Primary Actions: Bitter

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  • Brucea javanica

    Botanical Overview Brucea javanica is a flowering plant species in the family Simaroubaceae native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, and India. Commonly known as Java Brucea or Macassar kernel, the main parts used medicinally are the seeds and fruit. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in Traditional Chinese…


  • Picrorhiza kurroa

    Botanical Overview Picrorhiza kurroa belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is commonly known as Kutki, Kutaki, or Swertia. It is native to the Himalayan regions including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Tibet. The rhizome and root are the primary parts used in herbal medicine. Energetics This herb is characterized by a cooling temperature and drying moisture…


  • Coptis chinensis

    Botanical Overview Coptis chinensis, commonly known as Chinese goldthread or goldthread, is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. The medicinal part used primarily is the rhizome. It is native to China and East Asia and is traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties. Energetics The herb is characterized as cooling in temperature and drying in moisture.…


  • Coptis; Berberis spp.

    Botanical Overview Latin name: Coptis; Berberis spp. Family: Berberidaceae Parts used: Root, Rhizome, Bark, Stem Common names: Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon grape Energetics Temperature: Cooling Moisture: Drying Tastes: Bitter, Astringent Directionality: Not well characterized Tonicity: Tonifying Qi/Blood/Fluid: Qi tonic Primary Actions Antimicrobial Bitter Choleretic Hepatoprotective Anti-inflammatory Indications Western Indigestion Diarrhea Jaundice Infections Liver dysfunction Skin infections…


  • Coptis; Berberis; Mahonia spp.

    Botanical Overview Coptis; Berberis; Mahonia spp. are members of the Berberidaceae family, commonly known as goldthread, barberry, Oregon grape, and mahonia. These plants are native to regions including North America, East Asia, and Europe. The medicinal parts primarily used are the roots and root bark. Energetics The energetics of these species are characterized by a…


  • Gentiana lutea

    Botanical Overview Gentiana lutea (family Gentianaceae), commonly called Great yellow gentian or Yellow gentian, is native to Central and Southern Europe and West Asia. The medicinal part used is primarily the root. Energetics This plant has a cooling temperature and drying moisture energetics. Its taste is distinctly bitter, with a descending directionality. It is tonifying…


  • Artemisia abrotanum

    Botanical Overview Artemisia abrotanum, commonly known as Southernwood, Old Woman, or Warwood, is a member of the Asteraceae family. This herb is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Western Asia. The primary parts used medicinally are the leaves and flowering tops. Energetics Southernwood has a warming temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste profile includes…


  • Quassia amara

    Botanical Overview Quassia amara belongs to the family Simaroubaceae and is commonly known as Bitterwood, Quassia, Amargo, and Amazaquine. It is native to regions including the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the West Indies. The primary parts used medicinally are the wood, bark, and root. Energetics Quassia amara is considered cooling and drying in…


  • Marrubium vulgare

    Botanical Overview Marrubium vulgare (White horehound) is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family. Commonly used parts include the leaf and aerial parts. The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia and has been introduced to North America. Common names: White horehound, Horehound. Energetics Temperature: Cooling Moisture: Drying Tastes: Bitter Tonicity: Relaxing…


  • Juglans nigra (pericarp)

    Botanical Overview Juglans nigra (pericarp), commonly known as Black walnut hull or Black walnut pericarp, belongs to the Juglandaceae family. The medicinal part used is primarily the pericarp (hull) of the nuts. This species is native to Eastern North America and has been traditionally used for various health indications. Energetics The pericarp is considered cooling…