Tastes: bitter

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  • Verbena officinalis

    Botanical Overview Verbena officinalis, commonly known as Vervain, belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and has been naturalized in North America. The medicinal parts primarily used are the aerial parts, including leaves and flowers. Common names include Vervain, Common vervain, and Purple vervain. Energetics Verbena officinalis is…


  • Sanguinaria canadensis

    Botanical Overview Sanguinaria canadensis, commonly known as Bloodroot, Redroot, Canada puccoon, and Tetterwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the family Papaveraceae native to Eastern North America, including the United States and Canada. The rhizome and root are primarily used medicinally. Energetics Bloodroot is considered warming and drying in energetic quality. Its taste profile is…


  • Podophyllum peltatum

    Botanical Overview Podophyllum peltatum, commonly known as Mayapple, American mandrake, or Wild mandrake, belongs to the family Berberidaceae. It is native to Eastern North America. The primary parts used medicinally include the rhizome, root, and leaves. Energetics This herb is considered cooling and drying in nature, with a bitter taste. Its energetic directionality is descending,…


  • Carapichea ipecacuanha

    Botanical Overview Carapichea ipecacuanha, belonging to the family Rubiaceae, is commonly known as Ipecac or Brazilian ipecac. It is native to South America, particularly Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. The medicinally used part is the root, well recognized for its emetic properties. Energetics The root is considered cooling and moistening with a bitter and acrid taste.…


  • Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco

    Botanical Overview Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco, commonly known as White Quebracho, is a tree species of the Apocynaceae family native to South America including Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. The medicinally used part is primarily the bark. Common names include White Quebracho and Quebracho Blanco. Energetics This plant is considered warming and drying in effect, with bitter…


  • Polygala senega

    Botanical Overview Polygala senega, commonly known as Senega root or Seneka snakeroot, belongs to the family Polygalaceae. The medicinal part used is primarily the root. Native to North America, including the USA and Canada, this plant has been traditionally used in Western herbal medicine. Energetics Senega root is considered warming and drying in nature, with…


  • Baptisia tinctoria

    Botanical Overview Baptisia tinctoria, commonly known as Yellow Wild Indigo, Horsefly Weed, or St. John’s Wort False Indigo, belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to Eastern and Southeastern North America, this herb’s roots and aerial parts are utilized medicinally. Energetics It has warming and drying properties, with a taste profile that is bitter and acrid.…


  • 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…


  • Polypodium leucotomos

    Botanical Overview Polypodium leucotomos is a fern species belonging to the family Polypodiaceae, native to Central and South America. Commonly known as Calaguala or Polypody fern, its leaves and rhizomes are used medicinally. It is primarily valued for its beneficial effects on the skin and immune system. Energetics The energetics of Polypodium leucotomos are generally…


  • Combretum micranthum

    Botanical Overview Combretum micranthum is a shrub of the Combretaceae family native to West Africa, particularly common in the Sahel and Sudanian savanna regions. It is commonly known as Kinkeliba or Green Tea Bush. The leaf and stem are the primary parts used medicinally. Energetics Traditionally, combretum micranthum is considered cooling in temperature with neutral…