Tastes: sweet

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  • Illicium verum

    Botanical Overview Illicium verum (Star anise) is a member of the Schisandraceae family and primarily valued for its dried fruit, commonly used in traditional medicines and culinary applications. Native to East Asia, especially China and Vietnam, it is recognized by its star-shaped pericarps and sweet-pungent aroma. Common names include Star anise, Chinese star anise, and…


  • 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…


  • 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…


  • 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…


  • Epimedium grandiflorum

    Botanical Overview Epimedium grandiflorum belongs to the family Berberidaceae and is commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, Barrenwort, or simply Epimedium. It is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. The aerial parts, particularly the leaves, are utilized medicinally. Energetics This herb is considered warming with a neutral moisture quality. Its taste is…


  • Lonicera japonica (flos)

    Botanical Overview Lonicera japonica (flos), commonly known as Japanese Honeysuckle flower, belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. The medicinal part primarily used is the dried flower. It is native to East Asia including China, Japan, and Korea. The plant is well-regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western herbal medicine. Energetics Lonicera japonica flowers are considered…


  • Ziziphus jujuba

    Botanical Overview Ziziphus jujuba is a species in the Rhamnaceae family. The seed, known as Semen Ziziphi Spinosae or Suan zao ren in traditional Chinese medicine, is the primary part used medicinally. Commonly called jujube seed or Chinese jujube seed, it is harvested mostly in East Asia, particularly China. Parts used: Seed Common names: Jujube…


  • Moringa oleifera

    Botanical Overview Moringa oleifera, commonly known as Drumstick tree, Horseradish tree, or simply Moringa, belongs to the family Moringaceae. Native to India and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, this fast-growing tree provides multiple usable parts including leaves, seeds, pods, flowers, bark, root, and seeds. Energetics Moringa is traditionally considered cooling and moistening in nature,…


  • Lavandula angustifolia

    Botanical Overview Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender or true lavender, is a member of the Lamiaceae family native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. The fragrant flowers and aerial parts are primarily used in herbal medicines. Energetics This herb exhibits a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality, with bitter and sweet tastes. It…