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What is genkwa? What is it used for? Genkwa is a type of shrub native to east Asia. Also known as lilac daphne, it can reach a height of four feet, with hermaphrodite flowers that are usually white or yellow. In China, it grows predominantly in the Anhui and Fiangsu…

What is gentian? What is it used for? Gentian is a small plant native to eastern Europe and Turkey. The root and berries are used medicinally, and are rich in B vitamins; vitamin F; niacin; inositol; and other trace elements. It is classified as a bitter; two substances contained in…

What is germinated barley? What is it used for? Also known as malt, germinated barley is the end product that comes from the fermentation and drying of barley, an annual cereal plant that grows worldwide. Germinated barley is made by soaking barley corn in water at a properly maintained temperature…

What is ginger? A knotted, beige-colored root, ginger has been used in cooking in China and India for more than 4,000 years. It is known for its sharp, spicy flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, it has several medicinal properties. Why do we need ginger? What is it used…

What is ginkgo biloba? What is it used for? Ginkgo is one of the oldest and adaptable species of trees in existence. Ginkgo biloba trees existed before the Ice Age; some trees even survived the atomic blast at Hiroshima in 1945. A single ginkgo biloba tree can live as long…

What is glehnia? What is it used for? Glehnia is a type of plant native to east Asia. A perennial, herbaceous plant, glehnia usually grows in moist sandy soils near rivers and ponds. It can reach a height of about a foot, and grow in light shade or no shade.…

What is glorybower? What is it used for? Also known as the hairy clerodendron, glorybower is a type of deciduous tree that grows in the woodlands and sunny areas of China and the northern United States. It can reach a height of approximately 20 feet, with fragrant flowers that bloom…

What is goldenseal? What is it used for? Goldenseal is a small herb with a single, hairy stem, two five-lobed, jagged-edged leaves, small flowers, raspberry-like fruit and a bright, yellow-brown root. It is native to the northern United States, and is cultivated mostly on farms in Oregon and Washington state.…

What is gotu kola? What is it used for? Gotu kola is a type of creeping vine indigenous to India, China, Pakistan, Madagascar, South Africa, and parts of northeastern Europe. It is tasteless and odorless, with small, fan-shaped green leaves, flowers that range in color from purple to pink, and…

What is green tea? What is it used for? After water, tea is the second most commonly consumed beverage in the world. The most frequently consumed variety of green tea, which, along with its black and oolong counterparts, is derived from the plant camellia sinensis . Different-colored teas are produced…

What is gymnema? Gymnema is a woody, climbing plant similar to ivy. It is native to India, and plays a vital role in the preparation of several ayurvedic formulas. Gymnema’s Hindu name is gurmar, which means "destroyer of sugar." It is called as such because its leaves, when chewed, interfere…

What is gynostemma? What is it used for? Gynostemma is one of the most popular herbs in Asia. It consists of a shirt, thin green stem and green leaves, which are serrated and tear-shaped. The plant rarely grows beyond a foot in height. Both the leaves and stem are used…

What is gypsum? What is it used for? Although it is not an herb, gypsum is nevertheless a vital component of traditional Chinese medicine. It is actually a mineral composed of calcium, sulfur and small amounts of other elements. The most common type of gypsum is fibrous gypsum, which is…

What is halloysite? What is it used for? Halloysite is not an herb, but a clayish mineral comprised mainly of silica, aluminum and other elements. Also known as kaolin, halloysite is found in the mountainous regions of China and other parts of Asia, and is mined year-round. After being mined,…

What is hawthorn? Why do we need it? Hawthorn belongs to the same botanical family as the rose. An extremely common thorny shrub, it can reach a height of five feet and grows on hillsides and sunny wooded areas across the world. Hawthorn shrubs contain shiny leaves that grow in…

What is hemp seed? What is it used for? Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant ( cannabis sativa L ), an annual herb that grows throughout the world’s temperate regions. The plant can reach a height of approximately 30 inches, and flowers during the summer. The seeds are harvested…

What is homalomena? What is it used for? Homalomena is a perennial type of garden plant found worldwide, especially in the tropical and humid climates of Central America and Asia. It can reach a height of approximately nine inches, with dark, heart-shaped green leaves. >The Chinese name for homalomena is…

What is honey? What is it used for? Honey is a sweet, natural fluid produced by bees and derived from the nectar of flowers. Natural, raw honey is actually sweeter than table sugar, and has a distinctive flavor that some people prefer to sugar and other sweeteners. Because of its…

What is honeysuckle flower? What is it used for? There are approximately 200 species of honeysuckle that grow worldwide, all of which belong to the genus Lonicera, of the family Caprifoliaceae. Although they are usually found in the temperate zones, honeysuckle has also been known to grow in the Himalayas…

What is honeysuckle stem? What is it used for? There are approximately 200 species of honeysuckle that grow worldwide, all of which belong to the genus Lonicera, of the family Caprifoliaceae. Although they are usually found in the temperate zones, honeysuckle has also been known to grow in the Himalayas…