Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Vinca minor Common Names: Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle Description: Periwinkle, scientifically known as Vinca minor, is a low-growing evergreen plant with charming blue-purple flowers. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Periwinkle has a history of traditional medicinal use. Explore the traditional uses, constituents, and applications of Periwinkle in this…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Iris germanica Common Names: Orris Root, Iris Root Description: Orris Root, derived from the iris plant (Iris germanica), is known for its fragrant rhizomes and has been used historically for various purposes. Explore the traditional uses, constituents, and applications of Orris Root in this Materia Medica.…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Curcuma longa Common Names: Turmeric, Haldi, Curcuma Description: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a vibrant yellow-orange spice with a long history of use in culinary and traditional medicine. Belonging to the ginger family, turmeric is renowned for its active compound curcumin, which imparts both color and potential…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Codonopsis pilosulaFamily: Campanulaceae Description: Codonopsis, commonly known as “Poor Man’s Ginseng” or “Dang Shen” in traditional Chinese medicine, is a perennial herb native to East Asia. It is characterized by its twining vines and bell-shaped flowers. The plant typically grows in mountainous regions and is well-adapted…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Bupleurum chinense, Bupleurum falcatumFamily: Apiaceae (Carrot family)Common Names: Bupleurum, Chinese Thorowax Root Description: Bupleurum is a perennial herb native to East Asia, including China and Japan. It has a distinctive appearance with thin, wiry stems and small yellow-green flowers arranged in umbels. The plant’s leaves are…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Smilax spp. Common Names: Sarsaparilla Description: Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) is a perennial woody vine known for its slender stems and characteristic leaves. It has been traditionally used for various health purposes. Explore the traditional uses, constituents, and applications of Sarsaparilla in this Materia Medica. Disclaimer: This…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Salix alba Common Names: White Willow, European Willow Description: White Willow (Salix alba) is a deciduous tree known for its slender branches and distinctive leaves. Belonging to the willow family, it has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for its bark. Explore the…

Botanical Description: Scientific Name: Mucuna pruriens Common Names: Mucuna, Velvet Bean, Cowhage Description: Mucuna is a leguminous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to tropical regions, it is characterized by its distinctive long pods covered in bristly hairs. The seeds of Mucuna, commonly known as velvet beans, have been…