoid if allergic to chocolate or caffeine-sensitive

Origin: Tropical regions, especially Southeast Asia and the Pacific

Traditional Uses: Skin and hair conditioner, oral health

Benefits: Antibacterial, moisturizing, promotes scalp health

Common Forms: Virgin oil, fractionated oil

Caution: Comedogenic—may clog pores in some skin types

Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale

Origin: Europe and Asia

Traditional Uses: Healing wounds and broken bones

Benefits: Speeds healing, soothes muscle aches

Common Forms: Cream, salve

Caution: Do not use on open wounds or ingest due to potential liver toxicity

Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale

Origin: Worldwide

Traditional Uses: Liver and digestive support

Benefits: Diuretic, detoxifying, supports skin clarity

Common Forms: Tea, tincture, salad greens

Caution: May interact with diuretics or blood thinners

Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis

Origin: North America

Traditional Uses: Women's hormonal balance

Benefits: Rich in GLA, soothes PMS and skin conditions

Common Forms: Oil, capsules

Caution: May interact with anticoagulants

Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum

Origin: Middle East and South Asia

Traditional Uses: Lactation support, digestive aid

Benefits: May balance blood sugar, promote hair growth

Common Forms: Seeds, powder, capsules

Caution: Avoid in pregnancy; may lower blood sugar

Botanical Name: Linum usitatissimum

Origin: Mediterranean and India

Traditional Uses: Digestive health, skin nourishment

Benefits: High in omega-3s, fiber, and lignans

Common Forms: Whole seed, oil, ground meal

Caution: Drink water to avoid constipation with seeds

Origin: France

Traditional Uses: Gentle facial cleansing

Benefits: Detoxifies and brightens without drying

Common Forms: Clay mask, soap

Caution: External use only

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale

Origin: Southeast Asia

Traditional Uses: Digestive aid, nausea relief

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, supports circulation

Common Forms: Root, tea, capsules

Caution: Use cautiously with blood thinners

Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba

Origin: China

Traditional Uses: Memory and focus enhancement

Benefits: Supports cognitive health, circulation

Common Forms: Extract, capsules, tea

Caution: May thin blood; avoid before surgery

Botanical Name: Vitis vinifera

Origin: Byproduct of winemaking (Mediterranean region)

Traditional Uses: Light moisturizer

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, non-comedogenic

Common Forms: Oil

Caution: Generally safe for all skin types

Botanical Name: Helichrysum italicum

Origin: Mediterranean

Traditional Uses: Skin repair, emotional balance

Benefits: Anti-aging, reduces scars and inflammation

Common Forms: Essential oil

Caution: Dilute essential oil before topical use

Botanical Name: Cannabis sativa (non-psychoactive)

Origin: Central Asia

Traditional Uses: Skin hydration, inflammation relief

Benefits: High in omega fatty acids

Common Forms: Cold-pressed oil

Caution: Not to be confused with CBD oil

Botanical Name: Equisetum arvense

Origin: Europe, North America

Traditional Uses: Hair and bone strength

Benefits: Rich in silica, supports hair growth

Common Forms: Tea, capsules

Caution: Prolonged use may cause potassium loss

Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis

Origin: Southwestern U.S.

Traditional Uses: Scalp and skin balancing

Benefits: Mimics natural skin oils, great for acne-prone skin

Common Forms: Oil

Caution: Generally safe for all skin types

Traditional Uses: Mild facial cleanser

Benefits: Gently detoxifies without overdrying

Common Forms: Clay mask, soap

Caution: External use only

Botanical Name: Mangifera indica

Origin: India and Southeast Asia

Traditional Uses: Skin softening, wound healing

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A & E, hydrates deeply

Common Forms: Butter, lotion

Caution: Generally well-tolerated

Botanical Name: Moringa oleifera

Origin: India, Africa

Traditional Uses: Nutritional supplement, skin nourishment

Benefits: Antioxidant, rich in vitamins and minerals

Common Forms: Powder, oil, capsules

Caution: Monitor dosage when taken internally

Botanical Name: Avena sativa

Origin: Europe and North America

Traditional Uses: Skin calming, eczema relief

Benefits: Moisturizing, anti-itch, anti-inflammatory

Common Forms: Oatmeal, colloidal oat, oil

Caution: Generally safe

Botanical Name: Olea europaea

Origin: Mediterranean

Traditional Uses: Skin and hair nourishment

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, deeply moisturizing

Common Forms: Extra virgin oil

Caution: May be heavy for oily skin

Botanical Name: Plantago major

Origin: Europe and Asia

Traditional Uses: Skin healing and wound care

Benefits: Soothes bites, cuts, inflammation

Common Forms: Poultice, salve

Caution: Safe topically; consult before ingesting

Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo

Origin: North America

Traditional Uses: Prostate and skin health

Benefits: Rich in zinc, supports hair growth

Common Forms: Oil

Caution: Generally well-tolerated

Origin: Global

Traditional Uses: Skin toner, emotional uplift

Benefits: Soothing, hydrating, anti-aging

Common Forms: Rose water, essential oil, petals

Caution: Dilute essential oils before use

Botanical Name: Vitellaria paradoxa

Origin: West Africa

Traditional Uses: Skin repair, moisturizing

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and E, heals dry skin

Common Forms: Butter

Caution: Use unrefined for best benefits

Botanical Name: Ulmus rubra

Origin: North America

Traditional Uses: Sore throat and digestive relief

Benefits: Soothes mucous membranes

Common Forms: Powder, lozenges, tea

Caution: Take separately from medications

Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus

Origin: North America

Traditional Uses: Moisturizing, baby care

Benefits: Rich in vitamin E, gentle on sensitive skin

Common Forms: Cold-pressed oil

Caution: May oxidize; store properly