Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)

Bacopa, also known as Water Hyssop or Brahmi, is a creeping succulent perennial that can grow to about 20 inches. It features spatula-shaped fleshy leaves and pale blue or white flowers on slender stalks. Thriving in marshlands and along the edges of mangrove swamps in warmer temperate and tropical climates—especially southern Asia—it develops into dense mats on mudflats. This herb has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for supporting cognitive function and treating various nervous system disorders, and it is increasingly recognized in Western herbalism for its brain-enhancing properties.

Black pepper is a perennial woody climbing vine growing to about 16 feet, with large oval leaves, spikes of small white flowers, and clusters of small round fruits that ripen from green to red. Native to southwestern India and now cultivated in tropical areas worldwide, the fruit is harvested from plants that are at least three years old. Different processing methods yield green, black, red, and white peppercorns, each with distinct flavors and uses. Cultivated as both a spice and medicine since ancient times, pepper was such a prized commodity in world trade that Attila the Hun reportedly demanded 3,000 pounds of it as ransom during his siege of Rome in 408 CE.

Shatavari is a slender perennial fern that can grow up to 23 feet in height, featuring fronds of needle-like leaves, tiny white flowers, and purple-black berries. Known as the 'Queen of herbs' in Ayurvedic medicine, its name literally means '100 spouses,' reflecting its reputation as a sexual tonic and fertility promoter. The root is the medicinal part used. Native to the Himalayas and Indian subcontinent, it grows wild in gravelly soils up to 3,900 feet above sea level and is also found in western China.

Triphala is not a single herb but a traditional Ayurvedic blend of three fruits: haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and amalaki or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis). Haritaki has balanced energy with five flavors (bitter, sour, astringent, salty, and sweet), acting as a mild laxative that tones intestinal membranes, lubricates tissues, and relaxes muscle spasms. Bibhitaki is pungent, warming, antispasmodic, and serves as an expectorant and decongestant for respiratory conditions. Amalaki also has balanced energy with five flavors (sour, astringent, sweet, pungent, and bitter), containing small amounts of anthraquinones while being astringent, thus both laxative and bowel-toning, correcting both constipation and diarrhea.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a large, aromatic biennial herb growing up to about 6½ ft (2 m), with ridged hollow stems, bright green divided leaves, and greenish-white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters (umbels). It has a warm, tonic character and is often compared to dong quai (Chinese angelica) for its usefulness in supporting women’s health and circulation. Traditional sources note its warming action on the stomach, spleen, and intestines.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), sometimes called “Indian ginseng,” is a sturdy shrub growing to about 5 ft (1.5 m) with oval leaves, greenish or yellow flowers, and small, round fruits. A key herb in Ayurvedic medicine, it is valued for boosting vitality and aiding convalescence from chronic illnesses. It promotes relaxation, increases energy and muscle tone, and can support healthy thyroid hormone conversion from T4 to T3. Traditionally, ashwagandha is considered a “Rasáyana” (rejuvenator), used long-term to rebuild and regenerate body and mind.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a bushy annual herb growing up to about 20 in (50 cm), with shiny oval leaves arranged on a square stem and small white flowers in whorls. Known for its strong, sweet aroma, basil is cultivated worldwide in numerous varieties. Traditional sources regard basil as both a culinary and medicinal herb, used to address digestive discomfort and various nervous system issues.

Boldo is a strongly aromatic multi-branched evergreen shrub or tree growing to 20 feet. It has egg-shaped leathery leaves with a lemony scent, clusters of white or yellow bell-shaped flowers, and small yellow berries. Native to Chile and Peru, it has become naturalized in the Mediterranean region and the West Coast of North America, where it grows on dry sunny slopes and in mountain pastures in the Andes. It is widely cultivated, and its leaves are gathered throughout the year. Boldo is a valued remedy in Latin American herbal medicine and is used by the Araucanian people in Chile as a tonic.