Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Laminaria japonica Common Names: Kombu, Kelp Description: Kombu is a type of brown seaweed belonging to the Laminariaceae family. Widely used in East Asian cuisine, especially in Japanese and Korean dishes, Kombu is valued for its rich umami flavor. The seaweed contains various compounds that contribute…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Armoracia rusticana Common Names: Horseradish Description: Horseradish is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, known for its pungent, spicy roots. Native to Southeastern Europe, it has been cultivated and used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. The roots contain compounds that contribute to…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Helichrysum italicum Common Names: Helichrysum, Immortelle, Everlasting Description: Helichrysum is a small, aromatic perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is known for its silvery-green leaves and clusters of bright, yellow flowers that do not wilt, giving rise to the…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Solidago spp. Common Names: Goldenrod, Solidago Description: Goldenrod is a flowering herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. With over 100 species, it is found in various regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Goldenrod is characterized by its clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom in…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Uncaria tomentosaFamily: RubiaceaeCommon Names: Cat’s Claw, Una de Gato Description: Cat’s Claw is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of Central and South America. The vine, also known as “Una de Gato” in Spanish, has hook-like thorns resembling a cat’s claw,…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Verbena hastataFamily: VerbenaceaeCommon Names: Blue Vervain, Swamp Verbena Description: Blue Vervain is a perennial herb native to North America, characterized by its tall, slender spikes of tiny blue to violet flowers. The plant typically reaches heights of 2 to 5 feet. The lance-shaped leaves are arranged…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Allium sativum Common Names: Garlic Description: Garlic is a bulbous plant belonging to the Allium genus, closely related to onions, leeks, and shallots. It features long, flat leaves emerging from a central stalk, and its underground bulb consists of several cloves encased in a papery skin.…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Mentha spicata Common Names: Spearmint, Garden Mint Description: Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a fragrant herb with a long history of use in culinary and medicinal applications. Recognized for its distinct aroma and flavor, spearmint is a member of the mint family. Explore the traditional uses, constituents,…

Botanical Description: Birch trees, belonging to the Betulaceae family, are deciduous hardwoods with distinctive bark that varies in color from white to silver, depending on the species. For medicinal purposes, Betula pendula (silver birch) and Betula lenta (sweet birch) are commonly employed. The bark is characterized by horizontal lenticels, giving…