Materia Medica

Panax quinquefolius American ginseng with compound leaves and red berries
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) — Canadian Ginseng, Five-Fingers
A guide to Panax quinquefolius covering American ginseng tradition, glucose and respiratory research, warfarin and diabetes cautions, and conservation. Read more...
Symphytum officinale (Comfrey), realistic botanical photo
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) — Knitbone, Boneset
A practical whole-plant guide to comfrey, including identification, traditional external use, topical research, pyrrolizidine-alkaloid safety and folklore. Read more...
Zea mays (Corn Silk), realistic botanical photo
Corn Silk (Zea mays) — Maize Silk, Corn Hair
A clear guide to corn silk from Zea mays, covering plant biology, traditional urinary use, preparation, research limits, interaction cautions and folklore. Read more...
Viburnum opulus (Cramp Bark), realistic botanical photo
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) — Guelder Rose, Snowball Tree
Learn about cramp bark, Viburnum opulus: botanical identity, traditional antispasmodic use, preparation, evidence limits, pregnancy cautions and folklore. Read more...
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) — Featherfew, Bachelor's Buttons
A guide to Tanacetum parthenium covering feverfew's traditional history, migraine-prevention research, preparation differences, allergy and pregnancy cautions. Read more...
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) — Linseed, Common Flax
A whole-plant flax guide covering Linum usitatissimum, flaxseed nutrition, fiber, food use, research, medication timing and safety. Read more...
Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) — Olibanum, Sacred Frankincense
A guide to Boswellia sacra frankincense resin covering harvest, incense tradition, research-species distinctions, smoke and supplement safety, and folklore. Read more...
Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) — Wild Hydrangea, Seven Barks
A careful guide to Hydrangea arborescens covering root-bark tradition, urinary folklore, species identification, limited evidence and toxicity concerns. Read more...
Kola Nut (Cola nitida) — Cola Nut, Guru Nut
A guide to Cola nitida covering kola nut's West African cultural tradition, current Malvaceae classification, caffeine, theobromine and stimulant safety. Read more...
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) — West Indian Lemongrass, Citronella Grass
A guide to Cymbopogon citratus covering lemongrass tea and food use, traditional herbal context, essential-oil differences and safety. Read more...
Linden (Tilia spp.) — Lime Tree, Basswood, Limeflower
A guide to Tilia × europaea and related linden species covering flower tea, European traditional use, modern taxonomy, safety and folklore. Read more...
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) — Indian Lotus, Water Lily
A whole-plant guide to Nelumbo nucifera covering edible lotus rhizomes and seeds, flower and leaf traditions, spiritual symbolism, research limits and safety. Read more...