Tag: Botanical names

Over 80% of the world's population relies on herbal medicine for healthcare, with Ayurveda being a major contributor. One significant herb within this tradition is kapikachhu, which possesses several common English names, including velvet bean and cowhage. This versatile legume, scientifically known as *Mucuna pruriens*, is renowned for its diverse medicinal properties and high L-DOPA content.

Licorice root has been a staple in traditional medicine for thousands of years, with its use dating back to ancient Egypt. Is there another name for licorice root? In fact, this versatile and sweet-flavored herb is known by several names around the world, reflecting its long history and widespread use across different cultures.

The vast majority of the world's citrus bergamot, over 90%, is cultivated in the coastal region of Calabria in Southern Italy. While most people associate its distinct aroma with Earl Grey tea, many are unaware of its other common and scientific names. This fragrant fruit, a unique hybrid, goes by several titles that reflect its characteristics and historical roots.

Captain Cook and his crew notably brewed a tea from the leaves of the mānuka bush, leading to one of its most common alternative names. So, what is another name for manuka? The most common synonym is "tea tree," but it's important to differentiate it from the Australian plant also known by that name.

Across the globe, the name 'ginseng' is applied to several different plants from the *Panax* genus and beyond, often leading to confusion. This leads to a common question: does ginseng have another name? The answer is not just one, but many, with each name reflecting a specific species or regional variation.

Did you know that the classic marshmallow confectionery was originally made from the root of the marshmallow plant? This medicinal herb, scientifically known as *Althaea officinalis*, is also a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where its Chinese name for marshmallow root is known as Yao Shu Kui (藥蜀葵).

Milk thistle, a plant with a history spanning over two millennia in traditional medicine, is recognized by numerous alternative names globally, each with its own unique story rooted in folklore or botanical science. Knowing these various designations is key to understanding its full context, from its scientific classification to its historical reputation as a healing herb.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is said to have set up his hospital near a stream to grow fresh watercress for his patients. This nutrient-dense aquatic plant, however, is known by more than just its most common name, watercress.

According to ancient texts, including the Ebers Papyrus from around 1500 BC, fenugreek has been utilized for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, primarily under other names. This versatile herb, a staple in many cuisines, is often a source of confusion due to its multiple monikers depending on the region and context.

According to ancient Indian mythology, the *Phyllanthus emblica* tree was the first tree to be created in the universe, believed to have originated from the tears of the Hindu god Brahma. In English, this revered botanical is most widely known as Indian gooseberry, though other names are used regionally. This evergreen tree, native to Southeast Asia, produces a small, greenish-yellow fruit with immense nutritional and medicinal value.