Author: Mystique

Botanical name: Rosa canina L.

Other name: Cynorhodon, Cynosbatos, Dog Rose, Fruit de l’Églantier, Gulab, Heps, Hip Fruit, Hipberry, Hop Fruit, Persian Rose, Phool Gulab, Poire d’oiseaux, Rosa, Satapatri, Rosae pseudofructus, Rose des Apothicaires, Rose de Provins, Rosier de Provence, Satapatrika, Shatpari, Wild Boar Fruit

The accessory fruit of various rose plant species, commonly known as rose hip or rosehip and alternately referred to as rose haw and rose hep, exhibits hues ranging from red to orange. In certain species, the color spectrum extends from dark purple to black.

Medicinal Uses:

• Rich in antioxidants
• May support a healthy immune system
• May protect against heart disease
• May aid weight loss
• May protect against type 2 diabetes
• May reduce inflammation and pain
• May fight skin aging
• Easy to brew at home

Botanical name: Ganoderma lingzhi

Other name: Reishi or Lingzhi

Reishi mushrooms hold significant popularity in Eastern culture, thriving in warm and humid environments as a type of fungus. Originally native to Asia, they are now commonly accessible through health food stores and specialty retailers. Widely believed to offer numerous health benefits, reishi mushrooms are frequently consumed either in their fresh state or in powdered form.

Medicinal Uses:

• Boost the immune system
• Anti-cancer properties
• Could reduce fatigue and depression
• Heart health and blood sugar
• Antioxidant status

Botanical name: Silybum marianum

Other name: Blessed Milk thistle, Spotted thistle, St. Mary’s thistle, Marian thistle, Holy thistle, Variegated thistle

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, Silybum marianum is an annual plant that reaches a height of three to seven feet, featuring foliage reminiscent of lettuce and distinctive spiky, purple flowers. This plant has been a staple both as a food source and for its beneficial properties for centuries. In Western herbalism, the seeds of milk thistle, known for their enduring tradition of use, are often decocted to create milk thistle tea. Additionally, these seeds can be processed into a powder for tinctures or encapsulation, offering versatile ways to harness their therapeutic potential.

Medicinal Uses:

• Liver Health and Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis C
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Breast Milk Production
• Cancer
• Skin Health
• Bone Health

Botanical name: Grifola frondosa

Other name: hen-of-the-woods or maitake in Japanese and hui-shu-hua in Chinese

The term “Maitake” translates to “dancing mushroom” in Japanese, a name bestowed upon it as people were said to joyously dance upon discovering it in the wild, owing to its remarkable healing attributes.

Functioning as an adaptogen, this mushroom aids the body in combatting various mental or physical challenges. Adaptogens play a crucial role in restoring balance to imbalanced bodily systems. Although Maitake can enhance the taste of recipes on its own, it is primarily regarded as a medicinal mushroom, valued for its therapeutic properties.

Medicinal Uses:

• Cancer
• Cholesterol
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cold and flu viruses
• High or low blood pressure
• Immune function

Botanical name: Fallopia multiflora

Other name: Chinese climbing knotweed or “he shou wu

Fo-ti stands as a prominent traditional Chinese medicine, finding inclusion in numerous formulations and prescriptions. With a history spanning centuries in China, it has been employed to address a spectrum of ailments typically linked to the aging process. Among the extensive array of fo-ti-containing prescriptions, a significant number hold patented status, attesting to its enduring popularity and recognized therapeutic potential.

Medicinal Uses:

• Enhanced Insulin and Weight Management Effects
• Anti-Aging and Neuroprotective Effects
• Liver Support
• Immune System Support and Anti-Platelet Activity
• Kidney Support

Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora

Other name: garden peony. Chinese peony

Paeonia lactiflora, an herbaceous perennial originating from central and eastern Asia, is celebrated for its captivating attributes. This peony variety boasts expansive, aromatic flowers, renowned for their exquisite beauty. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tibetan, and Siberian folk herbal traditions, the white peony root holds a significant place, with a history of beneficial properties. Common methods of utilizing peony root encompass decoction, extraction, and infusion, often in conjunction with other herbs for synergistic effects.

Medicinal Uses:

• White peony for estrogen
• White peony root for anxiety and depression
• White peony root for autoimmune disorders
• White peony for inflammation
• White peony root for pain
• White peony for blood flow
• White peony root for skin

Botanical name: Eleutherococcus senticosus

Other name: devil’s bush, Siberian ginseng, eleuthero, ciwujia, Devil’s shrub, shigoka, touch-me-not, wild pepper, or kan jang

Eleutherococcus senticosus, embraced in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Korean, and Russian folk herbalism, has gained global recognition for its healthful and adaptogenic qualities. Commonly known as Siberian ginseng, this herb belongs to the Araliaceae family and thrives in mountainous thickets across Japan, China, Korea, and Russia. The root of eleuthero is frequently prepared as a tea or extract.

Medicinal Uses:

• Increasing energy and reducing fatigue
• Improving cognitive function
• Managing cancer
• Enhancing exercise
• Healing wounds and preventing ulcers
• Increasing low blood pressure
• Reducing osteoporosis
• Managing menopause

Botanical name: Codonopsis pilosula

Other name: poor man’s ginseng

Codonopsis is an herbal remedy, with its roots being employed for medicinal purposes. It is utilized in the treatment of HIV infection and is also known for its role in safeguarding cancer patients from the adverse effects of radiation treatment.

Medicinal Uses:

• HIV infection
• Protection against radiation side effects in cancer treatment
• Brain disorders
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Asthma
• Cough
• Diabetes
• Other conditions

Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea

Other name: Eastern Purple Coneflower

Echinacea, a perennial herb indigenous to the midwestern region of North America, features tall stems adorned with single pink or purple flowers. At its center, there is a cone typically colored in shades of purple or brown. This sizable cone serves as a seed head, characterized by sharp spines that resemble a rigid comb.

Medicinal Uses:

• High in antioxidants
• Positive effect on the immune system
• May lower blood sugar levels
• May reduce feelings of anxiety
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• May help treat skin concerns
• May offer protection against cancer

Botanical name: Astragalus

Other name: milkvetch , locoweed and goat’s-thorn

Astragalus serves as a natural dietary supplement employed for a range of health conditions. Its applications include the treatment of common colds, upper respiratory infections, fibromyalgia, and diabetes. Additionally, some advocates of astragalus suggest its potential heart benefits, asserting that it may offer protection against heart disease.

Medicinal Uses:

• May Boost Your Immune System
• May Improve Heart Function
• May Alleviate Side Effects of Chemotherapy
• May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
• May Improve Kidney Function