100+ Medicinal Plants Names and Pictures With Their Uses

We all get sick once in a while. Even getting a fever is enough to slow us down. So, what if I say you can grow the cure to your illness in your own garden?

Yes, that’s true! The world is full of medicinal plants that act as a natural remedy for most diseases. And some of them are so small that you can easily plant them at home.

In this article, I’ll be talking about various plants in this category and their uses. Browse through the whole catalog of medicinal plants names and pictures.

A Glimpse into Medicinal Plants

For a long period, medicinal plants have been used to aid people with different illnesses and diseases. Some plants have proved to be the antidote to even the worst of ailments like cancer and asthma.

These herbal remedies are what lay the basic foundation of every medicine you can find on the market. Even in history, when tablets and pills didn’t exist, medics used the supplements of these plants to treat patients. 

Fun Fact!: Chili, the most general food item, is also a medicinal plant! It has been used as an ingredient in pain relief ointments. Moreover, it contains capsaicin, an element that dissolves blood clots in the body.

Furthermore, with every passing year, new plants are being discovered by scientists and researchers. On the other hand, the historic herbs still lay intact in the books of medicine.

So, cutting to the heart of the matter, let’s explore the vast list of medicine plants name with their pictures.

Top 10 Medicinal Plants Names With Pictures 

Here’s a quick medicinal plant chart to introduce you to the rulers of the medicinal industry. These 10 medicinal plants in India hold their names in the history of Ayurveda science. 

Native to India, Holy basil is a sacred plant having both medicinal properties and spiritual beliefs. The leaves contain nutrients like Vit A & C, calcium, iron, and zinc. Moreover, the plant also has anti-oxidant and anti-depressant properties. A completely different basil from its genus, this plant requires safety from excess humidity.

Scientific Name	Ocimum tenuiflorum
Soil requirements	Rich sandy or loamy soil
Sunlight Exposure	Plenty of direct sunlight
Watering Schedule	In summer, water twice a day. In winter, only water once.
Major Applications	Reduces blood sugar, inflammation, and stressTreats bronchitis, malaria, diarrheaLeaves are used to produce pills, ointments and essential oils.

Originated in the Arabian Peninsula, Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent of the genus Aloe. Now grown all around the world, it quickly gained popularity with its abundance of medicinal properties. Not just in the wild, these fleshy plants can be successfully grown indoors in a pot. While being Anti-oxidant and antibacterial, they contain Vit A, C, E & B12. Being a succulent, Aloe vera prefers dry conditions and can tolerate infrequent watering.

Scientific Name	Aloe vera
Soil requirements	Well drained, cactus mix soil
Sunlight Exposure	Prefers bright, but indirect sunlight
Watering Schedule	In summers, water twice a week. In winters, only water once.
Major Applications	Treats sores, wounds, and cutsHeals second-degree burnsReduces dental plaque

Fenugreek is an annual plant cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. Beside being used as a food ingredient, it is anti-diabetic and antioxidant. Plus, regular consumption of fenugreek seeds helps prevent cancer. This distinct plant should only be grown first handed in a place, either in ground or a pot. If transplanted, it usually doesn’t last.

Scientific Name	Trigonella foenum-graecum
Soil requirements	Well drained, loamy soil
Sunlight Exposure	Requires 4-5 hours of direct sunlight
Watering Schedule	Water once a day
Major Applications	Lowers blood sugar and cholesterolAlleviates menstrual cramps

The flavorful leaves and edible flowers of Calendula add vibrancy to summer salads. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities are prized for their ability to soothe and restore skin. This is why the daisy-like flower is often used in salves, lotions, and balms. This hardy annual stands an impressive 18 to 24 inches tall, so you can enjoy its beauty all season long. However, you are recommended to plant it during spring in a regular pot.

Scientific Name	Calendula officinalis
Soil requirements	Rich, well-drained loamy, or sandy soil
Sunlight Exposure	Prefers direct sunlight but wilts during intense temperatures
Watering Schedule	Water when top 1 inch of soil is dry.
Major Applications	Fights inflammation, viruses, and bacteriaHelps with wounds, rashes, infectionsDecreases swelling in the mouth and throat

Also known as Nimtree or Indian Lilac, Neem is mostly found in the parts of Southeast Asia. The tree easily became famous for fruits and seeds that produce an essential oil called neem oil. It fosters antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. When grown in a normal atmosphere, Neem thrives in dry soil, needing less water.

Scientific Name	Azadirachta indica
Soil requirements	Sandy, alkaline, best grows in black cotton soil
Sunlight Exposure	Requires abundant, bright, and direct light
Watering Schedule	In summer, water twice a week. In winter, only water once.
Major Applications	Treats inflammation, ulcersHelps with malariaFights several skin diseases

Native to the Mediterranean region, Thyme is most frequently grown to be used in cooking. Besides being an ingredient, they make a great anti-oxidant and antibacterial herb. It is usually planted in the spring through seeds or cuttings, and grows as a perennial thereafter. However, these plants need to be trimmed once in a while.

Scientific Name	Thymus vulgaris
Soil requirements	Doesn’t like highly rich soil
Sunlight Exposure	Plenty of direct sunlight
Watering Schedule	Water once in a week
Major Applications	Helps with blood pressureCombs anxiety and stressTreating acne and fungal infectionsMaintains healthy teeth and gums

Peppermint is a hybrid mix of two mint species – watermint and spearmint. Originating in Europe, this plant typically grows in a very moist environment. Having antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, they are prominently used in the medicine industry. Peppermint should be planted in a shaded area using a cutting from an old plant.

Scientific Name	Mentha piperita L
Soil requirements	Rich, peat-free soil
Sunlight Exposure	Prefers full exposure to sunlight
Watering Schedule	Water when top 1 inch of soil is dry
Major Applications	Helps with digestion, clogged airways, and headacheActs as a mouth freshenerImproves concentration capacity

Commonly referred to as rosemary, Salvia rosmarinus is an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and fragrant flowers. They come in a multitude of colors ranging from white, pink, purple, and blue. Although it is native to the Mediterranean region, it can withstand some cold temperatures. Similar to other plants in this list, it has antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, 

Scientific Name	Salvia rosmarinus
Soil requirements	Well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil
Sunlight Exposure	Needs bright sunlight with no shade
Watering Schedule	Requires water once a week
Major Applications	Fights fungal infectionsImproves immune system

Amla, also called the Indian gooseberry, is known for its nutritious fruit. It is a deciduous tree famously found in tropical regions, especially Southeast Asia. Both the fruit and the leaves foster antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components. Plus, it contains a high amount of Vitamin C and ellagitannins, which leads to a slightly bitter taste.

Scientific Name	Phyllanthus emblica
Soil requirements	Requires well-drained, loamy soil
Sunlight Exposure	Prefers full sun exposure
Watering Schedule	Water once in 2 days
Major Applications	Helps with diabetesFights cold and coughImproves immunity, skin, and hair

Also known as Citronella grass, Lemongrass is commonly cultivated in tropical areas as a culinary and medicinal herb. These species produce citronella oil, which is used in aromatherapy and mosquito repellents. Citronella’s main chemical components, geranyl, and citronellal, are antiseptics, which explains why several soaps and household disinfectants include it in their formula.

Scientific Name	Cymbopogon citratus
Soil requirements	Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Sunlight Exposure	Plenty of direct sunlight
Watering Schedule	Water once in a week
Major Applications	Helps with inflammation and fungal infectionsPrevents heart diseases

Needless to say, many of these plants foster high antioxidant properties, that can help in keeping your body radical-free. However, always remember to get rid of gnats in plants to keep them healthy.

Following that, let’s widen our scope and discover the different marvels of nature that have been helping mankind for a long time.

100 Medicinal Plants and Their Uses With Pictures

Cutting to the chase don’t wait further and dive into this list of medicine plant names with their assigned applications. To give you a sneak peek, I have added an image right beside it.

S. No.	Plant Name	Applications	Image
1	Chamomile	Improves digestiImproves digestion Relieves stress Cures body ache
2	Lavender	Helps Insomnia Treats sunburns Reduces acne
3	Sage	Treats indigestion Liver complaints Skin infections
4	Lemon Balm	Mosquito repellent Cures cold and fevers Helps in hyperthyroidism
5	Stevia	Natural sweetener Helps diabetes
6	Ashwagandha	Pain reliever Regulates blood sugar Improves eyesight
7	Costus	Lower blood glucose levels
8	Globe Artichoke	Improves liver Lower cholesterol Treats jaundice and hepatitis
9	Great Burdock	Helps burns and bruises Prevents acne
10	Acai	Prevent cell damage Reduce swelling Lower blood sugar level
11	Sea Buckthorn	Relieves cough Aids digestion Treats arthritis
12	Bryophyllum	Helps diabetes Cures rhematic pains Removes urinary stones
13	Abscess root	Reduce fever, inflammation, and cough
14	Alfalfa	Lower cholesterol Kidney and urinary tract ailments
15	Tea Tree	Relieve headaches Antifungal and antibacterial Treats cystitis
16	Arnica	Anti-inflammatory For osteoarthritis
17	Asafoetida	Helps high cholesterol Breathing problems.
19	Echinacea	Cures viral infections Helps with wounds and burns
20	Asthma-plant	Treat bronchitic asthma Laryngeal spasm Dengue fever
21	Bay laurel	Treat earaches High blood pressure Arthritis and rheumatism
22	Cannabis	Helps ADHD and cancer Alzheimer’s and dementia Cerebral palsy and epilepsy Crohn’s disease and insomnia
23	Stinging nettles	Kidneys and urinary tract Hemorrhage and influenza Rheumatism and gout
24	Astragalus	Strengthen immune system Treats hepatitis Therapy in cancer
25	German Chamomile	Helps sleeplessness Anxiety Relieves diarrhea
26	Bilberry	Treats diarrhea Scurvy Skin ailments
27	Bitter leaf	Treats intestinal ailments like dysentery
28	Coffee senna	Improves immune system For liver disorders For intestinal worms
29	Witch-hazel	Fights colon cancer cells
30	Cornflower	Relieves eye muscles Improves eyesight
31	Avaram senna	Fights fevers, diabetes Constipation Diseases of urinary system
32	Blessed thistle	Treat bubonic plague Loss of appetite Indigestion
33	Cloves	Treats toothache Helps upset stomach Relieves cough
34	Yarrow	Loss of appetite Indigestion or heartburn Used as diuretic (to increase urine flow) Fights infection
35	Sesame	Reduces cholesterol Regulates blood lipid Protects liver and kidney  Prevents tumor
36	Barberry	Helps skin ailments, scurvy Gastrointestinal infections
37	Ginger	Prevents fermentation and constipation Curbs cancer growth Calms nausea
38	Myrobalan	Enhance fat metabolism Prevents constipation Promote weight loss
39	Nutmeg	Reduce inflammation Relieves body pain Prevents cancer
40	Blue snakeweed	Helps malaria and fever Relieves dysentery Cures liver disorders
41	Comfrey	Reduce inflammation For stomach ailments
42	Daisy	For bleeding and wounds Relieves cough Treats bronchitis
43	Yellow dock	Treats anemia Itching, scrofula, and sores Nasal inflammation Hemorrhoids
44	Borage	Cramps and diarrhea Asthma and bronchitis Kidney/ bladder disorders
45	Cayenne	Reducing pain and swelling Lowering triglyceride and cholesterol Fights viruses and bacteria
46	Plantain	Prevents inflammation Antibacterial and anti-viral, Heals wound
47	Dandelion	Treat liver diseases Kidney diseases Spleen problems
48	Burdock	Lower blood sugar Sore throat and common cold
49	Foxglove	Treats heart failure High blood pressure Increases body’s defense mechanisms
50	Hyssop	Stimulates menstrual flow Soothes sore throats and coughs Expels intestinal parasites
51	Bitter melon	Reduces blood glucose level
52	Charcoal-tree	Treats cough and sore throats Asthma and bronchitis Gonorrhea and toothache Yellow fever and poisoning
53	Turmeric	Improves degenerative eye conditions Helps arthritis Metabolic syndrome
54	Cinnamon	Lower blood sugar Anti-oxidant and anti-viral Prevent heart diseases
55	Papaya leaves	Relieves dengue fever Reduce inflammation Prevents cancer
56	Bitter orange	Treats nausea Indigestion Constipation
57	Chaparral	Helps arthritis and cancer
58	Spinach	Support immune function Improves bone Health Enhances eyesight
59	Hops	Stimulate digestion Promotes better sleep
60	Common hepatica	Treat liver diseases Helps acne Cures bronchitis and gout
61	Passionflower	Promotes sleep Alleviates pain Helps with menstrual cramps
62	Elecampane	Prevents intestinal worms Treats cold and cough Helps with eczema
63	Black Cohosh	Helps arthritis and muscle pain Used in menstruation related conditions
64	Common chickweed	Treat itchy skin conditions Iron-deficiency anemia Bronchitis, rheumatic pains, and arthritis
65	Coriander	Helps in thyroid (any type)
66	Hawthorn	Treats fevers Avoids heart weakness, spasms, and murmurs Balances blood pressure
67	Common hollyhock	control inflammation bleeding gums
68	Meadowsweet	Relieves inflammation, fevers, and heartburn Helps peptic ulcers and arthritis
69	Elderberry	Aids flu, common cold, fever Prevents constipation Sinus infections.
70	European Mistletoe	Treat seizures and headaches
71	Jiaogulan	Aids anxiety and depression, High blood pressure High cholesterol Acts as natural ginseng
72	Cranberry	Helps diarrhea and diabetes Aids liver problems Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
73	Eucalyptus	Relieves high fever Mild cough and cold Analgesic and nasal infections
74	Wild bergamot	Treats stomach infections Digestive issues
75	False sowthistle	Helps constipation Colic and inflamed eyes
76	Spilanthes	Relieves toothaches Helps with gum problems
77	Cotton lavender	Prevents intestinal parasites
78	Field scabious	Used as a blood purifier For cuts, burns, and bruises.
79	Ginkgo	Treats asthma and bronchitis Helps with Alzheimer’s disease Relieves tinnitus
80	Horsetail	Stops bleeding Heals ulcers and wounds, Treats tuberculosis and kidney problems
81	Japanese hawkweed	Heals boils and snakebites
82	Feverfew	Used for fevers and headaches Stomach aches, toothaches and insect bites
83	Indian sandalwood	Used for common colds, bronchitis, skin disorders,  Infection of the urinary tract Pharynx inflammation Liver and gallbladder complaints
84	Kava	For asthma and urinary tract infection
85	Fumitory	Remove skin blemishes Cleanse the kidneys
86	Licorice root	Treats stomach ulcers Bronchitis and sore throat Hepatitis
87	Magnolia bark	Helps inflammation Antioxidant  Prevents tumor
88	Flax seeds	Helps with arthritis Lower blood cholesterol
89	Ground-ivy	treat bronchitis tonic for colds and coughs relieve nasal congestion
90	Konjac	Treats obesity and constipation Reduces cholesterol
91	Minnieroot	Used as diuretic Prevents diabetes Treats gonorrhea
92	Neem	Treats worms, malaria Rheumatism and skin infections
93	Garlic	Treats cardiovascular diseases
94	Snowdrop	Helps in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
95	Noni	Helps with joint pain and skin conditions
96	Goldenseal	Treat skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea Helps with respiratory infections
97	Platycodon	Improves insulin resistance Lowers cholesterol
98	Garden angelica	Used against fever, infections, and flu
99	Sao Caetano melon	Aids in diarrhea and syphilis
100	Summer Snowflake	Treats mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease Other memory impairments,

These herbs have passed down their healing powers, generation to generation, country to country, offering everyone a healthy lifestyle. 

The best thing about these vibrant plants is that they’re short, easy to grow, and, requires low maintenance. Some might be hard to find depending on your region, but, you still got a lot more to choose.

There are hundreds more to be added into this list and thousands to be discovered. If I’m to write the name of every such plant, a single article will not be enough. However, to quench your sense of curiosity, you can read various guidebooks, like Medicinal Plants by Robert Bentley or more.

Now that you are aware, it’s not only the apple that keeps the doctors away, but plants too. Grow these special herbs in your balcony, or plant them in your backyard and lead a healthy lifestyle.