31 Medicinal Herbs, Plants and Spices: Natural health and wellness support from A to Z

Do you ever wonder how you can integrate just a little bit more of those healthy options into your daily routine, into your meals, into your busy schedules, AND DO IT EASILY?!? I don't know about you but I know over here life gets BUSY! When we get so busy with all the things, sometimes it is hard to remember what we can use to help with what ailment. Maybe sometimes we even forget our name.... ok, maybe that is just me :) But, you get the idea. As moms, parents, caregivers, or even single working people, life gets busy. We need a way to find easy alternatives & natural remedies that can support our immune system naturally, that can work WITH our bodies and not against them, and that can meet each and every one of our body's needs as they arise.

If you are one of those people as described, or if you have a hard time trying to figure out simple ways to increase you and your family's natural health and wellness this post is a must read for you. Found below is a list of simple herb, spices, and plants that are great additions to any home (many you might already have) that ultimately provide amazing natural wellness supports.

Read it, use it, print it out and tape it to your cabinet if needed, but know that there are AMAZING NATURAL products out there that can benefit us in many different ways that are just waiting on us to grab them and put them to use!

Also-you might notice that I could not limit it to just one item for some of the alphabet. I love that nature gives us so many natural options to help easily integrate health and wellness and provide natural medicine when we need that extra support.

Disclaimer: Some links on this post contain affiliate links. Each time you click on a link and purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See full disclosure further down.

Medicinal Herbs and Spices from A to Z

(A) Ashwagandha-Daily immune support and mood booster, safe for all ages, supports restful sleep

You may not be as familiar with Ashwagandha as you are with some other herbs and plants, but it is a great addition to have in the home for health and wellness. This herb is a great immune system support as it works to increase our white blood cell count, it develops antibodies in our system that work to decrease harmful threats to our bodies, and it improves our quality of sleep allowing our bodies to the get the rest it needs to stay happy and healthy.

Ashwagandha also helps to ease stress and anxiety and balance out the mood of the user in both children and adults alike. It has been shown to also help with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The ability to concentrate and focus are also greatly improved when using this all natural supplement.

For kiddos, not only do their immune systems benefit, but they also get the added benefit of increased bone density allowing them to grow and support their height as they grow.

An easy way to get this natural supplement into your body is throughform to be added to smoothies or as a capsule to add to your daily immune support regime.

Aloe Vera - Hosts antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, safe for all ages, skin support

I am sure on the other hand, that you have absolutely heard of Aloe Vera. If you ever have a chance to add one of these succulents to your home garden or indoor living space, these tiny pokey plants host great easy benefits to their owner.

Due to the amazing properties listed above, aloe is mostly known for its ability to help cleanse and heal wounds, help support natural skin care and minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and treating burns. Aloe can also provide support for dental care as it can help reduce plaque when added to a mouth wash.

Aloe is also so easy to keep alive. Water it once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch and make sure it gets about 4 hours of natural light a day. Then in return it will bless you with it's ability to provide amazing natural skin-care support and will easily grow new shoots as you take care of it.

(B) Black Cumin Seed- Boosts energy, supports the immune system, helps maintain a healthy weight, and enhances cognitive function

Black cumin seed is another less talked about herb, but it seriously needs more fanfare. This supplement is a great addition to any wellness journey as it has so many good things going for it. Packed with vitamins A, B, and C, along with magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium your body will greatly benefit from this supplement. This article has a great breakdown of what benefits each of those vitamins have for our body.

Black cumin seed can be found in the raw form, in gummies, in a gel-cap, or even in the cold pressed oil form. We have used this in many forms and still appreciate its benefits to our health. Our favorite way is to use the raw cumin seed, but for those of you who prefer pills capsules are a great easy go-to. We have even used black seed oil to help increase our mental focus and stability on super busy days.

(C) Calendula - Amazing skin support for adults and babies alike and great internal benefits too!

This beautiful little plant hides such amazing superhero qualities. Calendula is known to pull tissues together to expedite healing in wounds. Antibacterial properties help cleanse minor cuts and wounds and keep infection away while allowing time for healing. It is gentle on babies too as diaper rashes benefit from calendula oil or a natural calendula cream.

Calendula soaps made with calendula oil help also provide great skin soothing properties and are a natural choice from those with sensitive skin or suffering from eczema.

Calendula teas can provide support for intestinal issues, menstrual cramps, fever, and even can help calm the stomach after bouts of vomiting. It helps to promote a health blood sugar, and it supplies a good flow of blood and oxygen to all parts of the body.

One of the easiest ways to get this natural support is by drinking a cup of calendula tea for internal support or having a bar of calendula soap in the bath for those days when you need extra skin care support.

***If you or your child have allergies to ragweed, marigold, daisies, sunflowers, or any other plant in this family, skip calendula and see lavender below***

(D) Dandelion -inflammation, supports immune system, clears toxins

When I used to think of dandelion I only was able to picture the white fluff balls that you would blow and make a wish on as the seeds would float away in the wind. Now, on this wellness journey, I have found that before they turn white they have these beautiful yellow blooms that when harvested can provide amazing health supports for us. Both the leaves and the roots can be used from this plant and comes in a variety of forms from powders, to capsules, tinctures and teas. Dandelion root helps optimize nutrient intake and waste output of the body, it aids the metabolism, and helps maintain healing blood by clearing toxins from the body. The leaves can act as a diuretic and help maintain a healthy internal balance of water. Adding dandelion into your wellness journey can also help maintain a healthy blood sugar, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, reduce inflammation in the body, support a healthy liver, aid in digestion and boost the immune system.

***If you or your child have allergies to ragweed, marigold, daisies, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, or any other plant in this family, skip dandelion and see lavender below***

(E) Echinacea- Great immune support, safe for all ages

You might be more familiar with this immune supporting herb. It has been on market shelves for a while now and promoted as a great benefit to natural health. Upon first use of this product, echinacea goes into your system and begins to activate white blood cells to increase and metabolize. This then stimulates the immune system and causes your body to be on the watch for yucky germy intruders. For the best protection of your immune system use this herb as needed. If you are around a sick co-worker or the little had class with a sick peer, pull out the echinacea and give your immune system and extra boost.

This supplement comes in many forms and is easy to find in the markets. From gummies, to tinctures and teas, lozenges, and even powders to add to your waters. Just make sure that when purchasing, your main ingredient is echinacea and not fillers.

Elderberry - immune support, safe for all ages

This is one of my absolute favorite go-to choices for my family's immune defense and for cold and flu support. You might have recently heard of elderberry syrup as a natural option. Elderberries are high in bioflavonoids and have antioxidant properties and help relieve symptoms of the flu with it's antiviral properties.

One of the best and purest forms of this powerful immune support option is elderberry syrup. I absolutely LOVE the easy DIY elderberry syrup kit from thatelderberrychick.com but don't worry, if you are not big on the DIY end or have little to no time, they also have done for you jars ready to go as you need them :)

(F) Fennel- safe for all ages, women's health, digestive support

This herb is great when dealing with an upset stomach, cramping or lower bowel complaints. It can provide quick relief from gas, colic and intestinal tension. It also helps to loosen phlegm and congestion making coughs more productive and helps to relieve the cough associated with bronchitis. Breastfeeding women have also been known to use it to help promote lactation. It can come in capsule form for easy daily supplements for adults, digestive teas, a tincture for the littles for gassy or colicky tummies, and even as a lactation tea.

(G) Garlic -Safe for all ages, many medicinal benefits

Garlic has been used for centuries to aid in natural health and wellness. Scientists have found that most of garlic's benefits are due to the formation of sulfur compounds when you chop, crush, or chew the garlic bulb. These compounds then enter into the digestive tract and from there travel all over the body providing support as needed. It can help reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, enhance your body's stamina and physical performance, It also acts as a detoxification agent, improves bone health and it can help reduce symptoms of the cold or flu virus. Using a warmed garlic infused oil treatment is also a great home remedy for ear aches or infections from the littles all the way to the big people in the house.

One of the greatest things about garlic is how easy it is to source and use in the home. You can naturally add it to meals when cooking, drink a garlic and turmeric tea, or even add garlic supplements to your daily supplement intake. Our favorite way to get garlic in is through veggie capsules. When we get hit with a nasty virus, we up the garlic x3 and within two days our symptoms are much less or completely gone.

Ginger -safe for all ages, immune support, emotional support, anti-nausea

I absolutely had to make sure to get Ginger in on this list of medicinal herbs and spices for you. Ginger is such an amazing go-to for health and wellness support. Ginger is great for calming the upset stomach and nausea. It can also be used to help reduce muscular pain and cramping. Ginger also helps to release tension in the respiratory tract to allow better flow to expel mucus.

This flu fighting tea recipe is one I have personally used for my family for several years and love the comfort and cozy feeling along with the natural way it helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. For the littles, just leave out the cayenne if they will not tolerate a bit of spice to their drink (some kiddos won't mind it). You can also get ginger in ground form, in capsules, in natural juices, and you can easily add it to your Asian meals when cooking.

(H) Holy Basil -Amazing mood support, supports healthy body functions and eases emotional stress or anxiety, safe for all ages

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi is a great addition to your natural wellness journey. Whether in the form of a relaxing cup of tea, a tincture, or an herbal capsule, this herb is a great go-to when in need of emotional stability, mood support, to relieve stress and tension, or even to help improve brain function and memory and to promote a restful sleep. Holy Basil is also a great metabolic stabilizer and helps to improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. And of course, it also works to help support your overall immune system and keep all of the body's functions working well together to reduce risk of sickness. This little plant packs a big punch when it comes to natural health and wellness support. I have used this in all of it's forms and know that when it comes to stress and tension these are a great benefit to the body.

(I) Italian Seasoning-safe for all ages, immune support, gastrointestinal support

Italian seasoning is such an easy natural addition to the wellness journey. Depending on the maker of the blend, the spices may vary a bit in taste and amount of each spice and herb, but most all Italian seasonings host a blend of rosemary, marjoram, thyme, oregano, and basil. Italian seasoning provides vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and minerals to the body that we need. It also helps relieve constipation, aids in digestion, and kills harmful bacteria in the gut. This blend is a great staple to have in the pantry and can easily and effortlessly be added to your meals to help naturally support health and wellness.

(J) Juniper berries-skin health, immune support, anxiety relief, safe for all ages

Juniper berries, which are not actually berries at all but a female seed cone that comes from the juniper plant, are used as a spice. The traditional use of juniper berries has been for detoxification of the body, to promote healthy digestion and to provide support for skin health. Now with further research we also know that juniper berries are full of antioxidants and have incredible antibacterial properties.

One of the most common uses of this plant for health and wellness is through juniper berry essential oil. With it's amazing antiseptic and antibacterial properties it is a great essential oil to have on hand in your medicine cabinet. It also supports healthy skin and relieves eczema and other rashes, and the scent alone from the essential oil can promote a better night's sleep.

Another easy way to integrate juniper berry into your daily wellness, especially for the kiddos, is to add juniper berry powder to your water or juice as a daily wellness supplement.

(K) Kava Kava-stress relief, muscle relaxant, emotional support

I can remember many years ago when I was just a wee little mini-adult first learning about herbal remedies and one of the first tinctures I took was Kava Kava. I was going through a trying time period and my emotions were absolutely all over the place. Someone recommended me try this out and I was amazed at the ability for this natural product to help ease that anxiety and stress I felt so much of the time. So instead of being put on prescription anti-depressants to help with my emotional state, I was able to reduce my symptoms naturally and have no nasty side effects from it either.

Along with anxiety and depression, Kava Kava has also been known to help support a natural sleep cycle, relieve any physical pain of the body and relax muscles and help with both the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.

It can be found in powder form, in capsules, in herbal teas, or my favorite method in a tincture form. This herbal remedy is best taken as needed for relief of symptoms.

(L) Lavender-safe for all ages, Immune support, women's health, sleep support, and emotional wellness

I am sure that you have heard of this medicinal herb regularly and even perhaps seen it on the shelf in a variety of forms in the markets. Lavender is one of my absolute must haves for health and wellness in our home. We use it all the time for sleep support, to help ease burns, to support the immune system and ease cold symptoms. There are also many teas, drinks, and body care products that have soothing lavender in it for some form of added health and wellness benefit.

If you love essential oils, then I would highly recommend ensuring that you have this Bulgarian Lavender in your medicine cabinet. Grab it for a burn, diffuse it at night for sleep support, blend with a carrier oil and rub on feet or down the spine for immune support. Want the added benefits of lavender but it in soothing body care products? Check this amazing all natural lavender goat milk soap and this soothing lavender oatmeal bath addition. And last, grab a cup of lavender tea to help soothe and relax the mind and body before bed.

Lemon Balm- mood support, safe for all ages, women's health

I have had the privilege of growing this herb in my garden this year and I knew I could not leave it out. Lemon Balm is a gentle herb that calms overly excited nerves. When emotions are high, stress is prominent, the stomach is churning....grab a cup of lemon balm tea. With its mood lifting properties it is a natural force to be reckoned with. It also has immune boosting antiviral properties to help support your body through any virus or allergy season. Lemon balm tea is easily found on a market shelf in the form of an herbal tea.

If you want a little bit of extra fun and joy in your life, along with some amazing smells in your home this lemon balm herb kit is a great addition to your natural wellness journey. All you need is a sunny windowsill and it will grow super easily for you. Not only does this kit come with lemon balm, but it also hosts lavender, chamomile, and peppermint starters. Whaoo!!! It is so much fun watching your own medicinal herbs grow and develop right in front of your eyes!

(M) Mushroom powder-promotes energy, enhances cognition, supports the immune system

I know that mushrooms are not an herb, nor are they a spice, thus the reason the title of this post also including plants. Over the last few years I have found this mushroom supplement and it has been another one of my favorites. I love that I can make my own smoothies at home and add this powder to it effortlessly. I can tell a difference in my energy, stamina, and focus during the day when I take it versus when I forget and miss my supplement.

I also love that I can add this to the kiddos smoothies too. Having kids on board and excited about health and wellness in their own bodies is a great bonus when they love the way something can taste :)

(N) Nettle- immune support, men's and women's health

Nettle leaf, roots, and stems have all been used in herbal medicines and are a great anti-inflammatory. You might have heard to it referred to as "stinging nettle" or even come across it in your yard or a field. Nettle is a plant that we easily overlook when out in the wild, but will definitely want once you know more about how it can support our health.

Nettle leaf, which is high in quercetin, is also a great source of B vitamins and minerals, and helps support allergy and cold relief. It also acts as a great detoxification agent and it can support gut health. It helps support kidney health and aids in relief of urinary tract infections. Along with vitamins and minerals, Nettle is also high in potassium and iron which helps to promote better circulation of blood to the blood and increase heart health. It can even help lower blood sugar with those struggling with diabetes. It can also reduce pain and inflammation in the body.

Overall Nettle is a great addition to your health and wellness journey and something you might want to have on hand on any given day. The most common applications of Nettle are by way of tincture, natural teas, and capsules.

(O) Oregano-Immune support, benefits heart health, aids in symptoms of depression, improves digestion

When I think of oregano, first I think of a really good pizza or pasta, but then after the hunger fades, I think of the amazing benefit it is for health. Oregano is packed with so many amazing vitamins and nutrients. One teaspoon of dried oregano leaves contains protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. The simplest way to get the benefits of oregano into your health and wellness journey is to just add it to your meals as you are cooking dinner.

For us in our home, we use it in the form of essential oil for topical use. During cold and flu season, oregano oil is one of our main oils to knock out any bugs quick. By rubbing this on the bottoms of the feet and on the toes we get the oils directly into the bloodstream much quicker and let it do it's magic. We may smell a bit like a slice of pizza but we know for sure that all of those antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are doing their job. Just dilute the oregano essential oil (adults: 2 drops per 1 TSP of carrier oil / Kids 5+: 1 drop per 1 TBSP carrier oil)

There is also oil of oregano, which can be taken internally, and I have used that method too before when I wanted extra support from cold and flu. I used this method when I was younger and did not know that essential oils were out there for our use too. It is a great alternative and can be found easily on store shelves. Oil of oregano is processed differently and blended with a carrier oil so that we can take it as a liquid supplement to get the same benefits for our health support. However you decide you want to integrate oregano into your daily health and wellness, it is a great option to have on hand for sure!

(P) Peppermint- Immune support, safe for all ages, emotional support, eases stomach discomfort, soothes muscle pain

There is nothing like a simple cup of peppermint tea to ease stress and tension after a long and tiring day. True, peppermint is a great herb that supports natural stress relief, but it does oh so much more.

Peppermint can soothe the stomach, open the respiratory tract and calm the nervous system. It can also relieve muscle aches and help to take the pressure off of headaches from congestion and allergies.

One of the most common forms of getting this natural herb into our body is by drinking a warm cup of peppermint tea. You can also use peppermint essential oil mixed with a carrier oil, though to quickly and effectively ease headaches and curb nausea. Peppermint essential also works really well to help loosen up those tight muscles and decrease muscle spasms.

Pine-Immune support, safe for all ages

When fresh fruits and vegetables are out of season, or during those cold and flu months, this is a great choice to have on hand. Pine bark itself if full of Vitamin C has been noted in use since as early as 1543 when a Frenchman saved Jacques Cartier's dying crew with pine needle tea. This medicinal plant is fun to get the kiddos involved in because it is as simple as foraging for spent pine needles. White Pine, Red Pine, Cedar, Spruces, and Firs are all a great choice for Pine tea. We use White Pine here and add it to our normal morning routine to get that extra dose of Vitamin C in.

Another form of getting pine is through Pine bark extract. Along with the power punch of extra vitamin C, this medicinal support can improve heart health and blood pressure control, reduce the risk of cataracts, reduce joint pain and inflammation, reduce menstrual disorders, protect against hay fever and allergies, improves memory function, and reduces the appearance of varicose veins. Along with all of those great amazing internal supports, pine bark extract can also support the skins natural defense by reducing skin bruising, promotes wound healing and hosts anti-aging benefits by reducing free radicals.

I think it is safe to say that this is a great addition to our natural medicine cabinet :)

(Q) Quercetin-Immune support, safe for all ages

Have you ever heard of this product? It is technically not an herb, a spice, or a plant itself.....but it is a naturally derived compound from in many different plants that can support our health and wellness. I knew I could not leave this one out - especially if you have not heard of it before.

Quercetin is a flavonoid that can be found in many fruits, vegetables, leaves, seeds, grain, red onions, kale, and even capers. It is a very potent antioxidant and it helps the body to combat free radical damage that you come across each and every day. {Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells}. Quercetin can also help promote healthy blood pressure, decrease allergy symptoms, and reduce inflammation in our bodies.

We keep a bottle of this on hand in our natural medicine cabinet for times when we are feeling a little yucky, when allergies hit, or when we have been around someone who is sick to give a natural spike to our immune system. Another great time to add this into your wellness plan would be in the fall and winter months when the variety of fruits and vegetables are harder to come by and you need that extra dose of vitamins for your body. I love knowing that it is safe and easy for the kiddos to process too since it is naturally derived from the foods that they eat anyway :)

(R) Rose- Immune support, women's health

Before going on this natural wellness journey the only thing I knew about roses were that they looked so amazingly gorgeous and that they smelled great too. Just looking at roses would bring calm and peace to the mind and spirit.

Yes, roses can promote emotional healing, but while on this journey I have found that they have sooooo much more to give than just beauty.

Rose oil is a wonderful addition to our natural medicine cabinets. It can ease anxiety, treats wounds, reduces internal inflammation, protects against viruses, eases respiratory symptoms from cold and flu, eases headaches, tooth pain, sore throat, and upset stomach, and it can be an aphrodisiac. Rose oil can also help to purify the blood as it helps to eliminate toxins from the body. For women, rose oil is a great addition to their menstrual cycle. Rubbing rose oil blended with a carrier oil on the stomach helps to ease cramps, nausea, fatigue and reduces pain associated with mensuration and PMS.

One of the easiest and most affordable ways for topical application is to forage for rose petals and buds, let dry, and then add to a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil for topical use to relieve PMS symptoms, to promote skincare, or to help relieve stress, tension or headaches.

If you want to really get creative with all things rose, this book is a fun book to have in your library to DIY all things natural rose support :)

Rosemary-immune support, safe for all ages, hair support

Rosemary is a great herb for natural health support and can be used is a variety of ways. For our home especially, we rosemary essential oil a lot to diffuse and cleanse the air and to support respiratory illnesses when cold and flu season hit. It helps create productive coughs and rid the body of excess mucus, It also helps to calm and soothe the respiratory tract when ill. For this application, add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to a cup of hot water and do a steam application (placing your head under a towel along with the cup of warm tea and breathe in the steam for about 5 minutes). This helps work up all of that yucky stuff and soothe the air passages at the same time.

Rosemary has also been known to stimulate brain cognition and help with memory function. It can help to raise low blood pressure and stimulate blood circulation, it also has great benefits for hair growth and health.

For hair health you can used either rosemary essential oil or steeped rosemary vinegar (dried rosemary steeped in apple cider vinegar (with the mother) for 2 weeks in a warm dry location). Make a hair rinse with 1 part rosemary vinegar and 2 parts water (if using essential oils, add in about 5 drops of essential oils to your vinegar and water blend) Shake and apply to hair after shampoo application in the shower twice a week to purify hair, increase strength, promote hair growth, and balance hair PH.

(S) Sage- immune support, safe for all ages, women's health

Sage is such a pungent, yet soothing herb that has a whole host of amazing benefits to our bodies. Almost any sore throat will benefit from sage leaf tea. Its soothing effects work to calm inflammation, and promote antibacterial and antiseptic benefits to the body. It also helps to break up congestion and relieve discomfort of colds and viruses.

Sage can promote oral health, memory and brain function, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, protect against certain cancers, combat skin aging, promote bone health, alleviate diarrhea, and ease menopause symptoms. And not only does it promote all of that natural wellness for our body, but it is so easily to integrate into our daily routine. One of the simplest ways to use this product is to add sage to meals when you are cooking. But if you are looking for an alternative way, you can also grab some sage tea, a sage tincture or even capsules to keep in your natural medicine cabinet.

St. John's Wort- immune support, mood stability, women's health, safe for all ages

This herb has been traditionally used for nerve pain and irritation and can relieve symptoms for those struggling with neuralgia (intense pain along the course of a nerve), neuropathy (disease or dysfunction of one ore more peripheral nerves), and exposed nerve sensitivities. Over time though we have also found that St. John's Wort is a great natural option to support mood stability and ease stress and tension. For those suffering from depression, hormonal imbalance, or withdrawal symptoms, this supplement is a great natural remedy to help support recovery from those symptoms.

For pregnant women suffering form hemorrhoids, a topical application of st. John's wort helps provide natural relief. It can also help to speed the healing of burns, bruises or scrapes when applied topically.

St. John's Wort tea and capsules are easy to come across in the local markets, but for a more potent quick punch to an area of need, such as intense stress relief or mood support, a tincture is a great quick way to get that need met.

(T) Turmeric- immune support, pain relief, safe for all ages

Turmeric is technically a botanical herb, but its rhizome is a spice that we use often for cooking and wellness support. In our home we integrate this natural supplement almost daily and when we have ailments of any kind the turmeric goes into super drive.

With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is known for relieving bodily pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, and joint pain and stiffness. It also has the ability to promote blood circulation in the body and purify the blood, clearing toxins from the body. Turmeric also delays the sings of aging and fights age-related chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and even some cases of cancer.

One of the easiest ways to use turmeric is to add it to meals as you are cooking, whether diced from the rhizome or in powder form. Another easy way, and this is how we use it in our house, is simply through turmeric capsules. We buy our turmeric in bulk here as we go through it so much. My kiddos even take this to support their immune system functions, and we, of course, take it for many different reasons as we are older and more achy :) Turmeric teas are also readily available on the shelf and a great bonus to those yucky mornings with a warm cup of hot tea. I have even used turmeric in soaps, natural skin-care products, and essential oil blends to promote natural health and wellness.

When my kiddos get sick with a cold or the flu (which is very rare with all of our immune support) we make golden honey. Golden honey is a natural anti-viral that promotes quicker recovery time from viruses and is a safe addition for immune support for all ages. This is simply one teaspoon of local honey mixed with turmeric to create a paste that is taken by spoonful and washed down with some juice. They do this three times a day for a few days to get beyond the worst of the symptoms.

I love this addition to our wellness journey and it is also a fun plant to grow if you live in a warm wet climate. Then you have all the beauty AND health benefits right in your own front yard. Turmeric is an absolute easy go-to for everyday natural health and wellness support.

(U) Uva Ursi- Immune support, Kidney health, Women's health, safe for all ages, Muscle support

I actually came across this medicinal remedy in my late teens. For some reason I went through a period of time where I constantly battled urinary tract infections and they HURT! Before I went to natural medicine I was on antibiotic after antibiotic. The infections would go away but then they would come back worse the next time. I needed a solution and I knew it WAS NOT mad-made medicines.

Uva Ursi gave me exactly what I needed. This subtropical plant has been used for centuries as a medicinal supplement for healthcare. It is known primarily for its ability to help cure urinary tract infections, but it also has diuretic, astringent, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-septic properties.

So, along with helping all of us ladies out, it also is a great benefit to the overall health and wellness for everyone in the family. My suggestion for this product is keeping it in a tincture form in the medicine cabinet to boost the immune system and to have on hand to promote healthy bladder and kidney function.

(V) Valerian Root- sleep support, anxiety relief, women's health

One of the oldest uses of valerian root recorded was used by Hippocrates to reduce the effects of headaches, heart palpitations, and anxiety. Today we now also know many other benefits that this natural plant can give us.

One of the most common benefits we know of today is the ability for valerian to prevent or curb symptoms of insomnia. The natural properties in valerian root work together to calm the mind and body and help promote a relaxed state of being and a restful sleep. Simply drinking a cup of valerian tea an hour before bed is a great way to promote a good nights sleep naturally.

Along with supporting a natural sleep cycle and restful sleep, valerian is also a great remedy to help ease anxiety, stress, tension, and even depression. With its ability to calm the mind and soothe the emotional state all of that stress and tension slowly ebbs away. And ladies - if you get those bothersome hot flashes during those perimenopause and menopause stages, be sure to grab a cup of valerian tea then too. It will help calm those hot flashes down for you :)

I would say the easiest form of this natural remedy is in the way of an herbal tea which can easily be found in your local market. We use this in our home to help calm and soothe when things are a bit high strung in the evenings. But for those really stressful days when you feel your whole world is off kilter, valerian capsules are also a great alternative to help ease that stress and anxiety.

(W) Wild Yam- women's health support

This natural remedy is going straight to all of you women out there that are still having menstrual cycles. Wild yam helps with hormonal imbalance that can cause mood instability, vaginal dryness, PMS, bone loss and/or decreased libido. It also has powerful antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties to help ease pain and discomfort from cramping or joint pain.

So ladies, keep this one in mind for that special time of the month when we know we will need support the most. It is the root of this plant that is used to promote wellness for our bodies and we can get it in powder form, capsules, or as a tincture. I would suggest having this on hand if you know that that special week is a doozy for you and need a natural boost to get you through that week.

(X)

I do not have any natural plants for the letter "X" that can give us great healthy benefits, although I am sure if I dig deep enough and look at botanical names I could come up with something, however, I think we are good to keep moving on :)

(Y) Yarrow- Immune support, safe for all ages, emotional support, women's health

Yarrow is a beautiful flowering herb that can be used to support many different components of wellness. Yarrow has been used for many different skin conditions, including bruising, healing wounds, to slow bleeding, and to help ease pain. When a cold a fever hit, a small cup of yarrow tea can help regulate fever, promote gentle sweating to clear toxins from body, stimulate the immune system and even improve the mood. It can even support a healthy emotional balance by reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Another great use of yarrow is to help relieve the symptoms of mastitis in nursing women. It relieves the pain, calms the inflammation and fights off infection with its antiseptic and properties.

Yarrow can be found in the form of teas, both bagged and loose leaf, in tincture form, and as an essential oil. I would say that yarrow is a great herbal supplement to have on hand any time of the year.

(Z)

Unfortunately, just as with the letter "X" we did not have a "Z" to finish out the list, but we still have a ton of other great medicinal plants, herbs, and spices that were great additions to our natural medicine cabinet!

Full Disclaimer: Some posts on this website contain amazon affiliate links. I only link what I have used myself and found to be therapeutic and beneficial to the natural health and wellness journey we are on. I also want to make it easy for you to get what you need quickly and affordably by providing these links to you. Each time you make a qualifying purchase from one of these links I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This also allows me a few extra dollars to continue creating and bringing you great wellness recipes and products that you can use and integrate into your own natural home :)

Please note - I am NOT a trained physician, nor do I claim to be. I am merely a wife and mom that has researched and used natural health and wellness practices on myself, my family, and friends for years with amazing and consistent results. If you are looking for natural and homeopathic alternatives to health and wellness these are some items I highly suggest based on our own findings to help support a healthy immune system and as a preventative of severe viruses and illnesses. These do not, however, take the place of a physician's treatments or directives. Please do not hesitate to seek medical help if you feel that you or your family member needs further support or diagnosis.

There you have it friends! 31 AMAZING ALL NATURAL herbs, spices, and plants that work to support all parts of the body, mind, and spirit, how we can integrate them easily and seamlessly into our everyday wellness journey, and how each one can support us all on a daily basis.

I look forward to hearing which one of these is your ultimate wellness support favorite! I know I have used them all and have loved every one of them for the benefits they give naturally for our everyday health and wellness journey.

~Enjoy the journey~