Tag: Botanical identification

Over 40 different plant species are known as “oregano,” but a few distinct varieties contain the potent medicinal compounds responsible for its powerful health benefits. While most people associate oregano with Italian cuisine, the true power of medicinal oregano lies in species and subspecies with high levels of the active ingredients carvacrol and thymol. Not all oregano varieties are created equal, and understanding the differences can help you harness the plant's full therapeutic potential.

With a genus encompassing over 1,200 flowering plant species, it's common to ask if the Syzygium fruit is edible. The answer is yes, many species are, but edibility and taste vary widely. Proper identification is crucial because while some varieties are celebrated for their juicy flavor, others may be less palatable or, in some cases, have parts that require careful preparation or should be avoided.

The sacred lotus plant has been a food source in parts of Asia for thousands of years, with many parts, including the flower, being consumed. However, what would happen if you eat a lotus flower depends entirely on the specific species, with effects ranging from mild and nutritious to potentially psychoactive and hallucinogenic.