Botanical Ingredient Information

This information is for educational purposes only and not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before using unfamiliar botanical ingredients.

Check back for additional botanical entries as more ingredients are added to the apothecary!

For questions, comments, or suggestions fill out the form below.

Contact form

Botanical Information

Ashwagandha

Botanical Name: Withania somnifera

Herb Category: Adaptogen

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Used in Ayurvedic medicine as a Rasayana for vitality, stress, and longevity.

Modern Research: Shown to reduce cortisol levels and support stress response; studied for cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Astragalus

Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus

Herb Category: Adaptogen

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost qi and immune function.

Modern Research: May enhance immune function and have adaptogenic properties; studied for cardiovascular and anti-aging effects.

Black Peppercorns

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum

Herb Category: Carminative

Part Used: Fruit

Historical Uses: Used in culinary and medicinal preparations for digestion and respiratory issues.

Modern Research: Piperine enhances bioavailability of nutrients; researched for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Bladderwrack

Botanical Name: Fucus vesiculosus

Herb Category: Nutritive

Part Used: Thallus (whole plant)

Historical Uses: Used traditionally for thyroid health due to iodine content.

Modern Research: Studied for its role in thyroid function, anti-obesity, and antioxidant potential.

Blue Vervain

Botanical Name: Verbena hastata

Herb Category: Nervine

Part Used: Aerial parts

Historical Uses: Traditionally used as a nervine and for fevers, coughs, and digestive ailments.

Modern Research: Mild sedative and anti-inflammatory effects under investigation.

Burdock

Botanical Name: Arctium lappa

Herb Category: Alterative

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Traditionally used as a blood purifier and to support liver and skin health.

Modern Research: Studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.

Butterfly Pea Flower

Botanical Name: Clitoria ternatea

Herb Category: Nootropic

Part Used: Flower

Historical Uses: Used in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine for memory, mood, and as a natural dye.

Modern Research: Contains anthocyanins; studied for nootropic, anti-anxiety, and antioxidant effects.

Calendula

Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

Herb Category: Vulnerary

Part Used: Flower

Historical Uses: Used topically for wound healing, skin inflammation, and as a dye.

Modern Research: Exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activity.

Catnip

Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria

Herb Category: Nervine

Part Used: Leaves and flowers

Historical Uses: Used as a mild sedative, for colic in children, and to repel insects.

Modern Research: Studied for its sedative effects and insect-repelling compound nepetalactone.

Centaury

Botanical Name: Centaurium erythraea

Herb Category: Bitter tonic

Part Used: Aerial parts

Historical Uses: Traditionally used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and liver function.

Modern Research: Investigated for hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and digestive support properties.

Ceylon Cinnamon

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum verum

Herb Category: Carminative

Part Used: Bark

Historical Uses: Used in traditional medicine for colds, digestion, and circulation.

Modern Research: Studied for blood sugar regulation, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

Chamomile

Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla

Herb Category: Nervine

Part Used: Flower

Historical Uses: Traditionally used for sleep, digestion, and calming nerves.

Modern Research: Has anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties; studied for sleep support.

Cloves

Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum

Herb Category: Stimulant

Part Used: Flower bud

Historical Uses: Used for dental pain, digestion, and as a warming spice.

Modern Research: Eugenol studied for analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties

Dandelion (Leaf)

Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale

Herb Category: Diuretic

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used as a diuretic and digestive tonic.

Modern Research: Rich in potassium and antioxidants; supports urinary and liver function.

Dandelion (Root)

Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale

Herb Category: Bitter

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Used for liver and digestive support in Western herbalism.

Modern Research: Studied for its prebiotic, liver-protective, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Echinacea

Botanical Name: Echinacea agustifolia,
Echinacea purpurea

Herb Category: Immunostimulant

Part Used: Root and aerial parts

Historical Uses: Used by Native Americans and early settlers for infections and immune support.

Modern Research: Supports immune system; studied for cold prevention and anti-inflammatory activity.

Elderberry

Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra

Herb Category: Antiviral

Part Used: Berry

Historical Uses: Used for colds, flu, and fevers.

Modern Research: Rich in flavonoids; antiviral properties shown against influenza and colds.

Fenugreek

Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum

Herb Category: Galactagogue

Part Used: Seed

Historical Uses: Used to stimulate milk production, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation.

Modern Research: Supports blood sugar regulation and lactation; contains saponins and phytoestrogens.

Garlic

Botanical Name: Allium sativum

Herb Category: Antimicrobial

Part Used: Bulb

Historical Uses: Used for infections, cardiovascular health, and parasites.

Modern Research: Allicin has antimicrobial and cardioprotective effects; supports cholesterol balance.

Ginger

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale

Herb Category: Digestive Stimulant

Part Used: Rhizome

Historical Uses: Used for nausea, digestion, and warming the body.

Modern Research: Studied for anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and digestive effects.

Hawthorn (Berries)

Botanical Name: Crataegus monogyna

Herb Category: Cardiotonic

Part Used: Berry

Historical Uses: Used for heart health, blood circulation, and as a mild sedative.

Modern Research: Rich in flavonoids; shown to support cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Hawthorn (Leaf & Flower)

Botanical Name: Crataegus monogyna

Herb Category: Cardiotonic

Part Used: Leaf and flower

Historical Uses: Traditionally used to support heart function, especially for arrhythmias.

Modern Research: May improve heart function, reduce hypertension, and act as an antioxidant.

Hibiscus

Botanical Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa

Herb Category: Refrigerant

Part Used: Flower

Historical Uses: Used for lowering blood pressure and improving skin health.

Modern Research: Known for its antioxidant content; has been studied for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia

Herb Category: Nervine

Part Used: Flower

Historical Uses: Used for relaxation, anxiety relief, and sleep support.

Modern Research: Lavender oil has demonstrated anxiolytic, antimicrobial, and sedative effects.

Lemon Balm

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis

Herb Category: Nervine

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used for soothing anxiety, promoting digestion, and supporting sleep.

Modern Research: Studied for its anxiolytic, mood-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Licorice

Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Herb Category: Demulcent

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Used for coughs, respiratory health, and as a demulcent.

Modern Research: Contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Linden

Botanical Name: Tilia cordata

Herb Category: Nervine

Part Used: Leaf and Flower

Historical Uses: Traditionally used to relieve anxiety, support sleep, and calm the nervous system.

Modern Research: Studied for its calming, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Malva (Common Mallow)

Botanical Name: Malva sylvestris

Herb Category: Demulcent

Part Used: Leaf and flower

Historical Uses: Used for its soothing and mucilaginous properties, especially for respiratory and digestive discomfort.

Modern Research: Has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, particularly for the respiratory tract.

Marshmallow

Botanical Name: Althaea officinalis

Herb Category: Demulcent

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Used to soothe irritated mucous membranes in the digestive and respiratory systems.

Modern Research: Rich in mucilage; studied for its ability to soothe the digestive and respiratory systems.

Milk Thistle

Botanical Name: Silybum marianum

Herb Category: Hepatic

Part Used: Seed

Historical Uses: Used for liver support and detoxification.

Modern Research: Contains silymarin, which has hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties.

Motherwort

Botanical Name: Leonurus cardiaca

Herb Category: Nervine, Cardiotonic

Part Used: Aerial parts

Historical Uses: Traditionally used to support women's health, especially for menstruation and anxiety.

Modern Research: Studied for its mild sedative effects and cardiovascular support.

Mugwort

Botanical Name: Artemisia vulgaris

Herb Category: Digestive, Emmenagogue

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used to support digestion, menstruation, and dreams.

Modern Research: Being researched for digestive, antimicrobial, and neurological effects.

Mullein

Botanical Name: Verbascum thapsus

Herb Category: Respiratory Tonic, Demulcent

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used for respiratory health, including coughs and bronchitis.

Modern Research: Contains saponins and mucilage; studied for expectorant and soothing effects.

Oatstraw

Botanical Name: Avena sativa

Herb Category: Nervine, Nutritive

Part Used: Aerial parts

Historical Uses: Used as a nervine tonic and to support healthy skin and bones.

Modern Research: Nutrient-rich; studied for calming effects and potential cognitive benefits.

Orange Peel

Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis

Herb Category: Carminative

Part Used: Peel

Historical Uses: Used to aid digestion and reduce phlegm.

Modern Research: Contains flavonoids and essential oils; supports digestion and antioxidant activity.

Oregon Grape

Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium

Herb Category: Antimicrobial, Hepatic

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Used for liver and skin conditions; antimicrobial remedy by Native Americans.

Modern Research: Berberine content studied for antimicrobial and liver-supportive effects.

Passion Flower

Botanical Name: Passiflora incarnata

Herb Category: Nervine

Part Used: Aerial parts

Historical Uses: Traditionally used for anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension.

Modern Research: Studies support its calming and sedative effects.

Peppermint

Botanical Name: Mentha × piperita

Herb Category: Carminative

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used for digestive discomfort, colds, and as a flavoring agent.

Modern Research: Menthol content supports digestion, anti-nausea, and anti-spasmodic properties.

Common Evening-Primrose

Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis

Herb Category: Anti-inflammatory, Hormonal Support

Part Used: Seed oil

Historical Uses: Used for skin issues and women’s reproductive health.

Modern Research: GLA content studied for skin, PMS, and inflammation modulation.

Ramania

Botanical Name: Rehmannia glutinosa

Herb Category: Adaptogen, Tonic

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for adrenal, kidney, and immune support.

Modern Research: Under study for anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and adrenal-support properties.

Red Raspberry

Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus

Herb Category: Uterine Tonic

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Traditionally used to support pregnancy and menstrual health.

Modern Research: Contains tannins and flavonoids; studied for uterine tone and antioxidant benefits.

Rooibos

Botanical Name: Aspalathus linearis

Herb Category: Antioxidant, Nutritive

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used as a caffeine-free tea to support digestion and reduce inflammation.

Modern Research: Rich in antioxidants like aspalathin; supports cardiovascular and skin health.

Rose

Botanical Name: Rosa spp.

Herb Category: Astringent, Nervine

Part Used: Petal

Historical Uses: Used in culinary, cosmetic, and spiritual practices; soothes the heart and skin.

Modern Research: Contains polyphenols; studied for calming and antioxidant effects.

Rosehips

Botanical Name: Rosa canina

Herb Category: Nutritive, Antioxidant

Part Used: Fruit

Historical Uses: Used to boost immunity and treat colds and vitamin C deficiency.

Modern Research: High in vitamin C; studied for immune and skin support, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rosemary

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Herb Category: Stimulant, Cognitive Tonic

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used for memory, circulation, and culinary purposes.

Modern Research: Shown to support cognitive health, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant capacity.

Saw Palmetto

Botanical Name: Serenoa repens

Herb Category: Hormonal Support

Part Used: Berry

Historical Uses: Traditionally used for male reproductive health and urinary issues.

Modern Research: Studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hormonal balance.

Schisandra

Botanical Name: Schisandra chinensis

Herb Category: Adaptogen, Hepatic

Part Used: Berry

Historical Uses: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an adaptogen and liver tonic.

Modern Research: Supports liver function, stress resilience, and physical endurance.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)

Botanical Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus

Herb Category: Adaptogen

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Used in Russian and Chinese medicine to enhance vitality and endurance.

Modern Research: Adaptogenic properties; supports immune function and fatigue resistance.

Skull Cap

Botanical Name: Scutellaria lateriflora

Herb Category: Nervine

Part Used: Aerial parts

Historical Uses: Traditionally used for nervous tension, anxiety, and insomnia.

Modern Research: Mild sedative and neuroprotective effects studied.

Slippery Elm

Botanical Name: Ulmus rubra

Herb Category: Demulcent

Part Used: Inner bark

Historical Uses: Used by Native Americans for sore throats, wounds, and digestive complaints.

Modern Research: Mucilage content soothes mucous membranes; supports digestive and respiratory health.

Collapsible content

Stinging Nettle

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica

Herb Category: Nutritive, Anti-inflammatory

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used as a spring tonic and for joint pain, allergies, and urinary health.

Modern Research: Studied for anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and nutrient-rich properties.

Tart Cherry

Botanical Name: Prunus cerasus

Herb Category: Antioxidant

Part Used: Fruit

Historical Uses: Consumed for sleep, joint pain, and inflammation.

Modern Research: Rich in melatonin and anthocyanins; supports sleep and muscle recovery.

Thyme

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris

Herb Category: Antimicrobial, Expectorant

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used as a culinary herb and for respiratory and digestive support.

Modern Research: Thymol provides antimicrobial and expectorant properties.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum

Herb Category: Adaptogen

Part Used: Leaf

Historical Uses: Used in Ayurvedic medicine as a sacred adaptogen for stress and immunity.

Modern Research: Supports immune modulation, stress reduction, and blood sugar balance.

Turmeric

Botanical Name: Curcuma longa

Herb Category: Anti-inflammatory, Hepatic

Part Used: Rhizome

Historical Uses: Used in Indian medicine and cuisine for inflammation and liver health.

Modern Research: Curcumin studied for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.

Valerian

Botanical Name: Valeriana officinalis

Herb Category: Nervine, Sedative

Part Used: Root

Historical Uses: Traditionally used for sleep disorders and anxiety.

Modern Research: Sedative and calming effects supported by clinical research.

White Willow

Botanical Name: Salix alba

Herb Category: Analgesic

Part Used: Bark

Historical Uses: Used as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.

Modern Research: Contains salicin, a precursor to aspirin; studied for pain and inflammation.

Yarrow

Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium

Herb Category: Hemostatic, Diaphoretic

Part Used: Flower

Historical Uses: Used for wound healing, fevers, and menstrual regulation.

Modern Research: Supports circulation, inflammation, and menstrual balance.

Ingredients Information