Codonopsis’ (Codonopsis pilosula) name is derived from the Greek words “Kodon” (meaning bell) and “Opsis” (meaning likeness), reflecting its bell-shaped green flowers with purple veins. There are over 40 species of the Campanulaceae family, and 21 are used therapeutically. Native to: Northeastern China, Japan, and Korea Common Names: dang shen, bonnet bellflower, and poor man’s ginseng –…
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a deciduous, woody climbing vine that grow along mid-level and tall canopy trees. Schisandra is unique, in that the berries possess five distinct flavor properties: bitter, sweet, sour, salty and hot. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said that this complex flavour pertains to the five elements, meaning it has effects…
Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous member of the mint family and can grow up to 16 feet tall or be maintained as a shrub. It bears spikes of lavender coloured flowers that attract pollinators. While the fruit it bears are referred to as “berries”, they are drupes—bearing a single seed. Native to the Mediterranean…
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is named from the Latin word “uro” meaning “to burn”. Named such for the stinging effect the plant can have on those who handle them. Nettles have tiny, hollow hairlike spikes called trichomes that contain chemicals on their leaves and stem that can cause redness, swelling, and/or itching upon contact. Native to: Europe, northern…
Zingiber officinale. A flowering plant that is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, along with galangal and turmeric. It is said that the name ginger traces back to Sanskrit words for “horn” and “body” in reference to the shape of the root. Native to: Ginger is thought to have originated in tropical rainforests of Maritime…
In herbal medicine, there are terms that describe herbs’ specific effects or actions on the body. Often, these terms aren’t immediately recognizable – one of them being “expectorant”. An expectorant is an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract. The term come from the Latin word for…
Astragalus membranaceus – “Astragalus” comes from the Greek word for the anklebones or knucklebones of sheep. It is a member of the Fabaceae family, along with peas, legumes and beans, bearing similar characteristics of fern-like foliage and seed pods typical of this plant family. Native to: Mongolia, Korea, and the northern and eastern regions of…
Verbascum thapsus- The name Verbascum is derived from Latin word meaning “barbascum” or beard, referring to the fine, beard-like filaments on the leaves. The biennial plant bears a single tall stem up to 2m tall and wide, woolly leaves. Native to: Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. Modern distribution: North America, South America, and Australia. Common Names: Candlewick…
Silybum marianum – member of Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies Native to: Mediterranean, Europe, Central Asia & India, Parts of Africa Modern distribution: North America, Parts of South Pacific, and South America Common Names: Mediterranean Milk Thistle, Blessed Milk Thistle, St. Mary’s Thistle, Holy Thistle, Virgin Thistle, Christ’s Crown, variegated thistle. Parts…
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