Regions: Caribbean

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  • Bryophyllum pinnatum

    Botanical Overview Bryophyllum pinnatum belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is commonly known as Air plant, Life plant, Cathedral bells, Miracle leaf, and Four o’clock plant. The medicinal parts used are primarily the leaves and the whole plant. This succulent species is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is widely naturalized in…


  • Kalanchoe pinnata

    Botanical Overview Kalanchoe pinnata is a succulent plant species in the family Crassulaceae, commonly known as Cathedral Bells, Air Plant, Miracle Leaf, Plant of Life, and Goethe Plant. It is native to tropical Africa and Madagascar but widely naturalized across tropical regions including South and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. The leaf and…


  • Smilax regelii

    Botanical Overview Smilax regelii is a climbing vine belonging to the Smilacaceae family, commonly known as China root or Mexican sarsaparilla. The plant is native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The root and rhizome are the principal parts used medicinally and are valued chiefly for their blood-purifying and anti-inflammatory properties. Energetics The root…


  • Hymenaea courbaril

    Botanical Overview Hymenaea courbaril, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a South and Central American tree commonly known as Jatoba, Brazilian cherry, West Indian locust, and Stinking toe. The bark, resin, fruit, and wood are traditionally used medicinally. Energetics Its energetics are generally neutral in temperature with drying moisture properties. Tastes identified include bitter and…


  • Turnera diffusa

    Botanical Overview Turnera diffusa, commonly known as Damiana, is a member of the Passifloraceae family. It is native to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. The medicinal part used traditionally is the leaf, which has aromatic and bitter taste properties. Damiana is widely recognized for its traditional use as an aphrodisiac and nervine…


  • Myrica cerifera

    Botanical Overview Myrica cerifera, commonly known as bayberry, wax myrtle, southern bayberry, and candleberry, is a member of the Myricaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States, parts of eastern North America, and the Caribbean. The useful parts include the berries, leaves, and twigs, which have a long tradition of medicinal use. Energetics…


  • Smilax officinalis

    Botanical Overview Smilax officinalis, also known as Sarsaparilla or Mexican sarsaparilla, is a member of the Smilacaceae family. The rhizome and root parts of the plant are primarily used medicinally. This species is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean and has been traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties. Energetics Smilax officinalis exhibits a…


  • 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…


  • Momordica charantia

    Botanical Overview Momordica charantia (family Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as Bitter melon, Bitter gourd, Karela, and Balsam pear, is a tropical vine widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, Caribbean, and South America. The fruit, leaf, and seed are traditionally used medicinally. Energetics Bitter melon is considered cooling and drying in nature, possessing a distinctly bitter taste. It…


  • Myristica fragrans

    Botanical Overview Myristica fragrans, commonly known as Nutmeg or Mace, belongs to the family Myristicaceae. Native to Indonesia and cultivated in tropical regions such as India, the Caribbean, and Sri Lanka, the plant’s seed and aril are the primary parts used medicinally. Energetics This warming and drying herb possesses sweet, pungent, and bitter tastes. It…