Supplements and Herbs

What is Oregon Grape? Oregon grape also known as Mahonia Aquifolium is a flowering plant which derives from the family of berberidaceae (barberry). Oregon grape is most notably found in western North America. It’s primarily found in the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to California. In terms of appearance it’s a shrub like plant which […]

What is Yerba Santa? Yerba Santa, also known by its scientific name Eriodictyon californicum, is a flowering shrub measuring up to eight feet off the ground with white or lavender flowers. It natively grows in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Northern Mexico. The plant is said to emit an unpleasant odor and has a bitter

What is Reishi? The reishi mushroom, otherwise known by its Chinese nomenclature língzhī or its binomial classification Ganoderma lucidum, refers to a species of fungus that falls under the fungal genus Ganoderma. The mushroom is particularly notable for its shiny, almost varnished-looking surface, which belies an inner texture that is often described as tough or

What is Chanca Piedra? Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) or Stonebreaker is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. It is a small, rigid annual herb that grows to approximately 30-40 cm. It has long been used by naturopaths as a plant-based natural supplement for treating bladder, kidney, gallbladder, and liver problems. Chanca Piedra has traditionally

What is Xiao Yao Wan? Xiao Yao Wan (逍遥丸), also known as xiāo yáo wán, Xiao Yao San, Xiao Yao Pian and “Free and Easy Wanderer,” is an Ancient Chinese herbal medicine typically used to treat stress and depression. Its recipe was first published in 992 CE in the book Tai Ping Imperial Grace Formulary. The

What is Fucoidan? Fucoidan refers to a type of polysaccharide, characterized by significant amounts of l-fucose and sulfate ester groups, which is typically found within brown seaweed and some other marine invertebrates (such as sea cucumber). Brown algae variants that contain fucoidan include kombu, bladderwrack, hijiki, wakame, limmoui, and mozuku, to name a few. The

What is Polyrhachis Ant? Polyrhachis is a group of nearly seven hundred species of ants only found in the Eastern Hemisphere. These ants have been used for centuries in Ancient Chinese medicinal practices and is called the “King of Herbs.” Specifically, the species Polyrhachis vicina roger is approved by the Chinese Ministry of Public Health

What is Manjistha? Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a perineal, climbing plant with a woody stem that goes by many names including majith, tamaralli, manditti, the common madder, the Indian madder, and many more. This evergreen plant is closely related to the plant from which coffee is harvested. Like coffee, this plant produces berries that range