Medicinal herbs in Israel, the Golan Heights and the West Bank region.

Israel knows more than 2600 plant species of which >700 are noted for their uses as medicinal herbs or as botanical pesticides.
see: Article in Journal of Ethnopharmacology 83 (2002) 251/265

Click the scientific, common or Hebrew name of a plant to go to its information page!
Scientific name Common name Hebrew name Part used Medicinal use
Alcea setosa (Boiss.) Alef. Bristly hollyhock חטמית זיפנית a) Leaf, flower and root
b) Leaf, flower and root
a) Stomach and intestine pain, inflammation and asthma
b) Skin allergy and wounds
Alhagi maurorum Medik. Camelgrass הגה מצויה Root Kidney stones and diarrhea
Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. Khella, Bishop's weed,
Tooth pick
אמיתה קיצית, Amita Keitzit Flower and seed Kidney inflammation and respiratory system (asthma)
Amygdalus communis L. Common Almond שקד מצוי Fruit Leaf a) Local paralisis and hair loss; b)Stomach and intestine; Lung inflammation
Anabasis articulata,
   Salsola articulata
Berry bearing glasswort,
Jointed Anabis
יפרוק המדבר Leaf and stem Ectoparasites and eczema
Anchusa strigosa Banks and Sol. Prickly Alkanet לשון-פר סמורה Leaf Skin diseases, arthritis and wounds
Arbutus andrachne L. Eastern Strawberry tree קטלב מצוי a)Leaf, fruit and root
b) Leaf and fruit
a)Urinary system, blood tonic and cancer;
b)Urinary system, aching joint and wounds
Arum palaestinum Boiss. Palestine Arum לוף ארצישראלי Foliage Internal bacterial infection, cancer, poisoning and circulatory system
Asphodelus aestivus Brot.,
    Asphodelus ramosus L.,
   Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. et Viv.
Common Asphodel עירית גדולה Bulb and root Ectoderm parasites, jaundice and psoriasis
Atriplex halimus Wright Common name Hebrew name a) Leaves; b) Leaves a) Heart diseases and diabetes;
b) Rheumatism
Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile,
   Ximenia aegyptiaca L.,
    Agialida senegalensis Tiegh.
Egyptian Balsam זקום מצרי a) Leaf and young branches
b) Leaf and young branches
a) Wounds
b) Aching joints and varicose veins
Brassica napus L. Rapeseed, Canola כרוב הנפוס Leaf Coughing, kidney stones and asthma
Calicotome villosa (Poir.) Link Spiny Broom קידה שעירה Flower Cardiovascular system, nervous system and blood dilution
Calotropis procera ( Aiton)
W.T. Aiton
Sodom's Apple פתילת-מדבר גדולה Fiber Skin diseases, paralysis and coldness
Capparis spinosa L. Common Caper צלף קוצני a) Root
b) Stem and fruit
a) Deafness
b) Back diseases
Centaurea iberica Trevir.
ex Spreng.
Iberian knapweed דרדר מצוי a) Whole plant
b) Flower
a) Diabetes
b) Antiseptic
Ceratonia siliqua L. Carob tree,
St. John's-Bread
חרוב מצוי a) Leaf
b) Fruit
c) Fruit
a) Diabetes
b) Herpes and lip sores
c) Digestive system, coughing and diarrhea
Cichorium endivia (Schousb.) P. D. Sell,
    Cichorium pumilum (Jacq.) Cout.
Dwarf Chicory עולש מצוי a) Whole plant
b) Leaves
a) Poisoning
b) Bacterial Infection, rheumatism
Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Hook.f. Yellow broomrape יחנוק המדבר a) Leaf and flower
b) Roots
a) Jaundice
b) Urinary system
Citrullus colocynthis(L.) Schrad. Bitter Gourd אבטיח הפקועה a) Seed
b) Fruit
a) Liver diseases and diabetes
b) Muscle relaxation
Clematis cirrhosa L. Fern-leaved clematis, זלזלת הקנוקנות a) Leaf and root
b) Leaf and root
a) Erection and nervous system
b) Wounds and aching joints
Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Rchb. Conehead thyme,
Israeli Thyme
קורנית מקורקפת Foliage Heart diseases, paralysis, diabetes, tract pain and inflammation and respiratory system
Crataegus azarolus L. Azarole Hawthorn עוזרר אדום Fruit and flower Cardiovascular diseases, sexual weakness, cancer and diabetes
Cupressus sempervirens L. Mediterranean cypress ברוש מצוי a) Fruit
b) Fruit
a) Diabetes and nervous system
b) Antiseptic
Cyclamen persicum Miller Persian Cyclamen רקפת מצויה a) Leaf and bulb
b) Leaf and bulb
a) Skin infections
b) Ear infections
Daucus carota L.subsp. maximus (Desf.) Ball,
   Daucus maxima Desf.
Wild carrot,
Queen Anne's lace
גזר קיפח a) Root
b) Leaf, root
a) Jaundice, anemia and urinary system
b) Skin problems and acne
Ecballium elaterium
(L.) A.Rich.
Squirting cucumber ירוקת החמור a) Fruit
b) Root
a) Liver diseases, jaundice and sinusitis
b) Skin diseases and muscle relaxation
Eremostachys laciniata (L.) Bunge,
Phlomis laciniata L.
Desert spike צמר מפוצל a) Root and flower
b) Leaf and fruit
a) Allergy, headache and liver diseases
b) Joint inflammations
Eruca sativa Miller Garden Rocket, Roquette,
Arugula
בן-חרדל מצוי ,רוֹקֶט a) Leaf and seed
b) Seed
a) Sexual weakness
b) Skin diseases and hair loss
Eryngium creticum Lam. Field Eryngo חרחבינה מכחילה a) Whole plant
b) Leaf
a) Liver diseases, poisoning, anemia and infertility problems
b) Snake bites
Euphorbia hierosolymitana Boiss. Euphorbia hierosolymitana Boiss. חלבלוב מגובשש Stem Warts
Ficus carica L. Common fig, Edible fig פיקוס התאנה a) Stem
b) Fruit
c) Leaf
a) Warts
b) Constipation
c) Kidney stones, respiratory system,
asthma and cholesterol
Ficus sycomorus L. Sycamore fig,
fig-mulberry
שקמה Stem Skin diseases
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Fenkel, Sweet Fennel,
Wild Fennel, Common Fennel
שומר פשוט a) Seed
b) Leaf and stem
a) Digestive system, obesity and headache
b) Eye inflammation
Geranium robertianum L.,
   Geranium purpureum Vill.
Herb Robert,
Robert geranium
גרניון הארגמן a) Leaf and root
b) Root
a) Cholesterol
b) Skin problems and acne
Glaucium corniculatum (L.) J.H.Rudolph,
Chelidonium corniculatum L.
Blackspot Hornpoppy פרגה מקרינה Leaf and fruit Eye inflammation
Hyoscyamus aureus L. ( Golden Henbane שיכרון זהוב Leaf and seed Backache, muscle-cramps
and eye inflammation
Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra,
   Hypericum crispum L.
Triangular Leaved St John's Wort פרע מסולסל a) Whole plant
b) Whole plant
a) Depression and sexual weakness
b) Skin diseases
Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton,
   Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter
Strong-Smelling Inula טיון דביק Foliage Muscle relaxation and infertility
Jasminum fruticans L. Bush Jasmine יסמין שיחני Flower Allergy and tiredness
Laurus nobilis True Laurel, Sweet Bay ער אציל Leaf Skin diseases and cancer
Lavandula officinalis Chaix ex Vill. Common lavender אזוביון רפואי a)Flower
b)Leaf, flower and seed
a) Urinary system, asthma and nerve system
b) Skin diseases
Lupinus pilosus L.,
    Lupinus varius
Blue Lupine תורמוס ההרים a) Seed
b) Seed
a) Diabetes and kidney stones
b) Skin diseases (hyperpigmentation)
Lycium europaeum,
   Lycium intricatum Boiss.
Boxthorn, European tea tree אטד אירופי a) Root
b) Leaf
a) High blood pressure and diabetes
b) Hair loss, skin and eye irritation and wounds
Majorana syriacum (L.) Kostel,
    Origanum syriaca L.
Wild marjoram,
Syrian Marjoram, Hyssop
אזוב מצוי Leaf Intestinal pain and inflammation and high blood pressure
Malva nicaeensis All. Southern Mallow חלמית מצויה Whole plant Coughing, wounds and skin diseases
Marrubium vulgare L. White Horehound מרמר מצוי a) Leaf
b) Leaf
a) Stomach pain and inflammation, bronchitis, nervous system and asthma
b) Eye inflammation
Matricaria aurea (L.) Sch. Bip. Golden Chamomile בבונג זהוב Leaf and flower Fever, coughing and heart diseases
Melissa officinalis L. Lemon Balm, Sweet Balm, Balm leaf מליסה רפואית Leaf and flower Stomach, intestine pain and inflammation, calming of nerves and headache
Mercurialis annua L. Annual Mercury, Garden Mercury, French Mercury מרקולית מצויה a) Leaf
b) Leaf
a) Diabetes and cancer
b) Skin diseases
Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce,
   Micromeria serpyllifolia
White savory,Tea Hyssop זוטה לבנה Foliage Stomach, intestine pain and inflammation, fever, asthma and respiratory system
Morus nigra L. Black Mulberry (Sycamine) תות שחור Leaf, stem and fruit Diabetes, teeth and gum inflammation and cholesterol
Myrtus communis L. Common Myrtle הדס מצוי a) Leaf
b) Leaf
a) Stomach, headache, intestine pain and inflammation
b) Skin diseases
Nerium oleander L. Oleander הרדוף הנחלים a)Foliage
b) Wooden stem
a) Skin diseases
b) Jaundice
Ocimum basilicum L. Sweet basil בזיליקום, ריחן Leaf and flower Depression, migraine, stomach and intestinal ache
Olea europaea L. Olivetree זית אירופי a) Leaf and fruits
b) Fruit
a) Coughing, diabetes, high blood pressure and stones in kidney
b) Coughing and muscle contractions
Paronychia argentea Lam. Silver nailroot
    Silvery Whitlow Wort
אלמוות הכסף Leaf and flower Stones in kidney, diabetes and heart diseases
Phagnalon rupestre (L.) DC.,
   Phagnalon spathulatum Cass.
African fleabane צמרנית הסלעים a) Foliage
b) Foliage
a) Toothache
b) Antiseptic and astringent
Pinus halepensis Miller Aleppo Pine, Jerusalem pine אורן ירושלים a) Leaf and seed
b) Seed
a) Diabetes
b) Sexual weakness
Pistacia lentiscus L. Mastic tree, Lentisc אלת המסטיק a) Leaf
b) Leaf
a) Jaundice and respiratory problems
b) Bed wetting
Polygonum aviculare L.
    Polygonum arenastrum Boreau
Common knotweed ארכובית הציפורים Leaf, stem and flower Diarrhea, blood circulation, urinary system and menstrual regulator
Polygonum equisetiforme Sibth. and Sm. Horsetail Knotweed ארכובית שבטבטית/a> Root Kidney diseases
Portulaca oleracea L. Little hogweed, Purslane רגלת הגינה a) Foliage
b) Foliage
a) Kidney stones
b) Sun stroke
Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F. Macbr.
   Lagonychium farctum (Solander ex Russell) E.G.Bobrov
Dwarf mesquite, Syrian mesquite ינבוט השדה Foliage Menstrual cramps, kidney stones and diabetes
Quercus calliprinos Webb Kermes Oak, Palestine oak אלון מצוי a) Fruit and bark
b) Fruit and bark
a) Cancer, bed wetting, ulcer and diabetes
b) Skin diseases
Quercus ithaburensis Decne.
   Quercus aegilops
Tabor oak, Valonia oak אלון התבור Stem, bark and fruit Cancer, fever, bed wetting, high blood pressure and ulcer
Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb
   Lygos raetam
White Broom רותם המדבר Leaf Aching joints back pain and skin bruises
Rhamnus alaternus L. Italian Buckthorn אשחר רחב-עלים Leaf Liver diseases
Rhus coriaria L. Tanners Sumach אוג הבורסקאים Fruit Liver diseases, diarrhea and urinary system
Ricinus communis L. Castor-Oil Plant, Palma Christi קיקיון מצו a) Seed
b) Seed
a) Laxative
b) Hair loss and skin diseases
Rosmarinus officinalis L. Rosemary רוזמרין רפואי Leaf Kidney diseases, liver diseases, arteriosclerosis and anemia
Ruta chalepensis L.
    Ruta bracteosa DC., Ruta angustifolia
Herb-of-grace, Egyptian Rue, Ruda פיגם מצוי a) Leaf and stem
b) Leaf and stem
a) Arthritis, back ache, skin diseases, eye and ear infection
b) Poisoning, nerve system
Salvia fruticosa Mill.
   Salvia triloba
Greek oregano, Greek sage מרווה משולשת Foliage Stomach ache, intestinal gas and inflammation, diabetes and sexual weakness
Sanguisorba minor Scop.
   Poterium sanguisorba L.
Salad burnet, Garden burnet בן-סירה מיובל a) Whole plant
b) Whole plant
a) Ulcer
b) Skin diseases, burns and wounds
Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach.
   Poterium spinosum L.
Thorny burnet סירה קוצנית a) Leaf, seed and root
b) Leaf and seed
a) Diabetes
b) Stomach pain, intestine pain and inflammation, kidney diseases and ulcer
Satureja thymbra L. Thyme-leaved savory,
Roman hyssop
צתרה ורודה Foliage Heart diseases, paralysis, diarrhea and coughing
Silene aegyptiaca (L.) L. f. Egyptian Campion ציפורנית מצרית Whole plant Fever
Smilax asperan L. Mediterranean Smilax
Prickly ivy
קיסוסית קוצנית Fruit and root Diabetes and poisoning
Solanum nigrum L. Black nightshade סולנום שחור Foliage Skin diseases
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
   Carduus marianus (L.)
Holy thistle,
Milk thistle
גדילן מצוי Flower and seed Liver diseases, poisoning, infertility and sexual weakness
Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karsten
   Tamarix articulate Vahl
Athel tree, Athel tamarisk אשל הפרקים a) Leaf
b) Leaf and seed
a) Fever
b) Eye inflammation
Teucrium capitatum L.
   Teucrium polium L.
Cat-thyme Germander געדה מצויה Foliage Kidney, liver diseases, diabetes, stomach and intestine pain and inflammation
Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl.
    Passerina hirsuta L.
Shaggy Sparrow-Wort, Spur flax מתנן שעיר Foliage Skin diseases
Triticum aestivum L. Common wheat, Bread wheat חיטה רכה, חיטה הלחם a) Shoot
b) Seed
c) Seed
a) ancer
b) Anemia
c) Skin diseases
Urginea maritima (L.) Baker
    Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn
Sea Squill חצב מצוי Bulb Skin diseases
Urtica pilulifera L.
   Urtica dodartii L.
Roman nettle סרפד הכדורים a) Foliage
b) Seed
a) Cancer, stomach, intestine pain and inflammation, liver diseases and circulatory system
b) Bed wetting
Verbena officinalis L.
   Verbena domingensis Urb.
Common Verbena, Holy Herb ורבנה רפואית Foliage Liver diseases, stomach pain, fever and menstrual cramps
Viola odorata L. Sweet Violet, Common Violet סגל ריחני a) Foliage
b) Foliage
a) Respiratory system, stomach and intestine inflammation
b) Skin diseases
Vitis vinifera L. Grapevine גפן היין a) Leaf
b) Leaf
a) Menstrual cramps and period regulation
b) Varicose veins
Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf
   Rhamnus spina-christi L.
Jujube, Christ’s thorn שיזף מצוי ,אטד a) Leaf and fruit
b) Leaf and fruit
a) Cholesterol reduction and cancer
b) Eye inflammation and hair loss