Tastes: bitter

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  • 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…


  • Citrus aurantium

    Botanical Overview Citrus aurantium, commonly known as Bitter orange, Seville orange, or Sour orange, belongs to the Rutaceae family. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. Various parts are utilized medicinally, including the fruit peel, flowers, leaves, and essential oil. Energetics This herb is considered warming and drying in…


  • Dendrobium nobile

    Botanical Overview Dendrobium nobile is an orchid species from the family Orchidaceae, commonly known as Noble dendrobium or Shi Hu. It is native to China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayan region. Traditionally, the stem is the primary part used for medicinal purposes. Energetics Dendrobium nobile exhibits a cooling and moistening energetic profile with sweet…


  • 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.…


  • Ligusticum chuanxiong

    Botanical Overview Ligusticum chuanxiong (family Apiaceae) is a perennial herb native to China and East Asia. The medicinal part used is the rhizome, commonly called Chuanxiong or Szechuan lovage root. It is highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and also recognized in Western herbal medicine. Energetics This herb is considered warming in temperature and…


  • Mondia whitei

    Botanical Overview Mondia whitei, commonly known as Mondia, White’s ginger, or Mondia root, is a member of the Apocynaceae family. It is native to various regions of Africa including East, Central, and West Africa. The root is the primary part used medicinally. Energetics This plant is considered warming with neutral moisture. It has bitter and…


  • Tabernanthe iboga

    Botanical Overview Tabernanthe iboga belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is native to Central and Western Africa. The primary parts used medicinally are the root and root bark. Commonly known as Iboga or Ibogaine, the plant is known for its potent psychoactive effects and is traditionally used in ritualistic settings by indigenous peoples. Energetics This…


  • Hypoxis hemerocallidea

    Botanical Overview Hypoxis hemerocallidea, commonly known as African potato, star flower, or yellow stars, is a member of the Hypoxidaceae family native to Southern Africa. The rhizomes and roots are the primary parts utilized medicinally. Energetics This plant exhibits a neutral temperature and moisture profile with bitter and sweet tastes. It is considered tonifying in…