A naturally growing, green garden on your lawn is not just relaxing, but it also adds an aesthetic appearance to your environment. You should not just know the basics of how to care for your plants. You need to also know their benefits and uses. So many herbs are used in various ways. Most of them are used for their medicinal, beauty, and aesthetic benefits.
Either directly or indirectly, human beings depend greatly on plants. Plants are required for the release of oxygen into the air we breathe and the absorption of carbon dioxide we expel. Not just that, most plants are the medicines and herbs we use to feel satisfied after falling sick or hungry.
In fact, in the ancient times of knowledge, when allopathy had not been introduced in the medical sciences, plants were the main source of staying healthy. Even to this day, doctors still refer to those ancient herbs that may seem neglected.
There is a list of herbs starting with Y that we have gathered just for you.
Read on to know how they came about and the ways they can be beneficial to you.
Herbs and spices that start with Y: uses, health benefits, and where to buy them.
Y? I know you thought of that too. Are there any herbs that start with Y? Well, there are quite a few of them. Let’s look at some of those herbs that start with, “Sit and relax while we deliver them to you.”
Some of the herbs on our list are:
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Yellow Dock(Rumex crispus)
- Yohimbe(Pausinystalia yohimbe)
- Yucca (Yucca Schidigera)
- Yerba santa (Eriodictyon glutinosum)
- Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea)
- Ylang-ylang (Cananga Odorata)
- Yellow pendent heliconia (Heliconia marginata)
- Yucatan daisy (Montanoa atriplicifolia)
- Yellow flame (Peltophorum pterocarpum)
- Yellow mussaenda (Pseudomussaenda flava)
- Yellow flax (Reinwardtia indica)
- Yellow saraca (Saraca thaipingensis)
- Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius)
Let’s take an overview of the above-listed herbs along with their uses, health benefits, and where we can buy them from.
YARROW
Achillea millefolium is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, North America, and Asia. Yarrow is a hardy herbaceous perennial with a pungent smell. They are characterized by neatly feathered bright gray or green leaves, and flowers on the head have white, red, or pink flowers.
These herbaceous flowers are mostly found in grassy areas, especially lawns. Other common names for these flowering herbs are soldiers’ woundwort, old man’s pepper, sanguinary, devil’s nestle, herb militaris, nosebleed etc.
Uses of yarrow
Basically, this flowering herb is mostly used for making herbal tea for medicinal purposes like treatments for colds and flu. Aerial parts of the plants are used for this purpose.
Health benefits of yarrow.
- This flowering herb possesses astringent properties that stop bleeding most, hence it is used for wound healing.
- One benefit of Yarrow herb is that it improves blood circulation and proper blood flow by dilating the capillaries.
- Animal research has shown that extracts from the flowering herbs are beneficial for the treatment of digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, etc. as they contain flavonoids and alkaloids, which aid in relieving digestive issues.
- Chemical problems in this plant, like the flavonoids and alkaloids, may aid in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Studies have shown that Yarrow tea products may help tackle brain problems like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, etc.
- These tea products also contain anti-inflammatory properties. More studies are needed for this claim.
Where can you buy yarrow?
A. millefolium is available at Iherb, Amazon, Stfrancisherbfarm.com, Thegardenshop, etc.
YELLOW DOCK
Rumex crispus is a rather small, leafy herbal plant which grows mainly in wild habitats throughout the world. This perennial herb is native to Europe but is noticeable all over the United States. The plant belongs to the polygonaceae, or buckwheat family, with flowers borne in clusters on the branched stem of the plant. Other names for the perennial herbs include curled dock, curly dock, sour dock, and so on.
Uses of yellow dock
The roots of the plant are the most useful parts. The leaves are often harvested as a wild vegetable, the. The stalks of this plant have been used as a potherb in salads. Others do not make use of it for this purpose because of its tart, sour-sweet taste. Powdered roots of the plant have also been introduced as laxatives.
Health benefits of yellow dock
- Good for treating diarrhea. This is one of the problems that comes with having malaria, basically loosened bowels. Yellow Dock tea is very potent in treating loose bowels. Yellow Dock tea can also tackle fever and hot dry skin.
- They contain a considerable amount of iron, which is why they are beneficial for anemic conditions. One of the major functions of iron in the body is to improve hemoglobin production in the blood.
- Yellow Dock contains vitamin C, which also serves as a strong antioxidant that helps tackle free radicals in the body that may lead to the growth of cancer cells.
- Zinc is present in yellow dock, which is beneficial for skin and hair health.
- Calcium and phosphorus are present in this herb, which helps protect bone health and prevent bone disease.
Where can you buy yellow dock?
These herbal products are available at Walmart supercenter, Smile Herb Shop, Alive Herbs, on Amazon, herbco.com, etsy.com, etc.
Warning
Yellow Dock contains oxalate and tannins, hence should not be taken in patients with hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin etc.
YOHIMBE
Corynanthe yohimbe, or Pausinystalia yohimbe, is a tall evergreen species belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This herbal plant is native to central Africa, from Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. The tree has a large yellow-ochre wood with dark green glossy leaves.
Uses of yohimbe
The useful part of this plant is the bark. An extract gotten from the bark of this plant is often drunk as an aphrodisiac. The bark is often used for physical and sexual asthenia. They are also made into capsules, extracts, and tablets.
The health benefits of yohimbe
- This herbal plant aids weight loss and also improves body composition. This is possible due to yohimbe’s ability to intercept and restrict the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in fat cells, which leads to increased fat and weight loss.
- Research work proves that taking yohimbe may be a good treatment for erectile dysfunction. More studies are needed to finalize this claim.
- Yohimbe is beneficial as a dietary supplement to improve overall athletic performance.
- Other benefits of Yohimbe supplements are for dizziness, chest pains, diabetic neuropathy, high blood pressure, etc.
Where can you buy yohimbe?
These herbal supplements are available on boxnutra.com, creativeenzymes.com, on Amazon, Walgreens.com, etc.
YUCCA
These are small evergreen trees native to arid regions of North America, the West Indies, Central America, etc. These perennial shrubs belong to the Asparagaceae family and are often characterized by their green, sword-shaped, tough leaves with larger terminal panicles of whitish flowers. Other common names for this plant are mojave yucca, Spanish dagger, etc.
Uses of yucca
Native Americans made use of the fibers of the yucca leaves for rope making, thread, and sandals. The flowers and fruits may be consumed raw or roasted.
Health benefits of yucca
- This herbal plant contains a high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants, which are beneficial to the immune system and total well-being of an individual.
- Antioxidants and saponins present in yucca make it beneficial for the treatment of arthritis pain. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that soothe this pain.
- Extract from yucca may be added to creams, lotions, etc. for the treatment of certain skin conditions. Research has also shown that the herb possesses photoprotective properties against sun damage.
- Other potential benefits are treatment for diabetes, inhibiting oxidative stress, etc.
Where can you buy yucca?
Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, instacart, and MIC food division all sell yucca products or extract in their stores.
YERBA SANTA.
Eriodictyon californicum is an aromatic herb with woody rhizomes belonging to the hydrophyllaceae family. This evergreen plant grows up to a height of about two to four feet, with yellow-colored leaves covered in resin. The yerba herb also bears blue-colored, compact flowers. Yerba santa means “holy herb.” Other common names are mountain balm, bear weed, gum plant, consumptive weed, gum bush, etc.
Uses of yerba santa
The useful part of the plant is the leaves. They are often used in food and pharmaceuticals to cover up bitter tastes. They may also serve as flavoring. In the environment, they are also used to regrow damaged or disturbed farm land. They also serve as food and shelter for butterflies.
Health benefits of yerba santa.
- The plant is an excellent herbal remedy for chronic respiratory conditions like cough, congestion, etc.
- Through direct application to the skin in a warm dressing manner, it may be helpful in the treatment of bruises.
- They may aid in relieving muscle spasms and loosening phlegm.
- Yerba santa is also beneficial for the treatment of asthma, tuberculosis, inflammation of chronic bronchitis, etc.
- The herb is also beneficial for treating rheumatism.
Where can you buy yerba santa?
They are available at the Whole Foods Market, herb.co, on Amazon, Yerba Mex Botanical, Mountainroseherb.com, etc.
YELLOW GENTIAN
Gentiana lutea is a flowering herb belonging to the Gentianaceae family, native to Europe and North America. The herbs grow up to about three to four feet, with leaves paired opposite each other. They have long, thick, yellowish-brown roots. The plant also has yellow-green, oblong-shaped leaves that have five visible veins. Common names include Gentian, Gentian root, pale Gentian, and felwort.
Uses of gentians
The yellowish-brown herb can be used for tea, pills, tinctures, and other derived products. Traditionally, it may be mixed with water and applied directly, or sometimes consumed as a drink.
Health benefits of gentian.
- The roots of this plant possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for the treatment of arthritis. They contain gentiopicroside, which can be applied for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- They may also be applied for the treatment of sinus infections like congestion, headaches, and facial pain that may occur due to inflamed sinuses.
- The root herb is beneficial for the digestive process as it contains iridoids and secoiridoids, which protect the digestive system as well as increase appetite.
Where can you buy gentian?
This root herb or its extract is available at herbal stores or grocery stores. Places like Walmart, San Francisco, Herb Co, Natural Grocers, Amazon, etc. all sell the herb.
YLANG-YLANG
Cananga odorata is a tropical tree native to Indonesia and the Philippines. The Solomon Islands are characterized by Malaysia, Australia, New Guinea ,Thailand, Queensland, and Vietnam. The plant belongs to the Annonaceae family, characterized by long, smooth and glossy leaves. The Ylang-ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower.
Uses of ylang-ylang
The most useful part of the plant is the flower. The Ylang-ylang flower is where the essential oil is extracted. The oil extract may be used for perfumes, colognes, food flavorings, etc.
Health benefits of ylang-ylang.
- This herb reduces anxiety and helps boost self-worth, whether applied to the skin or inhaled.
- The inhalation of the herb may also act as a sedative. It also reduces blood pressure and heart rate in men.
- Ylang-ylang possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
- They have been used as a remedy to heighten sexual desire as well as reduce anxiety.
Where can you buy ylang-ylang?
This aromatic herb or its essential oil extract is available on Amazon, Vanityoil, Flavorchem, etc.
YELLOW PENDENT HELICONIA
Heliconia marginata is the scientific name given to Yellow Pendent Heliconia. It belongs to the heliconiaceae family. The herb is native to the Pacific Ocean, Asia, and tropical America. It can also be found growing in other countries like Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Colombia, and Bolivia.
This evergreen plant can reach a height of 2-4 m and is mostly found in tropical terrestrial habitats. Yellow pendent heliconia thrives in a fertile loam, well-drained, partially shaded environment or in full sun. However, periodic moisturizing is needed to keep the plants’ humidity level stable.
Uses of yellow pendent heliconia
- The Yellow Pendent Heliconia is popularly used as an ornamental plant.
- The young shoots of yellow pendent heliconia can be eaten. While the leaves are used to wrap food.
- Some natives also use the leaves as roofs.
Health of yellow pendent heliconia
- The rhizomes of yellow pendent heliconia are used to treat and relieve jaundice, intestinal pain, and high blood pressure.
- Traditionally, the seeds and leaves are mashed and the juice combined as a tonic and used to treat headaches.
Where can you buy yellow pendent heliconia?
Yellow pendent heliconia can be purchased from etsy, top tropical garden center, Richard Lyons nursery, aloha tropicals, amazon, and other online retailers.
YUCATAN DAISY
Montanoa atriplicifolia is the scientific name for Yucatan daisy. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and can also be called Tree Daisy. The Yucatan daisy is native to northern, western, and central Europe, the Middle Asia and Mexico, although it has been introduced to North America and New Zealand. It can reach a height of 3 meters and is mostly found in terrestrial habitats such as cool and dry forests and along dry roadsides. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and under full sun or partial shade.
Uses of the yucatan daisy
- Extracts are used to make serums, cosmetics, lotions, and other beauty products.
- It is used in making some traditional medicines.
Health benefits of yucatan daisy
- L-arbutin is a plant-based substance in Yucatan daisy that is used to heal hyperpigmentation of the skin.
- Extracts from the Yucatan daisy contain anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antitussive properties that treat colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.
- Yucatan daisy extracts also have antispasmodic compounds that ease digestive cramps.
- The ointments and juice can be used in the treatment of wounds, rheumatic pain, and muscle fatigue, and can also be used to detoxify the body.
Where can you buy yucatan daisies?
Buy fresh Yucatan daisies, extracts, and ointments from Amazon, Etsy, Walmart Supercenter, and any other favorite store or garden.
YELLOW FLAME
The scientific name for Yellow Flame is Peltophorum pterocarpum. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to Asia (the southwestern tropical region). Other common names it has include yellow-flamboyant, yellow flametree, copperplate, and yellow poinciana.
The yellow flame tree is grown in most tropical regions of the world mainly as an ornamental plant, especially in Pakistan, India, and Florida, the United States (Hawaii), and Nigeria.
Use of yellow flame
- It is used as a decoration during the Bathukamma festival in Telangana state.
- Wood from the tree is used in making cabinets and some furniture.
- Foliage from Yellow Flame can be used as a fodder crop.
Health benefits of yellow flame
- Most of the health uses of the yellow flame plant are based on traditional practices. Even though they actually work for the purposes they are used for, it has not yet been scientifically proven.
- The plant is significantly used for so many ailments in different parts of the world. They include dysentery, skin issues, constipation, insomnia, sores, stomatitis, ringworm, and muscular pain.
- Yellow Flame also contains plant-based compounds that are good for your health, such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, cytotoxic properties, antiglycemic properties, and aldose reductase inhibition.
Where can i buy yellow flame?
You can purchase Yellow Flame from Amazon, etsy, Indiamart, Chhajed Garden, etc.
YELLOW MUSSAENDA
Pseudomussaenda flava is the scientific name given to this species. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This evergreen plant is also called dwarf mussaenda, dwarf yellow mussaenda, or white wing, and it is native to tropical Africa. The perennial shrub grows to about 3 m in height when planted in a well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade.
Uses of yellow mussaenda
Yellow mussaenda is mainly used for ornamental purposes. However, the roots, leaves, and flowers are used to make both traditional and ayurvedic medicines.
Health benefits of yellow mussaenda
- Yellow mussaenda is used to aid urine flow.
- It is given to people suffering from asthma, oedema, intermittent fever, ulcers, jaundice, and leprosy.
- Scientifically, yellow mussaenda has been proven to have antimicrobial, analgesic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiphlogistic properties.
- This herb is a good source of flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, and some other natural products.
Where can you buy yellow mussaenda?
You can purchase yellow mussaenda from Jordan’s Jungle, Amazon, Etsy, Top Tropical, etc.
YELLOW GROUND ORCHID
Spathoglottis gracilis is the scientific name given to the yellow ground orchid. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family. The herbaceous shrub can also be called slender Spathoglottis. The Yellow Ground Orchid is native to Malaysia (tropical zone). It can grow up to 34 cm long. It is an evergreen plant that will thrive in a fertile loam soil that is well drained in full sun or partial shade.
Uses of yellow ground orchid
They are mainly used for ornamental and aesthetic purposes. This is because of their colorful flowers.
Where can you buy yellow ground orchids?
Yellow Ground Orchid can be purchased online from Orchid.com, DelmastheFlowBooth.com, Amazon, Etsy, or any other tropical garden store.
In summary,
Well, that’s the end of our list of herbs that start with Y. You should try out some of these herbs and verify for yourself their health benefits, and you may also find more herbs that start with y, whether local or not, and add them to your collection. You can also do a deep study on their planting methods; this way you can always have it just at your veranda.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you know of any unique spices starting with the letter Y. We will continue to update the list with your recommendations.