Hawthorn Berry, Shan zha

FUN FACTS Botanical name: Crataegus,  AKA 山楂  (Shan zha), thorn Apple, May-tree, whitethorn, or hawberry CONSTITUENTS Berries, leaves, and flowers have similar phytochemicals with different ratios of flavonoids and procyanidins. Berries are rich in hyperoside, while leaves have higher levels of vitexin-2-rhamnoside. 1 Phenolic compounds, aglycones, procyanidins.   Triterpenic acids (ursolic, oleanolic, and crataegolic acids) and phenol carboxylic acids…

Continue Reading

Hibiscus, Luo Shen Hua

FUN FACTS Botanical name: Hibiscus sabdariffa (Malvaceae).  AKA Roselle,  Luo Shen Hua 洛神花 or mei gui qie 玫瑰茄,  Agua De Jamaica, , Indici Flower. Native to North African and Southeast Asia.  The seeds, leaves, flower and calyx are all used. 2 The leaves can be eaten green, dried, or cooked as a vegetable.  Seeds are sometimes used as a substitute…

Continue Reading