Common Names to Scientific Names: A Quick Reference Table

Why the scientific name matters. A common name can point to different plants, and a study result applies to the plant that was tested. NCCIH's echinacea page, for example, refers to E. purpurea and E. angustifolia by species. [1] A scientific name has two parts, a genus and a species (for example Zingiber officinale) in italics. This table lists the herbs profiled in this library, with the family each belongs to. Read more at plant names and botanical nomenclature.

How the names were checked

Each scientific name below was matched this session against the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, an open plant-name database. [2] GBIF gives a status (accepted or synonym) and a family. Where GBIF treats a name used on labels or in older books as a synonym, the Notes column says so. Names can change as botanists revise groups, so a label may use an older name. We checked GBIF only, so a different database could treat a few names differently. If a label's plant name does not match this table, ask a pharmacist and see botanical names and plant parts on labels.

Table of herb profiles (A to Z by common name)

This table lists names and families only. It says nothing about whether a herb works or is safe. Open each profile for evidence and cautions, or see the evidence and safety table.

What is not in this table

• Adaptogen herbs, mushrooms, essential oils, teas and extracts, and other natural ingredients have their own libraries: see Adaptogens, Mushrooms, Essential Oils, Herbal Teas & Extracts and Natural Ingredients.
• Plant parts used are not listed, because the part varies by product; see plant parts used in herbal products.
• Herbs with serious safety reports that do not have their own profile are covered in the safety guides, such as herbs and liver injury.
• Other plants known to be harmful are not listed here. For poisoning concerns in the US, Poison Help is 1-800-222-1222.