Regions: Central America

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  • 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…


  • Tropaeolum majus

    Botanical Overview Tropaeolum majus, commonly called Garden nasturtium, Indian cress, or Nasturtium, belongs to the family Tropaeolaceae. Native to Central and South America, it is widely cultivated in Europe and other regions. The parts used medicinally include the leaves, flowers, and seeds. Energetics Tropaeolum majus is considered cooling and moistening in quality, with a pungent,…


  • Dysphania ambrosioides

    Botanical Overview Latin Name: Dysphania ambrosioidesFamily: AmaranthaceaeParts Used: Leaf, aerial partsCommon Names: Epazote, American wormseed, Mexican tea, Herba Sancti Mariæ Energetics Warming and drying in nature, with bitter and pungent tastes. It exhibits a descending directionality and relaxing tonicity affecting qi. Primary Actions Anthelmintic Carminative Spasmolytic Antimicrobial Digestive stimulant Indications Western Intestinal worms Digestive discomfort…


  • Bixa orellana

    Botanical Overview Bixa orellana, commonly known as Achiote, Annatto, Rouge seed, or Urucum, is a tropical plant belonging to the family Bixaceae. Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean, it is widely cultivated across tropical Asia and West Africa. The primary parts used medicinally are the seeds, leaves, and roots. The seeds are…


  • Cecropia peltata

    Botanical Overview Cecropia peltata belongs to the family Urticaceae and is commonly known as Ambulillo, Trumpet Tree, or Yagrumo hembra. This fast-growing tropical tree is native to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. The leaf and stem bark are primarily used in traditional medicine. Energetics This plant has cooling temperature and moistening…


  • Cecropia obtusifolia

    Botanical Overview Cecropia obtusifolia is a species in the Urticaceae family commonly known as Trumpet tree, Guarumo, or simply Cecropia. It is native to Central America, Mexico, and northern South America. The leaves and bark are the primary medicinal parts used traditionally. Energetics The plant energetics are characterized as cooling and moistening, with bitter, astringent,…


  • Guazuma ulmifolia

    Botanical Overview Guazuma ulmifolia, commonly known as West Indian elm, Bay cedar, Guácimo, Mutamba, or simply Guazuma, is a member of the Malvaceae family. It is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean. The parts used medicinally include the bark, leaves, and seeds. Energetics The plant is traditionally considered cooling in temperature and…


  • Petiveria alliacea

    Botanical Overview Petiveria alliacea, commonly known as Anamu, Guinea henweed, Mouse weed, or Wild garlic, belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and West Africa. The medicinal parts commonly used include the leaf, root, and whole plant. Energetics This plant has a warming temperature and drying moisture…


  • Piscidia piscipula

    Botanical Overview Piscidia piscipula, commonly known as Jamaica Dogwood, Piscidia, or Fish Poison Tree, is a member of the Fabaceae family native to the Caribbean, Central America, and the southern United States. The bark and root are the primary parts used medicinally. Energetics This herb is considered cooling in temperature with a bitter taste and…