1-2 feet high; perennial bearing yellow-orange daisy-like flowers around disks composed of tubular flowers. It has hairy, bright green leaves attached directly on stalks.

Arnica, when used externally, promotes healing of wounds received from blows, punctures, falls, and cuts. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, relieves pain from injuries, and promotes tissue regeneration. It has also been used for heart problems since it contains a cardiotonic substance, and to improve circulation. WARNING: THIS HERB SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN IN RAW FORM, AS THIS MAY CAUSE INTESTINAL BLEEDING, ABDOMINAL CRAMPING, AND SICKNESS.

Shrubby, tropical perennial with hardwood stems and branches. It produces greenish or yellowish white star-like flowers that droop from long stems. The fruit are shiny, pod-like, and leathery, ranging in color from yellow to orange to red. Blooms in summer.

A rich source of antioxidants, cayenne contains vitamins A, C, and E to help protect the body against harmful free radicals. Preliminary studies show that cayenne may help protect against heart disease and that it reduces harmful LDL cholesterol levels. Studies have also shown that it reduces fat deposits in the arteries by increasing the levels of liver enzymes involved in breaking down fats, thereby improving artery health.

Herbaceous tropical perennial, with grass-like leaves, and dense, cone-like flowers in stalks. The flowers have yellow-green segments and a purple lip that is yellow-spotted/striped.

Preliminary studies show that ginger can protect the liver from toxins, tone the heart muscle, and regulate blood pressure. Limited research has shown that ginger reduced arthritis pain, inflammation, and muscular discomfort from musculo-skeletal disorders. Lab studies show that ginger reduces stomach spasms and neutralizes toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.

The tree of this bitter orange species can grow 18-30 feet high. Its leaves are pointed, oval, and evergreen, and it has creamy white, fragrant flowers. This orange has coarser and darker skin than the sweet orange, and a more bitter pulp.

Orange fruit contains synephrine, which acts similarly to other neurotransmitters in that it relaxes the muscles. Orange juice helps the body eliminate waste products, and the high vitamin C content helps the body fight infections.

Hardy perennial subshrub with square, woody, wiry stems. Flowers can be pink, purple, blue, or white and grow in whorls of four to eight axils. Leaves look pebbly and wrinkled, are grayish-green, long-stalked and hairy to velvety. Height: 12-30 inches.

Sage contains powerful antioxidants. Its volatile oils make an effective digestive remedy. It encourages flow of digestive enzymes, settles the stomach, relieves colic, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, liver complaints, colitis, and worms. It is a nervous system tonic, being used to restore strength and vitality.

Tall, attractive tree growing up to 195 feet. The trunk is smooth and cream colored with a covering of grayish-blue bark that peels off in narrow strips. Creamy-white flowers are borne on short flat stalks, followed by fruit that is concealed in an aromatic, camphor scented, woody cup.

The essential oil found in the leaves is a powerful antiseptic and is used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats, and other infections. The essential oil is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies.

Reddish, erect, branched stems up to 2-3 feet high. Peppermint's leaves are hairy, sharply serrated, and are green to reddish-green. Whorled clusters of reddish flowers form loose spikes at leaf axils.

Peppermint is used for colds, flu, and fevers, and contains antioxidants to help the heart and circulatory system. Containing menthol, an anesthetic, peppermint is effective for soothing sore throats.

Bushy, branching shrub, with small lavender flowers in whorls of 6-10 on six inch stalks. Leaves are opposite, silvery-gray, and somewhat hairy. Its fruit is four shiny, dark gray-brown nutlets. Height: Up to 3 feet. Blooms June-July.

Lavender essential oil has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood under stressful situations. Limited studies have shown it may relieve insomnia. Warm lavender tea has often been used as a compress for chest congestion.