Herb Encyclopedia

Pinyin: Là Jiāo

Cayenne pepper is a spicy chili pepper widely used as both food and medicine. The active compound capsaicin is responsible for its heat and most of its therapeutic effects. Cayenne has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems worldwide for circulation, digestion, and pain relief. Modern research has confirmed many of these benefits.

Pinyin: Máo Hóu Qiào Ruǐ Huā

Forskolin is a compound extracted from the root of the Coleus forskohlii plant, a member of the mint family native to India. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Forskolin gained popularity as a weight loss supplement after being featured on the Dr. Oz show. Its primary mechanism is activating the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which increases cAMP levels.

Pinyin: Téng Huáng Guǒ

Garcinia cambogia is a small, pumpkin-shaped tropical fruit. The rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which became popular as a weight loss supplement after being featured on television. However, its effectiveness remains controversial and research is mixed.

Pinyin: Lǜ Kā Fēi Dòu

Green coffee bean extract comes from unroasted coffee beans, which contain much higher levels of chlorogenic acid than roasted coffee (roasting destroys most chlorogenic acid). Chlorogenic acid is the primary active compound believed to be responsible for weight loss and blood sugar effects. Green coffee bean extract gained widespread popularity after being featured on popular health shows, though research on its weight loss effects has been mixed.

Pinyin: Lǜ Chá

Green tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant, with minimal oxidation compared to black tea. It is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide and has been extensively studied for its health benefits.

Pinyin: Mǒ Chá

Matcha is the highest grade of green tea, made by stone-grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder. Because you consume the whole leaf, you get more antioxidants than brewed green tea.

Pinyin: Mǎ Dài Chá

Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves and twigs of the mate tree, which is related to holly. It is consumed from a hollowed-out gourd (mate) with a metal straw (bombilla). Mate has been called the "drink of the gods" by the Guarani people and is deeply embedded in South American culture.