Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a perennial reaching about 3 ft (1 m) in height, with toothed oval leaves and a cluster of small green-yellow flowers. Its root is legendary for its adaptogenic qualities, boosting energy and physical stamina, slowing aspects of aging, and fortifying the body against stress. Ginseng is considered more warming (especially red ginseng, which is steamed before drying) and thus suited for older, easily fatigued individuals who feel cold.

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also known as wu wei zi (“5-flavored herb”), is a woody vine that can grow up to 26 ft (8 m). It has pink blossoms and clusters of bright red berries containing powerful adaptogenic, antioxidant, and liver-protective constituents.

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.

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.

Codonopsis is a small twining perennial growing to 5 feet with oval leaves and pendulous green and purple bell-shaped flowers marked with purple in summer. Native to northeastern China and growing throughout the region—especially in the Shanxi and Szechuan provinces—it is propagated from seed in spring or autumn, and the root is harvested in autumn once the aerial parts have died down. In Chinese herbal medicine, codonopsis holds a central place as a gentle tonic that increases energy levels, improves physical and mental well-being, and helps the body adapt to stress.

Andrographis, commonly known as Green Chiretta or King of Bitters, is an upright annual herb reaching approximately 3 feet in height. Native to India and cultivated throughout northern regions of India and China, this bitter medicinal plant has been valued in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Historically used primarily for liver support and treating infections—especially malaria—it has earned recognition for its powerful immune-boosting and protective properties. The plant thrives on plains and in forest undergrowth, where its spotted pale brown or purple flowers and long seed capsules distinguish it from other medicinal herbs.

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.

Bitter melon is an annual climbing vine reaching about 6.5 feet, characterized by deeply lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and distinctive orange-yellow fruit. Native to southern Asia and now common throughout tropical regions worldwide, it is harvested year-round. The plant's unripe fruit, ripe fruit, leaves, seeds, and seed oil all have medicinal applications, and it has been a traditional remedy for diabetes symptoms in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for centuries.