Tastes: bitter

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  • Capsella bursa-pastoris

    Botanical Overview Capsella bursa-pastoris, commonly known as Shepherd’s Purse, is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but widely naturalized throughout North America. The medicinal parts primarily used are the aerial parts and leaves harvested when fresh or dried. Energetics This herb is considered to have a neutral temperature…


  • 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…


  • Ruta graveolens

    Botanical Overview Ruta graveolens, commonly known as Common rue, belongs to the Rutaceae family. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, Southern Europe, and parts of West Asia. The leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant are used medicinally. It has a long history of use in traditional Western herbalism and other systems for…


  • Rubus idaeus (folia)

    Botanical Overview Rubus idaeus (folia), commonly known as Red Raspberry Leaf or Raspberry Leaf, belongs to the Rosaceae family. The medicinal part used is the leaf. Native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, this plant has a long history of traditional use. Energetics Raspberry Leaf has a neutral temperature and moisture profile. Its…


  • Trifolium pratense

    Botanical Overview Trifolium pratense, commonly known as Red clover, belongs to the Fabaceae family. The flowers are the primary medicinal part used, harvested from this herbaceous plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Energetics Red clover has a cooling temperature and moistening moisture characteristic with sweet and bitter tastes. It is generally relaxing in…


  • Daucus carota

    Botanical Overview Daucus carota, commonly known as carrot seed, belongs to the Apiaceae family. The seed is the primary part used medicinally. Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, it has a history of traditional use in herbal medicine. Energetics This herb is considered warming and drying with bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes. It…


  • 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…


  • Primula veris

    Botanical Overview Primula veris, commonly known as Cowslip or Primrose, belongs to the family Primulaceae. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. The medicinal parts used include the flowers, root, and leaves. Energetics This herb is considered cooling and moistening in nature with bitter and sweet tastes. Directionally, it acts in a…


  • Petroselinum crispum (radix)

    Botanical Overview Petroselinum crispum (radix), commonly known as parsley root, Hamburg parsley, turnip-rooted parsley, or root parsley, belongs to the Apiaceae family. The primary part used medicinally is the root, which is native to the Mediterranean and widely cultivated across Europe. Energetics The root is generally considered warming and drying. It features bitter, pungent, and…


  • Citrus × aurantium (flos)

    Botanical Overview Citrus × aurantium (flos), commonly known as Bitter Orange Flower or Neroli, belongs to the Rutaceae family. The medicinal part used is the flower, valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. It is native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Western Asia regions. Energetics This herb is considered cooling and moistening, with bitter,…