Antioxidant Herbs



Antioxidants help to control or elimination of free radicals which can reduce cellular oxidation in the body providing an important defense against degenerate diseases caused by oxidative stress. While we first think of dark chocolate, blueberries and apples as being the primary sources of antioxidants in our food, herbs are potent sources as well. Many herbs and medicinal plants have antioxidant properties, and fresh culinary herbs including oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme and the extended family of mints (mentha) are the heavyweights in this category. These herbs not only improve the flavor of other foods, but add important dietary health benefits to the meal as well.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


    • See List Herbs by Botanical Name
  • Acai Berry Acai Berry, Euterpe oleracea : Acai Berry, jussara, Açaí
    Palm Tree : Freeze dried Acai is used to make healthy smoothies, and juices, often mixed with blueberries, raspberries and other antioxidant fruits....
  • Alfalfa Alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. :
    Perennial Plant : Alfalfa is not recommended as primary treatment for any condition, alfalfa is a tonic herb, one that supports health by nourishing the body. Alfalfa is of special interest to women because of its estrogenic activity....
  • Allspice Allspice, Pimenta officinalis : Pimento, Jamaica Pepper
    Tropical Tree : Allspice tastes like a combination of cloves, juniper berries, cinnamon and pepper. Adding allspice to herbal teas, as well as foods aids in digestion. ...
  • Annatto Seed Annatto Seed, Bixa orellana : achiote, lipstick tree
    Tree : Annatto is widely used in Caribbean and Latin cuisines. Recado rojo or achiote paste is a popular blend of spices from Yucat?n region of Southern Mexico...
  • Apricot Oil Apricot Oil, Prunus armeniaca :
    tree : Apricot oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids such as GLA. Apricot oil makes an excellent choice for moisturizing devitalized, wrinkled skin without leaving an oily feel....
  • Basil Basil, Ocimum basilicum : Sweet Basil
    herb : Stellar culinary herb and aromatherapy oil. Stimulates appetite, uplifts mood. The uses of basil are limited only by your imagination....
  • Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot, Monarda didyma : Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea, Bergamot, Horsebalm
    perennial herb : This species of mint has an aroma similar to the citrus Orange Bergamot, but the two are not related. A safe herb to use in both animals and humans. Like most mints, bee balm has a special affinity towards the digestive tract. Bee balm has excellent antib...
  • Black Pepper Black Pepper, Piper nigrum :
    Perennial Woody Vine : Freshly ground pepper is a healthy spice, but the uses of black pepper go far beyond the kitchen in herbalism....
  • Blueberries Blueberries, Vaccinium spp : blueberry, huckleberry, ligonberry
    Perennial shrub : Blueberries are a naturally delicious treat that can be enjoyed without hesitation - a totally guilt free pleasure ...
  • Borage Seed Oil Borage Seed Oil, Borago officinalis :
    Annual herb : Borage seed oil is used both as skin treatment and a dietary supplement. Known for its naturally high GLA content, borage is recommended for use in autoimmune conditions....
  • Bugleweed Bugleweed, Lycopus spp. : Water Horehound, Gypsywort
    Perennial herb : Bugleweed is useful in many heart and vascular system disorders ,hyperthyroid conditions and breast pain. ...
  • Cacao Cacao, Theobroma cacao L. : Chocolate, cocoa
    herb : Theobromine, the alkaloid contained in cacao beans, resembles caffeine in its action, but its effect on the central nervous system is less powerful and does not have the sleep disturbing effects of caffeine....
  • Calamus root Calamus root, Acorus calamus : Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag
    perennial wetland monocot : Sweet flag, or calamus has been in use worldwide in Asian European and Native American herbal traditions since the times of ancient Greece...
  • Catnip Catnip, Nepeta cataria : Catmint, Nep,Catnep
    Perennial herb : A harmless high for felines, and beneficial for humans, Catnip leaves contain considerable quantities of vitamins C and E, both excellent antioxidants...
  • Catuaba Catuaba, Erythroxylum catuaba : caramuru, catagu, catigu, catigua, chuchuhuasha, pau de reposta, or tatuaba
    tree : Catuaba is the most famous of the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants, noted for it's ability to strengthen erections....
  • Cayenne Pepper Cayenne Pepper, Capsicum minimum : Capsicum ,African Pepper, Chillies, Bird Pepper
    Tender perennial shrub : Capsicum, an extract from cayenne and other peppers, can dramatically reduce chronic nerve pain, and is effective against chronic pain like arthritis and neuralgia...
  • Chaga Mushroom Chaga Mushroom, Inonotus obliquus : Cinder conk, Birch mushroom
    Mushroom : Chaga and the similar reishi mushroom both have a reputation as tonics for longevity and health. These mushrooms show great promise for their anti-viral activities...
  • Chervil Chervil, anthriscus cerefolium : chervel, sweet cicely
    Annual Herb : Although chervil is considered to be foremost a culinary herb, is also has a history of use in herbal medicine. ...
  • Cinnamon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia : Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon
    Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar....
  • Clary Sage Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea : Clarysage
    Perennial Herb : Clary sage oil is ideal to use on a regular basis in baths or perfumes to revitalize and rejuvenate the body and mind. It is recommended for women who are experiencing hot flashes...
  • Comfrey Leaf and root Comfrey Leaf and root, Symphytum officinale :
    Perennial Herb : Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best known for the topical treatment of burns and just about any skin irritation....
  • Cranberry Cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon : cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry
    berry : Cranberry may help reduce both urinary tract infections and the amount of dental plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth....
  • Ginger Root Ginger Root, Zingiber officinale : Luyang Dilaw
    Perennial Monocot reed : Ginger combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes....
  • Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo biloba L. :
    Tree : Allergies and asthma improve with ginkgo. The leaves contains anti-inflammatory chemicals and natural antihistamines...
  • Goji Berries Goji Berries, Lycium barbarum : Lycii berry, Boxberry, Boxthorn, Wolfberry
    deciduous woody shrub : Goji berries are high in the ranks of superfruits, valued for their nutritive and antioxidant properties....
  • Gotu Kola Gotu Kola, Centella asiatica (L.) : Indian Pennywort, Brahmi
    : Gotu kola is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and TCM to rejuvenate both mind and body. Clinical experiments have shown that the plant does improve memory, and rejuvenate skin and body tissue....
  • Grapefruit Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi :
    Evergreen subtropical tree : Grapefruit increases circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and may help to regulate body weight with regular use. It is also a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C....
  • Grapes Grapes, Vitis vinifera : Grapeseed
    : Grape skins contain the powerful antioxidant compound resveratrol, which has been shown in studies to protect against the effects of a high fat diet, lowering cholesterol that could lead to heart disease....
  • HoneyBush HoneyBush, Cyclopia spp :
    Perennial Shrub : Honeybush is a healthy, caffeine-free red tea containing Vitamin C, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium....
  • Jiaogulan Jiaogulan, Gynostemma pentaphyllum : Jiao Gu Lan, Amachazuru, Herb of Immortality, sweet tea vine
    Perennial vine : Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan)is an adaptogen and antioxidant with properties similar to that of ginseng....
  • Lavender Lavender, Lavandula spp :
    Woody Perennial Herb : Lavender can lift your spirits, help you sleep, relieve pain, kill germs, heal burns and rashes, and help keep annoying insects at bay. Lavender oil is also antibacterial and healing to the skin...
  • Marjoram,Sweet Marjoram,Sweet, Origanum majorana :
    perennial herb : Sweet marjoram is a fragrant culinary herb and the sweet, herbaceous essential oil is used in aromatherapy for emotional uplift and soothing nerves...
  • Oolong Tea Oolong Tea, Camellia sinensis : Wu Long, Wu Yi Tea
    Shrub : It is true that Oolong/Wu Long tea not only boosts metabolism and suppresses sugar cravings, but it may also burn fat....
  • Orange Orange, Citrus sinensis, Citrus spp. : Mandarin Orange, Tangerine
    tree : Oranges are a healthy source of vitamin C and other nutrients, as well as one of the most versatile aromatherapy oils. Orange peel is used as a zest in cooking and as a tea....
  • Oregano Oregano, Origanum vulgare : Wild Marjoram
    herb : Oregano has a very ancient reputation and has been used in both the kitchen and the sickroom since the time of the ancients. Many would be surprised to learn that oregano is ranked first among the culinary herbs in antioxidant power. Many of the ...
  • Oregon Grape root Oregon Grape root, Mahonia aquifolium : Mountain Grape, holly leaved barberry
    Evergreen shrub : Herbalists use the immune-stimulating and bacteria fighting properties of Oregon grape root in the treatment of bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and eye infections. Oregon grape shared many of the properties of goldenseal, but is not botanically ...
  • Papaya Papaya, Carica papaya : Papaw, Melon Tree, Papaya Vulgaris
    Tropical tree-like plant : Papaya fruit offers not only the luscious taste but is a rich source of antioxidants. Papaya leaf is used as a dewormer....
  • PennyRoyal PennyRoyal, Mentha pulegium : Penny-Royal, poleo
    Perennial herb : Pennyroyal is an important member of the family of mints, used historically since the time of Pliny to stimulate suppressed menstruation, and facilitate childbirth...
  • Peppermint Peppermint, Mentha piperita : Yerba Buena
    Perennial Herb : Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect that soothes stomachaches and relieves gas. Peppermint oil is cooling and analgesic, relieving heat and inflammation while it increases blood flow to the painful area....
  • Rooibos Rooibos, Aspalathus linearis : Redbush Tea, Red tea
    Perennial Woody bush : The distinctive red color and sweet taste of Rooibos makes this African import a healthy, caffeine free drink suitable for the whole family...
  • Rosemary Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis :
    Woody perennial herb : Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory...
  • Sage Sage, Salvia officinalis :
    Perennial Woody Herb : Sage is a well-regarded herb for relieving the hot flashes of menopause. Sage is used both as a culinary herb and medicinal herb. Sage essential oil is used sparely...
  • Savory, Winter, Summer Savory, Winter, Summer, Satureja montana :
    Perennial Herb : Savory is a carminative herb recommend for gas and digestive upsets, including colic, diarrhea and indigestion....
  • Self-Heal Self-Heal, Prunella vulgaris L. : Self-heal, Heal-all, Blue Curls, Heart-of-the-Earth, Brunella Carpenter-weed
    Herb : Fresh leaves and flowers may be applied directly to a fresh wound. While self-heal is not so immediately effective as comfrey, yarrow, or bugle, it is a good herb to know about because of its almost universal presence and availability. ...
  • Spearmint Spearmint, Mentha spicata : Spear mint
    : Spearmint has much the same properties as peppermint, but is milder and good for use with children's complaints. Spearmint tea will relieve hiccough, flatulence as well as indigestion. ...
  • Spirulina Spirulina, Arthrospira platensis : Blue Green Algae, Cyanobacteria, BGA
    Algea : Spirulina a popular nutritional supplement with good reason. Spirulina is a rich source of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and plant proteins....
  • St. John's Wort St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum :
    Perennial Shrub : St. Johns Wort has a demonstrated ability to act as an antidepressant, but this versatile herb also has dozens of chemical compounds that disinfect and heal wounds as well....
  • Thyme Thyme, Thymus vulgaris : Common Thyme, Wild Thyme
    Woody Perennial Herb : Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy, addressing all your cold symptoms in a holistic way. Thyme acts to clear the lungs of congestion...
  • Wild Yam Root Wild Yam Root, Dioscorea villosa : Colic root, rheumatism root
    Perennial Vine : Wild yam root is a potent source of diosgenin that was used in the manufacture of the first oral contraceptives...
  • Yacon Root Yacon Root, Smallanthus sonchifolius :
    : Yacon root and yacon root syrup are used as a sweetener by who need to control their blood sugar. Yacon is a prebiotic, feeding the 'good' bacteria of the gut helping digestion and stimulating the immune system....
  • Yellow Dock Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus : Sorrel, curled or narrow dock
    herb : Yellow dock as been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times and is used in traditional medicine as a gentle laxative or mild astringent tonic....