Herb Encyclopedia

Pinyin: Lú Huì

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves containing a clear gel and bitter yellow latex. It has been used for over 4,000 years for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes, with records from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. There are two distinct products from aloe: the clear inner gel (used topically for burns and skin conditions, and internally as a tonic) and the bitter latex from the outer leaf (used as a strong laxative). They have very different uses and safety profiles.

Pinyin: Jīn Zhǎn Huā

Calendula is an annual plant in the daisy family with bright orange-yellow edible flowers. It has been used medicinally since ancient times and is one of the most commonly used herbs in Western herbalism, especially for skin conditions. The name "marigold" comes from "Mary's gold," as the flowers were used in medieval church celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary.

Pinyin: Jī Xuě Cǎo

Gotu Kola is a small, creeping plant with fan-shaped leaves that grows in tropical wetlands. It has been used for thousands of years in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Ayurveda, it is known as "Brahmi" (though this name is also used for Bacopa monnieri) and is considered a "medhyarasayana" (brain tonic). In TCM, it is known as Ji Xue Cao and is used for wound healing and blood conditions.

Pinyin: Chá Shù

Tea tree oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It has been used by Australian Aboriginal people for thousands of years as a medicine. Tea tree oil is one of the most widely used essential oils for its powerful antimicrobial properties. It is used externally for a wide range of skin conditions and as a natural disinfectant.

Pinyin: Jīn Lǚ Méi

Witch hazel is a flowering shrub native to North America that blooms in late autumn or winter. It has a long history of use by Native Americans for skin conditions, wounds, and inflammation. Today, witch hazel is one of the most widely used topical astringents, commonly found in toners, aftershaves, and hemorrhoid treatments. It is valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.