Plantago depressa

Plantago depressa Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Asian plantain, depressed plantain  Description Another member of the plantain family, Plantago asiatica or Chinese plantain, is often inadvertently called  Plantago depressa, which is an incorrect identification.  The traditional use indicates that all parts of the plant are used including the root, which when steeped in boiling water […]

Theobroma cacao

Theobroma cacao Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Theobroma, cacao, cocoa Description Theobroma cacao has an ancient history of use in South and Central America and has been such an important plant that it was known as the “food of the gods”.  It was used for many purposes in tribal cultures and continues to be used […]

Pausinystalia yohimbe

  Pausinystalia yohimbe Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Johimbi,yohimbehe Description The evergreen tree of Pausinystalia yohimbe is found in western Africa. P. yohimbe is used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and is the source of yohimbine hydrochloride which is prescribed for erectile dysfunction. Reaching a height of 30m, the heavily fissured bark is grey-brown in color […]

Ilex paraguariensis

  Ilex paraguariensis  Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Yerba Mate, Mate, Yerbamate, Paraguay Tea, South American Holly, Jesuit’s Tea, St. Bartholemew’s Tea, Caminu, Erva mate Description I. paraguariensis tea has been used for hundreds of years as a general medicinal tonic by various South American cultures and is now taken as a tea or dietary […]

Nepeta cataria

  Nepeta cataria Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Catnip, Catmint, Catswort, Field Balm, Lemon Catnip Description Nepeta cataria is a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia and Africa but now also commonly found in Europe and North America. The leaves and flowers are medicinal and have a strong odor that is used to attract cats. […]

Pfaffia paniculata

  Pfaffia paniculata  Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Suma, Brazilian ginseng, Pfaffia, Para Toda Description Pfaffia paniculata, or Suma, is a shrub-like vine growing in Central and South America. The use of P. paniculata in these areas goes back several hundred years with various Central and South American tribes using it “para toda” or for […]

Cassia angustifolia

  Cassia angustifolia Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Indian Senna, Senna, Cassia Senna, Tinnervelly Senna Description Cassia angustifolia has been used in many cultures as a natural laxative and treatment for constipation.  There are presently several drug products available that contain C. angustifolia leaf powder.  This particular medicinal use of C. angustifolia dates back to […]

Lycium barbarum

Lycium barbarum Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Gogi, Wolfberry, Matrimony vine, Chinese boxthorn, Go Ji Description While used for centuries in Asia, Goji berry or Lycium barbarum products have become prevalent in markets throughout the world in the past decade. It is promoted as a remedy for various conditions and as an energizing tonic.  There […]

Evodia rutaecarpa

Evodia rutaecarpa Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name Evodia, Wu zhu yu, gosyuyu Description Evodia is the fruit of the Evodia rutaecarpa .  It has an ancient history of use in Asia as a medicinal plant and is has gained popularity as a dietary supplement in western cultures over the past decade.  It is also grown […]

Mentha pulegium

Mentha pulegium Synonyms No documentation Vernacular Name True pennyroyal, Fleabane Description The common name of ‘Pennyroyal’ actually refers to two different plants:  Hedeoma pulegioides, known as American pennyroyal; and Mentha pulegium, known as European pennyroyal.  European pennyroyal is a perennial herb found in Europ and Asia, whereas American pennyroyal is an annual.  Both plants produce […]