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What is prunus seed? What is it used for? Prunus is actually the dried pit of a type of cherry, known as either the “bush cherry” or “dwarf cherry.” There are two versions of the seed - xiao li ren (small Chinese dwarf cherry seed) and da li ren (large…

What is pseudostellaria? What is it used for? Pseudostellaria is the name given to a type of plant that is often mistaken for ginseng, and is sometimes called "prince’s ginseng." It grows throughout most of central China, including the Hebei, Liaoning, Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Hubei provinces. Pseudostellaria roots are between…

What is psoralea? What is it used for? Psoralea is an annual herb native to west Asia, although it also found in China and Vietnam. The plant grows to a height of about two feet, and requires moist soil to prosper. The seeds are used medicinally; they are typically harvested…

What is pueraria? Pueraria is a fast-growing vine native to China. It was first introduced to the U.S. in 1876 at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was widely used during the Great Depression to help prevent soil erosion. Pueraria grows practically anywhere shade is available, from mountainous regions…

What is pulsatilla? What is it used for? Pulsatilla is a thick, woody flower found throughout central and northern Europe. It is known by a variety of other names, including pasque flower, wind flower and meadow anemone. It consists of a rather thick stalks which are covered with fine, silky…

Pumice is a type of igneous rock produced by volcanic eruptions. During some eruptions, liquid lava is ejected into the air as a frothy mixture that contains gas bubbles. As the lava solidifies, the bubbles are trapped within the rock, resulting in pumice, which has the ability to float in…

Although regarded as a weed in the United States, purslane is a well-known plant able to tolerate almost any kind of soil or weather. It grows up to 20 inches high, with purple or green stems; greenish, tear-shaped leaves; and yellow flowers that open only when sunny. The aerial parts…

What are pumpkin seeds? What are they used for? Pumpkin seeds come—oddly enough—from pumpkins. The pumpkin is native to America, but is now cultivated worldwide in warm and temperate regions. Although the most common use for pumpkin seeds is as a snack food, the seeds are being used increasingly in…

What is pyrite? What is it used for? Although pyrite is not an herb, it is nevertheless an important component of herbal medicine. It is actually a type of mineral, composed primarily of iron and sulfur, with traces of nickel, arsenic, copper, and antimony occasionally present. It typically forms in…

What is pyrrosia leaf? What is it used for? Pyrrosia is a type of perennial, evergreen herb. It grows throughout China, with thin green leaves. The leaves are used in herbal remedies. They are gathered throughout the year, then cleaned, dried in the sun and cut into small pieces. Pyrrosia…

What is quisqualis? What is it used for? Also known as the Rangoon creeper, quisqualis is a type of creeping, climbing vine, with lush, green leaves and shoots, large clusters of fragrant pink or red flowers, and large fruit that turns purple in the late summer and autumn. The name…

What is radish? What is it used for? The radish is a type of vegetable, which is believed to have originated in western Asia, but is now cultivated worldwide. Many cultures use radish as a food, either alone or added to salads. In traditional Chinese medicine, radish seeds are an…

What is chinese raspberry? What is it used for? Chinese raspberry ( rubus chingii ) is a subspecies of goldenleaf raspberry ( rubus ideaus ) native to China. It is very similar in appearance to the traditional raspberry plant, often reaching a height of up to seven feet, with green,…

What is realgar? What is it used for? Realgar is not an herb, but a mineral, comprised primarily of arsenic and sulphur. It has a reddish-orange color and is usually found in ore veins. In China, realgar is found mainly in the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan and Yunnan. After…

What is red ochre? What is it used for? Also known as hematite, red ochre is not an herb, but a mineral - a type of ore that is extremely high in iron. It is usually soft and fine-grained. In China, it is mined from the Shanxi, Hebei, Henan and…

What is red clover? What is it used for? Red clover is a perennial herb that grows up to 18 inches in height. Native to Europe, central Asia and northern Africa, it is now found in many other parts of the world. The plant derives its name in part from…

What is red peony? What is it used for? Red peony is one of three species of peony used in traditional Chinese medicine. The others are white peony ( bai shao ) and tree peony, or moutan ( mu dan ). When referring to red peony, the root of the…

What is red sage root? What is it used for? Red sage root is one of the most popular components of Chinese herbal medicine. It is a member if the labitiae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is now cultivated throughout Japan and China. It grows to a height…

What is rehmannia? What is it used for? Rehmannia is a perennial herb indigenous to China, Japan and Korea. It grows to a height of approximately 18 inches, and contains alternating leaves with reddish-violet flowers. The root tuber is used medicinally. In traditional Chinese medicine, rehmannia is used as a…

What is reishi? What is it used for? Reishi is a type of mushroom found in the coastal regions of China. It usually grows on decaying logs and tree stumps, and can be found in six different colors, the most common of which is red. Although it is native to…