SPICEography 
The name periwinkle mainly applies to a family of plants from Europe and the Middle East, but the name is also used for another genus Madagascar. The genus of the European periwinkle is Vinca; the genus of the Madagascar periwinkle is Catharanthus. The herbs share many of their medicinal properties. …
Roseroot is widely known by its botanical name: Rhodiola rosacea. Its nickname is the golden root. It is a succulent that grows only in cold parts of Asia and Europe and has been classified as an adaptogen. The term adaptogen means that roseroot can help with how well your body …
Aloe vera is a succulent with an array of health benefits and that you can prepare in various ways; however, you won’t always have an easy time finding it. If your local grocery store doesn’t stock it, try one of the aloe vera substitutes below. Your best bet: Aloe ferox …
Goldenrod is a member of the Asteraceae family that grows in Europe, Asia as well as parts of Africa and North America (including Mexico). It is the state flower in several US states. Goldenrod has long been considered an excellent herb for treating wounds, which is why it is sometimes …
Tansy’s use was first recorded by the Greeks who used it mainly as a medicine and for preserving bodies before burial. The herb was still in use in the 8th century where it was planted in Charlemagne’s herb gardens, and Benedictine monks in Switzerland also used it. The ailments treated …
Aloe vera most likely originated on the Arabian Peninsula where temperatures are exceptionally high, and where there is little water. Aloe vera’s earliest mention is around 2200 BCE on clay tablets from Sumer. The tablets revealed that Sumerians knew how to use aloe for its laxative benefits and to aid …
Costmary goes by many names, including mint geranium (although it is neither a mint nor a geranium). It is also called alecost and Bible leaf. Costmary belongs to the Asteraceae family like dandelions and chamomile. According to some stories, costmary originated on the Indian subcontinent and made its way to …
Common rue (Ruta graveolens) comes from the Balkan Peninsula and North Africa but has been naturalized all over the world. The Rutaceae family to which common rue belongs also includes citrus trees. It was widely used in ancient times, but its use has declined because of its reputation for toxicity …