Materia Medica
A Pathway Toward Botanical Kinship
Materia medica
An introduction to the healing and therapeutic properties of plants & fungi.
“Materia medica,” comes from Latin and translates to “healing materials.” It is a body of knowledge that describes how plants have been used medicinally & therapeutically throughout time and around the world.
The Basics - what is included in each herbal profile?
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Common & Botanical NamesNative Region
Healing Benefits
Contraindications
Dosing suggestions
Flavor Profile
Seed & Soma Product(s)
Ashwagandha
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Common & Botanical Names: Ashwagandha, Withania Somnifera Native Region: Ashwagandha is endogenous to the dry, subtropical regions of India, the Middle East, and widely distributed in Africa.
Herb Type: Adaptogen
Healing Benefits: helps manage stress, anxiety, fatigue, trauma, insomnia & infection; supports the reproductive system, endocrine system, immune system, sexual health & athletic performance; helps balance hormones (progesterone increases in females, testosterone increases in males); reduces cortisol; increases energy; restores balance; has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-stress, antidiabetic, anti-tumor, anti-ageing and neuroprotective properties.
Contraindications: Thyroid hormone medications: Ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels.
Hormone-sensitive conditions: Those with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer or breast cancer patients should consult their practitioner.
Liver health: Rare cases of ashwagandha-induced liver injury have occurred. Discontinue use if liver injury symptoms develop (yellowing skin, dark urine, abdominal pain).
Dosing Suggestions: 1-2 Tbsp/day
Flavor Profile: earthy, bitter, slightly woody
Seed & Soma Product(s): Adaptogenic herbal tea, Rest & Digest herbal tea, Spirit of the Rose herbal tea
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