Regions: Central America

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  • Vanilla planifolia

    Botanical Overview Vanilla planifolia is a member of the Orchidaceae family, commonly known as vanilla, flat-leaved vanilla, or vanilla orchid. The plant is native to Central America and Mexico and widely cultivated in Madagascar and other tropical regions. The medicinal part used is the bean pods, which are primarily known for their aromatic and culinary…


  • Salvia hispanica

    Botanical Overview Salvia hispanica, commonly known as Chia, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States. The primary part used medicinally and nutritionally is the seed. Chia seeds are renowned for their nutritional benefits and have been traditionally consumed for energy and health. Energetics…


  • Prunus serotina

    Botanical Overview Prunus serotina, commonly known as Black Cherry or Wild Black Cherry, is a member of the Rosaceae family. Native to North America, especially the eastern United States and Central America, this tree’s bark, leaves, and fruit are used medicinally. It is notable for its dark bark and fruit which have a history of…


  • 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…


  • Piper aduncum

    Botanical Overview Piper aduncum is a member of the Piperaceae family, commonly known as Spiked pepper, Higuillo, or Matico. It is native to Central and South America. The plant’s leaves, stems, and roots are traditionally used medicinally. Energetics This herb is considered warming and drying in nature, possessing acrid, bitter, and pungent tastes. It has…


  • 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…


  • 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…


  • Zea mays (Stigma)

    Botanical Overview Zea mays (stigma), commonly known as corn silk, is the silky styles found on the ears of the corn plant, belonging to the Poaceae family. The stigma is the primary medicinal part used, traditionally harvested from cultivated corn plants across North and Central America and widely worldwide. Energetics Corn silk is characterized by…