The Recovery

Sophora japonica

Quercetin is a flavonoid compound widely found in fruits and vegetables. Quercetin is also commonly found in the flowers buds of Sophora japonica (Japanese Pagoda Tree).

Native to eastern China and introduced to Japan, where it is commonly found on the grounds of Buddhist temples. Its name originated due to its use as a decorative planting around Japanese temples.

This tree grows 5 to 10 meters tall with beautiful white flowers that bloom in summer. It is also commonly known as Scholar Tree.

Traditionally:

The plant is important in traditional medicine, and its leaves and flowers are edible.

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.

The fruit is a natural source of vitamin C which is used as an antioxidant to contribute to:

• Cell protection from free radical damage
• Normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin

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.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen and to:

• Support healthy stress response in the body
• Relieve fatigue

Traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to:

• Increase vitality
• Promote energy levels

Korean Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to promote health and is used as a general tonic or adaptogen.

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.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

• Increase mental alertness
• Relieve tiredness
• Reduce cognitive fatigue

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.

Green tea is a source of caffeine and is used to help:

• Increase mental alertness
• Relieve tiredness

The tea plant has been cultivated by the Chinese people for more than 2700 years. The leaves of the tea plant were considered for medicinal purposes first, and only later included as a drink.