Tastes: pungent

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  • Forsythia suspensa (fructus)

    Botanical Overview Forsythia suspensa (fructus) belongs to the Oleaceae family. The medicinal part used is the dried fruit, commonly known as Weeping Forsythia Fruit or Lian Qiao in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is native to East Asia, particularly China and Korea. Energetics This fruit has a cooling temperature quality coupled with a drying moisture attribute.…


  • Anacyclus pyrethrum (Radix)

    Botanical Overview Anacyclus pyrethrum (family Asteraceae) is commonly known as Akarkara, Spanish chamomile, or Pellitory root. The medicinal part used primarily is the root (radix). Native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and India, this perennial herbaceous plant is valued in traditional herbal systems for its nerve-stimulating and analgesic properties. Energetics The root is warming and…


  • Artemisia herba-alba

    Botanical Overview Latin name: Artemisia herba-albaFamily: AsteraceaeParts used: Aerial parts (leaves and stems)Common names: Desert Wormwood, White Wormwood Energetics Artemisia herba-alba is considered warming and drying in nature, with bitter and pungent tastes. It has ascending and descending directionality and a relaxing tonicity affecting the qi level in the body. Primary Actions Antimicrobial Antispasmodic Digestive…


  • Achillea santolina

    Botanical Overview Achillea santolina belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly referred to as Cottonweed yarrow, Santolina yarrow, or Wormwood yarrow. The parts used medicinally include the aerial parts, flowering tops, and leaves. The species is native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and Western Asia. Energetics This herb has a warming temperature and…


  • Origanum dictamnus

    Botanical Overview Origanum dictamnus, commonly known as Dittany of Crete, Dictamnus, or Cretan dittany, is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly the island of Crete, this plant’s aerial parts, including leaves and flowers, are traditionally used in herbal medicine. Energetics Origanum dictamnus is characterized as warming and…


  • Salvia fruticosa

    Botanical Overview Salvia fruticosa, commonly known as Greek sage or Three-lobed sage, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region. The primary part used medicinally is the leaf. Energetics This herb is considered warming and drying in effect, with bitter and pungent tastes. It is tonifying to the qi…


  • Thymbra spicata

    Botanical Overview Thymbra spicata, commonly known as Eastern Mediterranean thyme, spiked thyme, or wild thyme, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is indigenous to the Eastern Mediterranean region including parts of the Middle East and Southeastern Europe. The leaves and flowering tops are the parts most commonly used in herbal preparations. Energetics This herb is…


  • Satureja thymbra

    Botanical Overview Satureja thymbra, commonly known as Savory of Crete, Mediterranean Savory, or Whorled Savory, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The plant’s aromatic leaves and aerial parts are primarily used for medicinal purposes. It is native to the Mediterranean region where it has been traditionally valued. Energetics This herb has a warming temperature and drying…


  • Ferula communis

    Botanical Overview Ferula communis, commonly known as Giant fennel or Ferula, belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region including Southeastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The medicinal parts used traditionally include the root, stem, and leaves. Energetics This warming and drying herb has bitter and pungent tastes. It…


  • Pistacia atlantica

    Botanical Overview Pistacia atlantica (family Anacardiaceae), commonly known as Atlas pistachio, Mount Atlas mastic tree, or wild pistachio, is native to the Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. Traditional uses employ the leaves, seeds, resin, and gum of the plant. Energetics This species is generally considered warming and drying in nature. Its tastes…