Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana Common Names: Poke, Pokeweed, American Nightshade Description: Poke, scientifically known as Phytolacca americana, is a robust perennial herb with distinctive reddish-purple stems and dark berries. Despite its toxic nature, Poke has found a place in traditional medicine with potential therapeutic benefits. Explore the traditional…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Allium cepa Common Names: Onion Description: Onion, scientifically known as Allium cepa, is a widely cultivated bulbous vegetable belonging to the Alliaceae family. Known for its pungent flavor and culinary uses, the onion also possesses potential therapeutic properties. This Materia Medica explores the traditional uses, constituents,…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Acorus calamusFamily: AcoraceaeCommon Names: Calamus, Sweet Flag, Rat Root, Beewort Description: Calamus is a perennial herb that grows in wetlands and marshy areas. It has long, sword-shaped leaves that emerge from a central stalk. The leaves are green and can reach a height of several feet.…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Althaea officinalis Common Names: Marshmallow, Common Marshmallow Description: Marshmallow is a perennial herb belonging to the Malvaceae family. Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, it is characterized by its soft, velvety leaves and pale pink flowers. Historically, Marshmallow has been valued for its mucilaginous…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Commiphora wightii Common Names: Guggul, Indian Bdellium Description: Guggul is a resin obtained from the Mukul myrrh tree, native to India. Belonging to the Burseraceae family, this small, thorny tree produces a yellowish gum resin with a distinct, balsamic aroma. Guggul has been a key component…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Lobelia inflata Common Names: Lobelia, Indian Tobacco, Puke Weed Description: Lobelia is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Campanulaceae family. Native to North America, it is known for its distinctive tubular flowers and lobed leaves. Lobelia has a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly among…

Botanical Description Scientific Name: Juglans nigra Family: Juglandaceae Common Names: Black Walnut, American Walnut, Eastern Black Walnut Habitat: Black Walnut is native to North America and is commonly found in rich, well-drained soils. It thrives in hardwood forests and is cultivated for its timber and nuts. Description: The Black Walnut…

Botanical Description: Ajwain, scientifically known as Trachyspermum ammi, is an annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is cultivated for its aromatic seeds. The plant grows up to 90 cm in height, with feathery leaves and small, white to pink flowers that…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Humulus lupulus Common Names: Hops Description: Hops are the cone-like flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, belonging to the Cannabaceae family. Known primarily for their use in brewing beer to add bitterness and aroma, hops also have a history of traditional herbal use. The female flowers,…