California Native Medicinal Plants

Botanical Name Common Name Type Medicinal Use

Achillea millefolium Yarrow perennial For acute fevers, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory.

Actea rubra Baneberry perennial Root is anti-inflammatory, vasodialator, antispasmodic and sedative. Berries are very toxic.

Aesculus californica California Buckeye tree Strengthens capillaries and treats edema for chronic congestion. Care is needed for proper dosage.

Angelica hendersonii Angelica perennial Seeds for acid indegestion, nausea.

Aralia californica California Spikenard perennial Lung tonic, antimicrobial and antifungal.

Arbutus menziesii Madrone tree Astringent, bladder infections, sitz bath for postpartum mothers, yeast infections.

Arctostaphylos spp. Manzanita shrub Tannins, lowers pH of urine, moderates blood sugar levels.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Uva Ursi shrub Cystitis and urethritis, sitz bath after birthing.

Artemesia californica California Mugwort perennial Tea is antifungal and antimicrobial, a variety of first aid purposes.

Asarum caudatum Wild Ginger perennial Induces sweat, secretion.

Berberis aquifolium, B.nervosa, B.repens, B.pinnata Oregon Grape shrub Bitter tonic, stimulant to liver and skin protein metabolism, anti microbial for the skin and intestinal tract.

Ceanothus cuneatus, C.velutinus, C.integerrimus Red Root shrub Astringent to membranes, good gargle and mouthwash for sore throat.

Chlorogalum pomeridianum Amole Lily, Soap Plant perennial Hair treatment, shampoo.

Crataegus douglasii Hawthorn shrub Heart tonic.

Dicentra formosa Bleeding Heart perennial Narcotic-analgesic for pain and central nervous disorders.

Epipactis gigantea Stream Orchid perennial Mood-elevating antisposmodic and sedative. PMS.

Eriodictyon californicum Yerba Santa perennial Decongestant, lungs and sinuses, a general cold and allergy tea.

Eriogonum spp. Buckwheat Bush shrub Phosphorous concentrator, soothes inflamed membranes, eyewash.

Eschscholzia californica California Poppy perennial Antianxiety, sedative, analgesic.

Frankenia salina Yerba Reuma perennial Astringent, antimicrobial, wash for skin irritations.

Garrya spp. Silk Tassel shrub Smooth muscle relazer, sedative to central nervous system, stomach cramps, anticholinergic without secretory supression (dry mouth).

Gaultheria shallon Salal shrub Astringent, anti-inflammatory, colic in children, pain reliever for scrapes, abrasions and burns.

Heuchera micrantha Alumn Root perennial Astringent, tannins, mouthwash for sore gums and throat.

Lepechinia calycina Pitcher Sage shrub Uterine tonic, antioxidant, sunscreen.

Mentha arvensis Brook Mint perennial Menthol, stomach distress, diaphoretic.

Myrica californica Pacific Wax Myrtle shrub Tincture for inflamed gums, vasodialator, shrinks membranes, sore throats.

Osmorhiza occidentalis Sweet Root perennial Antifungal.

Pedicularis densiflora Indian Warrior, Betony perennial Skeletal muscle relaxant, for adrenalin-stressed muscles.

Romneya coulteri Matilija Poppy perennial External skin wash, antimicrobial.

Salvia apiana White Sage shrub Diterpenes for staph and candida and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Salvia spathacea Hummingbird Sage perennial Decongestant, expectorant, mild anti-microbial, delicious tea.

Sambucus mexicana Blue Elderberry shrub Create a tincture for use at the onset of cold and flu symptoms.

Satureja douglasii Yerba Buena perennial Diaphoretic for mild fevers, skin wash for rashes, nice tea.

Scrophularia californica Figwort perennial Anti-inflammatory for skin and mucosa, tonic for arthritis, bruises, stings.

Sequoia sempervirens Redwood tree Tea is a remedy for recovery from lung infections.

Smilacina racemosa False Solomon's Seal perennial Sore throat, respiratory excitability.

Thuja plicata Red Cedar tree Antifungal, antibacterial, smooth muscle stimulant.

Trillium ovatum Trillium perennial Uterine bleeding.

Umbellularia californica California Bay tree Antimicrobial skin wash, antifungal athlete's foot, smelling salt, careful of nose bleeds.

Vaccinium spp. Huckleberry, Blueberry shrub Lowers pH of urine, moderates blood sugar levels.