What is Kava? Kava (Piper methysticum) is a tropical evergreen shrub native to the South Pacific islands, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, and Hawaii. For over 3,000 years, Pacific Islanders have used the plant's roots to prepare a ceremonial beverage with psychoactive and relaxing properties. The roots
What is Juniper? Juniper (Juniperus communis) is an evergreen coniferous shrub or tree that grows in temperate and cold regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Despite their name, juniper "berries" are actually female seed cones with fleshy, merged scales that give them a berry-like appearance. Important Note:
What is San-Qi Ginseng? San-Qi (also called Sanqi, Tienchi, Tianqi, or Three-Seven Root) is the dried root of Panax notoginseng, a plant native to the mountainous regions of Southwest China, particularly Yunnan and Guangxi provinces. Unlike its relatives Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), San-Qi has unique
What is Panax Ginseng? Panax ginseng, also known as Korean ginseng, Asian ginseng, or Chinese ginseng, is a perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of East Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Active Compounds: The therapeutic effects come primarily from ginsenosides
What is Lead? Lead is a heavy metal that is NOT an essential nutrient and has NO beneficial biological function in the human body. Unlike nutrients, there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead is a toxic environmental contaminant that can accumulate in the body over time, causing serious
What is Irish Moss? Irish moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a species of red algae (seaweed) that grows along the rocky Atlantic coastlines of Europe and North America. Despite its name, it is not a moss but a marine plant that has been used for thousands of years
What is Horsetail? Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a prehistoric perennial plant belonging to one of Earth's oldest plant families, dating back over 100 million years. It's a fern-like, non-flowering plant that grows in moist, temperate areas across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The
What is Horse Chestnut? Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a tree native to the Balkan Peninsula of southeastern Europe. The tree produces spiky, greenish fruits containing shiny brown seeds that resemble sweet chestnuts but have a bitter taste and are toxic when raw. CRITICAL DISTINCTION: Horse chestnut is NOT the
What is Hops? Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a climbing plant in the Cannabaceae family, best known as a key ingredient in beer brewing. The cone-shaped female flowers (strobiles) contain bioactive compounds used medicinally for centuries. While commonly associated with beer, hops have a long history as a traditional herbal remedy
What is Holy Basil? Holy Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum tenuiflorum (also called Ocimum sanctum), is an aromatic herb native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Known as Tulsi in Hindi (meaning "the incomparable one"), it has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine
What is Germanium? Germanium is a trace element (chemical symbol Ge, atomic number 32) that exists naturally in very small amounts in Earth's crust, certain plants, and foods. It's a metalloid with semiconductor properties, meaning it shares characteristics of both metals and non-metals. CRITICAL DISTINCTION: Germanium
What is Hawthorn? Hawthorn (Crataegus species, primarily C. monogyna, C. laevigata, and C. oxyacantha) is a thorny shrub or small tree in the rose family that has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. The leaves, flowers, and berries contain powerful bioactive compounds that primarily benefit cardiovascular health. Active
