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Index of Ayurvedic Herbs Covered on This Site

A directory of every Ayurvedic herb guide on this site, grouped by theme, with links to the Ayurvedic angle, evidence and safety notes for each plant.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

What this index is

This is a directory, not a recommendation list. Each link goes to a guide that describes how Ayurveda traditionally uses a plant, what research has found and what safety concerns exist. Being listed does not mean a herb works or is safe for you. Where this site already has a general ingredient guide for a plant, the Ayurveda page links to it so the two do not repeat each other. For help with unfamiliar names see the Sanskrit names guide and the glossary.

Before you read any herb page

  • Herbs act on the body. Some interact with medicines, affect the liver or are unsuitable in pregnancy. A 2025 case report and review describes a serious liver injury after a person used turmeric and black pepper "wellness shots." [1]
  • Some Ayurvedic preparations may contain lead, mercury or arsenic in toxic amounts. [2] See heavy metals and product quality.
  • If you are pregnant or nursing, talk with your health care provider, because some Ayurvedic products may contain harmful ingredients. [2] Ask a clinician or pharmacist before using any herb.

How herbs are grouped and named

Well-known single herbs

Joint, resin and bark herbs

Food-and-medicine plants

Herbs grouped by traditional use

Combinations of herbs

Several herbs are used together in traditional formulas. See the formulation index for triphala, trikatu, chyawanprash and others, and Ayurvedic herbs vs supplements for how traditional herbs and modern products differ.

Frequently asked questions

Does being listed here mean a herb is recommended?

No. The index is a directory. A review of Ayurveda's evidence says clinical acceptance remains limited by inconsistent evidence quality, varied formulations and insufficient safety reporting. [3]

Can I use these pages to choose herbs for my dosha?

No. This site does not match herbs to a dosha or constitution. Read why in online dosha quizzes are unreliable.

Which herbs have the strongest evidence?

The evidence differs herb by herb and condition by condition, so each guide labels it separately. NCCIH says only a small number of clinical trials of Ayurvedic approaches have been published in Western medical journals. [2]

Are natural herbs safe with my medicines?

Not always. NCCIH advises telling all your health care providers about any Ayurvedic products you use. [2] See Ayurvedic herbs and prescription medicines.

What should I do after a bad reaction to an herb?

For poisoning symptoms in the US, the FDA advises talking with your health care provider or a poison center (1-800-222-1222). [4] Find other countries on poison help by country. For an emergency, call 911 in the US.

More details: evidence, limits and cautions

The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.

Herbs with extra safety attention
References
  1. Shrestha A et al. Drug-induced liver injury associated with turmeric and piperine: a case and review. Case Reports in Gastroenterology 2025 (abstract). Read 2026-10-22.
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, US). Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth. Last updated January 2019. Read 2026-10-22.
  3. Rahiman KJ et al. Ayurveda in preventive and supportive healthcare: current evidence, safety, and clinical integration. Cureus 2026 (abstract). Read 2026-10-22.
  4. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns about heavy metal poisoning associated with certain unapproved ayurvedic drug products. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.