A

Allspice (Pimenta dioica)

Allspice may interact with blood‑thinning medications and should be discontinued one week before surgery.

Amla/Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica)

Traditional uses: Cooling, rejuvenating, harmonizing; used in traditional tonics. Energetics: Cooling, mildly astringent. General caution: May be overly cooling for cold constitutions. May gently lower blood pressure and may lower glucose🌿

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Traditional uses: Grounding, strengthening, supportive; used in traditional restorative blends. Energetics: Warming, building, stabilizing. General caution: Traditionally avoided in very hot, inflamed constitutions. Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing; may interact with sedatives.  May influence thyroid function, avoid before surgery (general adaptogen caution).🌿

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Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus)

Traditional uses: Strengthening, supportive, building; often simmered long in teas. Energetics: Warming, sweet, strengthening. General caution: Traditionally avoided during acute illness; best used for general wellness. 🌿

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B

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Traditionally used as a bitter, cooling herb with drying energetics; valued in small amounts for its strong bitter profile. General caution: Traditionally avoided during pregnancy. 🌿

Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic leaf with gently drying energetics; uplifting in teas and broths. General caution: Leaves are pointy, be sure to strain well.🌿

Blackberry Leaf (Rubus fruticosus)

Traditionally used as a gentle, cooling, astringent leaf with supportive energetics. General caution: Generally safe but may cause mild digestive sensitivity in some individuals. 🌿

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

Traditionally used as a grounding, nutritive root with cooling, moistening energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. May interact with diuretics; avoid during pregnancy or nursing. Acts as a diuretic and may lower blood sugar; monitor hydration and glucose🌿

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C

Calendula / Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Traditionally used as a gentle, uplifting flower with warm, moistening energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. 🌿

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic digestive spice with dispersing energetics. General caution: May feel overly warming for hot constitutions. May cause digestion sensitivity if taken in large amounts🌿

Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic seed with gently dispersing energetics; often added in small amounts for its bright, savory character. General caution: May lower blood pressure. Avoid large amounts during pregnancy or nursing. 🌿

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Traditionally used as a calming, soothing flower with cooling, relaxing energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants.  May interact with sedatives. May interact with blood‑thinning medications. Avoid before surgery. Rare allergy caution (ragweed family)🌿

Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus‑castus)

Traditionally used as a balancing, grounding berry with neutral‑to‑warming energetics. General caution: Traditionally used in moderation. Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.🌿

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Traditionally used as a cooling, moistening herb with soothing energetics. General caution: Very moistening; use in moderation. 🌿

Chrysanthemum, White (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Traditionally used as a cooling, calming flower with lightly bitter energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. Not recommended for very “cool” constitutions or weak digestion. May interact with immunosuppressant medications. Avoid use if allergic to any included plants. 🌿

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, C. cassia & C. burmannii)

Traditionally used as a hot, aromatic spice with strongly warming, drying energetics. General caution: Avoid high amounts if prone to heat or irritation. See specifics below.

• Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Traditionally used as a gentle, sweet, warming bark with soft dispersing energetics. Often called 'true cinnamon'. General caution: Generally safe for most. Low in coumarin. Gentle on digestion. 

• Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii): Traditionally used as a stronger, hotter, more aromatic cinnamon with robust warming energetics. Also called Cassia or Korintje cinnamon. General caution: Generally safe for most. Contains naturally occurring coumarin; avoid very large amounts if sensitive. My blends are formulated with this consideration in mind.

• Vietnamese Cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi): Traditionally used as a very aromatic, sweet‑hot cinnamon with bright, dispersing warming energetics. General caution: Generally safe for most. Contains naturally occurring coumarin; avoid very large amounts if sensitive. My blends are formulated with this consideration in mind.

Note: Concerns about “the wrong kind of cinnamon” come from high‑dose supplement use. The small, culinary amounts used in tea blends are considered safe for most people.​🌿

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)

Traditionally used as a potent, warming aromatic with penetrating, dispersing energetics. General caution: Cloves may interact with blood‑thinning medications and should be used mindfully with related prescriptions, discontinue one week before surgery. 🌿

Cocoa Nibs (Theobroma cacao)

Traditionally used as an uplifting, warming, aromatic herb with drying energetics. General caution: Contains natural stimulants. 🌿

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Traditionally used as a gentle, cooling flower with lightly drying, soothing energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. 🌿

Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic seed with gently dispersing energetics; valued for its bright, citrus‑like lift in blends. General caution: Very aromatic; use moderately. Consult a physician if taking medications processed by liver enzymes. 🌿

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D

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic herb with uplifting, dispersing energetics. General caution: Traditionally used in moderation. 🌿

Dandelion Flower (Taraxacum officinale)

Traditionally used as a mild, uplifting flower with light, cooling energetics; often added to blends for its gentle, sunny nature. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. 🌿

Dandelion Leaf (Taraxacum officinale)

Traditionally used as a cooling, drying, bitter herb with stimulating energetics; used for diuretic effect, a nutritive, mineral‑rich leaf. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. Naturally drying and gently diuretic; those sensitive to diuretics should consult a physician. 🌿

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

Traditionally used as a grounding, cooling, bitter root with supportive energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. Those with gallbladder or kidney concerns, or those taking blood thinners or diuretics, should consult a physician. Avoid during acute gastric inflammation. Use with medical guidance if gallstones are present.🌿

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E

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)

Traditionally used as a cooling, activating herb with drying energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. 🌿

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Traditionally used as a cooling, supportive herb with mildly drying energetics. General caution: Same as above. 🌿

Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)

Traditionally used as a cooling, drying berry with supportive energetics. General caution: Avoid raw or unripe berries. 🌿

Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)

Traditionally used as a cooling, drying, dispersing flower with soothing energetics. General caution: Use in moderation. 🌿

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Traditionally used as a strongly aromatic, cooling leaf with penetrating, dispersing energetics. General caution: Should be avoided in children under two and used mindfully with respiratory sensitivities; avoid excessive intake. 🌿

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F

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)

Traditionally used as a sweet, warming digestive herb with gently dispersing energetics. General caution: Avoid very large amounts during pregnancy or nursing; avoid with hormone‑sensitive conditions.🌿

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‑graecum)

Traditionally used as a warming, moistening seed with grounding energetics. General caution: May affect blood sugar. Avoid large amounts during pregnancy or nursing.🌿

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G

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Traditionally used as a warming, stimulating root with dispersing energetics; valued for its bright, activating nature in blends. General caution: Very warming; avoid high amounts if prone to heat or irritation. Consult your doctor if taking blood thinners. Avoid before surgery (blood‑thinning potential)🌿

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Traditionally used as a neutral‑to‑warming leaf with gently activating energetics; often included for its uplifting, clarifying qualities. General caution: Traditionally avoided before surgery; may interact with certain medications. Consult a physician before use if taking blood thinners.🌿

Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)

Traditionally used as a warming, drying, aromatic herb with supportive energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. 🌿

Green Tea Varieties (Camellia sinensis): Dragonwell, Sencha, Jasmine Green, Gunpowder, Matcha, Genmaicha, Pu‑erh (dark fermented tea)

Traditionally used as gently stimulating, drying, and activating teas; energetics vary slightly by type but remain cooling‑to‑neutral and astringent. General caution: Contains caffeine; may be stimulating for sensitive individuals, avoid late in the day. Daily intake suggestions vary by blend; some teas may be enjoyed in multiple cups throughout the day. Follow your body’s cues and avoid excessive intake if sensitive to caffeine. Green tea is widely studied for its antioxidant and wellness properties. For further reading, see this article from the Cleveland Clinic.🌿

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H

Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus monogyna)

Traditionally used as a warming, supportive berry with gently strengthening energetics. General caution: Consult a physician if taking heart medications.🌿

Hawthorn Leaf & Flower (Crataegus monogyna)

Traditionally used as a cooling‑to‑neutral, soothing blend with gently uplifting energetics. General caution: Consult a physician if taking heart medications. 🌿

Heather Flowers (Calluna vulgaris)

Traditionally used as a neutral‑to‑cooling flower with lightly drying energetics. General caution: Generally safe for most.🌿

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Traditionally used as a cooling, tart, moistening flower with dispersing energetics. General caution: Very cooling; may be too cold for some constitutions. 🌿

Holy Basil- Vana, Rama, Krishna (Ocimum tenuiflorum & Ocimum gratissimum)

(Rama & Vana — identical energetics, so combined) Traditionally used as a warming, uplifting aromatic with gently dispersing energetics. General caution: Traditionally used in moderation. Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing. May influence glucose regulation — monitor levels regularly🌿

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Traditionally used as a cooling, soothing flower with lightly dispersing energetics. General caution: Use in moderation. 🌿

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Traditionally used as a cooling, drying herb with grounding energetics. General caution: Avoid long‑term high‑dose use. 🌿

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J

Jasmine Flowers (Jasminum odoratissimum)

Traditionally used as a cooling‑to‑neutral aromatic flower with uplifting, soothing energetics. General caution: Generally safe for most. 🌿

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L

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

Traditionally used as a cooling‑to‑neutral aromatic flower with relaxing, calming, gently relaxing energetics.. General caution: May have a mild sedative effect; avoid driving or operating heavy equipment while consuming.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Traditionally used as a cooling, calming herb with soothing, gently uplifting energetics. General caution: Traditionally avoided in very cold constitutions.  May affect thyroid medications if consumed in large doses. May mildly lower blood pressure. May gently lower glucose. Use mindfully with related medications.🌿

Lemon Peel (Citrus limon)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic peel with dispersing energetics. General caution: Generally safe for most. 🌿

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)

Traditionally used as a cooling, bright, aromatic leaf with gently relaxing energetics. General caution: May feel overly cooling in large amounts. 

May cause mild drowsiness. Rare GI sensitivity caution🌿

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic grass with dispersing energetics. General caution: May gently lower blood pressure. May gently lower glucose. Avoid excessive intake

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Licorice Root

General caution: Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing; may affect blood pressure with long‑term use.🌿

Linden Flowers & Leaf (Tilia europaea)

Traditionally used as a cooling‑to‑neutral, soothing blend with gently relaxing energetics. Promotes deep relaxation / sedation. General caution: Generally safe for most. Recommended not to drive or operate machinery when consuming.🌿

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M

Marshmallow Leaf (Althaea officinalis)

Traditionally used as a cooling, moistening leaf with soothing, softening energetics; valued for its gentle, comforting nature. General caution: Very moistening; may feel heavy for damp constitutions. 🌿

Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum)

Traditionally used as a neutral‑to‑warming seed with grounding, supportive energetics. General caution: Traditionally used with awareness during pregnancy or nursing; consult a physician if taking medications processed by liver enzymes. 🌿

Mistletoe Leaf (Viscum album)

Traditionally used as a cooling, grounding herb with steadying energetics. Herbal preparations use leaf, not berries; the berries are the part associated with toxicity. General caution: Generally safe in small amounts in tea blends. Not recommended for children under 18 due to its potential impact on circulatory and immune modulation. Even though only a small amount is used in my blends, it’s best to avoid for this age group, as their bodies are still developing. May gently influence blood pressure in some adults; monitor your numbers closely. Avoid in pregnancy or nursing.🌿

Mullein Leaf & Flower (Verbascum thapsus)

Traditionally used as a neutral‑to‑warming, soothing herb with gently moistening energetics; valued for its soft, supportive nature. General caution: Strain well; tiny hairs may irritate the throat. 🌿

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N

Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Traditionally used as a warming‑to‑neutral, strengthening herb with drying, activating energetics. General caution: Highly nutritive plant,but may be drying for some. Nettle leaf may modify glucose levels; diabetics should monitor numbers closely. May lower blood pressure. Use mindfully with blood-thinning medications. Avoid during pregnancy or nursing.  🌿

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic spice with dispersing energetics. General caution: Very potent; avoid large amounts. 🌿

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O

Oat Straw (Avena sativa)

Traditionally used as a cooling, moistening, nourishing herb with supportive energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to oats. 🌿

Orange Peel (Citrus sinensis)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic peel with gently dispersing energetics. General caution: Generally safe for most. 🌿

Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)

Traditionally used as a cooling, bitter root with drying energetics. General caution: Traditionally avoided during pregnancy. 🌿

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P

Parsley Leaf (Petroselinum crispum)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic leaf with gently dispersing energetics. General caution: Traditionally avoided in very large amounts during pregnancy or nursing. 🌿

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Traditionally used as a cooling, dispersing aromatic with uplifting energetics. General caution: Very cooling; may be too cold for some constitutions. In larger amounts, may reduce breast milk supply and may cause heartburn/reflux in sensitive individuals. Use mindfully with GERD.🌿

Pink Peppercorn (Schinus terebinthifolia)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic spice with dispersing energetics. General caution: May cause mild digestive sensitivity in some individuals; avoid excessive intake. 🌿

Plantain (Plantago species)

Traditionally used as a cooling, moistening, soothing leaf with grounding energetics. General caution: Very moistening; use moderately. Generally safe but may cause mild digestive sensitivity in some individuals 🌿

Pu’erh Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Traditionally used as a warming‑to‑neutral fermented tea with grounding, drying energetics. General caution: Contains caffeine. 🌿

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R

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)

Traditionally used as a cooling, drying, gently astringent leaf with supportive energetics. General caution: Traditionally used in moderation during pregnancy. 🌿

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Traditionally used as a cooling, moistening flower with gently soothing energetics. General caution: May interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and those processed by liver enzymes. Avoid with hormone‑sensitive conditions or tamoxifen. Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing. Discontinue 2 weeks before surgery.🌿

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)

Traditionally used as a neutral‑to‑warming, soothing tea with grounding energetics. General caution: Generally gentle; use normally. 🌿

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic herb with activating, dispersing energetics. General caution: Very stimulating; avoid high amounts if prone to heat. 🌿

Rose Hips (Rosa canina)

Traditionally used as a cooling‑to‑neutral, gently tart fruit with moistening energetics. General caution: Strain well; hairs inside hips can irritate. 🌿

Rose Petals (Rosa centifolia)

Traditionally used as a cooling‑to‑neutral, soothing flower with gently uplifting energetics. General caution: Very gentle; safe for most. 🌿

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S

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic herb with drying, dispersing energetics; valued for its clarifying and uplifting nature. General caution: Avoid high amounts during pregnancy or nursing. 🌿

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Traditionally used as a cooling‑to‑neutral, calming herb with soothing energetics. General caution: Very gentle; safe for most. 🌿

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Traditionally used as a cooling, dispersing aromatic with uplifting energetics; softer and sweeter than peppermint. General caution: Very cooling; may be too cold for some constitutions. May gently lower blood pressure. May gently lower glucose. Avoid during acute diarrhea (mint family GI caution). 🌿

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T

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic herb with dispersing, activating energetics. General caution: Very aromatic; use moderately. 🌿

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

(You asked if you use it — including it here for completeness.) Traditionally used as a warming, drying root with dispersing energetics. General caution: Very drying; may aggravate dryness in some constitutions. Avoid large amounts during pregnancy or nursing.🌿

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V

Vanilla Bean (Vanilla planifolia)

Traditionally used as a warming, aromatic bean with gently uplifting energetics. General caution: Very aromatic; safe for most. 🌿

Vitex agnus‑castus (Chaste Tree Berry)

(Already listed under C — included here only because it appears in your list under V.) Traditionally used as a balancing, grounding berry with neutral‑to‑warming energetics. General caution: Traditionally used in moderation. Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.🌿

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Y

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Traditionally used as a cooling, drying, aromatic herb with dispersing energetics. General caution: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae plants. 🌿