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# EthnoPharm

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [Traditional Medicine Under Threat ❌ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/traditional-medicine-under-threat-❌-🌿/) - Climate change isn’t just reshaping forests ➡️ it’s targeting traditional medicine first. A Nature study just published on Amazonian ethnobotany found that medicinal uses dominate the regional record: ✅ 33,245 medicinal use reports vs 12,333 for food, across 3,862 vs 1,804 species. The worrying part is that across use categories, species used for medicine show
- [English Lavender EO Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/english-lavender-eo-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ English lavender essential oil, which is distilled from the flowering tops of Lavandula angustifolia and is widely used for its calming, floral aroma and broad therapeutic profile.
- [We never saw this coming! 😲 🌈 ✨](https://ethnopharm.com/we-never-saw-this-coming-😲-🌈-✨/) - In this Explorer’s Way clip, Dennis McKenna looks back and laughs at how unimaginable today’s world would have seemed to him and Terence decades ago: The idea that cannabis (let alone classic psychedelics) would be decriminalized, medicalized, and cautiously welcomed back into mainstream culture? That wasn’t even on the horizon. Hearing Dennis say, ‘We never
- [There may be plastic in your brain right now. 🤔 🥤](https://ethnopharm.com/there-may-be-plastic-in-your-brain-right-now-🤔-🥤/) - A 2025 Nature Medicine study reported brain tissue containing the equivalent weight of a plastic spoon in microplastics...and possibly 50% more than in 2016. The methodology has drawn scrutiny from other scientists, and the field is still working out the measurement standards. But the direction of the findings is hard to ignore. What is less
- [Psychedelics are not impressed by our egos.](https://ethnopharm.com/psychedelics-are-not-impressed-by-our-egos/) - In this Explorer’s Way clip, Dennis McKenna talks about how psychedelic experiences have a way of stripping away the illusion that we’ve got it all figured out. When the ground drops out and the mystery comes rushing in, there’s just no room left for arrogance. If you’ve ever wondered why humility might be the most
- [Speaking at the Future Nutra Innovation Summit in September on Innovation & Biodiversity ✅🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/speaking-at-the-future-nutra-innovation-summit-in-september-on-innovation-biodiversity-✅🌿/) - Excited to be speaking at the Future Nutra Innovation Summit (FNIS) on Innovation & Biodiversity. ✅🌿 ➡️ Register today: https://lnkd.in/g9adYC-6 FNIS is a new kind of gathering built exclusively for the ideas, people, and partnerships shaping what comes next in natural products. Taking place on the 9th through the 11th of September, 2026, at Margaritaville Lake Conroe
- [Most Hemp-Derived THC Beverages Tested Miss The Mark on Potency](https://ethnopharm.com/most-hemp-derived-thc-beverages-tested-miss-the-mark-on-potency/) - Hemp-derived THC beverages are booming...but are consumers really getting the dose on the label? Future Nutra Foundation (FNF), an independent nonprofit supplement testing organization, has just published a new multi-laboratory report on hemp-derived Δ9-THC beverage potencies. FNF purchased 21 popular products from retail and online channels and sent matched batches to three ISO/IEC 17025-accredited cannabis
- [Botanical Innovation: Don't Fall Flat In The Middle-](https://ethnopharm.com/dont-fall-flat-in-the-middle/) - Many botanical and ingredient stories fall flat for one simple reason: They jump straight from “here’s our extract” to “here’s our claim” and skip everything in between. That “in between” is often where the real work lives: 🌿 The relationship between plant, place and people 🌿 How mechanisms and clinical signals make sense in context 🌿 How
- [Eleuthro Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/eleuthro-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ Eleuthro (Eleutherococcus senticosus; Araliaceae) is native to northeastern Asia, with a long history of use in traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian medicine. It is best known
- [What Digitized Ethnobotany Means for Brands🖥️ 🌿 🤔](https://ethnopharm.com/what-digitized-ethnobotany-means-for-brands🖥️-🌿-🤔/) - With RBetno’s ethnobotanical collection now entering a digitized phase, companies working with Brazilian botanicals are gaining access to a much richer evidence base on traditional use, cultural significance and ecological context. This transforms how we can think about product narratives: instead of generic “Amazonian superfood” tropes, we can anchor stories in documented community practices, historical
- [Part 3 Published With Dennis McKenna: The Cutting Edge Gets Even Stranger.. 🍄‍🟫 🌈 🍄 😳](https://ethnopharm.com/part-3-published-with-dennis-mckenna-the-cutting-edge-gets-even-stranger-🍄🟫-🌈-🍄-😳/) - Part 3 of my Explorer's Way podcast conversation with Dennis McKenna dives into the genuinely strange frontier of psychedelic science...where our current models of the brain, consciousness, and plant chemistry start to break down. In this episode, Dennis talks about why attempts to create “non‑psychedelic psychedelics” may be missing the point, and why he thinks
- [Other Ways of Knowing 🤔](https://ethnopharm.com/other-ways-of-knowing-🤔/) - In this Explorer’s Way clip, Dennis McKenna and I talk about why psychedelics aren’t ‘scientific’ in the usual sense...and why that doesn’t make them any less real or important. Psychedelics are traditional medicines that come from cultures with their own ways of knowing, healing, and relating to the sacred. These experiences don’t fit neatly inside
- [Digital Herbaria, Climate and Extinction 🌿 🌪️ ❌](https://ethnopharm.com/digital-herbaria-climate-and-extinction-🌿-🌪️-❌/) - Over 7.4 million plant and fungal specimens at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have now been digitized, turning centuries of herbarium collections into a global, open data resource for biodiversity science. ➡️ Yet fewer than 16% of the world’s ~406 million herbarium specimens are imaged and online, with most of those still concentrated in the Global
- [James Corden: Hollywood Third Party Validation! ✅ 🎥](https://ethnopharm.com/james-corden-hollywood-third-party-validation-✅-🎥/) - When your Noot Drinks Co formulation gets an unexpected shout‑out from James Corden in the Sprouts aisle, you’ve officially graduated from ‘functional beverage’ to ‘Hollywood grocery cameo.’ ✊ 🎉 See the reel here on IG: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXsjuLUlbHF/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- [Beyond the Trip…Responsibility and Reciprocity 🌿 🤝 🌈](https://ethnopharm.com/beyond-the-tripresponsibility-and-reciprocity-🌿-🤝-🌈/) - The second part of my conversation with Dennis McKenna moves beyond peak experiences into the harder, more important questions: what do we owe to the communities, ecosystems, and lineages that make those experiences possible? ➡️ In this episode, Dennis unpacks why he sees the psychedelic boom as a double‑edged sword: capable of profound healing, but
- [Ancient plant. Modern problem. Same answer. 🌿🥤💛](https://ethnopharm.com/ancient-plant-modern-problem-same-answer-🌿🥤💛/) - If you're looking for the botanical with the broadest preclinical evidence against microplastic and nanoplastic damage…it's still curcumin. I know. Not the most exciting answer. But a 2025 PubMed review examined studies on curcumin's protective effects across every major organ system affected by microplastic/nanoplastic exposure: Liver. Kidney. Reproductive tissue. Thyroid. Neural tissue. The finding: curcumin
- [Curiosity about life (from plants to chromosomes) runs deep in my family! 🌱🔬](https://ethnopharm.com/curiosity-about-life-from-plants-to-chromosomes-runs-deep-in-my-family-🌱🔬/) - I’m excited to share that my sister-in-law, Dr. Sean Burgess, has been named Chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Davis, where her work on chromosome organization and nuclear architecture continues to push genetics forward. Congratulations Sean!!! More here: https://biology.ucdavis.edu/news/sean-burgess-named-chair-department-molecular-and-cellular-biology
- [From Case Studies to Cannonballs…](https://ethnopharm.com/from-case-studies-to-cannonballs/) - ➡️ Don't miss out on the innovation conference of the year at the Future Nutra Innovation Summit ! ✅ 💚 🤸‍♂️ 😎 ☀️From the 9th to 11th of September, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (near Houston), we’re bringing together brands, ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technical leaders who are actively building what’s next
- [Ambrette: The Yellow Mellow Musk Mallow 💛](https://ethnopharm.com/ambrette-the-yellow-mellow-musk-mallow-💛/) - An aromatic and medicinal plant from the Hibiscus family, Ambrette (aka. Musk Mallow, Musk Okra; Abelmoschus moschatus, syn. Hibiscus abelmoschus) is an herbaceous perennial native to tropical Asia. As it is tender to frost, fast and low growing, it is often used as an annual for its showy flowers. Ambrette typically has yellow flowers with
- [Echinacea Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/echinacea-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ Echinacea, which is a group of North American coneflowers used medicinally, with Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida being the primary species. These three overlap in
- [On 4th of July: A Freedom Worth Celebrating 🧨 🌿 💚 🌎 🎉](https://ethnopharm.com/on-4th-of-july-a-freedom-worth-celebrating-🧨-🌿-💚-🌎-🎉/) - If you’re watching this, it’s probably because you also value (or directly benefit from) the hard‑won gift of health freedom. This Fourth of July (which is also my birthday), I'd like you to join me in celebrating a different kind of independence: ➡️ The freedom to choose the plants, foods, and supplements that support our
- [✨ People don’t have to go it alone anymore.](https://ethnopharm.com/✨-people-dont-have-to-go-it-alone-anymore/) - Not that long ago, if you wanted to work with psychedelics, you were pretty much on your own...or sneaking around underground. In this upcoming Explorer’s Way episode, Dennis McKenna talks about how different things look today, with a growing number of healthcare professionals actually trained in psychedelic therapy. We get into what it means to
- [Flor de Cacao: The Feel-Good Flower 🤍 😁](https://ethnopharm.com/flor-de-cacao-the-feel-good-flower-🤍-😁/) - Flor de Cacao (aka. Rosita de Cacao; Quararibea funebris) is a medium to large, Mesoamerican evergreen tropical tree with small, thick, white flowers that dry to a cream‑brown and retain an intense, spicy, “fenugreek‑and‑maple” or butterscotch fragrance for years. ➡️ In Mesoamerican traditions, especially among Zapotec and Mixtec communities, the dried flowers are used as
- [💐 💖 Dried Flowers: One of the most underrated categories in horticulture!](https://ethnopharm.com/💐-💖-dried-flowers-one-of-the-most-underrated-categories-in-horticulture/) - Easy to grow. Minimal input. No cold chain. No rush to market. And their beauty will last sometimes years. 🌟 Yet most people still think of them as an afterthought. This bouquet came straight from my garden, harvested once, and now it will live on. ➡️ There’s an entire botanical category here that deserves more
- [Microplastics Detoxification and Broccoli Sprouts 🌱 ✅](https://ethnopharm.com/microplastics-detoxification-and-broccoli-sprouts-🌱-✅/) - There's a broccoli sprout compound that may be one of our most powerful tools against microplastic-associated toxicity: ➡️ It's about activating your body's own detox infrastructure. Sulforaphane, found at ~100x higher concentrations in broccoli sprouts than mature broccoli, activates the Nrf2 pathway, which is the master switch for your body's Phase II detoxification system. Phase
- [The Amazon is Running Emergency Protocols🌲 🔺](https://ethnopharm.com/the-amazon-is-running-emergency-protocols🌲-🔺/) - ➡️ The Amazon Flipped From Carbon Sink to Carbon Source. Not because of fires, but because heat and drought pushed the forest past a threshold. When this happened, photosynthesis slowed, the system couldn’t keep up. For decades, the Amazon buffered billions of tons of carbon. In 2023, it released up to 170 billion kg, up
- [From Boardrooms to Boatdocks. ➡️ Take a Workcation at the Future Nutra Innovation Summit ! ✅ 💚 🤸‍♂️ 😎 ☀️](https://ethnopharm.com/from-boardrooms-to-boatdocks-➡️-take-a-workcation-at-the-future-nutra-innovation-summit-✅-💚-🤸♂️-😎-☀/) - From the 9th to 11th of September, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (near Houston), we’re bringing together brands, ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technical leaders who are actively building what’s next in supplements, functional foods, and nutrition. FNIS is produced by the Future Nutra Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is designed as an
- [Hot off the Press- From Ethnophytomedicine to Sustainable Bioeconomy: Contextualizing the Multifaceted Potential of Calamus tenuis Roxb.🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-from-ethnophytomedicine-to-sustainable-bioeconomy-contextualizing-the-multifaceted-potential-of-calamus-tenuis-roxb-🌿/) - 🌿 "From Ethnophytomedicine to Sustainable Bioeconomy: Contextualizing the Multifaceted Potential of Calamus tenuis Roxb." Calamus tenuis (commonly known as rattan or cane palm) is one of those plants that has quietly sustained entire communities across South Asia for generations: as food, medicine, building material, and livelihood. Yet it remains remarkably understudied in the scientific literature.
- [Cordyceps Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/cordyceps-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ Cordyceps is the common name often used in trade for a group of medicinal fungi, but the historically prized form is wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis, the caterpillar-fungus complex
- [As Dennis McKenna says, "We're All on Drugs Already!"](https://ethnopharm.com/as-dennis-mckenna-says-were-all-on-drugs-already/) - In this teaser for the Explorer’s Way 3 part series with Dennis McKenna, we talk about how most of us take psychoactive substances every day (think coffee, alcohol, meds) and how unhelpful it is to pretend that only “illicit” psychedelics count. Dennis talks about humans as “biochemical engines” that run on all kinds of endogenous
- [Not all Extinction Happens in the Wild. ❌ 🍉🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/not-all-extinction-happens-in-the-wild-❌-🍉🌿/) - I found a Moon and Stars watermelon this week in my grocery store: a variety I never expected to see outside of seed catalogs and preservation circles. Deep green rind scattered with yellow speckles, like a night sky. It almost looks unreal. More remarkable is the story behind it... This heirloom variety dates back to
- [Just published! 📰 "Unusually Organic": Wild harvested and Organic….how both can be true.](https://ethnopharm.com/just-published-📰-unusually-organic-wild-harvested-and-organic-how-both-can-be-true/) - The idea that plants growing freely in nature can't carry an organic label is a misconception. I break down the regulatory reality, what it means for brands, and why understanding this can sharpen how we source and communicate about botanical ingredients. ⬇️ Read it here at Prepared Foods: https://www.preparedfoods.com/articles/131685-wild-harvested-and-organic-how-both-can-be-true
- [The Right Plants can Teach your Gut to Hunt Microplastics 🥤 🔪](https://ethnopharm.com/the-right-plants-can-teach-your-gut-to-hunt-microplastics-🥤-🔪/) - The tamarind-microplastics story going viral is exciting…but it's missing the most scientifically interesting chapter. While everyone is talking about polysaccharides trapping microplastics in the gut, a parallel track of research is showing something even more nuanced: Certain plant compounds don't just trap particles, they reprogram the gut microbiome to help excrete them. Specifically, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G),
- [Build What's Next, Poolside.](https://ethnopharm.com/build-whats-next-poolside/) - ➡️ Don't miss out on the innovation conference of the year at the Future Nutra Innovation Summit ! ✅ 💚 🤸‍♂️ 😎 ☀️ From the 9th to 11th of September, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (near Houston), we’re bringing together brands, ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technical leaders who are actively building what’s
- [Dennis has opinions about what counts as a “real” psychedelic.](https://ethnopharm.com/dennis-has-opinions-about-what-counts-as-a-real-psychedelic/) - In this Explorer’s Way episode, Dennis McKenna lays down a pretty narrow definition of what a true psychedelic is; and he’s not shy about it. For Dennis, these are specific 5‑HT2A active compounds like psilocybin, LSD, DMT, mescaline and a few close cousins, not every wellness trend that slaps ‘psychedelic’ on the label. And he’s
- [Discovery Spotlight: A Soy-Waste–Loving Fungus from Korea](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-a-soy-waste-loving-fungus-from-korea/) - A recently highlighted “soy‑waste–loving” fungus from Korea belongs to a broader group of molds that thrive on soybean by‑products. These fungi are biologically fascinating because they can break down complex plant polymers and upcycle nutrient‑rich wastes into new biomolecules, enzymes, and flavors, making them attractive candidates for sustainable food innovation and biotechnological use (for example,
- [The Reality Hallucination: New Explorer's Way Episode with Dennis McKenna-](https://ethnopharm.com/the-reality-hallucination-new-explorers-way-episode-with-dennis-mckenna/) - Dennis McKenna is a pioneering ethnopharmacologist who has spent more than five decades studying psychoactive plants, Amazonian medicine, and the interface between traditional knowledge and modern science. He co‑founded the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy, helped bring ayahuasca and other plant medicines into serious scientific and cultural dialogue, and has authored or co‑authored numerous books
- [Boswellia serrata Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/boswellia-serrata-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ Boswellia serrata, often called Indian frankincense, is used in chronic conditions involving cytokine balance. It shows up frequently in joint‑health and mobility formulas, sometimes paired with other
- [Join our 12,000 Strong Botanical Community on LinkedIn!](https://ethnopharm.com/join-our-12000-strong-botanical-community-on-linkedin/) - 12,000 strong. ✊ 🌿 But more importantly, 12,000 perspectives on how plants shape the future. What I value most is how this community has become a living system: where traditional knowledge, modern science, and real-world application continuously inform each other. Not archived knowledge, but evolving, living knowledge. ✅ The challenges ahead will require exactly this
- [“We’ve got this figured out.”](https://ethnopharm.com/weve-got-this-figured-out/) - According to Dennis McKenna, this is scientists' temptation to arrogance. In this upcoming Explorer’s Way episode, Dennis and I talk about why that confidence can quietly slide into arrogance...and how psychedelics have a way of humbling even the most certain minds. Underneath all our models and metrics, there’s still a vast unknown waiting to be
- [Peptides: Unapproved Drugs Being Sold Openly?](https://ethnopharm.com/peptides-unapproved-drugs-being-sold-openly/) - Oliver Catlin of BSCG Certified spells out a reality most people never hear: the peptide and “research chemical” boom is being driven largely by unapproved drugs that are being sold out in the open. He explains that many of these compounds were developed as pharmaceuticals, never cleared through full clinical trials or regulatory review, yet
- [Tamarind went viral. It's not even the best one.](https://ethnopharm.com/tamarind-went-viral-its-not-even-the-best-one/) - You've probably heard that tamarind may help your body detox microplastics. ...Here's what most people missed: Tamarind wasn't even the star of that study, and there are several other microplastic-trapping plants. Researchers at Tarleton State University published work in ACS Omega testing a panel of food-grade plant polysaccharides (sticky, branched biopolymers) for their ability to
- [We used to whisper about this stuff.](https://ethnopharm.com/we-used-to-whisper-about-this-stuff/) - Back when Dennis McKenna and I were working together decades ago, the idea that cannabis, let alone other psychedelics, would be legalized felt like pure fantasy. In Ethnobotany we were talking about the power of plants in the margins while the world said ‘just say no.’ In this upcoming Explorer’s Way multi part series, we
- [Four Tracks. One Mission.](https://ethnopharm.com/four-tracks-one-mission/) - ➡️ Join experts, researchers, and industry leaders redefining supplement transparency at the Future Nutra Innovation Summit! ✅ 💚 🤸‍♂️ 😎 ☀️ From the 9th to 11th of September, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (near Houston), we’re bringing together brands, ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technical leaders who are actively building what’s next in
- [The Amazon Sent an SOS From the Canopy,Now the Soil Is Self-Medicating ⚕️🍃](https://ethnopharm.com/the-amazon-sent-an-sos-from-the-canopynow-the-soil-is-self-medicating-⚕️🍃/) - Last week I wrote about the Amazon flooding its atmosphere with sesquiterpenes: a chemical SOS from the canopy as the forest activated its stress defense during the worst drought in recorded history. ➡️ It turns out the same thing is happening below ground. New research from the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory tracked what happens to
- [Plants Can Count!](https://ethnopharm.com/plants-can-count/) - In 2025, a paper in Cognitive Science showed that the “sensitive plant” Mimosa pudica can track the number of light–dark cycles it experiences and adjust its leaf movements in anticipation of when light is likely to return, even when the timing of those cycles is changed. The authors argue that the simplest explanation is that
- [Black Cohosh Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/black-cohosh-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ Black Cohosh (Acteae racemosa), which is used primarily for symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, excessive sweating, sleep disturbances, and irritability. Black Cohosh also has long been used
- [We’re Surrounded. Science Finds Trillions of Conscious Beings Here that Aren't Human 👽](https://ethnopharm.com/were-surrounded-science-finds-trillions-of-conscious-beings-here-that-arent-human-👽/) - Pause for a second and really feel into this: we may be walking through a planet full of conscious beings who are not human…and most days, we barely give them a passing thought. Across botany, plant neurobiology, and systems science, evidence keeps piling up that plants sense, remember, communicate, and make what look like choices
- [The Amazon just sent us a chemical SOS!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-amazon-just-sent-us-a-chemical-sos/) - ...and it speaks the language of ethnobotany During the most severe drought ever recorded in the Amazon basin (El Niño, 2023–2024), researchers at the Max Planck Institute measured something nobody expected: sesquiterpene emissions from the forest canopy surged 122%. ➡️ Not isoprene. Not monoterpenes. *Sesquiterpenes.* These are the same class of compounds that herbalists, perfumers,
- [Uncovering a Layer of Reality?](https://ethnopharm.com/uncovering-a-layer-of-reality/) - In our upcoming Explorer’s Way episode, Dennis McKenna and I dive into one of the strangest universal reports in psychedelic space: the seeing of little people when people consume the mushroom Lanmaoa asiatica, a boletes species.This is where psychedelic science gets truly wild: not just measuring brainwaves, but trying to understand what is causing this
- [Don't Have Any Great Summer Plans?...We Got You:](https://ethnopharm.com/dont-have-any-great-summer-plans-we-got-you/) - Take a Workcation at the Future Nutra Innovation Summit ! ✅ 💚 🤸‍♂️ 😎 ☀️ From the 9th to 11th of September, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (near Houston), we’re bringing together brands, ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technical leaders who are actively building what’s next in supplements, functional foods, and nutrition. FNIS
- ["People Sort of Forget…About Athletes Dying!"](https://ethnopharm.com/people-sort-of-forgetabout-athletes-dying/) - Before we had anti‑doping rules, banning enhancement wasn’t some abstract ethical decision: it was a response to athletes literally dying. In this clip, Oliver Catlin of BSCG Certified reminds us that there was a period when performance‑enhancing drugs were used openly in elite sport, and the result wasn’t just faster times; it was catastrophic health
- [Discovery Spotlight: Six New Chocolate-Tree Relatives](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-six-new-chocolate-tree-relatives/) - Six new tree species in the genus Matisia from Panama and Colombia were recently named: Matisia petaquillae, M. changuinolana, M. aquilarum, M. genesiana, M. mutatana, and M. rufula. These trees belong to the mallow family (Malvaceae) and are close relatives of Matisia cordata (the “South American sapote” or chupa-chupa) a well-known fruit tree with large,
- [Bilberry Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/bilberry-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract, which is often held up as a gold-standard eye and vascular health ingredient. Much of the global supply is wild‑harvested, expensive, and visually
- ["Insta-Brands": Unregulated Peptides Sold Through Online Platforms 🤦‍♀️](https://ethnopharm.com/insta-brands-unregulated-peptides-sold-through-online-platforms-🤦♀️-2/) - Here Oliver Catlin of BSCG Certified pulls back the curtain on one of the most unsettling corners of the peptide boom: how easy it is to spin up a “brand” overnight. ➡️ He explains that major online suppliers offer a kind of instant private‑label service: just send them a product name and logo, and they’ll
- ["Insta-Brands": Unregulated Peptides Sold Through Online Platforms 🤦‍♀️](https://ethnopharm.com/insta-brands-unregulated-peptides-sold-through-online-platforms-🤦♀️/) - Here Oliver Catlin of BSCG Certified pulls back the curtain on one of the most unsettling corners of the peptide boom: how easy it is to spin up a “brand” overnight. ➡️ He explains that major online suppliers offer a kind of instant private‑label service: just send them a product name and logo, and they’ll
- [If you’re here, it’s probably because you love plants as much as I do 💚 🌿 😍](https://ethnopharm.com/if-youre-here-its-probably-because-you-love-plants-as-much-as-i-do-💚-🌿-😍/) - In this clip, Beto Borges of Forest Trends Association jokes that anyone following my work “must be good people” simply because you care about healing plants and the natural world...and honestly, he’s right. ➡️ Loving plants means you’re already tuned into something deeper: the relationships, cultures, and ecosystems that make our work in natural products
- [Tejocote vs. The Toxic Imposter Yellow Oleander](https://ethnopharm.com/tejocote-vs-the-toxic-imposter-yellow-oleander/) - I thought this scandal would just blow over…. When I first heard about the toxic adulteration found in Tejocote supplements, I dismissed it thinking that now it had been found that there would no longer be an issue…but the problem persisted. Tejocote: a small Mexican fruit tree with deep culinary and medicinal roots that now
- [Don't Miss The Future Nutra Innovation Summit in September! ✅ 🗓️ 💚 🤸‍♂️](https://ethnopharm.com/dont-miss-the-future-nutra-innovation-summit-in-september-✅-🗓️-💚-🤸♂️/) - ➡️ From the 9th to 11th of September, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (near Houston), we’re bringing together brands, ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technical leaders who are actively building what’s next in supplements, functional foods, and nutrition. FNIS is produced by the Future Nutra Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is designed as
- [Combating the Few Bad Actors in Our Great Industry ✊ 💚 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/combatting-the-few-bad-actors-in-our-great-industry-✊-💚-🌿/) - In this clip, Oliver Catlin, President of BSCG Certified (Banned Substances Control Group) speaks directly to the heart of what many of us in this space care about: protecting a fundamentally good industry from being dragged down by a reckless minority. ➡️ He talks about how the majority of dietary supplement companies are doing things
- [Zhi Mu: Botanical Volume Enhancer?](https://ethnopharm.com/zhi-mu-botanical-volume-enhancer/) - Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) is an Asian grass-like perennial with thick, fleshy rhizomes used in TCM. ➡️ Today, Zhi Mu is finding fame in its inclusion in topical cosmetic products meant for volume enhancement touted on social media. This is due to a proprietary ingredient combining hydrogenated polyisobutene with Anemarrhena asphodeloides root–derived sarsasapogenin to promote
- [Bacopa Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/bacopa-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) which is now widely positioned on the market as a brain‑health and nootropic ingredient, sold mainly in dietary supplements. Extracts
- [Discovery Spotlight: An Underground Tree!](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-an-underground-tree/) - On the Kalahari sand savannas of central Angola, botanists recently described Baphia arenicola, a remarkable “underground tree” in the Legume family. Its name literally means “growing on sand,” and like other geoxylic plants in the region, most of its woody mass is buried beneath the surface, with only low shoots and small white flowers briefly
- [First Greek Winery to Secure Certified Regenerative Status!](https://ethnopharm.com/first-greek-winery-to-secure-certified-regenerative-status/) - Estates Costa Lazaridi has become the first Greek winery to earn “Certified Regenerative” status from A Greener World (AGW), a milestone that positions the family estate at the forefront of sustainability in Greek viticulture by aligning it with an outcome‑based standard focused on soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. AGW’s Certified Regenerative program is a
- [Unregulated Peptides: Zero Consumer Protection 🔺 💊](https://ethnopharm.com/unregulated-peptides-zero-consumer-protection-🔺-💊/) - ➡️ In this clip, Oliver Catlin, President of BSCG Certified (Banned Substances Control Group) breaks down one of the most unsettling trends he’s seeing in the performance marketplace right now: the explosion of research peptides. These compounds are often sold right alongside dietary supplements, but they don’t actually fall under dietary supplement regulations. That means
- [Ibogaine jumped the line! 🍃](https://ethnopharm.com/ibogaine-jumped-the-line-🍃/) - In this clip, Dennis and I are unpacking why a powerful, and somewhat obscure African shrub suddenly became the political poster child for psychedelic research...while better‑known medicines like psilocybin and MDMA were still fighting for scraps of attention. ➡️ We get into how veteran advocacy, opioids, and optics pushed ibogaine to the front of the
- [Iboga: Crime or Cure?](https://ethnopharm.com/iboga-crime-or-cure/) - Society still has not fully resolved the question: are psychedelic substances a potential response to the very diseases modern society creates, including addiction, depression, and trauma or a threat? Iboga, a psychoactive plant from western Central Africa, remains one of the most provocative examples of that tension. African iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) is a psychedelic plant
- [Why We Owe a Debt to Indigenous Peoples: A Conversation with Beto Borges 🎙️ 💚 🌎](https://ethnopharm.com/why-we-owe-a-debt-to-indigenous-peoples-a-conversation-with-beto-borges-🎙️-💚-🌎/) - Tomorrow I’m releasing a powerful new Explorer’s Way episode featuring Beto Borges, and this clip is your chance to meet the man behind the work. For over four decades, Beto has walked alongside Indigenous peoples and local communities across the Amazon and Latin America...starting as an activist, then moving into rainforest campaigns, pharmaceutical and natural
- [Discovery Spotlight: The Bloodstained Orchid](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-the-bloodstained-orchid/) - Among the newly named species of 2025 was a striking orchid from Ecuador often described as “bloodstained” for its vivid coloration. Its discovery adds another beautiful and rare member to the orchid family, one of the most diverse and evolutionarily fascinating groups of flowering plants. ➡️What makes this especially important is that the species was
- [Ginseng Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/ginseng-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ➡️ Ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, and Panax notoginseng). In the United States, the term “ginseng” for a dietary ingredient or dietary supplement is
- [Just Dropped! Indigenous People, Guardians of Biodiversity: New Explorer's Way Video Podcast with Beto Borges](https://ethnopharm.com/just-dropped-indigenous-people-guardians-of-biodiversity-new-explorers-way-video-podcast-with-beto-borges/) - Most of us don’t go through our day thinking, “My life is connected to Indigenous rights.” But it is. The foods we eat, the pharmaceuticals & herbal products we take, and the climate we depend on are all tied to Indigenous territories and to generations of people who have cared for forests and learned how
- [Indigenous People Deserve Human Rights 💪 💚 🌿 🌍](https://ethnopharm.com/indigenous-people-deserve-human-rights-💪-💚-🌿-🌍/) - Too often, Indigenous peoples are spoken about only as symbols: the Hollywood version of the noble savage in harmony with untouched nature, frozen in time...‼️ Rather than as people with the same basic human rights and dignity as anyone else.➡️ In this clip, Beto Borges of Forest Trends Association reminds us that Indigenous communities are
- [Cancelled Plans for World Domination? 🦸 💚 🌿 🌍](https://ethnopharm.com/cancelled-plans-for-world-domination-🦸-💚-🌿-🌍/) - In this clip, Dennis McKenna jokes that Psychedelics cancelled his plans for world domination: because they showed him just how little he really knows. ➡️ But I know the real story: decades ago while working together, Dennis and I would spend hours chatting about plants, psychedelics, and his dreams of how they might one day
- [If Mango & Ginger Had A Baby? 🥭 + 🫚 = 👶](https://ethnopharm.com/if-mango-ginger-had-a-baby-🥭-🫚-👶/) - Mango Ginger (Curcuma amada) is type of ginger with pale-yellow flowers and an underground rhizome which closely resemble common ginger in appearance but lacks pungency and instead emit a distinctive raw mango aroma with a pale-white, creamy flesh. ➡️ Interestingly, it has also been confirmed to contain mangiferin! Mango Ginger is used in culinary and
- [Biodiversity over Carbon Markets? 🌿 📈](https://ethnopharm.com/biodiversity-over-carbon-markets-🌿-📈/) - Beto Borges looks beyond carbon and asks us to rethink how we value nature itself. He explains why he believes that payments for ecosystem services rooted in biodiversity, protecting forests, species, and the living systems that sustain us, may hold more long‑term value potential than carbon markets, which have already run into serious credibility and
- [Mind over Maitake 🧠 🍄‍🟫](https://ethnopharm.com/mind-over-maitake-🧠-🍄🟫/) - Maitake (aka.Hen of The Woods; Grifola frondosa) is an edible polypore mushroom characterized by its distinctive fan-shaped, overlapping gray-brown caps that grow in large, clustered shelf-like formations resembling the tail feathers of a hen. This fungus grows at the base of hardwood trees, particularly oaks and maples, and can reach impressive sizes of up to
- [Discovery Spotlight: The Ghost Palm of Borneo 🌴 👻](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-the-ghost-palm-of-borneo-🌴-👻/) - Recently, botanists described Plectocomiopsis hantu, a rare and unusual palm from the forests of Borneo. This newly named climbing palm from western Borneo whose ghostly appearance and deep cultural roots make it especially striking. Its grey stems and pale leaf undersides give it an eerie, spectral look that inspired its epithet “hantu,” meaning “ghost” in
- [Cranberry Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/cranberry-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with: ❤️ Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) a fruit that is rich in organic acids, anthocyanins, flavonols, and especially A‑type proanthocyanidins (PACs). Traditionally used as food and
- [Some mentors never really stop teaching 🎓 💚 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/some-mentors-never-really-stop-teaching-🎓-💚-🌿/) - Reconnected with two of my favorite Cal Poly California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo professors: Dave Keeling (inorganic chemistry) and Jan Simek (organic chemistry), years after moving back to San Luis Obispo (SLO). 🦋 No more chemistry labs for them, but just as much curiosity: one deep in birding, the other helping restore monarch populations.
- [Invasion on Indigenous Lands!‼️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/invasion-on-indigenous-lands‼️-🌿/) - Indigenous territories across the Amazon are not just rich in biodiversity and traditional knowledge, ➡️ they’re also on the front lines of a dangerous resource rush. In this clip, from the upcoming Explorer's Way Episode, Beto Borges shares how powerful interests in oil, gold, timber, and other resources have pushed deeper into Indigenous lands without
- [Celebrating Milestones Together](https://ethnopharm.com/celebrating-milestones-together/) - Working together with powerful women healers in San Luis Obispo is the kind of medicine the world needs more of.💚🌿✨Lindsey Faucette, DO, FAAFP Salena Garcia Elizabeth Cartozian Megan burkett Jocelyn Lassiter www.slohealthcenter.com
- [Akarkara: The Tingling Tonic ⚡](https://ethnopharm.com/akarkara-the-tingling-tonic-⚡/) - Akarkara (aka. Spanish Chamomile; Anacyclus pyrethrum) is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial with finely divided, fern‑like leaves and daisy‑like flowers. It grows from a thick, woody, pungent taproot that is the primary medicinal part and gives a sharp, tingling, sialagogue effect when chewed. The roots are traded as a pungent spice or adjunct in some regional
- [Indigenous People = Guardians of Biodiversity 🌲 🌴 🛡️](https://ethnopharm.com/indigenous-people-guardians-of-biodiversity-🌲-🌴-🛡️/) - Indigenous peoples aren’t a romantic idea from the past; they are living communities who hold rights, knowledge, and a profound relationship with the lands that keep our planet alive.They are the true Guardians of Biodiversity, caring for forests, waters, and ecosystems that regulate our climate, feed us, and supply the plants behind so many natural
- [The Heart & Spirit Tea ❤️ ✨ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-heart-spirit-tea-❤️-✨-🌿/) - Rafuma (aka. Luobuma; Apocynum venetum) is a perennial shrub in the Apocynaceae native to the broad temperate belt from Eastern Europe across Asia. It spreads via rhizomes and forms dense stands in sandy riverbanks and plains, and adapts to extreme conditions with surface salinity up to 20%, making it valuable to transformation of barren lands
- [Botanical OG Meet Up!](https://ethnopharm.com/botanical-og-meet-up/) - Walking the High Hand Nursery with an of the OGs of the botanical world, Lauren Clardy 🌿Few people have witnessed, and shaped, the evolution of this industry from early on.A lot of what exists today traces back to people who were doing the work long before it was visible, or valued…. but they carry the
- [Discovery Spotlight: If Banana and Guava Had A Baby?](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-if-banana-and-guava-had-a-baby/) - On Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, botanists discovered Eugenia venteri, an 18-meter-tall tree with unusual whip-like stems that run along the trunk and ground, bearing small white flowers and fruit close to the forest floor. Its nearly spherical, ridged fruit reportedly tastes like a mix of banana, guava, and eucalyptus, and the species may have
- [Maca Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/maca-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with:🏔️ 🌿 Maca(Lepidium meyenii): a high-Andean food plant and adaptogen ingredient, whose rapid rise in demand and sharp price swings have made it vulnerable to
- [Got Raw Material Overage?](https://ethnopharm.com/got-raw-material-overage/) - If you have a botanical business and have raw material overage to donate or would like to explore sponsorship opportunities, we can use it at the Berkeley Herbal Center | Education & Clinic... we will put it to good use! Reach out to me! As a wonderful example: The Nammex: Organic Mushroom Extracts team recently
- [The Power of Herbalism 💪 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-power-of-herbalism-💪-🌿/) - Standing in front of this wall of herbs, it is hard not to feel the power of herbalism at the Berkeley Herbal Center | Education & Clinic.These jars represent centuries of relationship between people and plants.The World Health Organization estimates that about 80% of the world’s population still relies on herbal or traditional medicines as
- [A Visit to The Berkeley Herbal Center...](https://ethnopharm.com/a-visit-to-the-berkeley-herbal-center/) - I stopped by Berkeley Herbal Center | Education & Clinic today and thought I’d bring you along for a little tour:From the public retail space at the front door to the apothecary, medicine-making room, classroom, herbal consultation rooms, and treatment spaces, this place is built around community-based Western herbalism and clinical training…And Abby is at
- [Breath & Belly- The Digestive with Respiratory Benefits 🌿 🌬](https://ethnopharm.com/breath-belly-the-digestive-with-respiratory-benefits-🌿-🌬/) - Ajwain (aka. carom; Trachyspermum ammi), thought to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean region, likely around Egypt and the Near East, and then spread into Persia and the Indian subcontinent, is an erect, aromatic annual with feathery leaves and small, white umbels that set tiny “seeds.” The seeds are strongly scented due to high thymol
- [The Headache Tree ⚡ 🧠 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-headache-tree-⚡-🧠-🌿/) - The Headache Tree (aka. Agnimantha, Arni; Premna integrifolia) is a woody shrub or small tree in the Lamiaceae family, with opposite to whorled leaves and small greenish‑white, often ill‑scented flowers. It is native of the tropical and subtropical areas of India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and surrounding islands. The stems have been historically used during
- [High Quality Product = High Quality Starting Material 🌲 ✨](https://ethnopharm.com/high-quality-product-high-quality-starting-material-🌲-✨/) - ➡️ In the herbal world, we all nod our heads at one core principle: you can’t make a truly high‑quality product from low‑quality starting material. That’s just as true for sophisticated extracts as it is for simple teas.What I love about this French Maritime Pine Bark story is that yannick piriou's team took that principle
- [Discovery Spotlight: The Black-Souled Orchid](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-the-black-souled-orchid/) - One of Kew’s recent discoveries was a remarkably distinctive orchid from South America with dark heartwood; thus, named 'Black Soul'. Aphelandra almanegra is related to the widely cultivated Brazilian Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa); however, this one is from Colombia. New species like this help scientists better understand those relationships while also spotlighting the urgency of
- [Ashwagandha Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/ashwagandha-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with:🌿 Ashwagandha: one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda and a fast-growing supplement ingredient that has become vulnerable to economic adulteration when undeclared​ leaves, stems,
- [What if Solving Adulteration Can Lead to Innovation? 🤔 💡 🌿 📈](https://ethnopharm.com/what-if-solving-adulteration-can-lead-to-innovation-🤔-💡-🌿-📈/) - We often focus on the extraction step as the “technology,” but for yannick piriou and his team, the real breakthrough started earlier: by tackling purification and adulteration at the raw material level. In the case of “French Maritime Pine Bark,” what’s sold on the market may not actually match the name on the label. ⚠️
- [Mark Your Calendar for The Future Nutra Innovation Summit in September! ✅ 🗓️ 💚 🤸‍♂️](https://ethnopharm.com/mark-your-calendar-for-the-future-nutra-innovation-summit-in-september-✅-🗓️-💚-🤸♂️-2/) - ➡️ From the 9th to 11th of September, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (near Houston), we’re bringing together brands, ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technical leaders who are actively building what’s next in supplements, functional foods, and nutrition.FNIS is produced by the Future Nutra Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is designed as an
- [Wild Yams, Wild Hormones: Dioscorea nipponica, a Backbone of Modern Steroid Drugs 🌿 💊](https://ethnopharm.com/wild-yams-wild-hormones-dioscorea-nipponica-a-backbone-of-modern-steroid-drugs-🌿-💊/) - Fan-Leaf Mountain Yam (Dioscorea nipponica) is an East-Asian perennial twining wild yam that can reach about 5 m. Its horizontal, woody rhizome is rich in steroidal saponins such as dioscin and diosgenin. ➡️ The Fan-Leaf Mountain Yam has multiple economic uses centered on its rich steroidal saponin content: the rhizome is an important industrial raw
- [Clean Label Processes can Reimagine Traditional Ingredients- 💚 🌲 💡 🌊](https://ethnopharm.com/clean-label-processes-can-reimagine-traditional-ingredients-💚-🌲-💡-🌊/) - Most people judge herbal products by what is on the label, but almost nobody asks how those ingredients were actually made.In extraction, the choice of solvent is everything. Ethanol, ethyl acetate, and other organic solvents are common in the industry. They can be effective, but they come with baggage: flammability and worker‑safety risks during manufacturing,
- [Discovery Spotlight: A Plant That Lives by Fungi Alone](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-a-plant-that-lives-by-fungi-alone/) - Among recent plant discoveries was a newly recognized plant lineage that lacks photosynthesis and depends entirely on fungi for nutrition. This new plant family, Afrothismiaceae, is made up of rare African forest plants that fully depend on fungi for nutrition instead of photosynthesis. These leafless plants are so unusual that they only emerge above ground
- [New Explorer's Way Video Out- Yannick Piriou: Clean Label Processes & The French Maritime Pine Bark Example](https://ethnopharm.com/new-explorers-way-video-out-yannick-piriou-clean-label-processes-the-french-maritime-pine-bark-example/) - When we say “clean label” in the herbal world, we often reduce it to what’s not in the formula: no artificial colors, no fillers, no mystery ingredients. ➡️ But there’s a much deeper layer that rarely gets talked about: how those ingredients are made. That’s exactly what this new Explorer’s Way episode dives into. French
- [ICSB on Ashwagandha Safety: The Evidence in the Room ⁉️🌿✅](https://ethnopharm.com/icsb-on-ashwagandha-safety-the-evidence-in-the-room-⁉️🌿✅/) - There are moments of profound convergence that remind you why gatherings like ICSB matter.This conference uniquely brings together researchers, industry leaders, and regulators, creating space not just for discussion, but for real-time alignment on complex challenges.One such challenge that has been increasingly surfacing is the questioned safety of Ashwagandha, particularly the use of its leaves.
- [Arnica montana Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/arnica-montana-common-adulterants/) - This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), continuing today with:➡️🌼Arnica montana: a widely used topical botanical in creams, gels, ointments, tinctures, massage oils, and cosmetic products that has long been vulnerable to substitution with
- [How Do People Get These Ideas?! 😣 🌿 🤦‍♀️](https://ethnopharm.com/how-do-people-get-these-ideas-😣-🌿-🤦♀️/) - There’s a part of Stefan that secretly wants to be an investigative journalist...In this clip taken from our conversation making the latest Explorer's Way video podcast, Stefan Gafner talks about his curiosity to walk into factories and ask, “How did you even come up with this adulteration idea?”Often the inspiration is purely economic (cutting corners
- [Rising Up Together ✅💚🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/rising-up-together-✅💚🌿/) - Some striking statistics were shared by Mark Blumenthal of the American Botanical Council and Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program at this week’s ICSB conference:➡️Many of the most popular herbs are subject to adulteration.It’s a sobering reminder that as this industry grows, so does the responsibility to ensure quality, authenticity, and trust.In many ways, it’s exactly this
- [ICSB Wrapping Up & Reflection ✅🧪🌿💚🌎](https://ethnopharm.com/icsb-wrapping-up-reflection-✅🧪🌿💚🌎/) - One uncomfortable truth keeps surfacing: as an industry, we still invest far more in marketing than we do in science.And yet, the future of this field won’t be shaped by better branding…it will be defined by more rigorous commitment to understanding the organisms & environments we work with.Imagine what would be possible if we collectively
- [Day 4 at ICSB—Meeting the Complexity of Plants](https://ethnopharm.com/day-4-at-icsb-meeting-the-complexity-of-plants/) - What continues to stand out is how naturally systems thinking & complexity science is converging with the way many of us have long understood plant medicine: not as single compounds acting on single targets, but as dynamic, multi-layered systems interacting across levels.As an example, Olaf Kelber at Bayer Consumer Health, spoke on natural products as
- [The ICSB is in Full Swing 🤓🫶💚🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-icsb-is-in-full-swing-🤓🫶💚🌿/) - ICSB is one of the few conferences that truly brings both sides of the conversation into the same room: scientists and regulators That dynamic creates a level of dialogue you just don’t see elsewhere.Day one is already in full swing, with a fascinating range of perspectives, including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of
- [Some Networks Are Built to Last… Oxford ICSB 2026💚🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/some-networks-are-built-to-last-oxford-icsb-2026💚🌿/) - Stefan Gafner James Kababick Trish Flaster Nilufer Orhan Mark Blumenthal Cécile Bascoul, Ph.D.
- [Day 2 ICSB Hot Topic-](https://ethnopharm.com/day-2-icsb-hot-topic/) - One of the hot topics on day two of ICSB: functional mushrooms; and more specifically, the need for proper reference materials for authentication.As the category continues to scale, it’s running into challenges that feel very familiar to anyone working with botanicals: variability in raw materials, differences between fruiting body and mycelium, and the lack of
- [Day 3 at ICSB: Vouching for Quality on Earth Day 💚🌿🌎](https://ethnopharm.com/day-3-at-icsb-vouching-for-quality-on-earth-day-💚🌿🌎/) - The voucher specimen: a pressed plant, carefully preserved and archived, serving as a permanent reference point for identity.In an age of advanced analytics and high-throughput data, it’s easy to overlook just how foundational this practice is.Nick Batora , from LeafWorks Inc., Reminds us in his talk, entitled “Canndor Herbarium: A Comprehensive Cannabis Resource for Identity,
- [Guess who I nerded around with this week?](https://ethnopharm.com/guess-who-i-nerded-around-with-this-week/) - This week I was lucky to have attended the ICSB conference surrounded by some of the brightest botanical brains: including Stefan Gafner, of the American Botanical Council, who’s gave a talk titled, “Fifteen Years of the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program : What Have We Learned?”.In this teaser from our latest Explorer’s Way Episode, Stefan
- [On the way to ICSB!](https://ethnopharm.com/on-the-way-to-icsb/) - On my way to the 24th Annual International Conference on the Science of Botanicals (ICSB)...looking forward to a week of botanical science and reconnecting with colleagues across the field.Stay Tuned as I'll be sharing insights, observations, and a few behind-the-scenes moments along the way...
- [Aloe Vera Common Adulterants-](https://ethnopharm.com/aloe-vera-common-adulterants/) - Adulteration is the practice of substituting, diluting, or otherwise manipulating a botanical ingredient so that what’s sold is not what the label implies: whether that’s the wrong species, the wrong plant part, or undeclared colorants, synthetic pharmaceuticals, or low cost fillers that make the consumer believe into purchasing a product of better quality than what
- [The False Daisy for Good Hair 🌻 😃](https://ethnopharm.com/the-false-daisy-for-good-hair-🌻-😃/) - The False Daisy (aka. Bhringaraj; Eclipta prostrata) is a small perennial herb in the Asteraceae family originally from the Americas but now found widespread globally bearing small white flower heads. It typically occupies wet, muddy habitats such as marsh edges, lake shores, and riverbanks in warm temperate to tropical regions. The young aerial parts and
- [Mark Your Calendar for The Future Nutra Innovation Summit in September! ✅ 🗓️ 💚 🤸‍♂️](https://ethnopharm.com/mark-your-calendar-for-the-future-nutra-innovation-summit-in-september-✅-🗓️-💚-🤸♂️/) - 🎉 Today we’re officially announcing the Future Nutra Innovation Summit (FNIS): the natural products industry’s conference built entirely around innovation. From the 9th to 11th of September, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Conroe (near Houston), we’re bringing together brands, ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technical leaders who are actively building what’s next in supplements,
- [Fighting Adulteration, One Herb at a Time with Stefan Gafner 🧪 🌿 📊](https://ethnopharm.com/fighting-adulteration-one-herb-at-a-time-with-stefan-gafner-🧪-🌿-📊/) - In this new Explorer’s Way episode, I sit down with Stefan Gafner, Chief Science Officer at the American Botanical Council and a key leader in the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP). We explore how his path through pharmacy, natural products chemistry, and years in industry led him to focus on botanical adulteration…and why making sure
- [The Dark Arts of Adulteration 🪄 🕶️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-dark-arts-of-adulteration-🪄-🕶️-🌿/) - In this new Explorer's Way Episode we dive into the dark arts of adulteration. Stefan Gafner walks us through some of the most nefarious...and admittedly clever...tricks bad actors use to doctor botanical products, from spiking and dilution to sophisticated lab‑dodging tactics. Stefan's work with the Botanical Adulteration Prevention Program (BAPP) at the American Botanical Council
- [Discovery Spotlight: New Zombie Fungus 🧟 🍄](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-new-zombie-fungus-🧟-🍄/) - In 2025, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew highlighted a remarkable new fungus from Brazil that parasitizes trapdoor spiders, earning it a nickname “zombie fungus.”Its life cycle is as dramatic as it is unusual, revealing just how specialized and inventive fungal relationships can be in nature.Finds like this help scientists better understand ecological balance, host-parasite dynamics, and
- [Rewild Your Tonic 💚 🌿 🥃](https://ethnopharm.com/rewild-your-tonic-💚-🌿-🥃/) - Tonic water has its roots in the tropics, where British colonials mixed bitter quinine from cinchona bark into water as a way to ward off malaria. Over time, they began cutting the intense bitterness with sugar and citrus, then married it with gin to create the first gin and tonics...a functional medicine hack turned classic
- [Zombification 101: The Moment Stefan Chose Natural Products Chemistry 🧟 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/zombification-101-the-moment-stefan-chose-natural-products-chemistry-🧟-🌿/) - Long before Stefan Gafner was leading the charge on adulteration, he was a pharmacy student sitting in a ski‑week lecture, spellbound by a story about zombification in Haiti. ⛷️Hearing about Wade Davis’ research (how plants and animal toxins could bring someone to a state that looked like death) lit up his curiosity for natural products
- [New to the Natural Products Industry? ...Check out my Onboarding module!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-to-the-natural-products-industry-check-out-my-onboarding-module/) - There are so many topics and language that are completely novel to this industry, and that is where SupplySide Fresh Comes in... I'm proud to be an industry expert for SupplySide Fresh and their Sustainability module. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gn8NBGxk SupplySide Fresh Food & Beverage is an industry onboarding program for new hires and newcomers to
- ["Losing Nature's Medicine": Kerry Interviewed in Newly Released Podcast](https://ethnopharm.com/losing-natures-medicine-kerry-interviewed-in-newly-released-podcast/) - Kerry Hughes of Ethnopharm was interviewed for the newly released Podcast, entitled "Losing Nature's Medicine" on the Wellness 3.0 Unlocked Podcast by Beth Rozier. In this podcast interview, Kerry and Beth discuss a full range of topics that Biodiversity and systems thinking touches including Functional Medicine, Regenerative Agriculture and Kerry's quest to bring new plants
- [The Future Nutra Foundation Launches New Nonprofit Initiative to Elevate Supplement Quality, Releases First Electrolyte Product Test Results 🥛 🏃 🚀](https://ethnopharm.com/the-future-nutra-foundation-launches-new-nonprofit-initiative-to-elevate-supplement-quality-releases-first-electrolyte-product-test-results-🥛-🏃-🚀/) - Today we’re officially launching the Future Nutra Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to help raise the bar on quality and transparency in the natural products industry.Our first initiative: independent, third‑party testing of electrolyte products purchased off the shelf and measured against their label claims. The full results are now live and freely available to
- [Nerding out with our friends 😄 🤓 💚 🌿 📖](https://ethnopharm.com/nerding-out-with-our-friends-😄-🤓-💚-🌿-📖/) - Some of the best parts of this work aren’t the plants at all...they’re the people.In this teaser, Stefan Gafner of the American Botanical Council shares how one of his favorite things about his job is getting to collaborate with the unusually kind, passionate, and brilliant humans who make up the natural products industry world.And of
- [Tilo: From Calm Tea to Sacred Smoke 🌿 ☕ ☁️ ✨](https://ethnopharm.com/tilo-from-calm-tea-to-sacred-smoke-🌿-☕-☁️-✨/) - Tilo (aka. Piri Piri; Justicia pectoralis) is a low, aromatic herb from tropical America in the Acanthaceae, with small leaves rich in coumarin and umbelliferone that give it a sweet “vanilla‑hay” scent.It bears small tubular flowers and is frequently dried and sold as “Tilo” or “Carpenter’s Bush” in Latin American markets for household remedies and
- [Discovery Spotlight: First New Plant Genus Found in a U.S. National Park in Nearly 50 Years! 👹 🌻](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-first-new-plant-genus-found-in-a-u-s-national-park-in-nearly-50-years-👹-🌻/) - Scientists described Ovicula biradiata, nicknamed the “Woolly Devil,” a remarkable new genus and species discovered in Big Bend National Park, Texas.This tiny wildflower belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae), but stands apart for its dense coat of white woolly hairs, striking red petals, and horn-like flower tips.Adapted to desert heat, Ovicula survives on rain windows,
- [10 Top Natural Carotenoid Sources 🧡 🐰 🥕](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-natural-carotenoid-sources-🧡-🐰-🥕/) - The Easter bunny was onto something...while the rest of us were distracted by chocolate eggs, that long-eared trendsetter went straight for one of the richest carotenoid sources on the planet: carrots.The bright orange pigments that give carrots (and so many other plants) their color are carotenoids: fat-soluble compounds that the body can convert into vitamin
- [The Regenerative Journey 🚜 🛣️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-regenerative-journey-🚜-🛣️-🌿/) - We talk a lot about “regenerative agriculture” as if it were just a checklist, but on the ground it’s a journey...and it looks different on every single farm. In this clip, I share why having a certifier who actually walks that journey with farmers is so important: not to just police them, but to document
- [Quinine, Elderberry & Good Company 🫐 🌿 🍷](https://ethnopharm.com/quinine-elderberry-good-company-🫐-🌿-🍷/) - One of my recent Joys have been gathering with a group of “Maker” friends...this is the kind of crew that greets you at the door with a glass of multi-fractional extracted Elderberry with a touch of vodka 😁 (A special recipe by Mary Andrews, GISP).Today’s lineup of herbs and spices tells a story of botanical
- [Stefan Gafner- New Episode of Explorer's Way Coming Soon!](https://ethnopharm.com/stefan-gafner-new-episode-of-explorers-way-coming-soon/) - Stefan Gafner has come to us from the sky to help us combat adulteration in botanical products.Adulteration in botanicals isn’t just a technical problem...it’s personal for Stefan.Stefan is the CSO for the American Botanical Council. In this Episode, you’ll hear why one of his core goals is that adulteration simply disappears from our industry, so
- [Discovery Spotlight: The Fishy Fungi 🍄‍🐟](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-the-fishy-fungi-🍄🐟/) - Recently, scientists gave the fungal world a little more personality by describing three new Russula species: Russula lapponica, R. neopascua, and R. olympiana...all part of the group of mushrooms sometimes known for a distinctly fishy scent.It’s a reminder that mushrooms don’t just come in earthy and elegant; sometimes they arrive with a fragrance that’s a
- [From Noise to Niche: Thriving in an Interest Media Ecosystem💚 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/from-noise-to-niche-thriving-in-an-interest-media-ecosystem💚-🌿/) - Haven't You Heard?Social Media is Dead....Now is the time of the Interest Media! 💚 🌿 Read the full article here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kerry-hughes-941353_havent-you-heard-social-media-is-dead-activity-7445471775469023232-w_be?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAANEoEBzLdbgS9fjLoyZvrkZbXD8Nj5SFM
- [Announcing: Ultra-Processed Silver-Bullet Plants! ⚙️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/announcing-ultra-processed-silver-bullet-plants-⚙️-🌿/) - After years of celebrating biodiversity, wild ecosystems, bioactives and bitters… I’ve decided it’s time to simplify.I’m pivoting to a new line of ultra-processed, single-molecule “plants” in a bottle: no fiber, no secondary metabolites, no terroir, and definitely no pesky biodiversity to confuse the data.Obviously, April Fools!The magic of botanicals is the complexity, the ecological context,
- [New Explorer's Way Episode Published- Paul Eftang: Testosterone & Botanical Male Hormone Support ♂️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/new-explorers-way-episode-published-paul-eftang-testosterone-botanical-male-hormone-support-♂️-🌿/) - The default answer men are often getting when they walk into a clinic asking to feel better is a prescription pad and a story that their body is “broken” and needs to be replaced, not supported.In this episode of The Explorer’s Way, we sit down with Paul Eftang to unpack a different path: how targeted
- [Botanizing Doesn't Stop at the Shoreline! 🌿 🌊](https://ethnopharm.com/botanizing-doesnt-stop-at-the-shoreline-🌿-🌊/) - One of my favorite things about the Pacific coast is the diversity of kelp both found in the tidal zone and in the deeper zones in the form of giant underwater forests. 🌲 🫠Turkish Towel (Chondracanthus spp.) seaweed is fun and easy to identify. Thick, rubbery, and dimpled like textured cloth, it feels almost handmade
- [Testosterone, Botanicals & Quality ♂️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/testosterone-botanicals-quality-♂️-🌿/) - Testosterone boosters that promise the world from a gas station counter don’t exactly scream “science‑backed.”For a long time, Paul Eftang threw them all in the same bucket: he was convinced every natural testosterone supplement was fake, just slick marketing wrapped around adulterated ingredients.In this teaser, you’ll hear how digging into the actual research (and real‑world
- [Kitchen Color Lab- Experiment with Botanical Dyes for Easter Eggs 💚 💙 💛 ❤️ 💜 🧡 🥚](https://ethnopharm.com/kitchen-color-lab-experiment-with-botanical-dyes-for-easter-eggs-💚-💙-💛-❤️-💜-🧡-🥚/) - This year, instead of reaching for synthetic dyes, try turning your kitchen and garden into a natural color lab for Easter eggs.From onion skins and red cabbage to turmeric and hibiscus, many everyday plants can create beautiful, earthy hues...and you can push the palette even further by experimenting with ingredients like cayenne pepper, chili powder,
- [A Reversal in Nutrition & Now We Suffer 🌽 🍭 😣](https://ethnopharm.com/a-reversal-in-nutrition-now-we-suffer-🌽-🍭-😣/) - We turned one of humanity’s staple whole nutritious foods into dessert...and then into ultra‑processed junk.In this Podcast Episode, I unpack how corn has undergone a complete nutritional reversal: from a nutrient‑dense whole food to something closer to candy, and now to ultra‑processed ingredients that quietly dominate our plates.This teaser is a glimpse into how that
- [Is TRT Making Men Think They are Broken?](https://ethnopharm.com/is-trt-making-men-think-they-are-broken/) - Imagine being told your body is basically broken: that you can’t make testosterone anymore and need a drug to replace it. 💉 🏃➡️ That’s the message a lot of men are quietly absorbing from the current testosterone replacement boom.In this teaser, Paul Eftang breaks down how that narrative makes men feel fundamentally broken, and why
- [The Thimbleberry: Trailside Treat & Traditional Tonic 🌲 🍓](https://ethnopharm.com/the-thimbleberry-trailside-treat-traditional-tonic-🌲-🍓/) - The Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is a non-spiny, thicket-forming deciduous shrub with rhizomatous growth, bearing large, velvety, palmately lobed leaves resembling shallowly cut maple leaves and raspberry-like fruits in mid-summer.It is native to forest openings, margins, and thickets across western and northern North America.The Thimbleberry plant has multiple uses: the soft, broad leaves have been used
- [The Mystical Blue Lotus 🪷 💙](https://ethnopharm.com/the-mystical-blue-lotus-🪷-💙/) - The Blue Lotus (aka. Blue Egyptian Lotus; Nymphaea caerulea) is a tropical aquatic water lily with striking blue flowers that open in daylight and close at night. It has a long association with ancient Egyptian art and ritual, where it was valued for its symbolic, mystical and sensory qualities. It is native to freshwater habitats
- [Aguaje: The Amazon’s Golden Palm 🌴 🌟](https://ethnopharm.com/aguaje-the-amazons-golden-palm-🌴-🌟/) - Aguaje (aka. Buriti; Mauritia flexuosa) is a tall, solitary palm with a spiny, ringed trunk that can exceed 30 m and bears dense crowns of large, pinnate leaves over seasonally flooded soils.Its ovoid, scaly, reddish-brown fruits contain a carotenoid- and lipid-rich mesocarp surrounding a hard seed, making it a highly nutritious Amazonian fruit resource.➡️ Aguaje
- [Maca from China is NOT the Same! 😳 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/maca-from-china-is-not-the-same-😳-🌿/) - Most people think Maca is just Maca… but what if the story behind that root is way more controversial than anyone is talking about?In this episode, Paul Eftang reveals how Chinese “seed spies” took Peruvian Maca back to China, launched large‑scale cultivation...and quietly flooded the global market.➡️ The twist? When his lab tested those Chinese
- [Noot Drinks Featured on Cool Hunting!](https://ethnopharm.com/noot-drinks-featured-on-cool-hunting/) - Delighted to see our Noot Drinks Co featured on COOL HUNTING, a publication that has helped define what’s culturally relevant and “cool” for over two decades. 🫶 😎 🍷
- [New Episode of the Explorer's Way on Testosterone and Botanical Hormone Support for Men Dropping 31st of March!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-episode-of-the-explorers-way-on-testosterone-and-botanical-hormone-support-for-men-dropping-31st-of-march/) - Paul Eftang Discusses Testosterone Replacement vs. Support from Botanicals...➡️ New Episode of Explorer's Way dropping here the 31st of March!Before someone goes on testosterone replacement, they should probably know what your actual numbers look like. In this teaser, Paul Eftang explains about the importance of testosterone and why every man needs a hormone assessment before
- [Discovery Spotlight: From Frying Pan to New Plant Family](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-from-frying-pan-to-new-plant-family/) - In an botanical breakthrough, researchers described Tiganophyton karasense: a bizarre dwarf shrub found growing in the scalding salt pans of southern Namibia.The plant’s scaly leaves and unique morphology stumped botanists; DNA analysis later placed it within the cabbage order (Brassicales), but outside all known families, prompting the creation of a whole new family: Tiganophytaceae.The name
- [10 Cornerstone Wine Varietals 🍇 🍷](https://ethnopharm.com/10-cornerstone-wine-varietals-🍇-🍷/) - Wine people love to argue about “favorites,” but behind every great glass is a simple reality: varietal and origin do the heavy lifting. The same grape grown on different soils, under different skies, can taste like a completely different wine...and that sense of place is exactly what turns a drink into a story. That combination
- [Herbal Medicine = Gather, Remember & Reconnect 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-medicine-gather-remember-reconnect-🌿/) - Sitting under the redwoods yesterday at Strawberry Park outside the Berkeley Herbal Center with Founder & Herbalist Pam Fischer and Lucy Lewis, Board Member of the Society for Indigenous and Ancestral Healing and Former Board President of the Berkeley Herbal Center | Education & Clinic.Grateful to be surrounded by women who have cultivated this lineage
- [Bitter Taste Regulates GLP-1 Hormone 🔹🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/bitter-taste-regulates-glp-1-hormone-🔹🌿/) - We bred bitter out of our plates… and now we’re renting our metabolism back from pharma 💉 🌿For most of human history, bitter plants were daily companions: lighting up our taste buds, waking up digestion, and helping regulate blood sugar and appetite.Today, those bitter flavors have been systematically bred out of our food supply in
- [Arrayán: Patagonian Superfruit 💪 🫐](https://ethnopharm.com/arrayan-patagonian-superfruit-💪-🫐/) - Arrayán is an evergreen tree native to temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina. It has smooth cinnamon‑colored, peeling bark and small, glossy leaves that release an aromatic scent when crushed. It produces abundant white, myrtle‑like flowers followed by small, dark purple berries known as Arrayán, which are wildlife and human foods.Arrayán has multiple use:
- [Trish Flaster: The Importance of Classical Botany in Assuring Quality ✅ 🌿🌟 New Episode of The Explorer's Way! 🌟](https://ethnopharm.com/trish-flaster-the-importance-of-classical-botany-in-assuring-quality-✅-🌿🌟-new-episode-of-the-explorers-way-🌟/) - Watch here (link below) the Explorer’s Way episode with Trish Flaster, one of the architects of botanical quality in our industry.In this conversation, Trish traces the arc from her early days at Celestial Seasonings to co‑founding American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)’s Botanical Raw Materials Committee, and shows how this kind of industry discussion is what
- [Black Hoof Mushroom](https://ethnopharm.com/black-hoof-mushroom/) - Black Hoof Mushroom (Tropicoporus linteus, syn. Phellinus linteus) is a tropical perennial, woody, horseshoe-shaped medicinal mushroom in the Hymenochaetaceae family, with a dark brown to black pileal surface and rusty brown pores. It grows as a wood-decay fungus primarily on mulberry (Morus alba), oak (Quercus), poplar (Populus), and other hardwood trees.➡️This bitter-tasting mushroom has some
- [10 Top Botanicals for Circadian Rhythm Support-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-botanicals-for-circadian-rhythm-support/) - Your circadian rhythm isn’t just about sleep; it’s the master timing system that tells every cell in your body when to do its job.When this 24‑hour clock is in sync, hormones pulse in rhythm, metabolism hums, detox and repair peak at night, and you actually wake up feeling like a human instead of an Expo
- [The Basis = Classical Botany ✅ 💚 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-basis-classical-botany-✅-💚-🌿/) - For decades, classical botany has quietly held up everything we do with medicinal plants...and Trish Flaster is watching that foundation erode.➡️ In this teaser from our Explorer’s Way Episode, she talks about how funding cuts to herbaria and the de‑emphasis of traditional botany are undermining our ability to even know what plant we’re working with.While
- [How Ethnobotany & Biodiversity Are Shaping the Future of Human Health](https://ethnopharm.com/4359-2/) - If you missed the live stream, you can now catch it on YouTube on demand. This episode explores how ethnobotany, ancestral plant knowledge, and biodiversity-centered sourcing are redefining modern wellness. Kerry Hughes shares how plants—when respected as both medicine and ecosystem—can support human health while protecting the planet. Brian and Kerry unpack how innovation, ethical
- [🌟 Join me Live this Friday! 🌟](https://ethnopharm.com/🌟-join-me-live-this-friday-🌟/) - This Friday, I will be talking about Ethnobotany & Biodiversity and how they are Shaping the Future of Human Health...Follow the link below for signing up 👇 https://www.linkedin.com/events/howethnobotany-biodiversityares7416878301178208256/theater
- [The Intellect Tree 🌟](https://ethnopharm.com/the-intellect-tree-🌟/) - The Intellect Tree (aka. Jyotishmati; Celastrus paniculatus) is a woody climbing shrub in the Celastraceae family from Asia, bearing small yellowish flowers and globose capsules containing bright red arils around dark seeds.➡️This is a plant with a long traditional use for improving cognitive performance; thus its common name. What is also striking is the rapidity
- ["…It's Just Basic Manners!"](https://ethnopharm.com/its-just-basic-manners/) - If you care about wild plants, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Herbal Insight Award Winner, Trish Flaster thinks your ethics have to match your enthusiasm (or at least your commercial interest).In this teaser from our Explorer’s Way podcast conversation, she talks about what true sustainability looks like on the ground...not as a buzzword, but as
- [Genius in Action-](https://ethnopharm.com/genius-in-action/) - Have you ever considered controlling for quality and efficacy by harmonizing signals at the accession level? Nutreco Exploration has. In this teaser clip, rockstar scientist David Bravo offers a glimpse into how his team is capturing what we call “Plant Genius”.
- [My 15 Top Expo West Trends & Favs-](https://ethnopharm.com/my-15-top-expo-west-trends-favs/) - I’ve been walking the Natural Products Expo floor for 30 years now (I'm embarrassed to admit), long enough to feel when the energy of the show really shifts. ➡️ What used to be an ecosystem built primarily around retailers now has a new center of gravity: influencers and content creators. The aisles were full of
- [Trish Flaster- Recipient of AHPA Herbal Insight Award ⭐](https://ethnopharm.com/trish-flaster-recipient-of-ahpa-herbal-insight-award-⭐/) - Natural Products Expo has just wrapped up, and one of the most exciting moments was seeing Trish Flaster honored by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) with the Herbal Insight Award for her lifelong contribution to advancing how we understand and work with medicinal plants. In this teaser clip from the next Explorer’s Way Episode
- [Last Call to Experience the Functional Buzz…Visit Noot at Expo West!](https://ethnopharm.com/last-call-to-experience-the-functional-buzzvisit-noot-at-expo-west/) - It’s the final day to experience Noot Drinks Co at Natural Products Expo... and there’s still time to grab one (or several) from the fully stocked refrigerator at Booth #4900.Noot was created for a new and rapidly emerging category we call the “functional buzz”; bridging the gap between traditional wellness beverages and the drinking occasion.Each
- [ABC Celebration at Expo West](https://ethnopharm.com/abc-celebration-at-expo-west/) - Last night’s American Botanical Council Celebration was one for the books…and in a parallel universe, Mark Blumenthal and I apparently made the cover of HerbalGram!Mark authored the cover article entitled “I’m living proof that herbs make you smarter and sexier”, and I wrote the peace entitled: “The Great Adaptogen Arms Race: Cordyceps, Capitalism, and the
- [Wayne Copp- ED of AGW International Office](https://ethnopharm.com/wayne-copp-ed-of-agw-international-office/) - Another gem produced from the American Botanical Council Celebration… an imagined HerbalGram cover featuring yours truly and the incomparable Wayne Copp, Executive Director of the International Office of A Greener World (AGW).If you don’t yet know AGW, you should. It’s one of the only nonprofit certifiers that walks the talk of Regenerative Agriculture and Animal
- [Day 3- Regenerative Agriculture & MAHA’s Aha!](https://ethnopharm.com/day-3-regenerative-agriculture-mahas-aha/) - The morning began with the United Natural Products Alliance members meeting…always a grounding way to cut through the noise and overwhelm that comes with walking the Expo floor.Loren Israelsen , delivered clear-eyed insights into the regulatory and political winds shaping our industry. He highlighted industry impact of Trump’s recent Executive Order on glyphosate, which has
- [Day 2 – We Come Together-](https://ethnopharm.com/day-2-we-come-together/) - Having worked with herbs for decades, I’ve had the privilege of watching so many colleagues grow, evolve, and continue to shape this industry…Among those pictured: Paul (Paulo) Altaffer, a true botanical innovator whom I first met back in the 1990s when he pioneered Brazilian botanicals; Damian Silva of Peruvian Nature , trailblazer of the Peruvian
- [Day 1 – Climate Day: What an inspiring kickoff!](https://ethnopharm.com/day-1-climate-day-what-an-inspiring-kickoff/) - There’s no better way to begin Natural Products Expo than sharing a morning cuppa with my longtime friend and colleague, Trish Flaster …and then watching said friend honored with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Herbal Insight Award, alongside Bill Chioffi Chioffi, recipient of the Herbal Hero Award.The day has only got richer from there…diving
- [Let's Not End Up In a Post‑Certification World Where 'Nothing Means Anything'!](https://ethnopharm.com/lets-not-end-up-in-a-post-certification-world-where-nothing-means-anything/) - In a world where food labels can feel more confusing than clarifying, Emily Moose offers a grounded perspective on why certifications still matter.As the Executive Director of A Greener World, she’s spent years helping farmers and consumers navigate what’s real, what’s regulated, and what’s just marketing.In this coming Episode of The Explorer’s Way- Emily Moose:
- [Day 0 — Natural Products Expo Travel Day! 🌿✈️](https://ethnopharm.com/day-0-natural-products-expo-travel-day-🌿✈️/) - Somewhere above Mexico I was reminded of how interconnected our world is and how much movement it takes to bring this industry together each year. With so many global events unfolding and travel feeling a bit unpredictable lately (I even had to reroute plans in Mexico last week), I’m especially grateful to be en route
- [Ready for the Next Big Emergent Category? Noot Featured in Financial Review-](https://ethnopharm.com/ready-for-the-next-big-emergent-category-noot-featured-in-financial-review/) - As this article so clearly lays out, the “drinking occasion“ is set to become the next emergent category to deliver not only potential health benefits, but also an experiential feel.If you want to taste the best nonalcoholic functional cocktail & spirits out there, check out Noot Drinks Co . It has the taste of alcohol
- [Emily Moose: Beyond The Food Pyramid & How Meat Can Be Sustainable-New Explorer's Way Episode Published!](https://ethnopharm.com/emily-moose-beyond-the-food-pyramid-how-meat-can-be-sustainable-new-explorers-way-episode-published/) - The conversation around what we should eat has never been more polarized ...and the new food pyramid is a perfect example. With meat now featured prominently at the top, the debate has reignited over not just what foods we choose, but *how* they’re produced. Because the truth is, there's much more to this debate than
- [Key Herbal & Dietary Bitters-](https://ethnopharm.com/key-herbal-dietary-bitters/) - Most people today barely taste “bitter” anymore...and our physiology is built for it. ➡️ Bitter receptors line not only the tongue, but also the entire gastrointestinal tract, where they help regulate motility, digestive secretions, blood sugar, and appetite via hormones like CCK and GLP‑1. As dietary biodiversity has collapsed (fewer wild greens, spices, roots, and
- [New Episode Coming Tomorrow on Regenerative Agriculture-](https://ethnopharm.com/new-episode-coming-tomorrow-on-regenerative-agriculture/) - What does regeneration really look like on the ground?In the coming Episode of The Explorer's Way, Emily Moose shares how A Greener World's Regenerative Certification (Certified Regenerative by AGW) is reshaping the way we measure and support meaningful change.Instead of a one-size-fits-all checklist, their approach helps farmers design individualized plans for regeneration, setting measurable goals
- [Kerry Hughes Returns from Botanical-Focused Animal Nutrition Event in Mexico City-](https://ethnopharm.com/kerry-hughes-returns-from-botanical-focused-animal-nutrition-event-in-mexico-city/) - She Reports:"Still reeling from this week’s Trouw Nutrition FytoVision event in Mexico City- I’m used to my human health–focused natural products crowd, and this gathering opened up a whole new world: the market interest in botanicals from the lens of animal nutrition. There’s already a solid body of work on phytogenics, but the science developing
- [Loss of Biodiversity from Diet & Resulting Metabolic Dysfunction](https://ethnopharm.com/loss-of-biodiversity-from-diet-resulting-metabolic-dysfunction/) - I opened the Trouw Nutrition FytoVision Event by explaining how the loss of biodiversity and bitter compounds from our diets is quietly reshaping our physiology.As our food environment becomes more simplified and ultra-processed, we are removing layers of biochemical complexity that humans co-evolved with for millennia ...and our bodies are starting to show the consequences.At
- [Day 1 FytoVision- In the Garden of the Sky!](https://ethnopharm.com/day-1-fytovision-in-the-garden-of-the-sky/) - Such an absolute honor to open the Trouw Nutrition FytoVision event today with David Bravo.David mesmerized with the story of this groundbreaking science and incredible untapped potential for plants in his speech entitled Innovating with Life- Nutreco ’s Journey through The Kingdoms, Complexity and The Signals of Living Systems.I followed up with the human side
- [North America's Endangered Food Traditions-](https://ethnopharm.com/north-americas-endangered-food-traditions/) - As I will be pointing out at the Trouw Nutrition and Nutreco FytoVision event, we often think about biodiversity as something that exists “out there”: in forests, coral reefs, or wild ecosystems... Yet, one of the most critical frontiers for biodiversity is right in front of us: our food supply. Across North America, traditional crops,
- [🌿 Complexity Isn’t Complicated – Lessons from Botanical Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/🌿-complexity-isnt-complicated-lessons-from-botanical-medicine/) - One of the most beautiful truths about plants and the human body, is that both are complex, but not necessarily complicated.In botanical and functional medicine, we often see this play out:A single plant may influence multiple signaling pathways, gently nudging systems toward balance rather than forcing a singular outcome…modulating the system rather than overpowering biology
- [Black Ginger-](https://ethnopharm.com/black-ginger/) - Black Ginger (aka. Thai ginseng; Kaempferia parviflora) is an herbaceous plant from the Ginger family with purple‑fleshed rhizomes and a basal rosette of oblong leaves close to the ground.Its aromatic rhizomes are rich in polymethoxyflavones that give the cut tissue a characteristic dark violet to almost black appearance.It is native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand,
- [10 Top Botanicals for Metabolic Hormone Support-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-botanicals-for-metabolic-hormone-support/) - Metabolism is upstream of almost everything we’ve been talking about in this 'hot and heavy with hormones' series.➡️ When insulin, GLP‑1, leptin, adiponectin, and thyroid hormones are off, sex hormones rarely stay balanced for long...no matter how many estrogen or testosterone strategies we stack on top.Before we jump to GLP‑1 agonists or even bioidentical sex‑hormone
- [Beyond The Food Pyramid & How Meat Can Be Sustainable…New Episode of The Explorer's Way dropping soon!](https://ethnopharm.com/beyond-the-food-pyramid-how-meat-can-be-sustainablenew-episode-of-the-explorers-way-dropping-soon/) - The Food Pyramid debate is heating up...but it's asking the wrong question.Emily Moose from A Greener World breaks down why HOW we raise animals matters to our health.Spoiler: Regenerative meat production isn't just sustainable...it's part of the solution. 🌱🐄Full episode- "Emily Moose: Beyond The Food Pyramid & How Meat Can Be Sustainable" drops on March
- [Beautiful Medicine-](https://ethnopharm.com/beautiful-medicine/) - Chinese Peony (aka. White Peony; Paeonia lactiflora) is a herbaceous perennial with large, showy, often fragrant flowers and lobed, dark green leaves. Native to China and widely cultivated across East Asia, it has been used in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese traditional medicine and also grown for cut flowers and as a garden ornamental. It produces
- [Featured Speaker: David Bravo - A true master at the intersection of complexity science and botanicals!](https://ethnopharm.com/featured-speaker-david-bravo-a-true-master-at-the-intersection-of-complexity-science-and-botanicals/) - Leading up to FytoVision, I am so very excited to hear David Bravo speak - A true master at the intersection of complexity science and botanicals!As I’ve been sharing, I see the scientific inflection underway at Nutreco, Trouw Nutrition, and Skretting as opening an entirely new landscape of possibility for botanical science, transforming how we
- [A Brief History of Animal Nutrition:⚙️ 🌿 🐄 From Simple Solutions to Complexity Science-](https://ethnopharm.com/a-brief-history-of-animal-nutrition⚙️-🌿-🐄-from-simple-solutions-to-complexity-science/) - Complexity science is quietly changing the way we think about nutrition, health, and medicine, and botanicals are right at the center of that shift. For decades, we tried to understand plants the same way we formulated feed or drugs: one molecule, one mechanism, one predictable outcome. But biology has been telling us a different story
- [Desert Ginseng?](https://ethnopharm.com/desert-ginseng/) - Cistanche tubulosa, also called Desert Ginseng, is a holoparasitic desert herb with thick, succulent, flowering spikes bearing dense yellow to brownish flowers emerging from sandy soils near its host shrubs. It is native to arid and semi‑arid desert regions of northwestern China and adjacent Central Asian deserts, where it has been integrated into Chinese and
- [Thai T Tamer](https://ethnopharm.com/thai-t-tamer/) - Butea superba is a robust, perennial Southeast Asian climbing shrub from the Fabaceae family, with stout, twisted stems, tuberous roots, and clusters of vibrant orange-red pea-family flowers. Its glossy trifoliate leaves and vigorous climbing habit allow it to sprawl over trees and bamboo groves in tropical forests.​ Butea’s wood is sometimes used in minor local
- [Discovery Spotlight: Beautiful Blue Barleria of Angola](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-beautiful-blue-barleria-of-angola/) - Botanists described a stunning new species, recently, Barleria thunbergiiflora, uncovered during a National Geographic expedition to the highland grasslands of eastern Angola.This tropical member of the Acanthaceae family dazzles with its vivid blue-lilac, funnel-shaped flowers, distinct within its genus and reminiscent of the popular ornamental Thunbergia.➡️ Every new species discovered is a testament to nature’s
- [Maca: Staple Radish with Big Benefits](https://ethnopharm.com/maca-staple-radish-with-big-benefits/) - Often called “Peruvian Ginseng”, Maca (Lepidium meyenii, syn. L. peruvianum) is a herbaceous biennial in the Brassicaceae family (the same botanical family as the humble radish) endemic to the high Andes.Resembling a yellow beet (though cultivars range from golden to deep purple and black), Maca is harvested for its swollen hypocotyl, a nutrient‑dense storage organ
- [10 Top Herbs for HPA-Axis Hormone Support-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-herbs-for-hpa-axis-hormone-support/) - All month we’ve been talking about the “sexy” hormones (testosterone, estrogen & progesterone) because that’s what Valentine’s Day hype is built on.💚 Now that the chocolate is discounted and the flowers are drooping, it’s the perfect moment to give some love to the real command center of your stress response: the HPA axis (hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal).➡️ Globally,
- [Happy Valentine's Day!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-valentines-day/) - For a bit of fun, I am bringing back this post from last year on the seductively suggestive side of plants, as funny innuendos, perfect for Valentine's Day musings. Some flowers with their soft, blushing petals and seductive fragrance, practically purr romance, while others tease with their uncanny resemblance to intimate anatomy.Beyond their looks, plants
- [Ovarian Adaptogen?](https://ethnopharm.com/ovarian-adaptogen/) - Vitex (aka. Chaste tree, Chasteberry; Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western Asia with aromatic, palmately divided leaves and showy spikes of lilac to violet flowers. It produces small, peppercorn-like berries that are harvested as the main medicinal part of the plant. Vitex is
- [Kerry to Speak at upcoming FytoVision 2026 Event, Mexico](https://ethnopharm.com/kerry-to-speak-at-upcoming-fytovision-2026-event-mexico/) - Honored to be leading off this event following the brilliant David Bravo, CSO of Nutreco, where we delve deep into how a shift in science is shaping botanicals! 🌿 ⚡If you haven't heard, new innovations in botanical science are being unveiled by a shift away from reductionistic thinking, towards complexity science.In my opinion, this is
- [Bioidentical HRT for Women, Following Dr. Felice Gersh-](https://ethnopharm.com/bioidentical-hrt-for-women-following-dr-felice-gersh/) - Continuing with my Hormones theme for this month, let's focus in on how we think about menopause care and HRT.For many women, botanicals and lifestyle are powerful allies in smoothing the rocky transition of perimenopause: supporting mood, sleep, vasomotor symptoms, and metabolic health as hormones start to swing.➡️ But once ovarian senescence is underway and
- [Herbal Viagra?](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-viagra/) - Native to Indochina and the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is an adaptogen that has been focused at men’s sexual health, but is also used for sports performance and slowing down the aging process.Tongkat Ali is a tall shrub that grows in the understory of forestlands, producing umbrella-like rosettes of compound
- [10 Top Botanicals for Male Hormone Support-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-botanicals-for-male-hormone-support/) - We’re staying 'hot and heavy with hormones' this month, and today it’s the men’s turn.➡️ Testosterone is having a moment: the global testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) market is now worth in the low billions and projected to keep climbing as more men (and an increasing number of women) seek prescriptions for low T, performance, and
- [Discovery Spotlight: The World’s Largest Water Lily](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-the-worlds-largest-water-lily/) - In 2022, botanists officially described Victoria boliviana, a spectacular new species from the wetlands of Bolivia that now holds the record as the world’s largest water lily. With leaves reaching up to 3.2 meters (over 10 feet) wide and capable of supporting 176 pounds, this aquatic giant was long mistaken for its relatives until detailed
- [T is for Tribulus 💪](https://ethnopharm.com/t-is-for-tribulus-💪/) - Tribulus (aka Gokshura, Puncturevine; Tribulus terrestris) is used for sexual support in Chinese Traditional
- [New Episode: Moral Injury Among Doctors & The Direct Primary Care (DPC) Solution](https://ethnopharm.com/new-episode-moral-injury-among-doctors-the-direct-primary-care-dpc-solution/) - Insurance premiums have exploded recently, and many families are being pushed to the edge: forced to choose between paying for coverage they can’t afford, or dropping it altogether and hoping they don’t get sick.Even for those who still have insurance, actually getting care often means months-long waits, rushed seven‑minute visits, and a system that feels
- [North American Menopause Ally](https://ethnopharm.com/north-american-menopause-ally/) - An herbaceous perennial native to North America, Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) has a rhizomous root system that produces basal compound leaves and sending up stems several feet tall with racemes of fluffy-looking flowers with long stamens and a white stigma.After flowering, seeds develop along the stems and dry in an attractive manner,
- [10 Top Botanicals for Female Hormone Support-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-botanicals-female-hormone-support/) - Today I am kicking off a month that will be *Hot and Heavy with Hormones.➡️ A month of posts unpacking hormone health for women and men, from PMS and perimenopause to low T, libido, and midlife metabolic shifts.Women’s hormone support has exploded into a massive market, with surging interest in everything from botanicals to prescription
- [When Doctors Decide Not to Doctor](https://ethnopharm.com/when-doctors-decide-not-to-doctor/) - ➡️ While it may not be entirely accurate that the majority of Stanford med grads don't go into clinical practice, the point is there is a huge rate of burnout among physians leaving them to leave or reconsider clinical practice. These disillusioned physicians choose other paths in tech, entrepreneurship, research, and industry instead, leading to
- [Welcome to the Spring!](https://ethnopharm.com/welcome-to-the-spring/) - 🌷 Spring is arriving in my garden (a little early), and the first buds are starting to open…quiet reminders of the growth thathappens before anyone can see it.​Ethnopharm is in that same budding phase right now, with lots of exciting things coming to bloom in the coming months.I can’t wait to share what’s coming next…exciting
- [Fish Mint: The Daily Antiviral Garnish](https://ethnopharm.com/fish-mint-the-daily-antiviral-garnish/) - Fish Mint (aka. The Chameleon Plant, Rainbow Plant; Houttuynia cordata) native to Southeast Asia is used as a leaf vegetable and also grown for its colorful foliage as an ornamental.Fish Mint spreads like an ivy, mounding to about 3 feet tall and wide and displays heart shaped alternate leaves that are green or with various
- [Moral Injury Among Docs & The DPC Solution- New Episode of The Explorer's Way coming Feb 4](https://ethnopharm.com/moral-injury-among-docs-the-dpc-solution-new-episode-of-the-explorers-way-coming-feb-4/) - “How bad has it gotten out there?”In the last few months, insurance premiums have jumped again, pushing many families to the breaking point.For a huge number of people, the so‑called “coverage” they’re paying for doesn’t actually translate into care.Deductibles are in the thousands, surprise bills are common, and even when you do everything “right” and
- [New Zealand, Its Noot Time✨🇳🇿](https://ethnopharm.com/new-zealand-its-noot-time✨🇳🇿/) - Now landed at Woolworth NZ Mt Eden, Quay Street, Auckland City, Ponsonby, and Grey Lynn.Get Nooted!Now in the AU, US and UK this Spring…More announcements coming soon!
- [Mondograss: The Yin Groundcover](https://ethnopharm.com/mondograss-the-yin-groundcover/) - Native to E. Asia, India, Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, Mondograss (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a turf-forming perennial with linear grass-like leaves and white-lilac flowers in a raceme followed by blue berries. Mondograss spreads with underground tuberous roots so it is often used as a low-maintenance grass substitute or groundcover, and can help prevent erosion as
- [Discovery Spotlight: From Catastrophe to Canopy](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-from-catastrophe-to-canopy/) - In a landmark study, researchers reconstructed what happened to South America’s flora after the fateful asteroid impact 66 million years ago that ended the age of dinosaurs.By analyzing tens of thousands of fossil pollen grains and leaves from Colombia, they found that the impact wiped out 45% of plant species, toppled ancient conifer- and fern-dominated
- [10 Top Prebiotics 🫘 🌿 🍋](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-prebiotics-🫘-🌿-🍋/) - Prebiotics used to be easy to define: they were the fibers we couldn’t digest, but our microbes could.Today that story is getting a serious upgrade. We still have the classics like inulin, FOS, GOS, and resistant starch, but we now know that non‑fiber compounds (especially polyphenols from foods like cocoa, berries, and tea) can exert
- [Do You Swear by Swertia?](https://ethnopharm.com/do-you-swear-by-swertia/) - Though its scientific name is still unresolved, Chirata (Swertia chirayita) is an annual plant from the Himalayas that can grow up to about 3 feet tall, and is well-known in Ayurvedic medicine.As a member of the Gentian family, Chirata is used for a weak stomach, aiding digestion and helping to ease indigestion and bloating.Similar in
- [The Tragedy of the Commons & Why Your Industry's Integrity Matters](https://ethnopharm.com/the-tragedy-of-the-commons-why-your-industrys-integrity-matters/) - 🐍 “Why do people call us snake oil salesmen? Because.."🤦‍♂️ “sometimes… we are.”Eric Anderson calls out the uncomfortable truth: too many brands exaggerate claims, underdose ingredients, or sell hype over evidence = hurting consumer trust across the board.But there’s an antidote: transparency, clinical validation, and integrity.This is the conversation the natural products industry needs right
- [Happy Friday!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-friday/) - Love these ladies!So lucky to count this talented team among my closest friends & colleagues- Lindsey Faucette, DO, FAAFP , Elizabeth Cartozian , Salena Garcia & Dr. Kate Perry 🫶🥂💚🌿
- [🎙 New Episode – The Explorer’s Way!](https://ethnopharm.com/🎙-new-episode-the-explorers-way/) - Biomarkers, Not Buzzwords – The Science Revolution in SupplementsThe natural products and supplement industry was built on good intentions, but then the bad actors moved in to take advantage.In this conversation, Eric Anderson Andersen (CEO of NXT-USA, formerly of NattoPharma and a pioneer behind Vitamin K2 research) lays out a roadmap for how we can
- [New Episode on LinkedIn Tomorrow!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-episode-on-linkedin-tomorrow/) - Biomarkers, Not Buzzwords – The Science Revolution in Supplements🎙 New Episode – The Explorer’s WayEric Andersen: Biomarkers, Not Buzzwords – The Science Revolution in SupplementsThe natural products and supplement industry was built on good intentions, but then the bad actors moved in to take advantage.In this conversation, Eric Andersen (CEO of NXT-USA, formerly of NattoPharma
- [Discovery Spotlight: The Killer Tobacco Plant of Australia 🗡️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-the-killer-tobacco-plant-of-australia-🗡️-🌿/) - Botanists recently described Nicotiana insecticida, a remarkable new wild tobacco species found growing near a truck stop in Western Australia. Unlike its relatives, this plant is covered with sticky glandular hairs that snare and kill small insects (including gnats, aphids, and flies) making it the first wild tobacco known to use this strateg➡️ The discovery
- [5 Top Environmental Good News Stories-](https://ethnopharm.com/5-top-environmental-good-news-stories/) - Many people today feel numb, cynical, or convinced that their personal actions and political voice don’t really matter…but the environmental record tells a very different story.➡️ In just a few decades, humanity has turned around problems so vast they literally rewired the brains of half a country and tore a hole in the sky.Leaded gasoline
- [Essential Oils-](https://ethnopharm.com/essential-oils/) - Post Series: Herbal PreparationsIn this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.Essential oils are concentrated, volatile plant extracts obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing of
- [Forest Guardians, Not Forest Poachers 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/forest-guardians-not-forest-poachers-🌿/) - What happens when a crocodile scientist realizes that saving the rainforest depends on helping local people make a living?In this Explorer’s Way clip, Olivier BEHRA shares the turning point: understanding that unless rural communities had a sustainable income source, they would be pushed toward logging, poaching, burning and other destructive uses of the forest.➡️ That
- [Acerola: The Cherry of Protection 🛡️ 🍒](https://ethnopharm.com/acerola-the-cherry-of-protection-🛡️-🍒/) - A native to South & Central America, and Mexico, Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) is a shrub or small tree that bears a bright red fruit (drupe) that is like a small cherry with a sour (sometimes a little sweet) flavor.➡️ These fruits are very high in Vitamin C content, known as one of the richest Vitamin
- [How We have Lost Trust, and How Science can Save Us-](https://ethnopharm.com/how-we-have-lost-trust-and-how-science-can-save-us/) - 🍞 In Europe, your bread turns to stone overnight. In America, it lasts three months... What happened to our food? Eric Anderson of NXT-USA breaks down how the modern food system traded nutrition for shelf life... and why “faster, cheaper, longer-lasting” has left us sicker.➡️ Coming soon! A new Episode of The Explorer’s Way with
- [If you want to know what I really think...](https://ethnopharm.com/if-you-want-to-know-what-i-really-think/) - My message to the Natural Products Industry: ➡️ If you are the kind of person that needs something to make "business sense" before you do things right, think about this: Biodiversity is where our whole natural products industry came from, and it is our future for innovation. There are plenty of blockbuster products out there
- [Kerry Hughes Featured in New Podcast!](https://ethnopharm.com/kerry-hughes-featured-in-new-podcast/) - In Case You Missed It! A new podcast was released yesterday where I was interviewed by Dr. Jeffrey Burke. We touched on some of the topics most near and dear to my heart... Check it out! The Honest Health Podcast (S03 E03):
- [Baikal Skullcap- To Cool Your Head](https://ethnopharm.com/baikal-skullcap-to-cool-your-head/) - Baikal Skullcap (aka. Chinese Skullcap, Huang Qin; Scutellaria baicalensis) is a flowering plant from the Mint family with characteristic purple flowers with a “skullcap” shape of its calyx, often growing on rock outcroppings or grassy areas near the coast, a native to Asia, Russia and SiberiaAs it produces attractive flowers it is sometimes enjoyed as
- [Discovery Spotlight: Explosive Volcano Orchids! 🌋](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-explosive-volcano-orchids-🌋/) - Scientists on the Indonesian island of Waigeo, home to dormant volcano Mount Nok, achieved a remarkable botanical feat: the rediscovery of the elusive blue orchid Dendrobium azureum after 80 years, and the discovery of other previously unknown orchid species. Among their finds was a new orchid exhibiting spectacular, bright red flowers and "explosive" seed dispersal
- [Top Biomarker Recommendations for Longevity Trials-](https://ethnopharm.com/top-biomarker-recommendations-for-longevity-trials/) - A new Nature npj Aging paper is in press and exciting for anyone serious about clinically backed approaches to extending healthspan and longevity: Herzog, C.M., Poganik, J.R., Boekstein, N. et al. Recommendations for biomarker data collection in clinical trials by longevity biotechnology companies.npj Aging (2025).Instead of proposing yet another aging clock, it tackles the bottleneck
- [Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra, B. spectabilis, B. spp.)-](https://ethnopharm.com/bougainvillea-bougainvillea-glabra-b-spectabilis-b-spp/) - Post Series: Medicinal Flowers When we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they
- [Biodiversity as a Value, Not a Threat 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/biodiversity-as-a-value-not-a-threat-🌿/) - In this Explorer’s Way clip, Olivier BEHRA shows what happens when local communities begin to value the biodiversity around them…not as something to fear or exploit, but as living wealth they can live with, protect, and even benefit from, even in the case of dangerous animals like crocodiles.➡️Often, it is not a lack of respect
- [Behold the Loquat](https://ethnopharm.com/behold-the-loquat/) - The Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a perennial tree from East Asia, but now grown in many other regions due to the popularity as an ornamental and for the fruit.The Loquat is symbolic of gold and wealth due to its color, as well as having auspicious associations with longevity, luck, and prosperity.The Loquat tree can grow
- [“The Blah Zone & Why Feeling ‘Fine’ Isn’t Normal” with Dr. Shawn Talbott - New Episode of The Explorer's Way!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-blah-zone-why-feeling-fine-isnt-normal-with-dr-shawn-talbott-new-episode-of-the-explorers-way/) - Launching a new Explorer’s Way episode today with someone who has been shaping the supplement world long before most of us had the language for what he was doing.And Shawn is the one have this conversation:He’s formulated award‑winning supplements for decades, with an obsession for research, clinical outcomes, and real‑world result, not trends.He was designing
- [🌺 ❤️ The Hibiscus of Many Benefits](https://ethnopharm.com/🌺-❤️-the-hibiscus-of-many-benefits/) - A native of Africa, Jamaica (aka. Roselle; Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a Hibiscus species which produces several useful products traded internationally. It is a robust shrub with striking red stems and deeply lobed leaves producing showy pale yellow or white flowers with a red spot at the base.After flowering, a fleshy calyx is produced which enlarges
- [Clean Label French Maritime Pine Bark Extract](https://ethnopharm.com/clean-label-french-maritime-pine-bark-extract/) - I love it when the science evolves to make something good even better.…And when I say better, I mean, better for the environment, cleaner label and so better for you, price competitive, and sustainably produced. As I have been posting on the benefits of holiday trees this past month, let’s focus in on one tree,
- [Would you try Dry January with Data?](https://ethnopharm.com/would-you-try-dry-january-with-data/) - Most people go into Dry January thinking about willpower...Shawn Talbott went into it with data.In our new Explorer’s Way Episode, Shawn shares a simple but brutal ah-ha moment:🍷 He loves wine. Has a small cellar. Enjoys the social ritual of a glass (or two) with dinner.But once he started tracking his sleep, recovery, and heart
- [Mullein Flowers (Verbascum thapsus)-](https://ethnopharm.com/mullein-flowers-verbascum-thapsus/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind; yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they
- [Costmary: The Medicinal Bookmark 📖 🍃](https://ethnopharm.com/costmary-the-medicinal-bookmark-📖-🍃/) - The Medicinal Bookmark 📖 🍃A Mediterranean herb from the composite family, Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita, syn. Chrysanthemum balsamita) is a perennial growing to about 3 feet tall with yellow disc flowers, with a notable minty balsam scent.Costmary has a long history of use as both a food and medicine, and it is also sometimes grown as
- [Important White Paper!](https://ethnopharm.com/important-white-paper/) - Important White Paper ✅ 🌿 Although we still haven't solved the issue with identity adulteration in the industry, there are other issues to be brought to the forefront. Adulterated and poor quality products are not only problems for consumers, when this happens it takes away from our opportunity to value the precious biodiversity that supports
- [Happy New Year!!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-new-year/) - Let 2026 be the year of bringing about:✅ More products that heal people & our threatened global biodiversity.✅ More regenerative fields.✅ More equitable botanical supply chains.✅ More stories that re-root people inliving systems.Here’s to a year where each of us becomes a small pod of life and regeneration...wherever we have been planted. ✨ 🌱
- [Looking Forward to 2026!](https://ethnopharm.com/looking-forward-to-2026/) - Happy New Year's Eve!Looking ahead to 2026 with excitement and anticipation for a new year of connections in this global web of people who care about plants, culture, and the living world. ✨The “network effect” of this community feels very mycelial...quiet, distributed, and unexpectedly powerful.➡️ May the coming year bring more chances to co-create, co-steward,
- [Discovery Spotlight: New Bolivian Periwinkle](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-new-bolivian-periwinkle/) - Among the recent (2021) new botanical discoveries, scientists described Philibertia woodii, a vivid yellow-flowered periwinkle from the Andean valleys of Bolivia.Named in honor of botanist John Wood for his longstanding dedication to Bolivian field botany, this striking new species boasts not only showy flowers that attract butterflies, but unusual egg-shaped, kiwi-like fruits that are edible
- [Coming Soon! Shawn Talbott: The Blah Zone & Why 'Fine' Isn't Normal On The Explorer's Way](https://ethnopharm.com/coming-soon-shawn-talbott-the-blah-zone-why-fine-isnt-normal-on-the-explorers-way/) - New Episode of The Explorer's Way Coming Soon!Shawn Talbott: The Blah Zone & Why 'Fine' Isn't Normal!…and just in time for New Year resolutions! 😄🏃🏻‍♂️Dr. Shawn Talbott has spent 30 years studying performance, supplements, and what makes people actually THRIVE (not just survive).And the concept he introduced me to…THE BLAH ZONE…is something I think many
- [10 Top Botanicals of the New Year! 🎉 🧨 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-botanicals-of-the-new-year-🎉-🧨-🌿/) - New Year’s traditions aren’t just about fireworks and countdowns...they’re also quietly rooted in plants.🎆From Lucky Bamboo in East Asia to Pine and Plum in Japan, Kumquat trees in China, Pomegranates in the Middle East, Sea Onions in Greece, and Grape rituals in Spain and Latin America, botanicals show up everywhere as symbols of renewal, resilience,
- [Tea Flower (Camellia sinensis)-](https://ethnopharm.com/tea-flower-camellia-sinensis/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind; yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they
- [Happy Holidays!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-holidays/) - A simple wish comes to mind, while I was sitting in the light-filled San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden's Nature Nights:🌟 That your holidays are peaceful, even in a noisy world.🌟 That you feel loved, whatever traditions you follow.🌟 That you find “family” in the people and places where you feel most at home.Happy Holidays, and
- [The Multipurpose Christmas Tree 🎄 ✨](https://ethnopharm.com/the-multipurpose-christmas-tree-🎄-✨/) - The Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) is a native to Canada and the US, popular for its characteristic conical shape and “Christmas tree” fragrance.Balsam Fir also makes a wonderful ornamental tree, very hardy at least down to -4 degrees Farenheit, reaching up to about 60 feet tall, but also available in small dwarf sizes.When cut for
- [The Yule Log: A Simple Ritual for a Modern Winter Holiday 🎄 🔥](https://ethnopharm.com/the-yule-log-a-simple-ritual-for-a-modern-winter-holiday-🎄-🔥/) - Looking for ways to make the holidays feel more meaningful and special?During the Holiday season a Yule log can be more than décor: it can be a quiet ritual that connects us back to older winter traditions of light, protection, and renewal. 🌗 ❄️ 🌱For centuries, families in parts of Europe selected a special log,
- [10 Top Herbs of Christmas 🌿 🎄 🌟](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-herbs-of-christmas-🌿-🎄-🌟/) - Holiday gifts don’t have to be plastic, disposable, or disconnected from story.➡️ They can be living, aromatic, and rooted in centuries of winter ritual, kitchen alchemy, and folk medicine.This carousel explores 15 herbal “presents” of the holidays (from Magi resins to stuffing herbs and candy-cane mints) each with its common and scientific name, why it’s
- [🌍 The Moment Everything Changed?](https://ethnopharm.com/🌍-the-moment-everything-changed/) - "Traditional complementary and integrative medicine is CRITICAL in primary care, period, end of story."— Roy Upton, on the message at World Health Organization (WHO) Global Summit 2023For 40+ years, traditional and integrative medicine practitioners have been told they were "alternative," "complementary," or "unproven."The World Health Organization (the world's leading medical authority) officially declared that everything
- [Bye, Bye American Pie - The American Chestnut](https://ethnopharm.com/bye-bye-american-pie-the-american-chestnut/) - Sadly, the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) used to be one of the dominant trees of the Northeastern US ranging all the way up through Canada, and south to Mississippi and Alabama and used to be of significant economic importance.They are fast growing deciduous hardwood trees that could reach heights up to 100 feet, but today
- [Christmas Tree Medicine: 🎄 ✨ Clean Label French Maritime Pine Bark Extract](https://ethnopharm.com/christmas-tree-medicine-🎄-✨-clean-label-french-maritime-pine-bark-extract/) - I love it when the science evolves to make something good even better.…And when I say better, I mean, better for the environment, cleaner label and so better for you, price competitive, and sustainably produced.As I have been posting on the benefits of holiday trees this month, let’s focus in on one tree, that is
- [NAD+ Boosting & Biosynthesis ⬆️ ♾️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/nad-boosting-biosynthesis-⬆️-♾️-🌿/) - NAD+ keeps showing up in longevity conversations…and for good reason.➡️It's central to energy production, DNA repair, circadian rhythm, and just about every hallmark of healthy aging.But most NAD+ conversations skip straight to NMN and other precursor supplements.We miss the real story: how your body actually makes NAD+, why it declines, and what interventions work synergistically across multiple pathways.This carousel
- [The 3 Caffeinated Hollys 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-3-caffeinated-hollys-🌿/) - Most people can name coffee and tea as caffeine sources, but botanically speaking, truly caffeinated plants used for beverages are a surprisingly small club.Coffee, our dominant global caffeine source, is also under pressure as a crop: its relatively shallow genetic base leaves it vulnerable to disease, climate stress, and price volatility along the value chain.This
- [Champaca Flower (Magnolia champaca)-](https://ethnopharm.com/champaca-flower-magnolia-champaca/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Thank You, to my 11K Community on LinkedIn!](https://ethnopharm.com/thank-you-to-my-11k-community-on-linkedin/) - Thank You to this Community of Plant Lovers!The last few years, this corner of the internet has become a global growing mycelial network of plant lovers, scientists, growers, clinicians, and storytellers sharing discoveries and first hand knowledge from their corners of the world.➡️11,000 is not just a number; it is 11,000 living relationships with plants
- [Spikenard: Ancient Oil of Medicine & Spirituality ✨](https://ethnopharm.com/spikenard-ancient-oil-of-medicine-spirituality-✨/) - Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi, syn. N. grandiflora) is a Himalayan native in the honeysuckle family with pink bell-shaped flowers and dense fibrous root–rhizome masses that yield a thick, amber-colored essential oil known for its earthy, musky scent.Since ancient times, this now critically endangered plant has been harvested, mainly for its rhizomes which are used as an
- [New Episode Out Now! The Explorer's Way: Andy Suter & The Story of A.Vogel and Echinacea](https://ethnopharm.com/new-episode-out-now-the-explorers-way-andy-suter-the-story-of-a-vogel-and-echinacea/) - Tomorrow on LinkedIn! New Episode Alert! Andy Suter and the Story of A.Vogel and Echinacea. 💚 🌿 Tune in to hear from Andy Suter about how the Swiss heritage brand, A.Vogel Schweiz, developed Echinacea for the market, and about the clinical investment that has propelled it to take its place as one of the key
- [Discovery Spotlight: New Fungus with Teeth 🦷 🍄](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-new-fungus-with-teeth-🦷-🍄/) - Mycologists at Kew Gardens and collaborators across Europe officially described Hydnellum nemorosum, a rare “tooth fungus” found growing beneath a sweet chestnut tree in Windsor Great Park, UK.Unlike typical mushrooms with gills, tooth fungi such as H. nemorosum produce their spores on distinctive tooth-like structures under their cap, an adaptation within the world of fungi.Hydnellum
- [🎄 10 Top Christmas Trees (Features, Symbolism & Other Uses) -](https://ethnopharm.com/🎄-10-top-christmas-trees-features-symbolism-other-uses/) - Most people drag a Christmas tree through the door without ever asking, “What tree is this, and what story does it carry?”Yet each species (from Firs and Spruces to Pines, Cypresses, and even the Norfolk Island Pine) comes with its own symbolism, folklore, and traditional uses, from medicine to resins, oils, and timber.This carousel is
- [Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)-](https://ethnopharm.com/yarrow-achillea-millefolium/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Galbanum- The Sweet Spice to Accompany Frankincense ✨](https://ethnopharm.com/the-sweet-spice-to-accompany-frankincense-✨/) - Galbanum (Ferula gummosa, F. spp.) is both the name of a species of Ferula from Iran, and also the commercial gum resin it and related species produce, characterized by a green, balsamic, and slightly bitter scent.Galbanum grows up to about 3 feet tall and wide and has a feathery appearance. The galbanum resin is used
- [NAD: Boosting the Body’s Natural Longevity Molecule ♾️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/nad-boosting-the-bodys-natural-longevity-molecule-♾️-🌿/) - NAD is one of the body’s master molecules for cellular energy, resilience, and healthy aging, and the good news is that it can be supported naturally through lifestyle and smart supplementation.​NAD sits at the heart of mitochondrial energy production, helping convert the food you eat into ATP that powers muscles, brain, and every organ system.​As
- [Next Up on The Explorer's Way: The Story of Echinacea! 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/next-up-on-the-explorers-way-the-story-of-echinacea-🌿/) - Next up on The Explorer's Way: ➡️ I interviewed Andy Suter, CEO of A.Vogel Schweiz, one of the first companies to bring Echinacea to market, and we talked about the incredible story of product development and large investment made into clinical science. Its so important that we have companies dedicated to quality product and real
- [🎁 Giving Tuesday- Give to Farmers in Times of Need](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-giving-tuesday-give-to-farmers-in-times-of-need/) - This Giving Tuesday, as we have done for a number of years before, A Greener World is requesting donations for our Farmer Relief Fund, an initiative aimed at providing emergency support in the form of small grants to farmers affected by natural disasters and other unforeseen circumstances.Your support over the years has helped to provide immediate
- [🎁 Giving Tuesday- Give to Promoting and Extending Herbal Education!](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-giving-tuesday-give-to-promoting-and-extending-herbal-education/) - Call to Action:Berkeley Herbal Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax-deductible—and every gift, big or small, helps us cultivate knowledge, health, and connection for our community. This year, we are offering additional perks for all donations in addition to receiving an acknowledgement your donation for tax filing.DONATE HERE: https://www.berkeleyherbalcenter.org/product/donation-to-berkeley-herbal-center/?_kx=wLmiiSVxjFk4SNshb6PH2t_VCnESw1dWTDJQ8n_DSTzRMg6K_p_Gv8I9NGPRD62w.XTcX2y*PLUS Besides making an impact,
- [Happy Holidays- California Style!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-fragrant-season/) - The Fragrant Season! Today marks December 1st, a season that welcomes several holidays celebrated across cultures and traditions worldwide. In this month, plants take center stage…not just in festive decorations, but also in rituals, food, and fragrant spaces.➡️ As we step into the heart of holiday celebrations, look forward to a journey that explores the
- [Incense & Seasonal Celebration](https://ethnopharm.com/incense-seasonal-celebration/) - Incense-Post Series: Herbal PreparationsIn this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.Using plants as incense is one of the oldest methods of delivering herbal medicine, involving
- [10 Top Bioactives found in Fruits-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-bioactives-found-in-fruits/) - Many people are hyper-focused on ketogenic diets today, and they risk overlooking the extraordinary value of fruit-derived bioactive compounds.While fruit gets sidelined in ultra-low-carb regimens due to concerns about sugar content, research highlights that fruits are not merely sources of carbohydrates...they are packed with unique phytochemicals essential for long-term health and disease prevention.​➡️Plant bioactives such
- [Waratah flowers (Telopea speciosissima; Telopea spp.)-](https://ethnopharm.com/waratah-flowers-telopea-speciosissima-telopea-spp/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind; yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they
- [✊ 🎃 Pumpkin Power!](https://ethnopharm.com/✊-🎃-pumpkin-power/) - As you prepare pumpkin dishes or carve festive gourds this season, don’t overlook the value of both the flesh and the seeds.Throughout history, pumpkins have been a staple crop in the Americas, valued by indigenous peoples for their nourishment, versatility, and ability to store through the winter.Today, heirloom varieties like ‘Sugar Pie,’ ‘Cinderella,’ and ‘Musquee
- [Grateful for Food Traditions 🙏🏼🍽️](https://ethnopharm.com/grateful-for-food-traditions-🙏🏼🍽️/) - This Thanksgiving, as we gather to celebrate the bounty on our tables, it’s worth remembering that many foods deeply rooted in North American history are facing extinction.💡 Across the continent, traditional ingredients, rare fruits, heritage grains, and unique animal breeds are at risk of disappearing within a generation.A good source for knowing about these foods
- [New Video Podcast Drops Today: The Explorer's Way!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-video-podcast-drops-today-the-explorers-way/) - 🐊 🌿 From Crocodiles to Herbal Discovery-➡️ Welcome to the first official video podcast episode of the Explorer’s Way! Olivier Behra, The Crocodile Scientist Who Saved The Rainforest Today’s guest, Olivier Behra, is known for his extraordinary path:From navigating crocodile-infested swamps as a field biologist to collaborating at boardroom tables with leaders like the CEO
- [Do You Suffer from the Holiday Bloat?](https://ethnopharm.com/do-you-suffer-from-the-holiday-bloat/) - Feeling unusually bloated, gassy, or overly full after meals…especially around the holidays?➡️ You might be experiencing symptoms linked to slow gastrointestinal motility, a common but often overlooked cause of digestive discomfort.This carousel will help you understand what motility is, why it matters, and how you can start addressing these symptoms naturally and effectively.Besides eating smaller
- [Discovery Spotlight: "Ugliest Orchid in the World"](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-ugliest-orchid-in-the-world/) - Scientists described Gastrodia agnicellus, a new orchid species discovered in 2020 in Madagascar’s humid forests.This scary-looking Potato Orchid presents tiny, lumpy, brown flowers that emerge from decaying leaf litter and emit a musk rose-like scent.Unlike most orchids, it is entirely leafless and lacks photosynthetic tissue, relying instead on a unique fungal partnership for its nutrition,
- [Gratitude starts with High Welfare-](https://ethnopharm.com/gratitude-starts-with-high-welfare/) - As Thanksgiving approaches and we prepare for a grateful feast, it's worth reflecting on the broader meaning of gratitude: especially when it comes to the animals and farmers behind our food.➡️ This season, consider how animal welfare certifications canhelp ensure that your holiday table supports not just delicious food, but also ethical and humane farming
- [Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica & hybrids)-](https://ethnopharm.com/crepe-myrtle-lagerstroemia-indica-hybrids/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Amazonian Adaptogen 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/amazonian-adaptogen-🌿/) - Shrubby rambling perennials from the Amazon, Suma (Hebanthe eriantha, syn. Pfaffia. Paniculata; P. glomerata) has several uses like ginseng, which has led to the other common name of “Brazilian Ginseng” (though it is not a true ginseng).The common name “Suma” was coined by Thomas Altaffer, who first introduced Suma to our industry. Because of its
- [The Gratitude Behind the Feast-](https://ethnopharm.com/the-gratitude-behind-the-feast/) - As we gear up to gather around the table this season, we celebrate the harvest, abundance, togetherness, and gratitude. ✨💡 But there's a deeper story worth acknowledging: the vast majority of what typically sits on your Thanksgiving table was cultivated and perfected by Native American peoples over thousands of years.Corn, squash, beans, cranberries…these weren't just
- [💫 🫘 The Bean of Benefits: Mung Bean](https://ethnopharm.com/💫-🫘-the-bean-of-benefits-mung-bean/) - Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a fast-growing annual legume from India and Asia, producing small yellow flowers, and slender cylindrical pods containing small green seeds. This herbaceous plant is valued for its robust root system and adaptability to a wide range of soils and climates.​Mung Bean seeds and sprouts are staple ingredients in Asian cuisine,
- [New Podcast Series Starting: The Explorer's Way!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-podcast-series-starting-the-explorers-way/) - Embark on The Explorer’s Way!From daring crocodile adventures to safeguarding Earth’s most vital biodiversity havens...get ready for a journey like no other!On November 26th, 2025, the Ethnobotanical Explorer’s Channel on YouTube unveils its new Video & Podcast series: The Explorer's Way. (Subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@theethnobotanicalexplorer ) Leading off, an exclusive interview with Olivier BEHRA : visionary
- [Discovery Spotlight: Chlorine Addition in Plants ⚛️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-chlorine-addition-in-plants-⚛️-🌿/) - Continuing this new series...Scientists have unveiled a remarkable genetic breakthrough-Canadian Moonseed (Menispermum canadense) is the first known plant capable of naturally adding a chlorine atom to an organic molecule.➡️ This discovery is important because it demonstrates a previously unknown plant biosynthetic pathway, deepens our understanding of the broader role of chlorine in natural systems, and
- [🐝 🌏 🌼 10 Global Medicinal Honeys-](https://ethnopharm.com/🐝-🌏-🌼-10-global-medicinal-honeys/) - Honey has been revered not just as a food, but as medicine across cultures for millennia.From Sumerian clay tablets to ancient Egyptian and Chinese texts, honey has played a starring role as both a healing agent and a carrier for herbal remedies.It has been used both directly for wounds and infections or as an extraction
- [Medicine Making Series: Cordials](https://ethnopharm.com/medicine-making-series-cordials/) - Join us for a hands-on exploration of herbal cordials:These are sweet, alcohol-based infusions made with herbs, fruits, and honey that capture season-specific elements and flavors.We’ll learn how to blend herbs, fruits, and spices with brandy or other bases to create elixirs that delight the senses.These preparations are wonderful as after-dinner tonics to sip or thoughtful
- [Sweet Olive(Ostmanthus fragrans)-](https://ethnopharm.com/sweet-oliveostmanthus-fragrans/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Ode to the Artists! ✨](https://ethnopharm.com/ode-to-the-artists-✨/) - As I continue my month of Gratitude postings, I want to say how Deeply grateful I am for these two. Jon and Jane Anderson are dear friends who have inspired me for decades to explore my own creative path in life. Both share a commitment to living with bold vision, and their beautiful partnership serves
- [Herbal Mucosal Guardians-](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-mucosal-guardians/) - Herbs that support and soothe our mucosal linings (such as the digestive tract, respiratory system, and oral cavity) are capturing increasing attention as interest in gut health and natural remedies surges.Recent market analyses estimate that the global gut health product sector will exceed $70 billion by 2028, with botanical ingredients and herbal supplements as some
- [Memorable Debauchery!... At Now or Coming Soon to a Location Near You!](https://ethnopharm.com/memorable-debauchery-at-now-or-coming-soon-to-a-location-near-you/) - ➡️ Our Award Winning Noot Non-Alcoholic beverages are launching in the US and soon in the UK. Until now, only available in Australia, we are excited to announce that Noot Drinks Co is available in Total Wine & More locations across the USA and soon rolling out across BevMo! stores in SoCal and Gopuff.🎉 So
- [Yopo- 👁️‍🗨️ 🌈 Guardians of Vision](https://ethnopharm.com/yopo-👁️🗨️-🌈-guardians-of-vision/) - Yopo (Anadenanthera peregrina) is a visually striking tall, tropical South American tree in the Fabaceae family, reaching up to 20–30 meters in height with thorny bark, feathery leaves, and pale yellow to white spherical flower clusters.Its most prominent use is in traditional medicine, as its beans and bark have played integral roles in shamanic rituals
- [Discovery Spotlight: The Palm That Flowers Underground 🌴 🚇](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-the-palm-that-flowers-underground-🌴-🚇-2/) - Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have described a palm species from Borneo, Pinanga subterranea, whose flowers and fruit develop almost entirely beneath the soil surface!This makes it the first known palm to exhibit this astonishing adaptation. Unlike typical palms, this rare species completes both flowering and fruiting underground (a phenomenon called geoflory), a
- [Discovery Spotlight: New Weekly Series Starting Today!](https://ethnopharm.com/discovery-spotlight-the-palm-that-flowers-underground-🌴-🚇/) - 👋 Hello Everybody! New Series starting today to highlight some of the most exciting discoveries from Botany and Biodiversity in the past 5 years! I hope you enjoy!! Discovery Spotlight: The Palm That Flowers Underground 🌴 🚇 Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have described a palm species from Borneo, Pinanga subterranea, whose flowers
- [🩺 🌿 10 Top Plant-Derived Surgery Drugs-](https://ethnopharm.com/🩺-🌿-10-top-plant-derived-surgery-drugs/) - 🤔 🍷 Imagine a world where “biting the bullet” was literal advice, a stiff drink was your anesthesia, and a good friend’s hand was your only pain relief.Thankfully, we don’t have to ➡️ because plant-derived surgery drugs have revolutionized medicine and saved countless teeth, toes, and lives along the way.Instead of raw nerves and cold
- [It finally happened!!!](https://ethnopharm.com/it-finally-happened/) - They all said it couldn’t be done… and I almost believed them. But today, I found my little Cherimoya tree produced its first fruit! YAY!! 🌈 🎉Cherimoya (Annona cherimola), often called the “Custard Apple,” is a subtropical marvel with delicate, creamy flesh and a naturally sweet aroma.Beyond its luxury-fruit reputation, it has long been valued
- [Plant Fact: Smells Like Dog Poop!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-smells-like-dog-poop/) - Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) is nature’s way of reminding us that you can’t have it all & some of the most gorgeous things in the garden come with...unexpected features.At first glance, it’s stunning: all metallic blues and sharp geometry, the kind of plant that looks like it was designed by an architect.Then it blooms… and
- [Sweet Violet (Viola odorata)-](https://ethnopharm.com/sweet-violet-viola-odorata/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Hydrangeas and the Gift of Water](https://ethnopharm.com/hydrangeas-and-the-gift-of-water/) - Hydrangea macrophylla, with its lush blooms and brilliant hues, has long been recognized as a symbol of gratitude and heartfelt emotion in many cultures.In floral traditions, especially in Japan and parts of Europe, gifting Hydrangeas conveys a deep appreciation and thankfulness, making these flowers a meaningful centerpiece during celebrations of gratitude, connection, or reconciliation.➡️Hydrangea’s affinity
- [Shatavarins- Important Bioactives From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/shatavarins-important-bioactives-from-plants/) - Shatavarins are a group of steroidal saponins primarily found in the roots of Asparagus racemosus, a plant widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and also known as Shatavari. Recent research has found them to be present in other Asparagus species; specifically, A. adscendens, but generally present at lower or more variable amounts. These compounds are characterized
- [🎉 🥇 Congratulations to Roy Upton on his Lifetime Service Award from United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA)!](https://ethnopharm.com/🎉-🥇-congratulations-to-roy-upton-on-his-lifetime-achievement-award-from-united-natural-products-alliance-unpa/) - Special Mention of a *Cool Thing That Happened at Supplyside Global*:🎉 🥇 Congratulations to Roy Upton on his Lifetime Service Award from United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA)!Roy Upton embodies what it means to be a true champion of botanical medicine, evidence-based herbalism and traditional medicine. His decades of dedication to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia have
- [Prayer Plants to Kick Off a Month of Gratitude-](https://ethnopharm.com/prayer-plants-to-kick-off-a-month-of-gratitude/) - Throughout November I will be reflecting on gratitude with a focus today on the Prayer Plants!Members of the genus Maranta, aka. Prayer Plants, are rhizomatous perennial herbs native to tropical rainforests with distinctive oval leaves which display striking herringbone-patterned veination with variable coloring and patterns depending on species and variety🙏 🌿 They are particularly renowned
- [10 Top Trends & Favs from SupplySide Global ’25-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-trends-favs-from-supplyside-global-25/) - 🤔 🌿 This year’s SupplySide show was marked by deep industry reflection: from heated debates to sessions trying to sort through the turmoil. It’s no accident my cover slide spotlights the “Trump, Tariffs and Turmoil: Navigating the regulatory reset” session I attended. Several educational forums echoed this uncertainty, highlighting the regulatory and economic headwinds shaping
- [The Ghost Plant 👻 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-ghost-plant-👻-🌿/) - The Ghost Plant (aka. Indian Pipe ; Monotropa uniflora), is a translucent, waxy white perennial that lacks chlorophyll and often appears with black flecks or pale pink shades. It features a single drooping flower atop each thin, scale-covered stem and typically grows in shaded forest environments from early summer to autumn.✨ Some think that it
- [Marigold (Tagetes patula & T. spp.)-](https://ethnopharm.com/marigold-tagetes-patula-t-spp/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind; yet, around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they
- [Plant Fact: The Corpse Flower- Smells Like Dead People!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-the-corpse-flower-smells-like-dead-people/) - Happy Halloween! If you’re after something truly horrifying, skip the haunted house and make a date with the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum). Forget pumpkin spice; this botanical monster blooms with the unmistakable scent of rotting flesh, decomposing fish, and sweaty socks, making it the MVP of natural Halloween décor.​Why the drama? This flower’s life goal
- [That’s a Wrap on SupplySide…Now Cue the Halloween Escape!](https://ethnopharm.com/thats-a-wrap-on-supplysidenow-cue-the-halloween-escape/) - As SupplySide winds down and the expo floor ghosts itself for another year, it feels fitting that Halloween is right around the corner. To get into the spirit, I joined an intrepid crew of colleagues for a Horror Escape Room… and, happily, we escaped with our dignity intact.Turns out, navigating cryptic locks and terrifying plot
- [Day 4 – SupplySide Global](https://ethnopharm.com/day-4-supplyside-global/) - There’s nothing quite like seeing my Ethnopharm EBI Network come together in person at SupplySide!As a network, we’re united by more than just business: we’re dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity, advancing rural livelihoods in producing regions, and bringing new, story-rich ingredients to the marketplace. Each connection here reminds me how collaboration across continents has the potential
- [Day 3 – SupplySide Global](https://ethnopharm.com/day-3-supplyside-global/) - Meet Some of my Favorite People: Oliver Catlin from Banned Substances Control Group, Inc. (BSCG), Loren Israelsen of the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), and Trish Flaster (you met in my post from yesterday)… and there were several more of my favs all gathered this morning at the Supplyside UNPA Annual Members Meeting.The meeting delivered critical
- [Day 2 – SupplySide Global](https://ethnopharm.com/day-2-supplyside-global/) - Ethnobotanists are a rare breed.What’s an ethnobotanist, you ask? We’re the rare unicorns who can identify 20 medicinal roots in our salads, accidentally turn a networking event into a lecture on indigenous fermentation, and ask awkward questions about the provenance of your cup of herbal tea.This work requires us to connect across disciplines and continents,
- [Day 1- Supplyside Global](https://ethnopharm.com/day-1-supplyside-global/) - 👋 Greetings from Supplyside Global!The opening days of this event are dedicated to education sessions … a perfect window for many of us to meet with colleagues and partners before the whirlwind begins when the trade show floor opens.I had the pleasure of catching up with Kiel Henderson (right), who is leading PhytoLab’s expansion of
- [10 Top Selling Dietary Supplements-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-selling-dietary-supplements/) - With SupplySide Global upon us, Las Vegas is about to buzz with the latest ingredient innovations, but let’s pause for a reality check:The real engines of the $192B+ supplement industry aren’t always the buzzy newcomers…they’re the familiar, mainstream bestsellers that some in the industry might dismiss as “ho hum” or old news.Yet it’s these top
- [Hot Off The Press! New Issue of Sustainable Farming Magazine by A Greener World.](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-new-issue-of-sustainable-farming-magazine-by-a-greener-world/) - Hot Off The Press! New Issue of Sustainable Farming Magazine by A Greener World.And I am so pleased to see the Cover article by Errol Schweizer on Greenwashing.Errol is one of the premier thought leaders in grocery and the sustainable food space...if you are interested in a quality food system, you should check out his
- [Pumpkin Blossoms (Cucurbita moschata, C. spp.)-](https://ethnopharm.com/pumpkin-blossoms-cucurbita-moschata-c-spp/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Supporting Motility: The Missing Piece in GLP-1 Support](https://ethnopharm.com/supporting-motility-the-missing-piece-in-glp-1-support/) - As GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide become increasingly common for weight management and metabolic health, an important conversation is has emerged about what supplements best support these people. But here is the reality that few are discussing:Up to half of individuals using GLP-1 therapies experience some form of gastrointestinal slowdown…often severe enough to disrupt compliance.➡️
- [I'm Speaking at Supplyside Global!](https://ethnopharm.com/im-speaking-at-supplyside-global/) - Going to SupplySide Global Next Week? ...Come learn about Shatavari!➡️ I will be presenting on how Shatavari fits into the Functional Medicine view of Menopause and going over new clinical results from Xeya Modern Shatavari by NXT-USA indicating bidirectional hormone balancing adaptogenic support for women across all life stages (including, but not just menopause).Hope to
- [Bidirectional Hormone Support: New Research Confirms Shatavari's Traditional Wisdom 💚 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/bidirectional-hormone-support-new-research-confirms-shatavaris-traditional-wisdom-💚-🌿/) - In Ayurveda, there's a category of herbs known as rasayanas: literally "the path of essence."These are rejuvenative botanicals that don't just address symptoms, but work to restore the body's fundamental capacity for self-regulation, nourishment, and resilience across the lifespan.Asparagus racemosus, known as Shatavari, is considered one of the premier rasayanas for women's health, and for millennia
- [The Grass That Sparkles and Tastes like Potato Chips!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-grass-that-sparkles-and-tastes-like-potato-chips/) - Glittering Grass (Triodia scintillans) is a tough Australian spinifex grass recognized for its minute, shimmering liquid droplets that cover the stems and make the plant sparkle in sunlight. This species grows across the arid outback of Australia, forming low, spiky mounds and shooting up vertical flower stalks during the wet season, where its flash is
- [🌫️ 🌲 The Veiled Threads Creeping Beneath the Canopy...Connecting Ecosystems.](https://ethnopharm.com/🌫️-🌲-the-veiled-threads-creeping-beneath-the-canopy-connecting-ecosystems/) - The fog slides in without a sound, shrouding you in a ghostly veil woven from lands far beyond your own.Beneath a creeping veil fog, forests seem to breathe with ghostly life…shapes blur, paths vanish…But behind this spooky shroud lies a vital secret: fog is far more than an eerie special effect.💦The same fog that chills
- [10 Top Health Concerns Addressed by Dietary Supplements-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-health-concerns-addressed-by-dietary-supplements/) - Supplements aren’t just about basic nutrition...they’ve become *lifestyle strategies*!From stress and sleep to heart and immune health, people are using them for nearly every modern concern and for getting more vitality out of life.📈🏃‍♀️‍➡️🧘🏾🦴❤️With the global market topping $400B by 2034, key growth areas reflect enduring public health concerns: aging well, maintaining vitality, and supporting
- [Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)-](https://ethnopharm.com/opium-poppy-papaver-somniferum/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Plant Fact: Smells Like Semen!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-smells-like-semen/) - Continuing with grotesque and ghoulish themes for October 🙈 🙉 🙊 …Meet the Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’): nature’s way of making sure your morning walk to work is slightly uncomfortable.This ornamental tree is a favorite in urban landscapes for its dazzling white spring blossoms. But while it looks angelic, it’s smell, not so much.Its
- [🎉 ✅ Submitted, and Coming Soon!💚 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/🎉-✅-submitted-and-coming-soon💚-🌿/) - A New Major Reference Work by Springer Nature is in the Works:📗 "Herbal Product Development: An Industrial Perspective (Springer Nature, Switzerland)" edited by Thadiyan Parambil Ijinu, Maheswari Priya Rani, Govindarajan Raghavan and Palpu Pushpangadan.I am looking forward to the roll out of two chapters I will be contributing:📖 "Case Studies in the Development of Plant-Based Drugs
- [Constipation Reset: When Fiber Fails and Motility Enhancers Prevail](https://ethnopharm.com/constipation-reset-when-fiber-fails-and-motility-enhancers-prevail/) - Most people start with bulk-forming agents like psyllium fiber, which are widely marketed and trusted as a first-line remedy. Yet, for a significant share of the mainstream population, this approach falls short, leaving many still searching for effective relief.➡️ That’s where the rise of natural motility enhancers becomes important: offering new hope to those who
- [Strategic Partnership with NXT-USA : Integrating Functional Medicine into Ingredient Science](https://ethnopharm.com/strategic-partnership-with-nxt-usa-integrating-functional-medicine-into-ingredient-science/) - 🌿 Exciting news! 🌿Strategic Partnership with NXT-USA : Integrating Functional Medicine into Ingredient ScienceExcited to announce that I’ve partnered with NXT-USA, a company at the forefront of developing clinically studied natural ingredients. NXT-USA’s founders previously introduced the world to vitamin K2 Mk-7 (Menaquinone-7 ). Together we’ll align our shared vision for science-backed, clinically validated natural ingredients with the personalized
- [The Blood-Stopping Glowing Mushroom!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-blood-stopping-glowing-mushroom/) - The Bitter Oyster (Panellus stipticus) is a small, fan-shaped, orange-yellow to brownish mushroom found on decaying wood, typically measuring up to 3 cm broad and producing tough, leathery fruitbodies with crowded, pale gills. It develops in dense overlapping clusters and is famous for its bioluminescence, especially strains from eastern North America, where the glow is
- [Is your gut feeling dead inside? 👻](https://ethnopharm.com/is-your-gut-feeling-dead-inside-👻/) - Continuing with our sometimes grotesque & ghoulish posts this month leading to Halloween, this time we’re talking about a horror story that’s all too common… constipation. While not quite the stuff of Halloween haunted houses, it is a daily fright for millions worldwide.Globally, chronic constipation affects an estimated 14% of the population…that’s more than 1
- [Icariin- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/icariin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Icariin is a flavonoid-7-O-glycoside, structurally characterized by a kaempferol backbone substituted with a 3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl group and glycosidic linkages. Notably, icariin is abundant in plants of the Epimedium genus (commonly known as Horny Goat Weed), with high concentrations in species such as E. koreanum and E. brevicornu; trace amounts are also found in rye pollen, grapevine
- [👑 King of Herbs 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/👑-king-of-herbs-🌿/) - Possibly the most world-renown herb, Panax Ginseng (aka. Korean Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, Red Ginseng; Asian ginseng) is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body to adapt to mental and physical stress.Panax Ginseng has been long used for opening the heart, strengthening the mind, getting rid of negative life-force energy, and promoting longevity.Wild Panax Ginseng
- [🌍 📖 “The supply chain can be a force for good, and a story worth telling.”](https://ethnopharm.com/🌍-📖-the-supply-chain-can-be-a-force-for-good-and-a-story-worth-telling/) - At the EBI Network, this is more than a belief…it’s what we do.We work with suppliers and partners who deliver ingredients that combine impact, traceability, and true brand storytelling potential. From Madagascar to India, we’re building regenerative supply chains that restore biodiversity, support livelihoods, and give brands authentic stories to share with their customers.Because when
- [The Bioactive Blood Orange-](https://ethnopharm.com/the-bioactive-blood-orange/) - The Blood Orange (Citrus sinensis variety) is a variety of regular oranges with blood red pigments. They have a sweet-tart flavor with subtle notes of raspberry.These pigments from anthocyanins are not so common in regular oranges and are responsible for added antioxidant health benefits.Originating as a natural mutation in the Mediterranean—particularly Sicily—Blood Oranges are thought
- [Plant Fact: The Plant That Smells Like Vomit!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-the-plant-that-smells-like-vomit/) - The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba), an ancient species native to China, is known for its fan-shaped leaves and resilience in urban environments.In the fall, the female ginkgo tree produces small, fleshy seeds that emit a strong, foul odor often compared to vomit or rancid butter.This smell is caused by butyric acid in the seeds, which
- [🌙 😴 🌿 10 Top Herbs for Sleep-](https://ethnopharm.com/🌙-😴-🌿-10-top-herbs-for-sleep/) - Millions of people worldwide struggle with sleep difficulties, with recent studies estimating that about 30–40% of adults experience insomnia symptoms at least once a year, and around 10–15% suffer from chronic sleep disorders.This is an issue that can profoundly impact mental health, productivity, and overall well-being!While pharmaceutical interventions are sometimes warranted, sleep disturbances can arise
- [Linden (Tilia cordata)-](https://ethnopharm.com/linden-tilia-cordata/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- ["Show them your Actions, Not Just your Words.”](https://ethnopharm.com/show-them-your-actions-not-just-your-words/) - Smart sourcing isn’t just ethical …it’s magnetic.Consumers are watching. The EBI Network helps you give them something worth noticing.Today's consumer expects transparency.The EBI Netork can now supply botanicals and essential oils from Madagascar, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, with real impact and true brand storytelling potential:✨ Gotu kola✨ Ginger✨ Kola nut✨ Vanilla✨
- [Troll & Witch Repellent!](https://ethnopharm.com/troll-witch-repellent/) - Masterwort (aka. Koch; Peucedanum ostruthium, syn. Imperatoria ostruthium) is an old herbal bitter used in flavoring liqueurs and bitter beverages, and also an old traditional Austrian medicine that has internal and external uses.Its leaves have also been consumed cooked as a potherb or a flavoring in dishes, imparting a hot peppery flavor. The leaves have
- [Berkeley’s hottest new club continues!](https://ethnopharm.com/berkeleys-hottest-new-club-continues/) - Deepen your relationship with plants, share experiences, and connect with future friends.Berkeley Herbal Center's Club members receive our herb of the month prepared 3 ways, a monograph written by a practicing herbalist, recipes, journal prompts, poems, and more. We gather every fourth Tuesday from 6:30–7:30pm in a cozy evening circle to honor that month’s herb,
- [Of Chopsticks & Essential Oil.](https://ethnopharm.com/of-chopsticks-essential-oil/) - The Black Spruce (Picea mariana) produces an essential oil that is thought to have compounds with tonifying effects on the hypothalamic-adrenal (HPA) axis, used for balancing hormones and reducing stress.Its essential oil is also used for its antiseptic quality, as well as for aiding in respiratory health and aches and pains.Although it is too small for
- [Plant Fact: Aerial Roots Take Up Nitrogen!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-aerial-roots-take-up-nitrogen/) - Research has shown that aerial roots in some species are more efficient at taking up nitrogen than soil roots!This is likely due to evolutionary pressure in low-nutrient, high-competition settings where epiphytes evolved to capitalize on nutrient run-off or atmospheric deposition.Nutrients are not absorbed directly from the air as gases but are taken up in solution.
- [🌍 ✅ 15 Top Sustainability & CSR Certifications](https://ethnopharm.com/🌍-✅-15-top-sustainability-csr-certifications/) - When it comes to CSR and sustainability, the marketplace is flooded with badges, seals, and labels. Many of these are 'verifications’ or self assessments, lighter-weight processes that can play a role but should never be confused with true certifications.➡️ Certification remains the gold standard: the deepest level of assurance that a supply chain is upholding
- [Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum)-](https://ethnopharm.com/immortelle-helichrysum-italicum/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Why Are Wineries Interested in Regenerative Agriculture Certification?](https://ethnopharm.com/why-are-wineries-interested-in-regenerative-agriculture-certification/) - Tough Day at the Office: Wine, Sunshine, and Regenerative Viticulture 🍇 😄Today during our annual A Greener World team training, we spent a beautiful day diving into regenerative techniques in viticulture for winemaking.It’s a fascinating area where the health of the ecosystem, the vines, and the quality of the final product are all deeply connected.Lately,
- [You have Been Challenged!](https://ethnopharm.com/you-have-been-challenged/) - The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation , and Caine Thompson is challenging others to *Take The One Block Challenge*.🌱What if regeneration could start with just one block, one row, or even one patch of soil in your backyard?The One Block Challenge is an invitation: take just one vineyard or growing block and begin applying regenerative practices, such
- [Since I know you guys like travel stories...](https://ethnopharm.com/since-i-know-you-guys-like-travel-stories/) - Stay Tuned this week, as I will be at an undisclosed location with the amazing talented team of A Greener World, working together to make us all more talented 😄 on our Annual team training, with a focus on Certified Regenerative by AGW.hashtag#RegenerativeAgriculture
- [🌱 “The future of sustainable business is regenerative — not extractive. Biodiversity is the blueprint.”](https://ethnopharm.com/🌱-the-future-of-sustainable-business-is-regenerative-not-extractive-biodiversity-is-the-blueprint/) - Through the EBI Network, we’re putting this vision into action. We are proud to now supply ingredients from Madagascar that deliver real impact and true brand storytelling potential:✨ Gotu kola✨ Ginger✨ Kola nut✨ Vanilla✨ SpilanthesThese are more than botanicals — they’re pathways to biodiversity regeneration, resilient livelihoods, and authentic narratives that brands can share with
- [🌎 🌲 10 Top Biodiversity Hotspots & A Few of Their Useful Plants🌴 🎋 🌳 🌵 🍆 🌺 🌻-](https://ethnopharm.com/🌎-🌲-10-top-biodiversity-hotspots-a-few-of-their-useful-plants🌴-🎋-🌳-🌵-🍆-🌺-🌻/) - Biodiversity hotspots are the living engines of our planet, regions teeming with unique, irreplaceable plant life that form the foundation of the Natural Products Industry, as well as human culture, nutrition, and innovation.Though these areas cover less than 3% of Earth's land, they shelter well over half the world’s plant species, including many that have
- [He Shou Wu- Longevity Tonic or Liver Toxic?](https://ethnopharm.com/he-shou-wu-longevity-tonic-or-liver-toxic/) - With its heart-shaped leaves and vining habit, He Shou Wu (aka. Fo-Ti; Reynoutria multiflora, syn. Polygonum multiflorum, syn. Fallopia multiflora) has a centuries-old history with legendary origins linked to vitality and longevity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, He Shou Wu’s processed root (prepared with black soy beans) is used as a tonic for longevity, and vitality,
- [Saffron(Crocus sativus)-](https://ethnopharm.com/saffroncrocus-sativus/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Homoisoflavonone-](https://ethnopharm.com/homoisoflavonone/) - Important Bioactive From Foods & Botanicals!Homoisoflavanone belongs to a subgroup of homoisoflavonoids which are notably present in various plant genera, including Caesalpinia sappan, Polygonatum odoratum, Ophiopogon japonicus, and bulbous members of the Hyacinthaceae such as Scilla natalensis, Eucomis montana, and Resnova humifusa.Among its possible health benefits:· Antiangiogenic· Anticancer· Antioxidant· Antiinflammatory· Hypoglycemic· Antimicrobial· Immunomodulatory· Hepatoprotective· Antiphotodamage· Skin Protective· Vasorelaxant· AntiacneResearch indicates that homoisoflavanones such as brazilin, extracted from
- [Plant Fact: Plants Forage! 🌿🎯](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-forage-🌿🎯/) - Roots actively forage for nutrients and can sense moisture from a distance, sometimes even detecting the sounds of running water inside sealed pipes, indicating extraordinary environmental awareness and decision-making.Plants use complex signaling, including electrical and chemical messages, to relay information internally across their whole body and potentially to neighboring plants.
- [*Register Now!!* Sustainable supply chain priorities- Virtual Summit](https://ethnopharm.com/register-now-sustainable-supply-chain-priorities-virtual-summit/) - (There is no cost to register and if you want make the time there will be an on-demand recording)Thank you to Karen Raterman for hosting the upcoming Supply Chain Sustainability Stories 2025 Virtual Summit this Thursday, Sept. 18 at 11:30 am EDT.Looking forward to participating with this amazing group of speakers and panelists to discuss
- [Plant-Powered Hubs from Around the World! 🏢 💚 🌿 🌏](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-powered-hubs-from-around-the-world-🏢-💚-🌿-🌏/) - From historic tea factories tucked into mountain valleys to cutting-edge laboratory clusters in metropolitan centers, the world’s greatest herbal and natural product hubs blend tradition and science in truly unique ways.This carousel spotlights the regions and cities (old and new) that are driving the global herbal and natural product industry forward, connecting farmers, researchers, and
- [Hand's On Herbal Making in Berkeley, CA!](https://ethnopharm.com/hands-on-herbal-making-in-berkeley-ca/) - Berkeley Herbal Center’s very own medicine making team is thrilled to invite you to their brand-new offering: a hands-on Medicine Making Series exploring a variety of herbal preparations!Join us for a hands-on introduction to some of the most nourishing and versatile herbal medicines: herbal oils and salves! These remedies are foundational in herbalism, offering gentle,
- [A Visit to A.Vogel: Swiss Herbal Heritage 🇨🇭 🌸 💚 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/a-visit-to-a-vogel-swiss-herbal-heritage-🇨🇭-🌸-💚-🌿/) - Today, I stepped into the world of A.Vogel Schweiz in Roggwil: the iconic Swiss brand founded by visionary herbalist Alfred Vogel.Seen pictured here with friend & colleague, Andy Suter, CEO of A.Vogel, I was also treated to my own private tour of the production, fields, and even a movie!These are truly the highest quality phytotherapies,
- [🐚 🌹 Complexity Theory Shows Us That Life is Beautiful for a Reason-](https://ethnopharm.com/🐚-🌹-complexity-theory-shows-us-that-life-is-beautiful-for-a-reason/) - Complexity theory explores how behaviors and structures emerge from the dynamic interactions among many components, resulting in properties and patterns that cannot be predicted by simply analyzing the individual parts.In contrast to reductionist approaches, it recognizes nonlinear relationships, feedback loops, and adaptive, self-organizing characteristics within networks, whether in ecosystems, organizations, or molecular pathways.🕊️🌿 🌊 Natural
- [✊ 🔬 🌿 Stronger Together: Building Clinical Skills through Collaborative Lab Training-](https://ethnopharm.com/✊-🔬-🌿-stronger-together-building-clinical-skills-through-collaborative-lab-training/) - What a gift to spend an evening deepening our education in functional medicine!Last Night’s training brought together practitioners from across the Central Coast to learn more about key tools like the Gut Zoomer, Hormone Zoomer, and Total Tox Burden from Vibrant Wellness Laboratories.Collaborative learning like this not only sharpens clinical skills but also strengthens our
- [Arnica (Arnica montana)-](https://ethnopharm.com/arnica-arnica-montana/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Feeling cute with my Echinacea umbrella from the A.Vogel Schweiz company!](https://ethnopharm.com/feeling-cute-with-my-echinacea-umbrella-from-the-a-vogel-schweiz-company/) - I’m having a full circle moment - Echinacea holds a special place in my journey, as back in the mid-90s, after DSHEA passed, Echinacea became the first herb to spark a major mainstream boom.And visiting the PhytoValley reminds me how interconnected the world of botanicals truly is. The journey of this single plant, from indigenous
- [Stinging but Medicinal!](https://ethnopharm.com/stinging-but-medicinal/) - Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous plant, originally from Europe, Asia and North Africa, but now spread worldwide.Despite the fact that it has irritating stings, it is an important plant in herbal medicine, and also has a long history for use as a food, beverage and tea.Various parts of the Nettle plant have multiple
- [Mainau- Visiting the "Flower Island" 😻🌹🌸🌺🪷🏝️](https://ethnopharm.com/mainau-visiting-the-flower-island-😻🌹🌸🌺🪷🏝️/) - Sitting appropriately near the“Phytovalley”, off the shores of Lake Constance, the Island of Mainau is known as “Flower Island”. It contains 45 hectares of botanical displays including a 150-year old arboretum.Being amongst garden displays makes me reflect on the ethnobotanical importance of the plants showcased across Mainau’s gardens. Beyond their obvious beauty, many of these
- [Beyond the “Clockwork Universe”, and towards Complexity Science for Botanicals-](https://ethnopharm.com/beyond-the-clockwork-universe-and-towards-complexity-science-for-botanicals/) - Historically, biomedicine and pharmacology have followed the Newtonian paradigm (a worldview built around reductionism, determinism, and predictability).⚙️The “clockwork universe” approach treats living systems as linear, predictable machines, best understood by dissecting them into parts.While this approach delivered great breakthroughs (like antibiotics and vaccines), it has profound limitations in the world of botanicals.🌿Plants are not chemical factories
- [In the Garden of the Future 🌿 🥗 ♾️](https://ethnopharm.com/in-the-garden-of-the-future-🌿-🥗-♾️/) - Today, I had the privilege of stepping into Nutreco’s new Garden of the Future in the PhytoValley, a pioneering hub dedicated to harnessing the power of plants for animal health, nutrition, and a more sustainable world.What struck me most was a stunning explanation of why medicinal plants matter so profoundly in establishing health. The message
- [Introducing the PhytoComplex!](https://ethnopharm.com/introducing-the-phytocomplex/) - Greetings from Lake Constance and the Phyto-Valley! 🏔️🌿🏔️🌊Out for a beautiful dinner with the Nutreco & Trouw Nutrition teams.Tomorrow I visit Nutreco Exploration, and the Nutreco Garden of the Future in the PhytoValley, Switzerland, a Center of Excellence for Medicinal Plants.➡️Get ready to learn more about an exciting innovation called the PhytoComplex!In my view, it
- [BIG NEWS! 🎉 The Roundtable Event: “500 mg of Chill" event is coming!                                   ](https://ethnopharm.com/big-news-🎉-the-roundtable-event-500-mg-of-chill-event-is-coming/) - Get ready for "The Rx Your Pain Didn't See Coming." I’m thrilled to share with you that I will be sitting at the roundtable with other amazing wellness professionals at this virtual event. I will deliver actionable and truly chill advice so you can live with less pain and more ease along with the incredible
- [On the Way to Botanical Innovation! ✈️ 💚 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/on-the-way-to-botanical-innovation-✈️-💚-🌿/) - Packing my bags for a botanical adventure…I’ll be exploring a place where science and botanicals flourish side by side.Stay tuned...soon I will be telling you all about a hub of botanical innovation and sharing some exciting news on groundbreaking botanical science!
- [The "PhytoValley" Botanicals Hub](https://ethnopharm.com/the-phytovalley-botanicals-hub/) - Hello from Switzerland! 🇨🇭 🏔️ 💚 🌿Exciting innovation is blooming in Switzerland’s “Phyto-Valley”, a region in Thurgau near Lake Constance that has become a global hub for plant-based research and phytotechnology!The cluster unites numerous renowned companies, startups, and research organizations committed to harnessing the healing properties of plants to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for health,
- [The Traditional Medicine of the Alps](https://ethnopharm.com/the-traditional-medicine-of-the-alps/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong…plus this post is meant to prepare you for some exciting news and content
- [🔥🌿10 Top Herbs for Mitochondrial Health](https://ethnopharm.com/🔥🌿10-top-herbs-for-mitochondrial-health/) - Mitochondria = The Powerhouses Behind Longevity & VitalityWhen we talk about wellness and healthy aging, the conversation often circles around nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. But at the cellular level, there’s an often-overlooked piece of the puzzle: mitochondrial health.Mitochondria aren’t just the engines producing our cellular energy (ATP); they’re central players in oxidative stress
- [Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea)-](https://ethnopharm.com/blue-lotus-nymphaea-caerulea/) - Post Series: Medicinal Flowers When we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they
- [What Forbes states below is true-](https://ethnopharm.com/what-forbes-states-below-is-true/) - After reading through though dozens of Regenerative Farm Plans in my work with A Greener World, I have very touched by this fact:➡️ The relatively short-term history of industrial farming has been one of 'extraction and short-term yields'.. but this is now changing as farmers world-wide are adopting regenerative techniques.🫒 Read more in Forbes about
- [Top 5 Botanical Posts in the Past Year!](https://ethnopharm.com/top-5-botanical-posts-in-the-past-year/) - Curious to know what others find curious? Here is a list of the top 5 of my single botanical posts that got the most attention this past year. 1. The Most Interesting Tree on Earth? Native to the rainforests of the Guianas, but now planted widely in the tropical to semi-tropical areas of the world
- [New! Introducing The Monthly Herb Club at the Berkeley Herbal Center 💚 🌿 🎁](https://ethnopharm.com/new-introducing-the-monthly-herb-club-at-the-berkeley-herbal-center-💚-🌿-🎁/) - We’re so excited to launch Herb Club at Berkeley Herbal Center—a monthly gathering to deepen your connection with plants, share experiences, and commune with fellow herb lovers. Think of it as an evening kickback, where each month we dote on one herb, exchange insights, and learn from practicing herbalists. Herb Club is more than just a
- [Reference Materials Matter- The Case of Ecklonia cava.](https://ethnopharm.com/reference-materials-matter-the-case-of-ecklonia-cava/) - Sadly, although Eckonia cava is considered a Korean treasure, much of it on the market has been fake!Ecklonia cava is a perennial, edible brown alga that grows in shallow, subtidal rocky areas off the coasts of Korea, forming large underwater forests and reaching heights of up to 1.3 meters. This nutrient-rich seaweed is characterized by
- [Newtopia Now 2025 Top 5 Trends and Favs!](https://ethnopharm.com/newtopia-now-2025-top-5-trends-and-favs/) - This was the second year of Newtopia Now, which is the tradeshow replacing Expo East. Just as Expo East, Newtopia Now tends to be more food-dominated, but it also includes everything from cosmetics to supplements and sustainable packaging--just in a (so far) much smaller show! This makes it a pleasure to attend, as it is
- [Reference Materials Matter!](https://ethnopharm.com/reference-materials-matter/) - Excited to be on the Scientific Advisory Board for a company that puts so much into assuring quality & transparency from the source. When they started looking into launching an Ecklonia cava supplement, Nootropics Depot found virtually all the material on the market were adulterated. So, they went to the source and worked with experts
- [The Cooler Ginseng!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-cooler-ginseng/) - Prince Ginseng (aka. Tai Zi Shen; Pseudostellaria heterophylla) produces long spindly roots that are used in traditional medicine, but it is not botanically related to true Panax ginseng.However, like Ginseng, Prince Ginseng is thought of as an adaptogen, as it is used as a tonic to replenish energy and increase longevity.A native of China, Japan
- [Thymoquinone-](https://ethnopharm.com/thymoquinone/) - Important Bioactive From Plants!Thymoquinone is a monoterpene compound appearing as orange to brown crystals and is the major bioactive constituent found in the volatile oil of Nigella sativa (Black Seed or Black Cumin). Other notable plant sources include a variety of species from the Lamiaceae family such as Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot), as well as
- [Day 2 Newtopia Now-](https://ethnopharm.com/day-2-newtopia-now-2/) - Protein was everywhere still at Newtopia Now— this tends to be a more food focused show (as it replaced Expo East), and protein is still dominating, but finding better formulation and flavors and in conversation around GLP-1 support and longevity…. More on this on an upcoming post about some of my finds at the show.Here
- [Day 3 Newtopia Now-](https://ethnopharm.com/day-3-newtopia-now/) - Bon Voyage! It’s official- this show holds its weight in the ability to run across and spend time with old friends, while providing ample opportunity to make new good connections— all wrapped up in the cool location of Downtown Denver. 🏔️🏢☀️Here I am pictured with long-time colleague friend Abianne Falla, Pioneering Entrepreneur of Yaupon &
- [Newtopia Now...ready, set, go!](https://ethnopharm.com/newtopia-now-ready-set-go/) - Wonderful to catch up with long time friend and colleague Kiel Henderson, who is spearheading the effort to bring PhytoLab third party testing services and analytical products to North America. 💚 🌿 📈 🔬
- [Day 2 Newtopia Now-](https://ethnopharm.com/day-2-newtopia-now/) - Remember when the other natural product shows were still small enough to bump into everyone you wanted?The cool thing about Newtopia Now is that the show is still small enough to make serendipidous connections...and get your aura pictured at the same time! 🌈💚🌿💓🤍💛Stay tuned, as I will be posting on what is trending on the
- [VO₂Max: The Longevity Metric We Can’t Ignore & Botanicals May Influence 🚀 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/vo₂max-the-longevity-metric-we-cant-ignore-botanicals-may-influence-🚀-🌿/) - When we think about "health metrics," most people immediately picture cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar...But there’s one measure that may trump them all when it comes to predicting how long, and how well, we live: VO₂Max.VO₂Max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is the body’s ability to utilize oxygen during intense exercise. In other words, it
- [Lemon Balm for a Sunny Outlook 😎 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/lemon-balm-for-a-sunny-outlook-😎-🌿/) - Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) has been found in clinical study to significantly improve both mood and cognitive performance, and it is among the top 20 recent nootropics gaining attention on Reddit. Lemon balm has a number of uses: as an ornamental, culinary, perfumery, a flavor, in toothpastes and cosmetics, to attract bees for honey, and
- [The Origin of Aspirin.](https://ethnopharm.com/the-origin-of-aspirin/) - In traditional medicine, White Willow (Salix alba) bark has been used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation, with ancient civilizations (including Hippocrates) recommending its use for pain, such as headaches, birth pain, rheumatic pain, back pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, sore throat, fever, and various inflammatory conditions. The main active constituent, salicin, is metabolized to
- [Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics & Botanicals: 10 Top Nutrigenetic SNPs with Botanical Recommendations—](https://ethnopharm.com/nutrigenetics-nutrigenomics-botanicals-10-top-nutrigenetic-snps-with-botanical-recommendations/) - Advances in nutrigenetics are transforming nutrition by analyzing individual genetic variations—specifically, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—that influence how our bodies metabolize nutrients. Nutrigenetics focuses on how your unique DNA affects your response to various foods and nutrients, while nutrigenomics explores how dietary components and botanicals impact gene expression and overall health.These genetic insights allow professionals to
- [Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)-](https://ethnopharm.com/jasmine-jasminum-sambac/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Exciting News!! The EBI Network is ready to supply high-impact ingredients of Madagascar.](https://ethnopharm.com/exciting-news-the-ebi-network-is-ready-to-supply-high-impact-ingredients-of-madagascar/) - ➡️ Did you know that Madagascar is one of the world's most important Biodiversity Hotspots? By sourcing from the EBI Network, you can be assured that each ingredient is fully traceable and playing an important role to protect and build biodiversity.Did you know that Gotu Kola from Madagascar has a special quality with naturally occurring
- [The Hyacinth - Fragrant Beauty of Forgiveness](https://ethnopharm.com/the-hyacinth-fragrant-beauty-of-forgiveness/) - In the Victorian language of flowers, purple Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) carried a meaning of deep forgiveness or regret, tied to the origin of the name “Hyacinth”; which is associated with a Greek legend about a beautiful boy named Hyakinthos who was slain by Zephyr, the god of the west wind. Widely cultivated throughout the world
- [🧬 🌿 Nutrigenomics & Botanicals-](https://ethnopharm.com/🧬-🌿-nutrigenomics-botanicals/) - Welcome to the future of personalized wellness, where cutting-edge nutrigenomics meets botanical innovation!As science uncovers the powerful connection between our genes and nutrition, the market is responding in a big way: the global nutrigenomics sector is projected to surge from $1.14 billion in 2025 to over $2.2 billion by 2029, boasting annual growth rates near
- [If a Pineapple and Palm had a Baby…](https://ethnopharm.com/if-a-pineapple-and-palm-had-a-baby/) - With its bizarre, pineapple-like fruit and spiral whorls of spiny leaves, the Screw Pine (aka. Pandan; Pandanus spp.) stands out as a botanical oddity thriving across the world’s tropics, from sun-drenched Pacific islands to the coasts of India and Madagascar.The Screw Pines are a genus of palm-like monocots that have hundreds of accepted species in
- [Most Talked About Nootropics On Reddit in 2025-](https://ethnopharm.com/most-talked-about-nootropics-on-reddit-in-2025/) - Reddit is having a moment, since many people are longing for a version of the internet that is pre-AI and so many sponsored Ads. Also, in case you didn’t see my earlier post, Reddit is a great place to understand trends, especially for Nootropics.Reddit stands out as an underappreciated yet powerful platform for predicting emerging
- [10 Top Herbs for Menopause / Perimenopause](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-herbs-for-menopause-perimenopause/) - Nature can support the menopause journey…Interest in evidence-based herbal solutions for perimenopause and menopause is surging, as more women seek safe, effective alternatives for symptom relief and long-term wellness.The global women’s health supplements market demonstrates just how quickly the landscape is changing: it’s projected to reach over $70 billion by 2032, with menopause-specific supplements fueling
- [Calendula (Calendula officinalis)-](https://ethnopharm.com/calendula-calendula-officinalis/) - Post Series: Medicinal Flowers When we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they
- [Fire Cider Making...](https://ethnopharm.com/fire-cider-making/) - Welcome back to the Herbal Maker series!For this Herbal Maker series, I am sharing some of my favorite herbal recipes you can make at home—simple, sensory, and rooted in the magic of plants. Whether you're new to DIY or a seasoned herbal maker, use these recipes to inspire your hands-on herbal joy or maybe give
- [Resurrection Tea?](https://ethnopharm.com/resurrection-tea/) - The Resurrection Plant (Myrothamnus moschatus, not to be confused with Selaginella lepidophylla, also known as a Resurrection Plant) appears shriveled and dry during drought but rapidly rehydrates and revives with moisture.It has small, fragrant leaves and is adapted to survive extreme dehydration, making it a botanical curiosity and a symbol of resilience.This species is endemic
- [The Tomorrow Herb, for Forever? ♾️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-tomorrow-herb-for-forever-♾️-🌿/) - The Tomorrow Herb, aka. Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) has the amazing ability to resprout quickly—the next very next day after harvesting a leaf—thus, its common name as the “Tomorrow Herb”.The Tomorrow Herb is an endemic herbaceous perennial of Japan that is from the carrot family, producing typical large white umbels and dissected leaves.It has been long
- [Could Light Be a Hidden Language in Biology? 💡🌿🧬](https://ethnopharm.com/could-light-be-a-hidden-language-in-biology-💡🌿🧬/) - Consider this radical possibility: what if living cells communicate and regulate their functions through light?German biophysicist Fritz-Albert Popp’s research gives potential substance to the idea that we’re truly “beings of light”, and that understanding could transform medicine and our view of life itself.Popp’s research brought attention to a phenomenon called biophotons: ultra-weak, laser-like light emissions
- [10 Top Botanicals for Biohacking 💚 📈 ⌚ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-botanicals-for-biohacking-💚-📈-⌚-🌿/) - Whether you’re tracking metrics with wearables, through functional medicine, or optimizing your daily rituals, biohacking is your invitation to become an active participant in your own health journey.➡️ It empowers you to thrive, not just survive.As the movement toward personalized medicine accelerates, botanicals offer a powerful, accessible way for anyone to take charge of their
- [Rose (Rosa spp.)-](https://ethnopharm.com/rose-rosa-spp/) - Post Series: Medicinal Flowers When we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they
- [The Emerging Biological Functions in Biohacking & Nooptropic Use 🏃‍♀️ 🌿 🧘‍♂️ ⌚ 🧠](https://ethnopharm.com/the-emerging-biological-functions-in-biohacking-nooptropic-use-🏃♀️-🌿-🧘♂️-⌚-🧠/) - The rising wave of quantified-self and biohacking-focused narratives in the dietary supplement space will bring about new opportunities for brands that cater to an audience becoming more experimental and data-driven.The fastest-growing nootropics and wellness compounds cluster around a few powerful functional themes: cognitive enhancement, mitochondrial energy optimization, adaptogenic stress resilience, and systemic anti-inflammatory support.See the
- [The 5 Rs of Functional Medicine and Dietary Supplementation 🌿🩺💊](https://ethnopharm.com/the-5-rs-of-functional-medicine-and-dietary-supplementation-🌿🩺💊/) - If you’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice about gut health, you’re not alone…🤷‍♀️Many people are confused about where to start, especially when symptoms flare or digestion feels "off."That’s why the 5 Rs of Functional Medicine (Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, and Rebalance) provide a clear and evidence-based roadmap for restoring balance to your gut.While dietary supplements can
- [Tulipomania: The First Market Bubble and Its Enduring Lessons 📈🌷📉](https://ethnopharm.com/tulipomania-the-first-market-bubble-and-its-enduring-lessons-📈🌷📉/) - In the early 17th century, the Netherlands experienced one of history’s most remarkable financial episodes: Tulipomania.What began as a fascination with rare and beautiful tulip bulbs quickly escalated into a speculative frenzy, with prices for certain bulbs soaring to levels that far exceeded their intrinsic value…sometimes costing more than a house or a year’s wages
- [The Next Big Botanical: Shatavari](https://ethnopharm.com/the-next-big-botanical-shatavari/) - The ‘Herb That Gives 100 Husbands’, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a wild Asparagus that is also considered one of the most rejuvenating and adaptogenic herbs in Ayurvedic medicine.It looks Asparagus-like, forming shoots from a tuberous root system with needle-like leaves. As the season continues, producing small white flowers followed by blackish-purple berries.Now considered endangered in
- [Plant Fact: Plants Communicate to Insects Through Light & Scent-🌿✨](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-communicate-to-insects-through-light-scent-🌿✨/) - Plants enhance communication with pollinators by increasing both infrared light emissions and scent when insects are near.Research shows that flowers emit weak electric fields and can even detect the electric charge carried by insects like bees. When a bee approaches, the flower’s electric field changes, which the bee can sense, helping it find nectar and
- [Biohacking & Botanicals: Optimizing Wellness with Nature and Science 🏃 🌿 ⌚ 📈](https://ethnopharm.com/biohacking-botanicals-optimizing-wellness-with-nature-and-science-🏃-🌿-⌚-📈/) - Optimizing Wellness with Nature and Science 🏃 🌿 ⌚ 📈 Biohacking, the use of science, technology, and lifestyle interventions to optimize physical and mental performance, and longevity, is rapidly becoming a global movement. In 2024, the global biohacking market was valued at over $22 billion, with projections to surpass $63 billion by 2030, reflecting widespread
- [Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea)-](https://ethnopharm.com/butterfly-pea-clitoria-ternatea/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [So Beautiful You Can Eat Them!](https://ethnopharm.com/so-beautiful-you-can-eat-them/) - Due to the beauty of their flowers, Fuchsias (Fuchsia spp.) are highly favored for their use in horticulture.Surprisingly, the berries of all the Fuchsia species and all cultivars are regarded as edible! As a group, they tend to have flavors described as “reminiscent to citrus and black pepper”. The beautiful flowers are also regarded as
- [Plant Fact: Plants Farm Microbes!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-farm-microbes/) - Plants actually "farm" and feed on microbes to acquire nutrients: an unexpected plant-microbe interaction Dr. James White’s work on rhizophagy revealed.James White's research reveals that plants are not passive recipients of microbial help, but active participants in a microbial nutrient economy, reshaping how we understand root biology, symbiosis, and plant nutrition.Key Breakthroughs:1. Rhizophagy Cycle Discovery:White and
- [The Longevity Botanical](https://ethnopharm.com/the-longevity-botanical/) - Jiaogulan (aka. Sweet Tea Vine; Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a tonic herb that has been consumed in some mountainous areas of Southeast Asia and China, also sometimes referred to as the “Immortality Herb” or “five-leaf ginseng”, as old people from these regions have reported consuming it regularly. It has been historically linked to remarkable human longevity
- [Plant Fact: Sunlight Reflection-](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-sunlight-reflection/) - In some of the world’s harshest environments, plants have developed clever ways to beat the heat.Many desert and alpine plants have reflective leaf surfaces or are covered in fine white hairs, helping them deflect sunlight and minimize water loss.Take Artemisia (sagebrush) or Edelweiss, for example. Their silvery, fuzzy leaves act like natural sunshields, keeping leaf
- [Discovering the Power of Plant-Derived Vaccine Adjuvants-](https://ethnopharm.com/discovering-the-power-of-plant-derived-vaccine-adjuvants/) - As the world seeks safer, more effective vaccines, plant-derived adjuvants are emerging as a promising solution.These natural compounds—extracted from sources like saponins, polysaccharides, and lectins—are gaining attention in research for their ability to boost immune responses while minimizing unwanted side effects.Why Plant-Based? 💚 🌿➡️ Enhanced Safety Profile: Many plant-derived adjuvants have demonstrated low toxicity and
- [Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)-](https://ethnopharm.com/red-clover-trifolium-pratense/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Forget TikTok; Watch Reddit for Trends 📈 🍀](https://ethnopharm.com/forget-tiktok-watch-reddit-for-trends-📈-🍀/) - In my view, Reddit stands out as an underappreciated yet powerful platform for predicting emerging trends, often providing a more nuanced and reliable picture than platforms like TikTok or other mainstream social networks, especially in the nutraceutical space.While the viral nature of TikTok can make sudden trends visible, Reddit’s structure (with its vast network of
- [Vata Thistle 🌪️ 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/vata-thistle-🌪️-🌿/) - Costus (aka. Kuth, Putchuk; Saussurea costus, syn. Saussurea lappa) has been known since ancient times, and referred to in the Hebrew Bible and Talmud as a consecrated incense.It is a robust perennial herb native to the Himalayan region that can reach up to 2 meters in height and features stout, simple stems with large, membranous
- [Follow The Electrons: Redox Processes as Central Drivers of Soil, Plant, and Microbial Health](https://ethnopharm.com/follow-the-electrons-redox-processes-as-central-drivers-of-soil-plant-and-microbial-health/) - Olivier Husson’s work has revolutionized our understanding of redox (reduction-oxidation) processes as central drivers of soil, plant, and microbial health.Alongside pH (which measures proton availability), redox potential (Eh, which measures electron availability) has been proposed as a critical component for assessing soil, plant, and animal health.Both parameters are analyzed together to provide a much fuller
- [The Origin of Cola. 🥤 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/the-origin-of-cola-🥤-🌿/) - The Kola Nut (Cola acuminata, C. nitida & Cola spp.) is an original source of flavoring and caffeine for Coca Cola.In the 1880s, Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist who mixed the extract of Kola Nuts with the cocaine-containing extracts of Coca leaves and mixed it with flavoring and sugar—no wonder it was a successful
- [Theacrine-](https://ethnopharm.com/theacrine/) - Important Bioactive From Plants! Theacrine is a naturally occurring purine alkaloid belonging to the methylurate class of compounds, structurally similar to caffeine. Its chemical name is 1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid, and it shares a similar core structure to caffeine and theobromine, with a slightly larger molecular weight and altered pharmacokinetics. Theacrine is most notably found in Camellia
- [Top Herbal Digestive Aids: Multiple Solutions Fit for a Global Market Opportunity 🌿 🌏](https://ethnopharm.com/top-herbal-digestive-aids-multiple-solutions-fit-for-a-global-market-opportunity-🌿-🌏/) - Digestive discomfort is a daily reality for millions. In fact, more than 40% of people worldwide suffer from functional gastrointestinal disorders like bloating, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome, impacting their well-being and productivity.Globally, digestive diseases accounted for over 2.2 billion prevalent cases in 2019—making them a significant public health concern.As awareness of gut health rises,
- [Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)-](https://ethnopharm.com/lavender-lavandula-angustifolia/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [The Standard for Herbal Bitter Strength. 🌿✊](https://ethnopharm.com/the-standard-for-herbal-bitter-strength-🌿✊/) - Gentian (Gentiana lutea, Gentiana spp.) is one of the most famous bitter herbs, remarkably bitter in all plant parts and with a long history of use in herbal bitter medicines and beverages.The bitter principles of Gentian, the secoiridoid glycosides amarogentin and gentiopicrin, are also found in other Gentian family member species.Gentiopicrin is so bitter that
- [Can Rocks and Soils can “Talk” to Plants?](https://ethnopharm.com/can-rocks-and-soils-can-talk-to-plants/) - Phillip Callahan’s groundbreaking research revealed that paramagnetism (magnetic energy from certain soils and rocks) boosts plant growth and soil health by amplifying subtle electromagnetic signals. He showed plants emit infrared light that helps insects “read” their health, opening a new world of communication in nature!His innovations, like the Paramagnetic Count Soil Meter, help farmers improve
- [The Healing Club](https://ethnopharm.com/the-healing-club/) - Club mosses are primitive, spore-producing plants in the family Lycopodiaceae, with creeping or upright stems covered in tiny, scale-like leaves that give them a mossy appearance.Despite their name, they are not true mosses but are more closely related to ferns and were among the earliest vascular plants on Earth.These plants are found across temperate and
- [Wouldn’t We All be Shocked…If There Really Is a…4th Phase of Water? 💧](https://ethnopharm.com/wouldnt-we-all-be-shockedif-there-really-is-a4th-phase-of-water-💧/) - We all learned that water exists in three phases: solid (ice), liquid, and vapor.But in recent years, bioengineer Dr. Gerald Pollack proposed a 4th phase of water: a structured, gel-like state called EZ water (short for Exclusion Zone water), which forms next to hydrophilic surfaces like cell membranes or clay particles, inside or outside of
- [Top Plants Used in Fireworks 🌿🎆🌟 ☄️](https://ethnopharm.com/top-plants-used-in-fireworks-🌿🎆🌟-☄️/) - Before fireworks dazzled modern skies with vivid colors and thunderous crackles, their magic began with something far more grounded: plants. As early as the 9th century in China, the first black powder was made using charcoal (often from willow or pine), sulfur, and saltpeter, a mix that would spark the invention of fireworks. Over centuries,
- [Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)-](https://ethnopharm.com/lotus-nelumbo-nucifera/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Happy Independence Day!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-independence-day/) - I posted this video last year as the industry was celebrating 30 years of The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994… and since today is also my birthday, I will post it again! See the Video Here: https://youtu.be/DrRB2TKOI1k If you don’t know the cool history of how this amazing piece of legislation was
- [Plants in Your Fireworks! 🎆 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/plants-in-your-fireworks-🎆-🌿/) - Did you know…Lycopodium powder, made from the spores of club mosses like Lycopodium clavatum, has been used for centuries in pyrotechnics and theatrical displays!These ultra-fine spores are highly flammable, producing bright, flash-like bursts when ignited…once even used in early photography and stage effects before electric lights.Other plants have also lit up history:· Willow wood is traditionally
- [Black Gold Adaptogenic Aphrodisiac](https://ethnopharm.com/black-gold-adaptogenic-aphrodisiac/) - Golden Eye-Grass' (aka. Kali Musli, Black Musli; Curculigo orchioides) roots are black, considered endangered, yet sought after, so it is often referred to as “Black Gold”.It is a small, stemless, tuberous herb with long, narrow leaves and yellow flowers that bloom close to the ground. Typically growing in tropical and subtropical forests, it prefers shaded, moist
- [Let’s Talk About: Living Roots](https://ethnopharm.com/lets-talk-about-living-roots/) - One of the core principles of Regenerative Agriculture is keeping living roots in the ground year-round…and for good reason.Roots do more than anchor plants—they actively shape soil health by feeding microbial communities, building structure, cycling nutrients, and improving water retention.Through root exudates (sugars, acids, and other compounds) plants form mutually beneficial relationships with soil microbes
- [Plants Channel Light Underground!](https://ethnopharm.com/plants-channel-light-underground/) - …And It Is Changing How We Think About Soil Health!Scientists have found that plants can transmit light internally from their leaves to their roots using vascular tissues—essentially acting like natural fiber optics.Plant stems are directly piping sunlight down the stem and reaching receptors known as phytochromes, which play an important role in root growth. As
- [10 Top Useful Weeds-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-useful-weeds/) - Lets reconnect with a deep well of botanical knowledge often lost in modern landscaping...Weeds get a bad rap. We pull them, spray them, mow them down, and curse their persistence. But what if we shift our view of plants we consider pests to the fact they are powerful allies?They're survivors, growing in tough conditions where
- [Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)-](https://ethnopharm.com/hibiscus-hibiscus-sabdariffa/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Kombucha Making!](https://ethnopharm.com/kombucha-making/) - Welcome back to the Herbal Maker series!For this Herbal Maker series, I am sharing some of my favorite herbal recipes you can make at home—simple, sensory, and rooted in the magic of plants. Whether you're new to DIY or a seasoned herbal maker, use these recipes to inspire your hands-on herbal joy or maybe give
- [The Bleeding Heart to Ease Pain. 💓](https://ethnopharm.com/the-bleeding-heart-to-ease-pain-💓/) - Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos & Dicentra spp.) plants produce an incredible drooping inflorescence with a string of heart-like flowers that appear to be split open with a drop of blood!They all used to be part of the Dicentra genus, but now the genus is split into several.They are native to eastern Asia and North America, but
- [Thank You, 10,000+ Strong! 💚🌿🌍](https://ethnopharm.com/thank-you-10000-strong-💚🌿🌍/) - I’m deeply grateful for my incredible community of over 10,000 plant enthusiasts, product developers, colleagues, scientists, makers, growers, and curious minds on LinkedIn.Your passion for exploring the ways plants and other natural products support health (for people and for the planet) has made this space on LinkedIn a meaningful place for learning, sharing, and connecting...through
- [The Earache Weed](https://ethnopharm.com/the-earache-weed/) - The common name “Mullein” refers to the genus of plants called Verbascum (Verbascum thapsus, V. spp.), which is made up of around 360 species., native to Europe and Asia.The Common Mullein, (or “Great” Mullein, or “Nature’s Toilet Paper”) Verbascum thapsus, is the species usually referred to when referencing medicinal uses.It is a biennial and grows
- [Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)- Post Series: Medicinal Flowers](https://ethnopharm.com/elderflower-sambucus-nigra-post-series-medicinal-flowers/) - When we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are beautiful.Elderflowers, the delicate,
- [New Post Series Alert: Herbal Maker Favorites!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-post-series-alert-herbal-maker-favorites/) - Starting today, I’m sharing some of my favorite herbal recipes you can make at home—simple, sensory, and rooted in the magic of plants. Whether you're new to DIY or a seasoned herbal maker, this series is here to inspire your hands-on herbal joy and maybe give you some ideas on product development if you are
- [Like a Breath of Fresh Air](https://ethnopharm.com/like-a-breath-of-fresh-air/) - The Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a fast-growing Eurasian pine is often used as a natural alternative to those seeking pain management and respiratory health.The Scotch Pine has short blue-green needles and orange-red bark (in the upper part of the tree) and can grow as tall as 150 feet. It is a lowland tree in
- [Methylliberine-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/methylliberine-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Methylliberine is a naturally occurring purine alkaloid belonging to the methylurate class of compounds, structurally related to caffeine, theacrine, and other methylxanthines. Chemically, it is a close analog of caffeine but with subtle differences in methylation patterns. Methylliberine is primarily found in certain plants of the coffee and tea family (Rubiaceae and Theaceae), but most
- [Polygala- Calming the Spirit, Clearing the Mind](https://ethnopharm.com/polygala-calming-the-spirit-clearing-the-mind/) - Polygala (aka. Yuan Zhi; Polygala tenuifolia), is a perennial herb with slender stems and narrow leaves, producing small purple or pink flowers. It thrives in grasslands and forest margins and is especially known for its twisted, aromatic roots. Native to China and other parts of East Asia, Polygala tenuifolia has been used for over 2,000
- [Plant Fact: Thermogenesis](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-thermogenesis/) - Some plants exhibit thermogenesis—the ability to generate heat through metabolic processes—most notably seen in species like the Eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) and the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum). These plants use thermogenesis to volatilize scent compounds and attract pollinators, often mimicking the smell and warmth of decaying organic matter to lure carrion beetles and flies.
- [10 Top Herbs for Men’s Health-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-herbs-for-mens-health/) - This Father’s Day, to celebrate the strength, resilience, and well-being of the men in our lives I am highlighting herbs that support men’s health at every stage.From energy and stamina to heart health and stress resilience, nature offers powerful allies to help men thrive.Swipe through to discover time-tested herbs that can make a meaningful difference
- [Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)-](https://ethnopharm.com/chamomile-matricaria-chamomilla/) - Post Series: Medicinal FlowersWhen we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are
- [Buddha in a Bottle?](https://ethnopharm.com/buddha-in-a-bottle/) - Buddha Wood (False Sandalwood; Eremophila mitchellii) is a shrub or small tree normally growing 7-20 feet endemic to Australia.Though it is a serious weed in grazing lands, it has a number of interesting uses. Buddha Wood itself has a wood that is useful in woodworking, as it is hard, contains a natural termite repellant, and
- [Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-](https://ethnopharm.com/gamma-aminobutyric-acid/) - Important Bioactive From Plants!Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that functions as the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Unlike protein-forming amino acids, GABA is not incorporated into proteins but plays a key signaling role. In the plant kingdom, GABA is naturally found in a variety of species, especially those subjected
- [Hot off the Press!- "Transparently Organic"](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-transparently-organic/) - New article out in Prepared Foods Magazine on how Ingredient Buyers & Formulators can safeguard against Ingredient Fraud. Link to the Digital Edition: https://lnkd.in/g6Fc5PYw
- [Plum Full of Vitamin C!](https://ethnopharm.com/plum-full-of-vitamin-c/) - The Kakadu Plum (aka Billygoat Plum; Terminalia ferdinandiana) fruits are soft, yellow-green in color and about 2 inches long with one large seed inside and are commonly purported to be the fruit with the highest vitamin C content known in the world! The Kakadu Plums have growing interest in functional foods and beverages due to
- [Plant Fact: Salt Tolerance](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-salt-tolerance/) - Some plants, known as halophytes, exhibit salt tolerance as a survival strategy in saline environments such as coastal marshes, salt flats, and arid regions with high soil salinity. These plants have evolved specialized adaptations like salt-excreting glands, succulent tissues for diluting internal salt concentrations, and compartmentalization of salt within vacuoles to protect vital cellular processes.
- [10 Top Ayurvedic Herbs-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-ayurvedic-herbs/) - Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, has used herbs for centuries for healing and to support balance and vitality in everyday lives. Today, as more people seek natural solutions for wellness, the global market for Ayurvedic herbs is growing rapidly. The global Ayurveda is forcasted to reach 76.91 billion by 2030, registering a
- [The Gumdrop Bush-](https://ethnopharm.com/the-gumdrop-bush/) - Gum Tragacanth (Astragalus gummifer, Astragalus spp.) is a small thorny, scraggly shrub in the pea family which produces a gum resin that is valued for many industrial, medicinal and food applications. Although Gum Tragacanth can be produced by other species of Astragalus, A. gummifer is often believed to be the original source. In foods, Gum
- [Beta-Ecdysterone- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/beta-ecdysterone-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Beta-ecdysterone is a naturally occurring steroidal phytohormone classified as a phytoecdysteroid. While it mimics the function of molting hormones in insects, in plants it serves as a defense molecule against herbivorous insects. Notable botanical sources of beta-ecdysterone include Ajuga turkestanica, Rhaponticum carthamoides (Maral root), Cyanotis arachnoidea, Spinach and Asparagus.Among its possible health benefits:· Anabolic Effects· Adaptogen· Antioxidant· Anti-inflammatory· Hypoglycemic· Bone Protection· Hepatoprotective· Wound
- [Bread from a Fruit!](https://ethnopharm.com/bread-from-a-fruit/) - The Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a flowering tree that lives in tropical regions and grows up to about 85 feet with large deeply dissected leaves and producing grapefruit-sized fruits—as one of the highest-yielding food plants in the world!The Breadfruit gets its name for the fact that when its fruit is cooked, it has a consistency
- [Bitter Sweet Benefits-](https://ethnopharm.com/bitter-sweet-benefits/) - Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) has several health benefits associated with it due to its ease of adding to the diet and its phytochemical makeup. One of the lowest-calorie fruits, Grapefruits are high in water content, helping you to stay hydrated. Grapefruit has a high content of vitamin C, as well as other immune-boosting vitamins and
- [10 Top Adaptogens-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-adaptogens/) - Adaptogens are a class of herbs and natural substances that help the mind and body adapt to stress. Unlike stimulants, which offer a quick boost, adaptogens work by gently supporting the body’s ability to maintain balance—or “homeostasis.” Used for centuries in traditional systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Siberian folk practices, these herbs are
- [Plant Fact: Toxic Defense](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-toxic-defense/) - Some plants produce phytochemicals to act as defense against herbivory. For example, the Manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella), often dubbed the “tree of death,” is one of the most toxic trees in the world, employing a potent chemical defense to deter herbivores and humans alike. Every part of the tree—its bark, leaves, and deceptively sweet-looking fruit—contains
- [Free Cover Crop Seed!](https://ethnopharm.com/free-cover-crop-seed/) - The Cover Crop Variety Testing Network is seeking farmers to join their team as citizen scientists this fall. Partnering farms will receive cover crop seed to grow variety trials in their own fields, monitor throughout the season and help identify which varieties perform best across different regions, management practices and farming systems. Space is limited,
- [(Yet, Again) Grannies Know Best!](https://ethnopharm.com/yet-again-grannies-know-best/) - I used to think only grannies would appreciate these plants...but after growing a couple I completely understood! Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium graveolens & P. spp.) are so easy in the garden, not fussing over water or care, and though their flowers are not showy as individuals, they are beautiful as they create a dainty profusion or
- [Yoo-Hoo, have you heard of the Yuzu?](https://ethnopharm.com/yoo-hoo-have-you-heard-of-the-yuzu/) - Thought to have originated from China, the Yuzu (Citrus junos) is a hybrid between the Mandarin Orange and the very hardy (for a citrus) Ichang Papeda.Though long only associated with Asian cooking, the Yuzu has recently made its way into cuisines throughout the world as a fresh new flavoring which is tart and aromatic, similar
- [Cyanidin 3-Glucoside-](https://ethnopharm.com/cyanidin-3-glucoside/) - Important Bioactive From Plants!Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is a naturally occurring anthocyanin with a glucose molecule attached at the 3-position of the C-ring. This glycosylation increases its stability and solubility in water, making it a prominent pigment in many deeply colored fruits and vegetables. C3G is responsible for the vivid red, purple, and blue hues in plants
- [Types of GLP-1 Support Supplements on The Market-](https://ethnopharm.com/types-of-glp-1-support-supplements-on-the-market/) - GLP-1 support products have been identified by industry analysts as a key trend hitting the dietary supplement and functional food markets. It isn’t surprising when you consider that 12% of US adults have already been using GLP-1 pharmaceuticals. Despite dangerous overstepping on claims, the market has responded, and products are being launched to capitalize on
- [The Rainforest Lemon-](https://ethnopharm.com/the-rainforest-lemon/) - A small to medium sized rainforest tree from Australia, the Lemon Aspen (Rainforest Lemon; Acronychia acidula) produces small bright green fruits that have a grapefruit or lemon-like flavor which is popular as a wild food flavor for beverages, foods (sauces) and sweets. In traditional Aboriginal medicine, the fruit and leaves of Lemon Aspen have been
- [With respect and remembrance on this Memorial Day🙏](https://ethnopharm.com/with-respect-and-remembrance-on-this-memorial-day🙏/) - Freedom takes many forms. Today, for me, it looks like this: Sailing through Morro Bay, California, with Morro Rock in view—one of the ancient ‘Seven Sisters’ of volcanic peaks rising from the sea. #MemorialDay #MoroBay #California
- [Plant Fact: Trapdoor Hunting!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-trapdoor-hunting/) - Corkscrew Plants (Genlisea spp.) are carnivorous plants that employ a unique trapdoor hunting technique to capture microscopic prey such as protozoa. Lacking true roots, Genlisea instead developed specialized subterranean leaves (that look like roots) that function as traps. These leaves form a spiral, corkscrew-like structure with inward-pointing hairs and a narrow entrance that acts like
- [10 Top Botanical Nootropics-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-botanical-nootropics/) - For centuries, cultures around the world have turned to botanicals to enhance memory, focus, and mental clarity.These herbal nootropics were often consumed as tonics or teas to combat fatigue, sharpen the mind, or preserve cognitive function with age.Today, modern science is increasingly validating these traditional practices by uncovering the pharmacological mechanisms behind their effects, such
- [We’re not a niche market. We are the original health system, and still the most used.🌿 ✊](https://ethnopharm.com/were-not-a-niche-market-we-are-the-original-health-system-and-still-the-most-used-🌿-✊/) - I once had someone tell me my industry was “Mickey Mouse”…meaning silly and non-essential.But did you know that the World Health Organization has estimated 80% of people in developing countries (60% worldwide) rely on herbal medicine for their primary healthcare needs? Furthermore, another survey reported that 71% of U.S. adults used herbal supplements to support
- [The Pandemic Edible Flower.](https://ethnopharm.com/the-pandemic-edible-flower/) - Although originally native to Australia, the Black Wattle (aka. Early Green Wattle; Acacia decurrens) has naturalized and found now in many other regions, including North & South America, Africa, Europe, New Zealand, and Japan—so widespread that it is referred to as the “Green Cancer” in South Africa. Where it is naturalized, it is often found
- [The Bold, Beautiful & *Beneficial* World of Natural Food Colors- 🌈](https://ethnopharm.com/the-bold-beautiful-beneficial-world-of-natural-food-colors-🌈/) - Bright, natural pigments in food aren’t just beautiful—they can also signal powerful health benefits. From the red betacyanins in beets to the golden carotenoids in turmeric and marigold, nature’s pigments often come with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even vision-protective properties. As concern grows over synthetic food dyes—some of which have been restricted or banned in certain
- [The Original Forbidden Fruit?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-original-forbidden-fruit/) - You think you all know Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum & cultivars), but did you know?... · When first introduced to European culture many people thought they were poisonous and so only grew them as ornamentals, but later became known as the love apple, with aphrodisiac qualities attributed to them. · For a while they were dubbed
- [Plant Fact: Immortality!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-immortality/) - Some plants can be considered biologically immortal under stable environmental conditions, because they do not have an inherent, programmed death or senescence like animals do. Their potential to live is open-ended, limited only by external forces. One example is the Quaking Aspen. There is one genetic individual named “Pando” that is an estimated 14,000 to
- [Botanical Sun Protection: from the Inside & Out 🌿☀️](https://ethnopharm.com/botanical-sun-protection-from-the-inside-out-🌿☀️/) - While many are familiar with plant-based oils and extracts that provide mild UV shielding when applied to the skin, it is less widely known that certain botanicals can also help boost the skin’s resistance to UV damage from the inside out; yet others may be used to boost efficacy of topical sunscreens. For manufacturers, educating
- [Plant Fact: Can Respond in Symphony](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-can-respond-in-symphony/) - Trees can respond to environmental stimuli—such as drought, pest attacks, or injury—in coordinated ways through underground mycorrhizal networks and airborne chemical signals. These shared communication channels allow forests to act in symphony, with nearby trees adjusting their behavior (like changing root growth or producing defensive chemicals) in response to signals from affected neighbors. Key references:
- [Boneset for Bone-Breaking Aches & Pain-](https://ethnopharm.com/boneset-for-bone-breaking-aches-pain/) - Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a herbaceous perennial native to North America that grows a few feet tall with dense clusters of small white flowers.The leaves of Boneset are a distinguishing feature of this plant as they are “perfoliate”, or looking like they wrap around or continue past the stem. Other species of Boneset exist with
- [Herbal Decoctions-](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-decoctions/) - Post Series: Herbal PreparationsIn this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.An herbal decoction is a preparation method where tougher plant parts—such as roots, bark, seeds,
- [The Antibacterial Bandage Tree](https://ethnopharm.com/the-antibacterial-bandage-tree/) - The Weeping Paperbark (aka. Cajeput; Melaleuca leucadendra) is a medium-large tree forest tree widespread from Australia, Southeast Asia, New Guinea and the Torres Strait Islands, normally found growing on the edges of rivers or streams. It is generally medium sized in height but can reach over 70 feet, and has a trunk covered in white
- [Source from Communities Driving Real Change](https://ethnopharm.com/source-from-communities-driving-real-change/) - Your next ingredient could do more than perform—it could transform.Work with the EBI Network to source from communities driving real change. 🌍Reach out to EthnopharmEBI@gmail.com for more information.
- [Sweetly Deceitful Flowers](https://ethnopharm.com/sweetly-deceitful-flowers/) - Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), a biennial member of the cabbage family sends up purple or white flowering stems that can reach 4 feet in height and emit a sweet violet-like scent that mainly is only emitted at night—leading to its symbolism as being the ‘deceitful flower’. Originally a Eurasian native, Dame’s Rocket is now spread
- [Happy Mother's Day!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-mothers-day/) - 4 Top Herbs That Have Cared for Mothers for Generations-Long before modern medicine, mothers turned to plants. 💚 🌿For generations, plants have been trusted allies in the journey of motherhood—offering strength, nourishment, calm, and care.Whether you are a mother, have one, miss one, or mother others—this day is meaningful for you…🌹 And for the herbal
- [The Incredible Dancing Plant!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-incredible-dancing-plant/) - 💃🪴 The Dancing Plant is here to kick off your Friday with some serious moves—yes, it really grooves to music, touch, or light. Hit play and let nature show you how it’s done! 🕺🌿 ✨ Friday #Ethnobotany #Biodiversity #plantlife #Weekend #Dancing #weekendvibes
- [The Rejuvenating Old Man Weed](https://ethnopharm.com/the-rejuvenating-old-man-weed/) - Old Man Weed (aka. Common Sneezeweed; Centipeda cunninghamii) is a plant native to Australia and New Zealand which is widely distributed in moist, muddy areas, mostly around streams or lakes.It is a favored traditional medicine among the Aboriginal Australians for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.It has a strong reputation for clearing blockages and speeding
- [Lotions-](https://ethnopharm.com/lotions/) - Post Series: Herbal Preparations In this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products. Lotions are semi-liquid emulsions of oil and water used to deliver the benefits
- [Pick Your Poison!](https://ethnopharm.com/pick-your-poison/) - Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is thought to be the plant that Socrates took when he was condemned to death to kill himself. All parts of this plant are extremely poisonous, especially the seed.Although used in Homeopathy, it is not a plant used in other herbal medicine traditions today due to its extremely poisonous nature.Poison Hemlock
- [⏳ 🌿 Anti-Aging and Senolytics: A Fast Growing Natural Health Trend](https://ethnopharm.com/⏳-🌿-anti-aging-and-senolytics-a-fast-growing-natural-health-trend/) - Interest in anti-aging and senolytic therapies is rapidly increasing as science uncovers ways to slow cellular aging and improve healthspan.Many powerful compounds that target aging processes—including clearing senescent cells—are already found in nature, offering exciting opportunities through herbs, foods, and natural supplements.Here are 10 top naturally-derived agents for Anti-Aging and Senolytics. Follow the link to
- [Growth Mindset](https://ethnopharm.com/growth-mindset/) - Happy Monday! 🌳 A Reminder for the start of the week: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” ✊ 😃 🌿 #growthmindset #monday #startup
- [Plant Fact: Breathes with Snorkels!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-breathes-with-snorkels/) - Mangrove trees have specialized roots called pneumatophores, which act as snorkels to supply oxygen in waterlogged, low-oxygen soils. These specialized roots grow vertically above the soil surface, allowing mangrove trees to access atmospheric oxygen and transport it to submerged roots that are immersed in water with low oxygen content. The pneumatophores are equipped with lenticels,
- [Quality of Life Berries](https://ethnopharm.com/quality-of-life-berries/) - Goji Berries (aka. Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum & L. chinense) are the fruits that are harvested from one of two similar species in the Lycium genus native to Asia. Goji Berries have been long used in traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, Mongolian and Japanese traditional medicine systems.From the start of the new millennium, Goji Berries also
- [Of Long Life & Love](https://ethnopharm.com/of-long-life-love/) - A symbol of long life and love, the Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and W. floribunda) are vines that can twine up to 60 feet above ground, and live for over a thousand years old.These plants also have been symbolism of ‘having the heart to endure’, as the dropping blooms are symbolic of sorrow in some cultures,
- [Herbal Poultices-](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-poultices/) - Post Series: Herbal Preparations In this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products. An herbal poultice is a soft, moist preparation of crushed or powdered herbs
- [Rectangular Berries to Square Your Mind!](https://ethnopharm.com/rectangular-berries-to-square-your-mind/) - Known as the “Elixir of Life” or the “gold remedy for eternal youth and longevity” among the Japanese Ainu aborigines, Sweetberry Honeysuckle (aka. Haskap; Lonicera caerulea) is a perennial deciduous shrub from Northern Hemisphere cool temperate countries, such as Canada, Japan, Russia and Poland.Although most of us know Honeysuckles for their flowers—this one is famous
- [Fungi Fact: Can Grow Quickly!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-can-grow-quickly/) - Certain species of mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms, can exhibit remarkably rapid growth, often developing from spores to mature fruiting bodies in just a few days under optimal conditions. In fact, The American Mushroom Institute reports they can double in size within a 24-hour period! This accelerated growth is typically due to a combination of high
- [10 Top Plants Used for Colors](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-plants-used-for-colors/) - As consumers become more aware of the health and environmental concerns linked to synthetic dyes, and with growing regulatory bans on artificial colors in food and beverages, there shall be a shift toward plant-based alternatives. Follow the link to view 10 vibrant natural sources of color that not only offer beautiful hues but also align
- [Have You Tried This To Stay Cool In Summer?](https://ethnopharm.com/have-you-tried-this-to-stay-cool-in-summer/) - True to the saying, “Cool as a Cucumber”, Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are considered cooling in herbal medicine and are a wonderful way to hydrate, refresh the body and provide cooling during warm seasons. Originally from Asia, the Cucumber is a climbing/creeping vine in the Gourd family that produces the Cucumber fruits that we eat as
- [Soothing Spires!](https://ethnopharm.com/soothing-spires/) - Although the true wild origin of Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is still debated, it is thought to be from Asia, and then cultivated and bred afterward since at least the 15th century. Hollyhocks are annuals or biennials, and able to self-sow readily in a number of environments, producing tall spires of flowers reaching about 8 feet
- [Herbal Steams-](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-steams/) - Post Series: Herbal PreparationsIn this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.Herbal steams are one of the oldest and most universal forms of plant-based healing, used
- [The Uncommon Benefits of the Common Myrtle](https://ethnopharm.com/the-uncommon-benefits-of-the-common-myrtle/) - The Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is a popular ornamental shrub native to the range of South Europe to West Asia. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 16 feet tall and is tolerant of regular clipping and shaping—so it makes a good hedge plant. It produces flowers that are white or pinkish
- [A Letter to the Natural Products Industry:](https://ethnopharm.com/a-letter-to-the-natural-products-industry/) - The Earth gives us everything. The least we can do is protect and invest in what makes our work possible—biodiverse ecosystems, traditional knowledge, and resilient farming communities. This hashtag#EarthDay, let’s:🌍 Source with intention🌍 Invest in the people growing our ingredients🌍 Shift power toward biodiversity stewards🌍 Celebrate the biodiversity that is the foundation of industry. A
- [Let's Honor Biodiversity This Earth Day!](https://ethnopharm.com/lets-honor-biodiversity-this-earth-day/) - This hashtag#EarthDay, Let's Honor the wild intelligence of nature—the roots, leaves, barks, and flowers that nourish and heal us. Every natural product we choose, when ethically sourced, helps protect biodiversity and sustain the ecosystems we all depend on. Let’s celebrate the earth not just in words, but in action:🌍 Support regenerative farming🌍 Choose brands investing
- [Asiaticosides-](https://ethnopharm.com/asiaticosides/) - Important Bioactive From Plants!Asiaticosides are triterpenoid saponins, that feature a dammarane-type triterpene backbone with sugar moieties attached, contributing to their solubility and biological activity. Asiaticosides are primarily found in Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola), a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. They have also been detected in smaller amounts in related species
- [The Easter Bunny was Right!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-easter-bunny-was-right/) - Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) are well-known for their high vitamin A content, but are claims of better eye-sight too far-fetched? Carrots—root vegetables originally native to Europe and Asia and domesticated as our current commercial varieties—are famously orange in color, but also come in yellow, purple, red, white and black. Although the taproot is the
- [Flower Essences](https://ethnopharm.com/flower-essences/) - Post Series: Herbal Preparations In this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products. Flower essences were popularized in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach, a British
- [Fungi Fact: Can Be Used as Construction Materials!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-can-be-used-as-construction-materials/) - Mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, is emerging as a sustainable construction material due to its biodegradability, lightweight nature, and ability to grow on agricultural waste. It can be molded into bricks, panels, and other forms by cultivating fungal spores on organic substrates, which are then dried to create durable, fire-resistant, and thermally insulating materials.
- [Superior Cognitive Health Formula?](https://ethnopharm.com/superior-cognitive-health-formula/) - Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is a Japanese native plant from the cabbage family that grows in riparian environments in the deep valleys of Japan. It is intolerant of direct sunlight and requires high humidity in summer and a temperature range between 46-70 degrees F; therefore, there are not many suitable growing areas and real Wasabi fetches
- [Ergothioneine-](https://ethnopharm.com/ergothioneine/) - Important Bioactive From Foods! Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative characterized by a unique sulfur-containing imidazole ring, which exists in a stable tautomeric form. This compound is particularly notable for its presence in edible mushrooms—such as shiitake and oyster mushrooms—and can also be found in trace amounts in some cereals and legumes, highlighting
- [West African Oilseed 🌍](https://ethnopharm.com/west-african-oilseed-🌍/) - Njansang (Ricinodendron heudelotii) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree reaching up to 50 meters, with large compound leaves and small, greenish flowers that develop into woody, ridged fruits containing oil-rich seeds. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in the humid forests of West and Central Africa. The tree has multiple uses: its seeds are a
- [The Citric Acid Cycle (aka. The Krebs Cycle)-](https://ethnopharm.com/the-citric-acid-cycle-aka-the-krebs-cycle/) - Post Series: Biochemical Pathways & BioactivesThis post series is intended to educate on the importance of bioactives by looking at the very biochemical pathways in the body with which they interact. To really understand energy production and how various bioactives can affect it—whether they are from plant compounds or vitamins and minerals—it is important to
- [The Economic Botany Story of Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) 🌍 🍦](https://ethnopharm.com/the-economic-botany-story-of-vanilla-vanilla-planifolia-🌍-🍦/) - From ancient rituals to one of the most valuable spices in the world, Vanilla’s journey is a story of innovation, resilience, and global trade. Originally cultivated by the Totonac people of Mexico, Vanilla was later adopted by the Aztecs, who used it to flavor their sacred cacao drinks. When the Spanish conquistadors brought vanilla to
- [Introducing The Total Tox Burden-](https://ethnopharm.com/introducing-the-total-tox-burden/) - Post Series: Botanicals & Functional Medicine Labs💡➡️Herbal medicines are being recommended through lab testing!This series will explore the functional lab tests shaping the future of herbalism, this week featuring the Total Tox Burden by Vibrant Wellness.The Total Tox Burden Test is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to assess an individual's exposure to various toxins, including
- [Wasabi Imposter!](https://ethnopharm.com/wasabi-imposter/) - A member of the cabbage family, Horseradish (Armoracia Rusticana, syn. A. lapathifolia) is native to Europe and Asia and now cultivated in many other areas, especially those without hard winter frosts.Horseradish develops large leaves and a white tapered taproot that is enjoyed worldwide as a condiment.Although the root has little aroma when intact, when it
- [Coming Soon to the US & UK!... Noot Beverages!](https://ethnopharm.com/coming-soon-to-the-us-uk-noot-beverages/) - Been hard at work in LA last couple of days with the team at Noot Drinks Co … launching soon in the US and the UK! #nonalcoholic #beverages #nootropics
- [The Amazonian Clove Vine](https://ethnopharm.com/the-amazonian-clove-vine/) - The Huasca Clove (Tynanthus panurensis) is a woody climbing vine (liana) with trumpet-shaped flowers from the Bignoniaceae family, known for its aromatic leaves and stems that release a clove-like scent when crushedThis species is native to the Amazon Basin, particularly found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The vine’s strongly aromatic bark is used to
- [The Methylation Pathway: Your Body’s Genetic Switchboard 🧬🔄](https://ethnopharm.com/the-methylation-pathway-your-bodys-genetic-switchboard-🧬🔄/) - Post Series: Biochemical Pathways & Bioactives I wanted to do this post series as I think it is very powerful to understand the biochemical pathways that our various bioactives, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals are affecting. We often talk about clinical studies, but I think less often is there debate and discussion on biochemical mechanisms… This
- [The Economic Botany Story of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 🌿 🌍](https://ethnopharm.com/the-economic-botany-story-of-ginger-zingiber-officinale-🌿-🌍/) - Post Series: Economic Botany StoriesFrom ancient trade routes to modern superfood status, Ginger has shaped economies, cultures, and cuisines for thousands of years.Originally cultivated in South Asia, Ginger was prized in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and warming properties.🌱✨ To view this PDF, go to my LinkedIN post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kerry-hughes-941353_ginger-economic-botany-activity-7314663198610059264-wBj0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAANEoEBzLdbgS9fjLoyZvrkZbXD8Nj5SFMhashtag#Ginger hashtag#EconomicBotany hashtag#Superfoods hashtag#Botanicals
- [Botanical Drugs Still in Development!](https://ethnopharm.com/botanical-drugs-still-in-development/) - Great to catch up with long-time Ethnobotany colleague and friend, Steven King, this week. I've known Steven since the days of Shaman Pharmaceuticals and what has since become only the second Botanical Drug approved by the FDA: Fulyzaq, a drug marketed by Salix Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients who are on
- [For Bees, Teas & Balms!](https://ethnopharm.com/for-bees-teas-balms/) - Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) is a North American perennial wildflower that produces pink-lavender flowers in clusters during the summer on approximately 3-foot erect branches, and spreads by an underground rhizome. There are several cultivars as they have been popular garden ornamentals, as well as plants used for producing honey and for medicinal uses—so they can
- [Support Dance in San Francisco!](https://ethnopharm.com/support-dance-in-san-francisco/) - 💥 I’m so proud to support my dear friend—chosen family, really—Karah Abiog, as she launches a dance program that’s as bold and brilliant as she is. When the legendary LINES Ballet Training Program announced its closure, it left a huge void in the dance world. But Karah, who led that program for 15 years, isn’t
- [🌿 Biodiversity—The Foundation of the Natural Products Industry 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/🌿-biodiversity-the-foundation-of-the-natural-products-industry-🌿/) - Biodiversity, small farmers, and traditional knowledge are the foundation of the natural products industry—but they need real investment to thrive.The EBI Network offers an off-the-shelf solution to help brands make a high-impact difference without the burden of managing complex sustainability programs.As an EBI Network Partner, your brand directly supports biodiversity, smallholder farmers, and the preservation
- [A Pickle of an Herb](https://ethnopharm.com/a-pickle-of-an-herb/) - A Pickle of an Herb Most well-known as a flavoring for pickles, Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an Eurasian herb grown not only for culinary uses, but also as a medicine. Dill is an annual and the only species in its genus. It is an annual that grows up to 2 feet tall and has soft
- [Herbal Superstar!](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-superstar/) - Here is a Mediterranean superstar, that is now cultivated nearly world-wide. The Borage plant (Borago officinalis) produces star-shaped blue flowers that are edible and used in making wine, Pimm’s Cup cocktails, and other herbal treats.To release the flower for use, just pinch the back of the flower, and the star-shaped flower parts will pop into
- [The Economic Botany Story of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) 💛](https://ethnopharm.com/the-economic-botany-story-of-turmeric-curcuma-longa-💛/) - From Ancient Spice to Global Powerhouse 🌿 🌍 Post Series: Economic Botany Stories Turmeric’s journey through history is a testament to its resilience and versatility. First cultivated in South Asia thousands of years ago, it was revered in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. By the medieval period, Arab traders
- [Cucumber or Melon? …You might be surprised!](https://ethnopharm.com/cucumber-or-melon-you-might-be-surprised/) - The Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) is an example of a fruit that has been developed into so many cultivars that many of us would have a hard time imagining they are the same species!Cultivars developed from this species include the Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Casaba, Crenshaw, and Persian Melon.Surprisingly, Armenian Cucumbers are also a variety of Muskmelon—though they
- [Like a Hug in a Bottle](https://ethnopharm.com/like-a-hug-in-a-bottle/) - Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) stands about 2-3 feet tall with mint-like flowers covered with white hairs, appearing up the erect stems at the leaf axils—giving rise to one of its other common names, “Lion’s Tail”.Originally, Motherwort is from central Europe and Scandinavia, up to central Asia, but now cultivated for its herbal use, as well as
- [Exciting News!!! **One Day – Provence’s first AGW- Certified Regenerative wine from Maison Mirabeau**](https://ethnopharm.com/exciting-news-one-day-provences-first-agw-certified-regenerative-wine-from-maison-mirabeau/) - Maison Mirabeau is making good on its promise to grow its regenerative rosé offering with the launch of One Day at Whole Foods Market UK today. The new rosé is sourced exclusively from organic and regeneratively farmed vineyards in the Côtes de Provence appellation and is the region’s first wine awarded Certified Regenerative by A Greener World (AGW).Wayne Copp, Executive
- [Homeopathics-](https://ethnopharm.com/homeopathics/) - Post Series: Herbal PreparationsIn this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.Homeopathy was developed in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician who
- [Sweet Tea for Immortality](https://ethnopharm.com/sweet-tea-for-immortality/) - A climbing vine from the cucumber family, Jiaogulan (aka. Sweet Tea Vine; Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a native from China, Southeast Asia and Japan that produces tendrils to climb up to 26 feet and attach itself to other structures. Jiaogulan grows in forests or roadside thickets, producing serrated leaflets and small inedible purple gourds. The leaves
- [Introducing The NutraEval-](https://ethnopharm.com/introducing-the-nutraeval/) - Post Series: Botanicals & Functional Medicine Labs💡➡️Herbal medicines are being recommended through lab testing!This series will explore the functional lab tests shaping the future of herbalism, , this week featuring the NutraEval.The NutraEval is a comprehensive nutritional assessment covering vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, oxidative stress markers, and mitochondrial function. It is commonly used
- [Plant Fact: Plants Can Remember](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-can-remember/) - Plants exhibit a form of "memory" that allows them to store information about environmental conditions and respond accordingly. This phenomenon helps them adapt to repetitive stress, like drought or touch stimuli. Experiment: Gagliano’s experiments with Mimosa pudica showed that plants could “learn” to stop folding their leaves in response to harmless repetitive drops of water.
- [Herbal Tinctures-](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-tinctures/) - Post Series: Herbal PreparationsIn this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.Herbal tinctures have been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for centuries, used across cultures to
- [The Little Dragon Spice](https://ethnopharm.com/the-little-dragon-spice/) - Tarragon (aka. French Tarragon, Estragon; Artemisia dracunculus) is a herbaceous perennial distributed through Europe, Asia, North America and now cultivated world-wide.Generally they are not more than 4-5 feet tall (much more common in loose clumps of about 2-3 feet), and with narrow glossy green lanceolate leaves.As Tarragon has a rhizomatous root structure, it reproduces or
- [Video Recap of Expo West 2025!](https://ethnopharm.com/video-recap-of-expo-west-2025/) - The Prepared Foods network’s Executive Editor–Technical David Feder interviews ethnobotanist and regular contributor to Prepared Foods Kerry Hughes. Hughes, principal of EthnoPharm, is a longtime contributor to Prepared Foods, and founder of the EBI Network, a network of high-impact suppliers and market partners working to bring verified and certified new plants and plant products to
- [🌿 Sustainability Made Simple, Impact Made Powerful 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/🌿-sustainability-made-simple-impact-made-powerful-🌿/) - For brands looking to create real impact—without the complexity—the EBI Network offers an off-the-shelf solution for high-impact sustainability in natural product growing regions. As an EBI Network Seed Level Partner, your brand gains authentic, greenwashing-proof CSR claims through direct social premium investments that drive measurable change. Higher-tier participation unlocks even more: access to sustainable sourcing,
- [Blazing Bioactive Beauty](https://ethnopharm.com/blazing-bioactive-beauty/) - Also referred to as a Kurrajong (Brachychiton acerifolius), the Flame Tree is famous for its cover of bright red bell-shaped flowers that cover it when the tree has no leaves—making a beautiful colorful display. The Flame Tree is enjoyed for its use as an ornamental tree world-wide, and can be grown in temperate climates but
- [Plant Fact: Plants Can Strategize](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-can-strategize/) - Plants can plan and optimize resources. Plants prioritize growth and resource allocation depending on environmental cues. They also exhibit "decision-making" when it comes to resource competition or reproductive timing. Experiment: Trewavas and colleagues showed that root growth patterns of bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) adapt to avoid competition by detecting root exudates from nearby plants. (Trewavas,
- [Introducing The Organic Acids Test (OATs)-](https://ethnopharm.com/introducing-the-organic-acids-test-oats/) - Post Series: Botanicals & Functional Medicine Labs 💡➡️Herbal medicines are being recommended through lab testing!This series will explore the functional lab tests shaping the future of herbalism, this week featuring The Organic Acids Test (OATs). 75 Different Analytes are measured through this test, with insight into clinically useful areas, such as: · Intestinal Microbial Overgrowth
- [Biblical Cough Remedy?](https://ethnopharm.com/biblical-cough-remedy/) - Native to Europe and the Middle East, Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a small perennial herbaceous shrub with a woody base and upright branches producing colorful mint-like flowers, normally in blue, pink, or sometimes white. Hyssop makes a nice addition to gardens, especially as a flowering border plant and helps to attract bees and butterflies. It
- [🌿 Looking for an “Off-the-Shelf” Sustainability Solution? 🌿Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated.](https://ethnopharm.com/🌿-looking-for-an-off-the-shelf-sustainability-solution-🌿sustainability-doesnt-have-to-be-complicated/) - The EBI Network is a ready-made solution for brands looking to create real impact—without the complexity—the EBI Network offers an off-the-shelf solution for high-impact sustainability in natural product growing regions. EBI Network Seed Level Partners gain gaining powerful brand narratives and greenwashing-proof CSR claims through direct social premium investments that drive measurable change. Higher level
- [Your Grandmother Was Right: Herbs Work!](https://ethnopharm.com/your-grandmother-was-right-herbs-work/) - 🌿 Your Grandmother Was Right: Herbs Work! 🌿Before pharmacies, before prescriptions, there were plants. 🍃✨💤 Can’t sleep? Try valerian root.🤧 Seasonal allergies? Stinging nettle might help.🩹 Cuts & wounds? Yarrow has your back.🔥 Inflammation? Turmeric is a legend.Modern science is finally proving what herbalists have known for centuries. Nature heals. 🌎💚What’s YOUR favorite herbal remedy?
- [Herbal Salves-](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-salves/) - Post Series: Herbal Preparations In this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products. Herbal salves have been used for centuries across various cultures as natural remedies
- [The Bud or the Fruit?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-bud-or-the-fruit/) - Native to the Mediterranean region (or at least introduced a very long time ago from the tropics), the Caper (Capparis spinosa) is a small bush with unsettled taxonomy, thick round leaves, thorns and beautiful pinkish-white flowers with many long violet-colored stamens. However, though the plant has some ornamental qualities and is adapted to poor soils
- [Plant Fact: Plants Can Hear](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-can-hear/) - Plants can hear (sound perception). They respond to vibrations caused by sound, such as the buzzing of pollinators or water moving through soil.Studies suggest plants can sense specific sound frequencies to enhance growth or defense responses.Experiment: Monica Gagliano demonstrated that pea plants (Pisum sativum) could detect the sound of running water through vibrations in the
- [Friday- The Home Stretch](https://ethnopharm.com/friday-the-home-stretch/) - Day 4- Expo West 2025I entered the Halls on the final day of Expo West 2025, ready for a well-made cup of espresso after a very fun What’s Up with Supps last night.Functional beverages, including energy drinks, are omnipresent throughout the show, but for me nothing beats a barista-prepared espresso drink.As I walked the floor
- [My Top 10 Trends & Favs from Expo West '25-](https://ethnopharm.com/my-top-10-trends-favs-from-expo-west-25/) - This show was full of some enduring trends of recent years, like functional beverages, mushrooms, and coconut-based everything.. But innovation, good product development, and some emerging trends have produced some interesting and fun arrivals! Take a look at the attached PDF for a little tour of some that I cherry picked... but stay tuned for
- [Introducing The Dutch Complete-](https://ethnopharm.com/introducing-the-dutch-complete/) - Post Series: Botanicals & Functional Medicine Labs Herbal medicines are being recommended through lab testing! This series will explore the functional lab tests shaping the future of herbalism, this week featuring the Dutch Complete. There are several variations of this test, such as one for cycle mapping. Markers included in this screening: · Analysis of
- [Radio Show Live!](https://ethnopharm.com/radio-show-live/) - Radio Show Live! Just went live on the KISC My Health Radio Show: Stephen Lukawski and Kerry Hughes on KISC My Health Radio Show with Peter Mingils.. Recording on demand- drop in where we talk about all things biodiversity, ethnobotany & quality! Access the radio show on demand here: https://kiscmyhealth.com/stephen-lukawski-and-kerry-hughes-on-kisc-my-health-radio-show-with-peter-mingils/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI3OcNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT1282rNaprwppfmZsy6_N3SQvz9OZi0CFxOHyaMikM7d2uiBKobuPPxKg_aem__RyJ9eRdO3rqM2yzAElm9Q #podcast#radioshow#biodiversity
- [🌿 Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science 🌿Many of today’s most powerful medicines started as traditional plant remedies 💊✨](https://ethnopharm.com/🌿-ancient-wisdom-modern-science-🌿many-of-todays-most-powerful-medicines-started-as-traditional-plant-remedies-💊✨/) - 🌳 Willow bark → Aspirin🌷 Foxglove → Digoxin (Heart Medication)🌸 Opium Poppy → Morphine (Pain)🌲 Pacific Yew → Taxol (Cancer)For thousands of years, Indigenous healers and herbalists mastered the art of plant medicine—and now, science is catching up! 🧬🌱 The Natural Products Industry is booming with a plethora of great product iterations from biodiversity… but
- [Introducing The GI-MAP-](https://ethnopharm.com/introducing-the-gi-map/) - Post Series: Botanicals & Functional Medicine LabsHerbal medicine is entering a new era—one backed by science, data, and cutting-edge diagnostics.💡➡️Herbal medicines are being recommended through lab testing!Functional medicine practitioners are now using advanced lab testing to personalize herbal recommendations, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern healthcare.This is more than just a trend—it's the
- [Introducing The EBI Network- Connecting High Impact Suppliers to Market Leaders.](https://ethnopharm.com/introducing-the-ebi-network-connecting-high-impact-suppliers-to-market-leaders/) - ➡️ Join the MovementWhether you’re a supplier, brandholder, or manufacturer, the EBI Network provides a dynamic platform for impactful collaboration and brand narratives—while championing Biodiversity and honoring Traditional Knowledge. 🌎 🌿The EBI Network is composed of high positive-impact suppliers from around the world, along with market partners interested in high quality, new or impactful ingredients
- [Let’s Lead by Example:💡The Natural Products Industry has an Opportunity to Better The World, While Thriving as an Industry.](https://ethnopharm.com/lets-lead-by-example💡the-natural-products-industry-has-an-opportunity-to-better-the-world-while-thriving-as-an-industry/) - In today’s global economy, botanical production offers a path to empowerment of rural communities while sustaining highly biodiverse regions. Moreover, regenerative herbal production can celebrate cultural traditions while driving economic growth through the creation of high-quality, value-added herbal products. There is an imperative for companies in the natural products industry to lead by example; after
- [Interested in Regenerative Claims? 🌎 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/interested-in-regenerative-claims-🌎-🌿/) - I will be with the A Greener World team at Natural Products Expo West with booths at both the Climate Day events and also Fresh Ideas Marketplace on Tuesday the 4th.👋 Come by and say Hello, or DM me and we can set up a meeting!A Greener World is a market leader in sustainable certification,
- [Grain of the Future](https://ethnopharm.com/grain-of-the-future/) - Kangaroo Grass (aka. Red Oat Grass, Rooigrass; Themeda triandra) is a tussock-forming grass that is widely distributed including Africa, Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Kangaroo Grass grows in bunches up to 4 feet tall and produces brownish-red spikelets in summer, giving a red hue to the pastures in which it is growing. Occasionally, Kangaroo Grass
- [Plant Fact: Plants Can Communicate](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-can-communicate/) - Plants exchange information through root exudates, VOCs, and electrical signals, forming a "network" that allows them to warn each other of threats or share resources. This is sometimes referred to as the "Wood Wide Web." Experiment: Suzanne Simard demonstrated that trees communicate through mycorrhizal networks by transferring nutrients and signaling distress. For example, dying trees
- [🌿 🌍 Are you sourcing Botanicals or developing herbal products?](https://ethnopharm.com/🌿-🌍-are-you-sourcing-botanicals-or-developing-herbal-products/) - ...Then you should know about the Nagoya Protocol! This international agreement aims to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits when using genetic resources and traditional knowledge—impacting everything from wild herb collection to new product development. Many in the natural products and herbal industries are unaware that access and benefit-sharing (ABS) regulations may apply to
- [Herbal Vinegars-](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-vinegars/) - Post Series: Herbal Preparations In this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products. Herbal vinegars have been used for centuries as both culinary and medicinal preparations,
- [🌍 Biodiversity: Nature’s Survival Kit 🌿✨](https://ethnopharm.com/🌍-biodiversity-natures-survival-kit-🌿✨/) - Did you know that almost half of pharmaceutical drugs come from natural sources? 🧬💊Or that rainforests—aka the Earth’s medicine cabinets—may hold cures we haven’t even discovered yet? 🌱🔬🔥 Biodiversity gives us:🌾 Food security – More plant species = resilient crops!💊 Medicine – Future life-saving drugs are still hidden in nature.🐝 Ecosystem balance – No pollinators,
- [The Fragrant Functional Fruit](https://ethnopharm.com/the-fragrant-functional-fruit/) - Guava (Psidium spp., Psidium guajava) is a small tree or shrub that produces delicious fruits, native to South America, Central America and the Caribbean and now cultivated widely.There are a number of varieties on the market, so the growth characteristics of the individual trees and fruits can vary as well depending on the variety. In
- [Why Work with An Ethnobotanist?](https://ethnopharm.com/why-work-with-an-ethnobotanist/) - Because we are like the Jedis of the Botanical World!…OK, maybe what they really said was that I am like Yoda minus the pointy ears 🤣 💫 🌿If you are at Expo West in a couple weeks and want to talk about taking on the dark forces with our botanical powers, drop me a PM.hashtag#jedi
- [Hallucinatory Scent?!](https://ethnopharm.com/hallucinatory-scent/) - Meet the Sore-Eye Flower (Boophone disticha)—a plant so toxic and hallucination-inducing, its mere flowering in a closed space can cause headaches and sore eyes! Native to Africa, this striking perennial grows from a bulb and is famous for its fan-shaped leaves and dazzling red-to-pink blooms. But don’t be fooled by its beauty—this plant packs a
- [Plant Fact: Plants Can Smell](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-can-smell/) - Plants can small (chemical detection), such as by detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by other plants or organisms, allowing them to respond to herbivore attacks, pollinators, or neighboring plants.For example, a plant being eaten by insects can release VOCs to signal nearby plants to ramp up their defenses.Experiment: Baldwin and Schultz showed that when
- [10 Top Caffeinated Plants-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-caffeinated-plants/) - Plants are the natural source of caffeine, a stimulant that has been consumed for centuries across various cultures.Found in several species in various geographic areas of the globe, caffeine has played a significant role in traditional medicine, rituals, and daily life.Many societies have long valued these plants for their ability to enhance alertness, combat fatigue,
- [Another Commercially Extinct Useful Tree. 😔 🌲](https://ethnopharm.com/another-commercially-extinct-useful-tree-😔-🌲/) - The Australian Red Cedar (aka. Woolia; Toona ciliata) is a mahogany forest tree from Asia and Australasia. Since it has been highly valued for its wood, its natural habitat in New South Wales and Queensland of Australia have been extensively cleared, and it is now considered commercially extinct.The Australian Red Cedar can grow to about
- [😉A Cheeky Valentine’s Day Post -](https://ethnopharm.com/😉a-cheeky-valentines-day-post/) - A playful post about the seductively suggestive side of plants, as funny innuendos, perfect for Valentine's Day musings.Some flowers with their soft, blushing petals and seductive fragrance, practically purr romance, while others tease with their uncanny resemblance to intimate anatomy.Fruits like peaches and eggplants bring a wink of sensuality to the table or text messages.Beyond
- [Bachelor's Buttons: Symbol of the Lovestruck](https://ethnopharm.com/bachelors-buttons-symbol-of-the-lovestruck/) - The Bachelor’s Buttons (aka. Cornflower; Centaurea cyanus) common name comes from the folkloric use when bachelors would wear them as a symbol of being in love.They are an annual wildflower native to Europe but now common in ornamental gardens and also escaped and naturalized in many parts of the world.One of the other common names
- [Herbal Honey-](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-honey/) - Post Series: Herbal PreparationsIn this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.The making of Herbal Honey has been cherished for centuries as a medium for natural
- [Have some Cardamom before that Kiss!](https://ethnopharm.com/have-some-cardamom-before-that-kiss/) - The Cardamom spice can be from several different species in the genera of Elettaria and Amomum, which are all in the Ginger family.The Elettaria Cardamomum (Elettaria cardamomum) is also termed the “True, or Green Cardamom” and is native to India, Pakistan, Burma and Bangladesh.Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices in the world, third
- [Plant Fact: Plants Can Feel](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-can-feel/) - Plants can feel (mechanical sensitivity) by sensing touch, vibrations, and mechanical disturbances, enabling them to respond to their environment.For instance, sensitive plants like Mimosa pudica fold their leaves when touched, and climbing plants use tactile sensing to wrap around supports.Experiment: An early study demonstrated Mimosa pudica’s rapid leaf folding upon touch. Later research revealed this
- [10 Top Aphrodisiac Herbs-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-aphrodisiac-herbs/) - In preparation for Valentine’s Day 😉😻Throughout history and across cultures, herbs have been revered for their aphrodisiac properties, often used to enhance desire, vitality, and intimacy.Ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians and Greeks to the Chinese and Indians, incorporated specific plants into rituals, medicines, and diets to promote sexual well-being.The allure of these plants often stems
- [The Fruit to Ignite Passions](https://ethnopharm.com/the-fruit-to-ignite-passions/) - There are approximately 500 species of Passionflowers, but this species (aka. Passionfruit, Maracujá, Granadillo, Passionflower; Passiflora edulis) is the one responsible for the commercial Passionfruit.Passiflora edulis is native to South America, from the southern portion of Brazil down to northern Argentina. The fruit is a type of berry (in the botanical sense) and contains many
- [The Mystical Sex-Changing Tree](https://ethnopharm.com/the-mystical-sex-changing-tree/) - No matter how you feel about eating the fruit, The Japanese Persimmon (aka. Asian Persimmon; Diospyros kaki) is an amazing plant.The Japanese Persimmon is the common (most economically important) persimmon found in trade, and is an East Asian native among the oldest cultivated plants with known cultivation for over 2,000 years.The Japanese Persimmon grows up
- [Cordials-](https://ethnopharm.com/cordials/) - Post Series: Herbal Preparations In this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.Liqueurs are liquors, but not all liquors are liqueurs. Essentially, Liqueurs are sweetened or
- [Tart for the Heart!](https://ethnopharm.com/tart-for-the-heart/) - The Tart Cherry (aka. Sour Cherry; Prunus cerasus) is a small species of cherry tree (growing normally about 20 feet) native to Europe and southwest Asia, producing dark crimson cherries with a sour flavor. The Tart Cherry can be used as a hedge and does well in exposed conditions. Two main varieties exist, the (darker)
- [📺 Join Us! Live "Watch Party Premiere"](https://ethnopharm.com/📺-join-us-live-watch-party-premiere/) - Today at 10 MST (Tuesday Feb 4)I was interviewed for a Podcast, In Search Of Insight, Ep. #41: "Jungle to Lab- Ethnobotanist Life, with Kerry Hughes", and it launches today!After today, you can watch on demand on You Tube on the @NootropicsDepot channel.Here's the link: https://lnkd.in/g5bC-zmu#podcast #ethnobotany #nootropics
- [10 Top Herbs for Joint Health-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-herbs-for-joint-health/) - Plants have long been a cornerstone of traditional medicine worldwide, including for supporting joint health. Across different cultures, plant-based remedies are valued for their ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility in conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and general joint stiffness. These plants contain bioactive compounds that exert their influence through a variety of
- [Plant Fact: Plants Can See](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-can-see/) - Plants can see (light perception and response), through photoreceptors like phytochromes, cryptochromes, and phototropins that allow them to detect and respond to light intensity, direction, and quality.This has formed the basis of our understanding of how they use this information to orient themselves toward light (phototropism), regulate flowering, and optimize photosynthesis.Experiment: Charles Darwin and his
- [It’s The Weekend—Time for Nature!](https://ethnopharm.com/its-the-weekend-time-for-nature/) - As technology propels us into an era of unprecedented advancement, the paradox of progress emerges: the more high-tech we become, the more we need nature.In a world defined by artificial intelligence, digital connectivity, and urban sprawl, our biological essence remains unchanged—rooted in the rhythms of the natural world.Nature is not merely a luxury or an
- [The Most Interesting Tree on Earth?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-most-interesting-tree-on-earth/) - Native to the rainforests of the Guianas, but now planted widely in the tropical to semi-tropical areas of the world is the bizarre Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis).This tree reaches to about 50-75 feet tall and produces beautiful pink to red flowers which bloom for a day and then are followed by fruits that look like
- [Anemia Dock](https://ethnopharm.com/anemia-dock/) - Yellow Dock (aka. Curly Dock; Rumex crispus) is a perennial herbaceous plant originally from Europe and Asia, but now naturalized and an invasive weed in many other locations such as Ireland, the United States and Canada.Yellow Dock grows in a number of different habitats, including disturbed soils and roadsides. It grows a few feet tall
- [Beta-Glucans- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/beta-glucans-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Beta-glucans are a class of soluble polysaccharides composed of glucose molecules linked by β-glycosidic bonds. The specific structure of beta-glucans can vary depending on the source, with different branching patterns and lengths influencing their biological activity. Beta-glucans are most notably found in the cell walls of certain plants, fungi, and microorganisms. Some of the richest
- [Brains, Beauty & Blob!](https://ethnopharm.com/brains-beauty-blob/) - Slime molds are fascinating organisms that exist at the intersection of fungi and protists, exhibiting both amoeba-like and spore-producing phases during their life cycle.They can be found in moist, decaying organic matter such as forest floors, leaf litter, and rotting logs worldwide.Slime molds are primarily of interest in scientific research rather than for practical uses
- [Plant Fact: Magnetic Field Detection](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-magnetic-field-detection/) - Plants use light-sensitive proteins like cryptochromes to detect Earth's magnetic fields, helping orient growth and circadian rhythms.Plants use light-sensitive proteins, like Cryptochromes, to perceive and respond to various environmental signals, including the Earth’s magnetic field and circadian rhythms.Cryptochromes are involved in photoreception, where they absorb light and trigger a cascade of biochemical processes that regulate
- [10 Top Psychoactive Plants -](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-psychoactive-plants/) - Psychoactive plants have been integral to traditional medicine and spiritual practices in many cultures for centuries.They are often used in rituals to connect with the divine, gain insight, or heal emotional and physical ailments.For example, Ayahuasca in the Amazon, Peyote among Native American tribes, and Iboga in Central Africa are revered to connect with the
- [Plant Fact: Plants are Sentient Beings-](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-plants-are-sentient-beings/) - “Science now shows that plants appear to be sentient beings. They perceive light, smell, touch, water, and many more variables than we do. They can learn, remember and communicate.”Love this snippet about how our understanding about plants has evolved.Check it out:https://youtu.be/couHXnRdIc4?si=bf2G2l4GWfdikjrO – Kenny Ausubel, Bioneers Co-Founder and CEO.
- [Looking for Innovation?](https://ethnopharm.com/looking-for-innovation/) - Consider that biodiversity is crucial for economic sustainability as it underpins industries like agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and pharmaceuticals.Diverse ecosystems provide resources such as food, raw materials, and genetic material essential for crop and livestock improvement.Additionally, nature-based tourism and the search for new medicines, plant products, and technologies generate significant revenue, showcasing biodiversity's role as a
- [GLP-1 Microdosing – The Next Big Game-Changer?](https://ethnopharm.com/glp-1-microdosing-the-next-big-game-changer/) - Get Ready for possibly the Next big Threat/ Opportunity to hit the Nutrition & Dietary Supplement Industry!GLP-1 microdosing is rapidly gaining popularity amongst Doctors who are witnessing its transformative effects beyond weight loss.We all know by now that GLP-1 drugs have become a complete Game-Changer for obesity, having wide effects on the nutrition and wellnes
- [Got Milk Thistle?](https://ethnopharm.com/got-milk-thistle/) - Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is distinctive with its leaf design, with white along the veins like a webbing, looking like “spilled milk”.This weedy thistle is an important medicinal plant thought to be originally from Europe and Southern Asia, but now cultivated & spread in many areas of the world.Milk Thistle develops purple thistle flowers that
- [Plant Fact: Leaf Mimicry for Safety!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-leaf-mimicry-for-safety/) - Some species of passionflower (Passiflora) exhibit a fascinating form of leaf mimicry, where their leaves are adapted to resemble butterfly eggs.The mimicry tricks female butterflies into thinking the plant is already occupied by eggs, thus reducing the likelihood of her laying eggs on a particular leaf; thereby, reducing likelihood of herbivory by hatched caterpillars.hashtag#mimicry hashtag#passionflower
- [10 Top Herbs Enhancing GLP-1 Secretion:](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-herbs-enhancing-glp-1-secretion/) - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone primarily produced in the gut that plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying.Interestingly, the release of GLP-1 is influenced by the activation of bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) located in the gut. These receptors, originally thought to be
- [Aggregate Benefits](https://ethnopharm.com/aggregate-benefits/) - The Blackberry taxonomy is confused as there is much hybridization and apomixis, therefore it is referred to as a “species aggregate” (Rubus fruticosus species aggregate). What distinguishes it from Raspberries (such as the Black Raspberry), is whether or not the receptacle stays with the fruit when picked.In the case of the Blackberry it does stay
- [Medicine for the Masses](https://ethnopharm.com/medicine-for-the-masses/) - Native to Europe and Asia, Burdock (Arctium lappa, A. spp.) is a thistle that is considered both a useful plant and a weed, depending to whom you talk.As it spreads readily in high-nitrogen soils, it has become invasive in most parts of the world, including North America and Australia.It is a biennial herbaceous plant that
- [Plant Fact: Photosynthesis in the Darkness!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-photosynthesis-in-the-darkness/) - Monotropa uniflora, also known as the Indian Pipe, doesn’t perform photosynthesis in the traditional sense. Instead, it obtains energy in darkness by parasitizing mycorrhizal fungi that are connected to nearby trees.These fungi transfer nutrients from the trees to the ghost plant, effectively making it a secondary parasite in the forest ecosystem.By relying entirely on this
- [Spiny ...but Delicious & Medicinal!](https://ethnopharm.com/spiny-but-delicious-medicinal/) - The Artichoke and Cardoon are types of thistles that are cultivated as food and medicine.A native to the Mediterranean region, the Artichoke we most commonly eat today is from a wild species Cynara cardunculus (also called Cardoon) which has been developed into a “cultigen”, Cynara scolymus, also called the Globe Artichoke. Several cultivars of both occur
- [Pterostilbene-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/pterostilbene-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Pterostilbene is a naturally occurring stilbene compound, structurally similar and considered an analog to resveratrol, but with two methoxy groups replacing hydroxyl groups in its backbone. This subtle difference enhances its lipophilicity, metabolic stability, and bioavailability compared to resveratrol. Primarily found in blueberries and Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino tree), with smaller amounts in other plants
- [There is SO Much More to Nutrition!](https://ethnopharm.com/there-is-so-much-more-to-nutrition/) - Don't Tell me Nutrition only = Protein + Fats + Carbs + Recognized Vitamins & Minerals!Food bioactives are vital for health because they provide a diverse range of compounds that go beyond what is often thought of as basic nutrition, offering key physiological benefits. To read the PDF, visit my LinkedIN Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kerry-hughes-941353_top-food-bioactives-from-plants-activity-7284230156829835265-kaGK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopThese naturally occurring
- [The Eyes of the World](https://ethnopharm.com/the-eyes-of-the-world/) - Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a South American source of caffeine in the form of a vining plant with large leaves and clusters of white flowers.After flowering, it produces red fruits with seeds that are black with white coverings when the fruit splits open, resembling eyeballs to some people.In fact, the name Guarana comes from a
- [The Beauty Mushroom](https://ethnopharm.com/the-beauty-mushroom/) - The White Jelly Mushroom (aka. Snow Mushroom; Tremella fuciformis) is a gelatinous, translucent white fungus with a frond-like, lobed appearance resembling seaweed. It is commonly found growing on dead branches of broadleaf trees in tropical and subtropical regions. This fungus is native to Asia and has been widely cultivated and utilized in countries such as
- [Beta-Sitosterol- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/beta-sitosterol-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Beta-sitosterol is a plant-derived phytosterol, structurally similar to cholesterol, but with an additional ethyl group at the C24 position. This slight variation enables it to compete with cholesterol in the human body, impacting its absorption and metabolism. Beta-sitosterol is widely distributed across the plant kingdom and is abundant in plants such as saw palmetto, pumpkin
- [Beef & Onions…from a PLANT?!](https://ethnopharm.com/beef-onionsfrom-a-plant/) - This almost 100 foot tall deciduous tree is a native to Asia, producing pinnate leaves and panicles of flowers in summer followed by winged seeds.The Beef & Onion Plant (aka. Chinese Mahogany; Toona sinensis) has brown bark that starts smooth in juvenile trees, maturing to a more shaggy and ornamental appearance. For this reason, they
- [The Plant that Changed the World](https://ethnopharm.com/the-plant-that-changed-the-world/) - Cinchona (Cinchona spp.) is a famous medicinal plant that saved many people from the fate of Malaria. All Cinchona species are native to Andean forests of South America, and now naturalized in other areas including Africa and the South Atlantic. Cinchona trees grow up to about 50 feet tall and have red, pink or white
- [As we start this first full week of the new year, let's keep in mind:](https://ethnopharm.com/as-we-start-this-first-full-week-of-the-new-year-lets-keep-in-mind/) - There is an interconnectedness of teaching, understanding, love, economy and conservation. We do not save what we do not value.So It is important for us to keep trying to understand nature,so we can find value in biodiversity and teach it to others,Because biodiversity has great value and needs saving.hashtag#biodiversity hashtag#newyear hashtag#interconnectedness hashtag#value
- [Plant Fact: World’s Largest Bromeliad!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-worlds-largest-bromeliad/) - Puya raimondii, also known as the Queen of the Andes, is the largest species of bromeliad and one of the most extraordinary plants in the world.Native to high-altitude regions of Bolivia and Peru, it can grow up to 15 meters (50 feet) tall when in bloom, including its massive flower spike.This rare plant takes decades
- [Mistletoe Food?](https://ethnopharm.com/mistletoe-food/) - Box Mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) is an epiphytic hemiparasitic flowering plant that is found attached to some species of Australia eucalypt, and Acacia.It is the most widespread of the mistletoes in Australia and dispersed mainly by the “Mistletoebird” as the sticky sausage-shaped fruits travel with the birds from tree to tree and once deposited are quickly
- [Apple Dumplings on a Shrub!](https://ethnopharm.com/apple-dumplings-on-a-shrub/) - With a flavor similar to stewed or dried apples, or kiwifruit (depending on who you talk to), these berries are a popular bushfood for both birds and humans.The Appleberry (aka. Appleberry; Billardiera scandens) is a small rambling shrub native to Australia which is not very picky about soils or location and can tolerate some frost.Beyond
- [Holly for Luck, Protection and Fertility in the New Year!](https://ethnopharm.com/holly-for-luck-protection-and-fertility-in-the-new-year/) - European Holly (Ilex aquifolium), is a small evergreen tree or shrub characterized by glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries.It is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia in woodlands and often used ornamentally in hedgerows.Symbolically, Holly is used to bring luck, ward of negative energy and to promote fertility. Holly branches
- [Mistletoe Peace, Love & Healing for the New Year!](https://ethnopharm.com/mistletoe-peace-love-healing-for-the-new-year/) - Originally, Mistletoe was a common name referring to the European Mistletoe (Viscum album) native to Europe and the UK; however, over time it has been used for a wide range of species and a few genera of parasitic plants with growth habits similar to European Mistletoe.European Mistletoe is a obligate parasitic plant that attaches to
- [The Tree of Hopefulness & Hangover Cures for The New Year!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-tree-of-hopefulness-hangover-cures-for-the-new-year/) - Ume (aka. Japanese Apricot; Prunus mume) is a deciduous plum native to Asia that can grow up to about 29 feet, producing a profusion of many-stamened flowers, varying from white to pink or red (depending on variety).The flowering of the Ume is a symbol of the season (the meiyu or “plum rain” season), carries symbolic
- [Last Day!!🎁 🎁 🍃 Another Gift for You Plant Lovers (Day 5 of free ebook)…](https://ethnopharm.com/last-day🎁-🎁-🍃-another-gift-for-you-plant-lovers-day-5-of-free-ebook/) - 🌻 Botanicals With Benefits: Edible Flower Volume (epub) Epub gift download on Edible Flowers December 25-29 (Pacific Time). You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/3ZNkMXy (select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 29th) Check out this ebook to learn about flowers you can grow in your garden that can be used
- [Value-Addition for Plants: 10 Top Uses for Plants](https://ethnopharm.com/value-addition-for-plants-10-top-uses-for-plants/) - If you have been paying attention to my posts, you might have noticed a theme: The Multiple Uses of Plants.This is an important topic for sustainability that is little discussed: Instead of just looking at the market potential of some plant product, why not look at all the ways to capture value from a plant,
- [🎁 🎁 🍃 Another Gift for You Plant Lovers (Day 4 of free ebook)…](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-🎁-🍃-another-gift-for-you-plant-lovers-day-4-of-free-ebook/) - 🌻 Botanicals With Benefits: Edible Flower Volume (epub) Epub gift download on Edible Flowers December 25-29 (Pacific Time). You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/3ZNkMXy (select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 29th) Check out this ebook to learn about flowers you can grow in your garden that can be used
- [🎁 🌱 A Gift for You Plant Lovers… (Last Day! Day 5 of the Free ebook )-](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-🌱-a-gift-for-you-plant-lovers-last-day-day-5-of-the-free-ebook/) - 💗 Botanicals With Benefits: Aromatic Plants Volume (epub) Free Epub on Edible Flowers December 24-28 (Pacific Time): You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/41M0b8F (select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 28th) Did you know that many of our common garden plants have multiple uses that you can access and incorporate
- [Fancy a Fern Potato?](https://ethnopharm.com/fancy-a-fern-potato/) - The Blechnum ferns are found around the world with approximately 200 species. They range from regular herbaceous fern species to larger tree ferns. Some species in this genus are ornamentals, others are used as food or medicine sources. The Swamp Water Fern (Blechnum indicum) is one example of a species used as a staple bush food.
- [🎁 🎁 🍃 Another Gift for You Plant Lovers (Day 3 of free ebook)…](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-🎁-🍃-another-gift-for-you-plant-lovers-day-3-of-free-ebook/) - 🌻 Botanicals With Benefits: Edible Flower Volume (epub) Epub gift download on Edible Flowers December 25-29 (Pacific Time). You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/3ZNkMXy (select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 29th) Check out this ebook to learn about flowers you can grow in your garden that can be used
- [🎁 🌱 A Gift for You Plant Lovers… (Day 4 of the Free ebook )-](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-🌱-a-gift-for-you-plant-lovers-day-4-of-the-free-ebook/) - 💗 Botanicals With Benefits: Aromatic Plants Volume (epub) Free Epub on Edible Flowers December 24-28 (Pacific Time): You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/41M0b8F (select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 28th) Did you know that many of our common garden plants have multiple uses that you can access and incorporate
- [Plant Fact: Points East-West](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-points-east-west/) - The Traveler's Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis), native to Madagascar, is famous for the alignment of its fan-like leaves, which often orient east-west.This natural alignment allows the plant to maximize sunlight exposure, aiding in photosynthesis, and provides a rudimentary way to determine cardinal directions.Additionally, the plant stores water at the base of its leaf stems, offering a
- [🎁 🎁 🍃 Another Gift for You Plant Lovers (Day 2 of free ebook)…](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-🎁-🍃-another-gift-for-you-plant-lovers-day-2-of-free-ebook/) - 🌻 Botanicals With Benefits: Edible Flower Volume (epub) Epub gift download on Edible Flowers December 25-29 (Pacific Time). You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/3ZNkMXy (select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 29th) Check out this ebook to learn about flowers you can grow in your garden that can be used
- [🎁 🌱 A Gift for You Plant Lovers… (Day 2 of the Free ebook )-](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-🌱-a-gift-for-you-plant-lovers-day-2-of-the-free-ebook/) - 💗 Botanicals With Benefits: Aromatic Plants Volume (epub)Free Epub on Edible Flowers December 24-28 (Pacific Time):You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/41M0b8F(select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 28th)Did you know that many of our common garden plants have multiple uses that you can access and incorporate into your life?Check out
- [🎁 🌱 A Gift for You Plant Lovers… (Day 3 of the Free ebook )-](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-🌱-a-gift-for-you-plant-lovers-day-3-of-the-free-ebook/) - 💗 Botanicals With Benefits: Aromatic Plants Volume (epub)Free Epub on Edible Flowers December 24-28 (Pacific Time):You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/41M0b8F(select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 28th)Did you know that many of our common garden plants have multiple uses that you can access and incorporate into your life?Check out
- [Silly String of the Plant World!](https://ethnopharm.com/silly-string-of-the-plant-world/) - Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is a plant that looks to me like it came from outer space, or like Silly String—and it is distributed on every continent except Antarctica.It is a genus of many species—perhaps hundreds, depending what botanist you listen to.Although it is such a strange plant that it was placed in its own family,
- [🎁 🎁 🍃 Another Gift for You Plant Lovers…🌻 Botanicals With Benefits: Edible Flower Volume (epub)](https://ethnopharm.com/🎁-🎁-🍃-another-gift-for-you-plant-lovers🌻-botanicals-with-benefits-edible-flower-volume-epub/) - Epub gift download on Edible Flowers December 25-29 (Pacific Time).You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/3ZNkMXy (select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 29th)Many of our common garden plants have multiple uses that you can access and incorporate into your life...All books in the Botanicals With Benefits series include descriptions of
- [A Gift for You Plant Lovers…](https://ethnopharm.com/a-gift-for-you-plant-lovers/) - Botanicals With Benefits: Aromatic Plants Volume (epub) Free Epub on Edible Flowers December 24-28 (Pacific Time):You can download your epub copy here: https://amzn.to/41M0b8F (select the Kindle version which is free until EOD December 28th)Did you know that many of our common garden plants have multiple uses that you can access and incorporate into your life?The
- [10 Top Plants Used in Incense-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-plants-used-in-incense/) - How is it that something with such a long and rich history can be present in almost every major religion, and yet go almost completely un-noticed and un-discussed? To see the 10 incense plants, go to the LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kerry-hughes-941353_10-plants-used-for-incense-activity-7276627556282331137-aA5E?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopExplore the far corners of the world, and incense use is sure to be there. From the
- [Fungi Fact: Create their Own Wind Currents!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-create-their-own-wind-currents/) - Fungi Fact: Create their Own Wind Currents! Some mushrooms have evolved the remarkable ability to create their own wind currents to disperse their spores.By releasing water vapor, they cool the surrounding air, which creates localized air currents.These currents lift and carry the spores away from the mushroom, even in still conditions where natural wind is
- [Cough Dispeller](https://ethnopharm.com/cough-dispeller/) - Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is a little daisy that is distributed through Europe down to North Africa and northern Asia; and now spread likely by settlers use as a medicinal plant to North and South America.Coltsfoot’s flowers look somewhat like Dandelions, but its common name comes from the shape of the leaves which resemble a colt’s
- [Fungi Fact: Can use Radiation as an Energy Source!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-can-use-radiation-as-an-energy-source/) - Cladosporium sphaerospermum is a fungus capable of utilizing ionizing radiation as an energy source through a process called radiosynthesis.Its cell walls contain melanin, which absorbs radiation and facilitates electron transfer, potentially enhancing metabolic processes and growth under extreme conditions.This phenomenon is similar to how photosynthetic organisms use light, with melanin playing a comparable role to
- [Plant Fact: Fastest Growing Plant in the World!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-fastest-growing-plant-in-the-world/) - Certain species of bamboo, such as Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), can grow up to 91 cm (35 inches) per day under optimal conditions, earning it the recognition as the fastest growing plant in the world!This growth rate makes bamboo not only a botanical marvel but also an extremely sustainable resource for construction, textiles, and environmental
- [The Medicinal Vine that Ate The South!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-medicinal-vine-that-ate-the-south/) - Native to East Asia, Kudzu (Pueraria montana; P. spp.) was introduced to other regions, including the United States, where it became notoriously invasive.Producing clusters of fragrant purple flowers and velvety seed pods, Kudzu is so fast-growing, it is known to quickly climb and cover anything in its path, growing as much as 1 foot daily,
- [Purple Poison, Potion or Provision?](https://ethnopharm.com/purple-poison-potion-or-provision/) - Poke (Phytolacca americana) is a native herbaceous perennial of North America but has now become naturalized in parts of Europe and Asia. Poke is considered a weed by many but has some ornamental value as it produces red-purplish stems and striking purple-black berries.Though poisonous to humans, Poke is an important source of food for birds,
- [Imperatorin- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/imperatorin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Imperatorin is a linear furanocoumarin, characterized by a fused furan and coumarin ring system. This bioactive compound is commonly found in plants like Angelica dahurica, Citrus species, Peucedanum ostruthium, and Ammi majus.Among its possible health benefits:· Anticancer· Antiinflammatory· Anticoagulant· Neuroprotective· Cardiotoxicity ProtectionOne interesting study demonstrated that imperatorin-loaded lipid microspheres significantly enhanced bioavailability and inhibited proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. A
- [10 Top Plants in Natural Textiles](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-plants-in-natural-textiles/) - 10 Top Plants in Natural Textiles The market for natural textiles, is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. To see the PDF, visit my LinkedIN post: https://www.linkedin.com/.../kerry-hughes-941353_10... Natural textiles are valued for their biodegradability, minimal environmental impact compared to synthetic fibers, and versatility in fashion, home décor, and
- [The Alchemical Key Ingredient.](https://ethnopharm.com/the-alchemical-key-ingredient/) - Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe with lobed and corrugated leaves that are popular in shady gardens for the way they capture rain drops.Each plant mounds to only about a foot tall and wide and then sends up bright green clusters of flowers which seem to dangle or float over
- [Not Only for the Chickens!](https://ethnopharm.com/not-only-for-the-chickens/) - Not only for the chickens, Chickweed Chickweed (Stellaria media) is the nutritious starry- flowering weed found around the world.It is low growing with small oval opposite leaves and sparse hairs, but the hairs line up along the stem (this is a distinguishing feature), with white flowers with five deeply lobed petals.This common weed is native
- [Eyebright - To Delight the Eyes 💫](https://ethnopharm.com/eyebright-to-delight-the-eyes-💫/) - Historical use of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) dates back to Greek Mythology, as the Eyebright herb was likened to the one of the key “graces” which was that of delight—to bring delight to the eyes of mortals.It is a small mounding semi-parasitic herbaceous annual native to western Europe to eastern Asia, produces leaves with jagged edges
- [Plant Fact: Feeds on Rodents!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-feeds-on-rodents/) - Nepenthes attenboroughii, a giant carnivorous pitcher plant discovered on the Philippine island of Palawan, is named in honor of naturalist Sir David Attenborough.Known for its massive pitchers, which can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) in height, it is one of the largest species of Nepenthes, which as been observed to even feed on
- [⭐The Original Acne Treatment ⭐](https://ethnopharm.com/⭐the-original-acne-treatment-⭐/) - Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a North American native shrub that normally grows to about 18 feet tall and produces yellow to orange flowers with ribbon-shaped petals in the mid-late fall.The flower has a sweet aroma and is attractive to butterflies. The wood is hard and very close grained, and the forked twigs were valued
- [The Traditional Medicine of the Xhosa](https://ethnopharm.com/the-traditional-medicine-of-the-xhosa/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.The traditional medicine of the Xhosa, an indigenous people of South Africa, incorporates spiritual,
- [10 Sacred Trees from around The World-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-sacred-trees-from-around-the-world/) - Sacred trees have long held profound significance for humans and nature, serving as powerful symbols of life, spirituality, and interconnectedness. To view these trees, go to my LinkedIN PDF post: https://www.linkedin.com/.../kerry-hughes-941353_10... These trees are often seen as living bridges between the physical and spiritual realms, offering protection, guidance, and healing through their enduring presence. For
- [Fungi Fact: Here Before Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-here-before-plants/) - Fungi are among the oldest living organisms, with a history tracing back over 1 billion years.Some of the oldest confirmed fossil fungi, such as Ourasphaira giraldae, date to approximately 1 billion years ago, discovered in Canadian shale deposits.These findings indicate that fungi likely predate the emergence of terrestrial plants and animals and may have played
- [Forgotten Medicine?](https://ethnopharm.com/forgotten-medicine/) - Bryony (aka. Wild Hops, False Mandrake; Bryonia alba, B. dioica) are vigorous twining perennials in the cucumber family—such vigorous climbers that they have the potential to be a noxious weeds with destructive potential.Bryony has palmately lobed leaves and greenish-white flowers that are followed by poisonous berries.Although the whole plant is known to be toxic, it
- [Medicine from the Swamp](https://ethnopharm.com/medicine-from-the-swamp/) - I love it when plants from disregarded places have good uses! The Bogbean (aka. Buckbean, Marsh Trefoil; Menyanthes trifoliata) is one of those, as it is considered to be a diagnostic species for a type of wetland called a fen—what most people would disregard as a swamp.It is distributed through Northern Hemisphere areas across Europe, Asia,
- [Beauty Break: Fractal Patterns](https://ethnopharm.com/beauty-break-fractal-patterns/) - Fractal patterns mesmerize us because they reflect nature's inherent order and complexity.Fractals align with sacred geometry through their repeating, self-similar forms that scale infinitely, such as with Romanesco broccoli, with its spiral arrangements of florets that exhibit self-similarity.These patterns, which repeat at different scales, evoke a sense of harmony and balance that resonates deeply with
- [Plant Fact: The Lab Rat of the Plant World](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-the-lab-rat-of-the-plant-world/) - The "lab rat" of the plant world, Arabinopsis taliana’s genome was the first plant genome sequenced, making it essential for genetic studies.A small flowering plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), its short life cycle and ease of genetic manipulation has made it a favorite subject for studying crop science and understanding how plants respond to
- [It’s What’s Currant for Metabolism](https://ethnopharm.com/its-whats-currant-for-metabolism/) - Black Currants get more attention for their high polyphenol content, but due to mounting research, Red Currants (Ribes rubrum) are poised to become a functional food for supporting metabolism, especially blood sugar balance and cardiovascular health.A native to Western Europe and parts of Asia, the Red Currant is a shrub in the gooseberry family that
- [Traditional Filipino (Philippine) Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/traditional-filipino-philippine-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Traditional Filipino Medicine combines indigenous knowledge with practices influenced by centuries of trade and
- [10 Top Plants Used in Cosmetics](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-plants-used-in-cosmetics/) - 🌿 Plants are used in cosmetics due to their rich natural compounds—like antioxidants, vitamins, essential oils, and phytonutrients—that benefit the skin by nourishing, soothing, and protecting from environmental stressors. To see this PDF, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kerry-hughes-941353_10-top-plants-used-in-cosmetics-activity-7269009861265244161-wERW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopPlant based extracts often contain a diverse range of bioactive compounds that can provide multiple benefits, making them desirable for formulations
- [Fungi Fact: Can Break Down Plastic!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-can-break-down-plastic/) - Certain species of mushrooms have the ability to digest and break down plastic, offering hope for addressing environmental pollution.Synthetic polymers like polyurethane, polyethylene, and polystyrene, are typically resistant to biodegradation.A 2017 study demonstrated that Aspergillus tubingensis could degrade plastic films within weeks under optimal conditions, significantly reducing plastic's environmental impact.However, further work is needed to
- [Native Stone Breaker!](https://ethnopharm.com/native-stone-breaker/) - Native Stone Breaker!Pipsissewa (aka. Prince’s Pine; Chimaphila umbellata) is a native of cool temperate woodlands in the Northern Hemisphere growing only about a foot tall with shiny toothed leaves and umbels of 4-8 pink to purple and white nodding flowers with a sweet scent.Pipsissewa has long been used as a flavoring in candies and beverages,
- [The Pumpkin: Gratitude for Nature’s Gifts](https://ethnopharm.com/the-pumpkin-gratitude-for-natures-gifts/) - Thought to originate from North America, Cucurbita pepo are the common orange round Pumpkins we normally have at Thanksgiving and Halloween, but there are other species, such as C. moshchata, sugar pumpkins, and C. maxima that is grown for “Giant Pumpkin” contests, and can weigh more than 1 ton in weight!Pumpkins are grown for a
- [Beauty Break: Temporal Elegance](https://ethnopharm.com/beauty-break-temporal-elegance/) - The temporal beauty of flowers and plants captivates us, mirroring the transient nature of life.A flower’s short-lived blooms, precise timing, and rhythmic cycles embody impermanence and renewal, evoking awe and appreciation.This temporal elegance reminds us to cherish moments, as their beauty is magnified by their ephemerality.A few flowers revered for their temporal elegance:· Queen of the
- [Plant Fact: The Soap Berry!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-the-soap-berry/) - The Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria) fruits contain saponins that create a natural soap when mixed with water, used historically for washing. Traditionally, Soapberries are used as an eco-friendly and chemical-free alternative to soap and detergents, suitable for cleaning skin, hair, and textiles. Medicinally, they are valued in various cultures as traditional medicines for such conditions as
- [The Original Marshmallow](https://ethnopharm.com/the-original-marshmallow/) - This true Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is not a spongy white treat for hot chocolate, but rather, a perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. In fact, it was a candied version of the Marshmallow root used since ancient times that evolved into the marshmallow confection of today! Marshmallows form tall spires
- [Traditional Malay Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/traditional-malay-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Traditional Malay Medicine is a holistic healing system that blends indigenous Malay practices with
- [Pucker Up for Good Health!](https://ethnopharm.com/pucker-up-for-good-health/) - Aronia Berry (aka. Black Chokeberry; Aronia melanocarpa) is a native of North America, with other similar related species found in Europe.Of all the Aronia berries (for example, compared to purple or red), the Black Chokeberry contains the highest levels of anthocyanins, also reportedly being among the highest values measured in all plants.The Aronia Berry is
- [Food Biodiversity Loss Has Worsened Human Health-](https://ethnopharm.com/food-biodiversity-loss-has-worsened-human-health/) - Traditional diets, which are rich in diverse, locally available foods, have been replaced by diets dominated by a few staple crops, resulting in a lack of essential micronutrients and increased vulnerability to malnutrition.Today, few crops contribute more than half of the plant-derived calories consumed globally (see 5 featured that together provide well over half of
- [Yellow But Not So Mellow!](https://ethnopharm.com/yellow-but-not-so-mellow/) - The familiar condiment we know and love as Mustard is made from three main species, Brassica juncea, B. nigra and Sinapis alba.These three species have several cultivars specific to uses, such as for the leaf production (as a vegetable), oil seed production (as a vegetable oil), for the seed production as a spice, and for
- [Fungi Fact: The Wood Wide Web!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-the-wood-wide-web/) - Mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, forms an underground network that connects plants in a "Wood Wide Web," allowing trees to exchange nutrients and communicate.These underground networks, created by fungal hyphae, connect the roots of plants across ecosystems, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, water, and signaling molecules.Moreover, these networks enable plants to warn neighbors about
- [Dysbiosis & the Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Decoction](https://ethnopharm.com/dysbiosis-the-dahuang-huanglian-xiexin-decoction/) - In order to spread awareness about recent advances in medicinal plants & natural products science, this post series is intended to highlight some of the recently published research in the literature. Today’s highlight:Revealing the mechanism of Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Decoction attenuates dysbiosis via IL-17 signaling pathway based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.Ren T, et
- [Plant Fact: 50,000 Times Hotter Than Habaneros!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-50000-times-hotter-than-habaneros/) - Euphorbia resinifera, native to Morocco, produces resiniferatoxin (RTX), a compound 50,000 times hotter than Habenero chili peppers and over 1,000 times hotter than capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers!RTX activates the same pain receptors as capsaicin but with far greater intensity, making it a focus of research for developing novel pain management therapies, particularly
- [Beauty Break: Floral Symmetry](https://ethnopharm.com/beauty-break-floral-symmetry/) - These Beauty Break posts are designed to help you take a break from your busy lives and appreciate the inherent beauty of plants and nature.Pictured here is a Rose, and despite minor irregularities, the radial symmetry of roses is one of their defining features, contributing to their widespread appreciation for beauty and balance.There are a
- [A Tiny Apple A Day…?](https://ethnopharm.com/a-tiny-apple-a-day/) - The Green Leaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula) is one of the most widespread of the Manzanitas, a bush reaching up to about six feet tall and wide native to the western United States and down through Baja California, Mexico.It is a typical resident of chaparral communities, is important for bees and deer, and withstands much drought
- [Breaking Research: Lemon Balm & Blood Lipids](https://ethnopharm.com/breaking-research-lemon-balm-blood-lipids/) - In order to spread awareness about recent advances in medicinal plants & natural products science, this post series is intended to highlight some of the recently published research in the literature. Today’s highlight:Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Shahsavari K, Shams Ardekani MR, Khanavi M,
- [Jamu (Indonesian Traditional Medicine)](https://ethnopharm.com/jamu-indonesian-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Jamu, which is Indonesian Traditional Medicine, is a centuries-old practice rooted in the archipelago’s
- [The North American Caper?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-north-american-caper/) - This favorite North American shrub or small tree grows up to about 30 feet tall and is characterized by its profuse and bright display of pink flowers early in the Spring through early Summer.The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) makes a beautiful ornamental plant, with all-year round interest:In the Spring it has its display of flowers,
- [Breaking Research: Aleppo Pine for Skin Burns](https://ethnopharm.com/breaking-research-aleppo-pine-for-skin-burns/) - Post Series: Breaking ResearchIn order to spread awareness about recent advances in medicinal plants & natural products science, this post series is intended to highlight some of the recently published research in the literature. Today’s highlight:Application of Aleppo pine extract for skin burn treatment.Salhi N, El Guourrami O, Balahbib A, Rouas L, Moussaid S, Moutawalli
- [Plant Fact: Makes Rainbow Bark!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-makes-rainbow-bark/) - The Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) bark peels away in strips to reveal a spectrum of colors, including green, blue, orange, and maroon, creating a rainbow effect.Beyond its beauty, Eucalyptus deglupta has other potential industrial uses. It grows rapidly and is used in pulpwood production for making paper. Additionally, due to its fast growth and adaptability
- [Breaking Research: Moroccan Juniper Anti-inflammatory & Antinociceptive Metabolites](https://ethnopharm.com/breaking-research-moroccan-juniper-anti-inflammatory-antinociceptive-metabolites/) - In order to spread awareness about recent advances in medicinal plants & natural products science, this post series is intended to highlight some of the recently published research in the literature. Today’s highlight:Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive metabolites among three Moroccan Juniperus leaves extract supported with in vitro enzyme inhibitory assays.El Jemli M, Ezzat
- [Soothing Symbol of Homeland](https://ethnopharm.com/soothing-symbol-of-homeland/) - Native to Europe and Asia, Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) is a deciduous shrub with three-lobed leaves and white flowers produced in corymbs, followed by bright red berries (drupes).Cramp Bark is grown as an ornamental, especially for its flowers and berries, and used as hedgerows and woodland native plantings, with several available cultivars.The berries are edible
- [Breaking Research: Imperatorin’s Cardioprotective Effect](https://ethnopharm.com/breaking-research-imperatorins-cardioprotective-effect/) - In order to spread awareness about recent advances in medicinal plants & natural products science, this post series is intended to highlight some of the recently published research in the literature. Today’s highlight:Preventive effect of imperatorin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Zhang H, Ding X, Qiu Y, Xie M, Wang H, Li
- [Breaking Research: Artemisia Afra & Tuberculosis](https://ethnopharm.com/breaking-research-artemisia-afra-tuberculosis/) - In order to spread awareness about recent advances in medicinal plants & natural products science, this post series is intended to highlight some of the recently published research in the literature. Today’s highlight:An O-methylflavone from Artemisia afra kills non-replicating hypoxic Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Kellogg JJ, Alonso MN, Jordan RT, Xiao J, Cafiero JH, Bush T, Chen
- [Pelargonidin- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/pelargonidin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Pelargonidin is an anthocyanin pigment that contributes to the red to orange colors in various fruits and vegetables. Common plant sources of Pelargonidin include medicinal plants, such as the medicinal Pelargonium, Pelargonium sidoides; along with a number of common food sources, such as Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa), Raspberries (Rubus idaeus), Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), Red and
- [Beetlejuice Geraniums!](https://ethnopharm.com/beetlejuice-geraniums/) - I bet you never thought plain ol’ garden geraniums could be interesting…However, one interesting use of these Zonal Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) came from the observation that a Japanese beetle would become paralyzed after eating one or two flower petals. They literally lie on their back or side with their legs extended rigidly outward—like a
- [Malagasy Traditional Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/malagasy-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Malagasy Traditional Medicine integrates spiritual beliefs, herbal medicine, and practical remedies passed down through
- [10 Top Pharmaceutical Drugs Derived from Plants-](https://ethnopharm.com/10-top-pharmaceutical-drugs-derived-from-plants/) - Natural products from plants, bacteria, fungi, and marine organisms together make up around 50% of modern pharmaceuticals, underscoring the significant role of biodiversity in medicine. To view the pdf, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kerry-hughes-941353_top-pharmaceuticals-derived-from-plants-activity-7261401534121336833-HPUv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktophashtag#ethnobotany hashtag#biodiversity hashtag#pharmaceuticals hashtag#plantbased
- [Plant Fact: Outlived the Dinosaurs!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-outlived-the-dinosaurs/) - A living fossil, the Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) has remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years and is renowned for its resilience and longevity.It is the only surviving member of the order Ginkgoales, which was widespread during the age of the dinosaurs. And amazingly, it is the ONLY member of its genus (Ginkgo), its
- [North America’s Caffeinated Native!](https://ethnopharm.com/north-americas-caffeinated-native/) - Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is North America’s only known caffeine-producing species used traditionally as a stimulant tea.Native Americans traditionally consumed a tea from the Yaupon which contained caffeine, and today the plant is often used as an ornamental in landscaping. The fruiting branches are also sometimes used as holiday decorations.The Yaupon is a Holly species that
- [The Floral Greens Enjoyed as a Tea!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-floral-greens-enjoyed-as-a-tea/) - Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is a shrub native to North America and naturalized in Britain that has leathery leaves and one-sided racemes of urn-shaped pinkish white flowers followed by blue fruits.The berries are sweet tasting and juicy and are enjoyed raw or in preserves or cooked into foods.It has a long history of use by Native
- [Taxifolin- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/taxifolin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Taxifolin is a flavonoid that shares a structural similarity with quercetin but differs in having an additional hydrogen atom, which gives it a dihydroflavonol structure. Taxifolin is found in Siberian larch (Larix sibirica), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), Onion (Allium cepa), Grapes (Vitis vinifera), among other plants. It also is important as
- [Fungi Fact: Largest Living Organism!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-largest-living-organism/) - The largest organism on Earth isn't an animal or tree, but a colossal fungus known as the honey fungus (Armillaria ostoyae).Found in Oregon's Malheur National Forest, this single organism spans over 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) underground and is thousands of years old. That is one Humongous Fungus!It's made up of a vast network of mycelium,
- [Plant Fact: Flower from The Underworld!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-flower-from-the-underworld/) - This plant grows underground and only its flower emerges above soil, emitting a smell of rotting flesh to attract dung, carrion beetles and others for pollination.Native to southern Africa, Hydnora africana is parasitic, lacks chlorophyll and is among the most primitive flowering plants. Its unique adaptation has earned it comparisons to carnivorous plants, although it
- [Fungi Fact: Mushrooms Can Glow!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-mushrooms-can-glow/) - Foxfire is the phenomenon where certain types of mushrooms and fungi emit a natural, eerie greenish-blue light in the dark. This bioluminescence occurs in species like Armillaria (honey mushrooms) and Panellus stipticus, caused by a chemical reaction involving the enzyme luciferase.The exact reason for this glow is still debated, but it’s believed to help attract
- [New Short Video: The Importance of Traceability in Natural Products 💡](https://ethnopharm.com/new-short-video-the-importance-of-traceability-in-natural-products-💡/) - Traceability in natural products is a key component of sustainable and quality production.Without traceability, not only is it impossible to manage and control quality through the steps of the Supplychain, it is also unlikely that sustainable attributes will be ensured…Watch this short video for some key points of why traceability in natural products is important:
- [Sweet-n-Sour Anti-aging Bushfood](https://ethnopharm.com/sweet-n-sour-anti-aging-bushfood/) - Did you know that some plants produce fruits or flowers directly on their trunks?!The Davidson’s Plum (Davidsonia jerseyana) is one example of a fruit that is cauliflory, meaning they are born on the trunk.The plums are dark blue-purple on the outside, and pink on the inside, and considered “Bush Tucker” (Bush Food) in Australia, and
- [The DSHEA Effect went live today!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-dshea-effect-went-live-today/) - Check out this video on the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which are the regulations for supplements in the US:https://lnkd.in/gFnbaY6gThank you to the New Hope Network & Nutrition Business Journal for releasing this important education on the industry and call to action.If you are in this industry, it is important to know some
- [Plant Fact: The Ghost Orchid!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-the-ghost-orchid/) - The Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) leafless orchid relies entirely on photosynthesis through its roots and is renowned for its rare, ethereal beauty.The ghost orchid produces stunning, fragrant white flowers that seem to float in midair, hence its "ghostly" appearance.This orchid is unique not only for its appearance but also for its specialized pollination. It relies
- [If Macadamia and Coconut had A Baby?](https://ethnopharm.com/if-macadamia-and-coconut-had-a-baby/) - Another of the bushfood plants from Australia, The Red Boppel Nut (aka. Monkey Nut, Rose Nut; Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia) produces fleshy red fruits with edible seeds—closely related to the Macadamia nut.The Boppel Nut’s fat content is low (only 3%) and the flavor improves with roasting. The texture of the nut is similar to coconut flesh and
- [New Clinical Results with Holy Basil!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-clinical-results-with-holy-basil/) - Just in time for SupplySide West 2024, K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt. Ltd.. has received awesome news on the results of their proprietary Holy Basil (Tulsi) extract, called OCITUM for mood & sleep! You can stop by their booth #2345 for more information on the study, but as a preview.. I will be leaking some
- [Aboriginal Australian Traditional Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/aboriginal-australian-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Aboriginal Australian Traditional Medicine refers to the healing practices used by Aboriginal and Torres
- [Sour Superfruit Sumac!](https://ethnopharm.com/sour-superfruit-sumac/) - Sumac (Rhus coriaria) is a shrub or small tree native to southern Europe producing clusters of red, tangy fruits that are dried and commonly used as a spice—most popularly in the spice mixture called za’atar.Sumac has been used as an edible fruit, spice, condiment, appetizer, souring agent, and medicinal plant for centuries. The berries are
- [Fungi Fact: Zombie Fungi in Insects 😱🐜](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-zombie-fungi-in-insects-😱🐜/) - There are several kinds of parasitic fungi that infect insects and turn them into “Zombies”!A Few Examples:· Cordyceps militaris: This fungus infects caterpillars and other insects. It takes over their bodies, forcing them to climb to elevated areas before the fungus kills the host and sprouts from its body, releasing spores.· Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: Targets ants, the spores
- [Plant Fact: Takes The Shape of its Strangled Victim!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-takes-the-shape-of-its-strangled-victim/) - The Strangler Fig (Ficus spp.) is a group of Fig tree species that germinate on a host tree, often enveloping and strangling it, creating a hollow, lattice-like structure once the host dies and decomposes.These trees start as epiphytes, germinating in the canopy of a host tree and sending roots down to the ground. Over time,
- [This Tree is Twisted!](https://ethnopharm.com/this-tree-is-twisted/) - The Wiliwili Tree (Erythrina sandwicensis) is a species of tree endemic to the Hawaiian islands, typically found in dry tropical forests.It is under threat (as are other endemics to Hawaii) from competition with invasive species, but also one of the celebrated and sometimes cultivated species of the islands, being an integral part of Hawaiian legends
- [Hot off the Press- Guduchi: Adaptogenic Amrita, Newsletter Volume 12 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-guduchi-adaptogenic-amrita-newsletter-volume-12-🌿/) - 🌟 Our 12th monthly newsletter on Indian Botanical Deep-Dive topics has just been published! The topic for this month, is Guduchi with its Tri-Doshic Ayurvedic tradition, which conforms to its evolving science that has elucidated a balanced effect on immunity through a variety of phytochemicals from diverse chemical classes.🗓 *Click the link below* to read
- [Curry from a Tree?](https://ethnopharm.com/curry-from-a-tree/) - The Curry Tree (Murraya koenigii) is a small or medium-sized tree with aromatic green leaves that are often used in cuisines. A native of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, it has displays of small white flowers and berry-like fruits.The plant’s leaves are widely used in South Asian cooking, adding flavor to curries, rice dishes,
- [The Traditional Medicine of The Aymara](https://ethnopharm.com/the-traditional-medicine-of-the-aymara/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Aymara Traditional Medicine is the ancestral healing system practiced by the Aymara people, an
- [Fungi Fact: Fungi are Everywhere!](https://ethnopharm.com/fungi-fact-fungi-are-everywhere/) - Fungi are present almost everywhere on Earth, from the depths of the ocean to the highest mountains, and even in space!Some species can survive in extreme conditions, such as the frozen tundra, scorching deserts, and highly radioactive areas like Chernobyl.Fungi have even been found to survive and thrive in the harsh conditions of space, which
- [Delphinidin- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/delphinidin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Delphinidin is a type of anthocyanidin, a class of water-soluble flavonoid pigments responsible for the red, blue, and purple colors in many fruits and flowers. Notable plants rich in delphinidin include Blueberries (Vaccinium species), Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum), Concord grapes (Vitis labrusca), Pomegranates (Punica granatum), and Purple sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas).Among its possible health benefits:· Antioxidant· Antiinflammatory· Cardioprotective· Anticancer· Anti-diabetic· Neuroprotective· UV-protective· Anti-obesityA recent
- [Adaptogenic White Gold Aphrodisiac](https://ethnopharm.com/adaptogenic-white-gold-aphrodisiac/) - Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) an herb commonly found in patches of forest in India, is an herbaceous perennial with lanceolate leaves, spikes of white flowers and tuberous roots.Safed Musli is now commonly cultivated—its leaves commonly consumed as a leaf vegetable, and roots with medicinal & culinary applications.The tuberous roots of Safed Musli have traditionally been
- [Rainforest Potato!](https://ethnopharm.com/rainforest-potato/) - The 3rd largest carbohydrate food source in the tropics—and most widely cultivated—Cassava (aka. Yuca, Manioc, Tapioca; Manihot esculenta) is a perennial tuber in the Euphorbiaceae family, normally consumed as boiled tubers, but also used for the extraction of tapioca starch. As it is very drought-tolerant, will grow in poor soils that many other crops will
- [Plant Fact: The Flower Associated with Vampires!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-the-flower-associated-with-vampires/) - The rare Dracula Orchid (Dracula vampira) gets its name from its dark, bat-like appearance and eerie resemblance to a hooded vampire. It has a naturally spooky history rooted in its mysterious appearance and habitat.This plant’s strange, otherworldly look and the isolated, often fog-covered forests it grows in have linked it with eerie folklore. It is
- [Sign of the Times.](https://ethnopharm.com/sign-of-the-times/) - An evergreen tree in the coffee family, Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea.Kratom has been used since at least the 19th century in traditional medicine systems, but today it is becoming yet another sign of the times, as it is often used for opioid addiction,
- [Zulu Traditional Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/zulu-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Zulu traditional medicine, known as Umuthi, is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual
- [🍄 Fungi Fact: Mushrooms are More like Animals Than Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/🍄-fungi-fact-mushrooms-are-more-like-animals-than-plants/) - Based on their DNA and cellular structures, Mushrooms (and other fungi) are surprisingly more closely related to animals than plants!Both fungi and animals share a common ancestor, and they have similarities in how they obtain energy—neither can make their own food like plants through photosynthesis. Instead, mushrooms break down organic matter, more like animals digest
- [Isoflavones- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/isoflavones-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Isoflavones are a class of flavonoids that resemble estrogen because they have a phenolic ring system which allows them to act as phytoestrogens. This can give them the ability to interact with estrogen receptors in the body. The most notable plant sources of isoflavones include Soybeans (Glycine max), Red clover (Trifolium pratense), Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum),
- [Healthiest Beverage on Earth?](https://ethnopharm.com/healthiest-beverage-on-earth/) - All from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, Black Tea, Green Tea and Matcha are the most widely consumed beverages in the world, next to water, and found in about 80% of homes.Also from Camellia sinensis are White Tea, Yellow Tea, Oolong and Kukicha. The difference of all of these tea types is the processing (besides
- [Plant Fact: Has a Reputation for Screaming when Pulled from The Ground!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-has-a-reputation-for-screaming-when-pulled-from-the-ground/) - In folklore, the Mandrake root (Mandragora officinarum) was believed to scream when pulled from the ground, killing anyone who heard it. The root’s shape, resembling a human figure, added to its eerie reputation in witchcraft.The Mandrake has long been associated with mythology and magic, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. To avoid dying when
- [Immortelle for Immortality?](https://ethnopharm.com/immortelle-for-immortality/) - Helichrysum (aka. Curry Plant, Immortelle; Helichrysum italicum) is a small flowering bush with a distinct curry fragrance, with grey leaves and clusters of long-lasting yellow flowers.The yellow flowers dry well, and as the dried flowers retain their color and fragrance, they are popular in potpourri, wreaths, and dried floral arrangements.Its strong scent smells like curry
- [Baicalin- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/baicalin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Baicalin-Important Bioactive From Plants!Baicalin is a flavonoid most famously present in the traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap); however it is present in several other plants, including Blue Trumpet Vine (Thunbergia laurifolia), Indian Trumpet Tree (Oroxylum indicum), and Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin).Among its possible health benefits:· Antimicrobial· Antiviral· Neuroprotective· Anticancer· Anticonvulsant· Antioxidant· Hepatoprotective· Neuroprotective· Anxiety· Eye Health· Fertility· Cardiovascular Health· Joint Health· Liver HealthIn an interesting review of the
- [The Sweet Prebiotic Olive](https://ethnopharm.com/the-sweet-prebiotic-olive/) - The Russian Olive (aka. Persian Olive, Oleaster; Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a native to Russia, through Western Asia and Europe.The Russian Olive produces small clusters of very aromatic flowers followed by clusters of small fruits that resemble olives, but are not related, and have a sweet but dry texture.As the Russian Olive has an ornamental quality
- [Russian Traditional Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/russian-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Russian Traditional Medicine has been developed and practiced over centuries in Russia, encompassing a
- [New Video Out: Why India is Emerging as an Alternative to China in Natural Products Global Trade.](https://ethnopharm.com/new-video-out-why-india-is-emerging-as-an-alternative-to-china-in-natural-products-global-trade/) - Shifting Global Supply Chains in Natural ProductsWhy India is Emerging as a Lead Contender…One topic that has emerged amongst many industries since the pandemic is the over-reliance on China for our global supply chains.India has emerged as top contender among nations to where alternative sourcing strategies are being focused.Watch this short video for a few
- [Fun Fact: The Mushroom that Bleeds an Anticoagulant 👽](https://ethnopharm.com/fun-fact-the-mushroom-that-bleeds-an-anticoagulant-👽/) - The Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii) exudes a red, blood-like fluid through its pores, which contains anticoagulant properties. It is also commonly called Strawberries and Cream.While this fungus looks unusual, it is not considered edible due to its bitter taste and tough texture. The Bleeding Tooth Fungus is found in North American and European forests,
- [Sweet Antiviral](https://ethnopharm.com/sweet-antiviral/) - This Wormwood species, Sweet Wormwood (aka. Sweet Annie, Qing Hao; Artemisia annua), is an annual that is native to temperate Asia, especially China, but now naturalized in other parts of the world.The plant produces small bright green leaves with small greenish-yellow flowers arranged in loose panicles. The whole plant is very aromatic, producing between 0-1.5%
- [Traditional Persian Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/traditional-persian-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), also known as Iranian Traditional Medicine, is a holistic system
- [The Antiparasitic Nutmeg Yew](https://ethnopharm.com/the-antiparasitic-nutmeg-yew/) - Kaya (aka. Japanese Nutmeg-Yew; Torreya nucifera, T. spp.) is a coniferous tree slow growing to about 75 feet, native to Japan and East Asia. Kaya trees have cultural and historical significance to people of Japan.The trees produce edible seeds that are slightly sweet with an aromatic flavor, which are consumed as a snack, or sometimes
- [Caffeine- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/caffeine-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - You all know this one! Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that belongs to the xanthine chemical class. Structurally, it consists of a purine ring system—comprising two fused rings of carbon and nitrogen atoms—and three methyl groups attached to nitrogen atoms, which makes it a methylxanthine. This structure is crucial to its ability to stimulate
- [Hot off the Press- Bitter Melon- The Quintessential Bitter, Newsletter Volume 11 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-bitter-melon-the-quintessential-bitter-newsletter-volume-11-🌿/) - 🌟 Our 11th monthly newsletter on Indian Botanical Deep-Dive topics has just been published! The topic for this month, is Bitter Melon and its multifaceted activities, exemplified by our rapidly evolving understanding of the science behind bitter herbals!🗓 *Click the link below* to read the whole issue and subscribe. If you are interested in Indian
- [Fish Mint](https://ethnopharm.com/fish-mint/) - This native to Southeast Asia is used as a leaf vegetable and also grown for its colorful foliage as an ornamental.Fish Mint (aka. The Chameleon Plant, Rainbow Plant; Houttuynia cordata) spreads like an ivy, mounding to about 3 feet tall and wide and displays heart shaped alternate leaves that are green or with various variegations
- [Plant Fact: Exploding Seed Pods!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-exploding-seed-pods/) - This plant, commonly called Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens spp.) is famous for its explosive seed dispersal mechanism. When the seed pods mature, even the slightest touch causes them to burst open, flinging seeds far from the parent plant.This unique adaptation helps the plant efficiently spread its seeds across a wide area. Additionally, Impatiens species are beloved for
- [Other Worldly Flower](https://ethnopharm.com/other-worldly-flower/) - This beautiful lily flower boasts red umbels with flowers containing very long projecting stamens, giving it a spider-like appearance.The Red Spider Lily (aka. Hell Flower, Red Magic Lily; Lycoris radiata) originates from China, Korea and Nepal and was introduced into Japan and then onto the US from there and beyond.It grows from a bulb in
- [Moroccan Traditional Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/moroccan-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Moroccan traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of treatments derived from Berber, Arab, and
- [The Often Overlooked Medicinal](https://ethnopharm.com/the-often-overlooked-medicinal/) - Often overlooked—this super sunny flower provides us with so many potential benefits and uses if only we would open our eyes to them!Calendula (aka. Pot Marigold; Calendula officinalis) is super easy to grow and will readily pop up in the garden in most any kind of soil to provide you with pretty flowers through the
- [New Video Short- The Ultimate Bitter: Andrographis!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-video-short-the-ultimate-bitter-andrographis/) - Known in India as The King of Bitters, Andrographis has a strong traditional use for supporting immunity, digestion and overall wellness with its content of bitter principals.The science is building and we now are beginning to understand how herbal bitters, like Andrographis, really work! To watch this short, go to (and don't forget to subscribe
- [Resveratrol- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/resveratrol-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol and part of the stilbenoid class of compounds. Structurally, it consists of two phenol rings connected by a double bond, which allows for its existence in both cis and trans isomeric forms, with the trans form being the most stable and biologically active. Resveratrol is notably found in the
- [The Connection between Herbs & GLP-1](https://ethnopharm.com/the-connection-between-herbs-glp-1/) - Did you know there’s relationship between GLP-1 and dietary bitters?The release of GLP-1 is influenced by the activation of bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) located in the gut.Perhaps it is time to bring back old herbal allies & bitter flavors back into our diet (as most have been bred out of our vegetables)! For More Information,
- [Working Together for A Greener World!](https://ethnopharm.com/working-together-for-a-greener-world/) - Just finishing a successful reunion and training with the international team of A Greener World (AGW)...great to see friends and colleagues.AGW is active across five continents, with products including: Row crops, orchard crops, specialty crops, vineyards, livestock and dairy operations, fruit, wild harvesting, herbs, flowers and more.AGW has brought the world several high-impact certifications:Animal Welfare
- [Plant Fact: The Heart-Shaped Lucky Charms Found Floating at Sea.](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-the-heart-shaped-lucky-charms-found-floating-at-sea/) - Sea Hearts (Entada gigas) have enormous seeds, which are among the largest in the plant kingdom—the largest legume seed in the world!These seeds can float on ocean currents for years, allowing them to disperse across vast distances, sometimes even between continents.The plant's long, woody vines can grow up to 30 meters in length, climbing high
- [Saudades Do Mestre Ra](https://ethnopharm.com/saudades-do-mestre-ra/) - Today Capoeira Lost One of its GreatsSaudades Do Mestre Rã RIPSo grateful to have had you in my life. 😭 #capoiera #mestreRa
- [True Regenerative Farming Includes High Welfare Practices](https://ethnopharm.com/true-regenerative-farming-includes-high-welfare-practices/) - This is Lizzie-High welfare starts with knowing and caring about the needs of the individuals on your farm.Farms with true regenerative practices care about animal welfare, ensuring the five domains and five freedoms are met.This is because in regenerative agriculture, all parts of the farming ecosystem are integral to propelling change and resiliency.hashtag#regenerativeagriculture hashtag#animalwelfare hashtag#animalwelfareapproved
- [🕊 Cool Fact: Citizen Science is Helping Farmers and the Environment!](https://ethnopharm.com/🕊-cool-fact-citizen-science-is-helping-farmers-and-the-environment/) - As an example: Even though the Central Valley of California was once one of North America's richest wildlife habitats, with its miles and miles of wetlands, it has since turned to farming, resulting in vastly decreased biodiversity & disrupted bird migrations.With a program powered by Citizen Science, there is now better habitat management of these
- [Hot Off The Press: Modifying Flavor with Biodiversity!](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-modifying-flavor-with-biodiversity/) - Check out my article just published in Prepared Foods Magazine about the use of Botanicals for not only providing benefit, but *enhancing flavor*! Access Here: https://www.preparedfoods.com/articles/129684-modifying-flavor-with-biodiversity #biodiversity hashtag#food hashtag#flavors hashtag#Botanicals hashtag#NaturalProducts
- [2nd Brain Trifecta!](https://ethnopharm.com/2nd-brain-trifecta/) - Originating from India, The Triphala formulation has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is highly regarded for its holistic health benefits.Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation consisting of three dried fruits: Amalaki (aka. Amla; Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). The combination of these fruits results in
- [The Beginnings of Natural Tonic Water!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-beginnings-of-natural-tonic-water/) - Tonic water, originally created as a medicinal drink, has its roots in the use of Cinchona bark, which contains quinine—a compound known for its antimalarial properties. The history of this beverage dates back to the 17th century when Jesuit missionaries in South America learned from Indigenous people about the bark's ability to treat fevers. The
- [The Tonic Women’s Berry](https://ethnopharm.com/the-tonic-womens-berry/) - Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) is a North American native, forming a woody creeping perennial groundcover with dark green small leaves.The plant normally forms dense mats on the forest floor, with trumpet-shaped small white flowers produced in pairs followed by red berries.Each berry amazingly comes from two flowers, requiring a fusing of the ovaries of the
- [Epigallocatechin Gallate (ECGC)- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/epigallocatechin-gallate-ecgc-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is a type of catechin, a flavonoid, which belongs to the class of polyphenolic compounds. Chemically, it is characterized by three phenol rings and multiple hydroxyl groups, which contribute to its strong antioxidant properties. EGCG is notably abundant in green tea (Camellia sinensis) and is also found in smaller amounts in other
- [The Antiviral for When Your Feeling Blue.](https://ethnopharm.com/the-antiviral-for-when-your-feeling-blue/) - We have had a shockingly long history using this plant, which is originally from Central and Southern Europe, as a source of blue dye. Records of the use of Woad date back to ancient times, and may reach as far back as the Neolithic!The ancient Egyptians used Woad (aka. Indian Barberry; Isatis tinctoria, syn. I.
- [Plant Fact: Able to Survive Extreme Dehydration!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-able-to-survive-extreme-dehydration/) - The Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) can survive extreme dehydration, curling up into a dormant ball and appearing completely dead. However, when exposed to water it unfurls and revives, returning to a green and active state.This unique resilience to desiccation makes it a symbol of endurance and renewal, and it has fascinated botanists and plant enthusiasts
- [Defining Regenerative Agriculture - Still Time to Participate!](https://ethnopharm.com/defining-regenerative-agriculture-still-time-to-participate/) - While today marks the conclusion of the public comment period for California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) working group draft, there will be opportunities to provide public comment to the State Board as it goes through its own process to formulate a definition.Stay informed and find updates at the California Department of Food and
- [The Highway Jasmine with Benefits](https://ethnopharm.com/the-highway-jasmine-with-benefits/) - Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is not included in the true “Jasmine” genus of Jasmine, but has a similar fragrance and 5-pointed star-like flowers which are reminiscent of Jasmine.Native to East Asia, it is a woody, evergreen vine with glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring to
- [Jamaican Traditional Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/jamaican-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Traditional medicine in Jamaica is a vibrant and integral part of the island's cultural
- [Adaptogenic Amrita](https://ethnopharm.com/adaptogenic-amrita/) - Native to the Indian subcontinent, Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) is a large deciduous climbing shrub with heart-shaped leaves and a succulent stem. It produces small, yellowish flowers and drupes that turn red when mature.The stems of Guduchi are sometimes used in textile dyeing for their yellow tint, while the roots and leaves are utilized in traditional
- [Defining Regenerative Agriculture-- Just a Few Days Left!!!](https://ethnopharm.com/defining-regenerative-agriculture-just-a-few-days-left/) - If you have some thoughts on what you think is important in a definition of Regenerative Agriculture, now is the time to weigh in... Public Comments are being accepted until the 3rd of September.This is a unique and potentially historic opportunity to help shape what "Regenerative Agriculture" means in California and beyond, especially as other
- [Crocin- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/crocin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Crocin is an ester formed from the carotenoid crocetin and gentiobiose, a disaccharide sugar. This structure gives Crocin its distinctive deep red-orange color, which is responsible for the vibrant hue of saffron, derived from the stigma of the Crocus sativus flower. Saffron is the primary source of Crocin, though it can also be found in
- [Plant Fact: World’s Largest Flower](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-worlds-largest-flower/) - Rafflesia (Rafflesia arnoldii) produces the largest individual flower in the world, which can grow up to 1 meter in diameter. It emits a strong odor of decaying flesh to attract pollinators. This scent attracts carrion flies, which are the primary pollinators of the plant.Rafflesia arnoldii is native to the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo in
- [The Kinder, Gentler Laxative?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-kinder-gentler-laxative/) - A Native to the western regions of North America, Cascara (aka. Cascara Sagrada; Frangula purshiana; syn. Rhamnus purshiana) is a large shrub or small tree from the Buckthorn genus (Rhamnus).Cascara is a common understory tree in mixed forests in the Rocky Mountains and along the California coast, up through British Columbia. It’s bark peels off
- [Newtopia Now- Day 1 Experience!](https://ethnopharm.com/newtopia-now-day-1-experience/) - Yesterday was the first day of Newtopia Now. There were "Community Experiences" offered that we could join in on in groups. I joined "Sustainable Futures: Community Engagement at CSU Spur" not knowing what to expect...I think the whole group that went would agree--we made new and very valuable connections, and had a fun time that
- [New Video Out: CSR in India- Trip Log Video Part 5!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-video-out-csr-in-india-trip-log-video-part-5/) - The Final Part of my Trip Log Series!…As many of you know already, I recently visited K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt. Ltd. in India so that I could give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into herbal production.This “Trip Log” series of videos are intended as Deep Dive learning into what it takes for quality production of
- [Headed to Newtopia Now!](https://ethnopharm.com/headed-to-newtopia-now/) - Curious to see what this will all be about, so today I jumped on a plane to check out what will be replacing Expo East.Many activities are planned for this event, so I am looking forward to experiencing a new venue, seeing long-time friends & colleagues, and meeting new ones!Tonight I already enjoyed a catch-up
- [Sacred Stimulant.](https://ethnopharm.com/sacred-stimulant/) - Famously, the main source plant for the Cocaine Drug, Coca (Erythroxylum coca) is native to the Andean region of South America.The Andean regions of the countries of Colombia, Peru and Bolivia are responsible the vast majority of the land production of Cocoa.Besides the use of Coca for cocaine production, Coca is considered a sacred plant
- [Plant Fact: Smallest Flowering Plant in the World!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-smallest-flowering-plant-in-the-world/) - Wolffia globosa is the smallest flowering plant in the world. It belongs to the duckweed family (Lemnaceae) and consists of tiny rootless oval-shaped discs what float freely and has high turnover rates (both sexual and asexual reproduction) under tropical and subtropical conditions.Moreover, it has a favorable nutritional composition, including a high protein content and no
- [Flower Power!](https://ethnopharm.com/flower-power/) - Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica & hybrids) is a beautiful and popular small street tree or shrub from China and the Indian subcontinent that can grow to about 15 feet with bright displays of vibrant, crinkled flowers that come in various colors and have a long summer bloom.Lagerstroemia indica is different from L. speciosa, which is
- [The Original Chewing Gum.](https://ethnopharm.com/the-original-chewing-gum/) - A small shrubby tree, Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), from the Greek island of Chios, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean region produces a resin that is harvested (in Chios) for its use in foods and medicine, called Mastic.The production of mastic resin from Chios has been granted a “protected designation of origin” and “protected geographical indication”
- [Cuban Natural & Traditional Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/cuban-natural-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine Systems In order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Cuban Natural and Traditional Medicine, deeply rooted in the island's diverse cultural history,
- [Mind-Altering Spice.](https://ethnopharm.com/mind-altering-spice/) - Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans & Myristica spp.) is a spice that is made from several Myristica species, notably Myristica fragrans, or True Nutmeg.The M. fragrans tree, from the Moluccas (Spice Islands) of Indonesia, produces a fruit from which we derive two spices: nutmeg from the seed, and mace from the seed covering.Though most people know nutmeg as
- [Hot off the Press- Cissus quadrangularis: Squarely Medicinal, Newsletter Volume 10 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-cissus-quadrangularis-squarely-medicinal-newsletter-volume-10-🌿/) - 🌟 Our 10th monthly newsletter on Indian Botanical Deep-Dive topics has just been published! The topic for this month, is Cissus quadrangularis with its unmistakable quadrangular stems and repeated traditional use for promoting bone health.🗓 *Click the link below* to read the whole issue and subscribe. If you are interested in Indian botanicals, *tune in*
- [Plant Fact: Only 2 Leaves for 2,000 Years?!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-only-2-leaves-for-2000-years/) - Endemic to the Namib Desert, Welwitschia mirabilis only has two leaves that grow continuously over its lifespan, which can be up to 2,000 years.These leaves can become quite long, often appearing tattered and split as they age. Welwitschia mirabilis primarily obtains moisture from fog that rolls in from the Atlantic Ocean. The leaves are designed
- [A Thorny Subject!](https://ethnopharm.com/a-thorny-subject-2/) - The Crown of Thorns (aka. Corona de Cristo; Euphorbia milii) is a succulent found in many gardens throughout the world grown for its ornamental and drought tolerant nature.Though native to Madagascar, it is thought that this plant was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times and became the crown of thorns worn by Christ. However,
- [Carvone- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/carvone-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Carvone is a terpenoid that exists in two enantiomeric forms: R-carvone and S-carvone, which are mirror images of each other. R-carvone has a spearmint aroma and is found predominantly in spearmint oil (Mentha spicata), while S-carvone has a caraway aroma and is found in caraway seeds (Carum carvi) and dill (Anethum graveolens).Among its possible health
- [The Southern Beneficial Belle](https://ethnopharm.com/the-southern-beneficial-belle/) - The Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), a large, evergreen tree with broad, glossy leaves and large, fragrant white flowers can grow up to 90 feet.Through native to the southeastern United States, the Southern Magnolia is now also cultivated through the world for its beauty as an ornamental or street tree.Multiple parts of Magnolia grandiflora are utilized:
- [The Traditional Medicine of the Quichua (Kichwa)](https://ethnopharm.com/the-traditional-medicine-of-the-quichua-kichwa/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.The Quichua are primarily located in the Andean region of South America. Their traditional
- [New Video Published: The True Power of Turmeric!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-video-published-the-true-power-of-turmeric/) - Turmeric is a spice, a food, a natural dye and a medicinal plant with multiple confirmed activities in the body as well as multiple uses in traditional medicine.Go to my You Tube Channel to watch:https://youtube.com/shorts/UoowL46_DdY?si=QKN9IkrNqt5rwSan And Subscribe to watch more videos on Botanicals!: http://www.youtube.com/@theethnobotanicalexplorerTo learn more about Indian Botanicals, visit K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt.
- [👑 The Royal Herb](https://ethnopharm.com/👑-the-royal-herb/) - Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant herb known for its sweet, peppery flavor and aromatic qualities.The scientific name for Sweet Basil is derived from “basileus”, a Greek word meaning king or royal., which seems appropriate as this herb seems to be known and loved throughout the world.Native to tropical regions of central Africa and
- [The Psychoactive Love Scent](https://ethnopharm.com/the-psychoactive-love-scent/) - If you find yourself enjoying a warm summer’s night, and you are greeted by the most intoxicating sweet scent…this is a likely culprit! The Night-Blooming Jasmine’s (Cestrum nocturnum) flowers are not showy, nor do they have to be, as they are night-blooming, with a scent that can travel between 300-500 ft! Night Blooming Jasmine’s flower
- [Alternative Community Health Event Tomorrow!](https://ethnopharm.com/alternative-community-health-event-tomorrow/) - Looking for Something to do In the SF Bay Area this weekend?Come to Community Health Day, organized by the Berkeley Herbal Center on Sunday August 11th, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 3 PM at Strawberry Creek.It will be a beautiful free day of alternative health education, vendors, live music and herb walks!hashtag#herbalism hashtag#alternativemedicine hashtag#freeevent hashtag#berkeley
- [The Peaceful Posey](https://ethnopharm.com/the-peaceful-posey/) - Linden (Tilia) is a genus of about 30 species of trees or bushes, known for their heart-shaped leaves, fragrant flowers, and smooth, grayish bark. The Linden species most popular in traditional medicine are Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos.Several Linden trees are popular street trees. Linden wood, which is lightweight and finely grained, is used in
- [Sabinene- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/sabinene-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Sabinene is a naturally occurring monoterpene with a distinctive woody and peppery aroma. Sabinene is found in the essential oils of various plants, including black pepper (Piper nigrum), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), and Norway spruce (Picea abies). It is also present in significant amounts in the leaves of marjoram (Origanum majorana) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia).
- [Plant Fact: 32,000 gallons of water!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-32000-gallons-of-water/) - Incredible Water Storage! Often called the "Tree of Life," the Baobab (Adansonia spp) can store up to 32,000 gallons of water in its trunk to survive harsh droughts.The trunk of a Baobab is spongy and fibrous, which helps it absorb and store water efficiently. This structure expands and contracts depending on the amount of water
- [Squarely Medicinal](https://ethnopharm.com/squarely-medicinal/) - This creeping vine has a form so distinctive, it is easy to identify once you see it!Cissus (aka. Veldt Grape, Hadjod; Cissus quadrangularis) is a perennial plant in the grape family distinguished by quadrangular (four-angled) stems.It’s stems are thick and fleshy and often used as an ornamental plant, with multiple other uses, including as a
- [Overused and Underappreciated](https://ethnopharm.com/overused-and-underappreciated-2/) - Although planted in numerous flower gardens worldwide, it is good to know that someone in the world appreciates this plant for more than just a cheap annual filler for flowerbeds.Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is native to the Mediterranean region and now naturalized in many areas as it is used in many gardens and can reseed
- [Botanicals With Benefits epub free until August 6th midnight (Pacific time)!](https://ethnopharm.com/botanicals-with-benefits-epub-free-until-august-6th-midnight-pacific-time/) - 💚 I have made the Botanicals with Benefits Edible Flower e-book free on Amazon until midnight of August 6th (Pacific).Go to: https://amzn.to/3WLM9km Garden Plants are Biodiversity with Multiple Uses! To view PDF, go to the LinkedIN post at :https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kerry-hughes-941353_garden-plants-with-multiple-uses-activity-7225138336472952833-x7jb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopOften when people think of biodiversity they think of the rainforest. This is the area which is
- [The Traditional Medicine of the Maasai](https://ethnopharm.com/the-traditional-medicine-of-the-maasai/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.The Maasai people are from East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. Traditional medical
- [New Video Out on Ethnopharm EBI partnership with Net Positive Impact (NPI)](https://ethnopharm.com/new-video-out-on-ethnopharm-ebi-partnership-with-net-positive-impact-npi/) - This video announces how we are 🌲 ✊ Seeking a Few Committed Brands…I have recently partnered with Net Positive Impact (NPI) for the market development of key selected medicinal and aromatic plants. We are aiming to continue restoration and conservation of one of the ‘hottest’ biodiversity hotspots of the world—in the East Coast of Madagascar.We
- [New Video Out: India Trip Log Part 4- Turmeric Harvest](https://ethnopharm.com/new-video-out-india-trip-log-part-4-turmeric-harvest/) - As many of you know already, I recently visited K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt. Ltd. in India so that I could give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into herbal production.This “Trip Log” series of videos are intended as Deep Dive learning into what it takes for quality production of Indian Botanicals. View this video on You
- [Madagascar: Biodiversity Hotspot](https://ethnopharm.com/madagascar-biodiversity-hotspot/) - Post Series: Spotlight on Biodiversity HotspotsMadagascar is classified as a biodiversity hotspot, a status given to regions that are both highly biodiverse and under significant threat.Madagascar meets both criteria. The island has an extraordinary number of endemic species and has experienced extensive habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and human settlement.This makes conservation efforts in
- [India Trip Log Part 4- Turmeric Harvest](https://ethnopharm.com/india-trip-log-part-4-turmeric-harvest/) - As many of you know already, I recently visited K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt. Ltd. in India so that I could give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into herbal production.This “Trip Log” series of videos are intended as Deep Dive learning into what it takes for quality production of Indian Botanicals.Stay tuned for my next Trip
- [Agroforestry Trees With Economic Benefits!](https://ethnopharm.com/agroforestry-trees-with-economic-benefits/) - Agroforestry is a land-use management system where trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland.Its an integrated approach that combines agricultural and forestry techniques to create more diverse, productive, and sustainable land-use systems.Agroforestry practices include various techniques like alley cropping, silvopasture, forest farming, riparian buffer strips, and windbreaks.Its benefits to the environment
- [Plant Fact: Tallest Pine in the World!](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-fact-tallest-pine-in-the-world/) - Not only is the Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana) the tallest pine in the world, but it also produces the longest Pine Cones.They are easy to identify if you are in the West Coast of North America, look for the pine cones that dangle at the end of branches like earrings (or at least that is
- [Anethole-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/anethole-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Anethole is an organic compound classified as a phenylpropene, known for its sweet, licorice-like aroma and flavor. It is a major component of the essential oils of several plants, notably anise (Pimpinella anisum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and star anise (Illicium verum).Among its possible health benefits:· Cognition· Reduction of Amyloid Plaques· Anti-inflammatory· Antioxidant· Neurogenesis· Antimicrobial· Anticancer· Analgesic· Antithrombotic· Hypoglycemic· GastroprotectiveInterestingly, a recent preclinical study explored the gastroprotective
- [Silkrubber](https://ethnopharm.com/silkrubber/) - Silkrubber (aka. The African Rubber Tree, Funtumia elastica, syn. Kickxia elastica), is a tall evergreen tree producing a milky latex sap, with dark green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers. This tree is native to West Africa in tropical rainforest regions.The plant parts of Silkrubber have multiple uses. The latex has been harvested for rubber
- [Napropathy](https://ethnopharm.com/napropathy/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine Systems In order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.Napropathy is a branch of alternative medicine that focuses on the treatment of
- [The Rubber Tree Houseplant](https://ethnopharm.com/the-rubber-tree-houseplant/) - Ficus elastica, another of the plants commonly known as the Rubber Tree, also called Rubber Fig, is a species of plant in the fig genus, native to southeastern Asia.The Rubber Fig thrives in regions from Nepal to Indonesia, and has been widely cultivated in tropical gardens as a spectacularly large spreading tree, or as a
- [Now Live: The Multiuse Bioactive- Berberine, Newsletter Volume 9 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/now-live-the-multiuse-bioactive-berberine-newsletter-volume-9-🌿/) - Access here-https://phytoextractskp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/berberine-newsletter-2.html 🌟 Our ninth monthly newsletter on Indian botanical deep-dive topics is live! The topic for this month is Berberine and the science behind its multiuse properties.🗓 *Click the link above* to read the whole issue and subscribe. If you are interested in Indian botanicals, *tune in* because we will be delving into the
- [Dropping Tomorrow!: The Multiuse Bioactive- Berberine, Newsletter Volume 9 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/dropping-tomorrow-the-multiuse-bioactive-berberine-newsletter-volume-9-🌿/) - Access & Subscribe- Along with the previous Newsletters on Tulsi, Turmeric, Andrographis, Amla, Senna, Neem, Psyllium & Mucuna: https://phytoextractskp.com/newsletter/ 🌟 Our ninth monthly newsletter on Indian botanical deep-dive topics drops tomorrow! The topic for this month is Berberine and the science behind its multiuse properties. 🗓 *Click the link above* to read the whole issue
- [The Real Rubber Tree](https://ethnopharm.com/the-real-rubber-tree/) - Hevea brasiliensis is one of several plants commonly referred to as the Rubber Tree, but is in fact, the primary source of natural rubber today.Other common names are the Pará Rubber Tree, Sharinga Tree and Seringueira.Originating from the Amazon rainforest in South America, the Pará Rubber Tree is now widely grown in tropical regions worldwide,
- [The Snow Lotus](https://ethnopharm.com/the-snow-lotus/) - The Snow Lotus (Saussurea involucrata, S.orgaadayi, S. bogendaensis and S. dorogostaiskii) are rare alpine plants native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, including Tibet and Xinjiang in China.They are threatened globally due to illegal harvesting and climate change, and are used as traditional medicines in China, Kyrgystan, Mongolia and Russia (Southern Siberia). As can
- [Ancient Embalming Herb](https://ethnopharm.com/ancient-embalming-herb/) - One of the ancient embalming herbs, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is also used in cooking, as an incense, for medicinal uses, and for its ornamental value in the garden.As an embalming herb, its potent antiseptic and preservative properties were valuable, preveting the decay of the body during the mummification process. Additionally, the aromatic nature of thyme
- [Linalool- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/linalool-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in high concentrations in lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), basil (Ocimum basilicum), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). This compound is responsible for the pleasant floral and spicy aroma associated with these plants and is gaining attention for its calming and anxiolytic effects.Among its possible health benefits:· Antimicrobial· Antiinflammatory· Analgesic· Anxiolytic· Sedative Effects· Antioxidant· Neuroprotective· AnticancerA recent preclinical study
- [Euphoria in the Garden](https://ethnopharm.com/euphoria-in-the-garden/) - You might know this plant as it has become popular for its showy orange stems of flowers in the garden. Lion’s Tail (aka. Lion’s Ear, Wild Dagga) is a drought tolerant perennial shrub from South Africa, which can grow up to 2 meters tall producing stems of flowers arranged in whorls, with aromatic leaves.Various parts
- [Medicinal Mate](https://ethnopharm.com/medicinal-mate/) - Boldo (Peumus boldus) is a tree endemic to Chile, its leaves commonly used as an herbal tea in Latin American countries of Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Brazil.Boldo is also used as a spice, similar in the way Bay Leaves are used.The leaves are leathery and aromatic with a strong flavor--described as woody,
- [Harvested to the point of Near Extinction](https://ethnopharm.com/harvested-to-the-point-of-near-extinction/) - One of the most valuable trees in the world! Sounds great, except that due to its high value it has been over-harvested in the wild to point of near extinction.Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) is native to the tropical forests of southern India and Southeast Asia.However, Sandalwood plantations do exist and are slow growing—after about 40
- [Eugenol- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/eugenol-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Eugenol is a phenylpropene, a type of phenolic compound which is a major component of clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) with a distinct clove-like scent. Eugenol is also found in significant amounts in other plants, such as basil (Ocimum basilicum), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), and bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) and contribute to the flavor and scent profiles
- [The Traditional Medicine of the Yoruba](https://ethnopharm.com/the-traditional-medicine-of-the-yoruba/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine SystemsIn order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.The traditional medicine of the Yoruba is a system of health practiced by the
- [Cover Crops- The Ultimate Multiuse Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/cover-crops-the-ultimate-multiuse-plants/) - Loving this article from Sustainable Farming Magazine (a free online resource), https://agreenerworld.org/resources/sustainablefarmingmagazine/ Cover Crops are used to cover the soil in between crop harvests, and they have a lot of benefits to not only the soil, but environment, and sometimes other multiple uses. Here are a few examples: Spring Oats- mobilizes phosphorus and provides forage
- [Berries from the Clouds](https://ethnopharm.com/berries-from-the-clouds/) - Originating from the Artic and sub-Artic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, Cloudberries (Rubus chamaemorus) produce golden-yellow raspberry-like fruits. This perennial rhizomatous plant has broad, crinkled leaves and typically grows in boggy, tundra-like environments.In various countries, the Cloudberries are used like regular berries, and enjoyed fresh or made
- [Traditional Medicine of the Ashaninka](https://ethnopharm.com/traditional-medicine-of-the-ashaninka/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine Systems In order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong. The traditional medicine of the Ashaninka, an indigenous group in the Peruvian
- [Tree Turmeric!](https://ethnopharm.com/tree-turmeric/) - Tree Turmeric (aka. Indian Barberry, Berberis aristata), is a shrub with yellow flowers & wood, red berries, grey branches, and oblong leaves. The plant is known for its dense, spiky foliage and bright yellow inner bark, native to the Himalayas. Due to the color of the bark and many similar uses, it is often referred
- [Among the Oldest Drugs Still in Use Today](https://ethnopharm.com/among-the-oldest-drugs-still-in-use-today/) - Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) stays silent underground until its flowers appear, long before the leaves emerge—leading to its other common name(s) of Naked Ladies or Boys. Similar in appearance to the Crocus genus from the Iridaceae (the source of Saffron), Autumn Crocus is from an entirely different plant family, the Colchicaceae. It’s native to Great
- [Happy 4th of July!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-4th-of-july/) - In the US today we see the fireworks and celebrate freedom. In the US Natural Products Industry this year we also celebrate freedom: 30 years of DSHEA and the Defense of Health Freedom. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 has inspired and fueled natural products markets world-wide, not only
- [“A Chive A Day…?”](https://ethnopharm.com/a-chive-a-day/) - Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) have a large growth range, from North America, to Europe and Asia—native to both New and Old Worlds. Chives are a common herb, its grass-like leaves used in culinary dishes for its mild garlicy/onion flavor world-wide. The flowers of Chives are also edible and are a pretty and tasty addition to salads.
- [Berberine-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/berberine-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid with a distinctive yellow color, notable for its broad-spectrum pharmacological properties. Berberine is predominantly found in the roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark of several plants, notably including Berberis species (such as Berberis aristata and Berberis vulgaris), Coptis chinensis (goldthread), and Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal). Among its possible health benefits:· Antimicrobial· Anti-inflammatory· Antioxidant· Antidiabetic· Hepatoprotective· Cardioprotective· Anticancer· Neuroprotective Excitingly, a
- [Traditional Medicine of the Shipibo](https://ethnopharm.com/traditional-medicine-of-the-shipibo/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine Systems In order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong. The traditional medicine of the Shipibo, an indigenous group from the Peruvian
- [Attention Bay Area Visitors/Residents (California)!](https://ethnopharm.com/attention-bay-area-visitors-residents-california/) - If you are looking for something to do this Sunday (the 30th), come for a visit to the Berkeley Herbal Center and support our Therapeutics students at their summer medicine fair! It promises to be an afternoon of live music, handcrafted herbal products, and community this Sunday. Expect to find:Skin, Hair, & Body Care 👱‍♀️Teas, Infused
- [Pinene-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/pinene-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Pinene is a naturally occurring monoterpene with a distinctive pine-like aroma that exists in two structural isomers, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. One of the most common terpenes found in nature, it is a major component of the essential oils of many coniferous trees, such as pines (Pinus spp.), as well as in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and
- [Ethnobotany Starts at Home 😎 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/ethnobotany-starts-at-home-😎-🌿/) - Just back from the beautiful Big Sur coast. Every time I venture out in my home state of California, it is a reminder that Ethnobotany starts at home! We are so lucky to have a rich biodiverse environment here in California, but every place in the world has their own native flora just begging to
- [Antibiotic Timber](https://ethnopharm.com/antibiotic-timber/) - Satinay (Syncarpia hillii) is a plant with very limited distribution, also called Fraser Island turpentine. As a common name implies, this tree is from Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia, as well as near coastal regions, and is a tall tree (to approx. 130 ft) known as a very valuable timber resource. It is tall and straight,
- [Mayan Traditional Medicine-](https://ethnopharm.com/mayan-traditional-medicine/) - Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine Systems In order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong. Mayan traditional medicine is an ancient healing system initially developed by the
- [Hot off the Press- Mucuna: Dopamine Beans, Newsletter Volume 8 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-mucuna-dopamine-beans-newsletter-volume-8-🌿/) - 🌟 Our 8th monthly newsletter on Indian Botanical Deep-Dive topics has just been published! The topic for this month, is Mucuna with its natural content of L-Dopa and other bioactive constituents. 🗓 *Click the link below* to read the whole issue and subscribe. If you are interested in Indian botanicals, *tune in* because we are
- [The Sunflower Potato!🥔 🌻](https://ethnopharm.com/the-sunflower-potato/) - The Sunchoke (aka. Jerusalem Artichoke; Helianthus tuberosus) is a sunflower that is native to North America and also now naturalized in parts of the UK. It is cultivated in temperate areas for its tuber which is consumed as a root vegetable, somewhat resembling ginger in appearance and varying in color from tan to red, white
- [“Grandmother Cedar”](https://ethnopharm.com/grandmother-cedar/) - Although commonly called “Cedar” in certain regions, like by Native Americans of the Southwestern US, this is actually a Juniper species. I found this beauty off the trail in Arizona, with a much bigger girth to its trunk than most of the individuals found on the high desert in the region. Although it has many
- [Medicinal Perfume Notes](https://ethnopharm.com/medicinal-perfume-notes/) - A fragrance made famous in Chanel No5, Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) produces an essential oil very floral with jasmine notes. Shown in clinical studies to be not to only be calming, but ‘harmonizing’ as it was simultaneously able to increase alertness while reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Ylang Ylang is considered not only
- [California Super Bloom 2023?!](https://ethnopharm.com/california-super-bloom-2023/) - I think so. Just back from wildflower exploring in Arizona, we hunted blossoms and found spectacular displays of spring wildflowers throughout the backroads of Arizona desert. Here is one display in the hills near the fun little ‘ghost town’ of Oatman. California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) abound! Super blooms depend on the right conditions coming together,
- [Wildflower Protein!](https://ethnopharm.com/wildflower-protein/) - Here is a wildflower with a lot of potential for food development. Lupines (Lupinus spp.) are next to soybeans among the grain legumes with regard to protein content in seed (28-48% depending on species), and they contain much fewer carbohydrates than most other legumes. Uniquely, Lupin contains almost no starch and yet they are considered
- [Watch Out for the Underdogs](https://ethnopharm.com/watch-out-for-the-underdogs/) - Everyone loves spectacular fields of wildflowers in peak display, but don’t forget there are some more unusual and uncommon among the crowds, and tread lightly. Since I am on a wildflower kick right now, I thought I would send you some that you might have missed. This little beauty is commonly called Mission Bells or
- [Holy Buttercups, Batman!](https://ethnopharm.com/holy-buttercups-batman/) - The Buttercups (Ranunculus californicus) are up in California! Children know that if you hold one under your chin and it reflects yellow, that means you like butter (and who doesn’t?). Buttercups not only have the cool ability to reflect yellow through its glossy flowers, making it fun for children, they also have had medicinal uses
- [A Poppy for Opiate Withdrawal?](https://ethnopharm.com/a-poppy-for-opiate-withdrawal/) - The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a favorite among wildflowers and the state flower of California, but you might be surprised of its traditional uses. Its leaves, seeds and flowers have been consumed as food—the flowers used as garnishes, and the leaves and seeds used in cooked or baked dishes. It also has strong traditional
- [New Book Published!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-book-published/) - This contributed volume provides case studies from around the world that feature a convergence of indigenous and western knowledge in an attempt to understand complex socio-ecological systems. The book provides an understanding of socio-ecological systems in an ethical space using a 'Decoloniality' approach (i.e. untangling the production of knowledge from a primarily Eurocentric episteme). The work presented here integrates and merges
- [Anyone Care for a Water Sausage?](https://ethnopharm.com/anyone-care-for-a-water-sausage/) - Also known as the Cattail (Typhia spp.), who doesn’t remember these plants from childhood? Although there are many fun things to do with Cattails as a child, did you know they are also edible? The starchy roots are actually pretty nutritious, and have a protein content similar to rice. The roots are rhizomes, so they
- [The Retro Parsley](https://ethnopharm.com/the-retro-parsley/) - Just like women’s hairstyles—those who once got perms, are now flat-ironing. Once curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum) was so famous and widespread due to its use in French cuisine. French cuisine began using it as a garnish on the plate as a lovely touch to a plated meal. But it became so popular that even the
- [The Spanish Moss in the Coal Mine](https://ethnopharm.com/the-spanish-moss-in-the-coal-mine/) - Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) has a long history of use for a number of things. Today it is mostly used for its decorative nature and used as a sort of mossy covering in pots or in arts & crafts; however, it has also been used for a building insulation, packing material or stuffing in various
- [This Olive's for Teas](https://ethnopharm.com/this-olives-for-teas/) - The Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) makes an attractive hedge or small tree in the garden with inconspicuous flowers to the eye, but not to the nose! It is not related to the Olives (Olea spp.) we all know and love, but produces a small fruit that is sometimes preserved in brine like olives. It is
- [The Inspiration for Sacred Geometry](https://ethnopharm.com/the-inspiration-for-sacred-geometry/) - You are looking at a true living fossil, Horsetail—one of our most ancient plants on the earth today and still useful!—A revered medicinal plant with silicates coating their stems. Here is a cool factoid about Horsetail—it was once noticed that the pattern of spacing of the nodes (where the leaves are arranged in whorls), becomes
- [Moxa of many Cultures](https://ethnopharm.com/moxa-of-many-cultures/) - One of the species of "Mugwort" (Artemisia argyi) is the herb used for moxibustion in TCM, where the dried herb is ground up into a wool and made into a cigar-shaped stick, or sometimes other applications such as cones, stick-on moxa, on top of ginger, or burned directly on acupuncture needles. Moxibustion is used in
- [Night Blooming Hallucination](https://ethnopharm.com/night-blooming-hallucination/) - With a scent that can reportedly travel between 300-500 ft, it has been called the world’s strongest smelling plant. The Night Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) flowers up to four times a year with bats and moths as the primary pollinators. It is a subtropical plant, now grown in gardens even in temperate climates due to
- [Sweet Contradiction](https://ethnopharm.com/sweet-contradiction/) - Such the contradiction that is this little orange the size of an olive, bearing an outer rind that is sweet and an inner flesh that is sour like a lemon! Yet it is the contradiction that makes this little fruit so delightful! Kumquats are nutritious, containing antioxidant vitamins (Vitamins A, C & E), B vitamins,
- [Iconic to Hawaii, yet Endemic to Australia](https://ethnopharm.com/iconic-to-hawaii-yet-endemic-to-australia/) - You know this nut! The Macadamia Nut is most often associated with Hawaii, however they are actually an endemic rainforest tree species of Australia. In an awesome example of branding, these nuts were once brought to Hawaii by a sugar cane farmer in the early 1880s and later developed into a commercial plantation in Honolulu
- [Plant-Based Shrimp](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-based-shrimp/) - Didn’t you know that shrimp grew on trees? 😂 The Shrimp Plant is named for its cascading inflorescences that look like shrimp. Native to Mexico, naturalized in Florida, and cultivated in tropical and subtropical gardens around the world, the Shrimp Plant is also a medicinal plant with ongoing investigation. The Huastec people of Mexico have
- [Rueful Traditions](https://ethnopharm.com/rueful-traditions/) - Even though it smells bad, tastes very bitter, and has known toxic reactions, such as violent gastric pain, and photosensitivity, this plant surprisingly has a culinary use in several cultures—quite a contradiction! Rue (Ruta graveolens) is one of the “magical” herbs that have been both associated with witches and also repelling their magic since the
- [Regenerative On Its Way!](https://ethnopharm.com/regenerative-on-its-way/) - Soo Happy!! A USDA Climate Smart Commodities grant of approximately USD $4 million has been awarded for the purpose of ‘Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers’ to A Greener World (AGW) and their project partners--the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI USA) and Soil Health Institute (SHI). Some of you know I have
- [Featured in Boisson](https://ethnopharm.com/featured-in-boisson/) - Liking this answer: 😍"Unlike a botanist who studies plants through a scientific lens, an ethnobotanist looks at things like lore and culture to better understand indigenous plants. When developing De Soi, it was important to us that we consider each of our ingredients' wellness properties, sociocultural usage, and impacts on biodiversity. That's why we brought
- [The Plant That Taught Us Plants Can Learn](https://ethnopharm.com/the-plant-that-taught-us-plants-can-learn/) - This flower is so fun and widespread in the world that many people remember it from days of childhood—One touch, and the leaves fold inward, and they wait a few minutes before they re-open. As the Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) inspires curiosity, it is not surprising it has also been the subject of much scientific
- [Either You Love it or Hate It](https://ethnopharm.com/either-you-love-it-or-hate-it/) - And did you know that there may actually be a genetic reason you are either attracted or repelled by it? Some people have a gene that makes them sensitive to aldehydes, which give Cilantro (Coriandrum sat) their odor. Our perceptions of it can also change over time and people who don’t like it immediately are
- [The Three-Sexed Tree](https://ethnopharm.com/the-three-sexed-tree/) - Although originally native to Mexico and northern South America, the Papaya (Carica papaya) is grown throughout much of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The tree comes in three sexes: a female tree (which produces the fruits), the male tree (which only produces pollen and never fruit), and hermaphrodite (which pollinates its own
- [“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance”](https://ethnopharm.com/theres-rosemary-thats-for-remembrance/) - Although it is most commonly thought of as a spice (from an herb), modern science has been confirming its age-old memory enhancing benefits, as quoted here by Ophelia of Shakespeare, as well as many other health properties. As a sampling: In 2018 university students took 1000 mg rosemary daily and were found to have boosted
- [Propagate your Money](https://ethnopharm.com/propagate-your-money/) - Feng Shui practitioners recommend Jade Plants (Crassula ovata) for their symbolism of bringing luck, but also for increasing the “chi” in the home or office. They are often recommended as gifts in Chinese culture to businesses or business owners, as they are also known as “lucky plant”, or “money plant” and have much popularity due
- [The Medicinal Cut Flower](https://ethnopharm.com/the-medicinal-cut-flower/) - All parts of this plant are easy to appreciate! Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is originally a Malaysian native but is now grown throughout the world in tropical climates for the beauty of their flowers and as cut flowers Similar to ginger, it has a growth habit with spreading rhizomes sending up stalks bearing lush green
- [Overused and Underappreciated](https://ethnopharm.com/overused-and-underappreciated/) - Although Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is planted in numerous flower gardens worldwide, it is good to know that someone in the world appreciates this plant for more than just a cheap filler for flowerbeds. Surprisingly, it has a long history of both culinary and medicinal use. The young leaves, stems and flowers are edible and
- [The Fruit that Tastes Like Flowers](https://ethnopharm.com/the-fruit-that-tastes-like-flowers/) - The Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) is also bush tucker (bush food)! When the fruits are still firm, they are astringent and not tasty, but when more ripe they develop a flowery flavor. Because of its potential for human nutrition, a 2018 study investigated the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the fruits of Blueberry Ash and
- [The Houseplant of Many Uses](https://ethnopharm.com/the-houseplant-of-many-uses/) - The Ti Plant (aka Good Luck Plant, Cordyline fruticosa) is originally from the Far East, but now grown throughout the tropics and indoors nearly world-wide. It is an important plant culturally, as well as a food, but it also has multiple other uses. The Ti Plant is a pretty houseplant, as it is now available
- [Fruit Fence](https://ethnopharm.com/fruit-fence/) - This thorny living fence also makes delicious fruit. The Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) (aka The Large Num Num) is not a well-known fruit globally, but is often enjoyed and sold in local markets. The fruit is good raw, or it can be made into sauces, jellies, jams and pies. A native of South Africa, the
- [A Thorny Subject!](https://ethnopharm.com/a-thorny-subject/) - Though native to Madagascar, it is thought that this plant was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times and then believed to have been used for the crown of thorns worn by Christ; thus, the common name Crown of Thorns (also, Christ Plant, Corona de Cristo; Euphorbia milii). However, there are many plants that
- [The Feel-Good Groundcover](https://ethnopharm.com/the-feel-good-groundcover/) - Known mostly as a drought tolerant ground cover or trailing basket ornamental, this little iceplant, Baby Sun Rose (aka Mesembryanthemum cordifolia, formally Aptenia cordifolia) makes a pretty green succulent carpet with bright pink flowers. A native to southern Africa, it is now grown throughout the world as an ornamental, especially as a ground cover where
- [Beautiful Grass](https://ethnopharm.com/beautiful-grass/) - The Mariposa Lilies (Calochortus spp.) are up in California! I find these are some of the most iconic wildflowers of California as the majority are found here, and the flowers are so beautifully distinct—the genus meaning “beautiful grass”, and common name comparing them to butterflies. However, the Mariposa Lilies can be found in other western
- [Joy in Elysium!](https://ethnopharm.com/joy-in-elysium/) - The Greeks believed the scent of Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) able to transport a person to the land of Elysium where joy could be found. Scientific investigation into Gardenia & its extracts have found some confirmation in this Greek myth, as they found it to poses antidepressant activity and to promote quality sleep. In traditional Chinese
- [Symbol of Lust or Purity?](https://ethnopharm.com/symbol-of-lust-or-purity/) - The Calla Lily (aka. Arum Lily, Zantedeschia spp.) is a beauty long associated with purity and the Virgin Mary; and on the contrary, a symbol of lust and sexuality (with its phallic pistil). In the Victorian language of flowers, the Calla Lily had an overtly sexual meaning. I think we know what choice Georgia O’Keeffe
- [Preventing The White Sage Mafia](https://ethnopharm.com/preventing-the-white-sage-mafia/) - Have you looked into the sustainability of your White Sage? White Sage grown, harvested, bundled, dried and ready to be given to friends…I am doing my tiny part to prevent what Susan Leopold, PhD and Bill Chioffi termed “The White Sage Mafia”, as they described the practice of unethical harvesters who illegally and unsustainably harvest White Sage (Salvia apiana)
- [Poor Man’s Weatherglass](https://ethnopharm.com/poor-mans-weatherglass/) - You recognize this little weed—it is so well-travelled that it has naturalized throughout most of the world. The Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) has tiny gorgeous flowers, but did you know that they are believed to help predict wet weather, as they reportedly close early when rain is due? This little plant has a number of
- [Love at First Sight](https://ethnopharm.com/love-at-first-sight/) - In the Victorian language of flowers, Gladiolus (aka. Sword Lily; Gladiolus spp.) carried the message of “love-at-first-sight”—an important message to know in a time when etiquette around courtship was so guarded! This comes from the feeling of being pierced in the heart, as the flower has a sword-like shape. Generally, today the Gladiolus symbolism as
- [The Mick Jagger of Produce](https://ethnopharm.com/the-mick-jagger-of-produce/) - Most people take for granted the presence of Kiwifruit (aka The Chinese Gooseberry; Actinidia spp.) on the market and their delicious berry-like pulp. However, I think of it as “the fruit that started it all”, because if it wasn’t for the Kiwifruit’s introduction to the world market, and the woman who was responsible for it,
- [The Other Wine Industry](https://ethnopharm.com/the-other-wine-industry/) - An important industry for Portugal and other European countries, The Cork Oak (Quercus suber, syn. Q. occidentalis) is native to the Mediterranean and represents one of the major types of plant communities in those regions. Cork Oak forests also act as important wildlife ecosystems, being habitat to endangered birds and the Iberian Lynx, which is
- [The Original Soap](https://ethnopharm.com/the-original-soap/) - As its name implies, Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is used for making soap due to its presence of saponin-a type of natural product that acts as a surfactant and can disrupt cell membranes. Saponins are distributed in many plants but the Saponaria genus is famous for its rich concentration, reaching up to about 20%. Soapwort is
- [The World’s Prettiest Vegetable?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-worlds-prettiest-vegetable/) - Celosia, aka, Lagos Spinach or Cockscomb (Celosia argentea), may actually be one of the prettiest vegetables in the world. Although it is the leaves that are normally eaten similar to spinach (especially in Nigeria), it is the whole aboveground portion that is edible. However, normally only the younger tender flower buds are consumed before they
- [The Tree of Happiness!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-tree-of-happiness/) - In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the Silk Tree (aka. Mimosa Tree; Albizia julibrissin) is known popularly as the “happiness herb” or “collective happiness bark” and is used for lifting anxiety and depression, as well as for people who are experiencing severe grief, heartbreak and loss. Both the bark and the flowers are the main medicinal
- [Book in the Works!](https://ethnopharm.com/book-in-the-works/) - A Preview of things to come.. Did you know that right now Doctors are making herbal recommendations to their patients based on lab workups? The new era of herbal medicine has arrived and it is very lab and science-driven, and certainly personalized. Here are a few of the Functional Lab indications which are used in
- [Worship This Flower](https://ethnopharm.com/worship-this-flower/) - Worship with this flower at night, and your wishes may be granted—or so the legend goes. The Queen of the Night’s (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) beauty has made it symbolic in many cultures. In India it is called Brahma Kamalam, a sacred plant named after the Hindu god of creation, Lord Brahma. Prayers while it is blooming
- [Herbal Enslavement and Liberation Aid](https://ethnopharm.com/herbal-enslavement-and-liberation-aid/) - Native Americans had long used Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) as an herbal medicine, and this tradition was passed on to colonists of North America, which endures today. The main uses of Black Haw are for women’s health, especially for liberation of cramping and pain of menstruation, heavy menstruation and prolapse of the uterus. Black Haw
- [Got Lead?](https://ethnopharm.com/got-lead/) - The Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), a native to South Africa, is named for the traditional belief that it can cure lead poisoning. Indeed, although Blue Plumbago is used and confirmed to cure the land from lead poisoning though phytoremediation, there is not sufficient evidence it can do this in humans. However, one of the key
- [Plant Identification Tips & Tricks-](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-identification-tips-tricks-2/) - Tip #5 Use Comparisons Sometimes the easiest way to learn a plant is to learn comparisons between it and another look-alike. This can be an especially important technique to use when dealing with a plant (or mushroom) that has a very poisonous look-alike. These pictures compare the very pretty and edible Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus
- [Botanicals are the next wave in immunity](https://ethnopharm.com/botanicals-are-the-next-wave-in-immunity/) - New article out! Here I discuss how botanicals now have center stage in consumers striving for "immune resilience" for Prepared Foods Magazine. #immunehealth #botanicals #preparedfoods #nutraceuticals #functionalfoods https://www.preparedfoods.com/articles/128278-formulating-botanicals-in-new-better-for-you-products
- [New Video- The Growing Market for Botanicals for Immunity in Food](https://ethnopharm.com/new-video-the-growing-market-for-botanicals-for-immunity-in-food/) - New video out! Here I am interviewed onThe Growing Market for Botanicals for Immunity in Foods with David Feder, RDN, of Prepared Foods Magazine. https://www.preparedfoods.com/videos?bctid=6329747823112 #interview #preparedfoods #botanicals #immunity #functionalfoods #nutraceuticals.
- [The Flower of Adornment, Addiction and Anxiety](https://ethnopharm.com/the-flower-of-adornment-addiction-and-anxiety/) - Most people would recognize The Tuberose (Agave amica, syn. Polianthes tuberosa) as being one of the key flowers of which leis or flower garlands are made. In areas such as India, Bangladesh and Polynesia Tuberose garlands are used for offering to gods, for ornaments during celebrations or for offering guests. Originally native to Mexico, this
- [I love the power of a plant cutting!](https://ethnopharm.com/i-love-the-power-of-a-plant-cutting/) - Here you can see what happened after only 3 months of growth for these Tree Dahlia (Dahlia imperialis) cuttings! These cuttings were dropped on my doorstep by a neighbor who was cutting back their trees. So, with no rooting hormone or any special treatment other than removing the wilted leaves, I placed them in 5
- [The Apple of the Coconut](https://ethnopharm.com/the-apple-of-the-coconut/) - Most people know the Coconut of the Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera), and its meat, milk and water. Fewer are familiar with the sprouted product, sometimes called the “Apple of the Coconut” or “Coconut Pearls”, among other names. If a coconut is allowed to sprout, the milk then turns into a solid mass which has a
- [Sweet Hydration](https://ethnopharm.com/sweet-hydration/) - The Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis; P. spp.) can be used for helping to survive in the wild, as it can be used as a source of hydration by accessing its sweet sap. The Sycamore can be tapped like a maple tree for its syrup, though a lot of sap is required to make a little syrup.
- [Medicinal Flower Power!](https://ethnopharm.com/medicinal-flower-power/) - It is commonplace for the medicinal part used of a plant to be the bark, leaves and roots; however, rarely are the flowers used as traditional medicine. Most people are familiar with Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica & hybrids) as a vibrantly beautiful flowering street tree with mass displays of flowers. In traditional medicine, the main
- [No Juniper, No Gin.](https://ethnopharm.com/no-juniper-no-gin/) - Junipers (Juniperus spp.) are used in horticulture, in foods, medicine, and also essential oils/perfumery, but what they are most famous for is for the production of gin! By definition, Juniper needs to be the predominant flavor in order to classify a spirit as gin. It is the Juniper berry that is used in gin production and
- [The Scent of the First Rain](https://ethnopharm.com/the-scent-of-the-first-rain/) - Few things smell better than that scent of the first rain. We all know that scent, but did you know that it has been artfully captured in the Ayurvedic scent called Mitti Attar? In the perfume capital of India, Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh, they have a centuries old art of capturing and recreating this lush
- [Value in Biodiversity: Old Paradigm vs. New Paradigm](https://ethnopharm.com/value-in-biodiversity-old-paradigm-vs-new-paradigm/) - Under the Old Paradigm, we take what we want most and throw the rest away. The New Paradigm has emerged, and we are finding value in places we never used to look. There is tremendous value in biodiversity. As people don’t save what they don’t value, let us bolster this emerging paradigm and work together
- [Sweeter than Sugar](https://ethnopharm.com/sweeter-than-sugar/) - Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) produces flowers recognizable around the world and bursting with symbolism. Pink for love, blue for rejection…though the Hydrangea got its name from the fact that they need lots of water, the symbolism varies depending on the country, the flower color and the time period! In Medieval times, women who grew up around
- [New Partnership Announced!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-partnership-announced/) - I am excited to be partnering with K. Patel Phytoextractions to bring greater awareness and presence to Indian botanical ingredients as a Consultant of Business development USA Team. Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system from India, and is amongst the oldest in the world. Several Ayurvedic and native Indian botanical ingredients have become top herbal
- [New Podcast Out! From Roots to Rituals](https://ethnopharm.com/new-podcast-out-from-roots-to-rituals/) - From Roots to Rituals: Harnessing the Power of Plants in Incense and Herbalism with Kerry Hughes. In this new podcast dedicated to the topic of incense, the host, Alyssa Severeid, interviews me about incense and my book entitled The Incense Bible. Episode description: In this episode, Alyssa welcomes guest Kerry, an ethnobotanist with a passion
- [If Blueberry and Apple Had a Baby](https://ethnopharm.com/if-blueberry-and-apple-had-a-baby/) - Saskatoon Berries (aka. Serviceberry; Amelanchier alnifolia) is a lesser-known blue berry native to North America, but with twice the antioxidant capacity of Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). Actually, the Saskatoon is not a berry but a pome, botanically speaking, as it is from the Rose family. Because of this, one of its many benefits is how it
- [First Aid in a Pinch](https://ethnopharm.com/first-aid-in-a-pinch/) - Though their invasiveness drives some people crazy, Plantain (Plantago spp.) can be a benefit for those of us in the know. Useful in a pinch, they can almost always be found as they grow in a variety of ‘disturbed areas’, such as lawns, gardens, roadsides, and pastures. There are about 200 species of Plantago, and
- [Wild Paper!](https://ethnopharm.com/wild-paper/) - The Paper Bark Tree (aka. Niaouli; Melaleuca quinquenervia) has many uses, especially among Aboriginal people. As it is easy to imagine when viewing the bark, the bark itself is easily harvested by peeling away from the tree—and is used for making carrying vessels, wrapping food and also in shelter-making. Like many of the Melaleuca genus,
- [Verified Panacea?](https://ethnopharm.com/verified-panacea/) - Long used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and traditional Chinese medicine for a wide range of uses, Turmeric (Curcuma longa) seems to be a plant with so many purported uses that they all couldn’t be anything but folklore…or could they? Indeed, Turmeric has many confirmed activities throughout the various organ systems of the body, making such
- [So beautiful, they’ll make you blush.](https://ethnopharm.com/so-beautiful-theyll-make-you-blush/) - Naked Ladies (Amaryllis belladonna) are native to South Africa, but now naturalized in many areas. It’s a fun common name which refers to the “naked” look of the flowering stalk, as the flowers emerge from a bulb before the leaves. Sometimes referred to as a lily, they are not, however, true lilies (from the Lilium
- [The Crown of Wisdom](https://ethnopharm.com/the-crown-of-wisdom/) - The Greeks and the Romans both believed the Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) to symbolize wisdom, peace and protection. This is most recognizable today in the depictions of the Greek heroes, scholars and athletes wearing crowns of Bay Laurel leaves. Bay Laurel was also used in rituals by the Delphic oracle and for ritual soothsaying, possibly
- [Silk Food](https://ethnopharm.com/silk-food/) - Mulberries (Morus spp) are found in the wild and are either cultivated or naturalized in many areas of the temperate world. The Mulberry is famous for its role in feeding silkworms, but they have many other uses. Due to their use in feeding silkworms, Mulberries were a critical part of the Chinese silk trade. The
- [The Herb with its Own Day of Celebration!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-herb-with-its-own-day-of-celebration/) - In India, this herb is considered so special that a day where it is decorated for worship has been designated for its reverence and celebration. Holy Basil, aka. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum, syn. O. sanctum) is one of the highly revered Ayurvedic herbs, which is also known as an adaptogen (helping the mind and body to
- [Think Like a Sage](https://ethnopharm.com/think-like-a-sage/) - As its common name implies, Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a plant that has long held an association with higher cognition and wisdom. One of the major spices of the globally, Sage is originally from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, but now naturalized throughout several regions. As a medicinal plant, Sage has been used in
- [Not Only for the Dogs!](https://ethnopharm.com/not-only-for-the-dogs/) - Dogwoods (Cornus spp.) have several stories which may have led to their common name, such as being used as a treatment for mange for dogs. Another was a Native American legend of the Dogwood people of the forest who were there to help humans to live in harmony with the land. The wood from Dogwood
- [Guardians of the Heart](https://ethnopharm.com/guardians-of-the-heart/) - Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is a wide-canopied tree from India with commercial importance for the production of a wild silk, called tassar silk, as well as being an important Ayurvedic herbal medicine. The Arjuna is also one of the “Bodhi” trees in the world with the reputation as being a tree under which Buddha reached enlightenment.
- [Plant Identification Tips & Tricks-](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-identification-tips-tricks-6/) - People often ask me how I can identify plants so easily in the field. Really, in most cases, it's not so difficult, so let me share a few tips.. #1 Find a Distinctive Feature. When you learn a new plant look to see if there is something special or distinctive that really sets it apart
- [Plant Identification Tips & Tricks-](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-identification-tips-tricks-5/) - Tip #2 Use Mnemonics I don’t know one scientist who has gotten by without using Mnemonics at some point. Mnemonics can help us learn and remember, whether they are common ones that are passed around or you make up your own. What are some you remember? Here is one I find useful: “Jefferies are gentle
- [Australian Beauty](https://ethnopharm.com/australian-beauty/) - The floral emblem of Western Australia, the Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.) is an easy plant to identify and remember! The fun and beautiful fuzzy paw-shaped flowers are now available in many colors and grown in gardens around the world as several cultivars exist, which make excellent drought tolerant ornamentals. Kangaroo Paw also makes wonderful cut
- [Plant Identification Tips & Tricks-](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-identification-tips-tricks-4/) - Tip #3 Practice Seeing the Gestalt How do you know your friend? Do you tell them apart from everyone else only because their nose is a certain shape, and their hair or eyes a specific color? Even if they didn’t have distinctive features, couldn’t you recognize them? Gestalt is a theory of perception that rejects just
- [Plant Identification Tips & Tricks-](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-identification-tips-tricks-3/) - Tip #4 Use a Botanical Key If you aren’t already sure of a plant’s identity or if you really want to be sure you have identified a plant correctly, it usually comes down to using a botanical key. Botanical keys consist of a list of questions or statements one must follow to get to the right answer.
- [The God-Like Herb](https://ethnopharm.com/the-god-like-herb/) - Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is also referred to as Brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine, which means “god-like” or universal consciousness, and refers to its highly revered status, as well as use in meditation. In the Ayurvedic tradition, it is one of the rasayana herbs, which has tonifying uses for promoting rejuvenation, intellect, and nervous system balance. It is also one
- [Aboriginal Vitamin C](https://ethnopharm.com/aboriginal-vitamin-c/) - Aboriginal Vitamin C According to the Australian Government’s Rural Industries Research and Development Corp., the Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) has the highest recorded level of natural vitamin C content of any plant in the world. Kakadu Plum is a small to medium sized Australian native tree that can reach heights up to 50 feet. The
- [Plant Identification Tips & Tricks-](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-identification-tips-tricks/) - Tip #6 The Flowers Have It All Flowers or other reproductive organs are among the most important features for plant identification purposes. Sometimes, in order to really identify a plant, one will need to know some very minute details which will take close examination to discover. In such cases, flower dissection is the common technique
- [The Paisley Fruit](https://ethnopharm.com/the-paisley-fruit/) - Mangos (Mangifera indica) are native to and the national fruit of India, but cultivated world-wide. Trees can reach heights of over 100 feet, and bear fruit for over 300 years! It is one of the Rasayana herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine, preparations for prolonging lifespan, and has different medicinal characteristics depending on the part of
- [To-Kill-Ya](https://ethnopharm.com/to-kill-ya/) - Agaves are famous for being the source of tequila—produced from Agave tequilana (tequila has at least 51% A. tequilana). Mezcal, on the other hand, is produced from any type of Agave. They also have differences in production. And no, tequila doesn’t have to have to be produced with a worm—this is thought to be a
- [New De Soi Bevi!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-de-soi-bevi/) - Loving the positive media, our latest De Soi drink is generating! Visit: #nonalcoholic #desoi #KatyPerry #ethnopharm
- [All the Rage!](https://ethnopharm.com/all-the-rage/) - Botanicals for cognition and sleep- they are all the rage right now...New article out (I missed it when it first posted) 😯 : https://www.preparedfoods.com/articles/128274-sleep-better-think-smarter-with-these-ingredients #medicinalplants #ethnopharm #botanicals #naturalproducts #sleep #cognitivehealth #saffron #schisandra #turmeric #tartcherry #pumpkin #kiwifruit
- [Not Blueberries, but Boobialla Berries!](https://ethnopharm.com/not-blueberries-but-boobialla-berries/) - Myoporum species are popular in horticulture and also important bush foods or medicinal plants to Aboriginal people in both coastal and inland areas. The Myoporum genus consists of 30 species, most of which are endemic to Australia. The most often cultivated in horticulture are endemic to Australia: Myoporum parvifolium, M. floribundum and M. bateae. Myoporum
- [The King of Medicines](https://ethnopharm.com/the-king-of-medicines/) - Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is held in high regard in Ayurveda, and in Tibet referred to as “The King of Medicines”. It is a medicinal tree native to South Asia with thick black cracked bark, unpleasant smelling flowers in short panicles, and sour ovoid yellow-orange fruits. Throughout a number of traditional medicine systems, including Unani, Tibb,
- [Another Successful Formulation!](https://ethnopharm.com/another-successful-formulation/) - Some more positive press on the De Soi Beverages we are loving! I’m a Certified Sommelier and This Non-Alcoholic Aperitif Lives Up to the Hype-https://lnkd.in/gH884ica #desoi #katyperry #ethnopharm #botanicals #herbs #nonalcoholic #apertif
- [The Anti-Inflammatory Fig](https://ethnopharm.com/the-anti-inflammatory-fig/) - Slowly degrading bricks and buildings along the way, the Creeping Fig has small leaves and is such a good climber that it clings tightly to almost any surface (Ficus pumila, syn. F. repens). Native to East Asia and naturalized to many other areas, the Creeping Fig makes a good example of the diversity of forms
- [The God of Long Life?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-god-of-long-life/) - Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility, and debauchery, but was he also the god of long life? Our attraction to grapes (Vitis vinifera) has been traced back to Neolithic times, and for thousands of years they have been harvested for both medicinal and nutritional use. Phytochemicals in grapes are also known to be good
- [Pantropic Rejuvenator](https://ethnopharm.com/pantropic-rejuvenator/) - Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is a medicinal plant with wide distribution in the world, including India and throughout Asia, South America, North America, Africa, and the South Pacific. It has been documented in many traditional healing systems, such as Ayurveda and Unani, and many others, as evidenced by the wide range of common names it possesses
- [A Tough Nut to Crack!](https://ethnopharm.com/a-tough-nut-to-crack/) - Although Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra) are smaller and harder to crack than the English Walnut, these North American walnuts are sometimes preferred for their distinctive and good taste. There are other uses for the Black Walnut. The drupes have compounds in them that are dark stains and can stain sidewalks and cars, but can be
- [The Wandering Dude](https://ethnopharm.com/the-wandering-dude/) - Here is another species with a prevailing common name that could cause offense, so let’s refer to it by another common name. Common names for Tradescantia zebrina include Wandering Jew and Silver Inchplant, but now some are using a better alternative, The Wandering Dude. The Wandering Dude has runners that creep along the ground and
- [Largest Edible Fruit Native to the United States](https://ethnopharm.com/largest-edible-fruit-native-to-the-united-states/) - The Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) is a fruit-producing tree that is native to eastern North America. The tree is small, producing large leaves and fruits that have a resemblance to mango or papaya (which is where they get their common name, causing confusion with Papaya). The Paw Paw fruit is generally oblong, with a smooth
- [Culinary Kapha Cutters!](https://ethnopharm.com/culinary-kapha-cutters/) - Garcinia cambogia is a culinary and traditional medicine long enjoyed throughout much of India and Asia. The science is still trying to learn its mechanism of action and clinical use, but the tradition relates benefits to its sour flavor. What was once a scientific name for this plant is now a common name: Garcinia cambogia.
- [Botanical Flavors, Taste Receptors and Metabolism](https://ethnopharm.com/botanical-flavors-taste-receptors-and-metabolism/) - Did you know that there is emerging science that shows that certain flavors influence metabolic activities in our bodies? For example, there are bitter receptors located not only in the mouth, but along the GI tract, and these play an important role in kick starting digestion and blood sugar balance. It gives new understanding to
- [A Sugar Substitute With Benefits](https://ethnopharm.com/a-sugar-substitute-with-benefits/) - This fruit, Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma), from the Amazon basin is a popular tropical fruit for making ice creams, juices, or other sweets in South America, and it is just beginning to be found more in western markets. Although it has a unique flavor of its own, its rising popularity is for use as a sugar
- [The Other Chocolate](https://ethnopharm.com/the-other-chocolate/) - Did you know there is another species of “cacao” out there besides the one we all know and love? Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) is another species of Theobroma (the chocolate genus) that can also be used to make chocolate, and it also has a delicious fruit and seeds that can be extracted for oil. The
- [The Electric Daisy](https://ethnopharm.com/the-electric-daisy/) - Jambu, also called ‘Buzz Buttons’ or just ‘Spilanthes’ (Acmella oleracea; syn. Spilanthes oleracea), is an herb with an effect that stands out among other herbs…one taste and you will be in shock and awe. There is a phytochemical in Jambu that causes a tingling sensation (along with increased salivation, then cooling in the throat) and
- [A Butterfly’s Death Sentence](https://ethnopharm.com/a-butterflys-death-sentence/) - The Brazilian Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia gigantea) is easily one of the most impressive flowers I’ve ever seen. It is really as huge as it looks in the picture, and just completely gorgeous. Plus, it has heart shaped leaves. 😍 Beyond its beauty there are some signs that this plant could be a source of some
- [The Essence of Ritual Baths](https://ethnopharm.com/the-essence-of-ritual-baths/) - Here is another plant with an offensive common name: Catinga de Mulata (“scent of the mixed-race woman”) (Aeollanthus suaveolens), so let’s stick to the scientific name on this one! Aeollanthus suaveolens is a very aromatic annual herb cultivated in Brazil as a medicinal plant, and in Africa mostly for its use as a food flavoring
- [Happy Birthday Salena Garcia!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-birthday-salena-garcia/) - Fun with the wonderful SLO HEALTH Direct Primary Care Team. Happy Birthday to our wonderful talented Salena Garcia!!!! #SanLuisObispo #primaryhealthcare #directprimarycare #functionalmedicine #ethnopharm
- [Beach Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/beach-medicine/) - This beach-growing Morning Glory has a leaf with the shape of a goat’s foot, thus its common name, Goat’s Foot also called Salsa da Praia (Ipomoea pes-caprae), among a number of other common names. Goat's Foot (and its subspecies) is one of the most common widely distributed salt tolerant plants in the world and sets
- [The Destroyer of Sugar](https://ethnopharm.com/the-destroyer-of-sugar/) - Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre), also called Gurmar (“The Destroyer of Sugar”) in Hindi, is a viney plant found normally in shrubby or secondary forest in India, Africa and Australia. It is used either raw or cooked as a vegetable, and is used in cuisine sometimes to make bitter food taste better. It is for its effect
- [The Amazonian Plant Teacher](https://ethnopharm.com/the-amazonian-plant-teacher/) - Yagé (Banisteriopsis caapi) is famous for being one of the main plants that is used for making the South American shamanic brew called Ayahuasca. It is a vine with small white & pink flowers that grows in rainforested regions reaching up to about 100 feet into the forest canopy. As it contains the harmala alkaloids,
- [The Passionfruit Paradox](https://ethnopharm.com/the-passionfruit-paradox/) - There are approximately 500 species of Passionflowers, but this species is the one responsible for the commercial Passionfruit—Passsiflora edulis. Passiflora edulis is native to South America, from the southern portion of Brazil down to northern Argentina. Passionfruit is a type of berry (in the botanical sense) and contains many seeds on the inside surrounded by
- [Fruit of The Gods](https://ethnopharm.com/fruit-of-the-gods/) - Almost all parts—fruit, leaves, bark and seeds—of the Jamun (Syzygium cumini; syn. Eugenia jambolana) plant have been used for food, traditional medicine and other applications for centuries. The Jamun fruit has a sweet and tangy delicious taste, is purple in color with a pink pulp, and has been referred to by many names, including Java,
- [Largest Tree Fruit in the World!](https://ethnopharm.com/largest-tree-fruit-in-the-world/) - The Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) comes from a tree (also called the Jack Tree or Nangka) that is native to Eastern Asia, such as India and Bangalore, and does well in other tropical areas. It is an important multipurpose tree, famous for its fruit (which is actually a “multiple fruit”) that are capable of reaching 100
- [The King of Bitters](https://ethnopharm.com/the-king-of-bitters/) - Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) has a long traditional use in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Siddah and Innani Traditional medicines. It has been referred to as “Indian Echinacea” due to its similar popular and traditional uses as Echinacea, but its more common names are Kalmegh, King of Bitters, or just “Andrographis”. Andrographis is an herbaceous perennial
- [Shout Out in Spruce Eats!](https://ethnopharm.com/shout-out-in-spruce-eats/) - Thank you Morgan McLachlan for the shout out in Spruce Eats! I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you, Katy Perry and the team at De Soi Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Apéritif--such a talented team! "Morgan McLachlan, co-founder of De Soi, explains that making nonalcoholic beverages that are as complex and enjoyable as their alcoholic counterparts can be challenging, though she's
- [Stone Breaker!!](https://ethnopharm.com/stone-breaker/) - The common name of this plant says it all, Quebra Pedra or Chanca Piedra, meaning “Stone Breaker” (Phyllanthus niruri). Found in widespread coastal tropical areas and considered a problem weed by farmers, this plant is considered useful by herbalists of several traditions. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for the genitourinary system, liver, kidney, spleen
- [✅ Ready for the Cold & Flu season.](https://ethnopharm.com/✅-ready-for-the-cold-flu-season/) - Local Herbalist, Mary Andrews, GISP, and I were busy this week chopping up spicy and hot things & passing on knowledge to local SLO women on how to make Fire Cider. Fire Cider is a winter favorite herbal recipe for warming you up 🔥 and warding off the bad bugs . Fire Cider is an vinegar/honey
- [Iconic African Superfood](https://ethnopharm.com/iconic-african-superfood/) - The Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata; A. spp.) is the most iconic tree of Africa and it bears a fruit that is now making its way into western markets. The baobab fruits are large and though they look a little strange—being hard, fuzzy, and irregularly shaped—and are vitamin and mineral rich. Baobab trees are widespread
- [Plant Insulin?](https://ethnopharm.com/plant-insulin/) - This warty-looking melon from the Gourd Family (Cucubitaceae) is born from a vine of the tropics and suptropics and has a bitterness that varies depending on the variety. We think it was originally from Africa, and now the Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is cultivated widely and traveled the world, especially in Asian countries, the Caribbean
- [Smelly But Good For You.](https://ethnopharm.com/smelly-but-good-for-you/) - With a flavor like almond custard and an odor like raw sewage, the Durian (Durio zibethinus, Durio spp.) elicits strong polarizing reactions from many people. The Durian can be eaten raw and ripe, or in various stages of maturity, and can be cooked and included in dishes either sweet or savory. The seeds are also
- [The Cream Apple of Life or Death?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-cream-apple-of-life-or-death/) - The Guanábana (Annona muricata; also called Graviola, Soursop, or Guyabano) is one of the custard or cream apples of the world. Although widely enjoyed for its fruit, there is a race on among researchers to develop anticancer agents modeled after a group of its phytochemical constituents, along with toxicity concerns. The Guanábana is native to
- [The Thunderbolt Botanical](https://ethnopharm.com/the-thunderbolt-botanical/) - Native to Africa and India, and introduced to many other regions, Senna (Senna alexandrina; syn. Cassia acutifolia, C. angustifolia, C. senna, C. lanceolata; Senna spp.) is a plant from the pea (Fabaceae) family that grows about 1 meter tall with yellow pea-like flowers in racemes, followed by flat leguminous seed pods. Interestingly, Senna is one
- [Lemons in a Grass](https://ethnopharm.com/lemons-in-a-grass/) - Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant originally from South Asia but now used in almost every part of the world. As its name implies, Lemongrass’ flavor in teas or culinary dishes is lemon-like but without tartness. It is used both in foods and as a medicine, in topical applications, as well as an insect
- [Hot Off The Press: The Meditative Basil!](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-the-meditative-basil/) - There is a Basil in the world that people use to enhance meditation! Hot off the Press: The Meditative Basil! Today we published our first monthly newsletter on Indian botanical deep-dive topics. The topic for this month, Tulsi, aka. Holy Basil- The Meditative Basil.Click here to read the whole issue and subscribe: If you are
- [Bush Bread!](https://ethnopharm.com/bush-bread/) - Before I even knew what this plant was, I took one look at it and knew ‘bush food’! The Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia), or Mat Rush, produces clusters of small flowers that produce what looks like grain, and indeed this plant is one of the essential bush foods used by Aboriginal people of Australia for thousands
- [Regenerative Agriculture Certification Available at No Cost!](https://ethnopharm.com/regenerative-agriculture-certification-available-at-no-cost/) - 💥Sign up to get notified when enrollment begins! (link in comments) 🌱 Did you know that farmers can get free certification for regenerative agriculture?! 💫This is due to a USDA grant called Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, which was awarded to A Greener World (the certifier of Certified Regenerative), with partners RAFI-USA and Soil Health Institute.
- [Some Galanga with your Coffee?](https://ethnopharm.com/some-galanga-with-your-coffee/) - Galanga (Alpinia galanga; A. officinarum) can refer to any one of four species of plants in the ginger family that are used as spices, and also sometimes as a vegetable (flowers and young shoots). Alpinia galanga, also called Greater Galangal or Blue Ginger, is a common form of Galanga used in cooking. The plants grow
- [The Free Tree of India](https://ethnopharm.com/the-free-tree-of-india/) - One of two species in the Azadirachta, Neem (A. indica) is native to India and Asia, and now grown and sometimes naturalized in many other areas of the world. The name of the genus is derived from a word meaning ‘the free tree of India’, referring to its lack of pest and disease problems. The
- [The ‘Miracle Leaf’ Medicinal Houseplants](https://ethnopharm.com/the-miracle-leaf-medicinal-houseplants/) - You know this houseplant! Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.) is a genus of about 179 species, commonly also called the ‘Miracle Leaf’ genus, referring to their therapeutic properties in traditional use. Most species are distributed in either Madagascar, Africa, India or Brazil, and now several species are cultivated as ornamental houseplants and in some areas have escaped
- [Flowers of the Dead](https://ethnopharm.com/flowers-of-the-dead/) - “Flowers of the dead” to remind us of the fragility of life. The Mexican Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is an important flower in the celebration of The Day of the Dead, a day to celebrate and honor dead relatives and ancestors, which has its origins from when the Aztecs began to celebrate this day over 3,000
- [Say NO to Plastic Plants!!!](https://ethnopharm.com/say-no-to-plastic-plants/) - Those who know me know I despise fake plants. You know the kind—you walk into somoene’s home or a restaurant and there are these sad plastic plant look-alikes that are covered with dust and usually missing pieces. Sad. Even worse when they are outside! Well, Bravo to the state of CA (link below). I am
- [Like Chocolate, but Different.](https://ethnopharm.com/like-chocolate-but-different/) - Carob (aka. Locust Bean; Ceratonia siliqua) is a flowering evergreen tree in the pea family that has uses for agriculture, ornamental gardening, as well as for the production of its edible seed pods, from which we get Carob. The ripe, dried, seed pods are ground into a powder which is used like chocolate, as it
- [The Most Poisonous - Yet Useful - Plant in the World?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-most-poisonous-yet-useful-plant-in-the-world/) - The Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) is not really botanically a bean, but a seed, and is a source of castor oil, which has numerous uses industrial and medicinal. Also present in the seed (and throughout the rest of the plant) is a water-soluble toxin called ricin, which is a highly potent toxin, lethal to humans
- [The Original Margarita?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-original-margarita/) - Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is an herb long used in flavoring liqueurs, as a tea substitute and a medicinal plant. In some areas, a Damiana liqueur is used in place of triple sec in the making of Margaritas, and some believe it to be part of the “original” margarita. Damiana is a shrub with strongly aromatic
- [The Climate Change Flower](https://ethnopharm.com/the-climate-change-flower/) - According to D’harawal Elder, Aunty Fran, there was once a time when the sun was blotted out for a very long time, children who were trying to learn to walk became sickly, and the plants hadn’t flowered for a very long time. A fire was lit by a little girl who was trying to fix
- [The Original Cosmeceutical?](https://ethnopharm.com/the-original-cosmeceutical/) - Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a tropical perennial shrub or small tree native to Africa, Asia and Australia with small leaves and flowers (that vary from red to cream), followed by fruits that are small brownish capsules. The main use for the Henna plant is for production of the Henna dye that is used in dying
- [Sweet Obsession.](https://ethnopharm.com/sweet-obsession/) - Boronia (Boronia spp.) is a genus of flowering plants in the citrus family that is well known for their distinctive fragrance, use in perfume and flavorings, and as cut flowers. Boronia megastigma is the main species of Boronia harvested for its essential oil which is used for food flavoring and fragrance uses. The two main
- [Hot off the Press: The Upstream Functional Benefits of Turmeric](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-the-upstream-functional-benefits-of-turmeric/) - 🌟 Our second monthly newsletter on Indian botanical deep-dive topics has just been published! The topic for this month, is Turmeric and its many upstream health benefits. 🗓 *Click on the link below* to read the whole issue and subscribe. If you are interested in Indian botanicals, *tune in* because we will be delving into
- [The Jiggle Jiggle Berry](https://ethnopharm.com/the-jiggle-jiggle-berry/) - Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are the number one utilized herbal medicine for UTIs, a mainstay in American Thanksgiving tradition, excellent antioxidants, and a major commercial crop in the US and Canada—not bad for a hard, sour and bitter berry! It is pretty cool to see how they are cultivated, as the most efficient harvesting technique involves
- [Not Just for Show](https://ethnopharm.com/not-just-for-show/) - You know these giant lily-like flowers for their amazing ability to flower indoor in winter straight from a bulb. We all call them “Amaryllis”, but they are really from the genus Hippeastrum. This is because of botanical confusion over the genera for many years that then resulted in Amaryllis being used as a common name.
- [A Cherry with Benefits](https://ethnopharm.com/a-cherry-with-benefits/) - Native to eastern Australia, the Brush Cherry (Syzygium australe) can grow up to about 70 feet in the wild, but is normally found as a small multi-trunked tree or bush in cultivation, which can be shaped. The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental, and as the name implies, the Brush Cherry produces an edible
- [New Videos Out--Deep Dives on Andrographis!](https://ethnopharm.com/new-videos-out-deep-dives-on-andrographis/) - Visit my You Tube Channel, and check out the new videos on Andrographis. There are short and long-form educational deep dives, giving science, tradition and Ayurvedic perspectives! Click here to watch Andrographis and other videos: https://www.youtube.com/@theethnobotanicalexplorer
- [The Perfume of Individuality](https://ethnopharm.com/the-perfume-of-individuality/) - Davana (Artemisia pallens) is a woody aromatic shrub with finely divided leaves native to India. Davana is used in floral displays, religious offerings, for its essential oil, and as a medicinal plant. It is commercially cultivated for its aromatic leaves and flowers from which an essential oil is extracted. Davana is also used in India
- [The Magic Wand Plant](https://ethnopharm.com/the-magic-wand-plant/) - A collection of species within the Sambucus genus are called Elderberries (Sambucus nigra & Sambucus spp.). The main species for medicinal use is Sambucus nigra, the European Black Elder, but other Elderberry species are also commonly used. Elderberries are cooked to be consumed as jams, pies and other culinary creations. The Elderberries are rich in
- [Can a Tattoo Save The Rainforest?](https://ethnopharm.com/can-a-tattoo-save-the-rainforest/) - At typically a little under 100 feet tall, Jagua (aka. Huito, Genipap; Genipa americana) trees are native to tropical forests of North and South America. They produce fruits that are famous for their uses in making blue and black tattoos, as well as for their edible uses (consumed ripe, brewed or juiced). The most well-known
- [Sadly, The World’s Largest Crop.](https://ethnopharm.com/sadly-the-worlds-largest-crop/) - Several species of the genus Saccharum are used for the production of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), native to the warm temperate and tropical areas of Asia and New Guinea, but now grown in much larger ranges throughout the tropics. As Sugarcane is tender to frost, it produces better in tropical climates where it can have long
- [Dopamine Beans!](https://ethnopharm.com/dopamine-beans/) - Mucuna pruriens (aka Velvet Bean, Cowhage) is a vigorously growing tropical legume native to Africa and Asia, and now naturalized and cultivated in many other areas. It can climb to over 50 feet and produces young furry leaves that become smooth as the plant matures. The beans are borne in very fuzzy seed pods, which
- [“Medieval Aspirin”](https://ethnopharm.com/medieval-aspirin/) - Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) are little white daisies with yellow centers that are renowned for their use in Migraines. The specific epithet comes from the Greek term for the plant, “Parthenium”, as it was indicated for those who had fallen from the Parthenon during its construction. It was reportedly the “aspirin” of the 18th century. Originally
- [Not Just for The Cats!](https://ethnopharm.com/not-just-for-the-cats/) - From the mint family, Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is an herb native to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, but has now naturalized more widely throughout the world. Catnip is named for the intense attraction most cats have to it—producing a euphoria, which sometimes makes them act crazy and become even more entertaining to humans. 😻
- [New Videos Out- Turmeric!💛 🌱](https://ethnopharm.com/new-videos-out-turmeric💛-🌱/) - Visit my You Tube Channel, and check out the new videos on Turmeric. There are short and long-form educational deep dives, giving science, tradition and Ayurvedic perspectives! Click here to watch Turmeric and other videos:
- [A New Nut is Coming to Town (finally)!](https://ethnopharm.com/a-new-nut-is-coming-to-town-finally/) - This little nut from South America, Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), is super tasty and crunchy, and has finally made its way onto western markets—expect to see more of it. Also called the “Inca Peanut”, or “Starseed”, Sacha Inchi is not a true nut and not an allergen, but is great roasted as a snack, as
- [Edible Flower Botanicals With Benefits Gift Download](https://ethnopharm.com/edible-flower-botanicals-with-benefits-gift-download/) - 🎁 🌱 A Gift for You Plant Lovers… 🌻Botanicals With Benefits: Edible Flower Volume (epub) Epub gift download on available Edible Flowers December 20-24 (Pacific Time), link below. To download your free epub copy go here and select "Kindle" version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RN1MH9W Did you know that many of our common garden plants have multiple uses that you
- [The Strangest Nut!](https://ethnopharm.com/the-strangest-nut/) - This nut, the Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), should win the award for being the strangest of all nuts, with the fruit (actually botanically a hypocarpium, “Cashew apple”) sitting atop the nut (“Cashew seed”). In the wild, the Cashew tree is a tropical native to South America, the Caribbean and Central America, and grows up to almost
- [The Incense that is also a Medicine](https://ethnopharm.com/the-incense-that-is-also-a-medicine/) - Frankincense (Boswellia sacra, B. serrata, B. spp.) is used as an incense and also in perfumes, traditional medicines, and personal care worldwide. Interestingly, Frankincense is also possibly the most popular & widely used of incenses in several world religions and other spiritual practices. Its use as an incense and ‘holy anointing oil’ is to give reverence
- [The Golden Husky Sweet-Tart Fruit](https://ethnopharm.com/the-golden-husky-sweet-tart-fruit/) - This little fruit, Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana), looks just like a tomatillo (which is a tomato-like fruit covered by a husk, also in the Solanaceae family), but tastes more like a sweet fruit! As they are also rich in vitamin C (about 21% of the RDI) they have a tartness about them as well.The Goldenberry fruit
- [The Most Calming Adaptogen](https://ethnopharm.com/the-most-calming-adaptogen/) - Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is considered one of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs, with a long tradition over thousands of years in traditional medicine. Its common name in Sanskrit refers to “the smell of a horse”, as it emits a horse-like odor; it is also often ascribed to its benefit of giving the strength and vigor
- [Happy New Year 2024!](https://ethnopharm.com/happy-new-year-2024/) - Happy New Year! Sending you warm wishes that the seeds your planting will bring peace, health, happiness and prosperity for 2024. 💚 🎆
- [A Resolution for Biodiversity](https://ethnopharm.com/a-resolution-for-biodiversity/) - At the start of 2024 I want to share with you my resolution to continue working for Biodiversity, and I hope you will join me?Let me tell you why I work so hard for biodiversity:It used to be thought that biodiversity loss had little impact on ecosystem functioning, as early experiments trying to study biodiversity
- [✈️The Jet Fuel Nut](https://ethnopharm.com/✈️the-jet-fuel-nut/) - Native to the American tropics, Jatropha (Physic Nut; Jatropha curcas, Jatropha spp.) is now widespread in many tropical countries and naturalized or invasive. It is a small tree or large shrub growing up to 20 feet, that while being tropical, is also highly drought resistant and also able to grow in very poor or sandy
- [Anthocyanins- Important Bioactives from Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/anthocyanins-important-bioactives-from-plants/) - These pigments are found in red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables.Among their health benefits:· reducing inflammation,· antioxidant· protecting against cancer,· protecting against heart disease,· protecting against type 2 diabetes (and its effects),· improving glucose tolerance,· immune support,· improved cellular function.Interesting to note: Although many people think of the main function of anthocyanins as being antioxidants, recent studies are finding they have important
- [The Giant Australian Pepper](https://ethnopharm.com/the-giant-australian-pepper/) - As its common name implies, this Pepper becomes giant, as it climbs and scrambles across hillsides and up other trees and plants. The climbing stems of the Giant Pepper Vine (Piper novae-hollandiae) may reach up to 230 feet in length!The Giant Pepper Vine is too vigorous for the typical home garden, but may be useful
- [Like Black Pepper, But Better?](https://ethnopharm.com/like-black-pepper-but-better/) - The Ashanti Pepper (aka West African Black Pepper, Uziza; Piper guineense) has long been used as a spice and in traditional medicine in Africa. An evergreen climbing vine up to 13-65 feet tall, it climbs on other trees or plants by use of adventitious roots. The Ashanti Pepper is a native of Central and Western
- [Testosterone Taming Tribulus](https://ethnopharm.com/testosterone-taming-tribulus/) - Tribulus (aka Gokshura, Puncturevine; Tribulus terrestris) is an annual plant native to warm temperate regions from Europe through Northern France and East Asia, and invasive and spreading to many parts of the world. Tribulus is known to survive in hot dry areas where not many other plants can survive and to produce sharp strong spines
- [Apigenin- Important Bioactive from Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/apigenin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - A flavonoid widely distributed in the plant kingdom in many of our plant foods, such as parsley, celery, onions, tea and chamomile.Among its health benefits: · Antioxidant, · Antimicrobial, · Pain relieving, · Cardioprotection, · Reducing depression, · Cognitive support, · Sleep support. Interestingly, Apigenin has “reverse antibiotic” activities against some bacteria, which means that it may be active against antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- [Looking at Life through Pink Colored Pepper…](https://ethnopharm.com/looking-at-life-through-pink-colored-pepper/) - Though commonly called the California Pepper Tree (aka Peruvian Pepper Tree, Pink Peppercorn; Schinus molle), this tree is originally from South America and is such a successful grower that it is now found in many areas of the world. The Spanish colonies helped to spread this tree, as its wood is strong and well-known for
- [Beta-Carotene-Important Bioactive from Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/beta-carotene-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Beta-Carotene is a carotenoid (a natural food coloring) found in orange and yellow fruits and veggies, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, and cantaloupe. Once consumed it is converted into Vitamin A in the body.Among its health benefits:· Antioxidant,· Eye Health,· Skin Health,· Immune Support, and· Heart Health.Fun fact: consuming excessive amounts of beta-carotene can cause a usually benign condition
- [The Freckle-Faced Vasorelaxant](https://ethnopharm.com/the-freckle-faced-vasorelaxant/) - With spotting that is either pink, red, rose, green or white, the Polka Dot Plant (aka Freckle Face; Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a shrub that mounds only to about 1-2 feet tall. It is popular in gardens as a perennial in the tropics or subtropics, and as an annual in areas with frost. It is also
- [Rooting Out Nausea](https://ethnopharm.com/rooting-out-nausea/) - It is thought that Ginger (Zingiber officinale) was never like it is as a wild species, but a cultigen created by the first Austronesian people of Island regions of Southeast Asia, and travelled with them and expanded through the Austronesian expansion. In fact, Ginger has been around for so long and so loved that it
- [Allicin-Important Bioactive from Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/allicin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Found in Garlic, and in other Alliums, such as Onions, Leeks, Ramps, Shallots and Scallions, Allicin is the compound that gives garlic its distinctive taste and scent. Among its health benefits:· Lowering cholesterol,· Reducing high blood pressure,· Boosting immunity,· Reducing inflammation, and· Cancer. Interestingly, in a review of 39 randomized controlled trials, the regular use
- [Wild Cardamom!](https://ethnopharm.com/wild-cardamom/) - Wild Cardamom (aka Longoza, Aframomum angustifolium) is a plant species that grows in tropical Africa and Madagascar. The plant’s crushed seeds are used as a peppery spice locally. The fruit is a berry containing many seeds, surrounded by sugary-sweet and sour edible pulp, much loved by children. The local name of the plant is Longoza, which means “long
- [Glucosinolates-Important Bioactives from Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/glucosinolates-important-bioactives-from-plants/) - Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing compounds found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and kale. Among their health benefits: · Reducing cancer risk, · Detoxification, · Antimicrobial, · Digestive health, · Blood sugar balance, and · Immune system support. Interestingly, sulfur containing foods are important, as sulfur plays a vital role in many body
- [Retinol-Like Malagasy Native](https://ethnopharm.com/retinol-like-malagasy-native/) - Harunga (aka The Orange Milk Tree, Harungana madagascariensis), is a tree that is native to Madagascar. It has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. It is reported that the plant was already collected in Madagascar for its medicinal properties by the first Arabic travelers to the island more than 1000 years ago. The
- [Stress Berries!](https://ethnopharm.com/stress-berries/) - One of my very favorite adaptogens, Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a viney herb from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which has the very special quality of possessing all 5 flavors: sour, bitter, sweet pungent and salty. It is among the most important herbs in TCM, as it is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Schizandra
- [Mangiferin-Important Bioactive from Plants](https://ethnopharm.com/mangiferin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Mangiferin is a xanthanoid famously found in various parts of the mango plant, as well as several other plants, such as Coffee, Honeybush and Kapok. Among its health benefits: · Antioxidant · Anti-Inflammatory · Cardioprotective · Anti-Diabetic Benefits · Neuroprotection · Anticancer· Anti-Obesity Effects · Liver Health · Anti-Microbial Properties · Skin Health Mangiferin has
- [Cortisol Candy 😋](https://ethnopharm.com/cortisol-candy-😋/) - Native to the North Africa, Asia and Europe, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herbaceous perennial in the pea family, used for its sweet and flavorful root. Licorice is famous for its use in the candy called black licorice, which traditionally contains glycyrrhizin as a sweetener, and the characteristic “licorice” flavor—which people seem to either love
- [Shampoo Ginger](https://ethnopharm.com/shampoo-ginger/) - Zingiber zerumbet, also known as Bitter Ginger, is a plant with several health benefits and traditional medicinal uses. Thought to originate from Asia and Australasia, along with Ginger (z. officinale) it is also identified as a “canoe plant” which accompanied Austonesian peoples as they travelled. Today it is also enjoyed in many Asian culinary dishes and
- [Ellagic Acid- Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/ellagic-acid-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Ellagic acid is a natural polyphenol found in various fruits, nuts, and vegetables, particularly in berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranates. It’s name comes from the French word for gall (as in plant or oak galls, one of its sources) spelled backwards! Among its health benefits: · Antioxidant · Anti-Inflammatory · Anti-Cancer · Cardioprotective · Antimicrobial Activity · Antiviral Effects
- [Lion's Mane & Reishi for the Berkeley Herbal Center!](https://ethnopharm.com/lions-mane-reishi-for-the-berkeley-herbal-center/) - Thank you Morgan McLachlan and AMASS Brands Group for the donation of Lion's Mane and Reishi, that I will drop at the Berkeley Herbal Center soon for use in their vast apothecary and community herbal clinic! #Lionsmane #reishi #herbalmedicine #berkeley
- [When Turmeric met Ginger...](https://ethnopharm.com/when-turmeric-met-ginger/) - A Turmeric and Ginger relative, Java Ginger (aka. Javanese Turmeric, Temulawak; Curcuma xanthorrhiza) is a native to Indonesia and spread through East Asia. It (or its various cultivars) is also grown in gardens in widespread countries such as in China, India, Korea, Japan, USA and Europe. Java Ginger has both medicinal and culinary uses, with
- [The Apothecary Cut Flower](https://ethnopharm.com/the-apothecary-cut-flower/) - All parts of the Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)—the bark, rhizome, fruit, leaves and seeds—are used medicinally. Preparations of the fruit are used to treat sores, the rhizomes for headaches, the inflorescence used for coughs, and a decoction of the leaves is used for digestive issues. Yet, there are many other traditional uses. From this plant
- [Hesperidin-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/hesperidin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Hesperidin is a flavonoid that is commonly found in citrus fruits, particularly in the peels and membranes of oranges and lemons. Among its possible health benefits: · Antioxidant Properties · Anti-Inflammatory Effects · Cardioprotective · Blood Vessel Health · Immune System Support · Neuroprotective Effects · Anti-Cancer Potential · Antiviral Activity · Anti-Allergic Effects · Skin Health The main area of interest for Hesperidin seems
- [The Sprains & Pains Ginger](https://ethnopharm.com/the-sprains-pains-ginger/) - This Ginger relative was originally native to East Asia through India, Bangladesh, Assam and Mayanmar, but now Plai (aka Banglai; Zingiber montanum, syn. Zingiber cassumunar) has become invasive in other tropical regions of the Caribbean and South America. Plai has uses mainly for its essential oil, but also in foods as a condiment, especially in
- [Ashwagandha: Indian Botanicals Deep Dive 🌿](https://ethnopharm.com/ashwagandha-indian-botanicals-deep-dive-🌿/) - A longer-form video is now available on Ashwagandha, including interviews from a Medical Doctor of Ayurveda, Dr. Ghanshayam. 🎬 Last week I released a short of this video, and now you can access the longer format, available through my You Tube channel (and please subscribe to watch as many more are planned soon!):https://youtu.be/vJ1p0dIboJM Already released
- [The Adaptogenic Vitamin C](https://ethnopharm.com/the-adaptogenic-vitamin-c/) - Amla (aka. Indian Gooseberry, Emblic; Emblica officinalis, syn. Phyllanthes emblica) is a small to medium sized tree from East Asia, growing to about 26 feet in height and producing simple close-set leaves along their branches. The Amla fruit is a light greenish-yellow and sour, bitter, astringent and fibrous in taste. Despite this, it has been
- [Capsaicin-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/capsaicin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Found in chili peppers, capsaicin and other capsaicinoids are what makes them hot. Besides giving a burning sensation in the mouth, Capsaicin has a number of other benefits throughout the body. Among its possible health benefits:· Heart Health· Weight Loss· Pain Relief· Antimicrobial· Anticancer Properties Amazingly, the compound that causes people such distress in their mouths, has been well researched
- [Love Seekers have Died for this Herb!](https://ethnopharm.com/love-seekers-have-died-for-this-herb/) - This beautiful plant has a history of being symbolic of love and having an aphrodisiac nature. As it grows on rocky cliff faces, many a lover has fallen to their deaths (through the centuries) trying to collect this plant for its sought after uses, as love tokens, for pharmaceuticals, perfumery and flavoring.Endemic to Crete, Dittany
- [Lignans-Important Bioactives From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/lignans-important-bioactives-from-plants/) - Lignans are low molecular weight polyphenols found in flaxseed, sesame seeds, and a variety of other plant foods such as seeds, whole grains. Among their possible health benefits: · Heart Health· Bone Health· Anti-Inflammatory Properties· Digestive Health· Hormone Balance· Antioxidant Benefits When consumed, Lignans can be converted to enterolignans by the microbiome bacteria, such as enterolactone and enterodiol, which have weak
- [Heart Health Hedgerow](https://ethnopharm.com/heart-health-hedgerow/) - One of the official phytotherapeutic approaches to cardiovascular disease in Germany and other European countries, Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna, C. laevigata, C. spp.) has a long history in traditional herbalism for its role in protecting the heart, with scientific backing.In herbal medicine, Hawthorn has also long been seen as a symbol of love and the heart,
- [Partnership Announced for Biodiversity!](https://ethnopharm.com/partnership-announced-for-biodiversity/) - Kerry Hughes of Ethnopharm and Olivier BEHRA of Man and the Environment (MATE) and Net Positive Impact (NPI) have formed a partnership in order to promote biodiversity from some of the world’s ‘hottest’ biodiversity hotspots. Hughes and Behra met in 2005 in Madagascar while Hughes was on ethnobotanical expedition—a market development initiative in Madagascar for non-traditional products. Sharing similar convictions
- [Love-in-a-Mist](https://ethnopharm.com/love-in-a-mist/) - The common name says it all—these flowers are exquisitely beautiful and nestled in a cloud of lacy bracts and leaves. Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena) is a popular ornamental that is grown as an annual and often reseeds in gardens. They make good cut flowers, and if the flowers are left to seed, the seed pods are
- [Hot off the Press: The Adaptogenic Vitamin C- Amla Newsletter](https://ethnopharm.com/hot-off-the-press-the-adaptogenic-vitamin-c-amla-newsletter/) - Access the Newsletter here:https://phytoextractskp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/amla-newsletter-4.html 🌟 Our fourth monthly newsletter on Indian botanical deep-dive topics has just been published! The topic for this month, is Amla and its use as an adaptogen, in Ayurveda and inner- and outer- beauty. 🗓 *Click the link below* to read the whole issue and subscribe. If you are interested
- [If Ginger and Vanilla had a Baby…](https://ethnopharm.com/if-ginger-and-vanilla-had-a-baby/) - White’s Ginger (aka Mondia; Mondia whitei) is a plant valued for many diverse uses. As a food, the fresh, cooked or dried leaves are consumed as a vegetable, and its vanilla-like scent is enjoyed both as a fragrance and also as a spice. It is the roots that are the most sought-after, however, with a
- [In Observance of MLK...](https://ethnopharm.com/in-observance-of-mlk/) - “For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.Every third Monday in January, we observe a national holiday to celebrate the life and remarkable achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in
- [Luteolin-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/luteolin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - A bioflavonoid found in various fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, Luteolin offers a range of health benefits. The highest reported food source currently is radiccio. Among its possible health benefits: · Anti-inflammatory· Cardiovascular Health· Cognitive Health· Antimicrobial· Anti-diabetic· Antioxidant· Anti-cancer· Neuroprotective Luteolin has been found to exhibit interesting anti-inflammatory and immune system stabilizing activities. It has been attracting interest in its ability to
- [The Love Potion Plant❣](https://ethnopharm.com/the-love-potion-plant❣/) - Orris root (Iris germanica, I. pallida, I. florentina) may contain one of several species of Iris in trade. As the rhizomes of the plant mature, a violet-like aroma also develops along with natural fixative properties that are used for combining with and prolonging other scents in formulation. Orris root is used for the extraction of
- [High Protein Love](https://ethnopharm.com/high-protein-love/) - Loves-Lies-Bleeding (aka. Peruvian Amaranth; Amaranthus caudatus) is an ancient grain that is not only nutritious but highly ornamental and exotic looking in the garden. It also makes a gorgeous cut flower, with popularity rising in floral design. Many parts of this plant are edible, especially the seeds and leaves, and used as a staple food
- [✨The ‘Highest Form of Medicine’👑](https://ethnopharm.com/✨the-highest-form-of-medicine👑/) - Black Seed (aka. Black Cumin, Back Caraway; Nigella sativa) produces delicate and exotic looking flowers with inflated fruit capsules, but with finely divided leaves (but not thread-like- those belong to a related species, N. damascena). The capsules contain many black seeds that are used as a spice, medicine and source of oil. Black Seeds have
- [The World’s Most Traded Spice](https://ethnopharm.com/the-worlds-most-traded-spice/) - Black Pepper is from the dried and cooked unripe drupe of Piper nigrum vine; whereas, white pepper and green pepper are from uncooked or ripe fruit, respectively. The Black Pepper plant is originally from India and has been used as a spice, food preservative and traditional medicine since antiquity. Black Pepper was so valuable in
- [On Location in India! 🇮🇳 🌏](https://ethnopharm.com/on-location-in-india-🇮🇳-🌏/) - This week and last, I have been releasing some notes from the field as I Dive Deep into Indian Botanicals…at the source! To follow my journey, find me on Social Media. Click the icons for LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram to get connected! LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-hughes-941353/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMedicinePlants/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theethnobotanicalexplorer/ Picture: Standing in front of the K. Patel Phytoextractions factory,
- [A Vegetable to Feed the World?](https://ethnopharm.com/a-vegetable-to-feed-the-world/) - Tree Spinach (aka. Chaya; Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) is a leafy fast-growing perennial native of Mexico and Central America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall but is usually kept smaller with harvesting. As it’s common name implies, Tree Spinach is a popular perennial crop that is consumed like Spinach (the leaves and tender stems)—however, caution
- [Biodiversity Hotspots](https://ethnopharm.com/biodiversity-hotspots/) - Throughout the world biodiversity is under threat. And the most threatened and important biodiverse areas have been identified as ‘Biodiversity Hotspots’. In order to be a ‘Biodiversity Hotspot’, an area should contain a large number of endemic species—meaning, species found ONLY THERE. And it should have lost the majority of its primary vegetation. It’s a
- [The Spice of Future Uses](https://ethnopharm.com/the-spice-of-future-uses/) - Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a spice with a maple syrup aroma thought to have been originally brought into cultivation in the Near East from wild species. Fenugreek has uses as a spice, vegetable, food additive, food flavoring, animal feed, personal care, traditional medicine, nutritional supplements and green manure in agriculture (as it is in the
- [Naringenin-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/naringenin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Naringenin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit, as well as in tomatoes, beans, water mint and Greek oregano. Among its possible health benefits: · Antioxidant Properties · Anti-Inflammatory Effects · Cardioprotective · Metabolic Health · Liver Health · Anti-Cancer Potential · Neuroprotective Effects · Anti-Diabetic Properties · Antiviral Activity · Skin Health Interestingly, Naringenin has shown potential for use in a number
- [Prime Agricultural Land Indicator, Sadly](https://ethnopharm.com/prime-agricultural-land-indicator-sadly/) - The largest of the North American Oaks, Valley Oak (Quercus lobata)! Though many people think California only has Oak trees that are short and scrubby and not tall and robust like Eastern oaks, the Valley Oak proves them wrong. Sadly for the Valley Oak, they were often used by western settlers as an indication of
- [Quercetin-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/quercetin-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Quercetin is a flavonoid, a type of plant pigment with antioxidant properties. It is found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and leaves. Among its possible health benefits: · Antioxidant Activity· Anti-Inflammatory Effects· Immune System Support· Cardioprotective· Anti-Cancer Potential· Respiratory Health· Anti-Diabetic Properties· Neuroprotective Effects· Antiviral Activity· Skin Health Interestingly, Quercetin is popular as a dietary supplement for reducing symptoms of allergic reactions, especially
- [The Herb God of Gods.](https://ethnopharm.com/the-herb-god-of-gods/) - Mulungu (Erythrina mulungu, E. spp) is a leguminous tree from several species in of trees in trade for medicinal use from the Erythrina genus. The common name “Mulungu” is an early Bantu name referring to the highest 'God of gods'. Mulungu (E. mulungu) is native to Brasil in the cerrado and caatinga ecosystems. The Erythrina
- [Lutein-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/lutein-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Found in orange and yellow veggies (such as carrots and sweet potatoes), leafy greens (such as spinach and kale) and eggs (esp. in the yolks), Lutein is a xanthophyll, a type of carotenoid that contains oxygen. It is one of 600 known carotenoids, which are types of pigments found in plants, but it also acts
- [Hydration from the Desert](https://ethnopharm.com/hydration-from-the-desert/) - Desert Date oil, extracted from the seeds of the Balanites aegyptiaca tree, has been traditionally used for various purposes in traditional medicine, personal care, as well as a traditional food and cooking oil. In addition to its medicinal properties, Desert Date oil has several health benefits. The seeds of the fruits are used traditionally for
- [Oleuropein-Important Bioactive From Plants!](https://ethnopharm.com/oleuropein-important-bioactive-from-plants/) - Oleuropein is a type of polyphenol found in olives (skin, flesh, seeds and leaves). It is a glycosylated seco-iridoid, which is a type of phenolic bitter—so bitter it needs to be removed during processing of olives to make them edible. Among its possible health benefits:· Cardiovascular Health· Immunity· Antimicrobial· Brain Health· Blood Sugar· Weight Management· Joint Support· Anti-inflammatory Oleuropein has been the

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