Families: Rubiaceae

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  • Mitragyna speciosa

    Botanical Overview Mitragyna speciosa (family Rubiaceae), commonly known as Kratom, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaf is the part traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Energetics Kratom is generally considered warming in temperature and neutral in moisture. It has a bitter taste and exhibits a descending directionality in its effects. It…


  • Coffea arabica

    Botanical Overview Coffea arabica is a member of the Rubiaceae family, commonly known as Arabica coffee or simply coffee. The primary medicinal parts used are the seeds, commonly referred to as coffee beans. Native to Ethiopia and Yemen, it is now widely cultivated in tropical regions such as South America. The seeds contain notable bioactive…


  • Mitchella repens

    Botanical Overview Mitchella repens, commonly known as Partridgeberry, Two-eyed Berry, Checkerberry, or Squaw Vine, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is native to Eastern North America. The parts used medicinally are primarily the leaves, berries, and whole aerial parts. Energetics Mitchella repens is considered neutral in temperature and moistening in moisture quality. Its taste…


  • Uncaria rhynchophylla

    Botanical Overview Uncaria rhynchophylla, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, is a woody climber native to East and Southeast Asia, particularly China. Commonly known as Gou Teng or Cat’s Claw, the medicinal parts used primarily include the stem and hook. Energetics Traditionally, Uncaria rhynchophylla is considered cooling and moistening in nature, with bitter and sweet tastes.…


  • Uncaria tomentosa

    Botanical Overview Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as Cat’s Claw, is a member of the Rubiaceae family native to the Amazon rainforest and Central and South America. The medicinal parts primarily used are the bark and root. It is valued in herbal medicine for its immune-supportive and anti-inflammatory properties. Energetics This herb is considered to have…


  • Rubia cordifolia

    Botanical Overview Latin name: Rubia cordifolia Family: Rubiaceae Parts used: Root, Rhizome Common names: Indian madder, Manjistha, Red root Energetics This herb has a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste profile includes bitter, astringent, and sweet. It is tonifying in nature and primarily affects the blood aspect of the body. Primary Actions Anti-inflammatory…


  • Galium aparine

    Botanical Overview Galium aparine, commonly known as Cleavers, Goosegrass, Sticky Willy, or Catchweed, is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Native to Europe, Asia, North America, and Northern Africa, it is known for its trailing, clinging stems and small white flowers. The aerial parts or whole herb are traditionally used medicinally. Energetics This herb exhibits…


  • Hedyotis diffusa

    Botanical Overview Hedyotis diffusa, commonly known as Oldenlandia diffusa or Bai Hua She She Cao, is a herbaceous plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to East and Southeast Asia, particularly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The whole plant is used medicinally, especially for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Energetics This herb is…


  • Gardenia jasminoides (Fructus)

    Botanical Overview Gardenia jasminoides (fructus), commonly known as Cape Jasmine Fruit, Zhi Zi, or Gardenia Fruit, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The medicinal part used is the fruit, traditionally harvested and dried for various therapeutic purposes across East and Southeast Asia. Energetics The fruit is characterized by a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality, with…


  • Vangueria madagascariensis

    Botanical Overview Vangueria madagascariensis is a small tree or shrub belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Commonly known as Wild Medlar, Tengere, Spanish Tamarind, or African medlar, it is native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, and the Comoros Islands. Various parts are used medicinally including the fruit, leaves, roots, and bark. Energetics This plant is considered to…