Tastes: bitter

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  • Boerhaavia diffusa

    Botanical Overview Boerhaavia diffusa (family Nyctaginaceae) is a widespread perennial herb known commonly as Red Spiderling, Punarnava, and Hogweed. It is native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. The root, leaves, and whole plant are traditionally used for their medicinal properties. Energetics This herb is considered cooling and moistening in nature, with bitter, astringent, and sweet…


  • Aloe ferox

    Botanical Overview Aloe ferox, also known as Cape aloe, Bitter aloe, or Red aloe, is a succulent plant species belonging to the family Asphodelaceae. Native to Southern Africa, it is valued for its leaves, from which the bitter yellow latex and clear gel are harvested for medicinal use. Energetics This plant is considered cooling in…


  • Alstonia boonei

    Botanical Overview Alstonia boonei, belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is a tropical African tree commonly known as Pattern wood, Cheesewood, or God’s tree. The bark, root, and leaves are traditionally used for medicinal purposes across West and Central Africa. Common names: Cheesewood, God’s tree, Pattern wood. Parts Used: Bark, Root, Leaves. Energetics Temperature: coolingMoisture: dryingTastes:…


  • Lycium barbarum

    Botanical Overview Lycium barbarum, commonly known as Goji berry, Chinese boxthorn, or wolfberry, is a member of the Solanaceae family. It is native to China and other regions in East and Central Asia. The plant’s medicinally used parts include the berries, leaves, and roots. Goji berries have a prominent role in traditional Chinese medicine. Energetics…


  • Adansonia digitata

    Botanical Overview Adansonia digitata, commonly known as Baobab, Monkey bread tree, or Upside-down tree, belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar and introduced in parts of Australia. Various parts are used medicinally including the bark, leaves, fruit pulp, and seeds. Energetics The plant exhibits cooling temperature and moistening properties…


  • Clitoria ternatea

    Botanical Overview Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as butterfly pea, blue pea, or Asian pigeonwings, is a member of the Fabaceae family native to South and Southeast Asia. Used traditionally throughout tropical Asia, various parts including the flower, leaf, root, and seed are employed medicinally. Energetics This plant exhibits cooling temperature properties with moistening qualities. Its…


  • Viburnum prunifolium

    Botanical Overview Viburnum prunifolium, commonly known as Black Haw, is a member of the Adoxaceae family. Native to Eastern North America, particularly in the Southeastern United States, Black Haw is primarily used medicinally for its bark. Energetics Black Haw has a neutral temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste profile includes bitter and astringent qualities.…


  • Ricinus communis

    Botanical Overview Ricinus communis, commonly known as Castor bean, Castor oil plant, or Palma Christi, belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Africa and South Asia but now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The primary parts used medicinally are the seeds, oil extracted therefrom, and leaves. Energetics This plant is…


  • Cetraria islandica

    Botanical Overview Cetraria islandica (Iceland moss) is a lichen in the Parmeliaceae family. It is traditionally harvested from northern and Arctic regions including Northern Europe, the Arctic, Subarctic, and parts of North America. The primary part used medicinally is the thallus, the lichen body. Common names include Iceland moss, Iceland lichen, and Lichen islandicus. Energetics…


  • Polygonum cuspidatum

    Botanical Overview Polygonum cuspidatum, commonly known as Japanese knotweed, Hu Zhang in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mexican bamboo, Asian knotweed, or fleeceflower root, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Polygonaceae family. Native to East Asia, especially Japan, China, and Korea, it has been introduced to North America and Europe. The root and rhizome are the…