Tastes: bitter

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  • Senna alexandrina

    Botanical Overview Senna alexandrina, commonly known as Alexandrian senna or Indian senna, belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia. The medicinal parts used are primarily the leaves, leaflets, and pods (follicles) which contain the active laxative constituents. Energetics Senna is cooling and drying in nature with a bitter…


  • Camellia sinensis

    Botanical Overview Camellia sinensis belongs to the family Theaceae and is the source of tea leaves used globally. The medicinal parts used are the young leaves. Common names include Tea plant, Green tea, Black tea, White tea, and Oolong tea. Native to Asia, it is widely cultivated in China, India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Energetics…


  • Griffonia simplicifolia

    Botanical Overview Griffonia simplicifolia belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to West and Central Africa. Commonly known as African black bean or Griffonia, its seeds are the primary part used medicinally. The seeds are valued for their high content of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor to serotonin. Energetics It is considered energetically neutral in…


  • Salvia miltiorrhiza

    Botanical Overview Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as Danshen, red sage, or Chinese sage, belongs to the family Lamiaceae. The medicinally used part is the root. Native primarily to East Asian regions including China, Korea, and Japan, this plant has been traditionally employed in herbal medicine systems. Energetics This herb exhibits cooling and drying energetics with…


  • Oenothera biennis

    Botanical Overview Oenothera biennis, commonly known as Evening primrose, is a biennial flowering plant in the Onagraceae family. Native to North America but widely naturalized in Europe and Western Asia, its seeds, leaves, roots, and flowers are utilized medicinally. Common names include Evening primrose, German rampion, and Sundrop. Energetics This plant exhibits a cooling temperature…


  • Vaccinium macrocarpon

    Botanical Overview Vaccinium macrocarpon, commonly known as cranberry or American cranberry, belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to North America, especially the northeastern United States and Canada. The medicinal parts primarily include the fruit and leaves. Energetics This plant exhibits cooling temperature and moistening qualities. Its taste profile is acidic, astringent, bitter, and…


  • Apium graveolens

    Botanical Overview Apium graveolens, commonly known as celery seed, belongs to the Apiaceae family. The seed is the primary part used medicinally and is harvested from a plant native to Europe and Asia. Common names include Celery seed and Garden celery seed. Energetics Celery seed is considered warming and drying in nature, with bitter and…


  • Gynostemma pentaphyllum

    Botanical Overview Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a climbing herbaceous vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Commonly known as Jiaogulan or Southern Ginseng, it is native to East and Southeast Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The aerial parts, especially the leaves, are used medicinally and traditionally brewed into infusions. Energetics This plant has a cooling…


  • Eurycoma longifolia

    Botanical Overview Eurycoma longifolia Jack, commonly known as Tongkat Ali, Malaysian ginseng, or Longjack, belongs to the family Simaroubaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and primarily valued for its root, which is used medicinally. Energetics This plant is considered warming and drying in nature, with bitter and pungent tastes. Directionally, it is ascending and…


  • Mucuna pruriens

    Botanical Overview Mucuna pruriens, commonly known as Velvet bean or Cowhage, belongs to the Fabaceae family. It grows mainly in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. The primary parts used medicinally are the seeds and leaves. Known for its rich content of L-DOPA, this plant is highly valued in traditional and…