Ingredients Glossary

Acerola / Malpighia glabra

Native to the West Indies and tropical America, it is now cultivated throughout the tropics and in subtropical areas around the world. Acerola strongly resembles the cherry, giving it the nick name Barbados cherry and West Indian cherry and is known to have one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C.

Although commonly called a cherry (due to the size), the odour and flavour of cooked acerola are similar to tart apples or crab tree apples.

Alfalfa Grass / Medicago sativa

Alfalfa is native to South and Central Asia but has since been grown throughout the world for centuries. It is a member of the Legume family and is also considered as a herb.

Its root nodules contain bacteria with the ability to fix nitrogen, producing a high-protein feed regardless of available nitrogen in the soil. Many legumes have this ability. Alfalfa can develop a deep root system due to their taproots that can reach to at least two metres into the ground.

The plant is best known as an agricultural product for livestock or cover cropping, but in recent years its high nutritional value has brought attention to its use for humans. Many people eat the sprouted seed of Alfalfa.

Amla / Phyllanthus emblica

Native to India and now grown throughout the world, this tropical tree is also referred to as Indian Gooseberry and Amalaki in Ayurveda.

It is said that the Amla berry comes from the first tree to appear on earth, manifested out of the tears of Brahma while he was meditating.

A much-beloved staple of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, this plum-sized berry is considered a cooling ‘pitta’ herb (aids metabolism and digestion), and is said to possess five of the six tastes (sour, bitter, pungent, astringent, sweet), although sour is its main taste.

Andrographis / Andrographis paniculate

Commonly known as King of Bitters or Indian Echinacea this tall herb is native to India, Ceylon and Java however is now naturalised in other parts of the world.

Andrographis has been widely used as traditional medicine in China, India, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries to help treat various health ailments.

Andrographis is a bitter-tasting herb (acknowledgment to the nickname King of Bitters) rich in compounds known as andrographolides. These compounds are thought to have anti-inflammatory, immune and antioxidant properties.

Ashwagandha / Withania somnifera

Native to India through to South East Asia this short, perennial shrub is now grown throughout the world.

Ashwagandha is often referred to as Indian ginseng even though botanically, ginseng and Ashwagandha are unrelated. In Sanskrit, ashwa means ‘horse’ and gandha means ‘smell’ which refers to the root of the plant having a horse-like smell.

Astragalus / Astragalus membranaceus

Originally native to southeast Asia, this sprawling, hardy plant with pale yellow roots, is also referred to as Huang Qi or Milk Vetch.

Its Chinese name, Huang Qi, means “yellow leader” and refers to both the coloured interior of the root and the plant’s position of prestige among Chinese medicine practitioners. Astragalus root is one of the fundamental herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is regarded by some as the king of Chinese tonic herbs, often used as a Qi tonifying herb.

Avena Sativa / Oat seed

Commonly known as oats this plant is grown for its edible starchy grains. Eaten worldwide as a food staple it is also recognised for its nutritional value and added health benefits.

Bamboo / Bambusa textilis

Bamboo is native to most continents except for Antarctica and Europe. Belonging to the grass family, it is considered one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Bamboo grows in a short but strong growth spurt during summer and then remains near dormant over winter.

Bamboo is used for everything from construction to irrigation systems, from musical instruments to food, fuel and medicine.

Baobab / Adansonia digitata

Native to Africa and Australia, and now introduced to tropical and subtropical regions, this iconic tree of African savannahs has a lifespan of several hundreds of years.

With social and economic importance, it is known to be one of the most important indigenous fruit trees of sub-Saharan Africa. The tree provides food, medicine and fibre, and almost all tree parts including the fruit pulp and shells, seeds, leaves, flowers, roots and bark can be used. Baobabs contribute significantly to economy of many rural communities. Mainly leaves and fruits are collected for food and sold as raw or processed into a variety of products.

Barley Grass / Hordeum vulgare

Barley grass, also known as nutritional grass or more commonly referred to as cereal grass, is the young green plant that eventually matures into cereal grain. The grass is not the grains of the plant and consequently are gluten free, unlike the barley grain. Barley grass is recognised by its brilliant emerald – green hues.

Before ‘jointing’ (when the seed head forms in the stem of the plant), the plant is known to be at its highest nutrient period, or at the nutritional peak. It is at this time that the shoots are harvested for human consumption, dried at body temperature, and powdered.

The nutrient profiles of green cereal plants change quickly as they grow. As the plant grows, the chlorophyll, protein and vitamin content of cereal grasses declines sharply, and the level of cellulose (indigestible fibre) increases.

Black Cohosh / Actaea racemosa

Native North America and Canada, this perennial plant is grown throughout the world. Also referred to as Black Bugbane or Black Snakeroot this plant is recognised for its distinct flowers. Rather than petals or sepals, it consists of tight clusters of long stamens surrounding a white stigma. The flowers have a sweet smell, and its underground roots and rhizome system is used for medicinal purposes.

Boswellia / Boswellia serrata

Native to the dry mountainous regions of India, this moderate to large sized branching tree is cultivated worldwide. Known as ‘Indian frankincense’ the resin of Boswellia species has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies for thousands of years.

There are approximately 25 known species belonging to genus Boswellia, most of them found in Arabia, north-eastern coast of Africa and India. Since ancient times, three of these species have been considered as ‘true Frankincense’ producing trees, including Boswellia serrata, along with Boswellia sacra, grown in South Arabia, and Boswellia frereana a Somalian species.

Brahmi / Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi is native to India, but due to its widespread availability across the globe, it is often recognised by different names including, Water Hyssop, Herb of Grace and Indian Pennywort. It is a perennial, small creeping succulent and water-loving herb.

Brahmi is the Sanskrit name for the herb and originates from the Hindu god Brahma. Divinity responsible for all of the creative forces in the world, Brahma is also referred to as the ‘cosmic consciousness’, leading to the association of learning, memory and concentration.

Often revered as the herbal star of traditional Ayurvedic Medicine, the whole plant can be used for many purposes.

Cacao / Theobroma cacao

Native to South and Central America, and now grown throughout the world, Cacao is known for being the raw material of chocolate.

Revered as sacred for thousands of years by the ancient Mayan, Aztec and Olmec civilizations, Cacao was originally ground with other ingredients, whipped into a frothy drink and offered to royal guests and priests ceremonially.

Calendula / Calendula officinalis

Native to Egypt, the Mediterranean through to Europe, this annual aromatic herb is now grown throughout the world. The bright orange daisy-like flower is also referred to as English Marigold or Pot Marigold has an aromatic odour and slightly bitter taste.

California Poppy / Eschscholzia californica

Native to the United States and the state flower of California, the California Poppy is now widely introduced throughout the world. This showy perennial cup-shaped flower comes in brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow and is also referred to as Golden Poppy, California Sunlight or Cup of Gold.

The California Poppy is a member of the Papaveraceae family, cousin to the infamous opium poppy, but far less potent.

The botanical name Eschscholzia, commemorates Johann Friedrich Eschscholt, where it was first discovered by his friend Adelbert von Chamisso, a naturalist on a scientific expedition to California in 1810. On seeing hillsides apparently on fire with the covering of poppies, Adelbert named the genus in honour of his close friend Johann Friedrich Eschscholtz, a botanist as well as the expedition’s physician.

Camu Camu / Myrciaria dubia

Native to the Amazon river region, Camu Camu is now grown throughout the world in tropical and subtropical climates. This water-loving shrub prefers growing on banks of streams, lakes or in swamps, where the lower part of the plant is often submerged.

Chamomile / Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla is native to southern and eastern Europe, although it can be found on all continents.

It is said to have an apple-like scent, and as such the word chamomile comes from the Greek χαμαίμηλον (chamaimēlon) meaning “earth-apple”.

Chaste Tree Berry / Vitex agnus-castus

Native to the Mediterranean through to Asia, and now grown throughout the world, this small flowering shrub is also referred to as Chasteberry, Chaste Tree, Cloister Pepper and Monk’s Pepper.

Its botanical name vitex, is derived from the Latin word vieo meaning to ‘weave’, referring to the ancient use of its bark and twigs in basketry. Agnus-castus meaning ‘chaste lamb’ refers to an old belief around chastity.

China Root / Wolfiporio cocos

Known as Fúlíng in Chinese, this edible mushroom is native to East and Southeast Asia, and now grown throughout the world in subtropical and humid climates.

These mushrooms are only found underground (like truffles) and are recognised for its large, underground sclerotium that resembles a small coconut. The sclerotium can grow quite large, with a white interior and a dark brown exterior that may develop a mottled appearance like tree bark.

Chlorella / Chlorella pyrenoidosa

A unicellular green alga belonging to the genus Chlorella, it is grown via photosynthesis in open freshwater habitats. It’s a close cousin to the saltwater-sourced Spirulina.  There are more than a hundred Chlorella species and known for its nutrient rich properties and as a plant-derived source of iron.

Cinnamon / Cinnamomum verum

Native to Sri Lanka, Cinnomomum verum, is a small, slow growth evergreen tree, which is now grown across the world. The spice is obtained from the inner bark of the tree and used for culinary, aromatherapy and herbal use.

Its botanical name is derived from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning ‘fragrant spice plant’.

Cramp Bark / Viburnum opulus

Native to Europe and United States this deciduous, tall, flowering shrub with red berries and clusters of white flowers is now grown worldwide. Due to its widespread availability across the globe, it is also referred to as Guelder Rose, Highbush Cranberry and Snowball Tree.

As the common name suggests, Cramp Bark is used traditionally in Western Herbal Medicine to help relieve muscle cramps and tension, including muscle spasms.

Curry Leaf / Murraya koenigii

Native to the India and southeast Asia, this small evergreen tree is grown throughout the world.

Also referred to as Curry Patta in Hindi, the leaf has a distinct curry-like flavour and odour, and often used as a common ingredient in curries, chutneys and stews.

The botanical name Murraya koenigii, commemorates two botanists. The generic name, Murraya, derives from the surname Johann Murray and the specific name koenigii from the surname of Johann König.

Dandelion / Taraxacum officinale

Usually regarded as a common garden weed, the Dandelion grows wild throughout much of the world. Other common names include Blowball, Puffball, Swine Snout and Wild Endive.

A member of the Asteraceae family (a relative to sunflowers and daisies), it is distinguished by its single yellow flower which opens at dawn and closes at dusk. Once the flower has matured the plant forms a puffball of seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Devil’s Claw / Harpagophytum procumbens

Native to Southern Africa and now grown throughout the world, this leafy, perennial plant owes its ominous common name from the fruit’s tiny hook-like projections. It is believed that the hook-like structures are an adaptation to the plant to enable to cling to animals and birds to encourage seed distribution.

Devil’s Claw is a member of the sesame family. This flowering plant has secondary roots, called tubers, that grow out of the main roots. The roots and tubers contain several plant-active compounds and is used for medicinal purpose.

Dong Quai / Angelica polymorph

Native to China this aromatic perennial herb is now grown throughout the world. A relative to celery and a member of the parsley family, Dong Quai is a hardy plant that likes to grow in cold, damp and high-altitude regions.

Also known as ‘female ginseng’ in the Orient, Dong Quai root is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help support female health.

Echinacea / Echinacea purpurea

Native to North America it is now widely grown across the world. Echinacea is a member of the Asteraceae family which includes daisies as well as edible herbs like Dandelion and Arnica. It does not hold many common English names, but one of the few is the Purple Coneflower, named because of the attractive flower head with purple, pink petals and cone-shaped centre.

Echinacea is derived from the Greek word echinos, meaning ‘hedgehog’, which refers to the cone-shaped, prickly centre which is said to resemble the spines of a hedgehog.

Elderflower / Sambucus nigra

Native to most of Europe and North America, this small, fast growth deciduous tree is now grown throughout the world. Elderflower also referred to as Elder and Black Elder is one of the commonly used herbs in Western Herbal Medicine, traditionally used for immune health, as well as having a long tradition of culinary use including in cordial, wine and jam.

Its fragrant, white flowers are large and bloom in small clusters, which are then followed by the berry like fruits. Its botanical name is derived from the Latin word nigra, meaning “black”, and refers to the deep dark colour of the berries.

Enokitake (Enoki) Mushroom / Flammulina velutipes

Believed to have originated in Asia, this popular culinary fungus is now grown worldwide. Due to its widespread availability across the globe, it is also referred to as Golden Needle, Velvet Shank and Winter mushrooms.

This cold loving mushroom fruit through winter and naturally grows on the stumps of the Chinese hackberry tree (Celtis Sinensis, ‘enoki’ in Japanese), and on other trees including Ash, Mulberry and Persimmon trees.

Fennel / Foeniculum vulgare

Native to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world, especially near sea-coasts and on riverbanks.

Fennel fruits are sometimes confused with those of anise, which are similar in taste and appearance, though smaller.

Finger Lime / Citrus australasica

Originating in Australia, this plant is native to the Bundjalung region, growing in the tropical to subtropical rainforests of NSW and QLD.

Known as Gulalung in the Bundjalung language, this fruit is prized for its unique caviar-like pulp and various colours which can vary between yellow, green, pale pink and crimson.

Ginger / Zingiber officinale

Believed to have originated in southeast Asia, Ginger is a tropical loving plant which its root is grown worldwide for culinary and medicinal purposes.

The botanical name Zingiber originates from the Greek word zingiberis, which was derived from the Sanskrit word shringavera, meaning ‘shaped like a deer’s antler’, an acknowledgment to the shape of the root. Officinale is traditionally used to refer to a plant with health and medicinal properties that was sold in the apothecary.

Ginkgo / Ginkgo biloba

Native to China and now grown throughout the world, it is revered for its beautiful fan-shaped leaves and edible seeds.

Having no living relatives, it is believed to be biologically one of world’s oldest living tree species, earning it the name “living fossil”. It is also a dioecious, meaning there are both male and female trees.

Its botanical name is derived from the Chinese word ginkyo meaning ‘silver apricot’, which refers to the fruit’s silver bloom, and the seed’s size and appearance resembling a small apricot.

Globe Artichoke / Cynara scolymus

Originating from the Mediterranean regions, this perennial plant is now widely cultivated all over the world.

The botanical name Cynara scolymus is derived in part from the tradition of fertilising the plant with ashes (Latin: cinis, cineris), and partly from the Greek word skolymos, meaning “thistle” from the spines found on the bracts (they are not leaves) that enclose the flower heads forming the edible portion of the plant.

According to Greek myth, the artichoke owes its existence to Zeus who fell in love with Cynara, a mortal. He took her to Olympus however, the beauty missed her life on earth and one evening Cynara snuck back to her hometown. Upon her return to Olympus, Zeus was enraged and sent her home, in the form of an artichoke.

Globe artichokes are not only a culinary delight, but also a well-known and popular herbal medicine.

Goji Berry / Lycium barbarum

Also referred to as Chinese Wolfberries, this deciduous woody shrub is native throughout China, Tibet and Mongolia and is now grown worldwide. The etymological origin of “Goji” is unclear, but it is likely a simplified spelling of the Mandarin word gǒuqǐ.

Gotu Kola / Centella asiatica

Native to India, this perennial is distinguished by its low growing, cupped leaves which are used for both food and medicinal use.

A member of the parsley family, the fan-shaped leaves with its frilled edges and whitish veins are sometimes compared to the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Gotu Kola is an example of the ancient practice called doctrine of signatures. Based on the belief that various physical features of a plant is directly linked to the plant’s affinity in the human body.

Green Banana / Musa

One of the most cultivated fruit in the world, the banana belongs to the Musaceae family of flowering tropical plants and is distinctively recognised by the banana fruit clustered at the top of the plant.

Green Tea / Camellia sinensis

Native to China and south east Asia, this slow growth evergreen tree is now cultivated throughout the world.

Also referred to as Tea plant, the leaves are used to make traditional caffeinated teas, including black, white, oolong and green tea.

According to Chinese legend, the tea plant was first stumbled upon by accident. The emperor at the time was boiling water in his garden when a leaf from the overhanging tree drifted into his pot. The combination yielded a drink that compelled him to research the tree further, uncovering both medicinal and palatable properties.

Guava / Psidium guajava

Guava has been cultivated for so many centuries that its place of origin is uncertain. Believed to have originated from Mexico through to Central America, this small, resilient, evergreen tree is now cultivated throughout the world for its medicinal and food value.

The fruit of most varieties is round, though some types are pear shaped. They have white to salmon-pink, juicy seedy flesh and an aromatic fragrance aroma.

Various parts of the plant, including the leaf and the fruit are used for medicinal purpose.

Holy Basil / Ocimum tenuiflorum

Holy Basil is native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as in the Southeast Asian tropics.

Hops / Humulus lupulus

This vine is native to Europe, southwestern Asia and North America, and now grown throughout the world.

Hops are the flowers of the vine and belong to the species of the flowering plant in the hemp Cannabaceae family. As a dioecious (meaning there are both male and female plants), only the female produces the fragrant flower cones, known as hops, which impart a bitter flavour and have aromatic and preservative qualities. Hops is used as a key ingredient in making beer in the brewing industry.

Jerusalem Artichoke / Helianthus tuberosus

Native to central North America, Jerusalem Artichoke is now grown throughout the world in cold-tolerant temperatures. Also referred to as Sunroot, Sunchoke or Earth Apple, this perennial plant is recognised for its small yellow flowers, hairy oval shaped leaves and an underground rhizome system which bears small tubers.

Kola Nut / Cola Nitida

Native to Africa, this plant is generally known for its fruit the kola nut, originally used to mimic the cola flavour in Coca-Cola.

Now grown throughout the world in tropical regions, the fruit’s aromatic seed contains a natural source of caffeine and are chewed fresh.

It is also believed to modify the taste sensation so that any food or drink consumed immediately after being chewed, seems sweet.

Korean Ginseng / Panax Ginseng

Native to China, Korea and Siberia, this perennial plant is now grown throughout the world.

Its botanical name is derived from the Greek word panax meaning “all-healing” and is also referred to as Asian ginseng. The word ginseng is derived from the Chinese term rénshēn, meaning ‘essence of man’, a reference to the root’s characteristic forked shape, resembling the human body and the legs of a man. The part of the plant most frequently used for health purposes is the root.

Lavender / Lavandula angustifolia

Native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, Lavender is now cultivated around the world for is essential oil and medicinal use.

With its silvery-green foliage and spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers, this perennial shrub and belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Lavandula is a genus of 47 known species with the English and French Lavender being the most familiar.

The word “lavender” comes from the Latin lavare meaning ‘to wash’, where the Romans used the fragrant oil in their baths.

Lemon Balm / Melissa officinalis

This mild lemon-scented member of the mint family is a European native and is now grown throughout the world.
Its botanical name Melissa officinali is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘honey bee’. It refers to the plant being considered a favourite food of bees, with a connection to the ancient religious thought that any plant that kept bees away from their hive was considered sacred.

Licorice / Glycyrrhiza glabra

Native to Asia and Southern Europe, this flowering plant is a member of the bean family Fabaceae, from the root of which a sweet, aromatic flavouring can be extracted. This herbaceous perennial that has been used as a flavouring agent in foods and drinks, and medicinal remedies for thousands of years.

The botanical name, Glycyrrhiza is derived from the Greek words glykos meaning ‘sweet’ and rhiza meaning ‘root’.

Lucuma / Pouteria lucuma

A delicately flavoured fruit, native to the Andean valleys of Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, Lucuma is now grown throughout the world in subtropical and humid climates.

Maitake Mushroom / Grifola frondosa

This wood-inhabiting fungus is native to China however is now naturalised in other parts of the world. Maitake forms at the trunk base of old trees or dead trunks, typically oak but also other deciduous hardwoods or conifers.

Marine Algae

Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis

Native to Europe, this perennial is now widely cultivated as an ornamental flower as well as for its medicinal properties (leaves, flowers and the root). The typical habitat for the Marshmallow plant is near marshes, riverbanks and other damp areas.

The botanical name Althaea is derived from the Greek word althein meaning “to heal” whilst Officinale is traditionally used to refer to a plant with health and medicinal properties that was sold in the apothecary.

Although the confectionary marshmallow does not contain the extract of the marshmallow plant, this was not always so. The original making of marshmallow included egg whites, sugar and the sticky contents of the marshmallow plant’s root – now evolved, today’s marshmallow no longer contains the plant’s extract.

Milk Thistle / Silybum marianum

Milk Thistle is native to the Mediterranean, but due to its widespread availability across the globe, it is also recognised as Saint Mary’s Thistle, Blessed Milk Thistle, Holy Thistle and Our Lady’s Thistle.

It is a member of the Asteraceae family (a relative to sunflowers and daisies) and is recognised as an annual or biennial herb. With its dense-prickly flower head and reddish-purple tubular flowers, this plant is considered a weed and invasive in some parts of the world because of its ability to spread quickly.

Its common name, Milk Thistle, derives from its characteristic milky-white veins on the leaves, which when broken open, produce a milky sap. According to legend, it was believed to carry the milk of the Virgin Mary, which may help explain its name variations.

Olive leaf / Olea europaea

First cultivated in the Mediterranean basin, this small evergreen tree is now grown throughout the world. As its Mediterranean origins might suggest, the olive tree prefers warm weather, full sun and the dry, rocky soil characteristic of mountainous coasts. A single tree can live for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Olives are not used as a natural fruit due to their extremely bitter taste but are rather consumed either as olive oil as the main culinary usage. This may help explain why its botanical name Olea is derived from elaia, the ancient Greek work for olive, and oleum the Latin word for oil.

Oyster Mushroom / Pleurotus ostreatus

Named because of its resemblance of an oyster; oyster-shaped cap, very short stem, pale colour and slippery texture, the Oyster mushroom grows in temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world. It grows in abundance on the trunks of dead or dying deciduous trees.

Passionflower / Passiflora incarnata

Native to South America and now grown throughout the world, this exotic vine flower is also referred to as Maypop, Apricot Vine and Maracuja.

Its botanical name Passiflora incarnata was coined by Spanish missionaries who saw the flower’s resemblance as the crown of thorns, a symbol of the crucifixion. Incarnata is derived from the Latin word carn, meaning ‘flesh’ and atus, meaning ‘like’.

Reishi Mushroom / Ganoderma lucidum

Native to Asia, but due to its widespread availability across the globe, this oriental fungus is also recognised by its Chinese name, Lingzhi, or more commonly referred to by its Japanese name, Reishi.

Its botanical name Lucidum, is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘shiny or brilliant’, referring to the varnished glossy appearance of the mushroom’s surface.

The Chinese name, Lingzhi is symbolic for spiritual potency, representing success, well-being, divine power and longevity.  Reishi is the Japanese interpretation of the mushroom’s ancient Chinese name ruizhi meaning ‘auspicious mushroom’.

Recognised as a wood-decaying fungus (commonly known as lignicolous), it grows on and digests moist wood, causing it to rot. By helping start the decomposition process, it serves as an important and unique function in forest ecosystems. It breaks down the lignin (organic polymer) found in the wood of the trees so that other soil organisms can access the nutrients. Without the help of mushrooms, dead trees and fallen branches would simply sit on the forest floor and not decompose into rich forest soil.

Rosemary / Salvia rosmarinus

Native to the Mediterranean region, this woody, fragrant perennial is now widely available all over the world as a culinary condiment, medicinal benefits and fragrance properties.

Saffron / Crocus sativus

It is believed that saffron originated and was first cultivated in Greece, but today the spice is primarily grown in Iran, Greece, Morocco, India and Spain.

Saffron describes both the plant and the spice resulting from its dried stigmas. Known as ‘red gold’, it is the most expensive spice in the world. It is valued in refined culinary art and as a dye in textile and woodwork. Saffron has a strong, exotic aroma and a bitter taste and is used to colour and flavour many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, particularly rice and fish, and English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads.

Sage / Humulus lupulus

Native to the Middle East and Mediterranean region, this aromatic, woody perennial shrub belongs to the mint family (Lamiacea) and is now cultivated around the world for its culinary and medicinal benefits.

It’s botanical name, Salvia is the Latin term “to be in good health”, while officinalis is traditionally used to refer to a plant with health and medicinal properties that was sold in the apothecary.

Schisandra / Schisandra chinensis

Shaggy Ink Cap Mushroom / Coprinus comatus

Also referred to as Shaggy Mane, Lawyer’s Wig and Ink Cap, this culinary mushroom has a cylindrical white shaggy cap that becomes bell shaped as the mushroom matures. It favours growing in meadows and open woodlands and is commonly found in groups or long lines.

Shatavari / Asparagus racemosus

Shatavari is native throughout Sri Lanka and India and now naturalised in other parts of the world.

With leaves like pine needles and small white flowers, this woody climber is a member of the common asparagus family Asparagaceae.

Its name Shatavari is derived from Sanskrit, shat means ‘100’ and vari meaning ‘root’ or ‘husband’, translating to “she who possesses a hundred husbands”. Implying its traditional use in Ayurvedic Medicine as an aphrodisiac.

Shiitake Mushroom / Lentinula elodes

Also referred to as Shaggy Mane, Lawyer’s Wig and Ink Cap, this culinary mushroom has a cylindrical white shaggy cap that becomes bell shaped as the mushroom matures. It favours growing in meadows and open woodlands and is commonly found in groups or long lines.

Siberian Ginseng / Eleutherococcus senticosus

Native to Russia through to China, this small, woody plant is now grown throughout the world.

Despite its name, it is not a member of the ginseng family rather the word ginseng is derived from the Chinese term rénshēn, meaning ‘essence of man’, a reference to the root’s characteristic forked shape, resembling the human body and the legs of a man.

Silver Ear / Tremella fuciformis

Native to Asia, this popular culinary and medicinal fungus is now grown worldwide. Due to its widespread availability across the globe, it is commonly known as Snow Fungus, Snow Ear and White Jelly mushroom and grows primarily in tropical regions on dead or fallen tree branches.

Named because of its peculiar appearance, the fungus has a pale yellow to translucent white colour with gelatinous lobes that closely resembles human ears.

Skullcap / Scutelleria lateriflora

Skullcap is native to North America, but due to its widespread availability across the globe, this hardy perennial is often recognised by different names including, Blue Skullcap, Mad Dog Skullcap and Side-Flowering Skullcap.

Its botanical name is derived from the Latin word scutella, meaning “small dish, tray or platter”, referring to the shape of the flower’s calyx, and lateriflora, meaning “flowering on the side”.

Slippery Elm / Ulmus rubra

Native to North America, this medium-sized, fast growth tree is now grown throughout the world and is also referred to as Red Elm, Grey Elm or Indian Elm.

The plant’s bark and root are used medicinally for the soothing properties in the case of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Spirulina / Arthrospira platensis

Is a type of microscopic bacteria called cyanobacterium grown in both fresh and salt water and is often referred to as blue-green algae. The name originates from the Latin word for ‘helix’, or ‘spiral’, referring to the spiral nature of its filaments. Coined a green superfood, it is packed with a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

St. John’s Wort

Native to Europe this upright perennial with showy, star-shaped yellow flowers is now grown throughout the world.
The name, St John’s Wort, is related to John the Baptist as its yellow flower comes into bloom in late June, the time of the feast of Saint John the Baptist. The term wort is the old English word for ‘plant’.

Tribulus / Tribulus terrestris

Tribulus is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region, Middle East and southern Africa, tribulus is an important plant used in traditional Ayurvedic, Arabic and Chinese medicine. Different parts of the tribulus plant are used to treat a variety of conditions.

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a male tonic, rejuvenating tonic, aphrodisiac and to:

• Increase in virility
• Support healthy libido
• Support healthy urine output
• Support urinary tract health and function
• Support urogenital health
• Support healthy sexual function.

Trumpet Mushroom / Pleurotus eryngii

Native to North Africa, Asia and Europe, it is now grown commercially across the world. The Trumpet or King Oyster mushroom is the largest species in the oyster mushroom genus (Pleurotus).

It naturally grows on the roots of Apiaceae plants unlike its Pleurotus relative the Oyster mushroom which is a wood-decay fungus.

Known for its thick, meaty white stem and small tan cap, it is a popular culinary mushroom due to its flavour and texture qualities.

Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor

Native to Europe, Asia and North America it is now grown commercially across the world. The fungus uniquely features no stalk, only a concave cup that directly attaches to the tree or log on which it lives. Its series of multicoloured stripes, ranging from white, brown, red and purple, is said to resemble that of a turkey’s tail.

Turmeric / Curcuma longa

Turmeric is a product of Curcuma longa, a flowering perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, which is native to tropical South Asia. This broad-leaf tropical looking plant is now widely cultivated and goes by different names in different cultures and countries, including by its Chinese name, Yu Jin or by its Sanskrit name, Haldi.

The name turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita meaning “meritorious earth”, referring to the colour of ground turmeric, which resembles a mineral pigment.

Valerian / Valeriana officinalis

Native to Europe through to western Asia, and now grown throughout the world, this tall perennial topped with clusters of small pale pink to white flowers is also referred to as Garden Heliotrope, Common Valerian or All-Heal.

The etymology surrounding its botanical name has been a source of disagreement. One common belief comes from the derivation of the Latin word valeo, meaning ‘I am well’. It is also thought to originate from the Latin verb valere, meaning ‘to be strong’. Contrary to popular belief, the herb’s name may not have Latin roots, rather it has been suggested it shares an etymological connection to where it was first discovered, in the Roman province belonging to the Valerius clan.

Wheat Grass / Triticum aestivum

Wheat grass, also known as nutritional grass or more commonly referred to as cereal grass, is the young green plant that eventually matures into cereal grain. The grass is not the grains of the plant and consequently are gluten free, unlike the wheat grain. Wheat grass is recognised by its brilliant emerald – green hues.

Before ‘jointing’ (when the seed head forms in the stem of the plant) the plant is known to be at its highest nutrient period, or at the nutritional peak. It is at this time that the shoots are harvested for human consumption, either dried at body temperature and powdered, or picked fresh to juice.

White Peony / Paeonia lactiflora

White Peony is native to Asia, but due to its widespread availability across the globe, it is often recognised by different names including, Garden Peony and Chinese Peony, or by its Chinese name Bai Shao, meaning White Peony. It is a perennial known for its large showy white, pink or crimson flowers.

The name White Peony is referencing the colour of the root (not the colour of the flower), and is the medicinal part of the plant historically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Its botanical name is after the mythical Greek figure Paeon, who was said to be a student of Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. According to Greek mythology, Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Aesculapius by turning him into a peony flower.

White Willow Bark / Salix alba

Zizyphus / Zizyphus Spinosa

Native to China and now grown throughout the world, this perennial woody plant is also commonly known as Chinese Date, Date Seed, Red Date or by its Chinese name Suan Zao Ren.

In Chinese, suan means ‘sour’, zao means ‘date’ and ren means ‘seed’ in other words “seed of the sour date”. The medicinal part is the seed, also called the jujube kernel.