Tastes: bitter

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  • Scutellaria barbata

    Botanical Overview Scutellaria barbata, commonly known as Barbed Skullcap or Ban Zhi Lian, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is native to East Asia including China and Taiwan. The medicinal parts primarily include the whole plant or aerial parts, commonly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. Energetics The herb has a cooling temperature and…


  • Celastrus paniculatus

    Botanical Overview Celastrus paniculatus, commonly known as Intellect tree, Malkangani, Jyotishmati, or Oil plant, belongs to the Celastraceae family. Native to India and Southeast Asia, the primary parts used medicinally are the seeds and their oil. Energetics This herb is traditionally considered warming and drying with bitter and pungent tastes. It has an ascending and…


  • Kaempferia parviflora

    Botanical Overview Kaempferia parviflora, commonly known as Black Ginger, Thai Ginseng, or Krachaidum, is a member of the Zingiberaceae family native to Southeast Asia, predominantly Thailand. The medicinally used part is the rhizome, traditionally valued for its invigorating properties. Energetics This plant is characterized as warming and drying in nature with bitter and pungent tastes.…


  • Psoralea corylifolia

    Botanical Overview Psoralea corylifolia, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is commonly known as Babchi or Bakuchi. The primary medicinal part used is the seed. This plant is native to regions of India, Sri Lanka, China, and Southeast Asia. Energetics Psoralea corylifolia is considered warming and drying in temperature and moisture. It has a bitter, pungent,…


  • Inonotus obliquus

    Botanical Overview Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as Chaga, Black Birch Fungus, or Clinker Polypore, belongs to the Hymenochaetaceae family. It is a parasitic fungus primarily found in boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, including Russia, Northern Europe, North America, and Asia. The medicinal parts used are the sclerotium and conk, which are hardened masses of…


  • Chrysanthemum morifolium

    Botanical Overview Chrysanthemum morifolium belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly known as Chrysanthemum, Florist’s chrysanthemum, Hardy garden mum, Chrysanthemum flower, or Ju Hua in Chinese medicine. The medicinal part used is predominantly the flower. Native to East Asia, it is widely cultivated and utilized in China, Japan, and Korea for its therapeutic properties.…


  • Euterpe oleracea

    Botanical Overview Euterpe oleracea, commonly known as açaí, açaí palm, or açaí berry, is a member of the Arecaceae family. It is native to the Amazon Basin and northern regions of South America, particularly Brazil’s Pará state. The medicinally used parts include the fruit, berry, and seed, which are popularly consumed as food and supplements.…


  • Eriodictyon californicum

    Botanical Overview Eriodictyon californicum, commonly known as Yerba Santa or California Yerba Santa, is a member of the Boraginaceae family. This woody shrub is native to western North America, particularly California, Oregon, and Nevada. Traditionally, the leaves and aerial parts are used medicinally. Energetics Yerba Santa is considered warming and drying in nature. Its taste…


  • Zanthoxylum americanum

    Botanical Overview Zanthoxylum americanum, commonly known as American prickly ash, Northern prickly ash, or Yellow prickly ash, is a member of the Rutaceae family native to North America, particularly the Eastern United States and Canada. The plant’s bark, root, and fruit are traditionally used medicinally. Energetics This warming and drying herb possesses bitter and pungent…


  • Catharanthus roseus

    Botanical Overview Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar periwinkle or rosy periwinkle, belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Native to Madagascar, it is now cultivated widely in tropical regions including Asia and the Americas. The parts used medicinally include the leaf, stem, and whole plant. It is well known for its potent alkaloid content used in…