Tastes: bitter

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  • Garcinia kola

    Botanical Overview Garcinia kola (family Clusiaceae) is a West and Central African tree known primarily for its seeds, commonly called bitter kola or male kola. The seeds, bark, and leaves of the plant are used medicinally. Bitter kola seeds are traditionally chewed or used in preparations for their therapeutic effects. Energetics Garcinia kola is considered…


  • Cannabis sativa

    Botanical Overview Latin Name: Cannabis sativa Family: Cannabaceae Parts Used: Flower, Leaf, Seed, Stem Common Names: Hemp, Marijuana, Cannabis Energetics The plant is generally considered warming and drying in effect, with bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes. It exhibits ascending and outward directionality and has a relaxing tonicity, influencing primarily the qi in traditional energy systems.…


  • Pfaffia paniculata

    Botanical Overview Pfaffia paniculata belongs to the family Amaranthaceae and is commonly known as Suma, Brazilian ginseng, or Para rubber root. The plant is native to South America, particularly the Amazon rainforest regions of Brazil. Traditionally, the root is used medicinally for its tonic and adaptogenic properties. Energetics The root is considered warming in temperature,…


  • Garcinia cambogia

    Botanical Overview Garcinia cambogia belongs to the family Clusiaceae and is commonly known as Malabar tamarind, Garcinia, Kudampuli, and Brindleberry. Native to Southeast Asia and India, the medicinal parts primarily used are the fruit rind or pericarp. It is traditionally valued for its sour and acidic taste and is often employed to aid digestion and…


  • Lobelia inflata

    Botanical Overview Lobelia inflata, commonly known as Indian tobacco, Puke weed, or Vomiting lobelia, belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to Eastern North America and primarily the aerial parts including leaves and whole plant are used medicinally. Energetics This herb is considered warming and drying in nature, with bitter and pungent tastes. Its…


  • Colchicum autumnale

    Botanical Overview Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as Autumn crocus, Meadow saffron, or Naked lady, belongs to the family Colchicaceae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The primary medicinal part used is the corm. This plant is notably recognized for its potent alkaloids used mainly in Western herbal and medical traditions. Energetics…


  • Aspalathus linearis

    Botanical Overview Aspalathus linearis is a member of the Fabaceae family native to the Western Cape of South Africa. Commonly known as Rooibos or Red bush tea, its leaves and twigs are harvested and used for medicinal and tea preparations. It is prized for its antioxidant properties and a naturally caffeine-free profile. Energetics Rooibos is…


  • Aegle marmelos

    Botanical Overview Aegle marmelos (family Rutaceae) is a medicinal tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Commonly known as Bael, Bengal quince, golden apple, or stone apple, various parts including fruit, leaf, root, bark, and seed are used therapeutically. Energetics This species is considered warming in temperature and drying in moisture quality, with…


  • Holarrhena pubescens

    Botanical Overview Holarrhena pubescens (Family: Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Commonly known as Kurchi or Tellicherry bark, its bark, seeds, and roots are traditionally used for therapeutic purposes. Energetics The plant exhibits a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste profile is predominantly…


  • Vitex negundo

    Botanical Overview Vitex negundo, commonly known as Chinese chaste tree, five-leaved chaste tree, or Nirgundi, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to South and Southeast Asia including India and China. The plant parts traditionally used in herbal medicine are primarily the leaves, roots, and stems. Energetics This herb has a cooling temperature and…