Tastes: bitter

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  • Alpinia officinarum

    Botanical Overview Alpinia officinarum, commonly known as Lesser Galangal or simply Galangal, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The medicinal part used is primarily the rhizome. Native to Southeast Asia, including China and India, it has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems. Energetics The plant exhibits a warming and drying nature with pungent…


  • Carum carvi

    Botanical Overview Carum carvi, commonly known as Caraway, belongs to the Apiaceae family. The parts used medicinally are primarily the fruit (commonly called seeds). It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa and is cultivated widely for both culinary and medicinal use. Energetics The fruit is considered warming and drying with bitter, pungent,…


  • Coriandrum sativum

    Botanical Overview Coriandrum sativum, commonly known as coriander, cilantro, or Chinese parsley, belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, Western Asia, Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. The parts used medicinally include the seed, leaf, and fruit. Energetics This herb is considered cooling and moistening with aromatic, bitter, and sweet…


  • Piper nigrum

    Botanical Overview Piper nigrum, commonly known as black pepper or pepper, is a member of the Piperaceae family. Its fruit and seed are primarily used medicinally and culinarily. Native to South and Southeast Asia, especially India, black pepper is one of the most widely used spices worldwide. Common names include Black pepper and Pepper. Energetics…


  • Curcuma longa

    Botanical Overview Curcuma longa belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The plant is primarily known by its common names such as Turmeric, Indian saffron, and Haridra. The medicinal part used is the rhizome, native to tropical Asia, particularly India and Southeast Asia. Energetics Curcuma longa is considered warming and drying in nature. It possesses bitter, pungent,…


  • Gentiana lutea

    Botanical Overview Gentiana lutea (family Gentianaceae), commonly called Great yellow gentian or Yellow gentian, is native to Central and Southern Europe and West Asia. The medicinal part used is primarily the root. Energetics This plant has a cooling temperature and drying moisture energetics. Its taste is distinctly bitter, with a descending directionality. It is tonifying…


  • Taraxacum officinale

    Botanical Overview Taraxacum officinale, commonly known as Dandelion, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is widely distributed across Europe, North America, and Asia, commonly naturalized worldwide. The parts used medicinally include the root, leaf, and flower. This resilient plant is famed for its bright yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves. Energetics Dandelion exhibits…


  • Silybum marianum

    Botanical Overview Latin name: Silybum marianum Family: Asteraceae Parts used: Seed Common names: Milk thistle, Lady’s thistle, St. Mary’s thistle Energetics Temperature: coolingMoisture: dryingTastes: bitterDirectionality: ascendingTonicity: tonifyingQi/Blood/Fluid: qi Primary Actions Hepatoprotective Antioxidant Choleretic Anti-inflammatory Indications Western Liver toxicity Jaundice Indigestion Dyspepsia Hepatitis Fatty liver Syndromes Liver disorders Toxic liver damage Cirrhosis Hepatitis TCM Liver qi…


  • Cynara scolymus

    Botanical Overview Cynara scolymus, commonly known as Artichoke or Globe artichoke, belongs to the family Asteraceae. This perennial plant is native to the Mediterranean region including parts of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. The parts used medicinally are the leaf and the immature flower bud. Energetics The energetics of Cynara scolymus are predominantly cooling…


  • Glycyrrhiza glabra

    Botanical Overview Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as Liquorice, Licorice, or Sweet root, is a member of the Fabaceae family. The medicinal parts used are primarily the root and rhizome. Native to the Mediterranean, Western and Central Asia, and parts of Europe, this plant has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Energetics It…