Category: Herbs and Plants

You may see swallow-wort in skincare products listed as “cynanchum atratum extract” or specifically the root extract. It is a vine with flower clusters and leaves on stalks. It grows and spreads through rhizomes which are fleshy branches which run on the ground. The roots and shoots grow out of […]

Soapberry (scientific name Sapindus mukorossi) is also known as Indian soapberry, washnut, ritha or Chinese soapberry. It is a species of tree that grows in the lower foothills and midhills of the Himalayas at altitudes of up to 1,200 metres. It is also native to western coastal Karnataka, Maharashtra and […]

Sacha inchi goes by the scientific name Plukenetia volubilis. It may also go by other familiar names such as sacha peanut, Inca nut or Inca-peanut. The sacha inchi originates from South America and the Caribbean. The raw leaves and seeds are toxic but they are safe to eat once they […]

The scientific name of the rosemary herb that we know is salvia rosmarinus. We usually think of rosemary being used in cooking to lend a slightly bitter and astringent taste to food as well as its unique slight mustard-like and charred woody aroma to food and drink. Aside from flavouring […]

Prickly pear is a cactus species that goes by the scientific name Opuntia ficus-indica. It is also known as the Indian fig or fig opuntia. This cactus has the appearance of flat green pads with spines. Other pads and the prickly pear fruit themselves grow from these pads as well. […]

The humble olive plant is known scientifically as Olea europaea. Mention of olives brings to mind Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Since the 8th millennium BC (10,000 years ago), olive oil has been used in cooking, skincare, soaps, medicines and even as lamp oil. Olive oil is extracted using a cold […]

You may be more familiar with the more common name for matricaria which is chamomile. It would probably make you think of chamomile tea which has been known for its calming effects. It also prevents gas from forming in your digestive tract to combat feelings of bloatedness, heartburn and nausea. […]

Liquorice is the British spelling, licorice is the American spelling and its scientific name is Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is a flowering plant of the bean family Fabaceae that grows to about a metre in height. The root extract is commonly used as a sweet and aromatic flavouring. The root extract […]

Japanese knotweed also known as Asian knotweed has the scientific name Reynoutria japonica, Fallopia japonica or Polygonum cuspidatum. Historically, Japanese knotweed has been used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for more than 2000 years to clear the effects of jaundice, reduce heatiness, promote blood circulation, expelling wind and dampness, decongest […]

The scientific name of Japanese Camellia is camellia japonica. You may have come across the name tsubaki and that is actually the Japanese name for the Camellia plant. Despite its name having the word Japanese in it, the plant actually originates from China. Japanese Camellia has actually been used since […]