Discover 5 Herbal Powerhouses You Have Never Heard Of Beyond Basil
- Brainz Magazine
- 25 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Written by Bonnie Montney, Herbalist & Apothecary
Bonnie Montney, founder of Wild Medicine Apothecary, blends ancient wisdom with modern science to create sustainable, holistic remedies. Her dedication to natural healing and community wellness has made her a trusted herbalist and entrepreneur, committed to nurturing both people and the planet.
In the world of herbal medicine, certain plants have claimed the spotlight, lavender for relaxation, chamomile for sleep, and peppermint for digestion. But beyond these familiar names lies an ancient apothecary of lesser-known herbs, quietly carrying centuries of wisdom and healing.
Once revered by traditional healers, these hidden gems have fallen into obscurity, overshadowed by modern pharmaceuticals and more commercialized botanicals. Yet, their unique properties offer remarkable benefits for health and wellness, supporting digestion, calming the nervous system, and even easing pain in ways nature perfected long ago.
It’s time to rediscover these herbal wonders and bring them back into the conversation. Whether you want to expand your herbal toolkit or explore nature’s forgotten remedies, these five overlooked plants might become your new favorites.
1. Anise Hyssop
Native to North America, this plant has been traditionally used by Indigenous tribes for respiratory and digestive health. It has long been valued for its aromatic and uplifting properties.
Benefits
This herb has many uses, including digestion support, easing cold and flu symptoms, and has mild antimicrobial properties. Its sweet, licorice-like flavor makes it perfect for teas and culinary applications.
Modern applications
Used in herbal teas, infused honey, and even desserts due to its unique taste and health benefits. It can also easily be grown in home gardens and attracts beneficial pollinators! Below are the best extraction methods for anise hyssop, depending on how you want to use it:
Infusion (tea or tincture) – Steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water is an effortless way to extract the aromatic and medicinal properties. For tinctures, soak the leaves in alcohol (like vodka, vinegar, vegetable glycerin, or a glycerite, for those wishing to avoid alcohol) for several weeks to create a concentrated herbal extract
Steam distillation – Wanting to extract essential oils? Steam distillation is the best method. This process separates the volatile compounds from the plant material, resulting in a fragrant oil that can be used for aromatherapy or skincare
Cold maceration – This easy method involves soaking anise hyssop leaves in a carrier oil (like olive or jojoba oil) for several weeks to extract its beneficial compounds. It’s great for making herbal-infused oils for topical use
Drying and powdering – Drying the leaves and grinding them into a fine powder allows for easy incorporation into culinary dishes, herbal capsules, or homemade spice blends
Decoction – A stronger extraction method that involves simmering the leaves and stems in water for an extended period, ideal for creating medicinal syrups or concentrated herbal remedies.
While fresh plants are always an amazing option, freeze them first! Tincturing, infusing, and decoctions work best with dried or frozen fresh plant matter. Both to avoid possible mold (due to air and moisture in oil infusions), and most importantly, this will allow the plant’s cell structure to break down, allowing for the best possible extraction process.
2. Jamaican Sorrel (Hibiscus Sabdariffa)
Originally cultivated in West Africa, this vibrant herb became a staple in Caribbean and Latin American cultures, often brewed into festive drinks. Also known as Roselle, it has deep historical roots in Jamaica, tracing back to the island’s Indigenous Taino people.
Benefits
This beauty is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C and helps support heart health, digestion, and immune function. It also has cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking Sorrel tea may also help ease menstrual cramps and regulate cycles due to its natural muscle-relaxing properties.
Modern applications
Commonly used in hibiscus tea, syrups, and herbal skincare for its rejuvenating qualities. It’s also a favorite ingredient in herbal mocktails. Read further to discover the best extraction methods for anise hyssop, depending on how you want to use it:
Infusion (tea or tincture) – The simplest method, steeping calyxes in hot water, extracting the vibrant color and tart flavor. A longer simmering process (decoction) enhances the medicinal properties
Cold maceration – Soaking the calyxes in cold water or alcohol over time helps extract delicate compounds without heat degradation. This is best for tinctures or herbal syrups.
Decoction – A stronger extraction method that involves simmering the calyxes in water for an extended period, ideal for creating medicinal syrups or concentrated herbal remedies.
Jamaican Sorrel (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) is rich in antioxidants, anthocyanins, and vitamin C, making extraction methods crucial for preserving its beneficial compounds.
3. Lovage
This much-loved, much used, but now forgotten favorite, was a staple in medieval European apothecaries. Lovage was often used to aid digestion and ward off illnesses. It has long been a staple in folk medicine, both before and after the medieval ages.
Benefits
This herb supports digestive health, helps reduce bloating, and acts as a mild diuretic. It also has antimicrobial properties and is rich in vitamins. Making it a versatile plant that can be used from root to tip.
Modern applications
This herb has been found in soups, stews, and herbal broths for its strong celery-like flavor. Lovage leaves, roots, and seeds are all used in herbal remedies. Explore the easiest ways to extract this plant’s lovely compounds:
Infusion (tea or tincture) – Steeping dried or fresh lovage in hot water, alcohol, or glycerin extracts its medicinal properties for internal use. This method is commonly used for digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits
Cold maceration – Soaking lovage leaves or roots in a carrier oil (such as olive or jojoba oil) over time allows for a gentle extraction of its beneficial compounds, making it ideal for herbal-infused oils
Steam distillation – This is the most common method for extracting lovage essential oil, particularly from its leaves and roots. It preserves the volatile compounds responsible for its aromatic and medicinal properties.
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) has a strong, celery-like aroma and is rich in essential oils and bioactive compounds.
4. Salad Burnet
This delicate herb has been known for over 2,000 years. It has been renowned throughout the ages, from the Greeks and Chinese to Western herbalists like Nicholas Culpeper. It was popular in Renaissance herbal traditions and praised by herbalists for its refreshing qualities.
Benefits
Rich in tannins, it supports digestion, eases inflammation, and provides a fresh, cooling effect. It’s often recommended for gastrointestinal issues. Easily extractable with water, this is a gentle multi-use tool for any medicine cabinet.
Modern applications
Often used in herbal-infused waters, salads, and natural skincare due to its antioxidant properties. Below are the easiest ways to extract this herb’s beautiful benefits:
Infusion (tea or tincture) – Steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water creates a refreshing herbal tea
Steam distillation – Though less common, use steam distillation to extract volatile compounds for aromatic or therapeutic applications
Cold maceration – Soaking the dried leaves in a carrier oil (such as olive or grapeseed oil) over time extracts beneficial compounds, making it ideal for herbal-infused oils used in dressings or skincare
Drying and powdering – Drying the leaves and grinding them into a fine powder allows for easy incorporation into spice blends, capsules, or herbal remedies
Alcohol tincture – Extracting Salad Burnet in alcohol (like vodka, brandy, or vegetable glycerin) creates a concentrated herbal tincture that can be used for digestive support and general wellness. Alternatively, infusing the leaves in vinegar preserves their flavor and medicinal properties for culinary use.
Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor) is a delicate herb with a fresh, cucumber-like flavor, often used in culinary and medicinal applications.
5. Toothache Plant
Used by Indigenous communities and traditional healers worldwide and throughout time, this powerful plant was recognized for its numbing effect on pain and oral care. Hence the name! Also known as Spilanthes, Electric Daisy, Paracress, Eyeball Plant, and Buzz Buttons, hints at the benefits of the plant.
Benefits
This flower contains spilanthol, which temporarily numbs pain and stimulates saliva production. This plant also supports immune function and has antimicrobial properties, making this a great ally from start to finish.
Modern applications
Used in herbal tinctures for oral health, as a natural remedy for toothaches, and incorporated into herbal salves, alleviating pain inside and out. Read below to harness the beauty and benefits of this long-loved flower:
Infused oil – Cold maceration in a carrier oil (such as olive or coconut oil) allows for topical application, useful for oral health and skin care
Decoction (Strong Tea) – Simmering the flowers and leaves in water for an extended period creates a potent herbal remedy for mouth rinses and digestive support
Steam distillation – Used to extract essential oils, this method isolates the plant’s volatile compounds for aromatherapy and medicinal use
Powdering & capsules – Drying and grinding the plant into a fine powder allows for easy incorporation into herbal capsules or spice blends
Alcohol tincture – One of the most effective methods involves soaking dried or fresh flowers in high-proof alcohol (like vodka or Everclear) for several weeks, extracting their medicinal compounds.
Again, vinegar, glycerin, or glycerites can be used instead of high-content alcohol. After all, these herbs have been around since long before the invention of high-content alcohol!
Nature’s medicine surrounds us, woven into the roots beneath our feet, the leaves swaying in the breeze, and the flowers blooming quietly in forgotten corners of parking lots, gardens, groves, and forests. Healing doesn’t always come in a bottle, or an overly commercialized plant (which can place many plants in harm's way); it’s as simple as looking closer, asking questions, and letting curiosity guide you.
By embracing herbal wisdom, we empower ourselves to reclaim the ancient knowledge passed down for generations. Starting small with a single herb or diving deep into the art of apothecary, every step brings you closer to crafting your personalized wellness journey.
Want to explore these and other hidden plant wonders in more depth? Check out my other Brainz Magazine articles for more herbal insights, wellness strategies, and empowerment through nature-based healing. Plus, visit my website, for an ever-growing collection of herbal knowledge, including my Herb of the Month feature and DIY Monthly Magic, where I guide you through easy, practical ways to incorporate herbalism into your daily life.
Read more from Bonnie Montney
Bonnie Montney, Herbalist & Apothecary
Bonnie Montney is the visionary founder of Wild Medicine Apothecary, a sanctuary where ancient herbal wisdom meets modern science. With a deep commitment to natural healing, Bonnie crafts sustainable, holistic remedies that nurture both people and the planet. Their apothecary is a haven for those seeking wellness through nature’s bounty. Explore Bonnie's world to discover the transformative power of herbs and learn more about their captivating journey in herbalism.
.jpg)